Step into the chaotic, hilarious world of Dev Haskell, where a bumbling private investigator stumbles through St. Paul, Minnesota, juggling gorgeous women, shady criminals, and a knack for landing in the wrong place at the wrong time! Mike Faricy’s Dev Haskell series is a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and action, perfect for fans of unconventional detective tales who crave fast-paced plots with a side of wit.
With Dev, you’re not getting a polished hero saving the world from global conspiracies. Instead, this wise-cracking PI deals with local oddballs, from mobsters to roller derby queens, all while nursing a beer and dodging trouble. It’s a refreshing take on the classic detective genre, packed with quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments.
How Dev Haskell Began
Mike Faricy, a St. Paul native with a colorful background as a soldier, bartender, and even bagpipe player, launched the Dev Haskell series in 2011 with Russian Roulette. Inspired by authors like Robert B. Parker and Carl Hiaasen, Faricy wanted to craft a detective who was relatable yet flawed—a guy who’s more likely to trip over a clue than orchestrate a master plan. Drawing from his hometown’s gritty charm, Faricy set Dev’s adventures in St. Paul, infusing the series with local flavor and a tongue-in-cheek vibe.
The series grew quickly, fueled by Faricy’s knack for storytelling and Dev’s growing fanbase. Faricy’s diverse career, including stints as a freelance journalist and cake seller, likely shaped Dev’s roguish charm and knack for landing in absurd situations, making the series a hit for readers seeking lighthearted crime fiction.
The Heart of Dev Haskell
The Dev Haskell series, now spanning over 30 books, follows Dev as he tackles cases that spiral into mayhem. In Russian Roulette (2011), Dev wakes up after a wild night with a client, only to be roped into tracking her missing sister—a job that lands him in hot water with the Russian mob. Bombshell (2012) sees Dev hired to protect a roller derby team, but a stalker-turned-murderer frames him, turning the gig into a fight for his life. Star Struck (2018) has Dev posing as security for a Bono impersonator, dodging mobsters and a dangerous ex-classmate. Finally, Hit & Run (2022) finds Dev investigating the unsolved death of a high school girlfriend, blending pathos with his usual antics.
The series’ themes revolve around Dev’s flawed heroism, often driven by bad decisions but a good heart. Faricy’s St. Paul setting, with its dive bars and shady underworld, grounds the stories, while his humor—think pratfall-like plots and snappy dialogue—keeps things lively. Fans compare Dev to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum for his knack for trouble, but his Minnesota roots and hard-boiled edge give him a unique flavor. Whether it’s dodging Tubby Gustafson’s goons or romancing the wrong woman, Dev’s cases are equal parts mystery and misadventure.
Why Dev Haskell Resonates
The Dev Haskell series has carved a niche in cozy crime fiction, offering a refreshing antidote to grim thrillers. Fans love Dev’s relatability—he’s not a superhero, just a guy trying to pay the bills while untangling St. Paul’s underbelly. Faricy’s ability to keep plots fresh across dozens of books, paired with Dev’s cynical yet optimistic narration, has earned praise from outlets like The Dirty Lowdown, which dubbed Faricy “America’s hottest new mystery writer.” The series’ lighthearted tone and standalone stories make it accessible, appealing to readers who want fun without heavy commitment.
Faricy’s influence extends beyond Dev, with his Jack Dillon Dublin Tales and Corridor Man series showcasing his versatility. Yet, Dev remains his flagship creation, a testament to the enduring appeal of a lovable screw-up who always lands on his feet—barely. Nominated for awards like the Minnesota Book Award, the series continues to grow, proving Dev’s misadventures are timeless.
- First Book: Russian Roulette (2011)
- Total Books: Over 30, plus novellas
- Setting: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Awards: Nominated for Minnesota Book Award
Grab Russian Roulette and dive into Dev Haskell’s wild, witty world of mystery and mayhem!