Michael Stephen Daigle’s fifth novel in the Frank Nagler series, Dragony Rising, immerses readers in an intense, high-stakes mystery set in the turbulent town of Ironton, NJ. Detective Frank Nagler has weathered countless challenges, but nothing prepares him for the catastrophe that opens out in his latest case—a case that could destroy his hometown for good.
A Town in Crisis
Ironton has always been a city struggling with its share of problems, from corruption to economic decay, but in Dragony Rising, these issues escalate to a new and terrifying level. An explosion on Warren Street rocks the city, reducing a portion of the town to ruins in a matter of seconds. Debris from the blast—bricks, wooden walls, windows, and entire rooftops—rains down on Ironton in a chaotic storm of destruction. It’s a scene of utter devastation, and for Detective Frank Nagler, it’s the beginning of his most dangerous case yet.
As Nagler surveys the wreckage, one chilling detail stands out—a clock two blocks away from the explosion has stopped at the exact moment of the blast, its cracked glass face frozen in time. The explosion seems to have been calculated to the last second, and Nagler knows he’s dealing with a mastermind behind the attack. The city’s corruption, which had been simmering under the surface for years, has finally exploded—literally.
A Dangerous Investigation
Nagler’s investigation begins with little to go on. The few clues he has led him down a convoluted path to a 15-year-old closed narcotics case, which seems somehow connected to the explosion. As he dives deeper into the case, Nagler uncovers a network of companies working together toward an unknown goal, a goal that leaves a trail of bodies in its wake. Each new clue brings more danger, and it becomes clear that powerful forces are working to cover up their tracks.
Throughout the investigation, Nagler must untangle this deadly web, but the risks are higher than ever. His hometown is in a state of panic, and every step he takes brings him closer to a larger conspiracy—one that could tear Ironton apart for good. The mystery deepens, and Nagler must rely on all his experience and intuition to solve a more dangerous case.
Corruption in the Shadows
What sets Dragony Rising apart from typical detective novels is its exploration of deep-rooted corruption. Ironton’s problems aren’t new, but the explosion brings them to the surface in an unprecedented way. Daigle paints a vivid picture of a city on the edge of collapse, where trust is a rare commodity and greed rules the day. The novel explores the darkest corners of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.
A Thrilling New Chapter
For fans of the Frank Nagler series, Dragony Rising is a thrilling and satisfying addition. Daigle continues to develop Nagler as a complex, flawed hero, struggling to balance his demons with his duty to protect Ironton. The novel’s breakneck pace, combined with its intricate plotting, makes for an unforgettable ride.
Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, Dragony Rising delivers a compelling mystery that’s as timely as it is intense. As Detective Frank Nagler races to expose the truth behind the explosion, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this gripping story will extend.
