[close] When the murder investigation of eleven-year old Raul Valesquez is re-opened after the conviction of his alleged killer is over-turned, Danny Hernandez contacts a long-lost neighborhood friend. Twenty-eight years ago Danny and Jerry Valdez were teenagers when Raul Valesquez was killed. Raul was the neighborhood bully. Danny is afraid of what the police might find in this new investigation. When one of the investigating detectives turns out to be an old high school friend of Danny's, the case takes an unexpected twist into police and government corruption.

At times poignant and reflective, this is a gripping tale of psychological suspense that touches on the themes of friendship, loyalty, and revenge. It can only be described as Mystic River meets The Lords of Dogtown. In this coming of age thriller, J. F. Gonzalez has crafted a tale like none he's ever created before. [close]