Description
"This multi-faceted mystery is clever, the wry narrative is action-packed and briskly paced, and the gratifying conclusion will leave fans clamoring for a sequel." -Mystery Scene Magazine
"A contemporary crime thriller that works on every level, from the smoldering investigation to the whipsaw banter between characters you're bound to love." -BestThrillers.com
Private Investigator Steve Rockfish needs cash, like yesterday. The bad news is that yesterday, a global pandemic raged, and Maryland was headed toward a lockdown that would ultimately lead to cheating spouses no longer "working late," and hence a lack of new clients.
Rockfish's luck changes when a Hollywood producer reaches out, but the job is two states away and involves digging up information on a child trafficking ring from the 1940s. What he uncovers will be used to support the launch of a true crime docuseries. He grabs a mask, hand sanitizer and heads for South Jersey.
On-site, Rockfish meets Jawnie McGee, the great granddaughter of a local policeman gone missing while investigating the original crimes. As the duo uncover more clues, they learn the same criminal alliance has reformed to use the pandemic as a conduit to defraud the Federal Government of that sweet, sweet, stimulus money.
It's not long before the investigation turns up some key intel on a myriad of illicit activity over the last eighty years and Rockfish rockets toward a showdown with the mafia, local archdiocese and dirty cops. COVID-19 isn't the only threat to his health.
Product Details
| Publisher | Black Rose Writing |
| Publish Date | January 27, 2022 |
| Pages | 250 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Paperback / softback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781684338719 |
| Dimensions | 9.0 X 6.0 X 0.6 inches | 0.7 pounds |
About the Author
Reviews
2022 Maxy Awards Finalist
"I'm looking forward to more of this everyman character who wants to be a high-end Magnum, would settle for a middle-class Joe Mannix, but is actually a low-end Jim Rockford... for now." -Nesie's Place
"This is one of those books you almost can't read fast enough. It's well-paced, full of action, and has the always-compelling theme of righting past wrongs." -Crime Fiction Lover
"The dialogue is snarky and witty, the characters a bit crazy in their actions, but paired together it creates a fascinating read for any mystery buff." -Storeybook Reviews
"This multi-faceted mystery is clever, the wry narrative is action-packed and briskly paced, and the gratifying conclusion will leave fans clamoring for a sequel." -Mystery Scene Magazine
"A contemporary crime thriller that works on every level, from the smoldering investigation to the whipsaw banter between characters you're bound to love." -BestThrillers.com
"Ken Harris adds a current twist to this exciting crime fiction novel that keeps the pages turning and the reader hoping for more adventures from Steve Rockfish." -Sublime Book Review
"...a modern twist similar to detective stories featured in episodes of The Rockford Files. The Pine Barrens Stratagem grabbed me from the very first page, combining intrigue, colorful characters, fast flowing action and a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat." -Carlton James, author of The First Coronation and The Final Proclamation
"Using his own experience with the FBI child exploitation task force, Harris weaves the decades' old mystery into today's pandemic with a private investigator you can like." -Val Conrad, author of Signal of Guilt
"Harris stands out from other authors in the genre, shining like a star upon a midnight sea of mediocrity. Fearless, full of heart, loveable characters, and twists and turns that will take you to the very heart of darkness." -Ben Eads, author of Cracked Sky and Hollow Heart
"Amazing novel by a great writer with a tremendous background in the subject matter! Ken Harris's The Pine Barrens Stratagem was an exciting, fun, and captivating read that kept my attention for hours at a time." -Larry Karl, Retired FBI Senior Executive
"As a retired police detective I found the storyline spot on and compelling. The author tied together past and current day stories seamlessly, making it easy and enjoyable to follow." -Michelle Cyr, retired Detective
"In Ken Harris's fast-paced, can't-put-it-down thriller, Steve Rockfish takes his place in the PI pantheon alongside Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade and Jim Rockford." -John Hazen, author of Fava and Beyond Revelation
"A private detective thriller in the same vein as the great detective shows of the `70s, `80s and `90s, but as up-to-date as the global pandemic." -Ben Sharpton, author of The Awakening of Jim Bishop: This Changes Things
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