This Rancid Mill

This Rancid Mill is an engaging read with a distinct narrative voice and charming characters.

Alex, the narrator, is a flawed but thoughtful young man who makes a conscious effort to better himself. Many of the story's themes revolve around the tough front Alex puts up but ultimately peels back, subverting the trope of the ultramasculine hard-boiled hero. In addition to being a homage to hard-boiled noir, This Rancid Mill is inspired by modern issues like #MeToo. As Alex investigates the potential murder of a popular local singer, he uncovers some unsavory secrets about the victim's private life. Even though Alex is a fan of the late singer, he starts to accept the evidence and reflects on his own past behaviors and attitudes. Ultimately, the story encourages readers to do the same. A lot of research went into writing the book as well. Numerous memoirs were read, countless documentaries watched, old zines were dug up, bringing the story to life with a lot of real places and shows that took place in June 1981. Thus making the book as immersive as possible for people who were there, as well as those who wish they could have been.