Dirt

"There's a wickedness in some people, an evil that can't be cured. And there's no amount of redemption or forgiveness that can bring them back." In his first novel, Scott James brings 1970's Pacific Northwest police work to life. It was a time when mustaches and revolvers were standard issue and the rules were more lax, but the policeman's Oath was the same: Uphold the Law. Three twenty something cops are at the beginning of their careers in two small Oregon towns. They are learning to balance the demands of their chosen profession and the women they love. David is a rising star in his department. Colin is a rookie determined to uncover the truth behind the murders of two teenage girls. Doug is a Vietnam veteran who shoulders heavy guilt and motivation to avenge past wrongs. When an unwanted visitor comes to town asking for forgiveness for his sins in Southeast Asia, Doug's not so distant past comes racing back to haunt him and the dark secrets from Vietnam teeter on the brink of being exposed. The events that follow challenge the three men's beliefs about right and wrong as they realize police work is never as black and white as it seems and in the end no one will leave the job unscathed.