For 20 years, Lloyd McNeil has been a cop with the Atlanta PD. Unfortunately, he’s not going to make it to 21. It has nothing to do with his job and everything to do with the brain tumor growing in his head. And it’s not just any brain tumor but a glioblastoma, the mother of all brain tumors. His doctor told him that he probably has just three months left, so it’s time to get his affairs in order.

When Lloyd studies his financial situation, figuring in the life insurance and what’s left from the sale of his house after the mortgage is paid off, he realizes that there won’t be enough to sustain Bishop, his brilliant 13-year-old son, in his future. His ex-wife and her new husband will be happy to help, but neither has adequate income. Lloyd always thought he’d have time to save for Bishop’s education, but time is running out. He needs a solution. And he needs it fast.

"Will Leitch takes a deadly serious subject, wraps it in a moderately normal backstory (with better than normal humor), and gives it an excellent run-up to the best ending possible..."

Lloyd’s approach to policing has always been one of community assistance --- a serve-and-protect kind of attitude – unlike his father, Major Lawrence McNeil, an officer who delighted in striking fear into the hearts of his fellow citizens. But in order for Lloyd to guarantee that Bishop will be fully provided for, he has to die in the line of duty. If he does, his beneficiaries will receive a far larger sum. That means taking big risks.

So Lloyd eagerly begins monitoring the police radio for the most dangerous situations around the city, keeping his fingers crossed. This is Atlanta, after all. People engage in violent crimes here all the time. He must be cautious, though, because he doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt. And he doesn’t want anyone to get wise to what he’s doing. That would ruin the entire plan. His one big regret is that he can’t say goodbye to Bishop. He hates lying to his son. The best he can do is write down the Ten Gentle Edicts of Lloyd McNeil, kind of like Words to Live By, although he tosses in a little driving advice, too.

LLOYD McNEIL’S LAST RIDE will make you laugh through tears as you’re reading. Lloyd is a one-of-a-kind cop, a one-of-a-kind dad, and a one-of-a kind ex-husband. He tries so hard to keep his failing health a secret, which is laughable in itself since he’s going downhill so quickly that sometimes he finds it hard to even stand up. It’s also funny that he’s trying so desperately to get himself killed and having such a difficult time of it.

Seriously, though, author Will Leitch takes a deadly serious subject, wraps it in a moderately normal backstory (with better than normal humor), and gives it an excellent run-up to the best ending possible --- especially considering, you know, the mother of all brain tumors.