I lived and worked the streets of Yakima. Many of the people in Officer Kusske's book I knew. I found myself in the middle of stuff no one should have known about. I spent a lot of time hiding from some but staying cordial with others. There are many more stories and places in this town that held so many secrets and still do. Things you never talk about. I want more. Excellent read, I can't wait for the next one.

Living in Yakima, this book was fun and interesting. I’ve never done so much research on the old buildings around town. Trying to figure out which parts may have really happened and which parts are a work of fiction! I know the tunnels are real, but have they been mapped? Hmmm. Looking forward to the second and third books!

Having moved to Yakima from Tacoma In 1992, I found this book so interesting and full of local “flavor!” Many of the local spots were still operating after our move. I had no idea the crime base in Yakima was so widespread, and am so very grateful for the dogged pursuit by the good guys. Excellent read, Mr. Kusske!

Five Stars!!! This story begins with, in my opinion, the most captivating opening paragraph I’ve ever encountered… From there, the author, Victor Kusske, paints a less-than idealistic picture of the City of Yakima and its residents using an aggressive, no-bones writing style, that (while a little less polished) is reminiscent of the short stories written by Yakima native, Raymond Carver. Kusske uses a combination of real and fictional characters to tell a story of organized crime and corruption in ‘small-town-America’. While the story and characters are from the imagination of the author, the city is real and on display in vivid color. Victor Kusske weaves an intricate tale of corruption at the top of Yakima’s police force and then provides a unique perspective as his protagonist, Joe Creed, struggles to bring it down. Born in Sunnyside, WA and growing up in Yakima from the age of three, I was transported to the Yakima I knew and loved. All the places I knew came alive again in Kusske’s storytelling. My mother and grandmother worked in the café of Stockman’s. My aunt worked in the Corral. My best friend’s aunt managed the Golden Wheel for a time, and I heard stories of the tunnels there. For a time, I even lived in the Crystal Palace. If you know the city, you will love seeing it brought to life in Kusske’s crime story. If you are not familiar with Yakima, but are a fan of crime drama, this story is for you.

Vic has completed a concise and thoughtful examination of the Sharon Burch homicide case. If Archie’s information was truthful, the adoptive parents got away with murder. During my interview with them, they evaded pertinent questions, and their body language was quite telling. The average person listening to the tape could only conclude Archie’s information was the truth. Sharon Burch suffered a horrific death and there has been no justice for what was done to her.

The killing fields of Yakima Valley have caused untold emotional anguish to my family. What can be said about a 90-year-old grandmother looking in irrigation canals for the body of her only son? Grandchildren who haven’t met their grandfather; children who haven’t been able to hug their dad, cousins missing him, along with sisters who are no longer able to share a simple cup of coffee with their beloved brother and friend?

An intriguing read!! The movement between fictional characters, friendships, conversations, documented reports and facts kept my interest in a new way. The facts and reports are about real people and real stories right here in the city of Yakima! There are people and families known to many with questions that remain unanswered, and lives disrupted. It’s sad and can be a call for further investigation and transparency. Who will answer the call and take the initiative?

Ryan was the nicest man I knew. I never heard him talk bad about anyone. I understood that Ryan was planning on moving to Idaho, near his mother, in an attempt to recover from his drug problems. He went to the courthouse that Friday and paid all his fines. His father has copies of the receipts. So, why would he take his life after making plans for a fresh start? We saw a pentacle in Ryan’s back yard and believe there was an evil presence.

Vic Kusske has woven four Yakima cold cases with Joe Creed’s continuing adventures in this interesting installment of the Criminal Prosecutor series. Bringing these stories to life through real case files provides a heartbreaking window into what these families have endured while they wait for justice. Here’s hoping Kusske’s book can bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to these painful and unsolved chapters of Yakima’s history.

Once again, Mr. Kusske has captured the intrigue and drama of major criminal cases, developing stories – stories that bring the reader right into the investigations. The characters come alive as the real-life mysteries involve the reader in determining the truth.