Past Crimes

Past Crimes follows Van Shaw, an Army Ranger who returns home to Seattle after receiving an urgent message from his grandfather Dono. Upon arrival, Van finds his grandfather gravely wounded and must piece together what happened while confronting his own criminal past. The story shifts between present-day investigation and Van's teenage years, when Dono taught him the craft of professional thievery. Van's military training and criminal skills combine as he navigates Seattle's underworld, encountering both old associates and new enemies. The investigation forces Van to reconcile his past and present identities as he uncovers long-buried family secrets. His grandfather's connections to Seattle's criminal networks emerge through a complex web of loyalties and betrayals. The novel examines the nature of family bonds and questions whether people can truly change their fundamental nature. Through Van's journey, the story explores how childhood experiences shape adult choices and the possibility of redemption.

Readers praise the military background details and Seattle setting authenticity in Past Crimes. Many note the tight pacing and complex father-son relationship dynamics. The protagonist Van Shaw draws comments for being a morally nuanced character who balances military discipline with criminal roots. Common criticisms mention predictable plot elements and an overcrowded cast of secondary characters. Some readers found the backstory flashbacks disruptive to the flow. "The military expertise comes through without overwhelming the story" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many characters to keep straight" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (580+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 (editorial rating) The book won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and made several "Best Debut" lists, though review scores suggest readers consider it a solid but not exceptional thriller.

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🔹 Glen Erik Hamilton was inspired to write Past Crimes after serving as a volunteer aboard a retired Coast Guard cutter, which helped shape the authenticity of the Seattle waterfront scenes. 🔹 The book's protagonist, Van Shaw, is an Army Ranger - Hamilton extensively researched Ranger training and protocols by interviewing military veterans to ensure accuracy. 🔹 Past Crimes won the Anthony, Macavity, and Strand Magazine Critics awards for Best First Novel, a rare triple crown for a debut mystery. 🔹 The author grew up on a sailboat in Seattle's criminal-heavy Fremont neighborhood during the 1970s and 80s, lending genuine local color to the novel's setting. 🔹 The book's intricate heist elements were influenced by classic crime films like "Thief" and "Heat," with Hamilton studying real security systems and methods to create realistic scenarios.