When reviewing 2018’s BROKEN GROUND, I incorrectly predicted that Jay Porter would hit bedrock when digging himself into a hole. No way to go but up, right?

For much of his adult life, Jay was “just a guy who cleared junk from dead people’s houses.” For a year he’s been on the lam, suspected in the murder of Owen Eaton, a rival estate clearer, what Jay calls the “rag and bone” business. Although cleared of the charges in absentia, he’d “been branded a killer in the court of public opinion.” His attempt to live off-grid was futile, posting as “Jay the Junkman” social media rants against nemeses the Lombardis.

"Joe Clifford’s fifth Jay Porter installment doesn’t portray a fairy tale happily-ever-after ending. The author strives to depict through his characters the dangers of drug addiction. In that, he succeeds. Brilliantly!"

Jay had “long railed against the Lombardi Brothers,” evil incarnate. He “was a broken man putting his life back together.” Meeting his ex to discuss possible visitation rights with their seven-year-old, Jenny says, “I swear you seek out trouble. You yearn for drama, pain, tragedy.”

In a desperate attempt to restore his former life, Jay devises a plan of snaring the Lombardis. He commits “one small crime to expose ones far worse.” Only, Michael Lombardi is fast-tracked to become a state senator, harboring aspirations for loftier political positions.

Karma plays a big part in this tale, and karma doesn’t need Jay’s help. Perhaps that’s a lesson he and readers will learn: not hang on to past failures and yearn for vengeance. The title of 2017’s entry seems to finally resonate with Jay Porter: GIVE UP THE DEAD.

As often happens in life for those with addiction issues, Joe Clifford’s fifth Jay Porter installment doesn’t portray a fairy tale happily-ever-after ending. The author strives to depict through his characters the dangers of drug addiction. In that, he succeeds. Brilliantly!

A former homeless junkie, Clifford dedicates his life to helping other ex-junkies construct platforms for creative endeavors. He pulled himself out of a drug death spiral to become a successful author.