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Sons of the Pope
"This is a very visual novel and the attention to detail is so rich that I could smell the dirty water dogs from the NYC street vendors. Bravo!" ~Romeo Tirone, Director of True Blood, Dexter, and Red Widow
“Daniel O'Connor's Sons of the Pope reveals an interesting new talent with a snappy style. This is someone's career to watch.” ~Andrew Neiderman, Author of The Devil's Advocate and several V.C. Andrews novels
"A rich, epic chronicle of murder, the mob, and miracles...” ~ Kevin O'Brien, NY Times Bestselling Author
***
In Brooklyn, before the murders, before the miracle, before the 1940s were gone forever, there was a tree. If only they let that tree alone.
If that sycamore tree had been allowed to stand, then maybe Biaggio Falcone never would have been the head of the Campigotto crime family. Perhaps little Joey Salerno would not have been born like that.
Joey’s father, Sal - just home from World War II - probably would never have gotten involved with the New York underworld, and his wife Mary wouldn't have spent her entire life caring for an eternal child.
There may have been no reason, four decades later, for that desperate pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. And no need for anyone to call upon the one known only as The Diabolist.
Experience the richness of a story that spans half a century. Love and
hatred. Devotion and betrayal. Murder and miracles.
If only they let that tree alone.
“Daniel O'Connor's Sons of the Pope reveals an interesting new talent with a snappy style. This is someone's career to watch.” ~Andrew Neiderman, Author of The Devil's Advocate and several V.C. Andrews novels
"A rich, epic chronicle of murder, the mob, and miracles...” ~ Kevin O'Brien, NY Times Bestselling Author
***
In Brooklyn, before the murders, before the miracle, before the 1940s were gone forever, there was a tree. If only they let that tree alone.
If that sycamore tree had been allowed to stand, then maybe Biaggio Falcone never would have been the head of the Campigotto crime family. Perhaps little Joey Salerno would not have been born like that.
Joey’s father, Sal - just home from World War II - probably would never have gotten involved with the New York underworld, and his wife Mary wouldn't have spent her entire life caring for an eternal child.
There may have been no reason, four decades later, for that desperate pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. And no need for anyone to call upon the one known only as The Diabolist.
Experience the richness of a story that spans half a century. Love and
hatred. Devotion and betrayal. Murder and miracles.
If only they let that tree alone.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2012
523 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Daniel O'Connor
6 books91 followersDaniel O'Connor was born, the youngest of five children, in Brooklyn, NY. He lost his mother to cancer, on her wedding anniversary, when he was four years of age, and then his father two years later. He lived with his grandmother until she passed when Dan was ten. Rather than purchase a clown mask and a chainsaw, he kept the demons at bay through books, movies, music - and writing.
During the recruitment process for a police career, Suffolk County, NY applicant investigators asked Dan how someone with such a difficult childhood managed to pass the drug, psychological and polygraph exams, along with the rigorous background check. Dan had a one word answer: Reading.
Upon completion of his highly decorated police career, Daniel moved to the southwest with his wife and two daughters. It is there that he wrote, using characters and scenarios developed with his late cousin Peter Randazzo, the dark love letter to old Brooklyn: SONS OF THE POPE. Daniel's second novel, CANNI, an intense thriller, was released on July 4th, 2019.
Daniel O'Connor has one goal. It is to spread THIS message to every child: "Please know that, no matter how alone you feel, nor how discouraged or impoverished you may be right now, you should focus on your dreams and disassociate yourself from people and situations that will drag you away from your goals. Drugs, drink, gangs, crime, self-mutilation, and the like will lead you down a dark and disastrous path from which you likely will never recover. Focus, work hard, be strong, and your dreams await you."
___________________________________________________________________________
BIG NAME reviews of SONS OF THE POPE:
"This is a very visual novel and the attention to detail is so rich that I could smell the dirty water dogs from the NYC street vendors. Bravo!" ~Romeo Tirone, Director of TRUE BLOOD, DEXTER, NURSE JACKIE, RED WIDOW and RECTIFY.
"Daniel O'Connor's SONS OF THE POPE reveals an interesting new talent with a snappy style. This is someone's career to watch." ~Andrew Neiderman, 100 million-selling author of THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE and numerous V.C. ANDREWS novels.
