This novella is lean and mean. Neat and tidy. Problem, solution, rising tension and an ending like a punch to the gut. Damn effective.

Frankie is just one of those characters that absolutely would choose the old-school one-on-one fight to settle matters. As a reader, you’re planted right into his mind to recognize and witness his strength, his wishes and his fears. And it is definitely so that with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom amplify the fears. But Frankie does what has to be done. There is his standing and status on the line, and everything rides on that – it’s a pride thing. Yes, it’s a bit primal, but look, whilst we may walk on two legs, we’re not far from the rest of animal kingdom in that sense.

No offense to men, but they’re pretty simply creatures. Hardly ever do they complicate things. Men say something once, only ever give them a solution if they ask for it, otherwise you’re a sounding board, and just let them at it. They’ve got this. They’ll solve shit their own way. So, the relationship Frankie has with Chloe is like a textbook scenario. Frankie wants to not make Chloe worry, whilst at the same time hiding his fears and shame because as a man he’s surely not meant to show any sign of weakness. Chloe takes Frankie’s aloofness as a sign of no longer being wanted, and perhaps even being cheated on.

So, yeah, there’s quite the bit of human condition in this short and punchy novella, on a personal level as well as within a relationship dynamic. Damn well delivered to the page, too.

As to the other aspect of this story – the gangster, the fight – let me put it this way: it’s on a perfect balance with Frankie’s headspace musings. In this novella, Frankie’s state of mind can’t happen without the external conflict. Probably the best thing about reading this novella is that it doesn’t stretch belief. It could easily be a a crime report, you know.

Make no mistake, this novella is male, through and through. So, roll your shoulders, take a deep breath, and dive in. It does stay in your head for a while. At least, it has been lingering in my head for a while. I think it’s that damn ending.

Anyway, get this, it’s a super fast read and it pairs well late at night with a cold bottle of beer.