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Clean Sweep
A reformed smuggler finds himself embroiled in a mind-bending criminal conspiracy in this page-turning debut
Pastor Tommy Bosco runs a Winnipeg skid row mission that caters to ex-criminals and ex-addicts trying to make a better life. Sometimes that better life means leaving the city — and the good and bad guys — completely behind. A former smuggler, Bosco can make anyone disappear, faking deaths and extracting people across the Canada-U.S. border. But then his ex shows up, fresh from the murder of a biker-gang boss. She’s got plenty of baggage, including the biker’s cryptic ledger that everyone in Winnipeg’s underworld wants to get their hands on. Bosco finds himself a fugitive at the center of a conspiracy that has him staying far away from the cops, the hired hitmen, and even his dear old dad. Navigating through a harsh Prairie winter, Bosco must help his ex escape without having to make an escape himself.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2018
10 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Clark
3 books19 followersMichael J. Clark started his writing career in the field of automotive journalism, winning national awards in Canada for his writing and photography in both print and online publications. After retiring from reporting on all things car in 2015, Michael completed his first novel, Clean Sweep. He lives in Winnipeg with his wife, Carol.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 9, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Michael J. Clark, and ECW Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After stumbling upon Michael J. Clark’s debut novel, I was eager to see if the story met the hype of the dust jacket summary. Winnipeg may be in the heart of the Canadian Prairies, but it has a seedy underbelly. With the Heaven’s Rejects as the most notorious biker-gang in town, the city is constantly buzzing as criminal activity lines the pockets of a few well-connected individuals. Pastor Tommy Bosco uses his homeless shelter and ‘born again’ nature as a front, allowing him to help those who wish to disappear with few questions asked. However, he may have met his match when Claire ‘Claire-Bear’ Hebert seeks his help. Hebert, a local prostitute, and Bosco’s ex, killed one of the gang’s higher-ups and is in possession of a ledger filled with pages of indecipherable numbers. Not only is the ledger a hot commodity, but the Reject’s want retribution for her act of self-defence. While Bosco tries to stay one step ahead of everyone, Robbery-Homicide Detective Sergeant Miles Sawatski is looking to bring Hebert in for her crime. However, he’s also been tasked by an anonymous source to obtain the ledger and hand it over before the Winnipeg Police Service or anyone else can confiscate it. Torn, he must balance the pledge to protect the city with the knowledge that someone has him dead to rights. This faceless entity is trying to initiate one of their own operations, Clean Sweep, which could have dire effects. No crime story would be complete without a crime desk reporter—David ‘Downtown’ Worschuk—who wants his own shot at fame, no matter who gets burnt on the way to print . Clark offers an excellent debut novel that pulls on all aspects of the criminal element, putting Winnipeg on the map for all its less than shiny attributes. Those with an open mind when it comes to language and with an interest in a well-constructed crime thriller may find this to their liking.
Having grown up in Winnipeg, I was quite happy to get my hands on this book, to see how Clark would depict my hometown. Surely not the city I remembered, but definitely a story that mentions many of its landmarks, I found it easy to follow and paced well. Pulling out all the stops to highlight the criminality, Clark utilised many characters to depict the darker side of the ‘Peg. Bosco comes across as an interesting character who uses his ‘reformed’ front to serve him well, trying to steer clear of crime where he can, but still with a penchant to help those who can pony up the money. The character contrasts nicely with Detective Sergeant Miles Sawatski, who is trying to keep his nose clean but has been boxed into a corner with this nameless ‘Voice’ over the phone, appearing to pull his strings. Hebert and her fellow prostitutes pepper the novel with their unique style and racy language, bringing an element of reality to the story that Clark is able to capitalise upon throughout its progression. The story is somewhat unique, and not only for its location. There is a sense of cat-and-mouse to it, with the criminals seeming to be less problematic than those who are trying to snub them out, but there is still a sense that the law must prevail. Clark explores the criminal element from all angles and brings it to life on the page. To the story more generally and its delivery. This is surely not your rosy crime novel that simply explores some of the seedier aspects, but parachutes the reader into the middle of them. Language, descriptions, and some graphic depictions pepper the story, but I find them to be fitting and not gratuitous (though I am sure some will bemoan it!). It all lays the groundwork for some realistic writing and Clark seems to have the right delivery for it. Chapters are not too long and they flow nicely into one another, keeping the reader wondering and wanting to push on just a little further. Where I have some issue myself was with the ‘over-Winnipegisation’ of the novel. Yes, we understand that the novel takes place in Winnipeg and Clark is surely proud of his city (as I am of my hometown), but it would seem he chose EVERY opportunity to street or location drop, which creates a stop-and-go nature in the narrative. Perhaps it is because I know all these places too well, but the need not only to say that someone grew up in a certain housing project, but also cite the street on which it was located seems excessive. Cross-streets for coffee shops may be something intriguing once, but few readers want to hear the intersections each time (even if you were to include a street map pullout at the beginning of the novel). It would seem that Clark got a little too overzealous and editors gave too much freedom in keeping those bits in that would better be used to plug holes in the cutting room walls. Still, it’s worth noting to help him grow as a writer and with a solid story foundation, this can surely be polished for future editions and novels.
