What Kills Good Men: A Novel

By: David Hood

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Synopsis: An Arthur Ellis Award Shortlisted Title for Best First Novel. &“A layered, complex mystery novel, teeming with a gallery of memorable characters.&” —Atlantic Books Today On an October night in 1899 the body of a well-regarded city councilman is found floating under a Halifax wharf. Detective Inspector Culligan Baxter embarks on an investigation that leads from the waterfront, through the city&’s streets, and out into the surrounding countryside. Aided by the young but surprisingly astute Kenny Squire and an odd assortment of barkeeps, petty thieves, and prostitutes, Baxter&’s sleuthing takes him into the station&’s back files and along a path of connections and corruption, linking some of the city&’s most prominent businessmen. From the well-to-do parlors to the seedy taverns to the public spaces that still dominate the city&’s downtown today, author David Hood has created a vivid portrait of late-Victorian Halifax. With pointed observations on human behavior and on the changing character of his hometown, Detective Baxter conducts a sardonic inquiry into morality, justice, and the space in between. An Atlantic Book Award Nominee &“The interplay between the seasoned detective, his superiors, his cronies and contacts, and the smart young rookie who works with him adds to the story which attempts to negotiate a manageable line between justice and morality.&” —SaltWire