Danny's Boys

Tommy Dunleavy and his life-long friends, 20-somethings in a northeast Philadelphia parish, have no idea their beloved pastor is an abuser, not until a friend dies by suicide after filing a rape complaint.

Shocked and guilt-ridden, friendships splinter. The "did he or didn't he" debate rages in the neighborhood. Tommy knows Father is guilty. Despite his friends leaving the Church, he's confident that once the investigation is completed and wrongs are righted, everything can return to normal. Then the accused priest is reinstated, and Tommy has to decide, should he stay or should he go, and if he goes, then what?

Heenan writes with authenticity, not just in the details --- row homes, corner bars, and rec centers, but in the closeness, loyalty, and traditions of community.

"Danny's Boys is a heartbreaking and provocative story. Heenan does a masterful job of conveying the life and spirit of the Irish-Catholic neighborhood." - Len Joy, author of Dry Heat, Everyone Dies Famous, Better Days

"Heenan skillfully takes the reader through the friends' journeys as they explore the limits of friendship and faith." - Ann Stolinsky, author, co-owner, Gemini Wordsmiths, Celestial Echo Press