It’s 2002 and Andy Eastman’s life is falling apart. Eager to begin his summer vacation, Andy returns home to find a note from his she’s left him, sick of his laissez-faire attitude toward life. Instead of confronting his problems, he agrees to help a friend find out what’s wrong with her husband, a lawyer recently fired by Boeing, Andy’s employer. Andy uncovers a conspiracy involving Boeing, the lawyer, and rapacious co-conspirators—and all hell breaks his son and two of his son’s friends are abducted and the lawyer goes missing. Bewildered, dismayed, increasingly desperate, Andy shatters his self-image as a Vietnam vet turned pacifist, a man more prone to turn a cheek than throw a punch. He has no choice. He must rescue the boys—it’s his only hope to save his marriage and the lives of those he cherishes.
Enthusiastic
"The wry, peril-ridden, Camel-smoking Ander Eastman in Dennis Berry’s 'Mommie Dearest' is painted so credibly, he peels off the page, pads to your fridge and returns with a six-pack (ask nice and he might make another trip to get a bottle for you!).” —Chris Wyatt, criminal defense attorney, Seattle, Washington
“Technical writer Andy Eastman begins his vacation with a dose of bad news, but within hours his bucolic life on Bainbridge Island is turned upside down. Over the next few days his life becomes consumed in a literal firestorm of conspiracy, danger, and betrayal in which family, friendship, and work are all put at terrible risk. Dennis Berry's latest novel is an atmospheric, well-crafted thriller with surprises in every twist and turn of the plot.” —Jeanne Mehan, writer, The Boeing Company
“Berry is a talented writer who alternately charms and chills. His Mommie Dearest’s good guys and not-so-nice guys provide an entertaining chase through the beautiful Northwest, the world of corporate crime, and into nests of families you quickly get to know and love—plus some you should avoid like crazy.” —Dennis Fairchild, author, "The Kitchen Tarot"
I like mysteries, especially Donald Westlake & Robert Parker but also Jacqueline Winspear & Laurie King. I read and really liked Dennis Berry's first Andy Eastman book, "Mommie Dearest." It's such a believable story, especially since Berry's bio says he was a tech writer at Boeing. Plus I lived on Bainbridge Island for a few years & there's so much that's reminiscent about that marvelous place. The story gallops along & there's a fantastic hook. I didn't want it to end & I'm glad the author has another Andy Eastman book in the works. Cant wait.