Five Decembers

Five Decembers

James Kestrel • 2021

Overview

Set against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor and the Pacific War, the novel follows Honolulu detective Joe McGrady as he pursues a brutal murder suspect across Hong Kong, Manila, and Tokyo. Over five Decembers—from 1941 to 1945—McGrady confronts shifting empires, personal loss, and the high cost of justice. The story blends classic noir with epic historical scope, delivering suspense without romanticizing wartime violence.

Who it's for

• Readers who enjoy atmospheric wartime noir
• Historical fiction fans seeking Pacific-theater settings
• Lovers of morally complex, slow-burn thrillers

Key features

• Language: English
• Format: trade paperback
• Publisher: Hard Case Crime
• Publication year: 2021