When Stephen Russell accepts a new job at the port of Retiro de Santos, he is hopeful that it will help him put the past behind him. But this small town will take him down a path he never bargained for when he left home, and this includes falling in love, finding himself dealing with murder, and being enmeshed in a world brimming with corruption. In this city, no one lifts a finger as young girls are turned into prostitutes. Everyone seems to be aware of it, but no one takes any action to stop it. A series of events will push Russel to make a difficult decision, but can he stand the consequences of pursuing justice in a world filled with unjust laws?

The first thing that immediately grips the attention of readers is the author's gift for descriptive prose and witty dialogues. The descriptions are vivid and detailed and the strong imagery gives readers a clear sense of place and time, bringing the setting to life. The characters are nuanced and readers will love to follow the story of characters like the sixteen-year-old Elena — tall for her age, lithe of limb and striking — and the vultures that hover over her. These characters are genuinely flawed and elaborately written. While the atmospheric writing and the enticing drama will keep readers turning the pages, the author infuses the story with realism, writing scenes that feel real and sprinkling the story with cultural elements and phrases from the local language. Misfortune’s Wake by Joe Kilgore is a poignant, powerful exploration of corruption in a small town. Kilgore's compulsively readable tale is one of finding courage to do the right thing where nobody cares. It is a beautiful story that is filled with action, platonic love, and romance; the plot is as unpredictable as the characters are unforgettable.