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Frank's Shadow
AMAZON BESTSELLER
"A triumph of dramatic literature."
- BookLife by Publishers Weekly, Editor's Pick
We leave shadows, not footprints.
Newlywed Danny McKenna's honeymoon ends abruptly when he learns his father has died, uncannily, on the same day as his hero, Frank Sinatra. Returning home to his knotty Irish American family, Danny is confronted with a painful truth—while he knows everything about the famous singer, his own father is a mystery. Tasked with giving a eulogy for a man he hardly knows, Danny sets out to uncover his dad's past—an immigrant's tale of mid-twentieth-century America and the harsh realities of WWII lived in stark contrast to Frank Sinatra's famously extravagant life.
Along the way, Danny's own demons nearly destroy him as he struggles to accept his father's deepest secret—a journey that takes him into the heart of darkness before he learns to live in the light.
Fame, family, and forgiveness are among the many themes in Doug McIntyre's debut novel, a story full of vibrant scenery, gripping characters, humor, and profound moments of self-realization. Frank's Shadow is a deeply (sometimes darkly) human story wrapped in the trappings of a delightfully gritty love letter to New York City's less glamorous neighborhoods.
"A triumph of dramatic literature."
- BookLife by Publishers Weekly, Editor's Pick
We leave shadows, not footprints.
Newlywed Danny McKenna's honeymoon ends abruptly when he learns his father has died, uncannily, on the same day as his hero, Frank Sinatra. Returning home to his knotty Irish American family, Danny is confronted with a painful truth—while he knows everything about the famous singer, his own father is a mystery. Tasked with giving a eulogy for a man he hardly knows, Danny sets out to uncover his dad's past—an immigrant's tale of mid-twentieth-century America and the harsh realities of WWII lived in stark contrast to Frank Sinatra's famously extravagant life.
Along the way, Danny's own demons nearly destroy him as he struggles to accept his father's deepest secret—a journey that takes him into the heart of darkness before he learns to live in the light.
Fame, family, and forgiveness are among the many themes in Doug McIntyre's debut novel, a story full of vibrant scenery, gripping characters, humor, and profound moments of self-realization. Frank's Shadow is a deeply (sometimes darkly) human story wrapped in the trappings of a delightfully gritty love letter to New York City's less glamorous neighborhoods.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 4, 2023
This was a great read. Doug, I hope you plan to write another. Thanks, too, for many hours of interesting conversation on LA talk radio.
July 23, 2023
Terrific Read
This is one of those special, haunting stories that tend to stay with you. I was moved to laugh out loud and to shed a tear. Absolutely lovely book.
This is one of those special, haunting stories that tend to stay with you. I was moved to laugh out loud and to shed a tear. Absolutely lovely book.
July 10, 2023
A thought provoking and touching story with well developed characters and a wonderful storyline. This book does not disappoint.
February 26, 2025
Already familiar with Doug McIntyre’s sharp, candid writing style as a longtime columnist, I had no doubt he’d bring that same literary verve to his fiction ... and I was right.
FRANK’S SHADOW is one of those books you dive into thinking it’s going in one kind of direction, only to have it pull you down roads, alleys, and even some dark trenches you didn’t expect. Told from the perspective of Danny McKenna, a New England college professor heading home to Long Island—and his Irish American family—for his father’s funeral, we’re immediately immersed in the elements of his world: his new (and very problematic) wife, his bereaved mother and brothers; the neighbors, his hometown, all the myriad triggers that, well, get triggered in scenarios such as this. Assigned to give the eulogy, Danny finds the task strangely elusive, particularly as he realizes he doesn’t know as much about his father as he ought to.
McIntyre has imbued his protagonist with a whip-smart mind, edgy personality, and nimble way with words, and as his story unfolds, we can’t help but enjoy the way he’s telling it. We learn of his father’s love of Frank Sinatra (died on the same day, given the same first name), a theme that’s effectively woven throughout the narrative, as well as the many mysteries that surround the man. Unfortunately, the burden of that eulogy sends Danny spiraling into full-blown marital confusion, myriad family clashes, and a major slip after two years of sobriety, resulting in one of the most viscerally, visually wild scenes at a family funeral I think I’ve ever read—funny, horrifying, and incredibly sad all at the same time. Where it leads Danny is out the door, out of his life, and onto a drunken, wild ride of a vision quest to figure out who the hell his father was and, hopefully, reconfigure himself along the way.
