Much more than I expected. The book is Five Decembers by James Kestrel . In late November 1941 Detective Joe McGrady Is sent from Honolulu, Hawaii to the country-side to investigate a gruesome murder. It gets more complicated when a second body is found at the scene and Joe learns the identity of the first victim. And given the date you suspect World War 2 will soon enter the story.

After a few pages, it is obvious that James Kestrel has written a first-class crime novel. But then the war begins a there is so much more. Soon you are dealing with the cruelty and foolishness of war, a love story, obsession and revenge. All this in a fantastic read.

I was expecting a decent crime novel but this was so much more. I highly recommend Five Decembers and thank Netgalley for a chance to read this book before publication.