Two Good Men

Two Good Men by S.E. Redfearn is a suspenseful thriller featuring two men seeking justice from opposite sides of the law. Doctor Richard Raynes gets a call from his sister Denise. A man she testified against has been released from prison. He’s threatened her son, Jesse, and lives in their neighborhood. Raynes will do whatever it takes to protect them.

However, he quickly learns that Otis Parsons is just the beginning. Many child abusers will repeat their offenses within five years. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Steve Patterson investigates crimes against these same offenders.

The characters are well-defined and have depth. Both men have a strong sense of right and wrong that will be tested as the story unfolds. Raynes is a chemist who has panic attacks and is good at methodical research and analytical thinking. His life is a mess. Patterson comes across as low-key and unassuming. However, there is an inner strength that shows during conflicts. He’s also a great investigator. Both men have strengths and vulnerabilities and are determined that justice prevail.

Quickly hooking me, the storyline gripped me and kept me engaged throughout the novel. The deeply involved plot is absorbing, thought-provoking, and heartrending. The characters felt real and emotionally rich making it easy to connect with both main characters. Readers get excellent insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Both want to make the world a safer place, but with different paths. This story makes you commiserate with the characters as their actions unfold and their struggles are revealed.

This novel shines a light on the law enforcement and shows times when the justice system fails to protect innocents. It also highlights the pitfalls of rogue justice. The gripping narrative gave excellent insight into the challenges the police and secondary characters faced. It’s heartbreaking at times, and riveting throughout. Additionally, it’s full of suspenseful moments that caused me to rapidly advance through the book. It incorporates a real-world issue and looks at it from two different perspectives. The relationship aspects of the story balance the shocking and disturbing aspects. I wasn’t expecting the tension-filled ending scenario.

Overall, this was an intense and engaging thriller that looks at justice from two different perspectives. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. If you enjoy crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out this author writes next.

Blackstone Publishing and S, E. Redfearn provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 08, 2024.