"A rich, epic chronicle of murder, the mob, and miracles..." ~ Kevin O'Brien, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of TERRIFIED, LAST VICTIM and ONLY SON.
_____________________________________________
Short stories from Daniel:
"The Binding" from the horror anthology, BLOOD RITES: AN INVITATION TO HORROR.
"Between Catskill and Cooperstown" from the horror anthology, SERIAL KILLERS ITERUM.
"Sun Day" from the anthology, ECLECTICALLY VEGAS, BABY.
Daniel's blog: Canni.blog
Contact Daniel: AuthorDanO@aol.com
Twitter: @DanOVegas
*FUN FACTS about Dan:
1) He created the name for the famous front four of the New York Jets known as the NEW YORK SACK EXCHANGE.
2) He has been interviewed on television by DAVID LETTERMAN.
3) He has appeared as an extra in an episode of DEXTER.
4) He has worked security for NBC and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.
5) He has the strength of 100 men.
6) He usually lies about one fun fact.
During the recruitment process for a police career, Suffolk County, NY applicant investigators asked Dan how someone with such a difficult childhood managed to pass the drug, psychological and polygraph exams, along with the rigorous background check. Dan had a one word answer: Reading.
Upon completion of his highly decorated police career, Daniel moved to the southwest with his wife and two daughters. It is there that he wrote, using characters and scenarios developed with his late cousin Peter Randazzo, the dark love letter to old Brooklyn: SONS OF THE POPE. Daniel's second novel, CANNI, an intense thriller, was released on July 4th, 2019.
Daniel O'Connor has one goal. It is to spread THIS message to every child: "Please know that, no matter how alone you feel, nor how discouraged or impoverished you may be right now, you should focus on your dreams and disassociate yourself from people and situations that will drag you away from your goals. Drugs, drink, gangs, crime, self-mutilation, and the like will lead you down a dark and disastrous path from which you likely will never recover. Focus, work hard, be strong, and your dreams await you."
___________________________________________________________________________
BIG NAME reviews of SONS OF THE POPE:
"This is a very visual novel and the attention to detail is so rich that I could smell the dirty water dogs from the NYC street vendors. Bravo!" ~Romeo Tirone, Director of TRUE BLOOD, DEXTER, NURSE JACKIE, RED WIDOW and RECTIFY.
"Daniel O'Connor's SONS OF THE POPE reveals an interesting new talent with a snappy style. This is someone's career to watch." ~Andrew Neiderman, 100 million-selling author of THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE and numerous V.C. ANDREWS novels.
"A rich, epic chronicle of murder, the mob, and miracles..." ~ Kevin O'Brien, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of TERRIFIED, LAST VICTIM and ONLY SON.
_____________________________________________
Short stories from Daniel:
"The Binding" from the horror anthology, BLOOD RITES: AN INVITATION TO HORROR.
"Between Catskill and Cooperstown" from the horror anthology, SERIAL KILLERS ITERUM.
"Sun Day" from the anthology, ECLECTICALLY VEGAS, BABY.
Daniel's blog: Canni.blog
Contact Daniel: AuthorDanO@aol.com
Twitter: @DanOVegas
*FUN FACTS about Dan:
1) He created the name for the famous front four of the New York Jets known as the NEW YORK SACK EXCHANGE.
2) He has been interviewed on television by DAVID LETTERMAN.
3) He has appeared as an extra in an episode of DEXTER.
4) He has worked security for NBC and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.
5) He has the strength of 100 men.
6) He usually lies about one fun fact.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 16, 2020
Great book
I grew up in Brooklyn during the early 50’s and was delighted by reading of some of the places I used to visit, L&B Supmoni Gardens was one of them. Great character development and plot.
I grew up in Brooklyn during the early 50’s and was delighted by reading of some of the places I used to visit, L&B Supmoni Gardens was one of them. Great character development and plot.
January 14, 2020
Compares to The Godfather
Multigenerational, rich and dark tale of la familia. For all the darkness and violence it ends rich in redemption.
I highly recommend this book.
Multigenerational, rich and dark tale of la familia. For all the darkness and violence it ends rich in redemption.
