Wanted to clarify that by “pathetic” I mean someone who is pitiable, not someone who is deplorable. I’m looking for a book/series with a main character who is kinda just in a downward spiral, either due to his own self-destructive habits or the actions of others around him. A book where you read it and think “wow, this is a disaster, it couldn’t possibly get any worse” and then it does. Tragic backstories, alcoholism, loneliness, depression, etc. are all fine. I’d prefer something with a somewhat happy ending, or at least a hopeful one. I’m in the mood for a little bit of misery (but not too much).
Some series I’ve appreciated in the past include the Eddie Flynn series by Steve Cavanagh, the Duck Darley series by Casey Barrett, and the Matthew Scudder series by Lawrence Block.
by Stars_and_swords