Tod Goldberg writes with urgency and a keen eye for detail, crafting compelling narratives that delve into the darker aspects of human nature. His style is sharp and incisive, often exploring the complexities of morality and the consequences of choices within perilous settings. Goldberg masterfully creates characters who are both repellent and fascinating, compelling readers to question their own notions of right and wrong. His works are a deeply resonant and unforgettable examination of the psyche and the worlds its inhabitants inhabit.
Ideal for crime fiction enthusiasts, this book offers a captivating blend of suspense, intricate plots, and compelling characters. It promises to deliver a thrilling reading experience that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate the genre.
Reading the West Book Awards Nominee The “gloriously original” (The New York Times) and critically acclaimed crime series starring a Chicago hitman hiding out as a rabbi in the desert suburbs of Las Vegas comes to its thrilling conclusion Mafia hit-man-turned-rabbi Sal Cupertine is ready to get out of the life. But it’s not going to be easy. His once-brilliant plan to pass himself off as Rabbi David Cohen is unraveling. Enemies on both sides of the law are hot on his trail. His wife and son are unreachable in witness protection and are probably in danger. In order to find his family, get out of the desert alive, and salvage his long-sought-after happy ending, Sal is going to have to confront some very bad people from his past. Native American kingpin Peaches Pocotillo has wrested control of Chicago’s mob family while expanding his criminal empire in the west, and now seeks to settle an old score with Sal. These two antiheroes have a history that stretches back decades, and the blood feud between Peaches and Sal will lead them to a violent showdown deep in the heart of the low desert. As complications cast old revelations in a new light, including one that stretches back to the long-ago death of Sal’s infamous gangster father Dark Billy Cupertine, Sal must team up with some unlikely allies—and confront the reality of who he has become—in this stunning conclusion to the popular and critically acclaimed Gangsterland trilogy.
Raymond Carver meets Elmore Leonard in this extraordinary collection of contemporary crime writing set in the critically acclaimed Gangsterland universe, a series called "gloriously original" by The New York Times Book Review. With gimlet-eyed cool and razor-sharp wit, these spare, stylish stories from a master of modern crime fiction assemble a world of gangsters and con men, of do-gooders breaking bad and those caught in the crossfire. The uncle of an FBI agent spends his life as sheriff in different cities, living too close to the violent acts of men; a cocktail waitress moves through several desert towns trying to escape the unexplainable loss of an adopted daughter; a drug dealer with a penchant for karaoke meets a talkative lawyer and a silent clown in a Palm Springs bar. Witty, brutal, and fast-paced, these stories expand upon the saga of Chicago hitman-turned-Vegas-rabbi Sal Cupertine--first introduced in Gangsterland and continued in Gangster Nation--while revealing how the line between good and bad is often a mirage.
It's been two years since legendary Chicago hitman Sal Cupertine disappeared into the guise of Las Vegas Rabbi David Cohen. It's September 2001 and for David, everything is coming up gold. But Sal wants out. He's got money stashed in safe-deposit boxes all over the city. He's looking at places to escape to, Mexico or maybe Argentina. He only needs to make it through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and he'll have enough money to slip away, grab his wife and kid and start fresh.
Sal Cupertine is a legendary hit man for the Chicago Mafia, able to get in and out of a crime without a trace. Until now, that is. His first-ever mistake forces Sal to botch an assassination, killing three undercover FBI agents in the process. This puts too much heat on Sal, and he knows this botched job will be his death sentence to the Mafia. So he agrees to their radical idea to save his own skin; hide out as a Rabbi in Las Vegas.
The story delves into a husband's psychological unraveling as he revisits the isolated lake house tied to his family's tragedy. Following the mysterious disappearance of his estranged wife, he grapples with haunting memories and the profound loss of their daughter. The setting amplifies his descent into confusion and despair, blurring the lines between reality and his fractured psyche. As he confronts his past, the narrative explores themes of grief, isolation, and the struggle for clarity amidst chaos.
The story revolves around Father Santiago, a reformed gang member turned philanthropist, who faces a dilemma when his past threatens to resurface. Pressured by his former gang to assist them or risk exposure of his criminal history, he turns to his old friend, Michael Westen, a skilled covert operative. The narrative explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the struggle between one's past and present, as Santiago seeks a way out of his predicament without involving the authorities.
The story follows Michael Westen, a spy navigating life in Miami without official support, as he becomes entangled with Brent Grayson, a college student with dubious claims about his business. Michael faces the dual challenge of rescuing Brent's father from dangerous loan sharks while also dealing with aggressive Russian businessmen eager to exploit the situation. The narrative blends elements of espionage, deception, and personal stakes, highlighting the complexities of survival in a treacherous world.
Ex-covert operative Michael Weston must repay favors to local money launderer Barry, who introduces him to Bruce, a former gentleman thief. Bruce's latest heist against the Ghouls motorcycle gang has put him in danger, and Michael must find a way to resolve the situation before it's too late.
Blending humor with poignant moments, the narrative showcases Goldberg's exceptional storytelling skills. The book explores complex emotions and relationships, inviting readers into a world where laughter and sorrow coexist. Through engaging characters and relatable situations, it delivers a profound yet entertaining experience, highlighting the intricacies of life in a unique setting.