Blood Moon

John is the primary male protagonist in Blood Moon. He is a disgraced detective whose career and life fell apart after the Crissy Mellin case. His boss, Tom Barker, is determined to ensure that John has only the worst cases, and John’s alcohol addiction ended his marriage to his ex-wife, Roslyn. John’s journey explores the theme of The Lingering Effects of Trauma and the Search for Healing. Initially, John is cynical and closed off, and he refuses to allow himself to become embroiled in Crissy’s case, which caused his life to implode three years before. His guilt over the case led to issues with alcohol and ended his marriage, straining his relationship with his daughter, whom he lost custody of in the divorce. John transforms through his relationship with Beth and his disgust with Barker’s escalating corruption.

John ignored his instincts and allowed the police to frame Billy Oliver, in part because he hoped for the same promotion that Barker wanted. John feels deeply ashamed for his silence around the case and when he realizes that Barker covered up even more information, leading to him assaulting Barker and losing his job. Once he makes the decision to re-engage with Crissy’s case, he relentlessly pursues the truth with Beth.