A Dredging in Swann: a Seb Creek Mystery

November 4, 2019
Two knotty cases preoccupy fair-minded, conscientious sheriff’s detective Sebastian Creek, a former Marine MP recovering from PTSD, in this intriguing series launch from Garvin (Bhajan) set in Swann County, N.C. Leo Sackler, a black man in his 70s, is found hanged in the well he was digging on his property just days after his release from prison, having served a 48-year sentence for murder. Sackler had also recently inherited a large estate and $1 million from a reclusive widow. Meanwhile, 21 people die when two Marine helicopters collide over a nearby military base, and a trailer containing three Stinger missiles is taken from the crash site. The separate investigations intertwine as Creek digs into the complex Sackler case, exposing buried secrets and grave injustice, as well as an extensive poaching operation, unlawful drone surveillance activities, and treasonous intentions. The action builds to a suitably thrilling conclusion. Garvin skillfully draws together the many plot threads while also shining a compassionate light on PTSD sufferers bearing the scars of war. Agent: Peter Rubie, Fine Print Literary.

Starred review from November 15, 2019
When a man who's recently been released from prison is found hanged in a well, North Carolina detective Seb Creek must figure out if it was an accident or murder--and what about those missing Stinger missiles? Former Marine MP Sebastian Creek enjoys his work as a detective in Swann County. His dry humor works well with the locals and the local criminals, and he's started a singing group for anyone with post-traumatic stress disorder. He's even gotten the courage to ask a beautiful potter to have coffee with him. But then Leo Sackler, who is black, is found hanged in a well he was digging on a property left to him by a rich white woman in her will. He had recently been released after decades in prison for killing a white man, a crime he claimed he never committed. At the same time, two helicopters from a nearby military base crash, and several Stinger missiles are missing. Investigating the two mysteries will take Seb all over the county, giving debut author Garvin a chance to display a true ear for dialogue and a talent for character portrayal, creating people who range from the comedic to the poignant. If Seb muses a little too often on the vagaries of life, well, he can be forgiven considering the vagaries of life he encounters. This polished, beautifully written novel makes one hope Garvin keeps exploring Swann County for a long time.

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