Joe Kenda’s new novel, First Do No Harm, is a gritty, fast-paced crime fiction thriller with jabs of his signature quick wit and dry humor.
Lt. Joe Kenda spent 21 years chasing killers as a homicide detective and commander of the major crimes unit in Colorado Springs. After retiring from law enforcement, he starred in the true crime series “Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda” which features murder cases told through his personal experience. In his new series, “Homicide Hunter: American Detective,” Joe trades in his own case files to bring forward astounding investigations from across the country. Both series air on Investigation Discovery (ID), the #1 true-crime channel available in more than 66 million homes, and are available to stream on Max.
Now, Joe is entering the next phase on his career as an author of hard-boiled detective fictional thrillers inspired by his career.
His new book, First Do No Harm follows Colorado Springs Detectives Joe Kenda and Lee Wilson as they investigate a string of overdoses from fentanyl-laced heroin sourced by hospital’s unpleasant anesthesiologist — who in turn angers a Mexican crime syndicate and sets into motion a cycle of death and violence that threatens to engulf the entire city.
Kenda’s writing is authentic and addictive as he leans into the true emotions, pressures, unexpected twists, and legalities that feed into working a massive criminal case. He really knows how to tell these stories because he spent two decades living them. With his transition from working in a crime unit, to his TV shows, to now writing fictional books – he’s been able to take his massive fanbase along for the ride, behind the scenes, and right into the action. A crime junkie’s dream!
Check out our Q & A with Joe:
You’ve lived a very interesting life, can you explain your career path and how you got into it?
Joe: I wished to make a difference. There are those among us who should not be among us. I became a policeman to do something about that. And I did.
Now, what led you to writing fiction novels?
Joe: I thought writing would be more expressive. In fiction one does not have to agonize about the facts of a true case.
What is First Do No Harm about?
Joe: First Do No Harm is thought to be the opening line of the Hippocratic oath. That was never said by Hippocrates. An English surgeon reduced the first paragraph to that line in 1750.
What inspired this story and did you base any parts of this story on your real life experiences?
Joe: The story is inspired by the hopelessly destructive nature of drug abuse. The entire book is inspired by snippets of cases I have worked. I am in the book as a young detective because I was doing the work.
What do you want readers to get out of this story?
Joe: People should understand getting involved with drugs will kill you and destroy all of your loved ones.
Are you working on other novels at this moment?
Joe: I am working on other books that illustrate the worst of mankind and their impact on the world.
