Deemer’s Inlet

Former Miami, Florida, homicide detective Eldon Quick is comfortable in his position as chief of police in the picturesque Gulf coast town of Deemer’s Inlet. Now he has more time to devote to his passion-fishing. The first murder, the first in his seven years on the job, and subsequent killing a week later puts an end to his easy-going lifestyle. With no homicide detective on staff, he is forced to call upon his years of investigative experience. Day to day operations with an undermanned force, and dealing with a meddlesome, micro-managing mayor hampers Quick’s progress. Those people he chooses to interview are of no help. And having no evidence or witnesses in either case, the question of whether the incidents are related continues to trouble him. Quick wonders if and when another murder will take place in his town. Waiting is all he can do.

Successive murders in neighboring communities lead Quick to believe that a serial killer has taken up residence along the stretch of coastline. When a stranger enters the life of his Administrative Assistant/Dispatcher, Marty Bevins, he feels it’s his duty to delve into the background of the new arrival. In doing so he walks a difficult path of trying not to tip his hand, and at the same time protect her. As the body count continues to rise in the ensuing weeks, he agrees to join forces with a sheriff’s office detective as determined as he to put an end to the slaughter. What they come to realize during their attempt to uncover the identity of the killer surprises both of them. An overlooked piece of evidence from the first crime scene surfaces, and its discovery puts Quick in the unpleasant position of having to consider that their suspect may be hiding in plain sight.

Praise for DEEMER’S INLET:

'With wit and humanity, Chief Eldon Quick faces a series of gruesome killings among a handful of characters, some who make his job harder, some easier, but people aren’t always who they seem to be. Capturing life in a small beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Burdick brings an engaging new voice to this swift and gritty crime story-one that will keep you guessing.' -Jeffery Hess, author of Beachhead, Tushhog, and No Salvation  

'Deemer’s Inlet- a sleepy coastal town woken wide awake by a serial killer with a pocketful of matches. From the flames leaping sky-high on the first page to the tight, satisfying conclusion, Burdick keeps the pace and pulse pounding. Deemer’s Inlet is classic crime writing at its best.' -Steph Post, author of Lightwood

'Serial arson becomes serial murder becomes a bewildering game of cat and mouse. Burdick’s Eldon Quick uncovers a criminal cabal in his sleepy town of Deemer’s Inlet.' -David Tromblay, author of As You Were and Sangre Road

'Stephen Burdick has crafted a fabulous murder mystery with layers of tantalizing clues that made me feel as though I were working the case!' -Johnnie Clark, author of Guns Up!