Kudos, Mr. Clark, for a great debut piece. I am happy to see something of such high calibre and hope it gets rave reviews, both within and outside of Winnipeg. I’ll be sure to let you know when I come to the ‘Peg and we can grab a Timmy’s since I never was a Sal’s fan, lol.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After stumbling upon Michael J. Clark’s debut novel, I was eager to see if the story met the hype of the dust jacket summary. Winnipeg may be in the heart of the Canadian Prairies, but it has a seedy underbelly. With the Heaven’s Rejects as the most notorious biker-gang in town, the city is constantly buzzing as criminal activity lines the pockets of a few well-connected individuals. Pastor Tommy Bosco uses his homeless shelter and ‘born again’ nature as a front, allowing him to help those who wish to disappear with few questions asked. However, he may have met his match when Claire ‘Claire-Bear’ Hebert seeks his help. Hebert, a local prostitute, and Bosco’s ex, killed one of the gang’s higher-ups and is in possession of a ledger filled with pages of indecipherable numbers. Not only is the ledger a hot commodity, but the Reject’s want retribution for her act of self-defence. While Bosco tries to stay one step ahead of everyone, Robbery-Homicide Detective Sergeant Miles Sawatski is looking to bring Hebert in for her crime. However, he’s also been tasked by an anonymous source to obtain the ledger and hand it over before the Winnipeg Police Service or anyone else can confiscate it. Torn, he must balance the pledge to protect the city with the knowledge that someone has him dead to rights. This faceless entity is trying to initiate one of their own operations, Clean Sweep, which could have dire effects. No crime story would be complete without a crime desk reporter—David ‘Downtown’ Worschuk—who wants his own shot at fame, no matter who gets burnt on the way to print . Clark offers an excellent debut novel that pulls on all aspects of the criminal element, putting Winnipeg on the map for all its less than shiny attributes. Those with an open mind when it comes to language and with an interest in a well-constructed crime thriller may find this to their liking.
Having grown up in Winnipeg, I was quite happy to get my hands on this book, to see how Clark would depict my hometown. Surely not the city I remembered, but definitely a story that mentions many of its landmarks, I found it easy to follow and paced well. Pulling out all the stops to highlight the criminality, Clark utilised many characters to depict the darker side of the ‘Peg. Bosco comes across as an interesting character who uses his ‘reformed’ front to serve him well, trying to steer clear of crime where he can, but still with a penchant to help those who can pony up the money. The character contrasts nicely with Detective Sergeant Miles Sawatski, who is trying to keep his nose clean but has been boxed into a corner with this nameless ‘Voice’ over the phone, appearing to pull his strings. Hebert and her fellow prostitutes pepper the novel with their unique style and racy language, bringing an element of reality to the story that Clark is able to capitalise upon throughout its progression. The story is somewhat unique, and not only for its location. There is a sense of cat-and-mouse to it, with the criminals seeming to be less problematic than those who are trying to snub them out, but there is still a sense that the law must prevail. Clark explores the criminal element from all angles and brings it to life on the page. To the story more generally and its delivery. This is surely not your rosy crime novel that simply explores some of the seedier aspects, but parachutes the reader into the middle of them. Language, descriptions, and some graphic depictions pepper the story, but I find them to be fitting and not gratuitous (though I am sure some will bemoan it!). It all lays the groundwork for some realistic writing and Clark seems to have the right delivery for it. Chapters are not too long and they flow nicely into one another, keeping the reader wondering and wanting to push on just a little further. Where I have some issue myself was with the ‘over-Winnipegisation’ of the novel. Yes, we understand that the novel takes place in Winnipeg and Clark is surely proud of his city (as I am of my hometown), but it would seem he chose EVERY opportunity to street or location drop, which creates a stop-and-go nature in the narrative. Perhaps it is because I know all these places too well, but the need not only to say that someone grew up in a certain housing project, but also cite the street on which it was located seems excessive. Cross-streets for coffee shops may be something intriguing once, but few readers want to hear the intersections each time (even if you were to include a street map pullout at the beginning of the novel). It would seem that Clark got a little too overzealous and editors gave too much freedom in keeping those bits in that would better be used to plug holes in the cutting room walls. Still, it’s worth noting to help him grow as a writer and with a solid story foundation, this can surely be polished for future editions and novels.
