Roy Nash is a hitman fresh from the pen, commissioned by the mob’s top brass to take out a crew who messed with the wrong people.
Set during the prohibRoy Nash is a hitman fresh from the pen, commissioned by the mob’s top brass to take out a crew who messed with the wrong people.
Set during the prohibition era, Triggerman offers everything a fan of the crime-infused, fedora wearing personalities of the 1920’s could want – yet it doesn’t convey that distinct Chicago place setting. Rather, Triggerman is an ode to the common violence and easy-sway of police corruption of the time where mob was rule and blood spattered the pavement like rain drops.
My rating: 5/5 stars. The linear plot is centered around the systematic execution of the outlawed crew with a former love interest of Nash’s thrown in for a bit of character development. The art is moody and evocative, and complements the story to perfection; I enjoyed every panel of this graphic novel. ...more
The Coughlin saga ends in a satisfying hail of bullets with WOLD GONE BY reaffirming Lehane’s place as one of my go-to-for-a-great-mob-book authors.
JThe Coughlin saga ends in a satisfying hail of bullets with WOLD GONE BY reaffirming Lehane’s place as one of my go-to-for-a-great-mob-book authors.
Joe Coughlin has lost his wife and buried many friends during his life as a fedora wearing, smooth dressing gangster but WORLD GONE BY takes his time in ‘this thing of ours’ to new extremes. Learning of a contract being placed on his head by a less than reputable source does little to crease Joe’s smooth veneer – after all, he’s more a businessman these days, too valuable to the underworld to lie six deep but when the threat steadily emerges and the pieces align to a pistol pointed his way, Joe does what he does best – lean on his standing in the crime community to negotiate a deal to keeps his lungs full of air, and his enemies/friends pockets lined with cash.
Yeah, that doesn't quite work out.
WOLD GONE BY is an emotionally charged book thanks to some very good writing and solid plotting. Joe and his crime compatriots are well defined characters that give life the underworld. I’m still left reeling from the conclusion and suspect I will for some time yet – Lehane has crafted cinematic quality structured scenes written to make an impact – and that they do.
The life and times notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone throughout the roaring twenties during prohibition America have always fascinated me.
While hiThe life and times notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone throughout the roaring twenties during prohibition America have always fascinated me.
While his rein of terror was far less than his legacy, Capone's Chicago left an everlasting impression on mainstream America and abroad; movies, books, and countless newspaper articles attest to the fact.
Author Jonathan Eig's Get Capone is extensively researched, loaded with facts to support or debunk the fiction surrounding the bootlegger/brother owner/racetrack investor/murderer by proxy that is Al Capone.
One of the great things about this book is the equal page time spread between the lawless and lawful which provides a powerful insight into the corrupt, the criminals, and the untouchables during a bloody time in the annals of American history.
My rating: 5/5 stars. You can't read about the roaring twenties without reading about Al Capone. Get Capone goes to great lengths to provide insight into one of the most memorable criminals in history through a reader friendly narrative that's immediately accessible to readers new to the period and those familiar with the subject matter. ...more
There is a lot to like about BRAINQUAKE; it's a mob book that goes beyond the stereotypical hit/murder/mayhem/gun mole type tales traditional to this There is a lot to like about BRAINQUAKE; it's a mob book that goes beyond the stereotypical hit/murder/mayhem/gun mole type tales traditional to this genre, instead focusing on a formally mute bagman and his violent hallucinations aka 'brainquakes'.
Paul was born into the life of organised crime - his father worked in it and died in it. As a favor to Paul's father following his death, the Boss took Paul under her wing and proceeded to turn this blank faced man into an exceptionally gifted bagman, one with a penchant for stopping 'pirates' and a fierce sense of loyalty.
The key to being a successful bagman is to be an anonymous face in the crowd, have no attachment to friends/family/or partners beyond the occasional romp in the sack - Paul is fine with this, until he's not. When a chance encounter, one born of violence and death, unites single mother and former wife to a recently deceased underworld figure Michelle with Paul, he quickly succumbs to a feeling he hasn't felt before - shortly thereafter he's got a bag full of cash and a ticket out of the country.
Written from multiple character perspectives, BRAINQUAKE kept me guessing the whole way through. It's one of those rare crime books where you know who the key players are but don't know who'll survive or where the next bullet will come from.
One of the best books Hardcase Crime has published without a doubt.
Rachel Wilson is a single mother putting her kids through school and food on the table the only way she knows how - hooking. Agnes Lynn, her best friend, is temping as a lackey to a sleaze lawyer having given up the life. Now in their thirties, the two women find themselves as different ends of the social spectrum.
