This book held my interest. I especially liked getting to know the characters from kids up to the present day. Their history and relationships makes for a bittersweet seasoning. I became more and more interested in the characters and to the resolution of the mystery,, which, by the way, I didn’t see coming. I hope that we get to see these characters again.

Police Chief Jeep Mullane sucked me into the story. I loved the laid back personality with the intelligence and caring personality. Finding a dead body that belong to his childhood friend. Dealing with the standard politics in law enforcement, the secrets and so much more. I did struggle with some of the thought process his dad taught him (perfect example in the very beginning) but that was a small price to pay for a story line that intrigues, provides some humor and makes you care about the main character. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #JohnnyCareless #KevinWade #CeladonBooks #NetGalley

Overall, I found Johnny Careless to be a decent read—nothing groundbreaking, but enjoyable enough for a quick escape. Some chapters did feel a bit corny or overly dramatic at times, with a few predictable tropes popping up that detracted from the overall experience. It may not offer anything particularly profound or groundbreaking, it’s a solid and enjoyable read for those seeking a quick, feel-good book
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy

A gripping, atmospheric mystery that deftly blends gritty crime fiction with poignant nostalgia. At its heart is Police Chief Jeep Mullane, a complex and endearing protagonist whose return to his Long Island hometown unearths both personal and professional ghosts. Wade masterfully captures the tension between Jeep’s blue-collar roots and the opulent, secretive world of the North Shore elite, setting the stage for a tightly-wound mystery.

When Jeep’s childhood friend Johnny Chambliss—a charming but reckless “golden boy”—is found dead, the investigation plunges Jeep into a labyrinth of long-buried secrets, family rivalries, and corruption. The narrative weaves seamlessly between past and present, as Jeep’s sharp wit and emotional vulnerability lend depth to the story’s twists and turns.

Wade’s evocative prose and keen eye for character dynamics bring this world to life, from the glitzy, guarded mansions to the gritty, small-town police department. Equal parts whodunit and character study, Johnny Careless is a richly layered tale that keeps readers hooked until its poignant, satisfying conclusion. A must-read for fans of crime fiction with heart.

Thanks to Celadon Books for providing this copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.

#JohnnyCareless #NetGalley #CeledonBooks

Jeep Mullane left being an NYPD detective to return home to Long Island's North Shore and become the Chief of Police. He's even living in his childhood home and trying to get over the effects of one of his last cases in New York. The calm and quiet of living back in the small town is turned upside down when Jeep identifies the dead body of his childhood friend Johnny Chambliss that has washed up on the beach. The death could have been an accident or it could be related to one of the many secrets from their childhood. Which is it...Jeep is determined to find out.

3.5 stars

I wanted to read this because I enjoy procedural mysteries and I went to school in this area. And holy crap, Wade really nails the setting! I'm pretty good at imagining the story I'm reading but I didn't even have to try here. I knew so many of the places he mentioned but his descriptions helped cement me there.

The interplay between the different "tribes" (don't love that) as Jeep calls them feels faithfully captured. There's a visible sense of haves and have nots on the North Shore and it 100% carries over into attitudes and personalities. I thought the characters embodied that nicely without becoming caricatures. Johnny, Niven, Jeep -- they all felt real and genuine. And there's that double-speak that always confuses me, where they're saying one thing but mean something completely different. (Think <i>Succession</i> but toned WAY down.)

I enjoyed the switch between Jeep's third-person present and first-person past PoV! I thought it was unique and added a lovely element to the story. The past portions were more compelling but maybe that's because we knew they were leading to something bad happening to Johnny. I think we needed it because the mystery itself isn't terribly complicated. Very little about this plot surprised me.

This story isn't going to stick with me. It was a quick read, more enjoyable because I have ties to the area. I know people with deeper ties to the North Shore who will probably love it and I've already been talking it up to them! But this is one that I'll selectively recommend.

<i>Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

My thanks to Net Galley and Celadeon for this arc to review .

I'm on the fence with this. I liked the mystery of the body washing up of Jeeps old friend Johnny and him investigating. However I found the non linear back and forth time line hard to focus on. I felt there was much background info I didn't need.

Jeep is the new police detective in the town he grew up in filled with the haves and the have nots. Jeep is a have not, Johnny a trust fund kid, but they become the best of friends. While they no longer spend a lot of time together Johnny still considered Jeep his go to person.

When Jeep rolls up on a murder scene he discovers it's his old friend Johnny is the victim It appears that people high up would like to close this case as an accident. There also seems to be a high end car jacking ring operating in the same area. There doesn't seem to be a connection and Jeep is tasked with stopping the ring or possibly losing his job. Meanwhile Johnny's ex-wife and Jeeps good friend, and boyhood crush, Niven keeps showing up at his house.

This is a great story that jumps around in time taking us back to when Jeep and Johnny were teens at different critical time periods. Through these flashbacks we learn more about Johnny and Jeep. We learn about their character, explore their dreams and learn about the obstacles in their way.
I've never read anything by Kevin Wade before but I will be seeking out his backlist. His writing is gritty and raw and his characters complex. A truly great read.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story is about two boys that have been friends from childhood. Johnny is the son of a wealthy family while Jeep is the son of a MYPD Detective. Even though their family had different backgrounds, they became friends and even played on the same spots team. This story then details Jeep's determination to discover who and how Johnny was killed.

