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Franky Dast Mystery #1
Monument Road
Introducing former death-row inmate turned private investigator Franky Dast in the first of an intriguing new crime noir series.
Having spent eight years on death row for a crime he didn't commit, Franky Dast now works as an investigator for the Justice Now Initiative, seeking to help others in the same situation. But when he learns that Bill Higby, the detective whose testimony helped convict him, is facing his own murder charge, Franky is torn. Should he help the man he hates more than any other, the man who remains convinced of Franky's guilt to this day?
As Franky delves further, he comes to realize that in order to prove Higby's innocence, he must also prove his own. Unless he finds out what happened that fateful night eight years before, the night 15-year-old Duane Bronson and his 13-year-old brother were murdered, Franky will always be under suspicion, and the real killer will remain free. What really happened that dark, wet night on Monument Road? And is Franky prepared for the shocking truth?
Will appeal to fans of GREG ILES and MICHAEL CONNELLY
Having spent eight years on death row for a crime he didn't commit, Franky Dast now works as an investigator for the Justice Now Initiative, seeking to help others in the same situation. But when he learns that Bill Higby, the detective whose testimony helped convict him, is facing his own murder charge, Franky is torn. Should he help the man he hates more than any other, the man who remains convinced of Franky's guilt to this day?
As Franky delves further, he comes to realize that in order to prove Higby's innocence, he must also prove his own. Unless he finds out what happened that fateful night eight years before, the night 15-year-old Duane Bronson and his 13-year-old brother were murdered, Franky will always be under suspicion, and the real killer will remain free. What really happened that dark, wet night on Monument Road? And is Franky prepared for the shocking truth?
Will appeal to fans of GREG ILES and MICHAEL CONNELLY
249 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2017
About the author
Michael Wiley
44 books91 followersMichael Wiley’s new novel is The Long Way Out, featuring Franky Dast, an exonerated ex-con who investigates a series of murders in Northeast Florida. Michael is also the author of three mystery and detective series, including the Shamus Award-winning Joe Kozmarski books, the Daniel Turner thrillers, and, most recently, the Sam Kelson PI novels. His short stories appear often in magazines and anthologies, including Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2022.
Michael grew up in Chicago and lived and worked in the neighborhoods and on the streets where he sets his Kelson and Kozmarski mysteries. He teaches literature at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville—the setting of The Long Way Out, an earlier Franky Dast novel (Monument Road), and the Daniel Turner novels.
Series:
* Joe Kozmarski Mystery
Michael grew up in Chicago and lived and worked in the neighborhoods and on the streets where he sets his Kelson and Kozmarski mysteries. He teaches literature at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville—the setting of The Long Way Out, an earlier Franky Dast novel (Monument Road), and the Daniel Turner novels.
Series:
* Joe Kozmarski Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 1, 2017
This is dark and enthralling Crime Noir set in Florida. 18 year old Franky Dast does a good deed, helping teenagers Duane and Steven on a dark night by taking them to a petrol station on Monument Road. The two brothers are gruesomely murdered and raped after he drops them off. In a horrific miscarriage of justice, Franky is convicted of their killing, serving 8 years on Death Row when thanks largely to his own efforts and the Justice Now Initiative, his conviction is overturned. Michael Wiley gives us one of the most interesting, complex and mesmerising protagonists that I have come across in some time. Whilst Franky is physically free, he is to all intents imprisoned in every other sphere, experiencing serious mental health issues that make him volatile, vulnerable and lost, facing fundamental issues surrounding his identity. He has no family to fall back on, his drunken father is dead and his relationship with his brother, Jared, is fraught offering little support. The cop who forced a false confession from him, Detective Bill Higby, remains convinced he is a murderer and harasses Franky continuously on his release, and he is not alone.
To pay his rent at the motel he is staying at and buy food, Franky works as a low paid investigator at the Justice Now Initiative, with Jane, Hank and Thelma, looking into freeing innocent men on Death Row. He brings his experience, his street smarts, and his ability to use the computer to look into people, organisations and issues. However, he is plagued by his emotional and mental scars. He is a mix of tough, critical to survive in the deplorable prison system, and off the wall, in that he now crosses boundaries that disturb and unsettle others. He feels real lows that threaten any progress that he makes, although seeing Dr Patel, his psychiatrist, is of some help. After overcoming his initial insecurities, he ends up in a relationship with Cynthia, an outsider with her own issues. He finds himself in the odd position of investigating a shooting incident where Higby is arrested for killing the unarmed Josh Skooner. This case connects Franky back to the killings of Steven and Duane that he served time for. This spooks the killer to murder again. Franky walks the perilous road back into his past, helped by Detective Deborah Holt, and having to face a ruthless and dangerous serial killer.
I understand this is the first of a series, and I really cannot wait for the next book. Michael Wiley has done impressive research on miscarriages of justice and the psychological states of those Death Row prisoners released, after serving years of torture in an unforgiving prison system. This research has informed the complicated creation and development of Franky Dast. I found myself feeling a range of emotions towards him, from rooting for him, afraid for him and even irritated with him. However, I was never less than compelled and gripped by him and it made sense that he connects with Cynthia, a woman who has her own demons. A unique and superb beginning to this series which I highly recommend. Thanks to Severn House for an ARC.
To pay his rent at the motel he is staying at and buy food, Franky works as a low paid investigator at the Justice Now Initiative, with Jane, Hank and Thelma, looking into freeing innocent men on Death Row. He brings his experience, his street smarts, and his ability to use the computer to look into people, organisations and issues. However, he is plagued by his emotional and mental scars. He is a mix of tough, critical to survive in the deplorable prison system, and off the wall, in that he now crosses boundaries that disturb and unsettle others. He feels real lows that threaten any progress that he makes, although seeing Dr Patel, his psychiatrist, is of some help. After overcoming his initial insecurities, he ends up in a relationship with Cynthia, an outsider with her own issues. He finds himself in the odd position of investigating a shooting incident where Higby is arrested for killing the unarmed Josh Skooner. This case connects Franky back to the killings of Steven and Duane that he served time for. This spooks the killer to murder again. Franky walks the perilous road back into his past, helped by Detective Deborah Holt, and having to face a ruthless and dangerous serial killer.
