Soul Patch

Former cop Moe Prager takes on an investigation into a cold case from his NYPD days - the murder of a fellow officer nicknamed Soul Patch. The reopened case forces Prager to revisit both his law enforcement past and his own personal history in 1970s Brooklyn. The investigation leads Prager through the complex web of police relationships and long-buried department secrets. As he pursues answers about Soul Patch's death, he must confront questions about loyalty, corruption, and the true meaning of justice. The story moves between past and present, painting a portrait of both the evolution of Brooklyn neighborhoods and the ways time changes human connections. Elements of noir fiction blend with deeper character study as Prager grapples with his own role in events from decades ago. Beyond its core mystery, Soul Patch examines themes of memory, guilt, and the shadow that the past casts on the present. The novel raises questions about whether truth brings healing or simply more pain.

Readers consider Soul Patch one of the stronger entries in the Moe Prager series, with many noting it delivers emotional depth alongside the noir detective storyline. Readers praised: - The complex character development of Moe Prager - Integration of Brooklyn history and atmosphere - Darker tone compared to previous books - Tight plotting with effective flashback structure Common criticisms: - Slower pacing in the middle sections - Some found the ending unsatisfying - A few readers felt lost without reading earlier books first Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (668 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (56 ratings) "Coleman hits his stride with this one - the character work is exceptional" - Goodreads reviewer "The flashback structure adds layers to what could have been a straightforward mystery" - Amazon review "Captures 1970s Brooklyn perfectly but drags in places" - LibraryThing user

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🔍 "Soul Patch" is the fourth book in the Moe Prager series, following the investigations of a former NYPD officer turned private investigator. 📚 Author Reed Farrel Coleman has won multiple awards for his crime fiction, including the Shamus Award, the Barry Award, and the Anthony Award. 🏙️ The book is set in Brooklyn during two time periods - the 1970s and the present day - exploring how past actions influence current events. 🎵 The title refers to a small patch of facial hair between the lower lip and chin, popular in the 1970s jazz culture, and serves as a metaphor for characters hiding their true nature. 🏆 "Soul Patch" won the Shamus Award for Best Novel in 2008, marking Coleman's third Shamus Award win in his career.