Bourbon & Blood

Bill Conlin Thrillers #1

by Garrard Hayes

In the tradition of action & adventure, noir thrillers, comes a crime fiction story about an otherwise good guy "bent" bad when he's pulled into the underbelly of the New York City crime scene.

Drugs, white slavery, prostitution, murder... Former soldier and decorated war hero Bill Conlin finds himself immersed in it all when he can't find "respectable" work after his tour in Afghanistan. When his cousin, Jimmy, first tries to talk him into joining Irish mafia boss Frank Sullivan's gang, Bill brushes him off.

All Bill really wants is a normal life with a nice girl, and he's pretty sure the waitress he just met, Dana, is the one. But with his savings running low, and desperate to get out of his Hell's Kitchen near-tenement apartment building, Bill, against his better judgment, agrees to a meeting with Mr. Sullivan, an Irish Mob boss--and immediately hits the point of no return... Now with a brand new Lincoln and fancy new uptown digs (complete with a live-in girl whose only purpose is to serve him, and a wardrobe packed with weapons), Bill's tasked to take down a Harlem-based Mexican prostitution ring.

One thing leads to another, however, and the deeper he gets, the more he learns, and the more tangled up he becomes in a lifestyle he never wanted. But how long until he takes matters into his own hands... And what will the ultimate cost be...

Mystery & suspense lurk around every corner of this hard-boiled crime drama where mobsters shoot it out with urban gangs on the streets of New York City.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2013

About the author

Garrard Hayes is a lifelong New York resident whose ancestors made their living on the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn. His love of action and crime fiction, together with a knack for good, gritty storytelling, sparked him to write. He lives in New York with his wife, two children, and three dogs. Garrard Hayes hosts a crime fiction blog at garrardhayes.com.

Visceral & Terrifying crime ride.
Check The Bill Conlin Thriller Series.

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/15vdHwV
B&N Paperback: http://bit.ly/1g1Ck4E

Bourbon & Blood (Book 1):
US Kindle: http://amzn.to/1iskQQk
UK Kindle: http://amzn.to/1pZdhIG
US Paperback: http://amzn.to/15vdHwV

The Missing Swan (Book 2):
US Kindle: http://amzn.to/1iskQQk
UK Kindle: http://amzn.to/1pZdhIG
US Paperback: http://amazon.com/dp/0989767116

Reviews

[Michelle Medhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read! Thrilling action on every page!
I started reading this book thinking it was very 1950’s film noir-ish, but it transformed into very much a RocknRolla type thing, but then something utterly amazing happened and I felt I was reading a novel that would easily match the intricate plot line of The Departed. I enjoyed every second of reading this book! I couldn’t get enough of Bill Conlin and I could see Jason Statham doing justice to this role! You know a good book when you get completely absorbed and forget the world around you, and as far as I was concerned I was right in there with Bill, Jimmy and the gang, ducking the bullets and doing dodgy deals. As a writer myself, it is always interesting to see how violence is portrayed, and how far an author will go. My books (Connected: The Call and Connected: The Shift) are graphic and extreme violence is everywhere. This book is a little less explicit but as far as I’m concerned, you can’t tell a story about New York gangs from rival Irish, Russian and Mexican crews without a bit of blood, guts and gore! It’s all in context and makes the story a really riveting read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes gutsy crime thriller with more twists than your average country lane. To my mind, it was a fabulous and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[R.P. Rochford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Enjoyed the story as it is filled with action. My only problem was that there was not a single character in the book who really represented the 'good guys'! Even the main character wasn't exactly innocent, although he had been forced into the situation. This gave the story a sense of inbalance for me.

However, apart from this problem, I did enjoy this book and would be interested to see what's going to happen in the sequel - I assume the author intends to continue with the story as many threads haven't been resolved yet.

[Stuart Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I love nothing more than a consuming, taut crime novel. When I picked up my Kindle in February, this was the first book I purchased and read. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Now, this title has the distinction of being my first downloaded book. I read a few short stories before it but this book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I have read other reviews for Bourbon & Blood, some good and some bad. The problem is, the unfavourable reviews seem to sometimes miss the point of the book and its protagonist, Bill Conlin.

