In "Countdown City," the second novel in The Last Policeman series by Ben H. Winters, former Detective Hank Palace navigates a world on the brink of destruction as society crumbles in anticipation of an impending asteroid impact. Despite losing his job, Hank remains determined to solve a missing person case, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his detective work even in the face of apocalyptic chaos. The book masterfully combines elements of police procedural with apocalyptic themes, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the breakdown of societal norms and the resilience of the human spirit.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a society teetering on the edge of collapse, painting a vivid and unsettling portrait of a world on the brink of disaster. Winters skillfully weaves together a gripping mystery plot with the larger narrative of impending doom, creating a sense of tension and urgency that propels the reader through the novel. Through the character of Hank Palace, the author explores themes of morality, duty, and human connection in a world that is rapidly unraveling, offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of suicide, societal violence, and existential dread as characters cope with the impending apocalypse.
From The Publisher:
"A genre-defying blend of crime writing and science fiction."-Alexandra Alter, The New York Times
Detective Hank Palace returns in the second in the speculative mystery trilogy set on the brink of the apocalypse.
There are just 77 days before a deadly asteroid collides with Earth, and Detective Palace is out of a job. With the Concord police force operating under the auspices of the U.S. Justice Department, Hank's days of solving crimes are over…until a woman from his past begs for help finding her missing husband.
Brett Cavatone disappeared without a trace-an easy feat in a world with no phones, no cars, and no way to tell whether someone's gone "bucket list" or just gone. With society falling to shambles, Hank pieces together what few clues he can, on a search that leads him from a college-campus-turned-anarchist-encampment to a crumbling coastal landscape where anti-immigrant militia fend off "impact zone" refugees.
Countdown City presents another fascinating mystery set on brink of an apocalypse-and once again, Hank Palace confronts questions way beyond "whodunit." What do we as human beings owe to one another? And what does it mean to be civilized when civilization is collapsing all around you?
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Countdown City?
About the Author:
Ben H. Winters is an Edgar Award winner and a New York Times best-selling author. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
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