When Rachel tells Agnes of a big money play she's about to make, Agnes tries to talk her out of it. Even with sparse details, the job screams danger, yet Rachel is a veteran of the street and evades Agnes pleas to give up the life. It's the last conversation the friends have.
What follows is a deadly game of turf wars and mob assassinations as a snuff film brings down more than the victim with tensions between the Italians and Russians running red hot. Complicating matters is Agnes, out for answers and revenge, her boyfriend and former cop Jake, a wealthy Saudi weapons dealer, and a corrupt cop with retirement to the good life in his sights.
MAFIYA has been on my radar for a while now and I cant pin point why this one slipped through the cracks until 2013. It was so entertaining and engrossing I read it pretty much in a single sitting. The characters leaped off the page, the plot kept ticking away at a frenetic pace, and the action rivaled a Hollywood blockbuster....more
Charlie Stella is near the top of the list when it comes to writing colorful characters with great dialogue; as good as Elmore Leonard as you can get.Charlie Stella is near the top of the list when it comes to writing colorful characters with great dialogue; as good as Elmore Leonard as you can get. Shakedown is another top notch ride through mafia land, this time featuring a recently released (and reformed?) bookkeeper who is the victim of a shakedown courtesy of the new brass. The book is fast paced and loaded with great moments and memorable characters....more
Benny Tapkow, having paid his dues as crime boss Pendleton’s chauffeur for seven years finally gets an opportunity to live the life of a hoodlum runniBenny Tapkow, having paid his dues as crime boss Pendleton’s chauffeur for seven years finally gets an opportunity to live the life of a hoodlum running his own racket and collecting his own cash. Unfortunately, Benny aspires to more than his post demands resulting in a swift demotion followed by a knife in the back. Soon enough the reader is thrown into the world of waring gangsters, kidnapped dames and classic mob execution scenes - beautiful orchestrated brutality.
Loyalty is a foreign concept, self preservation is paramount as Benny literally muscles his way into a rival organisation after hatching a plot to kidnap Pendleton's daughter and use Big Al Alverato's hired goons to further his cause. What Benny didn't bank on is Pat's drug addition and the dysfunctional love/hate relationship that ensues.
Peter Rabe knows how to capture a mood - Pat, Pendleton's daughter and hophead is very well written with her scenes delivered in a manner which conveys her dreamy state of mind as a result of too much 'horse' without sustenance. While Benny himself flaunts a hard facade without convincing the reader of his hard nature - a complex character who is both a fraud and the real deal (read the book, you'll know what I mean).
The greatest aspect of 'Benny Muscles In' without a doubt is the classic mob murders. I envisioned these through a black and white lens, dust covered and blood smeared in slow motion - so well delivered I read the passages multiple times. Don't expect roses and sunshine from this mob caper - its all tragedy and murder. 5 stars....more
A Casino Moon: 'I looked up and saw there was a half moon hanging over Bally's Grand [a casino]. It was what I used to call a casino moon, because theA Casino Moon: 'I looked up and saw there was a half moon hanging over Bally's Grand [a casino]. It was what I used to call a casino moon, because the yellow casino sign was so bright, the moon looked cheap and unimpressive by comparison.'
Casino Moon packs a punch both in crisp dialogue and hard hitting story telling, with each chapter sure to bruise and batter your imagination. Anthony - a good guy in the world of goodfellas is married to the niece of a mob boss and trying to make a living on the right side of the law. Of course having an adopted father who happens to be the boss' right hand man doesn't help matters. Not one to shy from opportunities, he hitches a ride on the back of a washed up has-been boxer on the comeback trail for one last fight. Seeing this as his ticket to independence and a way to disassociate himself from his mafia ties (albeit half ties), he rolls the dice and lets it ride, knowing he's staked everything on one bet - the fall of the cards likely to determine if money or breathing is to be his biggest concern.