Hayes evidently has a love for the crime genre. As you read the book, it's bred from being exposed to the world via the movies and books. Exposed and inspired. Something I can relate to. With such a love for his craft, Hayes portrays a realistic, gritty, violent portrayal of New York that can only be created from living in the city itself. The book breathes New York, something only a native could possibly construct. Knowing Hayes is a resident of New York, it makes sense that he uses this as his setting. It helps keep the book grounded and real. He's also able to minimise the clichés, something that benefits the story as a whole.

Being a huge movie fan myself, it's clear that Hayes knows when cliché has a risk of ruining the text. We may have seen this sort of tale before, from many other authors, but Hayes conveys the story from a first person narrative that's both addictive and mesmerising. His spin is truly unique. True, he may veer into unrealistic territory now and then with the shoot outs, the lone hero who takes on the world and violence only comic books would make cool. But isn't this the point of fiction? To suspend your belief and let the ride take you wherever the author chooses? Conlin is clearly a trained soldier who's simply looking for employment. Using his skills in a dangerous world is second nature to any soldier. My point is, the book harks back to the days of 80's action movies, quality gangster flicks such as The Godfather and noir thrillers from the 60's and 70's. Whether this was the intention or not, it really makes for a great read.

The book flies by at a rapid pace, not letting up. This is something rarely seen in crime fiction. Personally I love a book that goes into detail and takes it time to get to the point but sometimes I love to sit down, read a book, and let it take me along without stopping. Bourbon & Blood did just that. It has detail, enough to keep the reader informed, but the action, pace and plot was so frantic, it really gave you an idea of Bill Conlin's plight. Caught up in a world of crime, conspiracy and corruption, our main character is thrown from one dangerous situation to the next, hardly able to breathe or rest. Writing of this nature really allows you to step into the characters shoes and get a taste of what he was experiencing. At one point, I swear I could taste Knob Creek on my lips...during one chapter, my doorbell rang and it made me jump. I was really immersed in the world itself.

Bourbon & Blood is one of those little gems that come along now and then. It was a welcome introduction to the digital book scene. For me, it seemed a little short. Which is a good thing, it means I will definitely buy any sequels to this. There were also a few spelling errors, but this never took away from the story itself. Overall though, this was a great debut novel for a writer who clearly has big things in his future. For this price, you won't find anything better.

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Bourbon & Blood” author Garrard Hayes gives the reader plenty of both. Returning Afghan war veteran Bill Conlin is looking for work. When his cousin Jimmy hooks him up with a local crime syndicate, he doesn’t quite know what he’s got himself into, until it’s too late to get out, which is after he sees a guy being brutally tortured…the unlucky fellow is the person he is replacing. That’s what happens, he’s told, to guys who disappoint the boss.

Although Bill is rough and tumble, doesn’t hesitate to shoot someone intent on killing him, and can break bones without a second thought, he does have something of a moral compass, which often leads him astray within the context of clashing crime organizations. When ordered to disrupt the brothel activities of the Mexicans, he ends up rescuing several girls forced into the sex-slave trade. And, of course, as is usually the case, no good deed goes unpunished.

When he’s partnered with the morally reprehensible Kenny, he finds himself caught between the Mexicans, the Russians, some corrupt Feds, and some even more corrupt local cops. Not to mention in hot water with his own bosses, the Irish Mob—when Kenny is not trying to sell him out to other mobs, he’s telling lies to their boss, moving him closer to meeting the same fate as the guy he replaced, who, perhaps not so coincidentally, also had Kenny for a partner.

This is a very violent crime novel, with gunplay and beatings at every turn, and a few graphic torture scenes make this a story not for the squeamish. On the other hand, it is very well written and plotted. The characterization is spot on, and while you can never condone the actions taken by Bill, even when he’s trying to make the best out of a bad thing, you do find yourself pulling for him as a person as he seeks to survive the savage maelstrom into which he has foolishly jumped.

[C.M. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bourbon, Blood and a whole lot of cigarettes!

