Posts Tagged ‘Hank Wagner’

Review The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

hamilton_lockartist

The Lock Artist
by Steve Hamilton
Minotaur Books, January 2010, $24.99

Whether you know him as “The Miracle Boy,” “The Milford Mute,” “The Young Ghost,” or “The Boxman,” the fact remains that Michael, the narrator of Steve Hamilton’s latest novel, is a memorable character with a flair for storytelling, carefully doling out bits of his colorful life a piece at a time. From the youthful tragedy that rendered him mute to his early experiences as a budding artist and juvenile delinquent, and his dangerous and sometimes lethal exploits as a safecracker, Michael has led a truly storied existence. The fact that the myriad memorable moments he relates add up to a cohesive and wildly entertaining whole is merely an added bonus.

Taking a break from his Edgar Award-winning Alex McKnight series, Hamilton delivers what can only be described as a masterpiece, a book guaranteed to engage thriller lovers from its first sentence (“You may remember me.”) to its last (which I won’t cite, because it would take too long to explain.) It’s hard to describe, except that you might find yourself thinking of Charles Dickens channeling Donald E. Westlake’s hardboiled alter ego Richard Stark. Even more improbably, the novel is also a romance of sorts and possibly even an entry in the popular “child-in-jeopardy” micro genre. No matter how you ultimately characterize this tale in your own mind, it’s well worth your time and attention.

Reviewed by Hank Wagner

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Review: Rizzo’s War by Lou Manfredo

Friday, December 4th, 2009


Rizzo’s War
by Lou Manfredo
St. Martin’s, October 2009, $24.99

Although cheered by his new partner’s experience and savvy, newly-minted NYPD detective Mike McQueen also has some qualms. First, he’s intimidated by the legendary Joe Rizzo’s record, as there’s nothing the grizzled veteran hasn’t successfully dealt with over the decades. Second, he’s not sure whether he can adapt to the enigmatic Rizzo’s unique style, and ultra pragmatic way of doing things. Finally, there’s the looming Internal Affairs Division investigation into Rizzo’s dirty ex-partner, Johnny Morrelli. Is Rizzo, who seems to be concealing something, corrupt as well, or merely too loyal?

The answers to these questions form the backbone of Manfredo’s solid debut as readers, in tandem with McQueen, discover the many facets of Rizzo’s personality. The author, a 25-year veteran of the Brooklyn criminal justice system, reveals his characters through a series of illuminating set pieces before moving on to the chief action of the story—the disappearance of an ambitious politician’s wayward daughter.

The book will probably evoke the late, great Ed McBain’s iconic 87th Precinct novels for many, in its attention to the everyday and mundane. That’s the only knock on the book that comes to mind. It feels like an installment taking place in the middle of such a series, instead of the debut. Manfredo takes a risk in assuming that readers will take to Rizzo as they would to a character they had grown comfortable with over many years. It’s a risk that pays off, if only barely.

Reviewed by Hank Wagner

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