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When Evan Nellis, a neophyte biologist still reeling from the mysterious death of his father, is hired by PDT Biological Consulting in San Francisco, he finds himself under the brutal tutelage of Gordon Shaw, a brilliant biologist sorely lacking in people skills. With his neurotic, hypochondriac mother pressuring him to move back home to rural California and his entry-level wage forcing him to stay on the couch of an eccentric friend, Evan's only relief is surfing.

That changes when Richard Headley, a wealthy developer, takes an interest in Evan's career and requests him personally for the biological assessments of his properties. Yet what seems like a blessing at first soon finds Evan in conflict with his principles, and he must confront everyone, including himself, before all he values is destroyed.

"All said, Imperfect Solitude is an outstanding effort …an artistic accomplishment, whether from a debut or the last work in a canon. I eagerly await Mahony's next novel."

        ---Lewis Faulkner, The Internet Review of Books

"Compelling, edgy and smart, Imperfect Solitude forces readers to wonder What would I do? as they watch Evan Nellis navigate the very dangerous waters of corporate greed, cranky co-workers, doped-up roommates, and a beautiful woman."

         ---Robin Stratton, Boston Literary Magazine

"A modern, fresh and bold first novel about issues facing coastal communities in modern America."

         ---Clifton Evers, Kurungabaa

"A compelling debut novel ..."

        ---Steve Caplan, LabLit

"Tom Mahony has created a very entertaining read … If you are a fan of Raymond Chandler or Kem Nunn, Imperfect Solitude is definitely up your alley … This is a fun novel to read on a surf-deficient day."

       ---Matt Rudoff, SurfPulse

"Imperfect Solitude is a solid debut effort … Mahony does a nice job of building tension throughout the story and then finishing it off with a satisfying climax."

       ---Drew Sievers, The Waterman’s Library

"As the lives of the multi-faceted characters in this novel become more deeply intertwined, the plot takes the reader on twists and turns filled with suspense."

       ---Rafael Otto, Terrain.org