Not my normal choice of genre, but it was a treat to discover how much I enjoyed a tale of hoodlums and gangs in New York.
Garrard Hayes writes extremely well and tells a great story of an Army veteran returning to New York and being sucked into the seedier side of life. Who knew that gang members smoked constantly! (Maybe as an ex smoker I did notice more than others might every time they lit up!)
Bourbon and Blood is a great book that I would recommend to anyone who likes the genre, but also for those looking for a different kind of read.
Looking forward to the sequel!

[Reen Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book sets the mood for the crime and gangster world. A fascinating story that kept me turning the pages to reach the end. I wish the author would show and not tell. there were many editing issues throughout. I received this ebook for free in exchange for an honest review. I like to support new authors and feel this author has many more exciting stories to tell. There are many frightening characters and gruesome fight scenes. I anticipate great things from this author. I recommend this book to crime fiction and action lovers.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are in the mood for a fast paced action thriller then you won't be disappoint with Bourbon and Blood. It doesn't pull any punches, simply delivers what it sets out to do. The characters are engaging enough, the dialogue is timely and in keeping with the characters. I would say it isn't for the faint hearten as it is quite graphic in parts, but I think it works well in the context of the plot.

[Graham Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a bit of context: I'm a huge fan of the Mafia series of video games. When I first started reading this book, I thought it read like "Mafia: The Novel". And it was awesome!

Having now finished the book, I do still feel that way. The story was at the same time familiar, and original. Unlike the video game series, it's set in modern times, but the basic premise is the same. A war veteran is down on his luck and struggling to find work, and he gets roped up in the mob by doing a relatively "simple" task, but things quickly escalate from there.

It's well plotted, with lots of twists and turns, and they all seem to resolve themselves quite satisfactorily.

Editing-wise, it starts out good, but the writing quality starts to slip more and more the deeper you get into the book. I'd hardly call it "unreadable", but there were some things that ripped me out of the world, like missing quotation marks and some missing or incorrectly used words here and there.

The other thing is that it ends on a cliffhanger. Generally, I don't like cliffhangers and avoid books that have them, but I re-checked, and there was no mention of a cliffhanger in the blurb. It's not such a huge problem in this case because I was really enjoying the story when it ended. So, I'll probably end up reading Book 2 - but based on my track record, that could be a year or more from now, and I worry that by the time I get to it I'll have forgotten where our hero was... which is one of the reasons why I seldom read series, full stop.

[James M. Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

2013 J Copeland rated a book 5 of 5 stars Bourbon & Blood by Garrard Hayes
status: Read in August, 2013



Bill Conlin had done a stint in the military during the Afghanistan war and was returned home to a very harsh portion of life. No job for too long a time and nothing but time on his hands. He had lived with his aunt and her son Jimmy during his youth and Jimmy was still on the scene, only in a criminal capacity. He collected rent for the mob. Bill has rejected Jimmy’s occupation for as long as he could, but Jimmy is bound and determined his life’s brother will have some of the cash he enjoys regardless of the occupation it takes to get it. He volunteers Bill to work with his boss Mr. Sullivan replacing a mobster who had gone wrong and was rewarded with his teeth and fingernails in the palm of his hand for straying.

During his work Bill’s good side comes out and he rescues a working girl named Emma along with six of her friends from a prostitution ring being handled by the mob’s competition. He meets Dana, another young woman at the Bryant Park Grill, and they get along…well. The mob hears about his endeavors and rewards Bill with a death threat on their second rendezvous.

Bill is really a good guy who would just like to do a job, get paid and go about his life, but that is not to be. Bill views his city for the last time from the deck of a Russian ship headed out of the country, for how long, he just doesn’t know. He will live in his chosen life of solitary confinement until…

This book shows a very interesting look at what happened to a great deal of the veterans who are coming home from that war. They are shunned, stepped on and made to feel less than human. Immerse yourself in this tale and see the mental destruction that takes place from within.
Reviewed by: James M. Copeland

[Chloe Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books you can really get your teeth into don’t explore one theme, they deal with several that weave together in a magic carpet that takes you flying high into the sky where you have a bird’s eye view of the dilemmas mere mortals have to deal with down below. For a moment, you are suspended, God-like, in that privileged position if being outside the herd looking in.

