Official Review: By Hook or BY Crook by Al Marsiglia

Nujudee · Post by **Nujudee** » 11 May 2020, 10:22

Great review.
From your explicit explanation, even though I might not be a fan of Italian mafia crime novels, i definitely wouldn't mind giving this a shot.
Congrats on your BOTD.

kdhutchinson · Post by **kdhutchinson** » 11 May 2020, 10:24

Thanks for the thorough review. I also liked that the author included a complete synopsis of the first novel at the beginning -- what a unique idea! I know it's hard to summarize the details of a novel when writing a sequel, and I don't know why this method isn't more largely used! I would say, that I don't think it is necessary the author include that it is a "synopsis of their first novel," though, I think it could be introduced a little better.

It sounds like an interesting read overall. Thanks!

DEEPA PUJARI · Post by **DEEPA PUJARI** » 11 May 2020, 10:24

Nice review. Sounds like an action packed book. Congrats Botd!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 11 May 2020, 10:33

The main character, Frankie Fiore has a certain type of charisma that makes you think he can get away with anything. Despite his vulgar language, his criminal record, and his other faults, you get a sense that he is trying to become a better person therefore I could not help liking him. Some of my favorite parts of the book were when you could feel the sense of family surrounding the characters even though many of them were mobsters. By the end of this novel I even felt like I was a part of this mafia family. The Italian food, the unquestioned loyalty between members of the mob, and the parts of the plot set in New York made me recall The Godfather.

I love it when the main character is so charismatic that you can't help but root for him, even if he's flawed.
Thank you for your enthusiastic review!

modepo2 · Post by **modepo2** » 11 May 2020, 10:33

It's interesting how I also felt like I should get the book now. This review is so precise and it's simplicity makes me understand the intent of the book. Thanks for the review and well-done

Benford munene · Post by **Benford munene** » 11 May 2020, 10:46

According to the title and the review I think this book is superb

,I must look into it.

Leonidas Ndeta · Post by **Leonidas Ndeta** » 11 May 2020, 10:47

This is a great review and the book sounds interesting to read because of the romance and action.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 11 May 2020, 10:49

A thrilling, action-packed, Italian mafia crime novel "By Hook or BY Crook" by Al Marsiglia, which focuses on Frankie, who is on bail, and is looking for Biff Rollo’s money and his son, as requested by Biff Rollo. The story appears to be quite entertaining.

jdsatosk · Post by **jdsatosk** » 11 May 2020, 10:50

Thanks for the review. This sounds like an interesting novel, but I think I would like to read these books in order. Even with the brief synopsis at the beginning of this book, I would rather have the full background of the first book to start this one with.

ms_vinkel · Post by **ms_vinkel** » 11 May 2020, 10:51

Looks like it's an okay read. But I'm not really in the mood for crime/mafia stories. If I see this again as BOTD sometime later, then I might add it to the list. For now, I'll pass. Thanks for the review. :tiphat:

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 11 May 2020, 10:55

Thanks for the review, but I'm not interested in mafia crime novels, so I will pass at this time.

AntoineOMEGA · Post by **AntoineOMEGA** » 11 May 2020, 10:56

I'll pass, I don't find this topic, mafia, appealing to read about.

Aan Granados · Post by **Aan Granados** » 11 May 2020, 11:02

I think I have read the first book. I would have to jog my memory more. I’m adding this to me to read list. Thanks for your review!

Splendour0606 · Post by **Splendour0606** » 11 May 2020, 11:03

I commend the author for giving a summary of the first book,it will enable readers to follow smoothly.It sounds interesting, would Frankie find Biff's son?I think I need to read to find out.Thanks for the review.

Kelsey Hatch · Post by **Kelsey Hatch** » 11 May 2020, 11:04

How nice that the author includes a summary of the first book! I'm usually hesitant to pick up the second (or third, fourth, etc.) book of a series, so the synopsis makes it more accessible to readers. It certainly sounds like an exciting read full of action, danger, and family relationships. The adventures of Italian mobsters in New York is a great premise. Thanks for a wonderful review!