The Descent of Man

"Give one of Harlan Coben's everyday heroes a conscience, a wine cellar and a sensitive wife, and there you have Jim."--The Oregonian "[A] lively debut...suspenseful."--Publishers Weekly "There are books that you can't put down, and there are books that won't go away even after you put them down, the force of their moral conundrums haunting the stories of our own lives. The Descent of Man is a spectacular showcase for both literary virtues--the riveting tale of a modest but perfect life under assault...flawless, masterful, unforgettable, and chilling in its dramatization of the way we live in fragile grace each day in America, our blessings balanced on the edge of violence and loss." --Bob Shacochis "Kevin Desinger's harrowing first novel . . offers a meditation on the struggle between thought and action ... Desinger's fumbling hero is swept along by the same pensive indecision that carried Hamlet to his grisly end . . but, unlike Hamlet, emerges from the shadows changed... and shows us not only the terrifying consequences but perhaps also the sobering necessity of indulging our inner darkness."--Portland Monthly "As you read this book you will find yourself repeatedly asking, 'What would I do?' The story is thought-provoking and real ... You will keep turning the pages, wanting to know what happens next and you won't be able to put it down ... this was a wonderful read."--Elizabeth Provenzano, Tulsa Books Examiner "This is a fascinating story about how one decision can alter life forever."--The Portland Book Review "This ingeniously plotted first novel holds many surprises, not least of which is Jim's ability to dial back his civilized persona, revealing the feral creature who emerges when his family is threatened...terrific."--Booklist "A thoughtful literary thriller, a good read for people who might avoid thrillers because they often contain cliched dialogue, situations, or characters--Desinger's book is free of these faults."--Newwest.net "As compelling as a whodunit mystery and will satisfy those readers attracted to smart, adrenaline-inducing plot, but the real heart of the book lies in the backstory about Jim and his wife and the trials they go through to answer the question: what is enough for a marriage? Only when their quiet existence is threatened do they each realize their value to each other. Kevin Desinger's seemingly effortless ability to juggle the past and the present serves the book well, and his subtle treatment of brutality is masterful. Desinger brings his readers to desperation and back, and we willingly follow; whether he's describing violence, wine, or love, his hand is steady and beckoning."--ForeWord Magazine "The Descent of Man could be used as Exhibit A in how to write a taut plot-driven story. The story catches you from the opening line and just never lets you go. If you're looking for a fast beach read, look no further... What makes The Descent of Man a good read is that Jim's actions and every decision seem so very plausible. It's almost as if this could happen to each one of us. As his life spins out of control, it's hard not to feel some relief in knowing it's not you in that situation ... a page-turner."--MostlyFiction