The Last Kind Words

Terrier Rand comes from a family of thieves who name their children after dogs. After his brother Collie committed a series of murders five years ago, Terry left the family business behind to build an honest life. Now, days before Collie's execution, Terry returns home when his brother claims one of the murders was committed by someone else. Terry must navigate his family's criminal world while investigating the truth, knowing that uncovering old secrets could destroy what remains of his fractured family. The criminal underworld of Long Island serves as a backdrop for Terry's investigation, from racetracks to underground gambling rings. His family's complex dynamics and generations of thieving expertise both help and hinder his search for answers. At its core, this noir thriller explores questions of family loyalty, the weight of heritage, and whether anyone can truly escape their past. The novel examines how family shapes identity, even when that legacy is built on crime.

Readers describe the book as a noir crime novel that focuses more on family dynamics and character development than traditional thriller elements. Positive reviews highlight: - Deep, complex characters, especially within the criminal family - The unique perspective of a thief's moral code - Strong writing style and atmosphere - Original take on the crime genre Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in the middle - Limited action compared to typical crime thrillers - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Side characters could be underdeveloped Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (90+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "More of a family drama wrapped in crime fiction than a straight thriller" - Goodreads reviewer "Beautiful prose but moves at a snail's pace" - Amazon reviewer "The moral complexity of the characters sets it apart" - LibraryThing review

The Drop by Dennis Lehane A Boston bartender with a criminal past gets pulled back into the dangerous family business when he finds an injured dog tied to violence and the Russian mob.

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The Winter of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow A retired mob hitman running a bait shop in San Diego must return to his former life when old enemies resurface seeking revenge.

Small Crimes by Dave Zeltserman A disgraced ex-cop returns to his hometown after prison time, becoming entangled in the crimes and corruption that brought him down.

Pike by Benjamin Whitmer A former marine and enforcer must confront his violent past while protecting his dead partner's daughter from criminal elements in Cincinnati.

🔍 Tom Piccirilli wrote this crime novel while battling brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2012. 🌟 The book features a family of career criminals who name themselves after dogs, including the protagonist, Terrier Rand. 📚 This novel marks a departure from Piccirilli's earlier horror works, for which he won four Bram Stoker Awards. 🏃 The story's main character returns home after five years away, breaking his self-imposed exile to help his brother who's on death row. 💰 The Rand family's criminal code includes never stealing from people who can't afford the loss—a moral complexity that runs throughout the narrative.