The Last Policeman, a Mystery Novel

Alphadesigner

Occasionally I'll run across a story concept that I unabashedly envy and wish I'd conceived. Such is the conceit behind the novel The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters. This mystery, winner of an Edgar Award a few years ago, is set almost in present time, but in an America that has just learned that a planet-killing asteroid is on a collision course with Earth within the year.

Against the backdrop of societal anger and resignation, of the decay of essential services, the main character attempts to solve what he believes to be a murder in Concord, New Hampshire. Having just achieved his long-held ambition to be a police detective, he puts aside thoughts of his imminent death and pursues his first and probably last real case.

The main character is nicely wrought, sympathetic and competent, although some episodes of self-doubt might have been edited out without hurting the story. Support characters are well done, as well. The plot is workmanlike, nicely capturing the zeitgeist of the time. There is a secondary plot line that is left unsatisfyingly open, a obvious invitation to read the sequel.

The writing style doesn't get in the way of the plot, but serves the purpose well. If you're looking for a quick read that will raise more than a few "What if" questions, you might enjoy this book.