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  • Published: 15 September 2013
  • ISBN: 9781594746741
  • Imprint: Quirk Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $26.99

The Last Policeman

A Novel



The Edgar-nominated mystery (for Best Paperback Original Novel) returns in a new and improved edition -- with an all-new series redesign, and a special sneak-preview of DISASTERLAND: THE LAST POLICEMAN BOOK II.

As Seen on Today with Hoda & Jenna

“A genre-defying blend of crime writing and science fiction.” –Alexandra Alter, The New York Times

Winner of the 2013 Edgar® Award for Best Paperback Original!

What’s the point in solving murders if we’re all going to die soon, anyway?
 
Detective Hank Palace has faced this question ever since asteroid 2011GV1 hovered into view. There’s no chance left. No hope. Just six precious months until impact.

The economy spirals downward while crops rot in the fields. Churches and synagogues are packed. People all over the world are walking off the job—but not Hank Palace. He’s investigating a death by hanging in a city that sees a dozen suicides every week—except this one feels suspicious, and Palace is the only cop who cares.

The first in a trilogy, The Last Policeman offers a mystery set on the brink of an apocalypse. As Palace’s investigation plays out under the shadow of 2011GV1, we’re confronted by hard questions way beyond “whodunit.” What basis does civilization rest upon? What is life worth? What would any of us do, what would we really do, if our days were numbered?

  • Published: 15 September 2013
  • ISBN: 9781594746741
  • Imprint: Quirk Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $26.99

About the author

Ben H. Winters

Ben H. Winters is the author of nine novels, including most recently the New York Times bestselling Underground Airlines. His novel Countdown City was an NPR Best Book of 2013 and the winner of the Philip K. Dick Award for Distinguished Science Fiction, and The Last Policeman was the recipient of the 2012 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America; it was also named one of the Best Booksof 2012 by Amazon.com and Slate.

Ben also writes books for children and his journalism has appeared in The Chicago Reader, The Nation, In These Times, USA Today and Huffington Post. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and their three children.

Also by Ben H. Winters

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Praise for The Last Policeman

"...sharp, funny, and deeply wise...a [staff] favorite book of 2012."--Slate.com
"I'm eager to read the other books, and expect that they'll keep me as enthralled as the first one did."--Mark Frauenfedler, Boing Boing
"Ben Winters makes noir mystery even darker: his latest novel sets a despondent detective on a suspicious suicide case--while an asteroid hurtles toward earth."--Wired magazine
"Full of compelling twists, likable characters, and a sad beauty, The Last Policeman is a gem."--San Francisco Book Review
"This is a book that asks big questions about civilization, community, desperation and hope."--io9
"Ben Winters vividly spins a wonderful tale..."--NY Journal of Books
"A promising kickoff to a planned trilogy. For Winters, the beauty is in the details rather than the plot's grim main thrust."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review