As he careens from one crash n’ burn scenario to another, some truly terrifying and potentially life-altering, all accompanied by his renewed and enthusiastic embrace of as much alcohol as he can manage, he ever-so-slowly begins to find the threads of his father’s early life, particularly his experiences in World War 2, all of which formed the man he doesn’t know but wants to. The juxtaposition of those wrenching scenes of battle, fear, and death against the contemporary journey of a wounded son are vivid and gut wrenching, offering a depth to the story and its ultimate revelations that is earned and so powerful.
Somewhere in the midst of the chaos, Danny finally stumbles on the epiphanies needed to come home: to himself, to his confused and beleaguered family, even to the answers he’s looking for. It’s a difficult, at times very dark, but always riveting journey, and McIntyre tells his tale with the kind of literary magic that pushes you to turn the page, rewarding you with a conclusion that is honest, heartfelt, and just perfect.
FRANK’S SHADOW is one of those books you dive into thinking it’s going in one kind of direction, only to have it pull you down roads, alleys, and even some dark trenches you didn’t expect. Told from the perspective of Danny McKenna, a New England college professor heading home to Long Island—and his Irish American family—for his father’s funeral, we’re immediately immersed in the elements of his world: his new (and very problematic) wife, his bereaved mother and brothers; the neighbors, his hometown, all the myriad triggers that, well, get triggered in scenarios such as this. Assigned to give the eulogy, Danny finds the task strangely elusive, particularly as he realizes he doesn’t know as much about his father as he ought to.
McIntyre has imbued his protagonist with a whip-smart mind, edgy personality, and nimble way with words, and as his story unfolds, we can’t help but enjoy the way he’s telling it. We learn of his father’s love of Frank Sinatra (died on the same day, given the same first name), a theme that’s effectively woven throughout the narrative, as well as the many mysteries that surround the man. Unfortunately, the burden of that eulogy sends Danny spiraling into full-blown marital confusion, myriad family clashes, and a major slip after two years of sobriety, resulting in one of the most viscerally, visually wild scenes at a family funeral I think I’ve ever read—funny, horrifying, and incredibly sad all at the same time. Where it leads Danny is out the door, out of his life, and onto a drunken, wild ride of a vision quest to figure out who the hell his father was and, hopefully, reconfigure himself along the way.
As he careens from one crash n’ burn scenario to another, some truly terrifying and potentially life-altering, all accompanied by his renewed and enthusiastic embrace of as much alcohol as he can manage, he ever-so-slowly begins to find the threads of his father’s early life, particularly his experiences in World War 2, all of which formed the man he doesn’t know but wants to. The juxtaposition of those wrenching scenes of battle, fear, and death against the contemporary journey of a wounded son are vivid and gut wrenching, offering a depth to the story and its ultimate revelations that is earned and so powerful.
Somewhere in the midst of the chaos, Danny finally stumbles on the epiphanies needed to come home: to himself, to his confused and beleaguered family, even to the answers he’s looking for. It’s a difficult, at times very dark, but always riveting journey, and McIntyre tells his tale with the kind of literary magic that pushes you to turn the page, rewarding you with a conclusion that is honest, heartfelt, and just perfect.
December 23, 2023
In Frank’s Shadow, Doug McIntyre artfully intertwines the lives of Danny McKenna and his late father, set against the backdrop of a complex family dynamic and the gritty streets of New York City. The novel opens with Danny, newly married, grappling with the sudden death of his father. Tasked with delivering a eulogy, he faces not only the challenge of articulating his feelings but also the scrutiny of his discerning Irish family.
