The Underworld of New York's Mobsters In Best Mystery Novels

 

When we think about NYC, "The Big Apple," we think of beautiful buildings, the very happening Times Square, pizza, and the sensational Statue of Liberty. But, if we take a trip down memory lane, New York was quite different from what we know today.

Once upon a time, New York was home to some of the most notorious mobsters in history.

It was a city submerged in darkness and uncertainty. Beneath the surface of a bustling metropolis lay misconduct, dirty money, "hits," and much more. In that era, those involved in the world of crime were personalities more than mere criminals. They were characters whose lives interweaved within the fabric of the city itself.

Throughout history, we have seen authors build characters inspired by the world of mobsters, encapsulating their lives, mannerisms, and operations in their iconic novels.

Let's look at the underworld of New York's mobsters in some of the best mystery fiction.

"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo

If you have a deep fascination with mob families, politics, and the psychology of the criminal mind, odds are, you have come across Mario Puzo's classic, The Godfather. Even though the book is not inherently a mystery fiction novel, its sheer influence in the genre is seismic. Puzo's depiction of the Corleone family incites the world of organized crime, bringing it under the limelight. It exposes their distinct morality, emphasizing their code of honor, family loyalty, and ruthless, violent lifestyle.

"The Gangster" by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott

"The Gangster" by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott is set in early 20^th century New York City, where the author tells the story of Isaac Bell as he traverses through the perilous streets of The Big Apple, quarreling with the rising threat of organized crime. The narrative dives deep into the city's criminal world, portraying the city's violent dynamics of the mob era.

"Live by Night" by Dennis Lehane

Next, we have Dennis Lehane's Live by Night, a book furnishing audiences with a contemporary perspective on the mobster genre. The story takes place during the Prohibition era, following Joe Coughlin, son of a Boston police captain, who rises the ranks to become a powerful mobster in Florida and New York. Lehane's vivid descriptions and research breathe life into the story as he depicts the duality of right and wrong. The author masterfully portrays the rise and fall of a mob empire, which is both thrilling and poignant, making the book stand out in crime literature.

"City on Fire" by Don Winslow

Author Don Winslow's riveting book "City on Fire" immerses readers in the unforgiving realm of gang warfare in New York. The story is considered a modern epic, following the lives of two crime families over several decades. Winslow's story is intimate and expansive, vividly capturing the intricacies of organized crime's impact on the city and diving deep into the personal stories of its characters.

"Jamaica Biltmore: Dark Power" by Tom Greco

Last but certainly not least, Jamaica Biltmore: Dark Power is the fourth installment of the famous Jamaica Biltmore series by Tom Greco. This series is notorious for its gripping and authentic depiction of mob life, and with its fourth installment, fans are left in awe. Greco invites his readers into the life of Private Investigator Jamaica Biltmore, who, alongside his family and friends, finds himself back in action after a brief break.

After successfully solving the intricate puzzle of an international art theft ring, the squad celebrates the marriage of Jamaica's son. However, fate has other plans. The ceremony is interrupted by a crisis: the abduction of New York's governor.

The investigation is conducted by fan-favorite Jamaica Biltmore himself, who, with his crew by his side, digs deeper, uncovering danger that stretches far beyond what they could've fathomed.

As the plot thickens, Jamaica's wife, Agent Julie Waters, and their team confront a plot that makes them come to face to face with a web of missing artwork connections to the NYC mob and WWII Nazis.

Jamaica Biltmore: Dark Power has all the makings to become one of the best crime fiction books ever. For more information, click on the link.