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Five Decembers

By: James Kestrel
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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Publisher's summary

Winner of the 2022 Edgar Award for Best Novel

Nominee for Best Thriller in the 2022 Barry Awards

Hammett Prize 2021 Finalist

December 1941. America teeters on the brink of war, and in Honolulu, Hawaii, police detective Joe McGrady is assigned to investigate a homicide that will change his life forever. The trail of murder he uncovers will lead him across the Pacific, far from home and the woman he loves; and though the U.S. doesn't know it yet, a Japanese fleet is already steaming toward Pearl Harbor.

This extraordinary novel is so much more than just a gripping crime story—it's a story of survival against all odds, of love and loss and the human cost of war. Spanning the entirety of World War II, Five Decembers is a beautiful, masterful, powerful novel that will live in your memory forever.

Original cover art copyright (c) 2021 by Claudia Carafe, painted for Hard Case Crime

©2022 James Kestrel (P)2022 Podium Audio
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Critic reviews

“War, imprisonment, torture, romance…The novel has an almost operatic symmetry, and Kestrel turns a beautiful phrase.” (The New York Times)
"Read this book for its palpitating story, its perfect emotional and physical detailing and, most of all, for its unforgettable conjuring of a steamy quicksilver world that will be new to almost every reader." (Pico Iyer)

What listeners say about Five Decembers

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Bravo

Excellent story. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Although it takes place in a bygone era, the characters are real and relatable. Author definitely did his research on the Pacific during the Second World War. The mechanics of the mystery are excellent. The clues are unfurled discreetly. Hard to put this book down once you start!

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2 people found this helpful

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Beautifully Written Superbly Performed

The posted 5 star reviews say it well. I am grateful to those readers whose articulate reviews say it all.

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Great narrator

excellent story period of time world war ii background. kept my attention. interesting history along the way as well.

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Fantastic

This was a fantastic surprise. A great story set in difficult circumstances, interesting characters and very well written. The narration is superb as well. Highly recommended.

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Excellent

I am so glad I read this book. it was so skillfully written and unpredictable!

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An enjoyable 1940s mystery

I normally only read science fiction and fantasy, but had enjoyed mysteries with Nero Wolfe and Johnny Dollar in the past. So I decided to give this story a shot after seeing it had won awards. it was a great story with excellent narration. I normally only listen while driving to work, but I brought this story along with me with earbuds so I could finish it quickly. Looking forward to more from this author.

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Awesome WW2 mystery thriller! Totally deserving of the Edgar.

Narrator was perfect for this book! I don’t understand some listeners’ complaints about his sharp cadence. It was perfect for this book. The story was great. I loved the main character Joe. I hope the author hurries up & writes another.

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Great story. Wonderfully narrated

This was a great story that hits all your emotions. Drama, thriller, mystery and love beautifully woven together. Would read more by this author.

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Great crime noir! Harkens back to Marlow and McDonald.

the historical aspect just added to the enjoyment. look forward to another from this author

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Phenomenal

This one blew me away. Excellent voice actor and story. Will be watching this author.

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3 people found this helpful