Frankie Granstino, a Brooklyn life insurance agent, becomes involved with the Mafia. When he finds he is next in line to be killed by said Mafia, he, with the help of the FBI, fakes his suicide. He and his FBI/love have entered the Witness Protection Program and are relocated to Paradise - the Cayman Islands. Not a bad place to have to live - until...

Frankie, now Mario, and his wife, Alicia (the ex-FBI agent) feel safe in their new surroundings - until their parked rental car was involved in an 'accident' - it blew up - meant for them to be in it!  It was a professional hit attempt! When the couple contact the FBI, they find no one is to be trusted and they take it into their own hands to protect themselves.

The action is nonstop, with doses of humor and always remembering this couple, who went together, leaving their families, their lives behind, because of their love for each other. It also shows how hard it must be to be in such a situation that creates the need to be placed in the Witness Protection Program.

The Mafia proves a formidable opponent and there are enough fights and explosions to keep the most seasoned thriller fan on their toes.

One thing that touched me especially - Mario's relationship with his father - you see, his Dad has crossed over - yet, Mario feels his father's love and faith in Mario as he (Mario) tries to keep his wife and himself alive. It brought tears to my eyes - only because it is beautifully handled and reminded me of my Dad, whom I lost several years ago.

You will enjoy Better Off Dead in Paradise. It is fast, furious, and you'll find yourself rooting for these wonderful characters.

John Paul Carinci is adept in both fiction and non-fiction. You will enjoy reading him.

ellen george

Better Off Dead in Paradise by John Paul Carinci, ISBN: 978-1-3434-0639-5. AuthorHouse Publishing, review by ellen george