Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Safe Harbor
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Eugene Izzi
Class/Genre: Mystery
Avon, Aug 1999, $24.00, 352 pp.
In Manhattan, Tommy Torelli is a loyal foot soldier to crime boss Pete Papa, who dubbed the lad “The Silent One” because he keeps his mouth shut. However, Tommy wants out to help raise his newborn son in a healthier environment. Tommy sees a potential robbery that would leave him on easy street. He turns to Pete, who provides him with help. The next day, the police arrest Tommy for the robbery and the Papa gang ignores him until the law enforcement officials begin to visit him. The mob fears Tommy is talking. They threaten Mario to insure he remains silent. Instead, Tommy cuts a deal, turns evidence and disappears into the Witness Protection Program with Mario.
Fifteen years later in Chicago, Mark Torrence runs a youth program. When one of his kids commits suicide, the media focuses on Mark, providing him with unwanted coverage that reaches Pete. The gang boss sends the Chameleon to kill Mark. Knowing the mob, Mark prepares himself for the inevitable hit, hoping to keep his wife, son, and daughter safe.
SAFE HARBOR is a fitting novel that triumphantly shows the talent of the late Eugene Izzi. The story line moves rather quickly as its centers on life in the slums and the mob. Mr. Izzi carefully defines his characters with motives that make their actions seem genuine. The cast turns the well-written plot of SAFE HARBOR into a safe bet. Fans and critics will recognize this book as one of the year’s best stories. Renowned for novels like THE CRIMINALIST, Mr. Izzi has left his fans with a special legacy that probably is his best work in an illustrious career.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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