Dead Man’s Tunnel
Newly Released!
Dead Man’s Tunnel
By Dr. Sheldon Russell
St. Martin’s Press
The third installment of Russell’s 1940s series featuring yard dog Hook Runyon.
Near the end of WWII, Hook Runyon, railroad bull, and his dog, Mixer, are sent to the West Salvage yard in the high desert of Arizona. Not far away is the Johnson Canyon Tunnel. Though remote and ordinary as tunnels go, it is the gateway to the steepest railroad grade in North America and a potential bottleneck for the delivery of war supplies. So vital is this tunnel to the war effort that a twenty-four hour military guard has been assigned for the duration. Hook’s orders are to catch copper thieves and to stay out of sight and out of trouble. But things go awry when Hook receives a call that one of the guards has been killed mid-tunnel by an oncoming train. Lieutenant Allison Capron from the Army Transportation Department is called in to help with the investigation. At first, suicide by train is suspected, but the evidence soon suggests homicide resulting from a love triangle. Unable to fit his own findings into either of these theories, Hook suspects something more sinister.
Here’s what the critics are saying about Dead Man’s Tunnel:
“. . . richly atmospheric third Hook Runyon mystery. . . . A humane, credible lead bolsters a carefully constructed plot.” — Publisher’s Weekly
“One could not hope to find a droller guide through the ’40s or a more ardent dispenser of train knowledge than Hook.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Sheldon Russell delivers another outstanding addition to this compelling historical mystery series. His tightly woven narrative gives you an excellent feel for the location and time, as well as the complex characters involved. Can’t wait for Hook’s next thrilling adventure.” — FreshFiction.com
“Runyon is a great character — smart, tough and quite relentless. His story is well told, with conviction and flashes of wit.” — MercuryNews.com
