Dive into the shadowy streets of Buffalo, New York, where Jeff Resnick, a former insurance investigator turned reluctant psychic, unravels chilling mysteries! The Jeff Resnick series by L.L. Bartlett (a pen name of Lorraine Bartlett) blends gritty detective work with paranormal twists, delivering a unique spin on the mystery genre. With its compelling protagonist and atmospheric setting, this series hooks readers who crave suspense with a supernatural edge.
Jeff’s journey begins with a brutal mugging that leaves him battered and gifted—or cursed—with psychic abilities. As he grapples with visions of violent crimes, Jeff teams up with his estranged half-brother, Richard, to solve cases that haunt both his mind and the city. It’s a thrilling ride that balances emotional depth with pulse-pounding investigations.
How Jeff Resnick Began
L.L. Bartlett, a versatile author also known for cozy mysteries under the name Lorraine Bartlett, launched the Jeff Resnick series in 2005 with Murder on the Mind. Inspired by her love for blending psychological suspense with paranormal elements, Bartlett crafted Jeff as a flawed, relatable hero whose psychic powers complicate his life as much as they aid his investigations. Set in Buffalo, her hometown, the series draws on the city’s gritty charm to ground its supernatural flair.
Bartlett’s diverse background—from NASA to Hollywood—infuses her writing with a knack for vivid characters and intricate plots. The series evolved from a standalone idea into a beloved saga, with fans drawn to Jeff’s personal struggles and the dynamic between him and Richard, a skeptical doctor navigating his brother’s uncanny gift.
The Heart of Jeff Resnick
The series kicks off with Murder on the Mind, where Jeff’s visions of a banker’s gruesome murder pull him into a dangerous investigation. In Dead in Red, a bartender’s death leads Jeff into Buffalo’s seedy underbelly, with flashes of a red high-heeled shoe guiding his hunt. Cheated by Death explores family secrets as Jeff uncovers a stalker’s motives, while Dark Waters delves into personal trauma, with Jeff facing a near-death experience that tests his resilience.
Themes of redemption, family ties, and the cost of intuition run deep. Jeff’s psychic abilities aren’t a superpower but a burden, causing headaches and emotional turmoil. Bartlett’s first-person narrative immerses readers in Jeff’s perspective, while Buffalo’s wintry streets and dive bars create a moody backdrop. The blend of hard-boiled detective work and paranormal insight sets the series apart, appealing to fans of both traditional mysteries and supernatural thrillers.
With 12 books and several short stories, the series offers a rich tapestry of cases, from cold-case disappearances to drag-queen subcultures. Bartlett’s humor and heartfelt character moments—like Jeff’s evolving bond with Richard’s wife, Brenda—add warmth to the darkness, making each book a page-turner.
Why Jeff Resnick Resonates
The Jeff Resnick series has carved a niche in the mystery genre, blending psychic phenomena with grounded, character-driven storytelling. Fans praise its emotional depth and Bartlett’s ability to make Jeff’s abilities feel authentic, as noted in reviews from Booklist and Library Journal. Its cult following appreciates the series’ underdog status, offering a fresh alternative to mainstream mysteries.
Jeff’s struggles with trauma and identity resonate with readers, while the Buffalo setting lends a distinctive flavor. Though not adapted for screen, the series’ vivid imagery and complex characters make it ripe for future exploration. Its lasting appeal lies in its heart: a man fighting to reclaim his life while solving crimes others can’t.
- First Book: Murder on the Mind (2005)
- Total Books: 12, plus short stories
- Author: L.L. Bartlett (Lorraine Bartlett)
- Setting: Buffalo, New York
Ready to unravel a mystery with a psychic twist? Grab Murder on the Mind and step into Jeff Resnick’s gripping world of crime and intuition!