Scout’s Honor
An Epic Tale of Honor and Redemption
“Prepare to stay up late! Scout's Honor will keep you on the edge of your seat . . .”
—John J. Geoghegan, bestselling author
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Available in paperback and e-book; audio coming soon!
A morally complex tale of one man's struggle for atonement
19-year-old Eddie Kawadsky lost his parents, then his way. Broke, he is slowly patching his life back together, working seven days a week, attending night school. Desperate for tuition money, he agrees to smuggle a little marijuana across the Mexican border, only to become the fall guy in a deadly drug heist.
Eddie narrowly escapes death, and runs for his life. Along the way, he sheds his old identity, creating a new one that is forged in the jungles of Vietnam and hardened on the streets of New York.
In time, he becomes one of Manhattan’s richest developers, falls in love, and marries an enchanting young woman. Despite his breathtaking success, he’s haunted by his youthful misdeeds.
“In this wild and sweeping thriller, John McNellis puts his mastery of commercial real estate on full display. Scout’s Honor opened up new worlds for me.”
—Chris Matthews, veteran MSNBC anchor, Host of Hardball, author of Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero
More Praise for Scout’s Honor
“Scout’s Honor hooks us with its suspense and emotional depth, McNellis keeping us glued to the pages with his captivating storytelling, leaving us breathless until the end.”
“Scout’s Honor is a gripping tale of a man tricked into smuggling drugs followed by his betrayal and violence. Yet, it is also a story of the ability to rise above one’s past to carve a path of honor and selflessness, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of redemption. A must-read for those seeking an enthralling narrative that explores the depths of human experience.”
“Scout’s Honor is the thrilling tale of a New York real estate developer haunted by his criminal youth. McNellis’s vivid portrayal of the city and its cutthroat industry, alongside his hero’s complex and admittedly flawed character, make the compelling case that no one can truly escape his past.”
“McNellis chronicles one man’s journey from innocence to redemption amid a web of betrayal, danger, and enduring love in his latest novel.
Eddie Kawadsky’s journey in Scout’s Honor serves as a profound examination of morality, guilt, and trust amidst a turbulent era. Tempted into the world of drug smuggling by Roy, Eddie grapples with ethical dilemmas, blurring the lines between right and wrong… McNellis skillfully crafts atmospheric settings that are integral to the narrative and character development… With its measured pacing and tight plotting, the novel makes for a must-read for aficionados of literary fiction.”
“A gripping thriller that explores themes of crime, punishment, confession, and salvation... McNellis’s pacing throughout Scout’s Honor is pitch perfect. His talent for storytelling shines, sparkling with well-placed and downright exciting twists and turns. A thriller is only as good as its characters; luckily, this one’s got some great ones. The suspense is propulsive, and it’s got characters to care about. Thriller readers are going to leave satisfied. I know I did.”
“Scout’s Honor is a dramatic narrative infused with white-knuckle moments of action. The idea of escaping one’s past is the primary theme as Eddie Kawadsky desperately strives to put as much distance between himself and a double homicide in California… John McNellis has authored a rewarding novel about friendship, love, and redemption.”
“Fast-paced, engaging. A story of personal redemption; timeless, even mythical in the opportunity offered by the Marine Corps—an opportunity Eddie Kawadsky takes—with the lessons and bonds that form the foundation of a new, redeemed life.”
“A fascinating character study of a man who changes in nearly every respect except for his drive to succeed and his capacity for love. Scout’s Honor is a compelling page turner with twists you will never expect.”
“Scout’s Honor is an engrossing exploration of crime, identity, and redemption. This crime thriller is written with a keen eye for tension and moral complexity. The vivid settings and the dynamic protagonist add layers of depth to an already compelling narrative, making this novel a rewarding read for those who appreciate thoughtful character studies intertwined with suspenseful plots.”
“Not quite a thriller, skirting the edges of romance (but filled with psychological transformative experiences that send the protagonist on a moral and ethical journey just when everything he’s wanted is within his grasp), McNellis grows a story replete with moments of revelation and insights:
“His youthful absolutes had long since been stripped away, but he’d retained one certainty: Margaret would leave him if she knew. Maybe he could justify everything else, but not his wretched decision…”
Scout’s Honor will attract libraries and readers interested in a reflective piece about evolving, changing relationships and secrets that shine with the overlay of conspiracies and revised definitions of success.”
“Taut, tense, and beautifully crafted…McNellis’s latest novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the summer of ’69, examining the intricacies of the human psyche and the weighty consequences of one’s decisions in an ever-changing world.
Themes of survival, escapism, and redemption are prevalent throughout the narrative… As the story unfolds, thought-provoking questions arise: Can guilt ever truly fade away? Is any substance truly harmless? Can confession bring peace to a troubled soul? A gripping story that explores concepts of right and wrong, justice and consequence, and the intricate nature of redemption and forgiveness.”