Book Review: ‘California Bear: A Novel’ By Duane Swierczynski

The book is in stores on Tuesday, January 9th. Click on the link to purchase a copy. https://amzn.to/3Rgpk4j

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Jack Queen was convicted of murder, when he was drunk and killed someone who he thought was part of his wife’s death. Ten years later he’s been released from prison, thanks to ex-cop Cato Hightower, who wants his help in an investigation he’s doing, and a blackmail plot he’s got in mind, to trap the California Bear, a serial killer from 40 years ago, and who hasn’t struck in 30 years. Hightower has known (or suspected, who the Bear was for a long time now). Jack just wants to do the right thing, and get back to his 14-year-old daughter, Matilda, who is in the hospital, with cancer. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of these characters, and later includes Hightower’s wife. Their lives all intercede, and together they must work together to save their lives, which are all in danger. This is a really well-written, character driven, psychological thriller, that will keep you reading along. It has a lot of twists and turns, and can already be considered as one of the best books of 2024.