True justice never plays by the rules.
Neither does August Snow.
If Chandler and Elmore Leonard had a book baby and raised it in Detroit, August Snow would be it. Our man August is a former cop who blew the whistle on corruption and paid the price. Now he’s back in his old neighborhood, Mexicantown, trying to rebuild homes and his life when trouble comes knocking.
This is noir with a shot of tequila: gritty, fast, and just the right amount of dark humor. Right up my alley. Snow isn’t your squeaky-clean hero; he’s the kind of guy you want watching your back, though maybe not your liquor cabinet. Think of him as a Mexican Jack Reacher only with more roots, more heart, and the same bone-deep need for justice, even if it means ignoring the law.
I like that the novel is set in Detroit. It’s not just the backdrop. It’s alive, a character in its own right with history, scars, and soul. I’ve always thought of Detroit as the ultimate blue-collar town, the heartbeat of America with its auto workers and grit. That same stubborn determination bleeds into every page, making it the perfect stage for Snow’s brand of rough justice.
I also like that Snow doesn’t just talk about loyalty. He lives it. He hires a former drug dealer to do honest work, helps a neighbor with nothing rebuild his life, and pours his lawsuit winnings (from taking down the corrupt system that ousted him) straight back into his community. He’s a good guy, but not a saint, which makes him the kind of hero I enjoy reading.
If this ever makes it to the screen, I’m voting Keanu Reeves for August Snow. He’s gritty, he’s caring, and with a little Latino edge added, he’d carry the role with weight and dignity.
August Snow is muscle and heart rolled into one, with a city that refuses to be ignored and a hero who proves true justice never plays by the rules. I’ll definitely be back for more in this series.
