Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Dennis Lehane delivers another one two much in this taunt story of life in 70's South Boston just as forced busing and a powder keg of racial hatred is about to burst into flame. Mary Pat has played by the Irish neighborhood code her whole life as have her neighbors but now that her teen daughter is missing the same night that a young black man is savagely killed, she starts to wonder why. Tight lips tell her nothing and she knows the police won't do anything anyway so she uses her own influence to get information about her daughter. One caring detective wants Mary Pat to back down and is trying to bring in the people responsible but as more of the story comes to light both are powerless to stop what has already been set in motion. One thing is certain, never underestimate a mom protecting her young. Based on his own experiences growing up in South Boston the author gives us a gut punch that is both tender and brutal. This will appeal to die hard crime readers as easily as those who want a snapshot of history with deep characters. One of his best. ​ 4 1/2 stars