The number seven has been considered lucky for many years and for many reasons. Local author Lynn-Steven Johanson hopes it will be lucky for him as well. Recently released by Level Best Books, Wreaking Vengeance is the seventh book in his Joe Erickson Mystery series.
All seven of his police procedural mysteries follow Chicago homicide detective Joe Erickson as he works to solve complex cases. In Wreaking Vengeance, a woman is found brutally murdered along a bike path adjacent to Lake Michigan, and Joe and his partner are called in to investigate the grisly crime. Days later, two more people are attacked in the same manner, and each time witnesses report seeing a hooded, masked figure fleeing the scene. The investigation proves frustrating, as they have found no motive, no viable suspects, and the three victims seem to have nothing in common. That is, until they discover the one aspect that links all three victims and points them toward the killer.
'I've been a fan of mysteries ever since I was a teenager,' said Johanson. 'I guess it's not surprising I chose to write in that genre. Mysteries are the kind of books I read and the television programs I like to watch.'
Johanson has consulted with police officials to make sure his writing is authentic and accurate. 'A Chicago police detective agreed to act as a consultant, and he has answered a lot of my technical and procedural questions. I like to get the details right.' Several reviewers have compared Johanson's books to those written by Michael Connelly. When asked about it, he said, 'I don't see it, but I'm grateful to be thought of in such distinguished company.'
Book reviewers have praised Wreaking Vengeance. Literary Titan gave it five out of five stars and awarded it their Gold Book Award, while the reviewer for The Book Revue stated, 'If you like mysteries that don't just entertain but also get under your skin, this is a good book to read.'
A book signing event for Wreaking Vengeance is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, at The New Copperfield’s Book Service in Macomb.
