
Fast-paced detective story. Murder. Deceit. Love. How far will one man go to be true to himself?
“An exhilarating and fun read!” — Amazon Review
Haunted by experiences he had as a Marine Corps fighter pilot, a persistent injury and a litany of self-doubt, Harry Thorpe is making ends meet as a private detective in 1949 Denver, specializing in cases that typically involve stolen goods and cheating spouses. All that changes when the Mighty Marquand, a national hero and Harry’s overbearing flying mentor, shows up and slaps a crisp thousand dollar bill on the desk. Marquand needs Harry to get at the source of some threatening letters – at any cost.
At every turn and twist, Harry finds he must juggle his loyalty to the imperious Marquand with his own better judgement, while also balancing a tenuous friendship with a persistent cop named Greenberg. When the investigation thrusts Harry into the underworld, he is confronted by Johnny Two-Nose, an explosive mob enforcer who vies to steer every step ahead. Harry must make a series of decisions that leave him reeling as he encounters unpredictable mobsters, secretive Nazi sympathizers and a woman he wants to love, but is not sure he can trust.
This spiraling detective noir explores addiction and post-traumatic stress through the eyes of a man as he comes to terms with love, loyalty and deceit. It raises the question; how far will one man go to be true to himself?
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Currently available in both eBook and Paperback formats.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
“Kelsey proves to be a sharp storyteller, layering his narrative with suspense and romance and rounding out his characters with vivid traits and enough backstory to make them feel fully formed.” — Kirkus Reviews (read entire review)
“This is a noir thriller like few others, pushing beyond the two-dimensional stereotypes of that oft-dusty genre to deliver a thought-provoking tale that seems both nostalgic and contemporary.” — Self-Publishing Review (read entire review)
“Packed with intriguing characters and jaw-dropping crimes, Once A Man Indulges is a piece so realistic you’ll be able to taste the cigarettes and black coffee.” — Indies Today (read entire review)
“I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to fans of well-written and immersive mysteries, and fans of hardboiled detective stories.” — Readers’ Favorite (read entire review)
AMAZON REVIEWS
“Super catchy read and I could see it being a blockbuster movie!”
“Highly entertaining with twists and turns and an unpredictable finish.”
“One of those books that you can’t put down but you don’t want to finish.”
“Outstanding read. Kelsey has a strong writing style that is polished, clear and compelling.”
“Excellent writing, superb character and world-building … I loved this book! “