The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson

All is not well in the Chicago Police Department. Andy Polanski blew the whistle on two of his fellow cops for planting evidence. Feelings are running high so Polanski has been transferred to District 28 and made the partner of Frank Campello. Frank is not happy.

The two are called out to investigate the murder of a young woman, her body found in a dumpster at Navy Pier. As Andy and Frank investigate the case, it becomes clear that there is much more going on than the murder. There are powerful people in Chicago politics who want this case dropped, even if they have to kill a cop.

This opening sets the stage for the first novel in a series featuring a fictional Chicago police district and a rotating cast of characters. Polanski is the son of a disgraced Chicago police officer. He is a Christian and is careful to do everything by the book. Campello is more of a live and let live kind of guy when it comes to his life and work. His dad was a cop and the police force is his family.

The novel is pure police procedure. It reminds me of the precinct police novels of a generation ago.

The writing is methodical. The book is not a page turner but is not boring either.

I felt Polanski could have been more clear about his faith early on in the novel. It seems his faith is very important to his actions and more could have been made of that.

There is character development in Frank. He initially saw the police department as his family and had to grow to the point of seeing that members of his family could be corrupt.

If you enjoy reading crime novels about corrupt politics and corrupt police departments, this one is for you.

Watch a video trailer here.

Brandt Dodson is the author of several previous novels and short stories. He comes from a long line of police officers on both sides of the family, going back to the 1930s. He was employed by the Indianapolis office of the FBI and draws on that experience as well as his family background to lend authenticity to his work. He has lived in Chicago and visits the city annually. You can find out more at www.brandtdodson.com.  

Monarch Books, Kregel Publications, 314 pages.

Publisher's product page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.