Step into the misty, captivating world of the Dave Cubiak Door County Mystery series, where a haunted sheriff unravels secrets against the breathtaking backdrop of Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula. Patricia Skalka’s acclaimed novels blend gritty crime-solving with heartfelt redemption, drawing readers into a world where the past lingers like fog over Lake Michigan.
Meet Dave Cubiak, a former Chicago homicide detective turned Door County sheriff, whose journey through grief and justice anchors this seven-book saga. With its vivid setting and intricate plots, this series is a must-read for mystery lovers craving a fresh, atmospheric escape.
How Dave Cubiak Began
Patricia Skalka, a Chicago native and former Reader’s Digest writer, found inspiration for the Dave Cubiak series during a Door County vacation. Struck by the peninsula’s serene beauty and stark contrasts—calm days giving way to inky, mysterious nights—she envisioned it as the perfect stage for a mystery. Her debut, Death Stalks Door County (2014), introduced Cubiak, a broken cop seeking solace as a park ranger, only to face a string of chilling deaths. Initially planned as a standalone, the novel’s success sparked a series, with Skalka crafting a redemption arc for Cubiak across two decades.
The Heart of Dave Cubiak
The series kicks off with Death Stalks Door County, where Cubiak, reeling from the loss of his wife and daughter, investigates six suspicious deaths during a bustling tourist season. In Death at Gills Rock (2015), he’s elected sheriff and uncovers betrayal behind the carbon monoxide deaths of WWII veterans. Death in Cold Water (2016), an Edna Ferber Fiction Award winner, sees Cubiak chasing a missing philanthropist amid FBI interference. The series wraps with Death Casts a Shadow (2022), a moody tale of a widow’s death and buried secrets.
Skalka’s novels weave universal themes—grief, betrayal, and redemption—into tightly paced mysteries. Door County, with its 300 miles of shoreline and quaint villages, is a character in itself, its natural beauty masking dark histories. Cubiak’s evolution from a guilt-ridden loner to a resilient sheriff resonates deeply, while Skalka’s lyrical prose and complex plots draw comparisons to William Kent Krueger. Each book balances standalone mysteries with Cubiak’s personal growth, making the series accessible yet richly layered.
Why Dave Cubiak Resonates
The Dave Cubiak series has carved a niche in the mystery genre, earning accolades like the Midwest Book Award and a spot on USA Today’s '50 States/50 Books' list for Wisconsin. Fans connect with Cubiak’s raw humanity, seeing their own struggles reflected in his journey. Skalka’s vivid portrayal of Door County has also boosted local pride, with readers flocking to the peninsula to trace Cubiak’s steps. The series’ blend of regional charm and universal emotion ensures its lasting appeal.
- Publication Span: 2014–2022
- Books: Seven
- Awards: Edna Ferber Fiction Award, Midwest Book Award
- Setting: Door County, Wisconsin
Ready to dive into a mystery as deep as Lake Michigan? Grab Death Stalks Door County and join Dave Cubiak’s gripping journey through crime and redemption!