Scout's Honor

by John McNellis

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Pub Date Jun 04 2024 | Archive Date Aug 17 2024

Julie Ink / Paperbacks & Pixels | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers

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Description

After losing everything but his life, a young man forges a new identity for himself in the jungles of Vietnam and on the gritty streets of New York in this epic and riveting tale of crime, punishment, and redemption.

It’s 1969. Devastated by the loss of his parents, 19-year-old Eddie Kawadsky is alone and penniless, his dream of becoming a navy pilot seemingly lost. In desperation, Eddie falls in with the charismatic Roy Cross who talks him into smuggling drugs across the border.

Once in Mexico, Roy betrays Eddie, setting him up to be murdered. On the run from vengeful narcotraficantes, corrupt cops, and his own demons, Eddie flees for his life, changes identities, and—as Richard Austen—joins the Marines, serves two heroic combat tours in Vietnam, and then hides himself in New York City. Over the ensuing 25 years, Eddie becomes one of Manhattan’s wealthiest real estate developers, but one haunted by his sins and secrets.

When a long-dreaded visitor finally shows up to extort hush money, Eddie is forced to confront his past. To save his own life and protect the beautiful wife he adores, he must sacrifice nearly everything. But will it be enough to redeem his honor lost so long ago?

With an intricate plot spanning the 1960's counterculture, the Vietnam War, 1970's gritty New York real estate world, the grandeur and hardship of the Marine Corps, and more, Scout's Honor is a sweeping novel of suspense that explores larger themes of morality, guilt, trust, and redemption. Populated with flawed yet compelling characters, Scout's Honor will appeal to fans of both character-driven literary fiction, thrillers, and redemption tales.

After losing everything but his life, a young man forges a new identity for himself in the jungles of Vietnam and on the gritty streets of New York in this epic and riveting tale of crime...

A Note From the Publisher

eBook: 9781736352557

Advance Praise

"In this wild and sweeping thriller, John McNellis puts his mastery of commercial real estate on full display. Scout's Honor opened up new worlds for me."

-Chris Matthews, veteran MSNBC anchor, Host of Hardball, bestselling author of Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero

"Fast-paced, engaging. A story of personal redemption; timeless, even mythical in the opportunity offered by the Marine Corps-an opportunity Eddie Kawadsky takes-with the lessons and bonds that form the foundation of a new, redeemed life."

-Mel Spiese, Major General USMC (Ret)

"Prepare to stay up late! Scout's Honor will keep you on the edge of your seat rooting for its protagonist while trying to guess what happens next."

-John J. Geoghegan, bestselling author

"Scout's Honor is a gripping tale of a man tricked into smuggling drugs followed by his betrayal and violence. Yet, it is also a story of the ability to rise above one's past to carve a path of honor and selflessness, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of redemption. A must-read for those seeking an enthralling narrative that explores the depths of human experience."

-James Doty, New York Times and international bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

"Scout's Honor is the thrilling tale of a New York real estate developer haunted by his criminal youth. The galloping narrative contrasts the protagonist's wild success with his eternal struggle to keep his crimes hidden, exploring themes of redemption, identity, and the power of secrets. Set against the competitive backdrop of Manhattan's real estate scene, the novel dives deep into the protagonist's dual life, filled with tension, moral dilemmas, and the relentless pursuit of a legacy untainted by his past. McNellis's vivid portrayal of the city and its cutthroat industry, alongside his hero's complex and admittedly flawed character, make the compelling case that no one can truly escape his past."

-Vladimir Bosanac, Co-founder & Publisher, THEREGISTRY

"A fascinating character study of a man who changes in nearly every respect except for his drive to succeed and his capacity for love. Scout's Honor is a compelling page turner with twists you will never expect."

-Hannah Wood, author of Gary the Lion

"In this wild and sweeping thriller, John McNellis puts his mastery of commercial real estate on full display. Scout's Honor opened up new worlds for me."

-Chris Matthews, veteran MSNBC anchor, Host...