I understand this is the first of a series, and I really cannot wait for the next book. Michael Wiley has done impressive research on miscarriages of justice and the psychological states of those Death Row prisoners released, after serving years of torture in an unforgiving prison system. This research has informed the complicated creation and development of Franky Dast. I found myself feeling a range of emotions towards him, from rooting for him, afraid for him and even irritated with him. However, I was never less than compelled and gripped by him and it made sense that he connects with Cynthia, a woman who has her own demons. A unique and superb beginning to this series which I highly recommend. Thanks to Severn House for an ARC.
June 22, 2018
Nominees for the 2018 Shamus Awards:
• Dark Water, by Parker Bilal (Bloomsbury USA)
• Blood Truth, by Matt Coyle (Oceanview)
• Y Is for Yesterday, by Sue Grafton (Marian Wood/Putnam)
• The Room of White Fire, by T. Jefferson Parker (Putnam)
• Monument Road, by Michael Wiley (Severn House)
This first world hardcover edition was printed in Cornwall, Great Britain.
Michael grew up in Chicago and has lived and worked in the neighborhoods and on the streets. He now teaches literature at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
There is a sub-set of novels known as "Prison Novels" to which this excellent book will surly be added. The book is dark, claustrophobic and grim. The protagonist battles to survive spiritually, mentally, and physically after serving 8 years in prison, 3 on death row, for a crime he did not commit. He was sentenced at age eighteen.
This book is most engaging and projected to be the first in a new series. I will be looking for the next installment.
• Dark Water, by Parker Bilal (Bloomsbury USA)
• Blood Truth, by Matt Coyle (Oceanview)
• Y Is for Yesterday, by Sue Grafton (Marian Wood/Putnam)
• The Room of White Fire, by T. Jefferson Parker (Putnam)
• Monument Road, by Michael Wiley (Severn House)
This first world hardcover edition was printed in Cornwall, Great Britain.
Michael grew up in Chicago and has lived and worked in the neighborhoods and on the streets. He now teaches literature at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
There is a sub-set of novels known as "Prison Novels" to which this excellent book will surly be added. The book is dark, claustrophobic and grim. The protagonist battles to survive spiritually, mentally, and physically after serving 8 years in prison, 3 on death row, for a crime he did not commit. He was sentenced at age eighteen.
This book is most engaging and projected to be the first in a new series. I will be looking for the next installment.
November 28, 2017
This book is described as a Florida Noir mystery and the description is apt. Wiley has captured the darkness of being poor and unjustly accused in Florida. He’s also captured the locale, which is so richly described it’s like another character. Franky Dast has just been released after serving 8 years on a murder and rape charge. Thanks to the Justice Now Initiative, DNA has proved him innocent. But PTSD still keeps him a prisoner of sorts. “I still wondered if I was even managing to save myself. Or if I had a self to save.”
Then when the detective that railroaded him is accused of a crime, Dast is anxious to see Digby get what he thinks of as “his due”. I struggled with Franky. He’s not an easy character to like. Luckily, another reviewer made a similar comment and recommended readers stick with it. I can’t say I even got to like Franky, but I was able to appreciate his motives.
This isn’t a fast moving book. It moves at a steady pace, spending a lot of time setting up the story. In the end it was an interesting book but a tad too dark for me to truly enjoy.
My thanks to netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of this book.
Then when the detective that railroaded him is accused of a crime, Dast is anxious to see Digby get what he thinks of as “his due”. I struggled with Franky. He’s not an easy character to like. Luckily, another reviewer made a similar comment and recommended readers stick with it. I can’t say I even got to like Franky, but I was able to appreciate his motives.
This isn’t a fast moving book. It moves at a steady pace, spending a lot of time setting up the story. In the end it was an interesting book but a tad too dark for me to truly enjoy.
My thanks to netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of this book.
October 27, 2017
Having spent eight years on death row for a crime he didn't commit, Franky Dast now works as an investigator for the Justice Now Initiative, seeking to help others in the same situation. But when he learns that Bill Higby, the detective whose testimony helped convict him, is facing his own murder charge, Franky is torn. Should he help the man he hates more than any other, the man who remains convinced of Franky's guilt to this day?
I really enjoyed this book straight from the beginning. It took a while initially to warm to the character of Frankie Dash who in the beginning I did not like but as the book moved forward his brash personality grew on me ad really suits the story and makes the book a success. I would highly recommend this and will look out for more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book straight from the beginning. It took a while initially to warm to the character of Frankie Dash who in the beginning I did not like but as the book moved forward his brash personality grew on me ad really suits the story and makes the book a success. I would highly recommend this and will look out for more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2017
I tried very hard to get into this book, but I find the prose to be flat and almost mechanical. The characters and plot are clichéd, and this is DNF for me.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing this book to me.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing this book to me.
January 14, 2020
Franky Dast is a former death row inmate, released after 8 years with an apology, and is now a private investigator.
He is now working as an investigator for the Justice Now Initiative, helping others who are in the same boast as Franky was.
But when he learns that Bill Higby, the detective whose testimony helped convict him, is facing his own murder charge, Franky is torn. Should he help the man he hates more than any other, the man who remains convinced of Franky’s guilt to this day?
This is packed full of action from the very first page. Trying to prove his own innocence in order to prove Higby's innocence leads him into places he never dreamed of. It's a complex mystery, full of suspense.
Franky is a great character ... full of anger, but wanting to see justice done. With the help of a therapist, he's trying to live a normal life ... whatever that is for him. He has trust issues when it comes to the police, but he has to trust someone... even a girlfriend who has her own issues.
Many thanks to the author / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
He is now working as an investigator for the Justice Now Initiative, helping others who are in the same boast as Franky was.
But when he learns that Bill Higby, the detective whose testimony helped convict him, is facing his own murder charge, Franky is torn. Should he help the man he hates more than any other, the man who remains convinced of Franky’s guilt to this day?
This is packed full of action from the very first page. Trying to prove his own innocence in order to prove Higby's innocence leads him into places he never dreamed of. It's a complex mystery, full of suspense.
Franky is a great character ... full of anger, but wanting to see justice done. With the help of a therapist, he's trying to live a normal life ... whatever that is for him. He has trust issues when it comes to the police, but he has to trust someone... even a girlfriend who has her own issues.
