I loved this. This is set in my hometown and it feels so real. I've read other books set near me, but I don't think any of them have spent so much time capturing the setting. It's not just that Cosby is local and obviously knows his way around, it's the gorgeous writing that makes it so real and visceral.

I love the characters and their growth. Ike and Buddy Lee are both excons who had estranged relationships with their sons due to their homophobia. When those sons are murdered, they get together and decide to avenge them, in part to make up for their failures as parents when their sons were still alive. For all the mystery and action elements, the book was about their growth more than anything. They've started this journey long before the book starts, but you see that evolution in their guilt and shame and working to do better. You also continue to see their shortcomings.

The writing felt a little abrupt to me. I don't know what exactly it was, or if it was as simple as too many short sentences and too many repeating phrases, but something kept me from being completely immersed in the story. There was a slight disconnect. Like it was still wonderful, don't get me wrong, but just a little shy of completely blowing my mind.

I also found this a little bit too over the top in terms of action. It's kind of a lot, and I think that's on purpose for this style of book. It's just not too my preference. I prefer slow and dull and boring every day of the week. I also wish I hadn't guessed the ending so early. It was such an interesting book with so much complexity, and the answer to the mystery was just a little too easy to me.

But this was fantastic overall. I plan to read everything Cosby has written. This was a gorgeous book and my favorite of the month. I'm so glad to read something that not only met my expectations but exceeded them by so much.