Crimson Thaw

Detective Justice, Book 1

By: Bruce Robert Coffin

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

A detective's fall from grace. A rookie's baptism by fire. A town's secrets laid bare.

In the unforgiving wilderness of Maine, a disgraced detective must confront his past to solve a chilling murder.

Detective Brock Justice's career is on thin ice. Once the golden boy of Maine State Police, Brock now finds himself exiled to the remote northeastern wilderness, punishment for crossing the thin blue line. Assigned to the Major Crimes Unit—North, he suffers the added indignity of partnering with newly-minted Detective Chloe Wright, a rookie with her own hidden struggles.

The pair's uneasy alliance is put to the test almost immediately when a routine snowmobile retrieval in the coastal town of Blue Hill unexpectedly escalates into a full-blown murder investigation. Even as the case exposes the darkest corners of the town, their fragile partnership threatens to undermine the investigation at every turn.

Brock and Chloe's hunt draws them into the lives of several intriguing locals: the town doctor, a biker gang involved in drug trafficking, a politically connected sheriff, and Brock's own father. With each revelation, the line between ally and enemy blurs, compelling Brock and Chloe to question their trust in everyone around them, including each other.

Even as winter's icy grip loosens from Blue Hill, the noose of suspicion tightens. Brock must navigate not only a shaky partnership and a town harboring deadly secrets, but also the shadows of his own past. Can he and Chloe piece together the puzzle before Maine's wilderness swallows them whole?

Retired Detective Sergeant Bruce Robert Coffin delivers a masterful blend of police procedural and small-town intrigue. Perfect for fans of Craig Johnson's Longmire series and C.J. Box's Joe Pickett novels.

©2025 Bruce Robert Coffin (P)2025 Podium Audio

Excellent tale!

Great writing, great characters and story!! Looking forward to this being a long series from the author.

Loved the narrator!

The narrator really did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life, but particularly those of Brock Justice and Chloe Wright!

A very well written complex story!

I hope book 2 is close to release! The characters come to life as the story takes its twists & turns while weaving together the developing relationship of Brock & Chloe. Adding to the story is this narrator’s ability to bring these characters to life. Highly recommended!

Absolutely movie material

Crimson Thaw has a fast moving story line that encompasses the experiences of real life police work. It is so well written that you experience the events and emotions right alongside the characters. It depicts the friendships you develop over the years, starting at the Academy. People change over time due to events, but the basic oath to protect and serve lives on through your career. Right up to the end, it keeps you guessing on who is “good” and who is not. You’ll find your heart pounding and your mind racing. This is my favorite Bruce Robert Coffin book and series. I looking forward to another great read.

Suspense and thrilling

Loved the storyline and the unknown of who did it. It keeps you guessing and trying to figure it out. Excited for the next book to be released!