I highly recommend this book.
January 25, 2020
I loved this book from the very first page. A warm family saga following the rich and varied lives of various immigrant families living in Brooklyn, NY over a period of some 50 years from the mid-1940s to the early 1990s. Of course, the largest ethnic group living in Brooklyn during the first half of the 20th century were Catholic Italian/Sicilian immigrants who brought with them their sense of family, love, and honour and helping one's neighbours as and when required and with this strong sense of family and honour, came the Mafia with its own peculiar sense of honour and caring for all members of its family. Yes, there is violence, and yes, sometimes a bit too graphic for comfort, but not so much that the characters lose their humanity. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
January 27, 2020
Strange & wonderful journey
When the book starts out you may think you understand the plot but it blows you away in the end as character sketches take presidence.
When the book starts out you may think you understand the plot but it blows you away in the end as character sketches take presidence.
January 23, 2020
Reminds me of The Godfather.
Some unexpected story changes but overall a good read for me. If liked Godfather you should like. Great characters with descriptivenames
Some unexpected story changes but overall a good read for me. If liked Godfather you should like. Great characters with descriptivenames
January 15, 2020
New author
Excellent read. A stay up all night till you finish it type of story. Definitely recommend this book to be read.
Excellent read. A stay up all night till you finish it type of story. Definitely recommend this book to be read.
January 11, 2020
The Story Tellers Pope!
This is a story of a families fall and rise thru
Tumultuous times
Good and Evil fight or flight its all mostly a true
Liturgie of what happened after World War Two
In the New York area. Read it and believe it.
Miracles do happen—but remember, it’s still just a story.
This is a story of a families fall and rise thru
Tumultuous times
Good and Evil fight or flight its all mostly a true
Liturgie of what happened after World War Two
In the New York area. Read it and believe it.
Miracles do happen—but remember, it’s still just a story.
April 4, 2020
Moving
The book is one of the finer ones I have read in the recent past. It is both engrossing and moving and humane.
The book is one of the finer ones I have read in the recent past. It is both engrossing and moving and humane.
January 28, 2020
A great story. Couldn't put it down
I enjoyed Sons of the Pope immensely. It told a story across a generation of an Italian family and the historical events of their time. It wasn't the usual "Mafioso" book depicting cold blooded thugs but a more realistic look at the people who make up a "familia" including those that we just "civilian" friends yet still considered family.
For me it was as close to how I understood my own relationship with my Australian "familia", growing up on the periphery of a mafia family. I knew the love, fellowship of very hard men but saw their humanity and goodness as well.
Daniel O'Connor brought to life these people and made them real. Good, bad and ugly. Sure it was set in a different city and on a different continent to the one I grew up in but they were the same people and I understood them.
Well done mate and Dio ti benedica.I
I enjoyed Sons of the Pope immensely. It told a story across a generation of an Italian family and the historical events of their time. It wasn't the usual "Mafioso" book depicting cold blooded thugs but a more realistic look at the people who make up a "familia" including those that we just "civilian" friends yet still considered family.
For me it was as close to how I understood my own relationship with my Australian "familia", growing up on the periphery of a mafia family. I knew the love, fellowship of very hard men but saw their humanity and goodness as well.
Daniel O'Connor brought to life these people and made them real. Good, bad and ugly. Sure it was set in a different city and on a different continent to the one I grew up in but they were the same people and I understood them.
Well done mate and Dio ti benedica.I
February 3, 2020
A story of the.old neighborhood, of good and of not so good.
Well written, good character development yada yada. It is that but more. This is the story of the old neighborhood through generations, the juxtaposition of two families, one of light and hope through the struggles and one of darkness descending through actions. My reactions throughout the reading ranged from cringe and disgust to damp eyes.and an occasional sniffle. Well done, Sir and btw - as I discovered at the end, thank you for your service to MY neighborhood.
Well written, good character development yada yada. It is that but more. This is the story of the old neighborhood through generations, the juxtaposition of two families, one of light and hope through the struggles and one of darkness descending through actions. My reactions throughout the reading ranged from cringe and disgust to damp eyes.and an occasional sniffle. Well done, Sir and btw - as I discovered at the end, thank you for your service to MY neighborhood.