Garrard Hayes does that in Bourbon & Blood. With a fine brush he paints a portrait of war hero Bill Conlin until we can see ever wrinkle and tic, ever doubt and hope, every busted dream and lost tomorrow. Bill’s an Afghan vet. He’s done his tours. Now he wants a life. And he wants love in the shapely shape of Dana, the diner waitress. She deserves better than that. Can he give it to her. Not without a decent job. Good pay. A future.

Trouble is, Bill Conlin has only one real skill – a special forces skill for weapons, combat, survival. His cousin introduces him to crime boss Frank Sullivan, but that’s not what he’s looking for. Until it comes looking for him. From downtown to uptown. From rags to silk ties and tailored suits. From the poverty tracks to the 24/7 murky money-making machines of drugs, slavery, prostitution, organized crime and moral ambiguity. This is neo-noir, totally compulsive, one man who may seem like he his taking on the world but is, in the final analysis, taking on himself.

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Conlin has just left the military after a tour in Afghanistan. He spends time with his cousin Jimmy and trying to figure out what to do with his life next. Jimmy keeps encouraging Bill to talk to his boss. Bill isn't sure that's what he wants. Eventually, he does meet with Mr. Sullivan and begins to work for him. About this time, Bill also met Dana. She was sassy and beautiful. He knew he wanted her in his life forever. It seemed however, working for Mr. Sullivan took more of Bill's time than he imagined it would.
Before long, Bill finds out nothing is as it seems. He needs to be on his guard at all times. This is a war of a different kind.

When you begin this book, it has the feel of an old black and white movie. Each page pulls you in deeper and deeper. You'll feel as though you are there witnessing it in person. My breath was taken away by the writing of this book. Everything just flows so well. The characters are terrific. I found it impossible to put this book down. I was rooting for Bill and Dana throughout. This is one book you will read again and again.

I found no issues with this one.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it is wonderful. It's graphic but wonderful. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Garrard Hayes's Bourbon and Blood, the first installment in the Bill Conlin thriller series, this one would get you hooked into it after the first page. Bill Conlin is a former Army Veteran from the war and couldn't find any good work in New York City. That's when his cousin Jimmy tells him about a job working for Francis Sullivan, the same his cousin works for, too. But thing aren't what they seem, when he works for the Irish crime lord. As soon as he meets Dana, a waitress at the diner, things heat up for Bill and Jimmy. It all started with the first assignment and that was going to a Mexican bar with Jimmy. From there, he had been dealt with prostitution, corrupted cops and FBI agents, a drug war between the Mexicans and Russians, and a sex trafficking crime ring. When a fellow associate gets his cousin hooked on heroin, he sends him to rehab and when to start his new life. With his new partner Kenny, it took a nose dove, when the next assisgnment almost had gotten him killed and put him in a coma. Months later, Kenny stole his girl, when he believed the Russians had kidnapped her and set him up for the murder of the Mexican gang leader. Now he came gunning after the real ring leader with a cheesy cop on the take, when he had to go into hiding and run for his life with vengeance on his mind.

[Ashley Haines]

Hello. This review is an honest review. I was asked to review and I accepted. I was iffy on it because it was outside my comfort zone. However the top of the book caught my attention with the saying. Now see the first 7 chapters were hard for me to get in to the book. I almost stopped reading altogether due to the fact it seemed to be dragging at this point. But don't let me turn you away just yet because, By the 8th chapter I was hooked that was when the story came alive. The amount of action and thrilling crime that Garrard put in to his book after this was beyond exceptional. I was very impressed. I was almost ready to stop reading the book for the night and come back to it but after chapter 8 hit at like 730 pm the next thing I knew it was midnight and I was almost done with the book but midnight is midnight and well we all need our sleep. So the first thing I did the next morning was picked it back up and started reading all again finished the book by lunch time, but, Not without asking about a part two that is for real the cliff hanger on this was like a cliff off the Grand Canyon. I loved it! Garrard has started a series that I can see going a long way, and I for one want to have this series on my shelf for sure.

