Almost Criminal by E. R. Brown - Gritty Mystery Novel

In this review of Almost Criminal, the bottom line is clear: readers who favor character-driven crime fiction with a sly, morally ambiguous edge will find real value here. E. R. Brown delivers a compact, hard-boiled tale focused on Randle Kennedy, a charming, wealthy entrepreneur who doubles as British Columbia's most prolific boutique marijuana producer, and Tate MacLane, a brilliant but burned-out young man who becomes entangled in Randle's operation. The book's strongest appeal is its blend of darkly comic character study and organized-crime tension, making it a rewarding pick for fans of noir with a contemporary Canadian twist.

Key Features

• Dual protagonists: The alternating focus on Randle Kennedy and Tate MacLane creates a contrast between experience and wasted youth that drives the narrative tension.
• Unique premise: A wealthy grower running a boutique B.C. Bud operation gives the story a distinctive setting and motives that feel fresh in crime fiction.
• Range of effects: The description of cultivated strains that produce everything from a contemplative buzz to a mind-warping stone adds texture to the world-building and explains the stakes for Randle's clientele.
• Medical angle: Inclusion of medical varieties offering relief for serious conditions brings an ethical layer and real-world relevance to the criminal enterprise.
• Precise voice: Brown's prose leans hard-boiled and economical, which keeps pace brisk and places character choices at the center of the plot.

Who It's For

Almost Criminal suits readers who like gritty, character-first mysteries rather than procedural police work. Fans of noir and contemporary suspense will appreciate the moral ambiguity and the focus on the personalities who run and fuel an illicit yet sophisticated market.

Readers seeking tightly plotted, clue-driven detective novels or lighter cozy mysteries should look elsewhere; this book favors atmosphere, ethical gray areas, and the interpersonal fallout of criminal trade over puzzle-solving mechanics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong, memorable central characters that anchor the story and create emotional stakes.
• A fresh criminal premise rooted in British Columbia's boutique cannabis scene that adds authenticity.
• Layered themes including commerce, care (medical strains), and secrecy, which elevate the plot beyond simple crime tropes.

Cons

• The focus on character and atmosphere may feel slow or diffuse to readers expecting fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers.

Specifications

Title	Almost Criminal
Author	E. R. Brown
Genre	Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Subgenre	Hard-Boiled Mystery
Main characters	Randle Kennedy; Tate MacLane
Setting	British Columbia, boutique cannabis scene

Our Verdict

Almost Criminal is a compelling choice for readers who want a morally complex, character-rich noir set against the unusual backdrop of boutique marijuana production. Its thoughtful themes and crisp prose make it good value for fans of contemporary crime who prioritize atmosphere and character over procedural plotting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Almost Criminal a procedural detective novel?
Answer. No; it is a character-driven hard-boiled mystery that focuses on the operators of a criminal enterprise rather than police procedure.

Does the book address medical uses of cannabis?
Answer. Yes; the story specifically mentions medical varieties that offer relief for conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's, adding ethical depth.

Who are the main characters?
Answer. The primary figures are Randle Kennedy, a wealthy boutique grower, and Tate MacLane, a brilliant but struggling young man pulled into Randle's world.