"The Dead Bell" Book Summary

The sprinkler washed over the remains of Faith Wesley, one of Lake Forest’s most prominent citizens, leaving few clues to go on. The brutal murder of one of Society’s privileged requires rigorous investigation. Enter Tom Edison, Senior Investigator with Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.

But, Tom’s life is complicated. He has to answer to his higher ups, and deal with a relationship in tatters. His past, and a tragic accident in his childhood haunt him, and he starts exhibiting some disturbing behaviors. His number two, Larry Welk, is a disbarred Texas criminal defense attorney, with a drinking problem, a temper, and a set of his own personal issues.

Tom starts by looking into the Wesley family, and finds out their long time staff Jesus and Alma Rivera haven’t come to work as expected.. When they turn up dead, it looks like there may be a drug connection.  Several people, including Chicago PD, think Faith was collateral damage. But, closer to the family, Faith’s daughter Linda Wesley points to Lent Edwards her ex-husband. Lent and Linda had a nasty divorce, where Lent was painted as a dangerous sociopath, which ended with him denied contact with their only child. Lent blamed Faith, and was open about his hatred for her.

As he digs further, he discovers Faith Wesley was anything but a kindly society page dowager.  Described by acquaintances as formidable, intelligent and a bully, she managed to upset and alienate a wide variety of people. The list of people who might want her dead grows.

Tom faces political pressure to arrest Edwards. Tom dislikes him, but doesn’t think he’s the right suspect. People in high places want him to do the right thing and lock Edwards away.

As he begins digging into Edwards as a suspect, Tom learns the divorce and custody battle were fixed. Matters get further complicated when the case takes him into Major Crimes’ ancient history, awakening old ghosts.  In the process, Tom also manages to find himself entangled with Nora Summers, one of Linda Wesley’s best friends. Could his infatuation with her blind him to the truth?  He comes toe to toe with some of the most powerful people in Illinois, and for his troubles ends up the focus of an internal affairs investigation.

Suspended, alone and unhinged, Tom is at a crossroads. He takes matters into his own hands and ends up fighting for his career and his life.  In the process, he uncovers truths about himself, his concept of justice and ultimately puts his own ghosts to rest.

The Dead Bell is a compelling literary thriller in the same tradition as James Crumley, Scott Turow and Graham Greene. Reid Winslow blends psychological insight, deft prose and plot twists to create an immersive novel. New York Times best-selling author Dave Margolin called the book “An excellent debut that does not disappoint”.