Jack Levitt, a teenage orphan and small-time criminal, navigates the seedy underbelly of Portland, Oregon, frequenting pool halls, bars, and brothels. His path intertwines with Billy Lancing, a young Black runaway and skilled pool hustler. After a botched heist lands Jack in reform school, he re-enters a world where Billy has attempted to build a stable, middle-class life. However, neither man can escape their past for long, leading to a fateful reunion in St. Quentin Prison, where they grapple with their destinies. Only one will emerge free, but at what cost?

• Explore a Dostoevskyian noir narrative that delves into the lives of two men caught in a cycle of crime and consequence.
• Experience a raw and tender portrayal of individuals searching for meaning amidst the gritty realities of their existence.
• Gain insight into themes of freedom, fate, and the enduring impact of one's past on their future.
• Discover a hard-boiled classic that offers a unflinching look at the darker side of American life.

About the Author

Don Carpenter (1931-1995) was an American novelist and short story writer known for his gritty, realistic portrayals of life on the fringes of society. His work often explored themes of crime, poverty, and the struggles of individuals trying to find their place in the world. Carpenter's writing style was characterized by its stark prose and unflinching honesty, earning him a reputation as a master of the hard-boiled genre. He spent much of his life in California, drawing inspiration from the lives and landscapes he encountered there.