Four thieves break into Eddie Johnson's home expecting an easy score. They believe they're stealing drug money. They believe no one will get hurt. They are wrong.
What begins as a calculated home invasion quickly spirals into a chain reaction of violence, deception, and deadly consequences. As the body count rises and the true stakes come into focus, detectives Quinn and Bondurant are pulled into an investigation that grows darker and more dangerous with every lead. The deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes that this was never a simple robbery-it was the spark that ignited something far more explosive.
In Cold Moon Rising, loyalties are tested, assumptions unravel, and no one walks away untouched. With relentless pacing and sharp, character-driven tension, this debut thriller explores what happens when greed, power, and desperation collide-and how quickly control can slip into chaos.
About the Author :
Michael Sledge spent his childhood in Virginia, before attending college and settling in North Carolina. His professional career has included being a licensed CPA, as well as numerous roles in financial leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and clinical research. Life experiences and a lifetime of avid reading led to publishing the first novel in a series of crime thrillers known as the Quinn Series. The series opens with Cold Moon Rising, introducing readers to its central character, Jimmy Quinn. Jimmy is a sharp, witty detective whose dysfunctional family upbringing has influenced who he is and how he thinks. The Ones We Love, the second in the series, will take Jimmy and his detective partner Micky Bondurant down even darker and more twisted paths in pursuit of an unhinged murderer.
Review :
"This thriller absolutely delivers. From the moment the 'perfect' robbery unravels, the story grabs hold and never lets go. A fast, clever, and wildly entertaining read that I couldn't put down."
"I was genuinely surprised to learn this is Sledge's debut title, given how confident and compelling the writing feels."
"It hooked me early and held my attention all the way through. The characters felt genuine and not overly predictable, which made the twists land better. The author mixed suspense with softer, emotional moments instead of just going for big shocks."
"The characters felt so real and well-developed, and the North Carolina references added an extra layer of authenticity that made the story even more engaging. A great and fun read!"
"An engaging and fast-paced crime thriller that kept me interested throughout. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next books in the series will go."
"I enjoyed Cold Moon Rising - it hooked me early and held my attention all the way through. There's a steady sense of tension and mood in the story. The characters felt genuine and not overly predictable, which made the twists land better. I appreciated that the author mixed suspense with quieter emotional moments instead of just going for big shocks. Overall, it was a really satisfying read and one I'd recommend."
"This thriller absolutely delivers. From the moment the "perfect" robbery unravels, the story grabs hold and never lets go. Every character has their own unique back story that really pulls you in. A fast, clever, and wildly entertaining read that I couldn't put down."
"A promising debut from an NC-based author, which I love to see as someone from here. I'm a big fan of True Detective, particularly season 1, and the dynamic between Jimmy and Micky could make for a great TV show. The character development in general is strong. Everyone serves a purpose or functions as a means to an end. Speaking of endings... I genuinely did not see this one coming. I'm the type of person who guesses the way a movie or book will finish mid-way through, usually, and am a huge fan of thriller novels by writers like Sandford and John Grisham, so I know a good twist when I see one. Looking forward to the next book."
