Step into the captivating world of the Henry Kennis Mystery series, where Nantucket’s salty breezes and tangled secrets collide! Written by Steven Axelrod, this police procedural saga follows Henry Kennis, a former Los Angeles cop turned poetry-writing police chief, as he unravels crimes on the glamorous yet gritty Nantucket Island. With its blend of intricate mysteries, vivid characters, and a setting that feels like a character itself, this series is a hidden gem for mystery lovers craving a fresh take.
Henry’s journey from big-city detective to small-town sleuth hooks readers from the first page, offering a mix of suspense, wit, and heart. Whether you’re drawn to complex whodunits or the charm of an island where everyone knows everyone’s secrets, the Henry Kennis Mysteries deliver.
How Henry Kennis Mystery Began
Steven Axelrod, a Nantucket resident with an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts, crafted the Henry Kennis series from his own experiences and love for the island. A former Hollywood screenwriter and poet, Axelrod drew inspiration from Nantucket’s unique social fabric—where wealthy summer visitors clash with year-round locals. Launched in 2014 with Nantucket Sawbuck, the series reflects Axelrod’s knack for blending real-world issues like wealth inequality and tourism’s impact with classic mystery tropes. His goal? To create a sleuth who’s as reflective as he is relentless.
The Heart of Henry Kennis Mystery
The series kicks off with Nantucket Sawbuck, where Henry investigates the murder of a despised millionaire, Preston Lomax, uncovering scandals among Nantucket’s eclectic residents—think surfing carpenters and scheming socialites. In Nantucket Five-Spot, a bomb threat at a Boston Pops concert tests Henry’s instincts, revealing a conspiracy closer to home. Nantucket Grand weaves a darker web, tying a young boy’s death and a local hero’s murder to a possible island-wide plot. By Nantucket Counterfeit, Henry’s tackling a theater director’s gruesome killing, navigating a gossip-fueled community theater scene.
Axelrod’s strength lies in his themes: the tension between Nantucket’s haves and have-nots, the weight of personal and professional loyalty, and the search for truth in a tight-knit community. Henry, a poet with a sharp mind, brings a literary lens to his cases, making him a standout in the genre. The island itself—its beaches, McMansions, and hidden corners—grounds the stories, offering a vivid backdrop that feels both idyllic and menacing.
The series’ style is a love letter to police procedurals, with a nod to Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone and P.D. James’ Adam Dalgliesh. Axelrod’s witty dialogue, twisty plots, and “old school low-tech” investigations keep readers guessing, while Henry’s personal struggles—fatherhood, romance, and fitting into Nantucket—add depth.
Why Henry Kennis Mystery Resonates
The Henry Kennis Mysteries shine for their ability to balance classic mystery with modern social commentary. Fans praise Axelrod’s sharp prose and Nantucket’s authentic portrayal, which captures the island’s beauty and its underbelly—opioid issues, class divides, and buried grudges. The series has carved a niche among readers who enjoy character-driven procedurals with a strong sense of place, earning comparisons to Martha’s Vineyard mysteries by Philip Craig.
Though not a household name, the series’ loyal following appreciates its blend of cozy charm and gritty realism. Axelrod’s local ties and storytelling prowess make each book a love letter to Nantucket, ensuring Henry Kennis remains a sleuth worth rooting for.
- First book: Nantucket Sawbuck (2014)
- Total books: 6 (as of 2020, ending with Nantucket Penny)
- Setting: Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
- Genre: Police procedural, mystery
Ready to crack a case with Henry Kennis? Grab Nantucket Sawbuck and dive into a world of island intrigue and poetic sleuthing!