Michael Harvey

Michael Harvey is a crime fiction author and investigative journalist based in Chicago, known primarily for his Michael Kelly private detective series and standalone crime thrillers. His work draws heavily from his background in investigative journalism and his deep knowledge of Chicago's political landscape and criminal justice system. Harvey's fiction debut came with "The Chicago Way" in 2007, introducing his recurring protagonist Michael Kelly, a former Chicago police officer turned private investigator. His subsequent novels in the series include "The Fifth Floor," "The Third Rail," and "We All Fall Down," each exploring themes of corruption, violence, and justice in urban settings. As a journalist and documentary producer, Harvey has received multiple Emmy nominations and was a co-creator of A&E's forensic series "Cold Case Files." His non-fiction work has influenced his approach to crime writing, incorporating detailed procedural elements and authentic investigative techniques into his narratives. Beyond the Kelly series, Harvey has written standalone novels including "Brighton" and "The Governor's Wife," which have received critical acclaim for their gritty realism and complex characterizations. His writing style combines elements of hardboiled detective fiction with contemporary social commentary.

Readers praise Harvey's authentic portrayal of Chicago and his intricate plotting. Many reviews highlight his detailed research and procedural accuracy, with readers who work in law enforcement noting the realism. One Amazon reviewer called "The Chicago Way" a "smart, fast-paced noir that gets the city exactly right." Fans value his punchy writing style, complex characters, and the way he weaves historical events into fictional narratives. Several readers specifically mentioned his ability to build tension through multiple storylines. Common criticisms include occasionally confusing plot structures and too many secondary characters. Some readers found the violence graphic, particularly in "Brighton." A few noted that the Michael Kelly character can feel derivative of other noir detectives. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Chicago Way: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) - Brighton: 3.9/5 (2,900+ ratings) - The Third Rail: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: - The Chicago Way: 4.2/5 - Brighton: 4.3/5 - The Governor's Wife: 4.0/5

The Chicago Way (2007) Former Chicago cop turned private investigator Michael Kelly investigates a rape case from his past that leads to multiple murders and police corruption.

The Fifth Floor (2008) PI Michael Kelly's investigation of a murder connects to Chicago's City Hall and a century-old crime involving the Great Fire of 1871.

The Third Rail (2010) Michael Kelly pursues a sniper targeting Chicago's elevated train system while uncovering links to a decades-old crime.

We All Fall Down (2011) PI Michael Kelly confronts bioterrorism in Chicago as a deadly pathogen is released in the city's subway system.

The Governor's Wife (2015) Michael Kelly searches for a corrupt former Illinois governor who has disappeared with millions in stolen funds.

Brighton (2016) A newspaper reporter returns to his old Boston neighborhood to investigate a murder that connects to a crime from his youth.

Pulse (2018) A Boston police detective investigates quantum physics experiments linked to a series of deaths while dealing with his brother's murder.

Dennis Lehane writes crime fiction set in Boston featuring complex characters and street-level authenticity. His work explores similar themes of corruption and urban crime that appear in Harvey's Chicago-based novels.

George Pelecanos creates crime narratives centered in Washington DC with a focus on detailed settings and social commentary. His protagonists share the gritty realism and flawed nature of Harvey's Michael Kelly character.

Sean Chercover writes about a Chicago private investigator with a journalism background, mirroring Harvey's own experience as a journalist. His Ray Dudgeon series deals with political corruption and institutional power structures in Chicago.

Sara Paretsky sets her V.I. Warshawski detective series in Chicago, examining the city's politics and power dynamics. Her work features the same deep integration of Chicago's neighborhoods and history found in Harvey's books.

Reed Farrel Coleman focuses on hard-boiled detective fiction with complex plotting and urban settings. His Moe Prager series shares the noir sensibility and attention to investigative detail present in Harvey's work.