GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of Dialogues of a Crime: A Novel by John K. Manos

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

In this crime drama, Michael Pollitz must decide whether to protect the mobster who has protected him.

When Mike, a college student in 1972 Illinois, is arrested on drug charges, his father insists he use a public defender. His childhood friend’s father, Dom Calabria, head of the Outfit in Chicago, wants to help Mike by providing a first-rate lawyer, but Mike goes with his father’s wishes. The outcome is a plea bargain for a short stay in Astoria Adult Correctional Facility—but after he’s brutally beaten and raped by three inmates, Mike spends most of his sentence in the infirmary. He doesn’t give up his assailants’ names but threatens their lives right before he’s set to be released. When Mike is picked up by the head of the mob, people notice.

Flash forward to 1994, when Detective Larry Klinger begins investigating the murders of two former Astoria inmates who were violently killed shortly after being released. An informant—the third man who beat Mike—tells Klinger that the murders were committed by Calabria, the kingpin whom Klinger would like to see taken down. Klinger investigates, coming in contact with Mike, and the two form a friendship. When Klinger realizes that Mike will never give up Calabria, he begins to wonder whether it’s even worth investigating the murders of such evil men.

my thoughts:

When I first saw the cover for Dialogues of a Crime I wasn't that interested in reading it.  However, intrigued.  However, once I read the blurb, I became intrigued.  And then when I finally started reading it, well, lets just say that I was HOOKED.

John K. Manos has written a truly unputdownable novel about Chicago's underworld - the Mob.  In 1972 a crime was committed and a young man named Michael is convicted.  While in prison he is raped and badly beaten.  His best friend's father makes sure the perpetrators who hurt Michael are taken care of (you know, like swimming with the fishes).  And, twenty years later, a cop shows up at Michael's doorstep with some questions regarding the murder of these men.  Hmmm...maybe you shouldn't let the Mob handle your business after all, eh?

Dialogues of a Crime is a smart novel that explores the concept of revenge, friendship, and loyalty.  Spanning over several years, the story shows us how much the reactions to a crime can overshadow it.  In fact, through these characters' eyes we are able to gauge their perception of what happened and how they've accepted (or denied) their roles in it all.  Filled with compelling dialogue, this book is easy to get lost in and makes for quite an unforgettable read.

I would most definitely recommend Dialogues of a Crime to anyone and everyone looking for a great new read - you won't be disappointed!

Check out the TLC Book Tours schedule for: Dialogues of a Crime

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to the publisher I am able to give away one copy of Dialogues of a Crime.  Just leave me a comment telling me you want your name thrown in the hat for this giveaway.  Don't forget to include your email address, so that I can contact you in case you are the winner.  Open to US/Canada residents only.  Last day to enter is May 25, 2014.  Good luck!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!