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 Hubbard House

Pub date June 4, 2024

ASIN B0CTLNPS93

Price $16.99 (USD) Paperback, $6.99 Kindle edition

McNellis chronicles one man’s journey from innocence to redemption amid a web of betrayal, danger, and enduring love in his latest novel. In the summer of 1969, Eddie Kawadsky, orphaned and dreaming of becoming a Navy pilot, is entrapped by his childhood friend Roy Cross into drug smuggling to fund his education. Betrayed by Roy, Eddie faces a deadly confrontation in Mexico, disappearing thereafter. Rising from the ashes as Richard Austen, he finds success in real estate and love with Margaret Downs. However, Eddie’s past resurfaces with Roy’s return, threatening to shatter his newfound life. 

In the novel, Eddie’s journey serves as a profound examination of morality, guilt, and trust amidst a turbulent era. Tempted into the world of drug smuggling by Roy, Eddie grapples with ethical dilemmas, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Haunted by guilt, his decisions are shaped by internal conflict as betrayal looms at every turn, leaving him wary of those around him. McNellis skillfully crafts atmospheric settings that are integral to the narrative and character development. Tijuana represents the perilous gateway to criminality, while K-39 Beach and the upscale Oncology Ball offer contrasting backdrops, revealing the complexities of human nature and societal divides. With its measured pacing and tight plotting, the novel makes for a must-read for aficionados of literary fiction.

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