Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of P.I. Julie Collins, where the rugged landscapes of South West Dakota hide dark secrets and dangerous truths! Lori G. Armstrong’s acclaimed crime thriller series follows Julie Collins, a tough-as-nails sheriff’s office secretary moonlighting as a private investigator. Haunted by personal tragedy, Julie’s relentless pursuit of justice pulls her into a web of murder, mystery, and moral ambiguity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
With her sharp wit, chain-smoking habits, and knack for trouble, Julie is no ordinary sleuth. Her investigations unravel not only crimes but also her own demons, making this series a compelling blend of raw emotion and high-stakes action. Perfect for fans of hard-boiled mysteries, P.I. Julie Collins delivers a fresh take on the genre with a fiercely flawed heroine.
How P.I. Julie Collins Began
Lori G. Armstrong, a South Dakota native and former firearms industry professional, launched the P.I. Julie Collins series in 2005 with Blood Ties. Inspired by her love for gritty crime fiction and the stark beauty of her home state, Armstrong crafted Julie as a complex character shaped by loss and resilience. A two-time Shamus Award winner, Armstrong’s vivid storytelling and authentic regional flavor quickly earned the series a dedicated following among mystery enthusiasts.
The Heart of P.I. Julie Collins
The series kicks off with Blood Ties (2005), where Julie, grieving her murdered Lakota half-brother, dives into a case involving a slain teenage girl. The investigation unearths chilling connections to her brother’s unsolved death, setting the tone for Julie’s relentless quest for truth. In Hallowed Ground (2006), Julie tackles a missing Native American girl’s case, navigating a maze of custody disputes and casino rivalries while her romance with biker Tony Martinez heats up.
Shallow Grave (2007) sees Julie and partner Kevin Wells probing an insurance fraud case that spirals into a deadly mystery involving human remains. The series wraps with Snow Blind (2008), where a blizzard traps Julie in a chilling investigation at an assisted living facility. Themes of grief, justice, and redemption weave through the series, set against South Dakota’s stark prairies and tribal lands. Armstrong’s raw, first-person narrative and Julie’s brash vulnerability make each book a gripping, character-driven ride.
Why P.I. Julie Collins Resonates
P.I. Julie Collins stands out for its unapologetic heroine and vivid sense of place. Julie’s flaws—her drinking, impulsiveness, and tangled love life—make her relatable, while her courage captivates. The series’ exploration of Native American issues and small-town dynamics adds depth, earning praise from critics like Clive Cussler. With Shamus Award nominations and a cult following, the series remains a gem for fans of gritty mysteries craving authentic, heart-pounding stories.
- First Book: Blood Ties (2005)
- Total Books: 4, plus novellas
- Awards: Shamus Award nominations for Blood Ties, Hallowed Ground, and Shallow Grave; Shamus win for Snow Blind
- Setting: Bear Butte County, South West Dakota
Ready to meet a PI who breaks all the rules? Grab Blood Ties and dive into Julie Collins’s thrilling, no-holds-barred world of crime and redemption!