The reader soon learns that this is an irrelevant Rust Belt question, and, not only that, Steubenville is in proximity to decaying towns in Ohio and West Virginia, not only that, it is also a rotten tomato toss away distant from similar communities in Pennsylvania too.

Seymour Petrillo’s therapist AND a best selling author recounting Seymour's murders would make a big thing out of Petrillo’s Rust Belt upbringing. His therapist did mention that had Seymour actually had friends; it could, and likely would have a made a difference.

Seymour, the first character we meet, is a somewhat sad child from Steubenville, Ohio.

His gay father, who has a fixation with anything regarding another Steubenville inhabitant, Dean Martin; does not live in the family home.

Seymour did spend a good bit of time with his grandparents, especially his grandfather, and it was while taking walks through town with his Grandfather that Seymour learned much of the history regarding Steubenville.

Seymour's therapist not only treats him as a patient, but as well, has written a highly successful book recounting Seymour and his activities.

Upon leaving Steubenville, Seymour acquired a college degree before making his way to New York City with the purpose of becoming a veterinarian.

Irving Hanhart, the second major figure introduced, is the  son of a Jewish mother and Irish father.  Irving loved field trips.

He was in sixth grade, traveling from Brookline MA Middle School to the neighboring town of Newton. They were on their way to the city hall. It was at City Hall that Irving made the decision to become a New York City Cop.

In Boardman, Ohio,  character three,  Constance Powers was a man eater. Born into old money, Constance had little chance to actually experience any of the trappings of wealth enjoyed by many of the moneyed class.

Constance Powers has as a career plan to make a move to New York City and become a Rockette.

A serial killer, a police officer and a dancer who was born of wealth; each of the three from vastly different backgrounds and lives had one thing in common, they each visited the same therapist.

Creative, inimitable, multifarious, gripping, the scene is set.

The Organ Grinder and The Monkey sets down a mesmerizing, complex tale woven of three chief characters whose individual behaviors and dysfunctional sentiment have caused them to seek the care of the same psychiatrist.

Writer Sam Moffie’s excellent storytelling which was first noticed in his initial work, Swap, has become refined and improved.

The trio of storylines weave together in a multifaceted narrative filled with conflicting philosophies, outlooks, awareness and biases.

The complicated sequence of events, woven together with psychiatrist psycho-babble and concealed schemas is a gripping page turner from the opening lines right onto the near calamity surrounding Constance taking place in the last chapter.

Writer Moffie's second novel, The Organ Grinder and The Monkey , takes a long inimitable look into the lives of a trio of extraordinarily singular central characters whoset one common bond linking them serve to produce a thriller of a mystery.

Note: Do not read The Organ Grinder and The Monkey when you are home alone and darkness fills the sky.

The Organ Grinder and The Monkey is packed with gritty language, gallows humor, detailed settings, finely multifaceted characters and, complex, thought provoking, imagery producing, writing.

Those easily offended by unrefined humor and unequivocal language will likely not find the book to their liking.

For those who enjoy a well written work in which the language and situations are integral to the story; then The Organ Grinder and The Monkey will, for you, likely will be a very enjoyable read.

The arc I received from a publicist has discussion questions for used by book clubs.

My only complaint, font is small, my eyes are old.

I can well see this work becoming a made for TV movie.

Happy to recommend.

===============================

Reviewed by Molly’s Reviews molly martin

===============================

Product Details and Shipping Information from Amazon

TITLE The Organ Grinder and the Monkey

AUTHOR Sam Moffie Editor Veronica Foley

GENRE mystery thriller

Product Details Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Xlibris International Plaza II Ste 340 Philadelphia PA 19113 Language: English

ISBN-10: 143632775X

ISBN-13: 978-1436327756

amazon