Burke and Blade Series

In the sun-soaked expanse of Panama City Beach, Lucas Burke and Alix “Blade” Baker operate as the area's most tenacious private investigators. Specializing in missing persons cases, their work is more than just a job—it’s a personal crusade. Their commitment is driven by a deep, painful motivation: the unresolved disappearance of their own sister years ago.

Growing up in a maze of foster care and children's homes, Burke and Blade were forced to become resilient, resourceful, and streetwise from an early age. Their childhood, marked by instability and hardship, forged them into a formidable team. Burke, with his analytical mind and unyielding determination, balances Blade’s sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude. Together, they navigate the complexities of their cases with a unique blend of empathy and grit.

But as they delve deeper into each new case, they find that no amount of experience can fully prepare them for the emotional weight of seeking out those who are lost. Every new disappearance brings back echoes of their sister’s case, challenging them to confront their own unresolved feelings and the possibility that their search for her may never end.

Their office, a modest space cluttered with case files and photographs, stands as a testament to their dedication. Yet, as they tackle the many mysteries that come their way, Burke and Blade must confront the harsh reality that their personal and professional lives are inextricably linked. Each missing person’s story is a reminder of their own unresolved past, and each new lead is both a step toward closure and a potential heartbreak.

In the relentless pursuit of justice, Burke and Blade are not just chasing leads—they are chasing hope, redemption, and perhaps, a resolution to the mystery that has defined their lives.

The Night Of

Growing up in foster care and children's homes has made them tough, savvy, and streetwise, but nothing has prepared them for this.

Nora Henri and her infant daughter Emma have vanished off the face of the earth while vacationing in Panama City Beach. Months have passed, and no one has been able to find them. The only clue--the most bizarre 911 call you've ever heard.

Can Burke and Blade do what local, state, and federal law enforcement hasn't been able to? Can they find Nora and Emma and return them home safely, or will they die trying?

A complex whodunnit, an entertaining thriller, and an inspiring tale of love, The Night Of is an intelligent, funny, page-turner with heart and attitude to spare.

Start the new mystery thriller series from acclaimed and bestselling novelist Michael Lister today and discover why Michael Connelly calls him a "mastery storyteller."

The Night in Question

In the early morning hours of October 10, 2000 a young girl left her home in the middle of a stormy night with only a backpack and was never seen again. What happened to ten-year-old Leah Harrison?

At sometime between midnight and two a.m., Leah Harrison snuck out of her family’s condo on Panama City Beach and ventured out into a severe tropical storm and vanished forever.

Why did this young girl who was frightened of storms get up in the middle of the night and go out into such a deadly one? What was so important that it couldn’t wait until morning? And what happened to her once she got out there?

Investigators Lucas Burke and Alix Baker have been hired to find out. They’ve found missing persons before but this time the case may be too cold even for them. And whoever’s behind Leah’s disappearance may be willing to kill to keep it a secret. Besides, Burke and Blade have problems of their own. Burke is dealing with a complicated, taboo love life and the threat of returning to prison, while Blade is finding being a minority in more ways than one makes everything more difficult.

Can Burke and Blade keep it all together and do what no one else has been able to for 12 long years and find Leah Harrison?

All Night Long

Panama City PIs Burke and Blade are back!

When Brooklyn Hill goes missing while on a pub crawl during her bachelorette weekend on Panama City Beach, Burke and Blade are called in to do what no one else has been able to—find her. Or at least figure out what happened to her.

The seeming impossible vanishing has everyone baffled—Brook walked into Jungle Jim’s and never walked out again. Every entrance and exit is covered by surveillance cameras and the hundreds of people in the club saw her enter but never exit. And extensive searches, including both scent and cadaver dogs, prove she’s not still inside.

Where is Brook? Who’s behind her strange disappearance? What secrets did she, her bridesmaids, and her fiancé have to hide? Or could her current circumstance be tied to her mysterious past and the dangerous figure lurking in the shadows there?

Nothing is what it seems and figuring out what happened to the happy, beautiful young bride-to-be is going to take everything the two relentless PIs have—and then some! But can they stay out of prison long enough to solve the case?

Find out in this exciting and baffling mystery thriller from acclaimed crime novelist Michael Lister.