TWENTY-TWO SHELLS

An American cop dives into a serial killer case and tackles his inner demons in this police procedural.

Detective Marvin Sludge’s 2 a.m. call takes him to a murder scene in an unnamed American suburb. A United States senator’s son is dead from a single gunshot in his home. But there are 22 spent shells near the body. Sludge guesses the killer placed the shells there intentionally—a sign that the victim is the first of 22. Indeed, homicides with the same M.O. follow, giving local detectives and the FBI a string of dead ends. The investigation takes its toll on Sludge, who’s likely been suffering from PTSD after a brutal mission during his special forces days. His department’s annual psychological evaluation puts him in touch with a shrink, who offers to treat him away from his superiors’ prying eyes. But church may be the key to overcoming his “dark turmoil.” Though Sludge previously scoffed at religion, he has a change of heart when the Bible gives him the solace and answers he yearns for. The murder case in Schulte’s novel, despite the title, constitutes only about half of the engaging narrative. The true focus is Sludge and his path to hopefully finding enlightenment and peace. Still, he leads several investigations, and the author meticulously details police work, as cops comb and try piecing together evidence. These unfortunately entail some mundane particulars, such as a federal agent’s explaining spreadsheets, as well as vague descriptions (for example, “amnesia drug”). But Sludge’s stirring personal journey is worthwhile. Readers watch him evolve from a gruff, cynical loner to a man who willingly discusses such profound topics as death, love, and compassion. While most of the supporting cast fades in the background, Sludge’s ambitious rookie partner, Bill Braskey, stands out—aiding the senior detective both at work and in his private life.

An engrossing mystery that shines a bright light on its ardent sleuth.