Colin Conway’s The Side Hustle is the first in a series of police procedurals set in Eastern Washington called 509 Crime Stories. Detectives Quinn Delaney and Marci Burkett are introduced to readers in this book as they investigate the unusual death of personal finance blogger Jacob Kidwell, whose passing at first seems to have been an accident. Layers of deceit surface during the inquiry, exposing secrets that pose difficulties for the police and individuals involved.

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Conway’s story is distinguished for its complex character development and plotline. Quinn Delaney, who has a secret that could endanger his job, and the other investigators’ personal issues are balanced with the procedural parts of the inquiry. The novel’s captivating pace has been praised by readers for keeping them interested despite its many turns. According to one critic, “It had just enough suspects to keep me guessing, but not so many I became confused about who was who.”

Although the book’s captivating plot has received praise, some readers have identified parts that could have been better such as the character dynamics. Another person pointed out that while the plot was intriguing, it occasionally moved slowly.

Overall, The Side Hustle, which combines mystery and character-driven storytelling, provides a strong beginning to the 509 Crime Stories series. For those who enjoy police procedurals and are searching for a new series to start, this book is highly recommended.