Official Review: By Hook or BY Crook by Al Marsiglia

Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 11 May 2020, 11:35

The book sounds intriguing. Fans of crime fiction would enjoy this. Congratulations on BOTD.

Elizabeth Pass · Post by **Elizabeth Pass** » 11 May 2020, 11:40

I'm not a fan of mofia stories. I'm sure the descriptions of New York and Italian culture would be nestalgic to read about, but I don't think I'd enjoy this book otherwise. Also, I didn't read the first in the series.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 11 May 2020, 11:48

Based on your review, it sounds like the author did a good job of blending genres. Well-developed characters always make for a more engaging read. Thanks for the recommendation.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 11 May 2020, 11:49

Ooh, Italian mafia has me hooked already. "Charismatic, bad guys" indeed. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the review!

Nzube Chizoba Okeke · Post by **Nzube Chizoba Okeke** » 11 May 2020, 11:50

I think this a great book, intended to keep it's readers hooked. I find it interesting that the author took out time to briefly summarise the first book in the series, this keeps a reader from getting lost especially when the second is a continuation. Kudos to the author for a job well done and Congrats on BOTD!

Bukola02 · Post by **Bukola02** » 11 May 2020, 11:51

This seems like an interesting book with intriguing characters. I loved that author gave a summary of the previous book making it easy for readers to enjoy the book. Thanks for the review.

Dylan921 · Post by **Dylan921** » 11 May 2020, 11:52

Thank you for a great review! I usually don’t read the second book of a series. I like to read, starting with the first. But you stated the author added elements of the first book. I’m putting this on my to read list.

kmittag67 · Post by **kmittag67** » 11 May 2020, 11:57

This book sounds interesting. I am not very familiar with the mafia crime genre, but it seems like something I would enjoy reading. The fact that it is action-packed with engaging characters, gives me a good reason to read it. I also appreciate the author providing the first novel's information so the reader knows the history of the characters. Thank you for the excellent review.

hasincla · Post by **hasincla** » 11 May 2020, 12:05

Sounds like a fun and exciting read, and a light one too (not a whole lot of violence or gore was mentioned). Thank you for your honest review!

LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 11 May 2020, 12:05

Sounds like my kind of read!

I would have to start with the first book in the series though. Kudos to the author for the summary of its plot so those of us who haven't read the first one can follow, but there's nothing like a cliff hanger when you close that last page and then having to wait until you can open that next 'episode'

Thank you for such an inspired review

KYALISIIMA MACRIS · Post by **KYALISIIMA MACRIS** » 11 May 2020, 12:11

Wow. Thanks for the review.
You said there are some vulgar language in it. Sometimes it is what makes these types of stories interesting

J_odoyo · Post by **J_odoyo** » 11 May 2020, 12:13

This thrilling, action-packed, mafia crime novel sounds like an interesting read. I like it that the author added a detailed summary of the previous novel’s plot right at the beginning of this second book. However, I'm not a fan of this genre.

EvaDar · Post by **EvaDar** » 11 May 2020, 12:14

I am a fan of mafia stories. This one, with its interesting characters, humor, action, and romance sounds like a good bet. Thanks for the review.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 11 May 2020, 12:14

I used to read mafia crime novels a long time ago. After reading your review I may start back up again. I do like the ones that have humor and likable characters, so thanks for including that in your review.

aacodreanu · Post by **aacodreanu** » 11 May 2020, 12:16

It is definitely a plus that the author has added a summary of what happened in the first volume of the series.
The attraction towards Italian mob families is probably the reason why they have survived in spite of their illegal way of making money. No wonder that mafia is sometimes referred to as la Famiglia. As to the novels on this topic, like with those placing cops in the first position, it is a matter of whom the author likes, they will become the positive, lovable characters, no matter which side of the law they are on.
How interesting that you mentioned the too speedy action, as opposed to novels where action lingers and makes readers skip pages. It seems that an author needs to know how to strike the right balance.