Step into the sun-scorched streets of Tucson, where Sarah Burke, the gritty homicide detective of Elizabeth Gunn’s captivating crime mystery series, battles crime and personal chaos with unwavering resolve. This isn’t your typical detective saga—Sarah’s blend of toughness and vulnerability, paired with Tucson’s vibrant borderland backdrop, makes every page pulse with tension and heart.
From chasing drug lords to protecting her troubled niece, Sarah Burke’s world is a thrilling mix of high-stakes police work and raw human emotion. Whether you’re a crime fiction fanatic or just love a strong female lead, this series delivers a punch you won’t forget.
How Sarah Burke Began
Elizabeth Gunn, a former innkeeper turned novelist with a knack for adventure, crafted the Sarah Burke series after settling in Tucson, Arizona. Inspired by the city’s proximity to the Mexican border and its complex social fabric, Gunn saw Tucson as the perfect stage for a hard-hitting police procedural. Her extensive research, including ride-alongs with the Tucson Police Department, infuses the series with authentic grit. Launched in 2007 with Cool in Tucson (later reissued as Close to Her), the series introduced Sarah as a trailblazing female detective navigating a male-dominated field.
The Heart of Sarah Burke
The Sarah Burke series spans seven novels, each weaving intricate mysteries with personal stakes. In Close to Her, Sarah tackles a parking lot murder while her niece, Denny, vanishes, entangled in a drug ring’s schemes. New River Blues sees her unravel a double homicide in a wealthy neighborhood, exposing a family’s dark secrets. Too Close to Kill ups the ante with a gruesome discovery—a chopped-up body in a box—testing Sarah’s detective skills. Sarah’s List, the seventh book, dives into a senior living facility murder tied to drug trafficking, showcasing Sarah’s relentless drive.
Themes of resilience, family, and justice anchor the series. Sarah’s role as Denny’s guardian, amidst her sister’s substance abuse struggles, adds emotional depth, making her more than just a cop. Tucson’s setting—80 miles from the Mexican border—shapes the narratives, with border issues, drug trade, and cultural diversity driving the plots. Gunn’s precise prose and humor keep the tone engaging, balancing grim crimes with moments of levity.
Why Sarah Burke Resonates
Sarah Burke stands out in crime fiction for her authenticity and relatability. Fans praise her as a flawed yet inspiring heroine who juggles professional ambition with personal loyalty. The series’ Tucson backdrop, vividly rendered, appeals to locals and newcomers alike, offering a fresh contrast to urban noir settings. Gunn’s meticulous police procedurals have earned accolades from outlets like Publishers Weekly for their inventive plots and surprising twists, cementing the series’ niche appeal.
Beyond its gripping mysteries, the series explores universal struggles—protecting loved ones, overcoming setbacks, and finding balance. Sarah’s journey as a pioneering female detective continues to inspire, making the series a hidden gem for crime fiction enthusiasts seeking depth and heart.
- Publication Years: 2007–2020
- Number of Books: 7
- Setting: Tucson, Arizona
- Genre: Crime Mystery, Police Procedural
Ready to dive into Tucson’s thrilling underbelly? Grab Close to Her and join Sarah Burke on a pulse-pounding ride through crime and courage!