Reviews & Comments

"Reading it is like stepping into a time machine—you can feel the salt air, the creak of the boardwalk, the tension of the investigation, and the strict discipline of his grandmother’s seaside home. It has the lyrical depth of a Tom Wolfe novel and quite a bit of good humor."

Sally M. / Amazon July 24, 2025     

"It certainly is long. I never noticed the number of pages until a little over halfway in. Still thoroughly enjoyable read. I’ve read a lot of books lately but only two had characters that stuck with me after reading. This book and Irwin Shaw’s The Young Lions." Susan E. / Facebook August 14, 2025  

An Epic Novel with a Mix of Mystery, Drama, and Humor

  "Another reviewer found the pacing of this novel slow as the author delves deeply into character introspection. Complex themes with philosophical elements may not appeal to someone who prefers a straightforward narrative. But the story's twists and turns kept me hooked. Set in 1965--Ocean City, NJ is a quaint seashore town where traditions run deep in a tight-knit community. An array of characters from local townsfolk to summer visitors create a vibrant, dynamic cast. Billy, 11 and a half years old, is a boy navigating the waves of life after his parents' divorce. He discovers a passion for surfing and finds his place on a surfing team with older teens. Nothing is better than the joy of being young at the shore. Gretchen, his mother, is a determined reporter who becomes embroiled in a high stakes investigation involving murder, a crooked priest, and Mafia connections in Atlantic City at the dawn of legalized gambling. Gretchen's dedication to her career symbolizes her quest for personal liberation and a better life for herself and Billy.
LaFleur's writing style is engaging and thought provoking. He blends humor and philosophy. It's a great read."

Max L. / Amazon September 1, 2025