Official Review: Dirty Baggs by Joe DeCicco

[kismoody]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dirty Baggs" by Joe DeCicco.]

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Mafia, bribes, corruptions in high places, conspiracy, and larceny are just a few of the problems Mike Romano is currently facing in Staten Island. The third book in the Mike Romano series, the main character is dealing with the effect of his on-going divorce, a murder investigation, and, unbeknownst to him, a problem from his past.

It’s been 11 months since Mike was transferred from the Big Apple to Staten Island. The move put a lot of financial burden on his family and now he’s paying the price for it. After catching his wife cheating on him with her hairdresser, Mike throws the guy out and files for divorce. His soon to be ex-wife and her family blame him and she’s being nothing but a pain in his ass.

With all the divorce drama, Mike puts his mind into his work to keep his mind off his personal life as much as possible. While traveling to work one day, he witnesses a murder and run. All he sees is the black bronco driving away. Determined to get the murderer, he tries to help neighboring precinct 120 in solving it. To top off his workload, he discovers that no burglary reports are followed up with a latent prints procedure. Determined to make himself look good for possible detective work, he pitches the idea to his boss and gets the job of being the latent prints person.

Little does he know, however, that an old nemesis is on the prowl and may have his fingers in more than one of Mike’s problems. His former DI in the big Apple, Dennis Bryan, is still taking bribes from Rocco Lucelli, Mike’s ex-almost brother-in-law/friend, but the reader’s not sure why. Lucelli’s mafia is also behind the murder that Mike’s trying to solve. Has Mike taken on more than he can chew? Will he ever make detective? Will he be able to make peace with his personal life?

From page one, the reader is drawn into the narrative hook, line and sinker. The author does a great job of building up the mystery in a natural way while mixing action, mystery, and internal dialogue. His use of humor in tough situations helps the reader to have sympathy for poor Mike.

The character dynamic, like the other two, is fantastic. Unlike most police fiction, the characters aren’t cut and dry, not even the bad guys. Each character is fleshed out to perfection, probably because they’re based on real people. The plot has continuous twists and surprises. It is not a whodunit book, but more of a police procedural one. Unlike traditional mysteries where the criminal's identity is concealed till the very end, the reader is made aware almost from the start what is going on, or thinks they do.

The only problems I found with the book were a few typos, but they were minor.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I enjoyed the book even more than the other two, which is rare for me since I usually only like the first book or two in a series. The premise was sound, the execution was masterfully done, and the characters were likable and realistic to boot. I would recommend this book as an excellent read to all lovers of the genre.

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[joedecicco]

Thank you for a fine review. Almost ready to release BULLDOG, the fourth in my series...I think it's the best one yet. I have corrected many typos in the printed version. Kindle version was couple of months old. Sorry.

Thanks again.

Joe DeCicco

[kismoody]

No worries. I can't wait to read Bulldog. Thanks for the chance to read your book.

[Paul_metto]

I have just read the first chapter of dirty bags, so captivating is the introduction of this book that i cant wait to read the whole book. Right from the begining the reader is made aware of the eminent struggles the protagonist is up against. Suspence is a key aspect in this writing and also one cant miss out on the vivid description employed.i must say its a good read.

[joedecicco]

Thank you. Your comments are appreciated.
Joe D

[kismoody]

Thanks for sharing Paul_metto. I'm glad you like it

[kio]

This one looks good too. I'm going to have to read this series.

[kismoody]

Hope you get a chance to enjoy it

[joedecicco]

Just checking out reviews of my work and found yours. Book 4, BULLDOG has been sent to online book club... It's out. If unavailable via onlinebookclub..Amazon has it in kindle..

Joe DeCicco