What's Next? discussion

This is a follow-up (but unrelated) book by the acclaimed author of Blacktop Wasteland, S.A. Crosby. Fast-paced, violent, simultaneously tragic and frequently comedic story of two former convicts, one Black man and one white man from the South, who team up to uncover the gruesome truth behind their two sons’ - both gay and happily married but mixed up with bad actors - horrific double homicide. The best part of the book was the blossoming friendship and banter between white man Buddy Lee Jenkins and hard as nails but turned straight former convict, Ike Randolph. Some of the story comes off as overtly moralizing to the audience - the race relations lessons, and the fathers’ abilities to overcome their deeply ingrained homophobia which is unmatched by their paternal love - was a sometimes heavy handed. The violence is jarring but in a fascinating way. The resolution to the central mystery was far-fetched but the author deftly unfolded the narrative and moved the story along to its climax. By the end, it’s not hard to root for Buddy Lee and Ike, the two old guys who are constantly underestimated by their enemies. An engaging read, and it is not surprising it was nominated for BOTM’s Book of the Year in 2021.