Karin Slaughter – Cop Town Atlanta 1974
The first Karin Slaughter book that I read was Kisscut, book #2 in her Grant County series. After finishing it, I immediately went back and found book #1, Blindsighted, and read it even faster than Kisscut. Since then I have read every book she has written—including both the Grant County and the Will Trent series, which are now intertwined!
A Stand-Alone Set in 1974 Atlanta
Cop Town is Karin’s first stand-alone novel. For this book she went back 40 years and recreated the feel of a changing Atlanta in 1974. Having lived in Athens, Georgia from 1975 to 1979, I could really appreciate the atmosphere she brought to life—it took me back to that time and place, when names like Maynard Ferguson and Reginald Evans were part of the soundtrack of our lives.
Meet Kate Murphy
The novel introduces Kate Murphy, a strong female character much like Sara Linton or Faith Mitchell. Kate is a young widow trying to rebuild her life after her husband Patrick was killed in Vietnam. After a bad experience as a secretary, she decides this police job has to work—but the odds are stacked against her. She’s a young, attractive woman on a misogynistic police force that doesn’t believe women belong, and she doesn’t fit in with the women either, coming from well-to-do Buckhead.
The Atlanta Shooter
On Kate’s first day, the “Atlanta Shooter”—who has already killed four officers—claims another victim, Don Wesley. Don’s partner is rising star Jimmy Lawson, whose family connections run deep in the department. Soon Maggie Lawson (Jimmy’s sister) is paired with Kate, and together they investigate what really happened in that Five Points alley, while trying to stop the Shooter before he strikes again. They get some help from Gail Patterson, a plainclothes officer and Maggie’s former mentor, but it’s an uphill battle against both the system and their own personal demons.
Characters and Atmosphere
Karin Slaughter fills the novel with memorable characters—from the Lawson family to Kate’s Dutch-Jewish mother and grandmother, survivors of Nazi concentration camps. The action is fast, furious, and tension-filled, with just the right mix of grit and heart.
“Relentless pacing, complex characters, and gritty realism, all set against the backdrop of a city on the edge….Slaughter’s eye for detail and truth is unmatched. I’d follow her anywhere.” – Gillian Flynn
“Stunning… Karin Slaughter’s first stand-alone novel, she breaks new ground with this riveting story of two young police officers trying to stop a serial killer targeting cops. Her characters, plot, pacing are unrivaled among thriller writers and if you haven’t yet read her, this is the moment.” – Michael Connelly
Final Thoughts
Ok, I know this is a stand-alone novel—but come on, Karin! I just know you have more to write about Kate Murphy. We need to know what happens next. Maybe keep the Atlanta PD world going, NYPD Blue–style? Nah—I want more Kate, Maggie, and Gail! (Book 22 for 2014)
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