Publication Day Review: River Deep: A Bitterfrost Thriller by Bryan Gruley

River Deep: A Bitterfrost Thriller by Bryan Gruley takes readers back to the town of Bitterfrost on the shore of Lake Michigan. Like the first book of the series, Bitterfrost, this new book is also marketed as a “thriller.” This reader would label it a “mystery.” Regardless of label, this second book in the series lives up to the very good first read in every aspect.

 

Before going further, I am being very careful not to reveal background details here that tie into that first book. Like in his other series, this second book should be read after reading the first book. Some storylines continue,  characters develop, things have happened because of the first book, etc. Read in order.

 

There are repercussions and unfinished business from the first book as River Deep begins. The glory of hockey is back in this read as is another major trial. Devyn Payne has returned full time, at least for now, to her roots. A former criminal defense lawyer, she has her reasons for coming home, and going to work as a prosecutor. It was supposed to make her life easier.

 

So much for that idea. Tragedy has again struck. She is standing on a dark and cold riverbank watching late one night as a crane pulls a SUV from the frigid river waters. The river, the Jako, leads into Lake Michigan. It has taken two lives this night—twin boys that will not see their first birthday.

 

That cold river water barely released the parents back to dry ground. Catriona Delaney is on a medical helicopter headed to Grand Rapids. The father, Sammy Hardt, fared better in the crash into the river, and is in decent shape, all things considered. He apparently got Catriona out. Unfortunately, he was unable to save the kids.

 

As the police begin the crash investigation, the case is led by Detective Garth Klimmeck. A year older and that much closer to retirement, he is eyeballing the increasing need for a hip replacement, and other things. Local politics played a major role in the case last year. He is fully aware that with the people involved,  local politics will definitely play a role in this situation, no matter what he uncovers.

 

It certainly does, but politics and familial history is not even half of it. Much is going on here. Before long, there is a full-scale murder trial with twist after twist. Much like real life, this fictional world is full of chaos, grief, and unpredictability.

 

As previously noted, the events of the first book, Bitterfrost, play a significant role in this read. I strongly recommend reading this very good series in order. The author continues to develop a complicated world which gives this reader hope that the series will continue. A mighty good read and very much well worth your time, as are his other books.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4dRFnCw

 

My digital ARC reading copy came from the publisher, Severn House, through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review. 

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2026