[J.C. Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book I read cover to cover, could not stop once starting and just finished it. Bourbon and Blood is a suspenseful thriller that keeps you turning the page. An ex-military man, Bill, finds a life back in the states has left him a little down on his luck. His cousin, who he grew up with, gets him a job that he really is not up for with the Irish mob. But say no to his new position is not an option. So what could go wrong? How about everything you can imagine and then some. Bill is left trying to find out who he can trust and who is out to get him. Even the FBI and the cops are corrupt leaving him the fight of his life. Death, torcher, bourbon, and blood were not in the life spectrum he wanted, ok maybe the bourbon but the rest definitely now. But to stay alive is he must face danger and treachery or he will lose.
This is a book that you will want to read and then read it again just to see what you may have missed the first time. Garrard Hayes does a wonderful job bring the read action and thrills but maintains the humanity of a man who has to get his hands dirty to stay alive and kicks some ass to do so. This story will keep you on your toes and if you like a lot of blood, some drama, and action I would suggest you purchase this book.

[Lisa Henderson-Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway in exchange for a honest review.

It did take a few chapters for me to be fully invested in the story but once the action started i was hooked.This is a very fast read with non stop action to keep you moving forward. Almost too fast in my opinion. To me the timeline seemed a little vague. Near the end of the book a reference was made that indicated that approximately a year had gone by and that Bill had spent a couple months in a coma. Somehow i had missed that and had to go back and reread that chapter. In all honesty i was up late reading because i couldn't put the book down and may have been more tired than i realized and just didn't retain that part of the book. I liked the characters but wanted more of who they were and what their back stories were.

Overall this was a decent read and i'm hoping to see another book featuring Bill Conlin.

[Rob Einsle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading. The rhythm and meter of Gerrard's writing marches the reader down the lines.

The characters are developed really well and immediately you are curious about the main character (Knob Creek is a fine choice, btw) and you need to know more.

The plot thickened and piqued interest...

And I kept marching along down the lines getting more and more entranced until the "well, might as well finish it" thoughts occur; I was completely unable to set the book down.

It was that kind of well-written intriguing writing. Great job!

[Nila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is what grabbed my attention on this book at first, it looks very intriguing and it didn't disappoint! Action packed, I couldn't believe the luck of ex-serviceman Bill and the trouble his cousin Jimmy gets him into. But because Jimmy is the only one looking out for him and he is family, Bill ends up "working" jobs that are tied to mobs. It will keep you turning the pages with all the crazy action. A quick but very entertaining read!

[Jeff Critser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bourbon & Blood gripped me in the first few pages and held tightly throughout. I enjoy dark, gritty noirs such as this, and Garrard Hayes delivered the goods in a convincing way. This story's underbelly was filled with disturbing and raspy imagery and throbbed an unsettling pulse throughout the entire plotline. If noir fiction is what you're after, you can't go wrong with this book...Bourbon & Blood is the real deal!

[Rory Costello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll have the double cheeseburger, please. Yes, with bacon. Make it rare. And a few fingers of Knob Creek, in honor of the main character. Beer to wash it down? Sure, why not.

This was a fun adventure. It had a good number of things to recommend it, especially the duplicity of the bad guy and even some subtle shading, like the tea-drinking Irish mob boss.

I'd be on board for Bill's next outing.

[R.C. Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written action packed adventure. The characters are relatable and the plight of the 'good guy' is understandable as he is drawn deeper into the seamy side of daily urban life. The author brilliantly brings you into the action while navigating unexpected twists and turns along the way. Recomended reading for all crime fiction lovers!
-RC and JP Carter - O'Rourke Crime Novels

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bourbon & Blood is a fast-paced, hard boiled thriller that I couldn't put down. The characters have a genuine feel, complete with flaws and limitations that are truly believable. If you're a fan of non-stop action, don't miss this novel.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action comes fast and slick in Bourbon and Blood and fans of action thrillers will love it. One of those books which grabs your attention and doesn't let you go till you have turned the last page.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed thriller that runs on rocket fuel! This is what I call a good old fashion shoot them up. You have good guys and bad guys, a good plot and a bevy of colourful characters. All together they make a really enjoyable weekend of reading.