An intriguing thread runs through the narrative: the coincidence of Danny's father passing on the same date as Frank Sinatra, Danny’s idol. This parallel prompts a deeper exploration into his father's past, a journey that reveals more mysteries and complexities than Danny anticipated. McIntyre's narrative style is reminiscent of the early works of Paul Auster, the poignant storytelling of Frank McCourt in Angela’s Ashes, and the raw realism found in Charles Bukowski’s novels. The book navigates themes of alcoholism, family discord, and buried secrets without veering into the realm of the overly sentimental. McIntyre skillfully balances these heavier elements with well-timed dark humor and insightful character development. The story unfolds layer by layer, revealing incredible depth. While it initially appears to be a journey of self-discovery for Danny, it gradually becomes clear that it is as much, if not more, about his enigmatic father. Central to the novel is the exploration of identity and the realization that our surface impressions of people can vastly differ from their true selves.
McIntyre's work stands out for its robust characterizations, heartfelt emotion, and a confident mastery of language. Frank’s Shadow is not just a compelling read; it is a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling and character exploration in contemporary fiction.
An intriguing thread runs through the narrative: the coincidence of Danny's father passing on the same date as Frank Sinatra, Danny’s idol. This parallel prompts a deeper exploration into his father's past, a journey that reveals more mysteries and complexities than Danny anticipated. McIntyre's narrative style is reminiscent of the early works of Paul Auster, the poignant storytelling of Frank McCourt in Angela’s Ashes, and the raw realism found in Charles Bukowski’s novels. The book navigates themes of alcoholism, family discord, and buried secrets without veering into the realm of the overly sentimental. McIntyre skillfully balances these heavier elements with well-timed dark humor and insightful character development. The story unfolds layer by layer, revealing incredible depth. While it initially appears to be a journey of self-discovery for Danny, it gradually becomes clear that it is as much, if not more, about his enigmatic father. Central to the novel is the exploration of identity and the realization that our surface impressions of people can vastly differ from their true selves.
McIntyre's work stands out for its robust characterizations, heartfelt emotion, and a confident mastery of language. Frank’s Shadow is not just a compelling read; it is a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling and character exploration in contemporary fiction.
June 18, 2026
What stayed with me after reading Frank’s Shadow was its exploration of how the people closest to us can sometimes remain the greatest mysteries in our lives. Doug McIntyre takes what begins as a story about loss and turns it into a deeply emotional journey about family, identity, forgiveness, and the hidden histories that shape who we become.
What makes Danny McKenna’s journey compelling is the contrast between knowing a public figure intimately while knowing so little about his own father. As Danny searches through his father’s past, the novel reveals a powerful immigrant story shaped by sacrifice, war, hardship, and the complicated realities of building a life in America. The connection between Frank Sinatra’s legendary image and Danny’s father’s quieter struggles creates a thoughtful examination of fame, legacy, and what truly makes a life meaningful.
The novel’s greatest strength is its emotional honesty. Through family secrets, personal struggles, and moments of self-discovery, McIntyre explores the difficult process of understanding where we come from and finding peace with the truths we uncover.
This book will resonate with readers interested in historical fiction, family dramas, immigrant stories, New York City settings, and character-driven novels about forgiveness and redemption.
I finished it reflecting on how the stories we inherit from our families often shape us long before we fully understand them.
What makes Danny McKenna’s journey compelling is the contrast between knowing a public figure intimately while knowing so little about his own father. As Danny searches through his father’s past, the novel reveals a powerful immigrant story shaped by sacrifice, war, hardship, and the complicated realities of building a life in America. The connection between Frank Sinatra’s legendary image and Danny’s father’s quieter struggles creates a thoughtful examination of fame, legacy, and what truly makes a life meaningful.
The novel’s greatest strength is its emotional honesty. Through family secrets, personal struggles, and moments of self-discovery, McIntyre explores the difficult process of understanding where we come from and finding peace with the truths we uncover.
This book will resonate with readers interested in historical fiction, family dramas, immigrant stories, New York City settings, and character-driven novels about forgiveness and redemption.
I finished it reflecting on how the stories we inherit from our families often shape us long before we fully understand them.
