Description
Fast friends since childhood, police sergeant Michael Cassidy and lieutenant Nate Orlando have served side by side for years. But everything changes when a woman comes between them and the bloodiest gang war Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has seen in decades erupts on their watch. Cassidy alone believes the Mexican Mafia is responsible, but no one is likely to believe a demoted alcoholic cop, especially when his best friend turns his back on him. In a whirlwind of shootings, drug deals, and deception. Cassidy and Francine "Echie" Echevaria, a sultry gang cop he's fallen for, must act quickly--or become the next victims.

My Review:

This book grabs you from the very beginning, so hold on to your seat until the very end. Filled with twists and turns the story is engaging and definitely leaves you wanting more.

The story takes you through the backstreets of Tacoma’s drug world where police detective Michael Cassidy is trying to stop a gang war.

This book was provided for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Go out and but this book, you will not be disappointed.

"City of Destiny" by Brian O'Neill brings characters and scenes to life in this emotionally gripping and compelling, Brilliantly crafted novel..

I requested this book from NetGalley for two reasons. One, it's a police novel, and being a retired law officer, I'm attracted to the genre. Two, it's set in Tacoma, Washington, and I currently live just north of there.
I'm very glad that I was given the opportunity to read and review this. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! It's a great "who-done-it". It's unusual, because it's not your typical "shoot-em-up", with a hero police officer. Rather, this is a thoughtful, insightful, and intriguing look into a slightly troubled, complex, thoughtful, but "average" detective. I worked with a lot of people just like the main character.
The story centers around several drug-related murders. The main one being of a fellow police officer. The author really makes the reader feel like he is there, at the scene. You're left feeling like you are living the story through the eyes of the detective.
But again, it's not your over-exploited CSI or NCIS story. You experience the doubts and confusion of the main character. And really begin to feel for him.
As for the ending, WOW! I did not see it coming. Totally unexpected, shocking, surprising! It left me feeling wrung-out, exhausted, yet fulfilled.
I really hope the author continues writing books like this one! It was great!

I requested an advance readers copy of City of Destiny through NetGalley, after noticing the book was set in Tacoma. I lived there for years, and have since driven though and across the city hundreds of times. I've never seen a fictional portrayal, so I was intrigued.

Author Brian T. O'Neill delivered the memorable and magnificent Puget Sound geographical references, but he also portrayed the gritty place I recall -- along with a complex, sensitive cop story to boot!

Michael Cassidy is an Irish-Catholic detective on the Tacoma police force. His job is his life, enriched only by his lifelong friendship with fellow cop Nate Orlando. As the story unfolds, both that friendship and his career are sorely tested.

I liked that along with the solid police procedural and the inevitable violence of a drug war, there were characters who wrestle with moral and ethical -- even some spiritual --questions. But these were handled with a very light touch and didn't slow the story or preach to the reader.

There are several murders in the book, but one of the victims is a member of the police department, and that mystery lies at the center of the narrative. It's clear that some of the evil originates within the police force, but Cassidy is ultimately shocked at what he comes to suspect.

There were a few continuity glitches (one involves a scarf -- a critical piece of evidence -- that is woolen in one paragraph and silk in others), but O'Neill handled the tricky technique of alternating timelines with aplomb.

I like Det. Cassidy. When you've finished the book, you may not be sure who the bad guy is. But at least you'll have gotten to know the good guy.

City of Destiny turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a typical structured bad versus good thriller,but the story is more than that. The main character is sympathetic and complex but likeable in his own way. The plot is engaging and the twists were surprising rather than expected. I never would have thought Tacoma to be a good setting for a drug war, but it totally worked. This is a good read overall. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first read by this author and I believe it to be his debut novel.
This book takes the reader on a fast paced journey through Tacoma's back streets where drug wars rage.
Police Detective Michael Cassidy tries to balance his troubled personal life with his professional life focused on stopping a gang war and solving murder.
Michael believes the Mexican Mafia are the culprits but can he convince others?
This book shows the violent underbelly of Tacoma while the plot twists and turns carrying the reader along for the ride.
There is a serious amounts of action to keep the reader engaged. Some characters I loved some I really disliked.
Thank you Mr O’ Neill I enjoyed the ride. Would recommend