Step into the gritty, heart-pounding world of the Marty Singer Mystery series, where a retired detective battles crime and cancer with equal tenacity! Crafted by Matthew Iden, this captivating crime fiction saga follows Marty Singer, a former Washington, DC, homicide detective whose sharp instincts and dry humor make him an unforgettable hero. With intricate mysteries and deeply human struggles, the series hooks readers from the first page.
Unlike your typical tough-guy detective, Marty’s vulnerability sets him apart. Forced into retirement by a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, he doesn’t hang up his badge entirely. Instead, he dives into cases that demand justice, blending hard-boiled action with poignant reflections on mortality and redemption. Ready to meet a detective who’s as real as it gets? Let’s explore Marty’s world!
How Marty Singer Mystery Began
Matthew Iden, a versatile author with a knack for psychological twists, launched the Marty Singer Mystery series in 2012 with A Reason to Live. Inspired by his eclectic career—spanning jobs with the US Postal Service, the Forest Service in Alaska, and the globe-trotting Semester at Sea program—Iden wanted to create a detective who felt authentic. Marty Singer, a fifty-something ex-cop grappling with health issues, was born from Iden’s desire to write a protagonist who’s flawed yet fiercely determined. The series’ Washington, DC, setting, drawn from Iden’s own experiences, adds a vivid backdrop to Marty’s investigations.
The Heart of Marty Singer Mystery
The Marty Singer Mystery series spans eight books, each a standalone tale woven with suspense and emotional depth. In A Reason to Live (2012), Marty gets a second chance at a case that haunts him: a murderer from his past is stalking the victim’s daughter. The stakes are personal, and Marty’s dogged pursuit of justice shines. Blueblood (2012) sees him tackling a string of cop killings, navigating a web of corruption from DC’s gritty streets to Virginia’s ganglands. One Right Thing (2013) takes Marty to rural Virginia, where a billboard about a murdered ex-con sparks a guilt-driven quest for answers. Once Was Lost (2016) flips the script, with Marty helping a man and his son vanish from a dangerous criminal family—only to realize the real danger is just beginning.
Iden’s series thrives on themes of justice, redemption, and resilience. Marty’s cancer diagnosis isn’t just a plot device; it’s a lens for exploring mortality, giving his investigations a raw urgency. The Washington, DC, setting pulses with local color, from seedy alleys to political power hubs, grounding the stories in a tangible world. Iden’s sharp dialogue and dry humor—think Elmore Leonard with a touch of heart—keep the pace brisk, while Marty’s relationships, like his bond with adopted daughter Amanda, add warmth to the grit.
Why Marty Singer Mystery Resonates
The Marty Singer Mystery series has carved a niche in crime fiction for its blend of hard-boiled thrills and human vulnerability. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise Marty as a refreshing departure from invincible heroes, with his health struggles and moral dilemmas making him relatable. Iden’s storytelling, lauded for its tight plots and vivid settings, draws comparisons to Robert B. Parker and John Sandford. While not a household name, the series’ loyal following cherishes its emotional depth and Marty’s stubborn pursuit of doing right, ensuring its lasting appeal in the genre.
- First Book: A Reason to Live (2012)
- Total Books: 8
- Setting: Washington, DC, and surrounding areas
- Genre: Crime Fiction/Mystery
Grab A Reason to Live and dive into the Marty Singer Mystery series’ thrilling, heartfelt world! Whether you’re a crime fiction fanatic or just love a good underdog story, Marty’s adventures will keep you turning pages late into the night.