Lauren Fox is a city planner and the long time companion of Detective Frank Nagler. She left Ironton for what she said would be four days. She was a few days late, and with the city still roiled by unrest, Nagler was concerned,. But his time is divided by the investigation into the mayor’s death. Nagler is at the mayor’s office looking for clues. Lauren returns.
This in the intro:
The door latched turned.
No one knows I’m here but Maria.
He stepped to the side so the open door would shield him. His plan, for what it was worth, would be to slam the door into the intruder; he placed his right palm on the center of the door as it opened.
“Lauren. What the…”
Lauren Fox turned and placed one finger on his lips.
She locked the door and turned off the lights.
He kissed her finger. “I know why…”
She pressed her finger back on his mouth. “Shush.”
“Where…”
“Hush.”
Her face was dark, her eyes softened with sadness and fear.
He brushed her hair from her forehead and kissed each eye.
“How…” He exhaled a relieved breath. “You’re…”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and offered a gentle quivering kiss. She held his face, and said, “No,” when he tried to speak. “Just this.” She took his hands and leaned over and whispered in his ear.
A thin smile, and he led her to the wide mahogany desk.
****
What readers say about the Red Hand:
Kirkus Reviews: “One of modern fiction’s expertly drawn detectives.”
5.0 out of 5 stars Taking us back to the beginning of Frank Nagler’s journey, THE RED HAND lets us into his Why
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Author Michael S. Daigle has given us quite a collection of memorable stories with his books with the main character Frank Nagler. Now with THE RED HAND he takes us back to his beginnings: new on the job, finding his footing and his voice as well as his motivation… the ‘Why’ of why he is who he is.
I enjoyed this book from the beginning. It was almost like getting to know the backstory of an old friend. Things came up in this book that made me think to myself, ‘Oh, now I understand…’. We see Nagler deal with his weaknesses, find and lean into his strength and give himself to the work that can literally be the different between life and death as well as justice.
A satisfying read, even for those just discovering Nagler as a character. You’ll sure to want to know more about him after reading this one.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great writing
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2021
Well written book that provides a more in depth look at the character Frank of his beginnings. It provides more insight into this character and overall, the plot is effective.