Blind to Midnight: A Nick Ryan Novel by Reed Farrel Coleman is the second book in the Nick Ryan series that began with Sleepless City. It is also another solidly good read as one always expects from the author.

In addition to his regular police work, Nick Ryan continues to work cases as they are assigned by the people in the shadows. He is a sort of fixer and has a wide latitude to solve problem as a NYC police detective. To achieve their goals, he has access to varied resources. He also separately has help from a variety of friends and associates that have talents and connections the average person would not. But, knowing Nick Ryan can be extremely dangerous for your own health.

Nick is just coming off an assignment and a very long day when he gets a phone call. Tony Angelo and his wife are dead. They have been murdered by person or persons unknown. Nick had known Tony since he was a kid. Nick’s father was a cop, friends with Ton and his wife, both were part of Nick’s life always and forever. That makes them family as far as Nick is concerned. Even though the people who control Nick want him to stay out of it and away from the investigation, he is not about to do that. They should know by now that Nick marches to the beat of his own drummer.

The shadowy powers that be want Nick to focus on solving a murder case from the night the towers fell. The case was believed to be a hate crime. It was something else and more than two decades later they want it solved for reasons unknown.

Nick does the only thing he can do. He works both cases and dodges bullets and violent mayhem along the way. His ultimate plan is to survive, keep the ex and their kid safe, and get out from under the thumb of the person or persons that are leaning on him. Easier said than done.

Blind to Midnight: A Nick Ryan Novel builds extensively on Sleepless City while spinning another very complicated tale of cross and double cross. Plenty of action, violence, and interesting characters blend together to make this another compelling page turning read from the master. Read the series in order and enjoy as both books are very much worth your time.

My digital reading copy was an ARC from the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, Inc., through NetGalley with no expectation of a review.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2024

Second book in the Nick Ryan series. As with the first, this is hardboiled poetry. Coleman doesn't know how to write a bad sentence. Add in a fantastic lead character, strong secondary characters, and a fast-moving and complex plot, and you have the recipe for a satisfying crime novel. Recommended!