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*Author Statement: "I have never used AI in my writing." A.G. Russo
*Winner of the Silver Medal for Mystery Series from the 2025 Global Book Awards
The homefront, spring 1944, Brooklyn, New York is the neo-noir setting for the final installment of Maeve O'Shaughnessy and Vic Marino's journey since becoming partners in the O'Shaughnessy Investigations detective agency.
After being drawn into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, the United States wholeheartedly united to fight Hitler and Fascism overseas. No one could have foreseen the tragedies and sacrifices everyone would endure. From that date on, Americans dedicated themselves to victory with a shared purpose at home and abroad. Many paid the ultimate price for freedom. Those at home did everything they could to provide support and ensure victory while living lives they never expected.
In Book 1 Maeve, a secretary, was forced through circumstance to allow ex-cop Vic to help her save a failing detective agency her three brothers established but left her in charge of when they went to fight in the war. Besides knowing nothing about running such an agency, she was also guardian of her fifteen-year old brother. Vic brought his streetwise knowledge to support Maeve.
In Book 2 Maeve, a quick learner, and Vic, having worked the "cases nobody wanted" managed to survive but found themselves in a much darker place. They had to deal with mobsters and as FBI informants this time around. Maeve had to toughen up and learn hard lessons about the underbelly of city life and the criminals who ran it.
In Book 3 Maeve's resolve is strained to the breaking point by demands from all sides. Though Vic supports her and does his best to protect her, she makes a difficult and dangerous decision to go against his advice. On one side, former first love, powerful Irish crime boss Lory, threatens her and those she cares about. On the other side, the FBI demands her help to stop him. The G-Men know she's holding back information. She knows she can't divulge all she knows or would face dire consequences. She has to walk a razor's edge.
Americans are told that D-Day in June 1944 is a turning point in the War. This gives hope and solace to millions of Americans that the War will soon be over. But it becomes clear that the War is going to drag on. On the homefront, everyone feels the strain of ration books, limited food and goods, but worse, the coffins that come home. Telegrams and knocks at the door are dreaded by all as family, neighbors, and friends deal with tragic losses for themselves and others.
From bombings instigated by Nazi collaborators and sympathizers, to boxing, to murder in the setting of a brand new stage play, Maeve is thwarted. Every day it's only bad news with no progress. When a new theatre is built in Brooklyn for the play, Maeve finds herself involved in another situation she knows nothing about. This becomes Maeve and Vic's most challenging year. Her brother Jimmy is now a senior in high school. What if the War isn't over by the time he graduates?
The "side issues" that Maeve and Vic faced in Book 1 and 2 in their earlier years together during the course of the War are addressed. Each book can be read separately, but together show the progression of a journey of two people who have been forced to deal with circumstances beyond their control and survive by their wits in a gritty, dangerous world. For Vic, that means acceptance of his past mistakes. For Maeve that means overcoming paralyzing fear and digging deep to find the strength she needs to protect herself and those she loves.
Will Maeve and Vic survive through the difficult last year of the War?
Content Warning: Please be aware this book contains issues of violence, war violence, domestic violence, murder, killing, racism and racial slurs (in the context and vernacular of the times), sexism, mob activity, verbally abusive language, and physical abuse.
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