New Release:
Shepherd’s Wake (November 1, 2025)
Detective Jake Harper returns in this gripping follow-up to Shadows of the Badge. While on temporary assignment with the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Harper is pulled into a chilling case: a luxury yacht is found adrift in Puget Sound, wiped clean of all signs of life. Its owners, a young couple expecting their first child, are missing without a trace.
As Harper digs deeper—partnered with a sharp-tongued Seattle detective—he finds himself unraveling a web of deception, obsession, and something far darker lurking beneath the surface. What begins as a missing persons investigation soon becomes a race against time to uncover the truth.
About J. K. Wolfe
Author of The Detective Harper Series
J.K. Wolfe writes crime thrillers where justice limps, truth cuts deep, and the badge carries a weight most never see. A career cop and Coast Guard veteran, he’s worked everything from child abuse to financial crimes—experience that gives his novels Shadows of the Badge and Shepherd’s Wake their gritty realism and emotional depth. Wolfe’s stories don’t flinch; they explore the cost of doing right when the truth hurts and redemption isn’t guaranteed. He lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he writes to honor those who still chase justice like it matters—because, as Detective Harper would say, “Right is right. No matter the cost.”
Latest Releases:
Shadows of the Badge
Available Now.
When a quiet suburban town is rocked by a series of chilling crimes, Detective Jake Harper finds himself at the center of a case that hits dangerously close to home. As he hunts for a killer hiding in plain sight, Harper must navigate small-town secrets, personal demons, and a trail of evidence that refuses to add up. Gritty, emotional, and razor-sharp, Shadows of the Badge introduces a new kind of detective—one who won’t stop until the truth is exposed, no matter the cost.
Shepherd’s Wake
Available Now.
Detective Jake Harper returns in this gripping follow-up to Shadows of the Badge. While on temporary assignment with the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Harper is pulled into a chilling case: a luxury yacht is found adrift in Puget Sound, wiped clean of all signs of life. Its owners, a young couple expecting their first child, are missing without a trace.
As Harper digs deeper—partnered with a sharp-tongued Seattle detective—he finds himself unraveling a web of deception, obsession, and something far darker lurking beneath the surface. What begins as a missing persons investigation soon becomes a race against time to uncover the truth.
"On point police thriller"
“Fun, easy read. Very on point with the technical aspects of police work. Looking forward to reading more from this author!” -Amazon Review
Praise for Shadows of the Badge
"A gripping descent into corruption, betrayal, redemption, and the high price of justice. Detective Harper is a worthy heir to Bosch and Reacher."
J. K. Wolfe delivers a riveting crime thriller, as relentless as a man with nothing to lose.
“Wolfe gets it.”
“This is a novel I can endorse, even when held against the likes of Michael Connelly in the crime fiction genre.
Unlike some of our peers, Wolfe delivers a layered plot backed by refined prose. He clearly invested in editing and feedback to craft something genuinely strong by any standard. He shows respect for both the reader’s time and the craft. The action is kinetic yet grounded, and the characters are flawed in ways that make them relatable.” - Josh Jensen, Amazon Review
"A raw punch of a police thriller that refuses to play it safe."
“Sharp prose, break-neck pacing, and real-world authenticity…Wolfe nails it”
- Book Bound Blogger
“Pulls you in.”
“What a great book, well written and factual. This book had its claws in me from the start. I can’t wait to read book 2 when it comes out.” - Amazon Review
"This book grabs you from the get go."
“An incredibly compelling and detailed story and the reader can easily put themselves right into the action.” - Goodreads Review
“I felt like I could see the characters as real people.”
“I really enjoyed Shepherd’s Wake. The plot was good and the character development was awesome. I felt like I could see the characters as real people…it kept me turning pages to see what was next.” - Booksprout ARC review
Early reviews for Shepherd’s Wake
“Literary craft + authentic procedural detail.”
“No sophomore slump for JK Wolfe. Shepherd’s Wake is the second installment of the Jake Harper series and delivers in every way. Unique plot, procedural realism, great characters. readers, and a polished writing style that respects readers.
I particularly enjoyed the addition of Maguire. He offered a nice contrast to Harper as their investigation takes them into the minds of stalkers, religious fanatics, and murderers.
Wolfe’s writing style is atmospheric like Michael Kortya and rooted in procedural realism like Michael Connelly.” - Josh Jensen, Amazon Review
“This one kept me up at night…”
“This one kept me up at night…in the best way possible! It checks all of the boxes for a great read; thrill, suspense, mystery, good vs. evil. I was hooked before the first chapter was over!” - Booksprout ARC review
“Beautiful Suspense: A long time reader who didn’t catch the twist.”
“Loved the follow up novel toe Shadows of the Badge! Wolfe’s writing style is smooth and often leans toward melodic prose poetry which is both surprising and lovely in a thriller/suspense novel.
The characters are well developed. The dialogue reads as genuine and natural. The technical aspects of the case as well as the progression of the story were clean and easy to follow.
As an avid reader across genres it’s often difficult to surprise me; this one did it!
I can’t wait to see Wolfe’s work and Harper’s story develop over time!” - Amazon Review