Dive into the chilling world of the Cold Case Investigation series, where Buffalo’s toughest cold case detective, Lauren Riley, unravels mysteries that refuse to stay buried! Written by Lissa Marie Redmond, a retired Buffalo PD homicide detective, this series blends gritty police procedurals with psychological suspense, delivering a pulse-pounding ride through unsolved crimes and personal struggles. With its authentic storytelling and sharp-witted protagonist, it’s a must-read for mystery lovers craving a fresh take on the genre.
From the snowy streets of Buffalo, New York, to the dark corners of human secrets, the Cold Case Investigation series hooks readers with its blend of relentless detective work and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of Michael Connelly or crave a strong female lead, Lauren Riley’s journey will keep you turning pages late into the night.
How Cold Case Investigation Began
Lissa Marie Redmond, who spent over two decades as a cold case homicide detective, poured her real-life expertise into the Cold Case Investigation series. After retiring, she traded case files for manuscripts, debuting with *A Cold Day in Hell* in 2018 through Midnight Ink. Inspired by her high-profile cases and a passion for storytelling, Redmond crafted Lauren Riley as a flawed yet fiercely determined detective, reflecting the real challenges of solving long-forgotten crimes.
Redmond’s Buffalo roots shine through, making the city a vivid backdrop. Her experience with shows like *Dateline* and her membership in groups like Sisters in Crime fueled her mission to create authentic, character-driven mysteries that resonate with readers worldwide.
The Heart of Cold Case Investigation
The series kicks off with *A Cold Day in Hell*, where Lauren, a seasoned detective and licensed PI, takes on a murder case for her nemesis, defense attorney Frank Violanti. As she digs into Buffalo’s past, she battles her abusive ex-fiancé and uncovers shocking truths. In *The Murder Book*, Lauren survives a brutal attack by a fellow cop, unraveling a conspiracy tied to a missing case file. *A Means to an End* sees her tackling a decades-old murder while recovering from her injuries, and *Catch Your Death*, the sixth installment, traps Lauren in a snowbound hotel with suspects from a 17-year-old cold case.
Redmond’s series thrives on themes of justice, resilience, and confronting personal demons. Lauren’s sharp humor and loyalty to her partner, Shane Reese, add warmth to the dark narratives. The Buffalo setting, with its gritty charm and wintry gloom, becomes a character itself, grounding the stories in a palpable sense of place. Fans praise the series for its realistic police procedures and psychological depth, blending procedural precision with thriller-level suspense.
Each book stands alone but builds on Lauren’s evolving relationships and past traumas, making it rewarding for binge-readers. Redmond’s insider knowledge ensures every detail, from DNA evidence to witness interviews, feels authentic, while her knack for twists keeps readers guessing.
Why Cold Case Investigation Resonates
The Cold Case Investigation series has carved a niche among crime fiction fans for its raw authenticity and compelling protagonist. Lauren Riley, a twice-divorced mother with a messy personal life, is refreshingly relatable, balancing grit with vulnerability. Redmond’s retired-detective perspective lifts the veil on the justice system, offering a no-sugarcoating look at cold case work that’s both educational and thrilling.
Despite Midnight Ink’s closure, the series’ loyal fanbase and critical acclaim—praised by *Kirkus Reviews* as an “excellent police procedural combined with a psychological thriller”—ensure its lasting appeal. Its Buffalo-centric stories and focus on unsolved crimes make it a unique addition to the genre, inspiring readers to root for justice and resilience.
- First Book Published: 2018 (*A Cold Day in Hell*)
- Number of Books: 6 (as of 2022)
- Setting: Buffalo, New York
- Author’s Background: Retired cold case homicide detective
Ready to crack open a case with Lauren Riley? Grab *A Cold Day in Hell* and step into the gripping world of Cold Case Investigation, where every clue could change everything!