Drive By
Meet Ernie Campanella, the poster boy for all that was wrong with the notorious Philadelphia Police Department in the 1970s. A boarder-line alcoholic, Campanella regards bigotry and brutality as standard operating procedure. Like many racists of his day, he can look kindly upon individual black people he has met and gotten to know, but still carries a strong measure of contempt for the race in general. On the other hand, he is a genius.
Ernie’s closest friend and former police academy roommate is Frank Mueller, a resourceful and ambitious cop who quickly gets promoted to Detective Third Class. The price he must pay for that promotion is to leave the orderly middle-class neighborhood where he, Ernie and their friend Greg Martin patrolled, and transfer to the most dangerous area of the city. Oddly enough, the safe, respectable neighborhood carries the unglamorous name of Fishtown, while the dangerous ghetto is called Strawberry Mansion. Go figure.
Shortly after Detective Mueller’s transfer, a drive-by shooting, seemingly between rival drug dealers, takes place. The shooters are believed to be from a Jamaican gang. In the process, they kill one member of the rival gang, wound another and kill an innocent little girl who had the bad luck to be in the path of the shooters.
Because of the child’s death, the city is calling for blood. Frank, to whom the case has been assigned, is under major pressure to build a case against the Jamaicans, and soon. In spite of the prevailing attitude, he thinks there may be more to this crime than meets the eye. Maybe his genius friend in Fishtown can help—that is if Frank can catch him in a sober moment.
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David Archer
David Archer's thrillers are an invitation to step into the darker, more uncertain corners of the human experience. His stories, often driven by gritty suspense and complex moral dilemmas, have made him a go-to author for readers who crave fast-paced, hard-hitting narratives. Whether exploring the battle between justice and revenge or delving into the shadows of flawed characters, Archer’s novels strike a deep emotional chord with his audience.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Archer’s writing journey began as a quiet passion in his early years. The Pacific Northwest, with its misty mornings and rugged terrain, now serves as the backdrop to his creative process—an ideal setting for stories that often play with tension and the unknown. His series, including Sam Prichard, Noah Wolf, and Cassie McGraw, have captivated a wide audience and earned him recognition as a bestselling author on platforms like Amazon. His work stands out for its intricate plots, character-driven storytelling, and a sharp eye for psychological depth.
Frank & Ernest Files
Frank & Ernest Files consists of five books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
