Ernest McCloskey had a dream. He wanted to be his own boss and make a ton of money. He decided to build apartments in Gatineau, Canada. It was the late 1970s, and the building industry was making people rich—or so he thought. His Uncle Victor loaned him seed money to get started. He met Alejandro Prince at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, whom he decided to partner with, despite having some misgivings. Alejandro seemed to know everyone and got things done. After a while, things started to go bad for Ernest, and when he realized how deeply into debt Alejandro had put him, he started to believe he’d never get out from under it. Meanwhile, Quan Nguyen is a Vietnamese refugee who becomes one of the many boat people headed for Canada. He gets involved in Ernest’s life. At first, this seems to benefit both of them, until it doesn’t. Then there’s the mysterious Club, where wealthy people play with other people's lives. What happens to Ernest and Quan, and how is the Club involved? You’ll need to read Ernest by Andre Durivage to find out.

This book is a fascinating look into the heady days of the construction industry in Canada in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Unions, mobsters, and a host of unsavory characters all had an interest in this booming industry back then, and Ernest is caught up with all of them. It’s amazing what lengths people will go to enrich their lives. The novel, Ernest, covers a broad range of themes from the era, including the arrival in 1980 of Vietnamese boat people. It’s hard to fit Ernest into any one genre as it’s part family saga, part history lesson, and part thriller. What I can tell you is that once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The ‘to be continued’ at the end has me excited for book 2 of the series. Andre Durivage is an author to watch out for. The book is better suited for adults due to the violence and other mature themes.

Ernest by Andre Durivage is a psychological thriller that chronicles the inherent dangers in the quest for wealth and power. Ernest McCloskey is a determined young man who is eager to make a lasting impact in the business world of his native city, Gatineau, Canada. What he seeks more than anything is to be the success he so despises his bland, government-employee father for not achieving. Driven and determined, he won’t let anything stand in the way of making his mark in the local construction and real estate industry. With a shady business partner, mafia money, and backroom deals with the unions, Ernest begins to create his empire, and with his marriage to the love of his life, Jeannette, it seems that the world will be his oyster. But his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve success will ultimately lead to a life marred by tragedy and a thirst for vengeance, 

Ernest was an interesting read, posing the question of “does the end justify the means”? Author Andre Durivage has created an easily recognizable character in Ernest, whose initial actions, although ambitious, were nonetheless tempered by his innate sense of right and wrong. The author skillfully places scenarios and difficulties in Ernest’s way that force him to confront his deepest desires and ask how far he would go to achieve his aims. I appreciated that Jeannette played a balancing role in reducing Ernest’s worst tendencies; however, we see Ernest steadily heading down the slippery slope of corruption, greed, and egomania, which would indeed see him become rich and powerful, but also morally bankrupt. This is not the end of the story for Ernest, and I am invested enough in the characters to want to see the final disposition of his treachery. The addition of a secret, controlling cabal has given the entire narrative a broader base and room for expansion in the next book. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

At seventeen, Ernest McCloskey, the only child in a conformist middle-income family in Gatineau, Canada, shocked his parents when he declared he was quitting school to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams in real estate. While his father disagrees, his mother secretly finds him the help he needs to get started. It is not long before McCloskey’s business becomes a success. His ruthless ambition leads him into an agreement with a slick real estate agent, Alejandro. But this was a big mistake. McCloskey finds himself treading a slippery and dangerous path as he is forced into deals with shady unions, corrupt government workers, and the local mafia. Things fall apart when he loses the love of his life while protecting his business empire and staying alive. Now consumed with grief, McCloskey has sworn vengeance on everyone responsible for his loss and suffering. Discover how it all goes down in Andre Durivage’s Ernest: The Fletcher Clan Series Book 1.

Featuring a dynamic, fascinating cast, Durivage weaves an intriguing plot, treating me to spellbinding plot twists. The subtle tone accompanying the narration hooked me. I never knew where the story was heading, and was kept turning page after page. The author runs the story on a multi-perspective timeline, giving it an effortless flow. The vivid descriptions breathed life into the scenes. It felt like I was next to the cast in every scene, closely watching as the action unfolded. I was thrust into the grimy world of crime, where deception, manipulation, blackmail, vengeance, fear, money, and goons ruled the day. And loyalty was as rare as conscience. The sharp conversations, entwined with introspection, gave insight into the cast’s conflicts and emotions. The juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. If you are looking for a crime thriller blended with drama, adventure, and more, Andre Durivage’s Ernest is the perfect pick.

Ernest by Andre Durivage follows Ernest McCloskey, who quits school to build a construction empire, financed by his Uncle Victor and partnered with real estate agent Alejandro Prince. Ernest falls in love with Jeannette Dufour, who helps manage the business despite union violence and financial strain. To sustain labor needs, they sponsor fifty Vietnamese refugees, including Quan Nguyen, who survives a perilous sea escape and leads the refugee community’s revival. Despite their efforts, violence and sabotage culminate in absolute tragedy. In the aftermath, Ernest repays mafia debts and consolidates power, founding JEANER International. He grooms Alexandre Bonair as his successor, but Alexandre has his own issues. When a secret society called The Club tries to force hands into joining, the extent of their manipulation shocks, pushing members and candidates toward ruin or suicide.

Andre Durivage’s Ernest is a really well-crafted thriller with a unique angle in revealing a world where wealthy members manipulate lives for personal gain. The writing is polished and straightforward, balancing quite a few moving pieces, from corporate power plays to covert alliances and dark games, all without making it confusing. Durivage has made fully fleshed out and believable characters, especially Ernest McCloskey, whose control over his company and family steadily reveals an ambitious man with plenty of deep flaws. I love how he fights for someone in his sphere who faces isolation and loss, and the depiction of Alexandre Bonair’s rise and decline. Durivage’s sharp dialogue and careful pacing ensure the story moves forward at a clipping pace throughout. Ernest is a perfect example of how far someone will go for revenge, to protect those he loves, and cling to status and influence. Very highly recommended.