I wanted to like this novel more than I did, but it was still good. It's not a long novel, under 200 pages.

The book is about two brothers where one has typically been in and out of trouble his entire life and of the younger brother that is trying to get by and is barely doing so.

In some ways, the novel is about the working class versus the upper class and how those of the working class seem to always be turned to pulp by the struggles of every day life.

Most believe the worst about the older brothers and when those with power are searching for him, many believe what happens to him is probably what he deserves.

Upbringing and what happens to people as youth and how it later impacts one's life is a theme of the book, with, to me, the resolution of these lessons being the weakest part of the novel.

Still, it is not a bad novel to spend time reading.





( )

Sometimes a book is just a quiet little thing. It sneaks up on you while you are reading it and when you are done, you close it and sit for a minute before realizing “Hey, I really, really liked that story.” This is one of those books. It is not long. I read it in one sitting.

Although this is billed as a mystery story, I think that label is misapplied. This is more of a character study of two brothers and the different roads they have traveled after the untimely death of their parents.

The main character, Jay, is kind of spinning his wheels in his small New Hampshire hometown. He has a child with a woman who moved out and is now living with another man – an ex bikie. Jay seems kind of unmotivated to make changes though he clearly expresses the thoughts that he needs to do something to engage the gears and move his life forward. He is working in a dead end job for a nice guy but the money is irregular and seasonal.

His brother is a former high school athlete, several years older than Jay with a troubled past and present. His dropping in and out of Jay's life has caused friction with his ex and Jay is no longer willing to either trust or believe his brother who has basically become a drug addicted and addled street person.

The local police contact Jay to assist them in bringing in the brother. What follows is not so much a mystery as an unraveling. In small towns, secrets are often the stock and trade of families. Because everyone knows everyone, there are always disruptions that lie just below the surface and if they erupt, they have a tendency to rewrite the town's history.

This is a slowly unfolding story bringing the actions of people in the past to meet their consequences in the present. These actions will either propel the individual characters into a positive forward motion or stop them dead in their tracks.

I loved the title and that is what drew me to the book. A lamentation is a passionate outpouring of grief or sorrow. The Lamentation in this book refers to a mountain and a bridge but the dictionary definition also applies. Through the grief comes hope.

I understand this is book one in the series but I can't see how the main character can really go anywhere as a “detective” since that is not really what this book appears to be. I loved it as a stand alone story. It can bear its own weight well. ( )

To comply with the terms and conditions that it seems people read more than I give them credit for, I hereby disclose in this, my review, that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, etc, etc, etc. I definitely enjoyed this more than I expected to, and it's not because the Devils beat the Bruins in one of the early chapters (although I DID enjoy that. Go Devils!). Don't worry. It's no spoiler. It's not even pertinent to the story line.

Now, on to the actual story, eh? I would equate this to the Hardy Boys mysteries. Clifford just increased the age of the suggested audience (and overall appeal) by adding a little sex, a lot of drugs, and a biker gang. Oh, and scandal! Can't forget the scandal! There was a lot of that, but you really don't get it until the end. To be fair, there's very little direct, visible drug use in the story, but there are a lot of junkies, so it wouldn't be unheard of to let a high schooler read this.

I really enjoyed nearly all of the characters. I think Chris was the best developed with Jay following shortly thereafter. The ending, though sad, was... well, I don't really have words for it. I'd call it beautiful, but after you read it, you'll realize that just sounds wrong. There was a lot of love. I'll say that.

I wanted a little more from the Lombardi brothers, although I'm beginning to think it was better that we didn't get too involved with them.


My only true "criticism" of the story was that the beginning dragged a little. I wouldn't say that it lasted more than 1/4 to 1/3 of the book though. After that it picked up and was much more free flowing. ( )

To comply with the terms and conditions that it seems people read more than I give them credit for, I hereby disclose in this, my review, that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, etc, etc, etc. I definitely enjoyed this more than I expected to, and it's not because the Devils beat the Bruins in one of the early chapters (although I DID enjoy that. Go Devils!). Don't worry. It's no spoiler. It's not even pertinent to the story line.

Now, on to the actual story, eh? I would equate this to the Hardy Boys mysteries. Clifford just increased the age of the suggested audience (and overall appeal) by adding a little sex, a lot of drugs, and a biker gang. Oh, and scandal! Can't forget the scandal! There was a lot of that, but you really don't get it until the end. To be fair, there's very little direct, visible drug use in the story, but there are a lot of junkies, so it wouldn't be unheard of to let a high schooler read this.

I really enjoyed nearly all of the characters. I think Chris was the best developed with Jay following shortly thereafter. The ending, though sad, was... well, I don't really have words for it. I'd call it beautiful, but after you read it, you'll realize that just sounds wrong. There was a lot of love. I'll say that.

I wanted a little more from the Lombardi brothers, although I'm beginning to think it was better that we didn't get too involved with them.


My only true "criticism" of the story was that the beginning dragged a little. I wouldn't say that it lasted more than 1/4 to 1/3 of the book though. After that it picked up and was much more free flowing. ( )

Jay struggles to prove his brother is innocent. Chris is a drug addict with a history of psychotic episodes. Jay is unsure what to believe but, he is going to stand by Chris, no matter what.

Jay and Chris are characters to fall in love with, or maybe, just relate to. Jay is a “good ole boy” struggling to make a living. Chris has many problems but, he has a huge heart. I was completely wrapped up in their troubles.

With many twists and turns, Mr. Clifford leads the reader through a powerful and moving thriller. This tale is not to be missed!!!

I love discovering a new author. I cannot wait to read the rest of Joe Clifford’s work. ( )