Many thanks to the author / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 16, 2023
The pace of this novel is unrelenting.
Having served eight years of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit Franky Dast finds it difficult to adjust to his new found freedom.
It is impossible as he has unresolved issues regarding the injustice that was evident even at the time of his trial. He particularly hates the police officer who still hounds him upon his release. That cop and for many others familiar with the case he’ll always be guilty.
I really enjoyed the humanity depicted in Franky’s experiences in this mystery thriller. Often stories in this genre relate to the successes of the criminal justice system in solving crimes. But as Franky finds out there are still bars on your life even after leaving prison. Your mind and spirit can remain incarcerated denying you any sense of freedom.
Michael Wiley captures this beautifully in his main character. Dast would love to work for other prisoners where convictions can be challenged but he struggles to remain objective and balanced in his approach.
There is a sense that what he has endured has changed him; being among violent men has altered his character and driven him to be less tolerant and more aggressive in attitude.
You get a sense that within prison it is clearly us and them. Them being the system and guards all working towards a day of execution. Us being a group you need to belong to, to survive and remain sane. I was moved by the sense of love towards quite dangerous inmates and the survival techniques Franky had to adopt.
In short if he didn’t commit this dreadful crime then the perpetrator remains at liberty. Dast quickly understands to find the true killer is the best way to confirm his innocence. His trial and conviction bought a silence in those who knew more and meant lines of enquiry were no longer perused.
This thoughtful book shows that a quashed conviction can be like tossing a pebble into a pond, where the resulting ripples extend far and wide. But the author hasn’t thrown a stone so much as an hand grenade as the ramification go beyond just the one case and point to corruption and conspiracy across the whole legal system.
Explosive writing with deep insights into the judgements we make over guilt and integrity. Demonstrating that truth is often an illusive quality where fear and power are exercised.
Having served eight years of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit Franky Dast finds it difficult to adjust to his new found freedom.
It is impossible as he has unresolved issues regarding the injustice that was evident even at the time of his trial. He particularly hates the police officer who still hounds him upon his release. That cop and for many others familiar with the case he’ll always be guilty.
I really enjoyed the humanity depicted in Franky’s experiences in this mystery thriller. Often stories in this genre relate to the successes of the criminal justice system in solving crimes. But as Franky finds out there are still bars on your life even after leaving prison. Your mind and spirit can remain incarcerated denying you any sense of freedom.
Michael Wiley captures this beautifully in his main character. Dast would love to work for other prisoners where convictions can be challenged but he struggles to remain objective and balanced in his approach.
There is a sense that what he has endured has changed him; being among violent men has altered his character and driven him to be less tolerant and more aggressive in attitude.
You get a sense that within prison it is clearly us and them. Them being the system and guards all working towards a day of execution. Us being a group you need to belong to, to survive and remain sane. I was moved by the sense of love towards quite dangerous inmates and the survival techniques Franky had to adopt.
In short if he didn’t commit this dreadful crime then the perpetrator remains at liberty. Dast quickly understands to find the true killer is the best way to confirm his innocence. His trial and conviction bought a silence in those who knew more and meant lines of enquiry were no longer perused.
This thoughtful book shows that a quashed conviction can be like tossing a pebble into a pond, where the resulting ripples extend far and wide. But the author hasn’t thrown a stone so much as an hand grenade as the ramification go beyond just the one case and point to corruption and conspiracy across the whole legal system.
Explosive writing with deep insights into the judgements we make over guilt and integrity. Demonstrating that truth is often an illusive quality where fear and power are exercised.
September 18, 2022
Wonderful. An easy to read and follow: the mystery behind a man wrongly convicted if murder. Franky Dast spent 8 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Then he was exonerated. But to be truly free he has to find out who did the murders of which he was falsely accussed.
Unputdownable.
Unputdownable.
November 18, 2017
Michael Wiley, UNF professor of 18th and early 19th century British literature, steps away from his place at the head of the classroom to bring his readers another tale set among the bridges, the landscape, the beauty of Northeast Florida again.
Monument Road is titled after a major thoroughfare in the Arlington section of Jacksonville. Arlington is a bedroom community across the St. John's River from downtown Jacksonville, specifically right across from the Gator Bowl, now Everbank Field, home of Jacksonville's NFL team the Jaguars. It's the eastern border of new Arlington, old Arlington and just Arlington. It's the place I called home for many years after moving here with two teenage daughters in 1971.
I'm hoping for Franky Dast, Wiley's young protagonist, to be fruitful in his quest of clearing his name. I'm hopeful that Professor Wiley can re-construct the wonderful Arlington area we encountered in 1971...our beautiful now desolate Regency Square Mall where we lingered many times with our good friends... the lovely apartment complex at the foot of the Mathews Bridge that we crossed to see our new home so many years ago.
Franky Dast returns home to Monument Road and Arlington to clear his name. I'm returning to an earlier home to friendly folks and beautiful familiar scenes.
Monument Road is titled after a major thoroughfare in the Arlington section of Jacksonville. Arlington is a bedroom community across the St. John's River from downtown Jacksonville, specifically right across from the Gator Bowl, now Everbank Field, home of Jacksonville's NFL team the Jaguars. It's the eastern border of new Arlington, old Arlington and just Arlington. It's the place I called home for many years after moving here with two teenage daughters in 1971.
I'm hoping for Franky Dast, Wiley's young protagonist, to be fruitful in his quest of clearing his name. I'm hopeful that Professor Wiley can re-construct the wonderful Arlington area we encountered in 1971...our beautiful now desolate Regency Square Mall where we lingered many times with our good friends... the lovely apartment complex at the foot of the Mathews Bridge that we crossed to see our new home so many years ago.
Franky Dast returns home to Monument Road and Arlington to clear his name. I'm returning to an earlier home to friendly folks and beautiful familiar scenes.
September 15, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
MONUMENT ROAD by Michael Wiley is a novel about Franke Dast, a man recently released from prison, yet he is harassed by a homicide detective Bill Higby who remains convinced of Frankie’s guilt even with evidence of his innocence. Frankie also faces others in the community who still view him as a convict, making his reintroduction to society difficult along with the damage done as a result of his wrongful incarceration.