Blauner's tale of a man seeking the straight and narrow while navigating across rough and rocky terrain is a joy to read. This was more of wrong man tale rather than crime with mafia connotations - the Soprano-esque backdrop paled to Anthony's scheme and hard-done-by life. That being said, there were hits, bar room brawls, dames, and bribery - all the hallmarks of a classic mob piece with a hint of police corruption thrown in for that added spice of noir. 4 stars....more
Conceived by Westlake, birthed by Block, 'Deadly Honeymoon' is violent vengeance served in cold blood. Unlikely protagonists and newly weds Dave and JConceived by Westlake, birthed by Block, 'Deadly Honeymoon' is violent vengeance served in cold blood. Unlikely protagonists and newly weds Dave and Jill were honeymooning at a secluded cabin when they witnessed a mob hit. The hit men then beat Dave and raped Jill taking her humility as well as virginity. Rather than seek justice from the long arm of the law, they embark on a journey to ensure the hit men reap what they sow. The dramatisation and constant battle to maintain a sense of normalcy in such a difficult and tumultuous time sees Jill walk dreamlike through life not knowing if her sleep state is better than wake for her rapists faces haunt her every moment. While Dave's determination and apprehensive blood lust was derived from helplessness as much as it was a want to make things the way they were. Not your run of the mill gun toting protagonists but more accidental hero and all heart. The plot didn't deviate and its delivery was designed to be simple yet effective. I enjoyed 'Deadly Honeymoon' from start to finish - especially the more memorable scenes that turned a wholesome American into Tony Montana in flash of a gun barrel. 4 stars. ...more
The sheer volume of accounts noted in the text is overwhelming and hard to digest in one sitting though highly interesting and insightful. While not nThe sheer volume of accounts noted in the text is overwhelming and hard to digest in one sitting though highly interesting and insightful. While not necessarily a complete history (in terms of depth and explanation), it does provide a good overview without going into too much detail. 'Mafia The Complete History of a Criminal Word' is a solid collection of key accounts across the mafia timeline served best as a point of reference for more in depth texts, good for mafia enthusiasts who want to know more without being bogged down by extensive details - 3 stars....more
Grittier than Grisham – Robert Principe is a struggling lawyer failing to make ends meet either at home or at his private firm of which he’s the sole Grittier than Grisham – Robert Principe is a struggling lawyer failing to make ends meet either at home or at his private firm of which he’s the sole lawyer. Jackie, his mobbed up cousin is able to provide a way out, question is – does ethics trump family? Answer – no. Principe is thrown into a world he tried so hard to stay out of involving unethical practice, beat downs and mob deals and the severing of family ties. I enjoyed ‘Slip & Fall’, the writing was precise and I couldn’t help but feel for Principe and found myself rooting for him throughout the story, 4 stars. ...more
The title of this book is somewhat misleading. Sure Michael Corleone has a revenge of sorts but mainly, THE GODFATHER'S REVENGE focuses on the politicThe title of this book is somewhat misleading. Sure Michael Corleone has a revenge of sorts but mainly, THE GODFATHER'S REVENGE focuses on the political side of mafia life and traitor to the Corleone regime in Nick Geraci.
Reading the back of the book is more spoiler than synopsis - the events detailed don't happen until the final third of the book and by then, the reader is well aware they are coming and what the likely outcome is.
I will say, that Tom Hagan, a crucial member and close friend of Don Corleone is well written. His part, along with Geraci's scenes make this book worth a read alone - unfortunately there isn't much more going for this book apart from that.
'Badfellas' by Frenchman Tonino Benacquista is a different take on the traditional mafia tale in that the story's central focus is on former head of t'Badfellas' by Frenchman Tonino Benacquista is a different take on the traditional mafia tale in that the story's central focus is on former head of the New York 5 Families turned Government snitch hiding out in the French country side on witness protection. While readers of well know mafia books may find this hard to enjoy due to the substantial lack of action and slow plotting (not much had happened well past 100 pages of a 283 page book), others who don't particularly like the sub genre may enjoy the escape to the peaceful (sorta) countryside and laid back story telling. Personally I prefer my mob stories in the Puzo, Stella and Carbone flavour with plenty of inner family drama, violence, vice, and action. The black blurb states that 'Badfellas' is 'violent, pacey and full of black humour' - I wouldn't go that far, there is the odd bit of humour but lacking in other descriptions. Very nearly a DNF - 1 star. ...more
