The Diehard

Jackson is a real find, and this is where to start. These novels, mostly police procedurals, are concisely and wittily written, and as the books continue, we really get to know Fang Mulheisen and his city, Detroit. Later, in books like "Hit on the House" and "Deadman," we meet recurring characters such as likeable assassin Joe Service and his on-again off-again love interest (and Mafia princess) Helen Sedlacek. These are "real" people with foibles and weaknesses-- some are unapologetic killers, but we get to know them and, yes, like them. Fang tracks them down, and sometimes even catches them. If you like Elmore Leonard, if you like Carl Hiaasen, if you like Thomas Perry-- read these too. You'll become a fan, I guarantee it.