January 22, 2020
A Marmite book, love it or hate it.
I loved it, but it is quite brutal and graphic at times. But it's only a story, we don't know if there is real life like this. Some might know differently though.
I loved it, but it is quite brutal and graphic at times. But it's only a story, we don't know if there is real life like this. Some might know differently though.
February 8, 2020
Just how you would think an Italian American "family" would be in Brooklyn NY over the years.
Spanning generations, with births, deaths, and everyday business, the characters are believable and the situations are what you always thought they were.
Murder, mayhem, family life, disappointments, and hopes make for a look at what Italian Americans did to stake their claim and protect their own.
Spanning generations, with births, deaths, and everyday business, the characters are believable and the situations are what you always thought they were.
Murder, mayhem, family life, disappointments, and hopes make for a look at what Italian Americans did to stake their claim and protect their own.
February 5, 2020
This book is about the Brooklyn I remember growing up, and the stories I heard when I was a little kid. The characters could well be neighbors and relatives of mine. Such a well thought out story, you won't want to put the book down, even after you finish it!
July 11, 2022
Wonderful book
This book is about an Italian family from the period before WWII to the 1990’s. The family’s interactions with the local Don and his people bring us a view of “civilian” life mixed with the local mafia and how they interacted with each other. An interesting study between the two groups of people.
This book is about an Italian family from the period before WWII to the 1990’s. The family’s interactions with the local Don and his people bring us a view of “civilian” life mixed with the local mafia and how they interacted with each other. An interesting study between the two groups of people.
February 7, 2020
What a story! The joys and sorrows of every day people. The heart pumping adrenaline through some scenes. The good, the bad and the ugly of humanity told in a way only this author can do.
Read
March 5, 2020Such a great read.
March 17, 2020
Not What I expected
Decent plot line. Characters stood out well also.
I’ll read another to see if this author has more to give
Decent plot line. Characters stood out well also.
I’ll read another to see if this author has more to give
March 16, 2020
Sons of the Pope
A well written novel about about a family and their friends thru time and locations. It is a stand alone novel that one can enjoy following.
A well written novel about about a family and their friends thru time and locations. It is a stand alone novel that one can enjoy following.
March 16, 2020
What a beautiful book.
What a great story of life and love, a very beautiful story of friendship, devotion and just life itself, well worth the read.
What a great story of life and love, a very beautiful story of friendship, devotion and just life itself, well worth the read.
March 12, 2020
Charming
What on the surface is just another Mafia story is really more about family and survival. The characters are very real and the uncomplicated stories bring life to the italian community
What on the surface is just another Mafia story is really more about family and survival. The characters are very real and the uncomplicated stories bring life to the italian community
February 17, 2020
Fun Read
This book reminds me of my Italian heritage. The way of speaking is quite familiar as are many of the Italian words. It was a very interesting and fun read. I would recommend it to everyone, especially my fellow Italians. I also learned a lot of information concerning the Mafia. Am looking forward to the next book.
This book reminds me of my Italian heritage. The way of speaking is quite familiar as are many of the Italian words. It was a very interesting and fun read. I would recommend it to everyone, especially my fellow Italians. I also learned a lot of information concerning the Mafia. Am looking forward to the next book.
February 17, 2020
Sons of the pope
This was a very graphic book? There were parts that were hard to read. That said, I really enjoyed it. Well done.
This was a very graphic book? There were parts that were hard to read. That said, I really enjoyed it. Well done.
Read
February 10, 2020This book was terrific. The characters were so real that I felt we were friends by the end of the book. I just couldn’t put it down.
May 30, 2020
The amount of love, praise, and adoration I have for this book is really insane. It’s pretty rare that I ever dole out five stars; but this book is more than deserving. A truly gripping story of a South Brooklyn mob family spanning from 1945 to 1989. The historical accuracies are absolutely incredible, and the references are outstanding. I’m a huge fan of all mafia literature age, so I like to think myself a worthy reviewer of this type of book. I have no words for how enjoyable and rich this story is. The author took so much time to develop these amazing characters; and the writing just paints such a gorgeous picture. A snapshot of the culture in America in a specific neighborhood is just so enchanting. Another thing I enjoyed about this book was that it wasn’t campy or cliche, this is a well written book about a crime family. No bullshit, get this book as soon as you can.
