Deep Six

Nominated for 2017 Shamus Award, Best First Private Eye Novel

Ex-professional baseball player Jake Longly adamantly refuses to work for his father, wanting no part of Ray's PI world. He prefers to hang out at his beachfront bar and chase bikinis along the sugary beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. But Ray can be persuasive, so Jake finds himself staking out the home of wealthy Barbara Plummer, a suspected adulteress. The mission seems simple enough hang around, take a few pictures, sip a little bourbon. Except Barbara gets herself murdered right under Jake's nose.

When Jake launches into an investigation of his target's homicide, he quickly runs afoul of Ukrainian mobster Victor Borkov. Aided by his new girlfriend Nicole Jamison and Tommy Pancake Jeffers—his behemoth employee with crazy computer skills—Jake tries to peel away the layers of the crime. The deeper the intrepid trio delves, the more murders start to pile up, leading them to Borkov's massive yacht where they just might be deep-sixed.

Genre: Mystery

"We all know Lyle’s erudition and expertise - but who knew he was this funny?" - Lee Child

"Wistfully dogged, romance-challenged, wisecracking hero Jake Longly calls to mind James Crumley’s C.W. Sughrue, and I can’t think of higher praise. The story is paced like a lightning strike aimed directly at the human heart." - David Corbett

"In Deep Six, gifted storyteller D.P. Lyle has crafted yet another winner. A comedic thriller that weaves through the Gulf Coast with wild abandon. This book has it all, memorable characters, a stunning plot, and as always, Lyle's impeccable sense of place. Bravo!" - Philip Donlay

"Readers will love Jake Longly?ex-big league ballplayer, beach bar owner, and reluctant PI, and the sharply defined ensemble of characters in Deep Six is just as outstanding. Page turning action and knock out dialogue from a master craftsman and story teller. I devoured this one!" - Robert Dugoni

"Corruption, vendettas, cartel killers, oh my! Deep Six puts the fun back into late-night reading with this fast-paced romp through murder and mayhem. Prepare to flip the pages." - Lisa Gardner

"D.P. Lyle returns in superb form in Deep Six. Smart, wickedly funny, expertly constructed and deftly executed, Lyle is at the top of his game as he takes his readers on a romp on the Gulf Coast that goes down as smoothly as a cold beer on a hot day at a bar next to the beach. Jake Longly is a character worth rooting for, and Lyle's fans will be cheering for an encore. Find a comfortable chair and plan to stay up late to enjoy the ride. Highly recommended." - Sheldon Siegel