Sorry for the inconvenience but I have lost interest in the concept. I have realized that this is a part of the series and I haven't read any previous book in the series.
Thank you for providing the copy though. I look forward to reading some more titles of yours. Thanks!

Raw, violent, fast-paced crime novel.

James Beck is an ex con. James Beck is a cop killer. James Beck is a bad guy – except he’s not. The (anti)hero of the plot is certainly an enigma. He’s done time in jail for killing a cop but his conviction was overturned. He has collected together a group of ex-convicts who are specialists in their own field – even if that field is breaking heads open, and he is anxious to bring his good friend into the group.

Paco “Packy” Johnson helped Beck survive in prison and has now served his time and has been released. Packy has a daughter, Amelia, who has been forced into prostitution and, although he has not seen her for years, Packy wants to make things up to her and is on the warpath with dire consequences both for him and those who have taken advantage of his princess.

The plot is an excellent one and rattles along at a fast pace, taking the reader breathlessly with it. There are twists and turns and at several points it is unclear as to how Beck will escape from his latest predicament. Escape he does but certainly not unscathed.

Gory, brutal deaths and injuries abound in this novel so if you are at squeamish it’s probably not for you. However, it’s a totally believable story which takes the edge off the violence which can never be said to be gratuitous as anyone can daily read of similar events in the tabloid press.

The characters are very well formed and the dialogue is excellent – to the point, but very descriptive. Although Beck is the central figure, all the characters have separate personalities and their actions conform to those personal traits. I will guarantee that you will love to hate the crooked cop!

My one criticism is that for some time I was totally confused as to where Beck and his gang fitted into society and the local scene. Were they just another criminal band? Were they vigilantes bent on righting wrongs? To be honest I still had little idea even after I had finished the book but a little research showed that this is the sequel to “Among Thieves” and my very firm recommendation would be to read that book first. Had I done so I think I would have awarded the full 5 stars but “Bronx Requiem” remains a great read.

mr zorg

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

It took me a while to get into this book but I am glad I stuck with it. An original and fast paced plot with plenty flawed characters and twists to interest the reader.James Beck is a very unique character who operates with a group of ex convicts in New York. There is a high body count, corrupt cops and prison guards and a prostitution ring, making this a very good thriller. Many thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads.

This is a terrific and entertaining thrill ride of a novel with morally ambiguous central characters. However, it took me a little while to get into it before I was completely hooked. James Beck is a former cop, falsely convicted of murder and spent several years in prison. Whilst incarcerated, he was saved by Paco Johnson, a man who lived most of his life locked up. They became close friends and once on the outside, James does all that he could to ensure Paco got parole. Paco is murdered in the Bronx on his first night of freedom. It appears that Paco was badly beaten up and probably shot by pimp Derrick Watkins and his gang, trying to free his 16 year old daughter, Amelia, from their clutches.

Beck now leads a group of ex-cons, based in Brooklyn's Red Hook, who help other ex-cons survive on the outside. Beck is grieving and hellbent on finding out what happened to Paco with the help of Demarco, Manny and others, such as Walter, a probation officer. Ambitious detective, John Palmer, is planning to make his name on the back of Paco's murder with the influential backing of his father, a prominent local politician. With the help of his almost retired partner, Raymond Ippolito, Palmer goes after Beck and his crew. A desperate Amelia ends up being protected and supported by Beck's crew. Beck finds his investigation is more complex than expected, leading him into great danger. The group are targeted by a kingpin crime boss running a lucrative prostitution ring and his dreaded and fearsome enforcer, Whitey. Along with corruption in NYPD, information emerges that links Paco's death with dirty prison guards.

This is a fast paced, tense and suspense driven book. It is well plotted, action packed, with twists, and such a gripping read. The characters are flawed, but you root for them. Beck is a wonderful central character, a man so determined to get to the truth, despite all the obstacles he faces. There is plenty of material for this to turn into a series. I recommend this to all who like action and suspense driven stories. Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.