You want a thriller that does more than just solve a puzzle. You want a story that digs into the messy, human side of justice, where the detective is just as vulnerable as the victims he fights for.

Welcome back to the uncompromising streets of Tampa, Florida.

Homicide detective Mike Ash is carrying heavy baggage. Haunted by his last tour as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, he struggles to keep his nightmares at bay and his heart open to the woman he loves. But in his line of work, tragedy rarely takes a day off.

When a drunk driver senselessly kills a fellow soldier and close friend, Ash is pushed to the brink. Soon after, a suspected burglary-gone-bad reveals itself to be the intentional suicide of a cancer-stricken Air Force major, forcing Ash to confront the fragility of his own mortality.

Tested daily by heartbreaking accidents, treacherous killings, and explosive truths, Ash must bend his deductive talents toward delivering compassion as much as justice. But a devastating personal blow is waiting in the wings—one that could force this resilient cop straight to his knees.

Can Ash bring closure to his mounting caseload without losing his wounded soul in the process?

Why Readers Cannot Put This Book Down

• A Deeply Relatable Hero: Move beyond the cliché invincible cop. Explore the evolution of crime fiction heroes through Ash's raw, authentic battle with trauma, grief, and duty.
• Gut-Wrenching Suspense: Masterful techniques for building suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat as unpredictable and emotionally charged cases unfold.
• Authentic Local Setting: Experience a narrative deeply rooted in the culture, climate, and real-world feel of the greater Tampa Bay area.
• Unpredictable Twists: Just when you think you understand the crime scene, the narrative flips, revealing shocking, undeniable truths about human nature.

Complete Your Mike Ash Crime Series Collection 

Business As Usual is the emotionally charged second book in the Mike Ash series. Continue the journey alongside Tampa's most relentless investigator:

• Book 1: Unfinished Business | Buy on Amazon
• Book 2: Business As Usual | Buy on Amazon
• Book 3: Taking Care of Business | Buy on Amazon
• Book 4: Ugly Business | Buy on Amazon
• Book 5: Out of Business | Buy on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read the first book to understand Business As Usual?

While Business As Usual tackles new, standalone homicide cases that are resolved within the book, we recommend starting with Unfinished Business. Reading the series in order provides a much richer understanding of Mike Ash's character development, his relationship dynamics, and his lingering trauma.

What themes does this specific crime novel explore?

Unlike traditional whodunits, this book heavily explores the psychological toll of law enforcement and military service. D.L. Ashmore delves into themes of PTSD, grief, moral ambiguity, and the difficult balance between personal healing and professional duty.

Is the Florida setting important to the story?Absolutely. The local Tampa setting is a character in itself. The specific nuances of Florida law enforcement, the local geography, and the unique atmosphere of the city add a layer of gripping realism that local readers and crime fiction lovers alike will appreciate.