August 6, 2023
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Growing up as the youngest son of four brothers after WW II was not easy. Francis Mc Kenna was the perfect age for induction into the US Army.
Frank could have had a deferment but there was no way this Irish immigrant was going to let someone else fight for him. He participated in the Allied landing at Normandy and he and his fellow soldiers fought to save bridges necessary for the onslaught of the German homeland.
The U.S. military utilizes a “buddy system” which endears people to each other during a war. His buddy committed a very egregious act. Frank ended his buddy’s career and then walked away from the war. The military, however, has no patience for someone who loses the will to fight.
Frank laying down his weapon and walking away from the battlefield is a drastic error. He is brought up on charges of desertion and put into a military stockade. He doesn’t care; he refuses to pick up a gun and fire it at anyone. Never Again!
This is a very interesting and unique narrative of one soldier’s experience during the Second World War. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Growing up as the youngest son of four brothers after WW II was not easy. Francis Mc Kenna was the perfect age for induction into the US Army.
Frank could have had a deferment but there was no way this Irish immigrant was going to let someone else fight for him. He participated in the Allied landing at Normandy and he and his fellow soldiers fought to save bridges necessary for the onslaught of the German homeland.
The U.S. military utilizes a “buddy system” which endears people to each other during a war. His buddy committed a very egregious act. Frank ended his buddy’s career and then walked away from the war. The military, however, has no patience for someone who loses the will to fight.
Frank laying down his weapon and walking away from the battlefield is a drastic error. He is brought up on charges of desertion and put into a military stockade. He doesn’t care; he refuses to pick up a gun and fire it at anyone. Never Again!
This is a very interesting and unique narrative of one soldier’s experience during the Second World War. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 22, 2026
Frank’s Shadow by Doug McIntyre is a reflective and emotionally layered novel that explores family legacy, identity, grief, and the search for truth within the bonds of fatherhood.
The story follows Danny McKenna as he returns home after his father’s sudden death, forcing him to confront both personal loss and the unknown history of a man he barely understood. Through this journey, the novel examines the contrast between public icons and private lives, particularly through the symbolic presence of Frank Sinatra.
One of the novel’s strengths is its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. It blends personal discovery with broader reflections on memory, family silence, and the process of understanding those closest to us only after they are gone.
Set against a vividly drawn New York backdrop, the narrative combines themes of grief, forgiveness, and self-realization with a strong sense of place and cultural texture.
Overall, Frank’s Shadow is a moving and introspective work of contemporary fiction about family secrets, personal identity, and the complex meanings of love and legacy.
The story follows Danny McKenna as he returns home after his father’s sudden death, forcing him to confront both personal loss and the unknown history of a man he barely understood. Through this journey, the novel examines the contrast between public icons and private lives, particularly through the symbolic presence of Frank Sinatra.
One of the novel’s strengths is its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. It blends personal discovery with broader reflections on memory, family silence, and the process of understanding those closest to us only after they are gone.
Set against a vividly drawn New York backdrop, the narrative combines themes of grief, forgiveness, and self-realization with a strong sense of place and cultural texture.
Overall, Frank’s Shadow is a moving and introspective work of contemporary fiction about family secrets, personal identity, and the complex meanings of love and legacy.
August 26, 2023
I won this in a good reads give away. It is not my usual read. While it isn't my kind of book, it is well written. I found most of it a bit depressing but has a good ending. If it is your kind if read, I would recommend it.
September 11, 2023
Wonderful story! Brought out many emotions as the this book developed. One of those books that you want to read quickly to find out what will happen it also want to read it slowly so it does not end!
Thank you Doug McIntyre and Goodreads!
Thank you Doug McIntyre and Goodreads!
December 15, 2023
Thanks to Goodreads for the digital copy.
Interesting read.
Interesting read.
October 8, 2023
I won this book from GoodReads, but don't remember signing up for it. It was not my kind of read, took me awhile to get through. Was good in the end and would recommend.
June 11, 2024
Absolutely wonderful read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews