Review: DECEMBER BOYS by Joe Clifford

This exciting series continues, and I wish it would go on forever! New Hampshire Noir, in the hands of Joe Clifford, seriously rocks. Despite the fact that he is living a seemingly permanently noirish life, admirable Jay Porter, despite his adversities, despite his failings, rocks on--or at least, perseveres. You can't keep this guy down: no matter what life throws at him (and the tribulations are nearly constant) he gonna keep on keeping on. Even near-death doesn't end him. I love this guy. I love this series.

I really like this one, even better than the first book Lamentation. this one picks up awhile after the dust has settled from the events in the first book. Jay has issues because of those events (to put it mildly) and he struggles to maintain a good home life with his wife and child, while also trying to keep it together at his new 9-5 job. a case at work leads Jay on the trail of possible corruption re a juvenile detention centre and it's many many occupants who were likely sent there unnecessarily for minor infractions. I think the author did a great job with the main character in this story as he chose to write him in a very unlikable fashion. I would find myself thinking "no Jay don't do that or say that to your wife/friend, etc". but he would do it anyway and normally this would make me dislike the character, but it was so well written and believable that it just made sense for this character. some good action on the case and lots of drama on the home front kept the pages turning. oh and a really good final chapter that I hope we see more of in the next book as well as some closure on some other plot points. highly recommend this one, 4 + stars and thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. really looking forward to Give Up the Dead coming soon.