"Block deftly blends racial prejudice, police politics and family dynamics in an expertly plotted novel that reminds us that human nature never changes." - USA Today

"Block excellently captures the 1960s atmosphere and the sense of a city under siege by racial tensions, dwindling economics and politics in The Lightning Rule. The plot moves briskly, delivering tightly coiled suspense...Martin is a hero that we hope Block will revisit." - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"Block treats the shopworn tale of a serial killer stalking a city with extra gravitas and...the moody atmosphere leaves a lingering quality that's reminiscent of the work of George Pelecanos." - The Baltimore Sun

"Martin Emmett is hardly the first stubborn detective in fiction, but Block does a superb job of giving him flesh and bone in a gritty, historically rich narrative. Another appearance would be welcome. Many cuts above the typical police procedural." – Kirkus

"Evocative...(a) vivid portrayal of a city where racial tensions have escalated from a steady simmer to a raging boil." – Booklist

"A flawless historical backdrop..." - Publisher's Weekly

"The prodigiously talented Brett Ellen Block...uses the Newark riots as the background for her third book, "The Lightning Rule," a painful and often poetic story." - Chicago Tribune

"...(a) book about police detective Martin Emmett...who is hunting down a crazed killer on the loose. And "crazed" is definitely the operative word here: think Hannibal Lecter and you're on the right track." - New Jersey Monthly "Compelling...vivid...a gripping read." - Home News Tribune