Jeep was called to a scene when a body was discovered on the beach on Long Island, NY. Identification was unable because the face was damaged through a collision with a boat. Jeep on looking at the body knew immediately that it was friend Johnny. This case was turned over to other police dept., but Jeep also looked into on his own to bring peace to Jonny's family as well as himself.

In addition to this case, there was also a group stealing high price vehicles from multiple areas. One of the vehicles stolen was from the Mayor of Bayville, Jeep's location where he was chief. As Jeep was looking into Johnny's death, he also gained insight into the individuals stealing cars. Jeep got a break on both cases when he was able to locate one individual.

To discover who the individual and why it was important, then you need to read this book. In the end you will discover who killed Johnny.

This is the 1st book from this author that I have read and I look forward to reading more. Get this book, you won't be disappointed.

Exciting crime fiction with good characters and wit
Jeep Mullane has returned to his hometown on Long Island’s North Shore to become chief of police after rising to detective in NYPD, but both the circumstances that caused him to come home and events after his return are not pleasant. A body washed up on a local beach is sad but part of the job, but when the body turns out to be that of his close childhood friend Johnny Chambliss, Jeep has to deal with very challenging emotional turmoil in addition to a difficult investigation.
Johnny Careless received well-earned praise from several well-respected writers. John Sandford described it as a “fast-moving classic crime novel.” This is accurate, and the plot certainly kept my interest, but it does not do the book full justice. I cannot remember reading a book that described police procedures in such an interesting and informative way, no doubt a legacy of Kevin Wade’s writing for the TV drama Blue Bloods. In addition, the character development, a feature that too often takes a back seat in crime novels, was very well done.
Author Carl Hiassen says that Johnny Careless “combines grit and wit in a way that conjures Donald Westlake or Robert Parker in full stride”. This is very true. I wrote many “ha ha”s and “smile”s in my kindle as I read!
Two aspects somewhat reduced my enjoyment of the book but certainly not enough that I would not recommend it. The first was the writing style. Some of the sentence structure came across as more fitting for dialogue than narrative. In addition, some of the colloquial speech is simply not in my vocabulary; it may be appropriate but could perhaps be couched to be a bit easier to interpret.
The second aspect, though, is some VERY explicit description of sex acts, well beyond what I normally see in books in this genre. I would prefer not to have such details but can handle them. Some readers will be very offended.
Despite the comments above, I thoroughly enjoyed Johnny Careless and recommend it to readers who enjoy good crime fiction with well-drawn characters and wittiness.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Celadon Books.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Johnny Careless" by Kevin Wade is a compelling and gritty novel that plunges readers into the underbelly of urban life, filled with complex characters, moral ambiguities, and unflinching realism. Wade's narrative prowess shines through in this story, creating a vivid and immersive experience that resonates long after the final page.

This novel follows Johnny Careless, a street-smart yet deeply flawed protagonist navigating the treacherous waters of crime, loyalty, and redemption. Set against a backdrop of a decaying cityscape, Johnny's world is one of constant struggle and survival. As he becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme, Johnny must confront his own demons and make choices that will determine his fate and the lives of those he cares about.

Wade's writing is raw and evocative, capturing the harsh realities of life on the margins with unflinching honesty. His characters are richly drawn, each with their own distinct voices and layered complexities. Johnny, in particular, is a compelling figure whose vulnerability and resilience make him a relatable and engaging protagonist.

The plot is intricately woven, with a steady build-up of tension and suspense that keeps readers hooked. Wade masterfully balances action and introspection, providing a deep and nuanced exploration of Johnny's psyche while maintaining a relentless pace. The novel's twists and turns are both surprising and satisfying, leading to a climactic and thought-provoking conclusion.

"Johnny Careless" explores themes such as identity, morality, and the impact of one's choices. Wade delves into the gray areas of human behavior, challenging readers to consider the complexities of right and wrong in a world where survival often necessitates compromise.

The setting of this novel adds to its atmospheric intensity, with Wade's vivid descriptions bringing the gritty urban landscape to life. The city's decay mirrors Johnny's internal struggles, creating a powerful and cohesive narrative that draws readers into its depths.

"Johnny Careless" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that showcases Kevin Wade's talent for storytelling and character development. It is a must-read for fans of urban fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, emotionally resonant narrative. This novel is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring human spirit, leaving readers satisfied and contemplative.

If you like mysteries with twists and turns, this one is for you. Taking place on Long Island, it's the age old tale of the have and have-nots, but in this instance, a "have-not" has crossed over....somewhat. Through his lacrosse prowess, our "have=not" protagonist becomes a teammate and friend with the title character (I think you can guess from the nickname Johnny is one of the "haves"). The story loosely follows their lives and after Johnny is found dead and it's up to his friend, who is now the police chief, to solve the case.

Great character development, a driving story, this is one you won't put down.

Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade, is his debut book and does not disappoint. It is about Jeep Mullane, the Police Chief of the small town on Long Island. He grew up there with many close friends, one of whom comes from a wealthy family and goes by the nickname of Johnny Careless. His name says it all!
The story begins when they find Jeep’s close friend Johnny dead. Jeep does not agree with the reason for the death and goes out on his own to find out what really happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it is well written with great characters. You will not be disappointed with this book and the surprising ending. I would like to thank NetGalley and Celadon books for this ARC.

Can't believe this is Kevin Wades first book. Great read. I hope he writes more. His characters were both believable and true to real life. I felt like I was living on the East Coast while reading this book

A murder mystery, an international theft ring, a police chief and the towns people make for a good mystery. In a town where everyone knows each other there are still secrets that can be revealed. This book has it all--catchy dialogue, tough talking cop and family drama. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary digital ARC. This review is my own thoughts and words.

Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade is a highly recommended procedural and the debut novel of a veteran screen writer and showrunner for Blue Bloods.

Police Chief Jeep Mullane has returned to head up the small police department in his hometown on Long Island’s North Shore after working at the NYPD, as his father did. Jeep is used to being the blue collar guy among the wealthy. His best friend growing up was Johnny Chambliss, nicknamed Johnny Careless, son of the elite Chambliss family. When a body washes up on a beach in Bayville, Jeep can immediately identify him from the tattoo on his ankle. Jeep has a matching tattoo so he knows it is his friend Johnny.

Mourning the loss of his friend, Jeep is also questioning what happened to Johnny and, since he can't investigate the death, undertakes his own investigation into Johnny's death. Jeep knows many of his friends secrets and the corruption among the wealthy elite and eventually has a colleague give him clues to follow. At the same time he is under pressure from the local mayors to break up an organized gang who are target stealing expensive cars in the area.

The well-written narrative moves between the present day action to flashbacks from Jeep's past following incidents, many involving Johnny, that are spaced about a year apart, leading up the the present. This develops both the characters of Jeep and Johnny, while showcasing their friendship and how it changed over the years. Since Jeep knew Johnny's family, he is privy to inside information and has insight into their characters too.

As the even-paced plot unfolds, there is a lot of political and societal expectations heaped upon Jeep's shoulders. This is an intricate mystery that has many moving parts that don't all connect as expected, but it does reach a satisfying conclusion. Johnny Careless is a police drama that is a quick read and compelling throughout.

Thanks to Celadon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Jeep Mullane is the Police Chief of a small town in Long Island, where he grew up. He's very familiar with the town, its people, and its culture. When his BFF is found dead, Jeep questions the findings of the case. Also, there seems to be a sophisticated ring of car thieves stealing expensive cars in his hometown and the surrounding areas. Facing the politics and traditions of protecting the privacy and history of the people of the area, Jeep moves forward with both cases to determine if there is a link or what he can find out.

This is a well written, police procedural book that is fast paced and has well developed characters. I was pulled in and really liked the characters and story. I think that the author is also a contributor to Blue Bloods which came through in the story. Very well researched and intriguing! Highly recommend!!!

This is another gem of a debut novel published by Celadon Book!
Johnny Careless is a mix of a suspenseful investigative novel and a story of family, friends and loyalty. A fast-paced thorough police procedural with in-depth character development, had me fully invested in this story!
Jeep has long been the outsider among friends while growing up as a middle-class kid within an upscale Long Island community. Now he has returned as the chief of police and when his best of childhood friends dies, he questions the cause of death. He also has the local mayors breathing down his neck over the string of luxury vehicle thefts. Alternating timelines, the flashbacks present a clearer picture of the secrets within the friendship and who these characters really were.
Kevin Wade was a writer and producer for the show Blue Bloods, and his expertise in storytelling is evident in this book!

Great police mystery! I saw it was written by someone who worked on Blue Bloods, so I was expecting a storyline similar to that and was not disappointed!

Johnny Careless is a debut novel, and it quickly surpassed my expectations. Thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Johnny Careless is a well-written, suspenseful police procedural set on Long Island, NY and featuring an investigation into a suspicious death. The narrator of the book, Jeep, was a close childhood friend of Johnny, the deceased. The author alternates between present-day events and flashbacks to the past to show the connection between the victim and Jeep, the police chief investigating his friend's death. The novel also alternates between the police investigation of Johnny's death, a related investigation of a luxury car theft gang and the the main characters of the story. The author skillfully creates characters with complicated pasts, complex relationships to each other and current struggles. The reader becomes well acquainted with the narrator through the author's use of flashbacks and detailed descriptions of his inner thoughts. My favorite authors are those who show the inner workings of their characters to the reader, and Kevin Wade does this very well. Wade is a longtime showrunner, producer and screenwriter for Blue Bloods, a police procedural TV show set in New York City. His expertise about law enforcement, New York and crime investigation are evident in his debut novel. He writes with great attention to detail and accuracy in describing the investigation and police work that is an important part of Johnny Careless.
I was surprised and pleased to have the opportunity to read Johnny Careless. Kevin Wade writes this police procedural with depth, accuracy and skill. I really enjoyed this book and encourage you to read it too.