The Gangster opening line: Chest-deep in a ditch, an Italian pick and shovel man looked up at a rush of custom-made shoes and broadcloth trousers inches from his face.
The Gangster
It is 1906 and in New York City the Italian crime group known as the Black Hand is on a menacing spree: kidnapping, extortion, arson.
Detective Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn Agency is hired to form a special “Black Hand Squad,” but the gangsters appear to be everywhere. So much so that Bell begins to wonder if there are imitator mobs emerging, other criminals using the Black Hand name to further terrorize the city.
But then the murders begin, each one of a man more powerful than the last. Bell knows that copycat or not he’s facing a lethal organisation, and to his dismay their ultimate target may be the most powerful man of all.
My verdict:
You might recall that I did not enjoy the previous collaboration between these two writers but this book was most enjoyable. I loved the historic aspects of the book and how the Italian community operated in America upon their arrival. Of course the white hand and Van Dorn Agency private detectives save the day and prevent a calamitous event. Worth buying and an easy read.
Edit needed:
Once again I know I should be a proofreader as I picked up the following error on page 307:
And avoid al together any in the vicinity of the Catskill Aqueduct instead of all.
Publishing information:
Disclosure: I was sent the book to review by Penguin Books South Africa. I was not required to write a positive review. This post is in line with my blogging policy.
What I blogged June 26:
- one year ago – Out And About: Friday 26 June 2015
- two years ago – Dried Plum And Almond Rusks
- three years ago – Osteria Francescana
- five years ago – Friday’s Food Quiz
Sounds like a good read Tandy, great review!
Thanks Cheri 🙂
Sounds good, I need to check out this series.
This one was not too bad at all 🙂