Johnny Albano is up sh!t creek without a paddle, fast approaching rocky rapids and a steep waterfall drop. The proverbial creek being his life as a haJohnny Albano is up sh!t creek without a paddle, fast approaching rocky rapids and a steep waterfall drop. The proverbial creek being his life as a hard luck ex-union carpenter forced into running porn reels from venue to venue for chump change in order to scrounge up enough cash to pay bills and child support. The rocky rapids - the unsavoury characters out to do him harm, first there's the disgraced corrupt ex-cop he punched out in a mob bar, mob mule Nick Santorra whose loud mouth led to a knuckle sandwich and a serious case of revenge, and lastly Louis - the first husband of Johnny's ex-wife Nancy whose got a money making scheme which could end up with Johnny sleeping with the fishes. The waterfall - mob boss Eddie Ventro who stands to loose a large amount of funds should the movie distribution Johnny is responsible for goes wayward. Focusing around the infamous movie Deep Throat, 'Johnny Porno' (title character given the name as per his distribution of the movie) is a fast paced mob romp laced with black humour, human elements (Nancy and her conquests and wrong doings spring to mind) and good old fashioned story telling. This is the second time in as many years I've read the book and plan to do so countless times in the future - its just that good - 5 stars....more
A classic noir with mob connotations, ‘Dead I Well May Be’ introduces a hero with more heart than body parts (read the book, you’ll know what I mean).A classic noir with mob connotations, ‘Dead I Well May Be’ introduces a hero with more heart than body parts (read the book, you’ll know what I mean). From Ireland to New York to the jungles of Mexico the blood runs think and fast as the protagonist seeks vengeance for his wrong doing. I liken this to the Sopranos (somewhat) in the earlier stages of the book with a hint of Hank Thompson (Charlie Huston’s creation) towards the end. A solid read for fans of mob related fiction, noir, and plain good story telling....more
Peter Brown: hospital intern, martial arts expert, and once mafia hitman is living a life under a microscope - literally. Now under witness protectionPeter Brown: hospital intern, martial arts expert, and once mafia hitman is living a life under a microscope - literally. Now under witness protection after spilling the goods on his former family, Brown is once again faced with an untimely encounter sure to surface up memories of the past. A newly admitted patient who recognises him from his former life sets the proverbial ball in motion leading to Brown's former best friend Skinflick reappearing seemingly from the dead to extract revenge after an attempt on his life. 'Beat The Reaper' is a multi dimensional thriller set in the present and past where the story of Peter Brown unfolds in shocking detail from one account to the next. The reader is taken on a ride through WWII, Brown's childhood, 'adoption' into the family, to his time with the love of his life and ultimately his internship under witness protection, with each sequence as entertaining and thought provoking as the next. However, its the ending, the pure unadulterated 'I cant believe he really did that - oh my God he really did' kind of conclusion which makes this book (and the funky footnotes throughout) really, really good - you have to read it to know what I'm talking about. 5 stars and a high degree of re-read appeal. ...more
John Carbone's debut 'Last of the Good Guys' is an epic masterpiece which spans the life of 7 close friends (4 Italian, 3 Irish), charting their coursJohn Carbone's debut 'Last of the Good Guys' is an epic masterpiece which spans the life of 7 close friends (4 Italian, 3 Irish), charting their course from early scuffles with neighbourhood boys to the rise and eventual fall of a successful drug peddling ring. A perfect storm of mafia ties, police corruption, drugs, success, money, and violence culminate in one hell of finish not before taking the reader on a ride they wont soon forget through 1970's New York up until the millennium. The Mafia connection - Uncle Tony, is one Mafioso you don't want to mess with - this is how a bad guy with likable qualities should be written. He's the mentor and head of the operation but comes across as so much more. Each of the 7 childhood friends are equally enjoyable to read with each story impacting on the core plot and adding an extra layer of depth to Carbone's well crafted world. This is the second time I've read 'Last of the Good Guys' and it definitely wont be the last - 5 stars. ...more
Prohibition-era Chicago was a dangerous and violent place in the 1920's in which immortalized iconic villains and heroes such as Al Capone, Elliot NesProhibition-era Chicago was a dangerous and violent place in the 1920's in which immortalized iconic villains and heroes such as Al Capone, Elliot Ness, Frank Nitti, Johnny Torrio, Jack McGurn, Beulah Annan, and hard hitting crime reporter Maurine Watkins forged their way into the hearts and minds of people world-wide decades later.
In Chicago Assassin, author Richard J Scmelter switches gears from the popular prohibition narrative involving Al Capone and to a lesser extent Elliot Ness, to focus on one of Capone's top hitmen in 'Machine Gun' Jack McGurn, recounting his violent upbringing which saw him loose two fathers to gangsters only for himself to embark on a life of crime behind the bang of a handgun (McGurn didn't tote a machine gun - this was used by the press as a headline grab to sell papers).
Comprising episodic-like vinaigrette’s of murder capital USA during the prohibition era, Chicago Assassin, whilst not as deep as other prohibition books I've read, provides an interesting and well researched look at some of the characters who made the era what it was, including the pitch perfect pulp headline 'the Blonde Alibi', Lousie Rolfe, McGurns longtime partner.
My rating: 4/5 stars. I've read Chicago Assassin twice now and highly recommend it for readers who are looking to learn more of this violent period in American history which goes beyond Al Capone. ...more
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