Mario Puzo
The Godfather
2002 (First published: 1969)
Puzo's epic novel redefined the public image of the Italian mafia. With Don Vito Corleone's violent struggle to control the underworld of New York we glimpse into an ancient world of honor and vendetta, Italian family tradition, friendship and loyalty were betrayal is punished with merciless vengeance. Made into a famous movie with Marlon Brando, directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Check Price on AmazonDashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
1989 (First published: 1934)
New York City in December 1932, the last days of Prohibition. Nick Charles, a former private detective, and Nora, his clever young wife are drawn, mostly against their will, into investigating a murder.The case brings them in contact with the Wynants, a rather grotesque family, and with various policemen and lowlifes.
Check Price on AmazonJohn Grisham
The Firm
2009 (First published: 1991)
About a law firm controlled by the Mafia. Fast-paced, smart, with believable characters. One of the best legal thrillers on the market. Made into a movie directed by Sydney Pollack - starring Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman.
Check Price on AmazonJimmy Breslin
The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight
1997 (First published: 1969)
Kid Sally Palumbo, a master in the art of murder and a moron at just about everything else wants to be a boos in the Brooklyn Mafia. To prove himself worthy he tries to organize a six-day bicycle race and keep the profits, but he bungles it ridiculously - kicking off a messy mob war instead. - Was made into a major motion picture starring Robert DeNiro.
Check Price on AmazonRobin Moore
The French Connection
A True Account of Cops, Narcotics, and International Conspiracy
2003 (First published: 1969)
In this true, absorbing and often frightening documentary, Detectives Edward Egan and Salvatore Grosso almost stumble into a case of heroin smuggling that ultimately leads to the seizure of the largest cache of heroin ever picked up in New York. Crime syndicate heads in Canada and France are involved.
Check Price on AmazonNelson DeMille
Plum Island
John Corey - Book 1
1998 (First published: 1997)
NYPD homicide detective John Corey has moved into Long Island, restlessly recuperating from wounds received in the line of duty when he's hired to consult on the double murder of Tom and Judy Gordon, biologists who worked on Plum Island. This is the site of animal disease reseach for the Department of Agriculture. Were the Gordaons murdered because they'd stolen some valuable new vaccine, or even a dreaded virus?
Check Price on AmazonNelson DeMille
Wild Fire
John Corey - Book 4
2015 (First published: 2006)
Custer Hill Club is an informal men's club set in a luxurious Adirondack hunting lodge whose members include some of America's most powerful business leaders, military men, and government officials. One Fall weekend, the Executive Board of the Custer Hill Club gathers to talk about the tragedy of 9/11 and what America must do to retaliate.
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