Frankie sets out to solve the mystery of the death of the Bronson boys, a difficult endeavor since most of the people he questions still are viewing him as the man responsible for the murders.
I found this to be a good first novel that might be the first book in an upcoming series, and it will be interesting to see his development as an investigator in future novels.
4 stars.
MONUMENT ROAD by Michael Wiley is a novel about Franke Dast, a man recently released from prison, yet he is harassed by a homicide detective Bill Higby who remains convinced of Frankie’s guilt even with evidence of his innocence. Frankie also faces others in the community who still view him as a convict, making his reintroduction to society difficult along with the damage done as a result of his wrongful incarceration.
Frankie sets out to solve the mystery of the death of the Bronson boys, a difficult endeavor since most of the people he questions still are viewing him as the man responsible for the murders.
I found this to be a good first novel that might be the first book in an upcoming series, and it will be interesting to see his development as an investigator in future novels.
4 stars.
August 13, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of Monument Road, the first novel to feature Franky Dast, a man recently released from prison after being wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for murder.
On his release Franky gets a job with the lawyers who freed him. It's not much of a job and he's not much of an investigator as he's constantly worrying at his own case, trying to work out what really happened and why he was framed by detective Bill Higby. In the meantime the state of Florida is counting down to Thomas LaFlora's execution and the team aren't getting far.
I enjoyed Monument Road. It has a good plot and some unexpected twists and turns which kept me reading and held my attention throughout. In one sense you could say that there isn't much new in the plot - man fights injustice and corruption - but Mr Wiley makes it seem very fresh with his unusual protagonist, his approach and the way it all comes together. It makes for an interesting read.
I can't say I took to Frankie Dast but it's early days in his character development. He is constantly angry and violent which cause him to act before he thinks. This is probably to be expected after spending his youth firstly on death row and then the violent offenders wing but it doesn't make him an appealing character. I do, however, think that he is very well drawn. I was surprised that he's so impulsive when much is made early on in the novel of his intelligence as I had just assumed that he would have had played a longer game. Surprise is good as it keeps the reader engaged.
Monument Road is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
On his release Franky gets a job with the lawyers who freed him. It's not much of a job and he's not much of an investigator as he's constantly worrying at his own case, trying to work out what really happened and why he was framed by detective Bill Higby. In the meantime the state of Florida is counting down to Thomas LaFlora's execution and the team aren't getting far.
I enjoyed Monument Road. It has a good plot and some unexpected twists and turns which kept me reading and held my attention throughout. In one sense you could say that there isn't much new in the plot - man fights injustice and corruption - but Mr Wiley makes it seem very fresh with his unusual protagonist, his approach and the way it all comes together. It makes for an interesting read.
I can't say I took to Frankie Dast but it's early days in his character development. He is constantly angry and violent which cause him to act before he thinks. This is probably to be expected after spending his youth firstly on death row and then the violent offenders wing but it doesn't make him an appealing character. I do, however, think that he is very well drawn. I was surprised that he's so impulsive when much is made early on in the novel of his intelligence as I had just assumed that he would have had played a longer game. Surprise is good as it keeps the reader engaged.
Monument Road is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 15, 2018
Wow. After reading Michael Wiley’s newest book, MONUMENT ROAD, I’ve placed him right up there with the novelists I consider among the best in the business at the moment: James Lee Burke, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Reed Farrel Coleman. Wiley will be on my must-read list from here on out.
I loved MONUMENT ROAD for a couple of reasons. First, the story is unique. A young man, Franky Dast, is exonerated of a double murder he didn’t commit and released from prison after spending eight years on death row. Once free, however, he quickly discovers there are few people willing to accept he isn’t a murderer. The world is pretty much stacked against Franky.
The second reason I loved the novel is that the characters are wonderfully developed and the prose beautifully crafted, despite the images they paint often being brutally raw.
Franky is a protagonist with a lot of flaws. He isn’t a naturally tough guy, but if being in prison taught him one thing, it’s to back down from nothing and no one. It’s a standard he applies to life on the outside, and it gets him into a much trouble as it gets him out of.
He goes to work for the Justice Now Initiative, the organization that helped free him. He believes he might be able to help others in situations similar to the one he was in. But he also comes to realize that if he’s ever going to be truly free, he’s going to have to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, his own innocence.
It’s a realization that pitches him into direct conflict with the legal and law enforcement establishments, and even the Justice Now folks for whom he works. It all leads him down a path fraught with peril.
MONUMENT ROAD is a superb page turner. If you love robust mysteries with a different cant, this book is for you.
I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from Michael Wiley.
I loved MONUMENT ROAD for a couple of reasons. First, the story is unique. A young man, Franky Dast, is exonerated of a double murder he didn’t commit and released from prison after spending eight years on death row. Once free, however, he quickly discovers there are few people willing to accept he isn’t a murderer. The world is pretty much stacked against Franky.
The second reason I loved the novel is that the characters are wonderfully developed and the prose beautifully crafted, despite the images they paint often being brutally raw.
Franky is a protagonist with a lot of flaws. He isn’t a naturally tough guy, but if being in prison taught him one thing, it’s to back down from nothing and no one. It’s a standard he applies to life on the outside, and it gets him into a much trouble as it gets him out of.
He goes to work for the Justice Now Initiative, the organization that helped free him. He believes he might be able to help others in situations similar to the one he was in. But he also comes to realize that if he’s ever going to be truly free, he’s going to have to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, his own innocence.
It’s a realization that pitches him into direct conflict with the legal and law enforcement establishments, and even the Justice Now folks for whom he works. It all leads him down a path fraught with peril.
MONUMENT ROAD is a superb page turner. If you love robust mysteries with a different cant, this book is for you.
I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from Michael Wiley.
January 2, 2019
Freed after spending eight years on death row for a crime he did not commit, Franky Dast now works as an investigator for the Justice Now Initiative. But he’s not able to move past the events that cost him eight years of his life and isn’t certain he should help the detective who testified against him all those years ago and who now faces a murder charge himself.
Investigating for Justice Now, Franky learns more about the murder charge against Detective Higby; Franky hates the man and wants him to be guilty of the crime. But as he learns more about the circumstances and about the people involved, he realizes there is much more to the case than he’d first thought.
