by Chuck Hogan
First published 2022
Nicky Passero serves as Tony Accardo's trusted enforcer in 1970s Chicago, where The Outfit controls the entire city. When thieves steal a diamond and gold bracelet that Accardo bought his wife for Christmas, along with other valuable items, the mob boss assigns Nicky to recover everything using any methods required. Accardo grows increasingly unstable as the search continues, issuing more dangerous orders while a power struggle erupts across Chicago. Nicky faces an impossible choice between following his boss's commands and protecting himself. What Accardo doesn't realize is that his loyal soldier maintains a secret connection to the FBI, creating a deadly conflict of loyalties. Nicky must navigate both worlds as violence escalates and his survival depends on outwitting one of history's most powerful crime leaders. This story explores the collision between duty and betrayal in a world where honor has a price.
Genres: fiction, historical-fiction, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, loyalty, secret-identity
Setting: Chicago
Period: 1970s
Audio CD · Hachette B and Blackstone Publishing
Content warnings: violence