This Rough Old World

by Brandon Barrows

Los Angeles, 1968, a time of radical change - for everyone but part-time private-eye Tom Ahearn, who's stuck in a rut of routine and self-pity. When Charlie, a hippy of the lowest order, offers a quick buck for what seems like an easy job, Tom dives head-first into a world of casual sex, drugs, music and the occult. He'll find himself rubbing shoulders with drugged-up hippies, young Republicans itching for war and slumming socialites bent on nothing less than completely reshaping the cosmos - all while unknowingly witnessing the nascence of one of the twentieth century's most notorious evils.

Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2018

Reviews

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure, I read this book in manuscript form prior to publication. I was hired to paint the cover art, which unfortunately is not showing up here on Goodreads, but is visible on Amazon. Regardless, I wanted to mention that I particularly loved reading this novel, and unfortunately cannot say much because to spoil the story takes away its power. For me, the final revelation was completely unexpected. Sure, I should have seen it coming in retrospect, but I was going in with absolutely no expectations except to enjoy the ride, and to plan for how to quantify the tale visually for the cover art. I can say the protagonist is very real, and the dialogue is superb. It is quite an ingenious twist on noir detective tropes and gritty 60s seediness. This book is highly recommended!