Murder Takes Time

The author sent me a copy of this novel to review:

This is one of the better mob/mafia novels that I have read in a long time. How long? I have to go back to 1969’s The Godfather by Mario Puzo, and 1971’s Honor Thy Father by Gay Talese. I’m not suggesting that Mr. Giammatteo’s novel is in the rarefied air of the two previously mention novels, but it does deserve an honorable mention. This is a accomplished first novel by a self proclaimed full-time job headhunter, and part-time writer. Giacomo is amongst many new writers that I have read this year that deserve prominence with a major publisher. What does it take for a writer to get the proper recognition? I’m not saying that there aren’t any flaws in Giacomo’s novel, but there are a lot more positives versus imperfections. We will talk about that later.

The novel is about four friends living in Wilmington, Delaware, who starting at the age of six swear an oath of friendship and honor to each other. The story switches back and forth between their childhood and the present. The narrator sometimes is a third person, sometimes Nicky ‘the Rat’ Fusco (out of a story Det. Frankie ‘Bugs’ Donovan is writing?). They usually alternate chapters; although near the end, they narrate in the same chapter. I know it sounds confusing, but Giacomo’s writing style facilitates the reader through any confusion. His great job of artistic creation is a breath of fresh air. Anyway, as the boys grow up, they wind up in N.Y.C after some trials and tribulations (mostly, Nicky’s). Paulie ‘the Suit’, Tony ‘the Brain’, and Nicky ‘the Rat’ end up in the mob family of Tito Martelli. ‘Bugs’ Donovan ends up on the Brooklyn Police Department as a detective. Mobsters start dying horrible deaths. Bugs Donovan is on the case, or is he? What’s Nicky mad about? Why does Tony fear what Nicky might find out? Is Paulie involved? Believe it or not, the author provides the reader with many reasons to root for each character. As the gruesome murders continue, the plot thickens. The story burst outwards with more murders and suspicions. Who is doing all the killing and why? This is where the reader needs to buy his own copy of this exciting novel. Believe me, it’s worth it.

I found interest with other characters, as well, which means the writer did his job. Sister Thomas, Mamma Rosa, Gina, Johnny Muck, and Angela were excellent sidebar characters to this tale. Now, for the flaws. I know Giacomo grew up in the Wilmington area, but do six year olds really smoke? Could all these murders against hardened criminals really have been accomplished by one man? Finally, I found the ending a little predictable and hackneyed. However, I enjoyed the story... it’s not Mickey Spillane, but who is?

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars

Comment: The Godfather spawned many famous quotes such as: “I believe in America. America’s made my fortune.”, or... “Look, we are all reasonable men here. We don’t have to give assurances, as if we were lawyers.”, or... “I like to drink wine more than I used to. Anyway, I’m drinking more.”, or... “It doesn’t make any difference to me what a man does for a living, you understand. But your business is a little dangerous.”, or... “I don’t like violence, Tom. I’m a businessman. Blood is a big expense.”, and the most famous of all...”I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Wow, do you remember when in the book these quotes were made and by who?

The 1997 film Donnie Brasco also had many famous quotes. How about this one...”If I come out alive, this guy, Lefty, ends up dead. That’s the same thing as me putting a bullet in his head myself.”( Donnie Brasco ), or...”When they send for you, you go in alive, you come out dead, and it’s your best friend that does it.” ( Lefty ), or...”How much did you give that guy? A wiseguy never pays for his drinks.” ( Lefty ). My favorite lines are when Donnie says...”You think I’m a rat?”, and Lefty says...”How many times have I had you in my house? If you’re a rat, then I’m the biggest mutt in the history of the Mafia.” Well, if you saw this classic film: Bark! Bark!

After reading Giacomo’s, Murder Takes Time, it seems to me that he followed the advice Mickey Spillane once gave. According to brainyquote.com, he said...”Nobody reads a mystery to get to the middle. They read it to get to the end. If it’s a letdown, they won’t buy anymore. The first page sells that book. The last page sells your next book.”