In Tom Coffey’s “Public Morals” you plunge into the dark side of New York in 1982. The gritty backdrop of 1980’s New York is painted with grimy realism, capturing the seedy underbelly and soaring ambitions of a city on the edge. Coffey leans into the darkness, crafting a narrative that’s as raw and unfiltered as a shot of cheap whiskey.
The first half grabs you by the collar and drags you on a wild ride with Terence Devine, a Vice cop whose charm is as sharp as his morals are questionable. The investigation into his alleged corruption unfolds like a slow-burning fire, drawing you in with its twists and turns and leaving you wondering who to trust.
But hold on tight, because the second half is where “Public Morals” truly explodes. The pace ramps up like a runaway train, hurtling into a labyrinth of conspiracy, betrayal, and secrets that would make your hair stand on end. Coffey seamlessly integrates Devine’s daughter, Sheila’s, perspective, adding a new layer of intrigue and emotional depth to the story. Just when you think you have a handle on things, the rug gets ripped out from under you, leaving you gasping for air and desperate to keep turning the pages.
The twists and turns in the second half are masterful, each one landing with the force of a gut punch. You’ll find yourself scrambling to piece together the puzzle, questioning everything you thought you knew, and on the edge of your seat waiting for the next surprise to drop. Coffey keeps you guessing until the very last page, leaving you shaken and breathless but ultimately satisfied. “Public Morals” is a knockout blow of a book.