We Were Kings

This is a bone-crunching, gut-wrenching novel that captures the atmosphere of a city in decay and its inhabitants. It delivers noir fiction like we always want it to be

O'Malley and Purdy bring postwar Boston to life, making neighbourhoods feel as distinct as separate countries...They have delivered a love-letter to a Boston that's long gone.

Gorgeous...A noir novel can be the high, slippery tightrope of mysteries. It's difficult to sustain a dark, moody balance; many writers slide right off into caricature. But O'Malley and Purdy let in just enough daylight - even if it's harsh winter light - to hold out hope of redemption.

Brutally realistic...The authors give us one last, lingering look at the good-bad old days

O'Malley and Purdy don't take any prisoners in their portrayal of a city living on the edge of destruction