Despite his release from prison, many people still believe Franky is guilty of the murders that wrongfully incarcerated him and he realizes he must prove himself innocent of that crime before he can make headway in the Higby investigation. Can Franky learn what really happened that night on Monument Road?
This gritty narrative explores the psychological state of those released from prison after several years in an unforgiving prison system and offers readers a starkly realistic view through Franky’s interactions with others. By turns, Franky will make readers sad, hopeful, angry, and scared as he makes choices that seem self-destructive and yet are part of his learning how to be free after spending so many years as an innocent man on death row.
The characters are well-developed and believable; unexpected twists and turns keep readers guessing until the final reveal. The narrative itself is grim, dark, stifling, and brutally raw. Sometimes it is difficult to read. But its honesty is both compelling and mesmerizing. Put this one on your must-read list.
Highly recommended.
Investigating for Justice Now, Franky learns more about the murder charge against Detective Higby; Franky hates the man and wants him to be guilty of the crime. But as he learns more about the circumstances and about the people involved, he realizes there is much more to the case than he’d first thought.
Despite his release from prison, many people still believe Franky is guilty of the murders that wrongfully incarcerated him and he realizes he must prove himself innocent of that crime before he can make headway in the Higby investigation. Can Franky learn what really happened that night on Monument Road?
This gritty narrative explores the psychological state of those released from prison after several years in an unforgiving prison system and offers readers a starkly realistic view through Franky’s interactions with others. By turns, Franky will make readers sad, hopeful, angry, and scared as he makes choices that seem self-destructive and yet are part of his learning how to be free after spending so many years as an innocent man on death row.
The characters are well-developed and believable; unexpected twists and turns keep readers guessing until the final reveal. The narrative itself is grim, dark, stifling, and brutally raw. Sometimes it is difficult to read. But its honesty is both compelling and mesmerizing. Put this one on your must-read list.
Highly recommended.
November 20, 2019
This was dark, and I loved it. The characters are so flawed and their stories so rich you'll forget you're reading for the plot, too... just the interactions between Franky and everyone he encounters is rich and unexpected.
Another great book by a phenomenal author I can't stop reading!
Another great book by a phenomenal author I can't stop reading!
March 15, 2023
As someone who lives in the same (real) city as fictional character Franky Dast, I found the novel compelling, authentic, and gritty. Franky feels like someone I know--or have at least met. (We might've gone to high school together!) I liked this page-turning mystery so much, I'm now reading the next book in the Franky Dast series, The Long Way Out.
January 14, 2024
Amazing book set in my hometown, the last half of this book is impossible to put down. One of my favorite books that I have read in a very long time.
October 19, 2017
Franky Dast has just been released from prison,having been cleared of murdering two boys 8 years earlier although there are some who still believe he did it and that he should have been executed as his sentence required- unfortunately one of these is the detective who arrested him.
Despite coming from a poor family, Franky is bright and has spent his years in prison and Death Row trying to clear himself and prove his innocence. Once out he works for the Justice Now Initiative lawyers trying to help others who are in the same situation. Then he learns that the detective who falsely accused him has shot his neighbour's son and been arrested. Whilst looking into this case of this man whom he hates he starts to learn things about what happened 8 years ago and realises he must confront his own past before he can really move on with his life.
This is a slow burner but once I got into the book I found this a compelling read. Told in the first peson by Franky the novel offers a chilling insight into what can happen to somebody who is wrongly accused of a crime, particulary in the US where they still have the death penalty. There is no going back once someone has been executed, Fortunately Franky escapes this fate but others are not so lucky.
The characters are very well described, particularly Franky and Cynthia, his girlfriend, who is also damaged in some ways but so good at helping Franky work out what he needs to do.
I believe this is the first in a series and I will definitely be looking out for the next book when it is published.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
Despite coming from a poor family, Franky is bright and has spent his years in prison and Death Row trying to clear himself and prove his innocence. Once out he works for the Justice Now Initiative lawyers trying to help others who are in the same situation. Then he learns that the detective who falsely accused him has shot his neighbour's son and been arrested. Whilst looking into this case of this man whom he hates he starts to learn things about what happened 8 years ago and realises he must confront his own past before he can really move on with his life.
This is a slow burner but once I got into the book I found this a compelling read. Told in the first peson by Franky the novel offers a chilling insight into what can happen to somebody who is wrongly accused of a crime, particulary in the US where they still have the death penalty. There is no going back once someone has been executed, Fortunately Franky escapes this fate but others are not so lucky.
The characters are very well described, particularly Franky and Cynthia, his girlfriend, who is also damaged in some ways but so good at helping Franky work out what he needs to do.
I believe this is the first in a series and I will definitely be looking out for the next book when it is published.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley. It in no way changed or pressured my honest opinion of it.
I really enjoyed this book. I have gotten into mysteries more than ever lately, and this book hit the spot. I flew through it, and was left wanting more. It had me hooked from page 1. While it can be read as a stand alone, it is part of a series. I do wish I was aware of this before I started, for my own satisfaction,but still was happy with the results.
I really enjoyed this book. I have gotten into mysteries more than ever lately, and this book hit the spot. I flew through it, and was left wanting more. It had me hooked from page 1. While it can be read as a stand alone, it is part of a series. I do wish I was aware of this before I started, for my own satisfaction,but still was happy with the results.
May 16, 2019
Lots ofJacksonville references
November 27, 2017
This is another new author for me and another one firmly added to my watch list. Set in Jacksonville, Florida we follow Franky Dast as he is released from jail having served 8 years for a crime he didn't commit and was convinced he was fitted up for; the who and the why very much in the forefront of his mind as he starts his new job as an investigator for Justice Now Initiative, an outfit that helps people such as himself who have been failed by the legal system. Top of his list is one Bill Higby, the Detective who led his case and the cop that pretty much broke him. The man above all men that he hates the most. So, imagine what our Franky feels when he sees a news report telling him that Higby has been slapped with his own murder charges; that of the death of his neighbour's son. The son of the Judge that sentenced Franky. Is karma finally coming into play for Franky? Freed in body but not completely in his mind, Franky is intent on clearing his name and what better way to do that but to find out who really killed the two young lads that he went to jail for. But, oh my, what a pandora's box he opens when he starts to ask questions. What started off in his mind as just a miscarriage of justice turns out to run deeper and higher and longer than Franky ever envisaged. As time goes on and his investigations appear to be causing escalations in the crimes, can he get to the bottom of things before thinks go to far?
