Deader by the Lake: A Reno McCarthy Thriller

Hopefully Cummings has some Hollywood connections because this would make a doozy of a movie. Imagine a novel that focuses on crime and political corruption in Chicago without involving the mayor or any aldermen. How refreshing. Grips you from the beginning and leaves you hungry for Reno's next assignment. Can't wait.

This is the type of book that every reporter wishes they would have written. Cummings' love and broad knowlege of Chicago is evident on every page; one can taste, smell and feel the city and the distinctive characteristics of its diverse neighborhoods. The quality speaks for itself. The writing is careful, but not self-conscious. Characters have a real humanity, and are not simply used to move the story along. Nothing sloppy here, and the wonderful and timely plot unfolds at the perfect clip. Cummings' background in media is evident in his dead-bang insights and descriptions into the workings of Chicago radio and TV newsrooms.In short, Cummings' debut novel, "Deader by the Lake" stands tall above the typical writing of this genre. There's no cheating, no corner cutting...not in setting, story, or character development, and the story is delivered with an economy of words that keep the pages turning.

Deader By the Lake is a great first novel! Doug Cummings' portrayal of the symbiotic, often love/hate, relationship between the media & law enforcement is dead-on! This book is chock-full of Chicago details: people, places & events. It's cheaper than an airline ticket & lot's warmer! Cummings has struck a nice balance between exposition & action. The plot is believeable & Reno McCarthy is my kind of hero - not too smart, but doggedly determined, with a strong sense of justice! I hope another Reno McCarthy book is in the works. Buy this one - you won't regret it!

I couldn't put this book down! It is fast-paced and full of surprises. The character's sense of humor is engaging. The plot's twists and turns kept me on my toes and while Cummings did a fantastic job of wrapping it all up in the end, he left me wanting more. I anxiously await the next in the Reno McCarthy series!

Cummings' skillfully written descriptions were so realistic that I felt like I was right there along Reno's side. For example, when Reno was punched I felt the whack. The book drew me in deeper, the more I read. I had a hard time putting it down. Without being predictable, Cummings left me craving more info to solve the mystery. Totally action packed, from the very first chapter. With the turn of each page, I was excited to discover the next dilemma Reno would need to work his way out of. This book is filled with surprises!