The Murder of Paolo Mancuso

Description

At the tender age of sixteen, Joey Mancuso witnessed the cold-blooded murder of his mobster father in a Little Italy bar—a haunting event that forever etched itself into his memory. The crime remained unsolved, leaving the thirst for justice unquenched and the ancient code of retribution unfulfilled. However, as Joey finds himself standing at death's door, the notorious mobster Tony the Hammer beckons him forth, uttering three enigmatic words: "Wetherly Stevens, Barcelona." In that moment, Joey knows he has been granted an opportunity to finally uncover the truth behind his father's killer . Revenge, festering wounds, the agonizing cold case, and a perplexing series of small-town murders intertwine in the fifth installment of the gritty Mancuso/O'Brian mystery series. With a hint of international intrigue, the quick-witted ex-cop Joey, alongside his investigative partner and brother, Father Dominic O'Brian, embarks on a relentless pursuit to track down his father's murderer in the vibrant streets of Barcelona and the tranquil shores of Hilton Head, South Carolina. From savoring tantalizing tapas near the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia to indulging in bourbon-soaked pulled pork sandwiches at a quaint South Carolina B&B, murder becomes an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and strikes at the core of Joey's being. Equipped with only those cryptic three words and staying true to his impulsive nature—armed with no plan and minimal research—Joey jets off to Barcelona, where he uncovers a connection between a partner at Wetherly Stevens, a New York financial investment firm with Spanish offices, and his father's untimely demise. But what could link a New York mobster with an investment banker? Perhaps retired partner Alexander Wetherly holds the key to unraveling the mystery. The next stop on Joey's quest takes him to Hilton Head, where Wetherly has settled into a seemingly idyllic existence, surrounded by a retinue of staff who serve up limitless Arnold Palmers. However, the tranquility of quaint Daufuskie Island is shattered when a grisly murder befalls the elderly care-keeper of Joey's chosen B&B. Unbeknownst to Joey, this heinous act is not an isolated incident but rather a piece of a deeply rooted cold case that has plagued Daufuskie Island for years. With the unwavering support of his comrades, including Father Dom and the resourceful hacker Agnes, Joey meticulously assembles the fragments of two intricate puzzles while scrutinizing the threads that connect them. His mission becomes twofold: solve his father's murder and prevent another haunting the shores of Carolina . Blending the allure of seductive international travel with the relentless pursuit of an old-school cold case murder mystery, Joey Mancuso's escapades will delight fans of Raymond Chandler, Joseph Wambaugh, Lawrence Block, and Rex Stout. This gripping narrative also comes highly recommended for enthusiasts of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer series, as well as devotees of the timeless Sherlock Holmes adventures.