Junkie
ISBN: 978-0-9876896-0-3
Cal (California) Rogan is an ex-cop and a heroin junkie. While that may deter some from being able to relate to such an unlikely protagonist, it must be made clear that Robert P. French manages to bridge that wary gap through masterful plot, rich multi-layered characters, and description. I found it refreshing that the author refused to excuse Cal’s behavior and forced the reader to hear the brutal inner accusations an addict, at rock bottom, faces.
That said, Junkie is not about an addict’s struggle with their chemical demons and the damage to their loved ones so much as it is a murder mystery that quite frankly, took my breath away with the complexity in which it was woven.
Cal’s best friend Kevin, an old friend from his teenaged years, is the last person who still holds faith that someday Cal will get clean and turn his life around. Kevin has persistently offered Cal a last bastion of succor, giving him a place to wash up for his four-hour parental visit with Ellie, his young daughter. When Cal returns to find Kevin with a knife plunged into his chest, it becomes Cal’s moral imperative to prove that this was not an act of suicide and simultaneously prove that the murder is not at his own hands.
This book contains behind it an intellect not seen very often in the parched literary vista so often found in these days of formulaic plot. It is a shining example of what an independently published author can contribute by having their own voice.
Well-versed in Shakespeare, Mr. French draws upon quotes of the master sparingly and without patronizing the reader. He instead infers through contextual meaning, (and what a relief it is to read a book that is not purposefully geared towards assumptions of ignorance), using these references to layer the plot ever deeper.
Fittingly, I found the antagonist to be: ‘Where hope is coldest, and despair most fits.’, and must say that it is indeed true that ‘A man who loves Shakespeare will never be alone.’, for this book indicates to me that it will not be long before Mr. French has a following of devout readers to his Cal Rogan series.
This book was given to me for the express purpose to review and this action in no way influenced my opinion on it whatsoever.
It may be purchased here: Junkie
