Book Review: In the Name of the Father

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

In the Name of the Father     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Cathie John , John Celestri , Cathie Celestri
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
2003, CC Publishing - Journeybook Press, 336 pages

Cathie John (Cathie and John Celestri) must own a time machine. I know that neither of them is old enough to remember the time period this book is set in. A time machine is the only way I can think of for them to get it so right. A time machine or the fact that they are just damn good writers. Being a fan of the part of American history that involves gangsters and mobsters drew me to this book like a college student to a keg of beer. I was not disappointed. The images were so vivid that the only thing missing from the scene playing out in my head was Alan Ladd.

The main character in the book is one Nick Cavanaugh, just out of the navy and looking for inspiration for something to write about (he dreams of being a novelist). It’s early 1946 and Nick goes to Newport Kentucky and ends up taking a job for a casino called the Oasis. It’s run by the family of a Navy buddy and Nick is hired for the security team. And they’ll need the extra help, because someone is bombing clubs in town.

The book has all the classic noir elements; sex, gunplay, bad guys with bad attitudes, Hollywood starlets and showgirls. It’s an amazing piece of work that gives a look at an era gone by. Fans of Noir and Hard-boiled fiction should not miss this book, and I am looking forward to more.

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM