Rusty Star - Jonathan Kuiper

A disgraced Navy commander. A haunted past. A private investigator searching for redemption.

Russell Stokes once wore the Navy uniform with pride. Decorated for valor in Afghanistan but scarred by guilt and a drinking problem, his career is crumbling. Rumors and scandals force him toward resignation, leaving his future in doubt.

On terminal leave and searching for direction, Stokes turns to moonlighting as a private investigator. But trouble follows him everywhere. A reckless choice, a dangerous affair, and a brutal bar fight leave his reputation in ruins. Then a mysterious woman pulls him into a case that could mean redemption-or drag him even deeper into darkness.

Rusty Star is the first book in the Stokes Case series, a gritty private investigator mystery that blends crime, suspense, and redemption. Perfect for fans of hard-boiled detective fiction, military thrillers, and flawed heroes navigating their way forward.