Hanging Cloud, a new entry in the Polish Dragon P.I. series by Steve Zimcosky, sees the titular investigator, real name Tom Sipowicz, take on a missing person case. He is tasked to locate the father of a local football hero, who uncharacteristically disappeared following a mysterious phone call. Sipowicz’s deductive skills tell him that the full story is more complicated. His search takes the investigator on a journey into Native American history and tragedy, and the case becomes much bigger than a single missing person. When the Polish Dragon starts asking questions, some people might go to nefarious lengths to keep generations-old secrets and shameful government programs hidden. What he discovers also leads to surprising secrets from his own past.

Hanging Cloud by Steve Zimcosky was my first Polish Dragon P.I. story, and without an introduction to the main character in this book, it was hard to know what motivated him. Still, the fast-moving story and snappy dialogue kept the plot moving consistently forward. It kept my interest with a positive tone, moral actions, and genuine-sounding Native American history and cultural exploration. I wonder if this was based on real events; it has that feel of verisimilitude. Certainly, the damage done to Native American societies throughout history is authentic. There were some extraneous details, like specific menu items ordered in restaurants and street directions, but I suspect these are drawn from real life and may provide resonance for readers from the Cleveland area, where the story is set. Despite low stakes and a lack of prior familiarity with the characters, it was an intriguing tale.

Another great book, I always enjoy reading Steve’s books as I grew up in the same neighborhood as he did. I especially enjoy the fact they the stories are Cleveland area-based and I am familiar with many of them. I was really intrigued by the “kill the Indian and save the man” part of history.

Enjoyed reading your book and didn’t expect the twist of events at the end. I wonder how you’re going to incorporate that information into your upcoming novels.

I finished reading your book and is truly the best one yet. You are an amazing writer and I like how these stories keep getting longer and more intriguing. I’m sure there are still things like this still going on in today’s world. Excellent work and keep on writing these awesome stories.

This one really spoke to me. I have been interested in our native people and their history for a long time. Used to go to Pow Wows and was very moved. Wonderful story with much truth in it. You’re writings are better and better.