Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of Zack Taylor, where a troubled ex-con turned unlikely hero battles criminals and his own demons in the rugged landscapes of Maine! The Zack Taylor mystery series, penned by Dale T. Phillips, blends hard-boiled noir with heartfelt redemption, delivering a thrilling ride for fans of crime fiction. With its vivid Portland setting and a protagonist who’s as flawed as he is fierce, this series hooks you from the first page.
Zack Taylor isn’t your typical detective. Haunted by a tragic past, he’s a martial arts expert with a knack for trouble and a heart set on justice. Whether he’s unraveling small-town conspiracies or dodging vengeful gangsters, Zack’s journey from drifter to righter-of-wrongs is a captivating tale of transformation.
How Zack Taylor Began
Dale T. Phillips, a New England native and student of Stephen King, crafted the Zack Taylor series to capture the mystery and grit of Maine, his childhood home. Inspired by classic hard-boiled heroes like Travis McGee and Mike Hammer, Phillips wanted a protagonist who was tough yet deeply human, wrestling with guilt and seeking purpose. Launched in 2011 with A Memory of Grief, the series grew from Phillips’ love for Maine’s stark beauty and complex communities, blending action with emotional depth.
The Heart of Zack Taylor
The series kicks off with A Memory of Grief, where Zack, reeling from his brother’s accidental death, heads to Maine to investigate his friend Ben Sterling’s alleged suicide. His obsession uncovers a web of drugs, murder, and betrayal, setting the tone for his relentless pursuit of truth. In A Fall From Grace, Zack defends a single mother accused of murder, diving into Mill Springs’ corrupt underbelly. A Shadow on the Wall sees him tangled in Hollywood’s arrival in Portland, facing old enemies and new conspiracies. A Certain Slant of Light explores art-world fraud, with Zack honoring a dying woman’s plea to find her grandson.
Phillips’ prose is clean and efficient, weaving noir-ish tension with themes of redemption, justice, and personal growth. Zack’s Maine is both a character and a canvas—its coastal towns and shadowy streets pulse with danger and charm. His martial arts prowess fuels cathartic action, while his struggles with rage and alcoholism add layers of relatability, making him a hero you root for despite his rough edges.
Why Zack Taylor Resonates
The Zack Taylor series stands out in the mystery genre for its raw, emotional core and vivid sense of place. Fans praise Zack’s authenticity—a flawed loner who makes friends easily but enemies even faster. Phillips’ storytelling, honed under Stephen King’s guidance, balances gritty realism with hope, appealing to readers who crave action and introspection. Though not a household name, the series has a loyal following, with reviewers likening Zack to Spenser or Matt Scudder for his moral grit and hardscrabble charm.
Its niche status adds to its allure, offering a fresh take on the hard-boiled genre for those seeking undiscovered gems. Set in the 1990s, the series evokes a timeless quality, blending nostalgia with universal themes of second chances.
- First Book: A Memory of Grief (2011)
- Number of Books: Seven (as of 2025)
- Setting: Portland, Maine
- Author’s Mentor: Stephen King
Grab A Memory of Grief and dive into Zack Taylor’s thrilling world of mystery and redemption—your next favorite hero awaits!