Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of Detective Sergeant 'Fang' Mulheisen, where Detroit’s dark alleys and mob-infested streets set the stage for some of the sharpest police procedurals ever written! Jon A. Jackson’s Mulheisen series, spanning ten novels, follows the sardonic and relentless Detective Sergeant Mulheisen as he tackles murders, mobsters, and million-dollar heists with a wit as sharp as his nickname suggests. Perfect for fans of hard-boiled mysteries, this series blends vivid storytelling with a love letter to Detroit’s jazz-soaked, crime-ridden vibe.
From its debut in 1977 to its finale in 2004, the Mulheisen series has carved a niche as a cult favorite, praised for its intricate plots and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re chasing clues with Mulheisen or dodging mob hitmen, this series promises a thrilling ride through a city where danger lurks around every corner.
How Detective Sergeant Mulheisen Began
Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, Jon A. Jackson grew up steeped in Detroit’s gritty culture, which became the beating heart of his Detective Sergeant Mulheisen series. After dabbling in poetry and honing his craft at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Jackson turned to fiction, launching the series with The Diehard in 1977. Inspired by his hometown’s complex blend of industrial decay, jazz scenes, and organized crime, Jackson created Mulheisen—a cynical yet principled cop nicknamed 'Fang' for his tenacious bite. The series grew from Jackson’s desire to capture Detroit’s raw energy, blending real-world grit with fictional flair.
The Heart of Detective Sergeant Mulheisen
The Mulheisen series kicks off with The Diehard (1977), where Mulheisen investigates the brutal murder of a wealthy heiress in Detroit’s Indian Village, uncovering ties to a $20 million embezzlement scandal. In The Blind Pig (1979), he dives into a gun-running plot sparked by a cop killing a mob hitman, with Detroit’s jazz nightlife adding sultry undertones. Deadman (1994) takes Mulheisen to Montana, chasing femme fatale Helen Sedlacek and his nemesis Joe Service, blending gritty action with vivid Western landscapes. Man with an Axe (1998), a standout, shifts to Mulheisen’s first-person POV, unraveling a mystery tied to Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance and Detroit’s jazz history.
Jackson’s series shines through its themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between law and crime. Mulheisen, flawed yet dogged, navigates a Detroit teeming with mob bosses, quirky informants, and jazz musicians, all rendered in Jackson’s witty, evocative prose. The setting—Detroit’s crumbling precincts, smoky bars, and cultural pulse—acts as a character itself, grounding the series in a raw, lived-in authenticity. From mob heists to personal vendettas, each book balances standalone thrills with an overarching saga, especially Mulheisen’s cat-and-mouse game with Joe Service.
Why Detective Sergeant Mulheisen Resonates
The Mulheisen series has earned accolades from outlets like The New York Times, which called Jackson a master of hard-boiled crime fiction, and Publishers Weekly, which dubbed the series 'one of the wildest and wittiest' in the genre. Its cult status stems from Jackson’s ability to weave complex plots with sharp dialogue and memorable characters, like the gruff ex-cop Grootka or the slippery Joe Service. Fans of Elmore Leonard or Raymond Chandler find a kindred spirit in Jackson’s blend of noir and humor, while Detroit natives cherish the series’ authentic portrayal of their city’s soul.
Though not a household name, the series’ influence endures in the police procedural genre, inspiring writers who crave stories with grit and heart. Its mix of historical nods—like the Hoffa mystery—and cultural depth keeps readers returning, eager to rediscover Mulheisen’s world.
- First Book: The Diehard (1977)
- Last Book: No Man’s Dog (2004)
- Total Books: 10
- Key Setting: Detroit, Michigan
Ready to chase crooks with Fang Mulheisen? Grab The Diehard and dive into a Detroit mystery that’s as thrilling as a late-night jazz riff!