Step into the shadowy, snow-dusted world of Steve Martinez, where a Lakota deputy sheriff battles crime and personal demons in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Henry Kisor’s Steve Martinez series blends gritty detective noir with the quiet charm of small-town life, delivering mysteries that hook you like a cold wind off Lake Superior. With its compelling hero and intricate cases, this series is a hidden gem for fans of regional crime dramas.
Centered in the fictional Porcupine County, the series follows Steve Martinez, a Native American with a mysterious past, as he unravels dark secrets in a tight-knit community. His sharp instincts and commitment to justice make every case a thrilling ride, perfect for readers craving suspense with heart.
How Steve Martinez Began
Henry Kisor, a retired Chicago Sun-Times book editor and deaf author, crafted the Steve Martinez series from his love for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he summers in a log cabin. Inspired by his own experiences navigating a hearing world and a friend’s bicultural Lakota identity, Kisor created Martinez as a complex hero—a Lakota raised by white missionaries, wrestling with identity while solving crimes. Launched in 2003 with Season’s Revenge, the series grew from Kisor’s passion for detective fiction and the rugged U.P. landscape, which he treats as a vivid character.
The Heart of Steve Martinez
The series spans six novels, each plunging Steve into Porcupine County’s underbelly. Season’s Revenge (2003) kicks off with the suspicious death of a local bigwig, initially blamed on a bear attack, but Steve’s gut says murder. In A Venture into Murder (2005), he investigates a corpse tied to an old mine, weaving in aviation thrills as he pilots a rickety Cessna. Cache of Corpses (2007) ups the ante with headless bodies linked to a twisted geocaching game, while The Riddle of Billy Gibbs (2016) tackles racial tensions in a murder with neo-Nazi ties.
Kisor’s mysteries blend police procedural precision with rich themes—identity, justice, and the clash of cultures. Steve’s Lakota heritage shapes his outsider perspective, adding depth to his battles against small-town prejudice and crime. The Upper Peninsula’s stark beauty, from icy forests to abandoned mines, grounds the series in a hauntingly real setting. Kisor’s clean prose and knack for local color, praised by critics like Marilyn Stasio in The New York Times, make each book a vivid escape.
Romantic subplots, like Steve’s rocky relationship with Ginny Fitzgerald, and his growth from testy deputy to philosophical sheriff, give the series emotional weight. Fans love the authentic U.P. culture—think Finnish festivals and barroom gossip—woven into the suspense, creating a world that feels lived-in and alive.
Why Steve Martinez Resonates
Though not a household name, the Steve Martinez series has carved a niche among mystery buffs for its authentic regional flavor and relatable hero. Critics, including Roger Ebert, have lauded its tight plots and Martinez’s flawed yet likable nature, comparing him to icons like Travis McGee. The series’ focus on Native American identity and small-town dynamics offers a fresh take on the genre, resonating with readers seeking diverse voices.
Its lasting appeal lies in its intimacy—Kisor’s love for the U.P. and Martinez’s personal struggles make the series feel like a fireside chat with an old friend. For fans of authors like William Kent Krueger, it’s a must-read that captures the soul of a place and its people.
- Publication Years: 2003–2016
- Number of Books: 6
- Setting: Porcupine County, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Author: Henry Kisor, retired Chicago Sun-Times editor
Grab Season’s Revenge and dive into Steve Martinez’s gripping world of mystery and heart! Whether you’re a noir nerd or a U.P. dreamer, this series will keep you turning pages late into the night.