Where to Start Reading David J. Walker
For readers new to David J. Walker, the best entry point depends on what kind of detective dynamic you prefer. If you enjoy a classic, gritty, and morally complex hard-boiled detective story, you should start with Fixed in His Folly, the first book in the Mal Foley series. Foley's struggle with his own personal history and the legal system offers a deeply atmospheric, character-driven noir experience.
If you prefer a lighter, banter-filled relationship dynamic akin to a modern Nick and Nora Charles, the Wild Onion Ltd. series is the perfect starting point. You should begin with A Ticket to Die For. Setting the series in motion, it introduces Kirsten and Dugan, a married couple who balance their relationship with solving high-stakes Chicago crimes. Both series are highly grounded in Walker's real-life experience as a Chicago investigator, priest, and attorney, making either choice a fantastic introduction to his bibliography.
The Mal Foley Series
The Mal Foley series centers on Malachy "Mal" Foley, a former attorney who has transitioned into working as a private investigator in Chicago. Haunted by his past and frequently facing ethical dilemmas, Foley's cases dive into the dark underbelly of the city, dealing with corruption, family secrets, and local crime syndicates.
Mal Foley Books in Publication and Chronological Order
- Fixed in His Folly (1995): Introduces Mal Foley as he is hired to investigate a suspicious death that leads him deep into the corruption of Chicago's political and legal systems. This debut novel earned Walker an Edgar Award nomination.
- Half the Truth (1996): Foley takes on a case involving a wealthy Chicago family, uncovering a web of lies, blackmail, and long-buried secrets that force him to question his own boundaries.
- Applaud the Hollow Ghost (1998): A missing person case leads Foley through the city's neighborhoods, dealing with the haunting grief of families and the ghosts of his own past.
- No Show of Remorse (2002): Foley investigates a complex murder conspiracy where justice is hard to find, showcasing Walker's trademark realistic legal and police procedures.
The Wild Onion Ltd. Series
Set in Chicago, the Wild Onion Ltd. series stars Kirsten, a tough ex-police officer who runs the private detective agency Wild Onion, Ltd., and her husband Dugan, a practicing attorney. Their partnership blends street-level police work with courtroom and legal strategy, all while navigating the everyday trials of marriage. The series is celebrated for its sharp dialogue and detailed depiction of Chicago neighborhoods.
Wild Onion Ltd. Books in Publication and Chronological Order
- A Ticket to Die For (1998): The series opener where Kirsten and Dugan are drawn into a web of greed and murder involving lottery tickets, setting the stage for their professional and personal dynamic.
- A Beer at a Bawdy House (2000): Kirsten and Dugan investigate a crime tied to a local tavern, dealing with eccentric neighborhood locals and complex moral choices.
- The End of Emerald Woods (2000): The duo looks into suburban development schemes and environmental crimes, uncovering deadly motives behind corporate greed.
- All the Dead Fathers (2005): Kirsten and Dugan confront a deeply personal and historical mystery that ties back to family legacies and long-held secrets in Chicago.
- Too Many Clients (2010): The agency finds itself overwhelmed with conflicting clients and cases that intersect in unexpected and dangerous ways.
- The Towman's Daughters (2011): A gripping case involving the family of a local towing mogul, forcing the couple to unravel a web of deceit and family rivalry. This book won a Lovey Award at the Love Is Murder conference.
Standalone Novels and Collaborations
In addition to his recurring characters, Walker has written standalone novels that leverage his professional background, particularly his years in the priesthood and legal system.
- Saving Paulo (2008): A suspenseful thriller focusing on themes of protection, justice, and redemption outside of his primary series continuities.
- The Last Page (2011): A cozy mystery novella co-authored with fellow Chicago crime writer Libby Fischer Hellmann. The story follows Julia Fairbanks as she investigates the suspicious death of a local librarian, and includes bonus short stories.
- Company Orders (2012): A thriller about a priest who becomes entangled with the CIA, reflecting Walker's own background and exploring the friction between religious duty, national security, and personal morality. It won a Lovey Award for Best Thriller.
What to Know Before You Start
David J. Walker's books stand out in the mystery genre because of their exceptional authenticity. Having worked as a Catholic priest, a Chicago Police Department investigator, and an attorney, Walker infuses his novels with real-world knowledge of theology, street-level policing, and the legal system. Readers should note that while the books can generally be read as standalones, following the publication order is highly recommended to fully appreciate the character development and evolving relationships—particularly the marriage of Kirsten and Dugan in the Wild Onion Ltd. series.