Wm. Stage’s Down and Out in the River City is a gritty, no-nonsense dive into the underbelly of St. Louis, where homelessness, crime, and corruption bleed into each other under the glow of neon tavern signs. The story follows Francis, a process server whose job forces him to navigate both the seedy and bureaucratic sides of the city. What starts as a routine attempt to serve a legal document quickly turns into something much bigger as Francis gets swept into the chaos of a city-wide protest, a police crackdown, and a mystery surrounding the overdose of a troubled young man. The novel paints a vivid and often brutal picture of a city grappling with racial tension, crime, and the slow erosion of morality in the face of desperation.

Stage’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and packed with a dark wit that makes even the bleakest moments sting with humor. Francis is a character who sees the world in shades of gray, a refreshing break from the typical hero. He’s cynical yet strangely principled, acknowledging the corruption on both sides of the law while trying to keep his head above water. One of the most compelling parts of the book is the way Francis interacts with different factions of St. Louis society like bar regulars who rib him for getting arrested with protesters, hardened cops who see him as an outsider, and the desperate people caught in the crossfire. The riot scene early in the book is electric. Its filled with tension and sharp dialogue that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the chaos. It’s one of the best examples of how Stage captures the raw energy of a city on edge. While the novel thrives on its gritty realism and immersive atmosphere, there are moments where I felt the story meanders. I think some of Francis’ internal monologues and interactions, especially in barroom settings, could be trimmed down to maintain the narrative’s momentum.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its unflinching look at race relations and police violence. The story doesn’t shy away from the ugliness on both sides, whether it’s protesters eager to turn a tragedy into an opportunity for anarchy or police officers who have lost all patience and resort to brute force. The courtroom scene following the Stockley verdict is gut-wrenching, a moment where you can feel the weight of history pressing down on the city. Stage doesn’t try to push an agenda, he just presents the chaos as it is, which makes it all the more powerful. Francis’ own discomfort in navigating these tensions adds depth to the story, making him a compelling guide through this moral minefield.

Despite its heavy themes, the book doesn’t drown in its own darkness. The dialogue is lively, the humor biting, and the characters feel like people you’d run into at a South City dive bar. The subplot involving Francis being hired to investigate the death of Austin Lambert, a privileged kid who spirals into drug addiction and homelessness, adds a noir-like mystery element to the book. The scenes where Francis and his partner Cale chase leads through homeless encampments and sketchy motels are gripping, giving the novel a detective story edge that keeps you hooked.

Down and Out in the River City is for readers who like their fiction raw, real, and unpolished. Fans of Elmore Leonard or George Pelecanos will appreciate its punchy prose and morally complex characters. If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t sugarcoat reality but still delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking ride, this one’s a must-read.

Pages: 272 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DZ7MJ2MK