“I’m staring at the insurance man and he’s staring at me, two cold gray eyes behind old-fashioned tortoiseshell frames, and I’m having this awful and inspiring feeling, like holy moly this is real, and I don’t know if I’m ready, I really don’t.”
The Last Policeman
By Ben H. Winters
Detective Hank Palace is on the scene at a McDonald’s after the body of Peter Zell, an insurance adjuster, was found in the restroom. The initial investigation suggests suicide but Detective Palace thinks there is more to it. Except how does he conduct an investigation when most people are concerned about the big event happening in six months.
You see, Asteroid 2011GV1 is headed towards earth and no one cares about solving murders anymore. Everyone is either out to fulfill their own personal bucket-list or is too stunned to care. Society is slowly spiraling out of control with shortages of fuel and government services. Some people have turned to religions others to drug or many are simply not waiting for the asteroid and commit suicide instead.
Detective Palace simply won’t let this “suicide” go because he is sure there is more to it. His investigation puts him and those around him in danger and on top of this he is also trying to help his sister find her husband. It is almost too much but Detective Palace is a good person, an honorable person and he owes it to those he loves and his profession to find justice.
This was such a unique premise and I can understand why this book was the winner of the 2013 Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original. The world is coming to an end and what do you do? Do you care about doing what’s right? Do you want to just live in the moment? I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
Source: Library copy
I need to get the 2nd book in this trilogy. I agree that the premise is so interesting and it’s fun to imagine – what would you do?
Oh yea, I remember about this book. I do think the premise is highly original and just might be something I would like. I didn’t realize it was a trilogy, though.
I still haven’t gotten around to this series, but I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about it!
You know how much I loved this trilogy! 🙂 Looking forward to your thoughts on the next two books!
I loved this book but haven’t yet read the next two books in the trilogy. As it’s been a while since I read this one, I will probably have to do a re-read. I loved how the world is ending and most people just want to do what they want to but Hank wants to do the right thing.
The Last Policeman sounds interesting, I like stories with this theme. It is interesting to see how characters react when faced with end of the world dilemma.
This sounds so intriguing! I wonder if I can get it on audio from my library. I love listening to mysteries these days, although yesterday I started a classic sci-fi novel (A Canticle for Leibowitz), which I’m enjoying immensely.
I keep meaning to read this one but haven’t picked it up yet. I will though soon especially after reading your review! I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much!!
Kay – I definitely want to continue with this trilogy but I probably will wait a bit before re-visiting.
Care – When I first heard about it I didn’t think it was a trilogy either. I’m usually not a fan of trilogies (I like long series) but let’s see how this one goes!
jenclair – I would love to hear what you think of this one. Hope you get a chance to check it out.
Melody – I know! 🙂 Really enjoyed your reviews so I’m definitely looking forward to the next books.
Athira – He’s such a great person isn’t he? I’d be like, I’m out to see the world! haha…
bookworm – I’d be so curious to hear what you think of this one. Hope you get a chance to check it out!
Les in NE – I hope you’ll find the audio and hope it’s good! I was in the mood for a sci-fi story and finally picked one up this weekend.
Samantha – Too many books right? Hope you get a chance to check this one out. I think you might enjoy it!
I am so glad you enjoyed this, Iliana. It is unique, isn’t it? I just love the whole trilogy.