Boy this was a cracking story. Quite hardboiled in tone with definite overtones of noir. We have secrets, lies, duplicitous behaviour, conspiracy theories and so much more as the crimes that Franky starts to uncover become more and more interconnected and interweaved both through their nature and the people involved; on both sides of the law. It was a story that held me nicely throughout, piquing my interest and keeping me guessing right til the end as slowly, each layer was exposed until the truth was laid bare.
I took to Franky right from the off. Not that it was all positive; far from it. But, on balance, I was rooting for him for all the way, despite some rather irritating moments of, at best daftness, at worst sheer stupidity. It took a wee while but eventually the connection was made and he slowly started to become less irritating and more impressive with his guts and tenacity and strong sense of justice, despite all he had been through. But honestly, all you needed to do to get him to do something was tell him he couldn't; he was that much of a rebel! I'm also sure he'll become less angry and more open as time moves on in this series. I'll definitely be interested in seeing where the author takes him next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Boy this was a cracking story. Quite hardboiled in tone with definite overtones of noir. We have secrets, lies, duplicitous behaviour, conspiracy theories and so much more as the crimes that Franky starts to uncover become more and more interconnected and interweaved both through their nature and the people involved; on both sides of the law. It was a story that held me nicely throughout, piquing my interest and keeping me guessing right til the end as slowly, each layer was exposed until the truth was laid bare.
I took to Franky right from the off. Not that it was all positive; far from it. But, on balance, I was rooting for him for all the way, despite some rather irritating moments of, at best daftness, at worst sheer stupidity. It took a wee while but eventually the connection was made and he slowly started to become less irritating and more impressive with his guts and tenacity and strong sense of justice, despite all he had been through. But honestly, all you needed to do to get him to do something was tell him he couldn't; he was that much of a rebel! I'm also sure he'll become less angry and more open as time moves on in this series. I'll definitely be interested in seeing where the author takes him next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 27, 2017
This is the first in a new series set in Florida and featuring Franky Dast, who has just been released from Death Row after eight years, mainly due to his own efforts. Franky finds it hard to adjust, he is angry that he was wrongly convicted and is fixated on Bill Higby the detective whose evidence helped to convict him - but was his evidence sound? Franky finds himself in a seedy motel and is confused and adrift. He is employed by Justice Now Initiative which works to help those on Death Row who they believe are innocent – much like Franky. This is a minimum wage position but it provides some structure to Franky’s life and the three people running the show are keen to help Franky.
When Bill Higby is accused of murder Franky becomes involved. In many ways Franky is his own worst enemy, but equally he is a tortured soul and when he meets Cynthia he recognises something in her; a quirky, edgy character. Franky becomes determined to prove his innocence and find the real killer of the two boys, Duane and Steven, murdered on Monument Road.
I loved the character of Thelma (from Justice Now Initiative), I just don’t know what Franky would have done without her support and the support he got from the motel manager is extraordinary. Cynthia? Not too sure of her, maybe just a bit too edgy for my comfort. Franky, understandably, is a complex character and it will be interesting to see how he develops over the series. All in all, I liked him, but he did worry me a bit.
Would I recommend Monument Road? I certainly would. It is well written with a well-paced plot that kept be guessing and reading.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
When Bill Higby is accused of murder Franky becomes involved. In many ways Franky is his own worst enemy, but equally he is a tortured soul and when he meets Cynthia he recognises something in her; a quirky, edgy character. Franky becomes determined to prove his innocence and find the real killer of the two boys, Duane and Steven, murdered on Monument Road.
I loved the character of Thelma (from Justice Now Initiative), I just don’t know what Franky would have done without her support and the support he got from the motel manager is extraordinary. Cynthia? Not too sure of her, maybe just a bit too edgy for my comfort. Franky, understandably, is a complex character and it will be interesting to see how he develops over the series. All in all, I liked him, but he did worry me a bit.
Would I recommend Monument Road? I certainly would. It is well written with a well-paced plot that kept be guessing and reading.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
January 9, 2018
Franky Dast is released from a Florida prison after spending eight years on death row for the rape and murder of two teenaged boys. Franky is working part-time as an investigator for Justice Now Initiative, seeking to help others in the same situation. Then Franky learns that Bill Higby, the detective whose testimony helped convict him, is facing his own murder charge for killing a judge's son, he is gleeful but torn. But Franky soon realizes that in order to prove Higby's innocence, he must find out what really happened that dark, wet night on Monument Road to the Bronson brothers.
Franky is having a hard time integrating back into society. He lives in a run-down motel room with a bunch of questionable characters. He finds solace watching throwback movies and starts dating Cynthia who works at the concession stand.
Franky starts harassing Higby and the dead man's family as well as the mother of the Bronson brothers with plenty of questions. Higby's partner Detective Holt warns Franky to stop but she also gives him files on the unsolved murders of other boys in the region. Then Franky is attacked by three men, friends of the dead Bronson boys. Days later, Franky is horrified to find 2 of them brutally murdered in their apartment.
As evidence starts coming together against the real killer, Holt changes her tune and actively encourages and supports Franky's search for the killer's gun at his home. And when the killer goes after a remaining witness, Franky tries to save her and clear his name for good. Unfortunately, this ending stretched the credibility of the whole story.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Franky is having a hard time integrating back into society. He lives in a run-down motel room with a bunch of questionable characters. He finds solace watching throwback movies and starts dating Cynthia who works at the concession stand.
Franky starts harassing Higby and the dead man's family as well as the mother of the Bronson brothers with plenty of questions. Higby's partner Detective Holt warns Franky to stop but she also gives him files on the unsolved murders of other boys in the region. Then Franky is attacked by three men, friends of the dead Bronson boys. Days later, Franky is horrified to find 2 of them brutally murdered in their apartment.