Kudos, Mr. Clark, for a great debut piece. I am happy to see something of such high calibre and hope it gets rave reviews, both within and outside of Winnipeg. I’ll be sure to let you know when I come to the ‘Peg and we can grab a Timmy’s since I never was a Sal’s fan, lol.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 13, 2018
Wow, what a debut! The author drew me in this story immediately and never let up. The descriptions of the criminal aspects and addiction were fantastic. As seeing part of that world before I thought the author did a great job of depicting the world of streets and criminals. This was a fast paced novel with terrific characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
November 18, 2017
Clean Sweep is a terrific piece of Canadian crime fiction and probably the only crime novel I ever picked up that was centered in Winnipeg. If there are any others, you will have to let me know. The author’s bio claims it’s his first novel. But, if you read how well-crafted this one is, you will have some difficulty believing that.
It’s a story of being on the run from a powerful motorcycle gang and trained psychotic assassins. It’s a story of an ex hoodlum paying his penance by moving people through his underground escape hatch, his secret world of disappearing over the border and leaving no trail. It’s a story of people broken and smashed inside, of secret conspiracies, and the lengths people will go to. But, most of all, it’s gritty,nasty, and grounded in the real world.
And, it’s the descriptions and the powerful feel of the writing that worked for me such as when an assignment goes more sideways than an Electra Glide on black ice, waiting for a magic bus, especially if it could be the ticket out of Winnipeg, out of the Life, a low-track hooker crying cop rape and recanting two weeks after the story ran and a week after Sawatski's partner ate his gun, Tommy delivering a beat-down to Cindy's attackers and Cindy pulling the Smith & Wesson out of Tommy's mouth when he first returned to Winnipeg, etc. etc.
Many thanks to ECW Press for providing a copy for review.
It’s a story of being on the run from a powerful motorcycle gang and trained psychotic assassins. It’s a story of an ex hoodlum paying his penance by moving people through his underground escape hatch, his secret world of disappearing over the border and leaving no trail. It’s a story of people broken and smashed inside, of secret conspiracies, and the lengths people will go to. But, most of all, it’s gritty,nasty, and grounded in the real world.
And, it’s the descriptions and the powerful feel of the writing that worked for me such as when an assignment goes more sideways than an Electra Glide on black ice, waiting for a magic bus, especially if it could be the ticket out of Winnipeg, out of the Life, a low-track hooker crying cop rape and recanting two weeks after the story ran and a week after Sawatski's partner ate his gun, Tommy delivering a beat-down to Cindy's attackers and Cindy pulling the Smith & Wesson out of Tommy's mouth when he first returned to Winnipeg, etc. etc.
Many thanks to ECW Press for providing a copy for review.
December 11, 2017
First novel written by this author and it was very good. Reformed criminal turned Pastor, Tommy Bosco runs a side business in addition to his pastoral duties. He helps people on the run to disappear. When prostitute Claire Hebert kills a member of the Heavens Rejects motorcycle club and steals a mysterious ledger, she ultimately turns to her former lover, Bosco for protection. With lots of really nasty people after Claire......gang members, crooked cops, hit men and someone we only know as "The Voice"......the result, predictably, is lots of mayhem.
A gritty, yet extremely funny book at times, the author did a wonderful job drawing the characters as they were all very unique and memorable. A very entertaining story that I looked forward to picking up every day, I certainly look forward to more from Michael J. Clark. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A gritty, yet extremely funny book at times, the author did a wonderful job drawing the characters as they were all very unique and memorable. A very entertaining story that I looked forward to picking up every day, I certainly look forward to more from Michael J. Clark. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2017
This book is set in Winnipeg, but it is not the city that the tourists visit (having been a tourist there myself this year). It is based around the underbelly of the city and centers around a reformed smuggler who is trying to help criminals etc to lead a better life. He becomes embroiled in a rescue that is far more complicated than he can imagine, leading to a larger conspiracy which I did not see coming. I found it a very educational and entertaining read.
April 29, 2018
Given that I love dark, gritty crime novels, I was surprised by how much I didn't love this book. Of course, reviews are always subjective, so I'll tell you what I didn't like and you can do with it what you will.
From page one, we're immediately dropped into a chaotic criminal world, with little explanation and virtually no character development. The story jumps around and characters spill onto the pages, while we're left to figure out who these people are and why we should care.
I found the cast of characters wholly unlikable. I have no problem liking a bad guy, or at least finding him/her interesting enough to spend time with, but, for that to happen, I have to be given some substance. I need a reason to keep reading. I couldn't find that reason. The lack of character development and their unlikable natures had me continually wondering why I was bothering.
Then we have the plot, which isn't particularly plausible. And it takes some time to figure out if there's even a point.
I kept putting the book down for long stretches. I read 100+ books a year, so when I opt to turn on the TV or play a game on my phone instead of picking up my book, I know there's a problem. At about the halfway point, I gave up the pretense. This story simply isn't for me.
From page one, we're immediately dropped into a chaotic criminal world, with little explanation and virtually no character development. The story jumps around and characters spill onto the pages, while we're left to figure out who these people are and why we should care.
I found the cast of characters wholly unlikable. I have no problem liking a bad guy, or at least finding him/her interesting enough to spend time with, but, for that to happen, I have to be given some substance. I need a reason to keep reading. I couldn't find that reason. The lack of character development and their unlikable natures had me continually wondering why I was bothering.
Then we have the plot, which isn't particularly plausible. And it takes some time to figure out if there's even a point.
I kept putting the book down for long stretches. I read 100+ books a year, so when I opt to turn on the TV or play a game on my phone instead of picking up my book, I know there's a problem. At about the halfway point, I gave up the pretense. This story simply isn't for me.
April 21, 2018
Large body count especially in first couple of chapters! However I did find that I became somewhat attached to the ensemble of crooked characters and stuck with it. Also really loved that the author’s experience in the car world was put to great use! And he can really write! Great transition from nonfiction to fiction! Keep writing!
March 14, 2018
This is my first read at a crime fiction novel. I've never been attracted to crime fiction, but Clean Sweep had me turning pages. I fell in love with some of the main characters. As I finished the book, I was left wondering what are Tommy and Cindy doing now. Congratulations to first time author Michael Clark. I look forward to reading your next novel, and all other novels that will follow.
June 15, 2018
2 stars = "it was ok" according to GR's 5 star rating system. This is a neutral rating from me. GR needs to change its rating system so that 3 stars = "it was ok".
I just could not get into this book. I found the writing very awkward to read and difficult to get into. It didn't flow naturally and it seemed like every early chapter and sometimes every paragraph was a new start that didn't follow from something else so I had to start from scratch. I'm not saying this is a bad book but this type of staccato writing just isn't my style.
I got this book as a free ARC.
I just could not get into this book. I found the writing very awkward to read and difficult to get into. It didn't flow naturally and it seemed like every early chapter and sometimes every paragraph was a new start that didn't follow from something else so I had to start from scratch. I'm not saying this is a bad book but this type of staccato writing just isn't my style.
I got this book as a free ARC.
January 20, 2019
This book was a somewhat confusing as it bounced from character to character. Character probably should be capitalized due to the bizarreness of the characters. The book is populated by hookers, reformed hookers, good cops, bad cops, drug dealers, reformed drug dealers, hit men and family hit men as well as conspiracy overtones.
The plot was intricate to say the least. Giving the author credit, he brought about closure and wrapped up what could have been myriad loose ends.
It is graphic and if street language is offensive to you, consider yourself warned.
I liked the book.
The plot was intricate to say the least. Giving the author credit, he brought about closure and wrapped up what could have been myriad loose ends.
It is graphic and if street language is offensive to you, consider yourself warned.
I liked the book.
April 23, 2018
could't get into it...too dark
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews