Screwing Sinatra

by P Moss

Join the Rat Pack in this stylish crime-thriller novel that showcases the glitz, glamor, and grime of Las Vegas’ early years from the author who captures the atmosphere of Sin City's heyday like no other! It's 1960, and Frank Sinatra, the king of showbiz, is conspiring with Jack Kennedy and gangster Sam Giancana to steal the presidential election. Then, in a mind-blowing twist, Sinatra’s perfect world comes crashing down on him as he is betrayed by JFK and finds himself in the crosshairs of a mob assassin! The latest in P Moss’ string of historical crime fiction, Screwing Sinatra focuses on one of the most celebrated performers in pop culture and his connections to the mob and political power. Immerse yourself in the golden age of Las Vegas when the stars that made it the center of the entertainment world ruled the Strip! Perfect for fans of mid-century American music, crime, politics, and celebrities.

236 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2024

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the summary of this book I was intrigued. I’ve been a fan of the Godfather since I picked up the book in high school which led me to my fascination with the inner workings of the mob and Cosa Nostra. Of course if you know anything about The Godfather, you know that a character was based loosely on Old Blue Eyes and his connections with The Outfit. So of course this was a book that I wanted to get my hands on and read. The fact that the Kennedy’s played a large role in this book was just the icing on the cake, they’re also a very interesting part of modern American History.

There were parts of the novel where my interest dipped rather low. I’m quite wary of those who only showcase Marilyn Monroe’s reputation where sex was concerned. That might have been my major gripe with the novel on a whole, was the purpose women played. Though I’m well aware of how life was in the in and before the 60’s, its a reason I could never get into Mad Men.

That being said, the story was compelling and I loved the twist of how Frank got out of the position he’d gotten himself into with his back against the wall. Moss kept me interested throughout, I'd tell myself ‘one more chapter’ and then I'd read four. I do love a book I can read consistently, wanting to know how all the twists and turns are going to play out. I would recommend this book to anyone that has the same sort of fascination with how organize crime, at its height, molded the American landscape and the strings that they pulled.

Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for this arc!!
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this novel that swings with the best of them, telling a story of gangsters, goddesses, singers and sinners in a time that seemed more innocent, at least to the citizens who watched these Kings and Kingmakers from afar.

There was a time when Gods walked the Earth, or at least the Sands in Las Vegas. Where the sound of ring a ding ding was a call to debauchery, where flawed men ruled, women were shared, women schemed, and a darkness invisible to most of the people, was starting to gather. Drinking was entertainment and a tool, power was the ultimate Viagra, and lies were used as currency. And the Gods forbid if one did not deliver on something that was promised, be it a date with a starlet, a movie role. Or control of the presidency. For these gods were quick to act, and many would get caught in their crossfire. Screwing Sinatra by P Moss is a pulpy, gossipy, rumour filled, conspiracy laced story set in the time of America's Camelot, with characters both fictional and more than real vying for power, fame, or for their very lives.

The time is before the 1960 election and life for the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra was good. Sinatra was back on the music charts, his movies were being seen, he had a house in Palm Springs that was the envy of many, and he was still a magnet to the many women, or broads, that circled the famous. In addition he had a friend in the possible President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. Though he had enemies in Kennedy's wife and brother. The election with Nixon was running a little close, so Sinatra asks his Mob friends to do what they can, and in return, the new administration would look away from the Mob's actions. After the dead voted in Chicago, Kennedy was made president to the happiness of many. Which soon turned when the Mob was still being investigated by Bobby Kennedy. Sinatra knows only one person will be blamed for this, as the world can always find another singer, even one as popular as himself.

This is a book for people who loved James Ellroy, the Demon Dog as he called himself, and miss his earlier benzedrine fueled feeling pulp masterpieces. Or for those who still have copies of Confidential magazine with dogeared pages under their bed. This is pulp at its sleaziest, with a story that hits right from the first chapter and goes. Actually tha first chapter will probably weed a few people out. This is a book for those who listen to Sinatra at the Sands or even better while reading Crossfire, Appointment in Dallas, or other classic Kennedy assassination conspiracy books, while watching the Sinatra move Suddenly on mute. A very specific audience. Which I guess I am a part of. Though as Groucho Marx said, : I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member. There are a lot of member mentions in this book, a lot of violence, short sharp and ugly, and a lot of uncharitable mentions about women. Though I must say Jacqueline Kennedy is my hero here. Again not for everyone, but if anything I have said resounds with the reader, this book will probably be up your alley. I will have to read more by P Moss, as they are quick, brutal in some spots, and super diverting from the world we find ourselves in today.

[Dan Blackley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screwing Sinatra about the 1960 campaign with Kennedy and Sinatra with his rat pack friends got Kennedy elected. I’m not so sure if the facts are all true, but I learned a lot more about the undertaking of that campaign and what really happened if it is true., It is amazing that something hasn’t been said about this before. I enjoyed the writing. The writer has away with words and keeps the story moving.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictional book was well calculated and very engaging. It speaks of Frank Sinatra’s involvement with the Rat Pack, unconventional campaigning for President John F. Kennedy (much to the dismay of First Lady Jacqueline) and his ongoing battle with then Attorney General, Bobby Kennedy. I enjoyed every minute of this book and recommend it to readers of Organized Crime Thrillers.

My favorite character is Sinatra himself, whereas my least favorite goes to Bobby.

[Xenos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story...but way too explicit in spots for this reader.

[Perry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an imaginative use of history. It uses some bits of The Godfather, but includes the Kennedys as characters. It is also crass and pretty silly. It uses the broadest conspiracy theories to fit into the story, which I don't make a lot of sense. It was a quick read and good for time spent on an airplane, but not more than that.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Screwing Sinatra" is a kitschy, grind-house romp that revels in bad tase and features prose that makes Dan Brown look like Ernest Hemingway. This book jumbles together a bunch of weak conspiracy theories and 60's A-Listers to create a story that is more disturbing and disorienting than actually engaging. Some readers may enjoy the ride but most will just want to get of the merry-go-round. Expect, a sexed up and dumbed down retelling of the Kennedy -Sinatra election saga, general seediness, a good deal of misogyny and misbehavior typical of the time, cheap titillating portrayals of both Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O , and a good deal of senseless violence played for yucks.


2.5 stars rounded to 2.

Thanks, to NetGalley and the publisher, IDW Publishing, for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.