Review: What an excellent read...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 28, 2014
It is not very often that I rate a book 5 stars - however, I can't think of a single reason not to do so for this book.Mark Dawson demonstrates his skill as an author in the way he masterfully crafts the characters of the book - which stand alone in their own right for this story, but for those of you that have read the prequel to this book (Gaslight - another excellent book) you can see how the author has really considered the complex change in characterisation given the additional years that have passed since the first book, especially for George - for without his brother now, he's a bit lost.We are introduced to many new family members and see how the crime family actually hangs together through the quick thinking Violet and the brawn of George - but the family have other gangs interested in their 'businesses'.The story hinges around a new entrant to the Costello family - Edward Fabien who was befriended by Jospeh Costello during the war. Fabien is not everything he seems to be, but the family don't know this and how he sets to work on them!! A real gem of a relationship comes in the form of Billy Stavropoulos and Edward Fabien. Stavropoulos, clearly less intelligent than Fabien, knows that something is not right - the author carefully creates a very contentious relationship between these two characters. Into the mix comes Joseph Costello, whose life long friend, Stavropoulos, is causing him some issues when Fabien comes onto the scene.Overall I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book - even though it took me a little longer than usual to read, the pace was such that I found myself right back in the thick of it quickly enough.I would definitely recommend this book and of course the prequel (Gaslight).