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Blues of Betrayal: Every oath has a cost
In Queens Hill, nothing stays buried forever.
A haunting noir tragedy. Detective Sergeant Frankie Merlot has spent most of his life believing loyalty was the one thing the job could never take from him. The badge changes people. Time changes them more. Not everything survives either.
When a young woman is found dead in a roadside motel, what should be a routine case becomes anything but. Frankie begins pulling at loose threads, expecting answers he’s chased a hundred times before. Instead, the deeper he digs, the less the pieces fit.
Rumors spread. Trust begins to erode. And things that once felt familiar begin to reveal a truth Frankie is far less prepared to face.
Some betrayals aren’t acts of violence. They’re the result of silence, loyalty… and time.
Every oath has a cost.
A haunting noir tragedy. Detective Sergeant Frankie Merlot has spent most of his life believing loyalty was the one thing the job could never take from him. The badge changes people. Time changes them more. Not everything survives either.
When a young woman is found dead in a roadside motel, what should be a routine case becomes anything but. Frankie begins pulling at loose threads, expecting answers he’s chased a hundred times before. Instead, the deeper he digs, the less the pieces fit.
Rumors spread. Trust begins to erode. And things that once felt familiar begin to reveal a truth Frankie is far less prepared to face.
Some betrayals aren’t acts of violence. They’re the result of silence, loyalty… and time.
Every oath has a cost.
172 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 14, 2026
Simple Yet Powerful
I liked how simple the writing felt, but still carried strong meaning. Nothing was overdone. The small details made everything believable. It didn’t try to impress, but it still did. I could connect with the characters in a natural way.
I liked how simple the writing felt, but still carried strong meaning. Nothing was overdone. The small details made everything believable. It didn’t try to impress, but it still did. I could connect with the characters in a natural way.
May 15, 2026
Emotional Without Being Dramatic
The emotions here are quiet, not loud. That’s what made them stronger. I didn’t feel pushed to react, but I still did. The story slowly builds a connection, and before I realized it, I was fully involved.
The emotions here are quiet, not loud. That’s what made them stronger. I didn’t feel pushed to react, but I still did. The story slowly builds a connection, and before I realized it, I was fully involved.
June 10, 2026
The is a really good quick read. The beginning gives context and develops the characters. This is a book that makes you want to continue reading into the next chapter. What impressed me most was the authors ability to create believable characters with real emotional depth. Frankie Merlot is a compelling protagonist whose struggles feel authentic, and the themes of betrayal, silence, and moral conflict add weight to the story beyond the crime itself. The atmosphere is dark and immersive, giving the book a classic noir feel while still feeling fresh and modern. I really hope the author turns this book into a series.
July 29, 2026
This was a great read. The characters were well developed and the story kept me guessing. The ending caught me off guard. It was shocking and tied everything together.
August 4, 2026
3.25 stars rounded down.
Strong 1st novel from Anthony Dover.
It’s a bit dark and dreary, but hits quickly, and is a great length for the story that it tells.
Read it in one sitting.
Strong 1st novel from Anthony Dover.
It’s a bit dark and dreary, but hits quickly, and is a great length for the story that it tells.
Read it in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews