Second Story Work

by Josh Cybulski

Josh Cybulski’s debut novel explores a generation who were told they could do anything. Some did, and without a doubt still are, and some became disillusioned at the first signs of adversity. Meet Sarge, Messy, Hecky and R-Luv, four media school grads who head towards the booming film industry in Vancouver. Art is a distant memory as they pursue North Hollywood lights and their spoils of sex, drugs, and, let’s face it, more drugs. But, good luck turns bad in Second Story Work as these young men scramble to sustain whetted appetites that they could never satisfy. Cybulski’s gritty tale is one of crime, betrayal, and moral apathy, where the difference between friend and foe is blurred line after line.

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2020

About the author

Josh Cybulski is a writer, a broadcaster and a proud Canadian now residing in Ottawa Canada. In January 2009, he began writing Second Story Work while sleeping in hallways and hostels in Vancouver Canada. You can follow him on Facebook (Author Josh Cybulski).

Reviews

[Ann Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was afraid to read this book. It was written by my one of my husband’s longtime friends and, since I have always been a ‘reader’, I knew it would have to be good for me to feel comfortable writing any sort of honest review. It’s his first book; his baby. I was nervous.

Well, my GAWD. Thankfully, I was able to finish the last 2/3 of it today (ahem - full time job and two young kids) because I could not put it down.

I love darker themed books. I love crime books. I love suspense. I love character development. I love intricate storylines. I absolutely love this book. I do not want to say too much other than generalities as I do not want to spoil a thing. Just know this - whether or not this genre is one you usually read, you really should read it.

As I finished the last page, the one thought I cannot get out of my head is this:

WHEN IS THE MOVIE COMING OUT?!

It’s that good. Hit me up with your thoughts when you read it. It’s such a cool story.

[Danielle Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's wild how into this book I got - this genre is not one that I would typically gravitate towards. The story had me wanting more, which caused a few late nights because I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure what else I can say without spoiling the book, but I would love to see this turn into a movie.

[Catherine Bibby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author develops the four main characters so you feel a connection to them then the story starts to really pick up as the characters lose control of their lives and your turning pages so fast to see what happens next. If you like gritty crime stories you will love this book!

[Adam Smythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really strong. The author is very much in love with his characters and it’s not because they are good people. It’s because they are good characters.
The character development borders on meandering, but the author pulls the rug out from under you before you get tired of the exposition.
I really enjoyed watching the characters spiralling downhill while at the same time falling upwards in the criminal underworld.
This is a good read for people who enjoy crime fiction and are looking for a fresh take on the genre.
I also thought it was interesting to see so much of the story developed in small town Canada. It’s certainly not a hotbed for crime fiction stories but it played here.
I look forward to catching the authors next story if this is a sign of things to come.

[Sarah Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Second Story Work follows four friends who leave their entire lives behind to pursue their dreams of making it big in Vancouver’s film industry. Soon enough we realize that the four boys will do just about ANYTHING to make those dreams come true. This book is filled with mystery, suspense and unpredictable twists which makes it extremely hard to put the book down. I highly recommend adding this to your booklist! As I was reading it, I couldn’t help but think that this novel would make one amazing movie.

[Corey Leckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really impressed to find out this was a debut novel! Second Story work is an emotional journey about friendship, love, and loss. It is a very gripping cautionary tale into how in the economic climate we live in, people can easily turn towards the criminal underbelly. You can definitely see that Josh Cybulski is using real world experience and landmarks in his writing. It’s unapologetically Canadian which is also fantastic to see. I’m excited to read more from this new Canadian author!

[Rae Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!

[Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut novel for this author! I was drawn in from the first page - twists and turns, action- packed. My kind of story for sure.

[Rich Humes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being written by a first time author I really had no idea how I'd like this book. I was actually really surprised how much it blew my expectations out of the water.

It's exciting, funny, fun, and yes devastating. You care about the characters and there's a nice little twist that really has me wanting more. Keep up the great work!

[Amanda Cybulski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every penny! A must read!
This novel is a must read! The plot is brilliant and the book gets better with the turn of each page. It has a ton of depth and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster where you will both love and hate certain characters. The author creates a ton suspense and moments where you feel as though you “should have seen that coming” but didn’t. The ending is absolutely perfect. Fantastic debut 👏🏼

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping tale

Great book start to finish. Loved the timeline aspect and the story had my heart racing in more than a few spots. Amazing debut. Hope we’re not waiting 12 years for the next one :)