Official Review: By Hook or BY Crook by Al Marsiglia

Sarah_Khan · Post by **Sarah_Khan** » 29 Oct 2016, 15:20

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "By Hook or BY Crook" by Al Marsiglia.]

3 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

By Hook or by Crook by Al Marsiglia is a thrilling, action-packed, mafia crime novel. It is the second book in the Frankie Fiore series. The plot picks up where the previous book left off with Frankie Fiore out of prison after snitching on his former mafia boss Jimmy Provitera. Now out of jail, Frankie is given a great responsibility by his deceased friend Biff Rollo to carry out his last wishes. He is gifted a portion of his saved money and is told to find Biff’s son who does not even know his father. What seems like a pretty easy task turns out to be a lot more complicated than expected because Frankie is not the only one looking for Biff Rollo’s money and Jimmy, now out on bail, is out for his blood.

The first thing I have to say is that I must commend the author on adding a detailed summary of the previous novel’s plot right at the beginning of this book. Since I did not read the first novel before reading this one, it was very helpful and I wish more authors would follow suit.

Now on to the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was anything but boring. From start to finish, this novel held my attention. It has a great mix of everything, there was action, suspense, surprises, romance, and even some comedy. 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.

The only thing that bugged me about this novel is that at times I felt like the pace of the story was a little too fast. It seemed as if the story was jumping from important event to important event, which is why in the end, I had to give this book 3 out of 4 stars.

To sum things up, By Hook or by Crook by Al Marsiglia is a great novel for long time fans of Italian mafia crime novels, but it is also a great book to pick up for people new to this type of story, to introduce them to this genre. Just as a heads-up, as you would expect, there is an ample amount of foul language in this novel so it might not be for everyone.

******
By Hook or BY Crook
View: on Bookshelves

Like Sarah_Khan's review? Post a comment saying so!

Diving doc · Post by **Diving doc** » 15 Dec 2016, 02:50

This is a great review, and the book sounds pretty intriguing. I'll have a look for it this week!

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 15 Dec 2016, 03:08

Very nice review. It seems like quite the interesting story with engaging characters, especially the protagonist. Good job!

Sarah_Khan · Post by **Sarah_Khan** » 15 Dec 2016, 10:42

Thank you guys! Hope you get a chance to enjoy the book

Kdonegan91 · Post by **Kdonegan91** » 24 Dec 2016, 15:46

Great review! Sounds like this book has every element of a good read. I will add this to my list.

Sarah_Khan · Post by **Sarah_Khan** » 24 Dec 2016, 16:04

Thank you! And I hope you have a good time reading it.

Wasif Ahmed · Post by **Wasif Ahmed** » 03 Jan 2017, 19:46

Great review Sarah_Khan. This seems like a book I might enjoy.
Congratulations to the author for getting such a great review.

Sarah_Khan · Post by **Sarah_Khan** » 03 Jan 2017, 19:59

Thanks Wasif Ahmed! Hope you like it if you choose to read it.

anushreevaishnav18 · Post by **anushreevaishnav18** » 08 Jan 2017, 13:23

Interesting title, thank you for review

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 10 Jan 2017, 06:20

Sounds like a very interesting book. Generally, I find fast pacing good and enjoyable as long as the story is cohesive. Good job on the review.

Elaine5 · Post by **Elaine5** » 10 Jan 2017, 07:09

Thanks for the review. I love charismatic, likable "bad guys". Sounds like a fun read.

Ivona R · Post by **Ivona R** » 11 May 2020, 08:26

Well this is a thrilling read. I also thought of The Godfather! Besides, plots with such specific life stories of main characters always keep the reader interested. And I think we're all kind of cheering for Frankie. Great review!