"A masterful tale of corruption, conspiracy, and redemption." -Jeffrey K. Schmoll, award-winning author of The Treasure of Tundavala Gap
"...an engaging page-turner..." -Karen Hughes, former White House communications director
Detective Andrew ("Book") Booker chases Franco Moretti, a killer on the FBI's Most Wanted list, into a dark alley one night in Washington, DC. But rather than apprehending the fugitive, it is Book who is arrested, supposedly for murdering a Black teenager. Despite claims he's been framed, Book is forced to resign from the DC police and narrowly escapes a conviction for murder.
The emotionally shattering disgrace destroys his career and family life. As he veers toward alcoholic dependency, his wife demands a separation. With the help of his former Special Forces Commander in Afghanistan, Jeb Bronson, Book takes a job as a detective in Jefferson County, Virginia. Now retired, Bronson runs the county and heads up Ares Worldwide, a family-run military contracting corporation worth billions. Book soon discovers the rural area conceals threats every bit as deadly as the mean streets of the big city.
As Book navigates his new life, figuring out who set him up and why is never far from his mind. From rural Virginia to Geneva Switzerland, Book finds himself drawn into an international web of murder and bribery and must fight to save his life, protect his family, and figure out the setup once and for all.
Industry Reviews
"Collins combines personal tragedy, international intrigue, and vicious assassins to create a rousing thriller in Setup. With his marriage on the edge of failure and his law enforcement career in tatters, Booker takes a job in rural Virginia. There he meets the patriarch of an influential family, who heads a corporation targeted for a Senate investigation led by Booker's wife. As the story unfolds, Booker discovers connections between efforts to silence him, attacks on his family and friends, and the horrific event that started his downward spiral. Throughout the story, Collins skillfully weaves in historical references that add to the story's authenticity. The characters are engaging and believable. The crisp dialogue and fast pace keep the story moving relentlessly to the ending that is both unexpected and satisfying." -C. V. Alba, award-winning author of e-llegal commerce
"Ray Collins delivers a gripping, high-stakes thriller in Setup. With vivid characters, international intrigue, and heart-pounding action from DC to rural Virginia to Geneva, this page-turner will keep you guessing until the very end. A masterful tale of corruption, conspiracy, and redemption." -Jeffrey K. Schmoll, award-winning author of The Treasure of Tundavala Gap
"Setup is an engaging page-turner from Ray Collins, taking readers on a fast-paced journey through the nation's capital, rural Virginia, Switzerland, Germany, and Afghanistan. A disgraced Fairfax County detective, Andrew Booker, struggles to reconstruct his life after an unintended killing leaves his career and personal life in shambles. Plot twists will keep readers riveted through the final chapter." -Karen Hughes, former White House communications director