[Terry Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, fun read. Well worth my time. Enjoyable modernisation of the Spade Spade genre.

[Cheryl Hackert chatterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Loved the NYC scene and the detailed drama around all of the characters!!!

[Nykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast paced

[Kerry Reis · Rating 3 out of 5]

FOR 18+ READERS ONLY! Bill Conlin, a recent Afghanistan war veteran, is back home in New York City, living in a one-room dump of an apartment with no job prospects, when his cousin, Jimmy, practically forces him to meet and take a gig as an enforcer for an Irish mob boss. The position seems to come with ready cash, a luxury apartment and a female bedmate, but it is strongly implied that rejection of the job will lead to a round of torture and death, so Bill is caught in an ethical trap of survival. As conflict arises between a Mexican drug cartel and later a dangerous set of Russian mobsters, Bill struggles to determine who he can trust and just where his greatest danger lies. The story, as told as a personal account, races through a roller-coaster ride of danger and thrills that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged. The pace is quick and editing is well done. However, it was difficult at times to empathize with Bill Conlin as a strong anti-hero in a deadly game, as his ethical insecurities appeared too erratic at times. Nearly all other characters from mob, gang, FBI or local police appear tainted, dangerously corrupt, or basically unreliable. Most of the action is basically theatrically hyper-realistic, but I did find one table-turning moment that was more forced than usual. Still, the hyper-action will keep most thrill junkies enraptured from start to finish.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery thriller reads very quickly. The story line doesn't have much meat on the bone. It was an okay read at best. Protagonist Bill Conlin is a returning war vet. Bill has no job, lives in a very sad apartment, and is running out of money. His best friend Jimmy begs him to take a job with the local Irish mob . The Irish mob is lead by a guy named Sullivan. Sullivan takes a quick liking to Bill and convinces him to join up. Now partnered with another Sullivan gangster named Kenny, nothing by mayhem ensues. What could go wrong does go wrong. Even after Bill falls in love with a cafe worker named Dana.Bill just can't catch a break. The characters don't have much substance to them. Dialog in the book does save it some. There were several twists, and turns within the plot that kept it a little interesting. I'd have to say the ending was a head scratching confusing moment. I'd recommend this yarn to those not looking for anything real special in a mystery thriller. I gave it 3 stars out of 5 stars possible. 3 stars because I felt for Jimmy, and the book's dialog was pretty good. Give it a read with an open mind. All in all it was okay.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deception, Murder, Crime Mobs"

This story has everything a crime thriller reader enjoys. It's a gritty, fast paced story which really captivated me. After completing a dangerous military tour in Afghanistan, Bill Conlin returns to New York City, the place he grew up. He's running out of money, no jobs are available, getting depressed and lonely. He does like his bourbon, Knob Creek brand, and often meets his cousin, Jimmy, at a bar in the evenings. Jimmy works for Irish thugs, his job being collecting rent and other funds from mostly immigrants. He finally entices Bill to meet with the big boss, Frank Sullivan, leader of a growing criminal organization. Frank knows of Bill's background of being a gunner, using explosives, and hand-to-hand combat. To Frank, he's got talent! Once Bill is threatened, he is forced to become one of Frank's associates ... a killer. This story is action packed, bloody, and a compelling read. I'm looking forward to the next book about Bill Conlin. He may be a killer, but he also has heart.

[Garrard Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

More 5★ Book Reviews for Bourbon & Blood: Modern & Gritty Crime Novel Thrusts War Hero Into Brutal New York Crime Underworld

Timely, plausible and shockingly vivid. An under-appreciated United States Military hero is forced into a job interview with a New York crime boss. While Bill Conlin survived the risks and rigors of serving in Afghanistan, can he find his way out of New York City’s dark crime underworld with his life and dignity intact?

Manhattan, NY - While the nation pays proud tribute to its brothers and sisters in arms, many returning from tours of duty in the Middle East endure great struggle and hardship when returning to ‘normal’ life. In this visceral and terrifying new novel, one war hero’s life is turned upside down in ways he could never have imagined.

‘Bourbon & Blood’ proves that, while it may appear to be a million miles away from a warzone, home soil is often far from safe.