In his clever third work of fiction, “Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride,” author Will Leitch presents a lighthearted take on the countdown noir genre, reminiscent of the classic 1949 film “D.O.A.”
The story centers around Lloyd, a law-abiding lawman whose plan to end his life proves to be more complicated than he anticipated. With a mix of humor and insight, Leitch delves into Lloyd’s inner turmoil, depicting his attempts to execute a plan that he knows is criminal but feels compelled to pursue nonetheless.
Lloyd confides solely in Dr. Lipsey, his mischievous and eccentric neurosurgeon.
Dr. Lipsey embodies a lifestyle of indulgence, juxtaposing Lloyd’s struggles. From sculpting cocaine to partying with Atlanta’s elite, he seems an unlikely ally for a man wrestling with existential woes.
“Insurance fraud looks good on you,” Dr. Lipsey quips, highlighting the dark comedy that permeates the narrative.
Lloyd’s strained relationship with his late father, Major Lawrence McNeil, adds depth to the story. Once a distinguished police commander, Major McNeil’s legacy was marred by his inability to catch a serial killer known as the Dumpster Diver.
This failure left a haunting cold case that Major McNeil couldn’t solve, leading to his untimely death and leaving a substantial emotional toll on Lloyd.
In stark contrast to his father’s approach to law enforcement, Lloyd embraces a philosophy of empathy over aggression.
“Dad was about force,” he reflects. “A cop should soothe, should listen, should empathize and should then be able to restore order.”
As a father, he aims for a better relationship with his son, Bishop, sharing interests in soccer and bad movies.
In a poignant display of love, Lloyd pens the “10 Gentle Edicts of Lloyd McNeil,” a series of reflections for Bishop to read after his father’s passing.
These edicts range from the whimsical to the profound, providing both levity and a sense of wisdom amidst the novel’s darker themes.
Leitch masterfully interweaves action vignettes that propel the story forward, showcasing Lloyd’s daring escapades through gentrified neighborhoods of Atlanta.
From engaging in dangerous domestic disputes to confronting active shooters, Lloyd’s attempts at self-destructive heroism lead him through a series of increasingly wild adventures.
A spectacular car chase culminates in a breathtaking fall from a height of 75 feet, yet, improbably, Lloyd’s vehicle, affectionately named “Big Bertha,” survives to drive off home.
Such attempts at his own demise inadvertently elevate Lloyd to social media fame as #happycop, adding a layer of irony to his plight.
While his colleagues may be baffled by his antics, his curtsy for the camera and cheerful greetings transform him into an unlikely beacon of positivity.
Will Leitch, an Athens novelist and editor known for his contributions to prominent publications like the New York Times and the Atlantic, draws on his insights about Atlanta as a microcosm of diversity and inclusion in this narrative.
Through Lloyd, he addresses themes of fear and perception, reflecting on how outsiders view the city.
In his novel, Leitch warns against the tendency to view unfamiliar places as dangerous, capturing Lloyd’s sense of dismay at rampant societal anxieties.
With a blend of humor, sentimentality, and timely social commentary, “Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride” unfolds as a complex and multifaceted storytelling achievement.
Readers find themselves rooting for Lloyd’s recovery while simultaneously acknowledging the precariousness of his existence.
The story prompts a fascinating exploration of what lies beyond the binary outcomes of life and death, suggesting that an unexpected resolution may emerge.
In a moving passage from one of Lloyd’s edicts, he advises his son to embrace life’s challenges.
“When sickness comes, when sadness comes, when pain comes,” he writes, “accept them as what they are: a perversion of life, not an expression of it.”
With its rich narrative layers and uplifting spirit, Leitch’s novel encourages readers to look beyond despair and find meaning in the chaos of existence.
“Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride,” published by Harper Collins, spans 304 pages and is priced at $27.99, promising to engage audiences with its heartfelt yet humorous approach to the complexities of life and fatherhood.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2025/05/atlanta-cop-looks-for-an-out-before-cancer-takes-him-down/
