Redemption Street

Former NYPD officer Moe Prager finds himself drawn into a decades-old case involving an arson fire at a Catskills resort. The investigation leads him back to his own Jewish roots and forces him to confront painful memories from his past. Prager must navigate between his present life in Brooklyn and the complex history of the Catskills' "Borscht Belt" resort community. He interviews survivors, digs through old records, and pieces together connections while uncovering long-buried secrets and lies. His investigation puts him in contact with both victims and suspects who have carried the weight of this tragedy for years. The case becomes increasingly personal as Prager realizes how deeply it connects to his own family history and identity. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, collective memory, and the lasting impact of violence on communities. Through Prager's journey, the story examines how the past continues to shape the present and the price of seeking truth.

Readers note this second Moe Prager novel maintains the noir tone of Walking the Perfect Square while delving deeper into Jewish identity themes. Multiple reviews highlight Coleman's vivid 1981 Catskills setting and complex character development. Readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of Jewish summer resort culture - Integration of historical details about Borscht Belt hotels - Moe's internal struggles with faith and identity - Tight plotting with satisfying resolution Common criticisms: - Slower pacing compared to first book - Some find the middle section drags - Limited action sequences Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (490 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (38 ratings) Reader quote: "Coleman captures a specific moment in Jewish-American history as the Catskills resorts were dying. The mystery itself becomes secondary to this rich cultural snapshot." - Goodreads reviewer Some readers note the book works better as character study than pure detective novel.

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🔍 Reed Farrel Coleman has been called the "hard-boiled poet" by NPR for his gritty yet lyrical writing style in crime fiction. 📚 Redemption Street is the second book in the Moe Prager series, following the ex-NYPD cop turned wine merchant as he investigates a decades-old arson case. 🗽 The novel explores the complex dynamics of New York's Jewish community in the 1970s, particularly in the Catskills region known as the "Borscht Belt." 🏆 Coleman has won multiple awards for his crime fiction, including four Shamus Awards, three Barry Awards, and the Edgar Award for Best Short Story. 🎭 The character of Moe Prager was inspired by Coleman's own experiences growing up Jewish in Brooklyn and his deep understanding of New York's cultural landscape.