Reviewed by: Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.Com
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The central crime in this story is a murder that the two protagonists witnessed when both were kids. Jim Mackery becomes a rookie on the NYPD, and his friend, Frankie Driscoll, is sent to prison on a trumped-up charge, but is working as an undercover officer. Mackery is upwardly mobile, receiving awards for superior police work, and apprehending a cop killer on his way to Detective ranking. Driscoll appears to be consorting with the criminal element after he is released from prison, and is emotionally depleted because he must keep his police work secret.

Both men know who killed Driscoll's cousin and are trying to get proof. The story is mainly concerned with this one crime, a rogue police sergeant, his pedophile priest brother, and the overshadowing childhood secret they all share. I found the plot confusing in places, and had to back up and re-read some parts to clarify the meaning.

McGowan's dialogue skills are very strong, and his characters believable. His first novel is a significant start that shows promise of great things to come.