The Dead Soul — M. William Phelps

In his first novel, the bestselling true crime author and star of ID's hit series Dark Minds takes you into the world of a sadistic serial killer.

M. William Phelps's The Dead Soul takes you on a suspenseful journey through Boston's illicit past, where Detective Jake “Sundance” Cooper fights to redeem his crumbling career. At the same time, a sadistic serial killer known as “The Optimist” -- a character based on the author's 20 years of research and writing about real serial killers -- terrorizes young female victims along the city's Freedom Trail. Cooper's investigation exposes a corrupt Boston PD. It puts him at the center of a choice between blue blood loyalty and the pursuit of truth as his mentor, Detective Mo Blackhall, faces an indictment for his involvement in a scandal.

This gritty thriller provides a fascinating look into the reality of Boston's mean streets. Driven by a cast of characters reminiscent of Dennis Lehane's finest fiction, The Dead Soul offers a thrill ride of suspense, mystery, and police procedural drama.

“Read the first page of The Dead Soul and you won't stop . . . Phelps's narrative grabs you by the lapels and doesn't let go.” -- John Lutz, New York Times�"bestselling author