The Red Book book cover by James Patterson, David Ellis
Amazon customers: 4.6 out of 5 · 17,532 ratings

The Red Book

Limited-time deal
Hardcover $13.96 $28.00 Save 50%
View deal
Adult • Mystery • Thriller & Suspense • Police Procedurals • Thriller
Billy Harney Thrillers • Book 2 of 3
Drive-by shooting sparks community outrage Detective faces accusations from peers Political tensions rise amidst unrest Harney's family ties influence actions Clandestine investigation reveals dark truths

Detective Billy Harney’s reputation as a dirty cop anchors his life on Chicago’s streets, where getting shot in the head, being stalked by a state’s attorney, and facing murder accusations from fellow officers are part of the job. When a drive-by shooting on the city’s west side turns political, Harney leads the push for a quick solve, relying on instincts shaped by a father who was chief of detectives and a twin sister, Patti, who also serves on the force.

As a population hungry for justice threatens to riot, Harney realizes the three known victims are hardly the only casualties. He pursues questions that undo easy answers and keeps a clandestine investigation going while confronting a troubled past he swore never to revisit.

Detective Billy Harney must investigate a politically charged west-side drive-by as riots loom while dodging accusations from fellow cops and a state's attorney.
Choose a book format
Paperback prices by retailer

Pick a format, then compare retailer prices. The main button points to the preferred option for the selected format.

Edition information

Book details

Series
Billy Harney Thrillers Book 2 of 3
Publisher
Little, Brown and Company
Publication date
March 29, 2021
Print length
400 pages
Language
English
ISBN
978-1538752814

Mystery + Thriller & Suspense + Police Procedurals

Reader guide

What to Know Before Reading The Red Book

Book focuses on a morally compromised Chicago detective navigating politics, violence, and institutional suspicion. Much of the setup centers on street-level police work, a politically charged shooting, and threats of public unrest. The narrative emphasizes danger, investigation, and a protagonist forced to confront his own troubled past. Supernatural elements are not indicated, and the book appears to emphasize people, conflict, and atmosphere over speculative ideas.

Join the Reader List

Join bks.social’s reader list for book recommendations, reader updates, featured titles, and occasional community news. No noise. Just the important things.

About the author

James Patterson, David Ellis

James Patterson, David Ellis

ames Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time―an Edgar, ten-time Emmy, and Literarian-award-winning creator of beloved series including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich.

Join the book lovers community

Continue the conversation in the Book Hub for The Red Book

Visit bks.social’s Book Hub for reader discussions, reviews, posts, quotes, questions, reading activity, related books, and G-NRIS story intelligence.