Grit, Guts, and a Battle for Home: "Renewals" by Gregory F. DeLaurier
- Kim Bartosch
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
I’m excited to be part of the iRead Book Tour for Renewals by Gregory F. DeLaurier—a gritty, twist-filled crime novel that pulls you deep into a small town’s battle against mob control. As part of the tour, author Gregory F. DeLaurier is also sharing a special guest post titled “How I Came to Write This Novel,” offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration behind this intense and character-driven story. Plus, don’t miss the giveaway at the end of this post for a chance to win your own copy!
How I Came to Write This Novel
by Gregory F. DeLaurier
The idea for this novel has floated around my brain for many years. I grew up in a small, working-class city in northern New York. While not a wealthy place it had a thriving downtown, with stores, restaurants, bars, a movie theater. On any Saturday it would be packed with shoppers and teenagers, like myself, hanging out. But in the early 1970s it got ‘Urban Renewaled’; all the buildings were torn down and replaced by new ugly buildings and for some reason a huge wall around the whole area. It was meant to be a pedestrian mall, but noone came and the downtown died.
This has always bothered me, and so I thought a fictious account of why this happened, complete with graft, corruption, and bad guys might work. The book follows the main protagonist Richard, an academic who has returned to his hometown, as he and a motley crew of new and old friends investigate what happened, at their own risk from a ‘gang that couldn’t shoot straight’ array of villains.
Richard, Brenda (a friend hardened by life), Itchy (a gay guitar genius), Theresa (a sexually abused and exploited young woman), Marat (a young ex-con) do indeed uncover what happened as the tale follows their amateur sleuthing, and hopefully renewal of the city.
However I chose the title RenewalS as this is the story of not only the renewal of a city but of people as well. I’ve always rooted for the underdog, and there are many of them here, who for many reasons find themselves on the down side of life.
To me, the most interesting character in the story is Theresa. Sexually abused by her father, tortured by her mother, she is rescued by her cousin Teddy (the subject of the novel’s Prologue). But as she matures she is sexually exploited by him, pimped out to a rapacious old crook named Leonard Vivelamore for whom Teddy works. Richard rescues her, but traumatized as she is, Teddy still holds sway over her and convinces her to tell him what Richard and his pals are up to. She is found out and returns to Teddy. But finally, not easily and not without misgivings, she breaks free of him and slowly discovers her own autonomy.
I grew to love and admire Theresa, yet others follow their own path to renewal. Marat, with the support of Richard, discovers he is able and intelligent. Brenda leaves her regrets behind and opens up to life. Richard’s crooked brother, in on the doings of the crooks, repents and shows both courage and bravery.
There are other tales of renewal, but will save for readers to discover.
In all, Renewals is serious but leavened with a great deal of humor. It is more than a who-done-it (though that is there). It is also a meditation on hope and life.
Thank you, Gregory, for this inspirational story from idea to novel. Be sure to continue to read my review of "Renewals" and enter the tour giveaway!
My Review of "Renewals" by Gregory F. DeLaurier
Sometimes, it takes the most unlikely heroes to stand up and fight back—and Renewals by Gregory F. DeLaurier is packed with just those kinds of characters. This independently published crime novel, featured on iRead Book Tours, is a thrilling, twist-heavy journey full of real-feeling dialogue, unexpected humor, and a community’s fierce determination to save what’s theirs.
From page one, DeLaurier pulls readers into a town teetering on the edge—plagued by mob control and brimming with people who've had enough. The story kicks off with a bang and rarely lets up, introducing a cast of unusual, compelling characters who feel as if they’ve stepped straight out of real life. Their quirks, flaws, and grit make them instantly memorable, and it’s their collective strength that fuels this rebellion against organized crime.
💬 One of the book's strongest suits is its dialogue—sharp, authentic, and often darkly funny. Whether it’s backroom deals, tense stand-offs, or moments of unexpected camaraderie, the conversations ring true and add layers of depth to the already atmospheric plot. The crime elements themselves also feel lived-in, suggesting a writer who truly knows the world he’s building.
What I really appreciated was the balance between grit and humanity. Yes, it’s a tough story—mobsters, violence, moral gray zones—but there’s also something deeply heartening about people pulling together for their home, even when the odds are stacked against them. And just when you think you know where it’s headed, another twist throws you off balance, keeping the tension high.
Now, this isn’t a breezy read. At times, there’s so much happening—different character arcs, layered backstories, fast-moving action—that I found myself doubling back to reread certain sections. But honestly? That speaks more to how dense and well-plotted the story is than any real flaw. Still, for that reason, I’m giving it a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ out of 5 stars.
Another bonus for readers: Gregory F. DeLaurier contributed a guest post titled "How I Came to Write This Novel," which gives fascinating insight into the real-life experiences and reflections that helped shape Renewals. It's clear this isn’t just a story—it’s a passion project rooted in perspective, which only adds more weight to the fictional tale.
If you love crime novels with authentic voices, underdog heroes, and plenty of plot twists, Renewals is a fantastic pick. It’s a reminder that sometimes, renewal comes not from peace, but from the fire of standing your ground.
📚 Highly recommend for fans of gritty realism, ensemble casts, and stories where community is both weapon and reward.