As evidence starts coming together against the real killer, Holt changes her tune and actively encourages and supports Franky's search for the killer's gun at his home. And when the killer goes after a remaining witness, Franky tries to save her and clear his name for good. Unfortunately, this ending stretched the credibility of the whole story.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
January 10, 2018
Imagine being convicted of a crime that you didn’t commit. Imagine spending eight years on death row until being finally freed. So begins our introduction to Franky Dast and the miscar-riage of justice that turned his world upside down and inside out.
Franky Dast is grabbing his chance to prove his innocence by working as an investigator with the Justice Initiative, an organisation that seeks to help those that have been wrongly convict-ed.
A twist of fate has Franky having to decide whether to help Detective Higby, the very man whose testimony helped to convict him. He soon comes to realise that his fate is interlinked with that of Higby and that the dark secrets that Higby hides hold the key to proving his own innocence.
Franky is a haunted, flawed character but the writer develops and fleshes out his character so that the reader has great empathy for him. The vile circumstances that lead to his incarcera-tion mean that the real killer is free to continue his spree, and his horrendous treatment in prison is all the more awful because he is entirely innocent of the crimes.
Franky is a hero in his own way because he refuses to give up on his quest to prove that he is innocent and that the real killer needs to be brought to justice. He fights to overcome his past and does not allow it to define him. The writer does not shy away from the darkest, most de-praved actions that some human beings commit and he allows his characters to fail and make mistakes and to find their way back to redemption.
I have a feeling that Franky Dast may be the next Jack Reacher and I look forward to reading more of the series.
Gillian
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Franky Dast is grabbing his chance to prove his innocence by working as an investigator with the Justice Initiative, an organisation that seeks to help those that have been wrongly convict-ed.
A twist of fate has Franky having to decide whether to help Detective Higby, the very man whose testimony helped to convict him. He soon comes to realise that his fate is interlinked with that of Higby and that the dark secrets that Higby hides hold the key to proving his own innocence.
Franky is a haunted, flawed character but the writer develops and fleshes out his character so that the reader has great empathy for him. The vile circumstances that lead to his incarcera-tion mean that the real killer is free to continue his spree, and his horrendous treatment in prison is all the more awful because he is entirely innocent of the crimes.
Franky is a hero in his own way because he refuses to give up on his quest to prove that he is innocent and that the real killer needs to be brought to justice. He fights to overcome his past and does not allow it to define him. The writer does not shy away from the darkest, most de-praved actions that some human beings commit and he allows his characters to fail and make mistakes and to find their way back to redemption.
I have a feeling that Franky Dast may be the next Jack Reacher and I look forward to reading more of the series.
Gillian
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
June 25, 2021
Franky Dast was on death row in Florida for 8 years. He was convicted of the rape of a young boy and the murder of the boy and his older brother. Problem is, Franky didn't do it. Yes, he saw the boys with their broken down car in the middle of the night. Yes, he stopped and tried to help them. Yes, he took them in his car to a gas station only to find it closed. Yes, he left them there to wait for the station to open up. But that is all 18 year old Franky did. But the brothers were found brutalized and murdered and Franky's DNA is everywhere. Open and shut. But, 8 years go by and finally a rape kit is examined and shows that Franky is not the rapist. He is released on this evidence, but few people believe he is actually innocent, especially the cop who investigated the case. Franky has a bad time adjusting to life on the outside. He lives in a dump, he is harassed by the cop and the friends of the victims, and he begins working for an innocence project trying to get other convicts off death row. But, he is not okay. He is impulsive and reckless. During prison he learned to survive by doing whatever it takes to stay alive. He seems to have lost his sense of danger. He runs headlong into trouble. When the cop who hates him is accused of killing a powerful judge's son Franky wants to celebrate his downfall, but deep inside he suspects the cop might be telling the truth about the shooting. He is looking for the real killer of the brothers. He ends up helping the hated cop. The pace of the book is good. Franky is definitely damaged, and acts against his own best interests, but he is right and it is easy to root for him to exonerate himself totally.
November 19, 2017
4.5 stars.
Monument Road by Michael Wiley is a riveting mystery which features a former death row inmate who is struggling to reintegrate to society while at the same time working as a investigator for the nonprofit that helped overturn his conviction.
After stopping to help brothers Duane and Steven Bronson late one night, Franky Dast is eventually arrested, convicted and sent to death row for their horrific murders. Eight years later, after his tireless work on his appeals and aided by the Justice Now Iniative, his conviction has been overturned and Franky has been released from prison. Franky might be no longer incarcerated, but many people, including his brother Jared and Bill Higby, the detective who arrested him, have no doubt that he killed the teenagers. After Bill is arrested for shooting and killing Joshua Skooner, his neighbor and son of prominent judge Eric Skooner, Franky is gleeful about his nemesis's plight. However, he quickly comes to the conclusion that Bill might be innocent and Franky's subsequent investigation unexpectedly leads back to the Bronson brothers' murders.
Franky might no longer be physically in prison, but he is not exactly free from the effects of his incarceration. He vacillates between the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as he tries to adjust to his new life. Despite his adjustment issues, he jumps headlong into working for the Justice Now Iniative where he goes to extreme lengths to help exonerate prisoners who have been wrongly convicted. Franky is highly intelligent and relentless in his pursuit of the truth but his impulsivity and volatility do not always result in the best decisions. He refuses to take no for an answer in his zeal to find answers and Franky frequently skirts the boundaries of respectable behavior when confronted with recalcitrant witnesses.
Monument Road is a well-executed mystery that takes a stunning turn when Franky uncovers evidence that hints at shocking corruption and wrongdoing at the highest level in the justice system. Franky is a complex character who is surprisingly sympathetic despite his erratic behavior and ill-thought out decisions. The plot is engaging and Michael Wiley brings the novel to an action packed conclusion. This first installment in the Franky Dast Mystery series is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre.
Monument Road by Michael Wiley is a riveting mystery which features a former death row inmate who is struggling to reintegrate to society while at the same time working as a investigator for the nonprofit that helped overturn his conviction.
