A nail-biting thriller with a Hitchcock-style MacGuffin.

When SFPD Homicide Inspector Nick Jarnac investigates the murder of a 19-year-old girl missing for 40 years, her skeleton found in the mud of a construction site near the remains of two dozen Miwok Indians who have been in the ground for two centuries, he becomes involved in a bizarre, complex plot that involves a Macau-based Mafia chief, several crooked state and local politicians, a cross-dressing Mongolian hit man, a 77-year-old private eye and his burned out ex-SFPD partner, who is hoping to make one last big haul before leaving the department.

Award-winning author Jerry Kennealy spent some time with The Big Thrill discussing his latest crime thriller, SILENT REMAINS:

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That a cop like Nick Jarnac can be hard working, diligent and tough, but also compassionate, and work together with someone like film producer Dana Lavin and a 77-year-old private eye in solving a complicated homicide case.

Was there anything new you discovered, or that surprised you, as you wrote this book?

Yes, the history of the Miwok Indians in the Bay Area—how they lived, and sadly, how they died off.

No spoilers, but what can you tell us about your book that we won’t find in the jacket copy or the PR material?

The final clue that puts everything in place relates to a volcanic eruption that took place 11,000 years ago. I don’t think it has ever been used in a book before.

What authors or books have influenced you career as a writer, and why?

I go all the way back to Raymond Chandler and Ian Flemings. Loved their books, could not wait to read them. I also learned a lot from Len Deighton, as well as Michael Collins, John Le Carre, Ross McDonald, Johnathan Kellerman. The lists goes on and on.

*****

Jerry Kennealy has worked as a San Francisco policeman and as a licensed private investigator in the City by the Bay. He has written 22 novels, including a series on private eye Nick Polo, two of which were nominated for a Shamus Award. His books have been published in England, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Spain. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America.

He was the recipient of the 2017 Life Achievement Award by the Private Eye Writers of America.

Jerry lives in San Bruno, California, with his wife and in-house editor, Shirley.

To learn more about Jerry, please visit his website.

ITW