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Pub date December 16, 2024

World Castle Publishing, LLC 

ASIN B0DJDFSP14

Price $3.99 Kindle edition

Gerrib’s latest is a multi-generational tale that delves into the weight of history, family bonds, and the search for hidden truths. In January 1986, Pat Kowalski, just turned 18, is racing against time to save his family’s home, fueled by his senile grandmother’s cryptic tales of lost gold. Meanwhile, Pat’s former classmate Vince is also in desperate need of money and believes Pat’s family stole from his own decades ago. Vince will stop at nothing to settle the score. As they dig into their town’s dark past—Al Capone connections, buried bodies—the race for the gold turns deadly.

Patrick’s struggle to navigate adult responsibilities while his father’s illness and their financial collapse intensify is gritty and authentic. Great Barb, with her sharp wit and no-nonsense demeanor, adds a welcome spark to the story. Their tender bond is rooted in authenticity. Vince’s anxiety and entitlement is beautifully captured. The prose shifts effortlessly between historical and contemporary scenes, grounding the narrative in both time and place. Gerrib paints a vivid picture of small-town life, balancing its harshness with its inherent humanity. His exploration of identity and moral ambiguity is equally compelling. Neither hero nor villain, the characters are complex, torn between their desires and the consequences of their actions. This tension drives the narrative, challenging readers to reflect on the ethical dilemmas they face. At its heart, this is a reflection on legacy and what it means to reckon with the past.

A layered, emotionally rich story that keeps the pages turning.

***