After stopping to help brothers Duane and Steven Bronson late one night, Franky Dast is eventually arrested, convicted and sent to death row for their horrific murders. Eight years later, after his tireless work on his appeals and aided by the Justice Now Iniative, his conviction has been overturned and Franky has been released from prison. Franky might be no longer incarcerated, but many people, including his brother Jared and Bill Higby, the detective who arrested him, have no doubt that he killed the teenagers. After Bill is arrested for shooting and killing Joshua Skooner, his neighbor and son of prominent judge Eric Skooner, Franky is gleeful about his nemesis's plight. However, he quickly comes to the conclusion that Bill might be innocent and Franky's subsequent investigation unexpectedly leads back to the Bronson brothers' murders.
Franky might no longer be physically in prison, but he is not exactly free from the effects of his incarceration. He vacillates between the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as he tries to adjust to his new life. Despite his adjustment issues, he jumps headlong into working for the Justice Now Iniative where he goes to extreme lengths to help exonerate prisoners who have been wrongly convicted. Franky is highly intelligent and relentless in his pursuit of the truth but his impulsivity and volatility do not always result in the best decisions. He refuses to take no for an answer in his zeal to find answers and Franky frequently skirts the boundaries of respectable behavior when confronted with recalcitrant witnesses.
Monument Road is a well-executed mystery that takes a stunning turn when Franky uncovers evidence that hints at shocking corruption and wrongdoing at the highest level in the justice system. Franky is a complex character who is surprisingly sympathetic despite his erratic behavior and ill-thought out decisions. The plot is engaging and Michael Wiley brings the novel to an action packed conclusion. This first installment in the Franky Dast Mystery series is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre.
September 15, 2018
Michael Wiley's phenomenal writing showcases his skill. The story is dark, haunting, and at times, disturbing. The characters are incredibly real - every one of them is flawed. There were times I wanted to grab Franky and shake him for his impulsive behavior. However, he is completely believable as a man wrongfully accused of a crime and incarcerated for 8 years. I would be angry, too, and I would want answers. There were times I had to put the book down because of its intensity, but I still finished it in 2 days. The story is tied up neatly at the end - maybe not the HEA (happily ever after) of a light read, but a satisfying ending. I'll be interested to see where Wiley takes Franky Dast from here. Regardless, Michael Wiley has a new fan.
This book is not for everyone - a few of the poor reviews it's received prove that. But if you're looking for a story that is thought-provoking with an eerie reality, this will not disappoint. It's not an action thriller - it's psychological, and Wiley does an incredible job of getting into the head of the protagonist and showing the reader his thoughts and motivations. The book is entirely and frighteningly believable.
This book is not for everyone - a few of the poor reviews it's received prove that. But if you're looking for a story that is thought-provoking with an eerie reality, this will not disappoint. It's not an action thriller - it's psychological, and Wiley does an incredible job of getting into the head of the protagonist and showing the reader his thoughts and motivations. The book is entirely and frighteningly believable.
September 26, 2018
This was a well-written book: the characters were well rounded, real, and consistent; the plot was well constructed; but I didn't enjoy reading it so much. The cover page said it was noir fiction, which I took to mean, dark fiction or depressing and lowering. However, I learned that "Noir fiction is a literary genre closely related to hardboiled genre, with a distinction that the protagonist is not a detective, but instead either a victim, a suspect, or a perpetrator." Oh. The novel did indeed fit that description exactly. The protagonist is a man who was on death row for a crime he didn't commit as a young high school boy. With the help of Justice Now and his own research and letter writing, he is released from prison. But the stain and suspicion of being convicted is not so easily thrown off by others or even himself. I suspect that this portrayal of what life is like after being released from prison is spot-on, but it is also kind of depressing. Newly released Franky Dast gets a job with Justice Now as an investigator and ends up tracking down the real answers in his own case.
July 16, 2018
There's not much to say about this one. It tried to be a character study about an innocent man that was released from prison after eight years and the cop who put him there ends up becoming entangled in a legal mess that Franky tries to help him out of, but honestly this was boring. The action just took far too long to get to, and then when it came, it was basically just him breaking the law over and over and over again. So much for being innocent. I get that he was spiraling, but he spiraled way too hard.
The mystery was also pretty obvious. I suspected two people and the former was the one that it ended up being, which made this novel feel long, even though it's only about 250 pages.
The climax was one of those moments where you're just like "of course that's where he is. How stupid can you be?".
I never got invested in the characters, but they were well-written characters (except for the villain) just without proper action to drive them forward.
The mystery was also pretty obvious. I suspected two people and the former was the one that it ended up being, which made this novel feel long, even though it's only about 250 pages.
The climax was one of those moments where you're just like "of course that's where he is. How stupid can you be?".
I never got invested in the characters, but they were well-written characters (except for the villain) just without proper action to drive them forward.
September 26, 2018
Others have explained the premise of this story: Franky Dast is released from prison after spending eight years in there, some of them on death row. The author obviously spent considerable time researching for this story. The psychological make-up of Franky Dast felt spot on. Often, throughout the book, I wanted to smack Franky up the side of his head and shout, "Don't do it." But he did, and in the end is successful.
I give this five stars because once I started it, I had trouble putting the book down. I did, however, find a couple of points that troubled me. One is that his therapist, Dr. Patel, seemed to offer sound advice, which Franky mostly followed, except for hooking up with the 18-year-old girl. That was okay, but she seemed too mature for the most part. Next was that the mercury poisoning of the water was never resolved nor was Higby's relationship with the judge. Perhaps some of those issues will come up in future stories.
I give this five stars because once I started it, I had trouble putting the book down. I did, however, find a couple of points that troubled me. One is that his therapist, Dr. Patel, seemed to offer sound advice, which Franky mostly followed, except for hooking up with the 18-year-old girl. That was okay, but she seemed too mature for the most part. Next was that the mercury poisoning of the water was never resolved nor was Higby's relationship with the judge. Perhaps some of those issues will come up in future stories.
November 29, 2017
Very noir. Franky, who has been released from prison after serving eight years on death row, finds himself in the decidedly odd position of investigating on behalf of Bill Higby, the very police detective who sent him to prison. He's got lots of issues, Franky does, which is to be expected but he's determined to untangle the murders that link him to Higby. There's conspiracy, there's darkness, there's lots going on here. Some of this is a bit of a stretch (the Justice Now Initiative managed, for example, to get Franky released in record time to say the least) but it's a good yarn. It's also quite atmospheric- you get a sense of the Arlington/Jacksonville area. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm curious to see where Wiley takes Franky next.
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