Full Moon Bop

by James Rahn

Billy Mott, 15, narrates the events of his life during the winter of 1971 in a fading shore town. He’s an orphan, being raised by a demanding aunt after his parents died in an accident years ago. Angry and bored, inclined to see his home as a cage and his aunt and much-older brother as jailers, he quits school to pursue love and leisure with idling friends like him.

An older boy mentors Billy in all things “street.” His brothers from the notorious youth fraternity he joined in high school unfold new worlds of drug-dealing and violence.

As their adventures become more illicit an inconvenient morality unsettles him. Billy begins to wonder whether he should abandon this exciting but perilous life or continue down a road that may lead to disaster.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

Reviews

[Maddie Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Praise for Full Moon Bop

Smart, strong, concise and surprisingly empathetic—an engaging page turner that will make you hold your breath before exhaling with relief. Highly recommend this terrific read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse into the brain of a teenage boy and what makes him tick, or specifically what makes this character Billy Mott tick. Interestingly, He’s the one doling out the insight on his motivations for his actions, though he can’t seem to get out of his own way enough to avoid trouble. The novel doesn’t waste any time — page one gets right to it, And then we go on to follow Billy through the obstacle course of his own doing. And yet he knows! That‘s what I found so engaging, that I was simultaneously frustrated by him, and charmed by his awareness and inherent goodness. I think that’s how the aunt felt – I was especially drawn to her. He’s a product of all the people and happenstances of his life, and the place too, all so well described right up to the final scene, which was a doozy! No spoilers, but I’m giving bonus points for a really good ending!

[Joe Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read!