Dive into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of Frank Behr, where the streets of Indianapolis pulse with suspense and raw emotion! David Levien’s Frank Behr series follows a towering ex-cop turned private investigator, a man haunted by personal tragedy yet driven to uncover truth in heart-wrenching cases. With its blend of noir grit, emotional depth, and relentless pacing, this series is a hidden gem for thriller fans craving a brooding hero and intricate mysteries.
Behr, a 6’5”, 240-pound force of nature, navigates Indianapolis’s underbelly with a mix of brute strength and sharp instincts. His journey from a broken man to one cautiously embracing hope makes every case feel personal, pulling readers into a world where justice is never simple. Ready to meet a detective who’s as complex as the crimes he solves? Let’s explore the Frank Behr series!
How Frank Behr Began
David Levien, a seasoned screenwriter known for films like Ocean’s Thirteen and Rounders, launched the Frank Behr series in 2008 with City of the Sun. Inspired by crime fiction giants like Raymond Chandler and Dennis Lehane, Levien crafted Behr as a modern noir hero—a retired cop wrestling with loss while tackling cases that mirror his own pain. His deep knowledge of Indianapolis’s urban landscape, paired with a knack for taut storytelling, birthed a series that feels both cinematic and deeply human.
Levien’s shift from screenplays to novels allowed him to explore Behr’s psyche in ways films couldn’t, creating a character whose emotional scars are as vivid as the city’s seedy corners. The series’ inception was a bold move to blend procedural suspense with raw emotional stakes, setting Behr apart in a crowded genre.
The Heart of Frank Behr
The Frank Behr series spans four gripping novels, each showcasing Behr’s relentless pursuit of justice. City of the Sun (2008) introduces Behr as he teams with grieving parents to find their missing son, uncovering a chilling kidnapping ring. Where the Dead Lay (2009) sees Behr hunting a mentor’s killer, diving into Indianapolis’s criminal underworld and a new breed of crime family. Thirteen Million Dollar Pop (2011), also known as The Contract in the UK, puts Behr on a protection detail for a political mogul, unraveling a web of corruption. Finally, Signature Kill (2015) pits Behr against an invisible serial killer, blending his personal journey with a high-stakes manhunt.
Themes of loss, redemption, and moral ambiguity weave through the series, with Behr’s past—particularly the tragic death of his son—shaping his every move. Levien’s Indianapolis setting is a character in itself, from suburban quiet to gritty backstreets, grounding the stories in a vivid sense of place. The series’ style, often compared to Michael Connelly or Lee Child, balances hard-boiled action with emotional resonance, making each book a page-turner that lingers.
Behr’s evolution is the series’ heartbeat. From a solitary figure in City of the Sun to a man cautiously building a new family by Thirteen Million Dollar Pop, his arc offers hope amid the darkness. Yet, Levien never shies away from the genre’s grit—expect graphic fight scenes, ruthless villains, and moral gray areas that challenge Behr’s strict inner code.
Why Frank Behr Resonates
The Frank Behr series may not top bestseller lists, but it’s carved a loyal niche among thriller fans. Readers praise Behr’s authenticity—a flawed, larger-than-life hero who feels real despite his near-superhuman strength. Critics, like those at Publishers Weekly, laud Levien’s “raw intensity” and ability to craft villains, like the depraved Riggi or the icy hitman Dwyer, who haunt readers long after the final page. The series’ blend of procedural detail and emotional depth has earned comparisons to Harry Bosch, cementing its place in modern crime fiction.
Its lasting appeal lies in its intimacy. Behr’s cases, often tied to personal loss, resonate with readers navigating their own struggles, while Indianapolis’s vivid backdrop makes the stakes feel immediate. For fans of noir and suspense, the series is a masterclass in balancing heart and grit, proving small-scale stories can pack a mighty punch.
- First Book: City of the Sun (2008)
- Total Books: 4
- Author: David Levien
- Setting: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Genre: Suspense/Thriller/Noir
Ready to lose yourself in a world of shadowy streets and relentless justice? Grab City of the Sun and step into Frank Behr’s gripping, emotional, and thrilling world today!