May 19, 2020
Not the typical neighborhood?
Well scripted story of the mafia families in Brooklyn. People just seemed to accept that there was this dark side everyone had to live with. Ignor it and it might go away. But if you were part of the family, made, there were rules, there was retribution, there was violence. And it was all accepted, just part of the deal. Well written. The reader is pulled right into the lives and times.
Well scripted story of the mafia families in Brooklyn. People just seemed to accept that there was this dark side everyone had to live with. Ignor it and it might go away. But if you were part of the family, made, there were rules, there was retribution, there was violence. And it was all accepted, just part of the deal. Well written. The reader is pulled right into the lives and times.
June 14, 2020
Historical Drama
Sons of the Pope a historical drama with lots of meat. A wonderfully written novel chronicling the lives of a Brooklyn family. Salvatore Salerno, an honorable man stayed in the fringes of the local crime family. Regardless his life and the lives of his family were entwined. A rich story with colorful characters where even the bad guys can be seen doing good. A riveting take from beginning to end.
Sons of the Pope a historical drama with lots of meat. A wonderfully written novel chronicling the lives of a Brooklyn family. Salvatore Salerno, an honorable man stayed in the fringes of the local crime family. Regardless his life and the lives of his family were entwined. A rich story with colorful characters where even the bad guys can be seen doing good. A riveting take from beginning to end.
August 2, 2022
not what I expected
Very cute book, not at all what I thought it would be. Easy read, definitely enjoyed the story! Very quick read!
Very cute book, not at all what I thought it would be. Easy read, definitely enjoyed the story! Very quick read!
June 20, 2024
This was an excellent story. Many different and interesting characters. Being from Brooklyn, it brought back many memories. Really enjoyed it!
August 5, 2021
Let me start by noting I am a Jersey girl who grew up with a friend whose uncle was a well-known mobster guy and at a time when "Mafia" was a word on the news quite frequently. I loved the book "The Godfather" and read it more than once and, of course, have seen all the movies.
No surprise that I very much enjoyed this book which is about a nice Italian-American Brooklyn family named Salerno and their interactions with some of the local notables - Tommy Box O'Cookies, Nicky the Zipper, John the Beatnik, and local head mobster Biaggio Falcone.
The book doesn't focus so much on blood and guts as the day-to-day lives of people who were struggling in the mid 1900s and those who preyed on local shop owners while fighting to hold turf from potential gang wars.
At times I shook my head with disgust over the idea of mobsters preying on and terrorizing shop owners for "protection". And yet, I was so engrossed in their story as well as the Salerno family who had some serious struggles (can't explain to avoid "spoiler" issues) with a dad who tried his best to provide and care for his family without becoming a "button man".
This was a fairly quick read with a great story full of interesting characters. I enjoyed it.
No surprise that I very much enjoyed this book which is about a nice Italian-American Brooklyn family named Salerno and their interactions with some of the local notables - Tommy Box O'Cookies, Nicky the Zipper, John the Beatnik, and local head mobster Biaggio Falcone.
The book doesn't focus so much on blood and guts as the day-to-day lives of people who were struggling in the mid 1900s and those who preyed on local shop owners while fighting to hold turf from potential gang wars.
At times I shook my head with disgust over the idea of mobsters preying on and terrorizing shop owners for "protection". And yet, I was so engrossed in their story as well as the Salerno family who had some serious struggles (can't explain to avoid "spoiler" issues) with a dad who tried his best to provide and care for his family without becoming a "button man".
This was a fairly quick read with a great story full of interesting characters. I enjoyed it.
June 9, 2022
A smattering of Mario Puzo, with a family love story set in Brooklyn where mob rule was on each city block. The story of a man holding his family together on the right side of the law until family medical issues needed him to crossover into being a bookie to make more funds for his sons health. The mob violence was a bit tough bit the family love story and loyalty and dedication balanced out this family saga. The strong faith of the mother is a cornerstone of the story and a brothers love shines through also. Heartwarming is tough commentary to pin on a mob story but this one shares the violence and the family togetherness. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews