The evolution of a young man from Brooklyn shoemaker's son to a hoodlum on the streets of New York
Recruited by the local mob boss to do collections, Frankie successfully climbs the crime ladder until the day his partner steals the boss' money. Frankie and his partner then become the subjects of a contract put out on their lives.
Excerpt
Jimmy pushes some money into the pot. "I guess I got to stay in to keep you guys honest... I'll see you. What have you got?" he says.
"Three deuces," Max says.
"Shit!...beats me. Two pair," says Sonny, throwing down his cards.
Max starts raking in the money on the table.
"Whoa, what are you doing?... not so fast. I got a full boat," Jimmy says, as he flashes his cards to Max and quickly mixes them in with the discards on the table.
"Tough shitsky, boys," he says as he rakes in the money.
Max stiffens in his seat, as he sees his winnings vanishing. "Wait!" he yells. "I didn't see your hand. Let me see the fuckin' cards."
Jimmy's face reddens. "Are you doubting my veracity," he says.
"Do I doubt your what?" Max asks. "I don't know if I do, because I don't know what you said. I just know we didn't see your cards before you threw them away."
Max looks around the table seeking corroboration, but finds none, as Gino and Sonny avoid eye contact with him.
Jimmy's face is now a deep crimson and the veins in his large nose noticeably protrude.
"What I said was, are you calling me a fuckin' liar?" he says.
Sonny and Gino exchange looks.
"I uh, no, but jeez, Jimmy, ya gotta show your cards before you throw them in," pleads Max.
"I showed them to you, you fuckin' moron. Now deal the fuckin' cards and shut up," Jimmy says.
Max persists, "Aw, jeez, Jimmy, it just ain't right, we're supposed to be friends here and..."
Jimmy abruptly cuts him off. "Are you gonna shut up, or do we have to listen to your bullshit all fuckin' day?"
Max is whining now.
"I'm not axin for much, Jimmy. Axe these guys," he says, indicating Sonny and Gino, "they feel the same way. Right, guys? There's gotta be some trust between us and..."
Before Max can finish the sentence, Jimmy springs out of his chair and furiously throws his cards into Max's face. Max is stunned and sits paralyzed as Jimmy picks up his chair and slams it across his head.
"Goddamn it, you keep goin' on and on," he shouts as he pummels Max with the chair.
"You don't know when the fuck to shut up,”he says, as he repeatedly beats on him.
Sonny and Gino move away from the table. They know better than to interfere.
The beating continues until Max slides off his chair,an unconscious, bloody mess.
Sonny and Gino now feel it's safe to intervene. "I think maybe that's enough, Jimmy, you're gonna kill him," Sonny says.
"Yeah, take it easy, Jimmy," Gino adds.
Jimmy throws down the chair and walks to the bar. He pours himself a whiskey. He sits at the bar sipping his drink as Gino and Sonny pick up a battered Max and carry him out of the room.
Max's face is a bloody mess and he has a huge gash across one cheek.
Jimmy walks back to the table with his drink, and sits down.
Professional Reviews
Exciting crime thriller
Bykimmyschemy06on February 20, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is an exciting crime thriller with a touch of romance. More than the life of a mobster, the book highlights family values focusing on the things people are willing to do for their family and for the people they care about. The romance part lightens up an otherwise violent story. The author creates well-developed characters taking time to supply sufficient backstories to make the characters relatable. There are many likable characters in this story including Louie Fiore and Peggy, but I find Biff, Frankie’s mentor, my favorite. He is tough, strict and reliable. But most importantly, compared with other mobsters he still has a sense of right and wrong.
I'm not a crime novel reader, but...
October 27, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I’m not a crime novel reader; but, when I saw that this was free today, I thought that it's one way to delve in and see if I like it or the author. I began reading it earlier today, and, was taken in immediately. I read the whole thing in about four hours.
I found the story entertaining; and, as I became more and more enrapt within it, it was the interruptions around me which brought me back out to realize how deeply I’d gotten into it.
The author is a storyteller who describes scenery and people, smells and sounds, in enough detail, without belaboring it. At times, I was watching it in my head as a movie! There are a few grammatical errors, and, the eBook formatting is whacked. Were these two issues corrected, this would have been a perfect experience. I'm still giving it five stars, because I feel the story deserves it!
My wife and I both read the book...
ByMickeyBon August 23, 2014
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
My wife and I both read the book and we agree that it a very easy read. Actually we could not put it down once started. It sounds like the author could have been one of the characters or was very close to one or more of them to have acquired such an in depth knowledge and understanding of that way of life.
Want to review or comment on this book?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviews for "Contract Pending"
Reviewed by E Harris
12/29/2018
All Frankie Fiore wanted was to take the night off from making collections to go to a baseball game with his brother. Unfortunately, because of his partner's actions Frankie finds himself on the run. Is he going to survive being a wanted man?
Contract Pending is a fast paced and exciting story. The narrative is so interesting and engrossing that readers want to know what is going to happen next. Well written and populated with memorable characters, this novel is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
Excellent read! Very enjoyable story about a mob boss, crime and murder, gangsters and a girl; there's always a girl, so you have a little romance thrown in. Frankie Fiore, the main character, has strong family values, even as a gangster, you have to say he's a good guy. The book has realistic scenes and dialogue. Al Marsiglia has an uncanny understanding of mob life or did an outstanding amount of research. The character descriptions are rich and vivid providing the reader of a mental picture of each. 'Contract Pending' pulls you in right from the beginning and you can't put it down. I look forward to reading additional works from Al Marsiglia!
Ninety-Nine Novellas, Part II (1,125 book pages) is a collection of 99 popular Jay Dubya stories and it is the companion e-book to Ninety-Nine Novellas (1,600 book pages).
