The Blue Messiah

by James D. Horan

This book has some wear, other than that its in good shape.

Genres: Thriller

460 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

James David Horan was an American newspaper editor, author and novelist. Born in New York City, he studied at Drake College in Jersey City and at the New York University Writing Center. He wrote more then 40 books, primarily history or historical fiction, and was employed as Special Events Editor for the New York Journal American for many years. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his books, and a member of many organizations of writers and historians.

He and his wife, Gertrude Dorrity, had four children.

Reviews

[Bill Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

James D. Horan reaches the zenith of his literary career with The Blue Messiah. Not only does he draw up a gritty, realistic portrayal of New York City life, police and political corruption, the history of organized crime in America, he weaves it all into one necessary tapestry, one portrait in which all of the parts fit neatly together. For no corruption can exist in the underworld or in the legitimate world unless both worlds overlap. Horan's insight into the two main characters is insightful indeed. Not only do both boys emerge from the dark innards of New York City, their lives in that crucible of corrupt cops, politicians, and cynical, manipulative clergymen become obvious motivators for their drive to succeed. Horan shows the two city boys becoming men in a world of cynicism, the only kind of men their "neighborhood" can produce. While their fates are deserved, they are also tragic figures because they came of age in a world in which few other options were available to them.