Color of Justice

by Gary Hardwick

Book Overview

Raised in the bosom of the inner city, white Detroit Homicide cop Danny Cavanaugh speaks and acts with the unmistakable attitude of a black man. But the savage murders of affluent African-Americans are plunging him into the urban heart of terror, where he will learn first-hand how powerful, inviolate -- and deadly -- the color line truly is.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380818841
• ISBN13: 9780380818846
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: HarperTorch
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Intriguing, Suspenseful and Superbly Written!

Gary Hardwick is back with a vengeance in his latest mystery thriller titled The Color of Justice. This novel was definitely well worth the wait and more than exceeded my expectations. Fast-paced and action-oriented, the reader is taken on a harrying roller coaster ride from Chapter One as Hardwick takes us to the scene of a brutal, grizzly and bizarre murder of one of Detroit?s elite and wealthy African American families. This is only the first of many murders that will occur and will require not only the Detroit Police Force but also the FBI to figure out who the killer(s) is. Hardwick reunites us with one of Detroit?s finest ?Detective Danny Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh swore to protect and to serve but currently he?s barely staying afloat of personal issues and its sometimes questionable as to how well he can do his job. Cavanaugh has many issues including being under psychiatrist care; a strained relationship with his father as well as his long-term, live-in African American girlfriend, Vinny; disturbing visions and dreams about his mother?s death and to some a serious identity crisis. Danny Cavanaugh was raised in inner-city Detroit and not only does he act like an African American male but he also sounds like one?when you hear his voice sight unseen you imagine a tall, dark and handsome brotha?hmmm..open the door and who appears is Danny. Despite issues regarding his personal life, Danny is an outstanding detective and when the murders continue and appear to be that of a serial killer, Danny is able to bring to the forefront that which isn?t so obvious to others including his fellow partner Eric and an FBI Agent who?s also been assigned to the case.This book is a Must Read for 2002. Once I had a moment to devote my attention to Color of Justice, I devoured this book in one sitting; it was my first read for 2002 and what a suspenseful and engaging read it was. Hardwick gives us an action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful and intriguing storyline. Plot twists and turns abound and just when you think you?ve figured out the villains, Hardwick throws you another curveball and takes you on another terrifying and thrilling roller coaster ride. I only had one minor pet-peeve with the storyline and that was the theory behind the murders. The theory was really weak for me but the creatively crafted storyline more than made up for that little nuance. Color of Justice is the third novel I?ve read from Hardwick and with each book he gets better and better; he?s definitely my favorite AA mystery writer and I look forward to future releases from this talented author and master storyteller.Reviewed by Yasmin

Looking beneath the surface

Danny Cavenaugh. An Irish boy raised in a black Detroit neighborhood. Adapting to his surroundings, he picks up the speech and mannerisms of his peers. A cop. The job becomes his life.The case. A string of murders of members of the black elite.The challenge. Danny must come to terms with the death of his mother, his psyche, and in the process solve this case before it's too late.This was my first Gary Hardwick novel, and I was pleasantly surprised by his writing style. He grabs you at page one. He doesn't let go until you close the book after reading the last page. This novel was a great read that contained all the ingredients of a good mystery/suspense. Strong characterizations, fast paced- plot, and a lesson about race make Color of Justice a 5 star read.

A work of Art

This book was the talk of the office. I purchased it on Friday night and finished it by Sunday. Put succinctly, I was blown away. I read constantly, and never have I read a novel from this particular perspective. Of course, the mystery was gripping, but even more compelling and impressive was the way Mr. Hardwick managed to incorporate the race issue throughout the book, without making me feel manipulated or beaten over the head with the message. It's obvious he wanted to make a statement - and he did! But it was done with such insight and eloquence that I was more inclined to feel, rather than read, what he was conveying. I am amazed with Mr. Hardwick's ability to show prejudice in it's myriad of disgusting forms. Broadening, and taking it to a level that makes us empathize with the pain it causes ALL races. Proving, yet again, that cruelty is cruelty, regardless of the color or class of the offender. The protagonist jumps off the page. I hope to read more about this complex character. I found the actions of his girlfriend to be intriguing, and accurate. She was strong and decisive, but terribly susceptible to the influence of her peers and family.

Smoking Hot! Gary Hardwick is the man

With Color of Justice, from page one you're taken on a dark, suspenseful, and gritty ride through the mean streets of Detroit. Prominent black people are getting brutally killed. The trail of murders has complex similarities that threaten to shake the city. Danny Cavanaugh, a white cop, along with his partner, Erik, is on a mission to unlock the case. Throughout the read, there's a lot of guesswork about the probable killer. That constant intensity is what makes this read so engaging that at times you're almost hyperventilating in an effort to turn the pages.Gary Hardwick is a highly gifted and credible talent, a writer who's very adept at sketching characters that live, breathe, and are full of emotion and angst. His prose is simple yet profound. This book leaves its footprints throughout Detroit, and the descriptions regarding the settings are so on point, you feel as if you're given a bird's eye view of all the action. From drug addicts to murderers, the characterizations are shocking, yet compelling. And the societal implications of the high drama within Color of Justice will leave your mouth hanging open as the plot unfolds and skids to a dramatic close.If you're looking for a non-stop thrill of a read, one packed with characters whose outcome become your concern, then Color of Justice is the book for you. Gary Hardwick makes reading about the Motor City adventurous, electrifying, and oh so trendy.

Long Awaited and very good reading

Long Awaited one of my favorite mystery writers new book has finally been released. This book was well worth the wait. The writing was excellent, descriptive and it had good dialogue. The storylines were well developed and thought out. If you can guess the murderer in this one, you are GOOD!!, cuz it was none of my suspects. Danny Cavanaugh is a white cop in the City of Detroit. He sounds black and has pretty much acclimated to the black life. His live in girlfriend Vinny is black, he listens to gangsta Rap and lives in a black neighborhood. Danny and his partner Erik get the privilege of investigating the murders of some elite black members of the NOAA. While investigating these murders, Danny is fighting his own demons: the recent death of his mother, his girlfriend distancing herself from him, his crumbling relationship with his father and his own tendencies for self destruction. Along with the murders of the NOAA members, there are other interesting storylines including the mean and ruthless Bady Brothers and racial discrimination. This is a book you won't want to miss. An actual 4.5 in my book. The writing and accurate descriptions of my hometown, gives it a 5.