Step into the gritty, gripping world of Joe Burgess, where the streets of Portland, Maine, pulse with mystery and moral dilemmas! Kate Flora’s Joe Burgess series is a standout in the police procedural genre, blending heart-pounding investigations with the emotional depth of a detective haunted by his past. With a knack for unraveling complex crimes and a heart anchored in justice, Burgess is a character you’ll root for through every twist and turn.
Unlike typical cop dramas, this series dives deep into the human cost of crime, loyalty, and the toll of relentless duty. If you love a story that’s as much about the man behind the badge as the cases he solves, Joe Burgess is your next must-read.
How Joe Burgess Began
Kate Flora, a former attorney with a passion for crime fiction, crafted Joe Burgess after years of legal work in Maine’s Attorney General’s office. Her experience protecting vulnerable communities inspired a series grounded in authenticity. Frustrated by the limitations of her earlier Thea Kozak mysteries, Flora turned to police procedurals, drawing on real-life consultations with Portland police to shape Burgess. Launched in 2006 with Playing God, the series reflects Flora’s fascination with the moral complexities of law enforcement and her love for Maine’s rugged charm.
The Heart of Joe Burgess
The Joe Burgess series spans eight books, each plunging readers into Portland’s underbelly. In Playing God, Burgess tackles the murder of a despised physician, navigating a web of suspects from hookers to disgruntled patients. The Angel of Knowlton Park sees him racing to save children from a vicious killer, while Redemption explores his bond with a troubled Vietnam vet whose death sparks a conspiracy. A World of Deceit, the seventh installment, finds Burgess on vacation—until a comatose geologist and a missing mother pull him into a tangle of greed and family secrets.
Flora’s writing shines through vivid settings—Portland’s icy winters and bustling harbors feel alive—and themes of justice, sacrifice, and resilience. Burgess isn’t a flawless hero; his aches, doubts, and strained relationships with his fiancée, Chris, make him relatable. The series stands out for its ensemble cast, with Burgess’s detective team adding humor and camaraderie to balance the darkness. Maine itself is a character, its complex identity woven into every case.
Why Joe Burgess Resonates
The Joe Burgess series has carved a niche among police procedural fans for its authenticity and emotional depth. Flora’s legal background and police consultations lend credibility, earning praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly for “dazzling” procedurals. Awards like the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction underscore its impact. Readers connect with Burgess’s dogged pursuit of justice and his personal struggles, making the series a compelling blend of grit and heart. For Maine natives and newcomers alike, it’s a love letter to the state’s rugged soul.
- About Joe Burgess
- First book published: 2006 (Playing God)
- Total books: 8 (latest, Such a Good Man, 2023)
- Awards: Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction (Redemption, And Grant You Peace, A World of Deceit)
- Setting: Portland, Maine
Dive into Playing God and join Joe Burgess in his thrilling, heartfelt quest for justice in Portland’s shadowy streets!