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The Car In White: A Prequel to In Powder Blue
Sixteen-year old Salvatore LoCicero works the floors and does minor repairs, learning the trade at Vito’s auto shop in Queens, keeping his head down and staying out of trouble. But one night, a brutal encounter with a pair of child predators rips through the small world he knows, leaving marks on his soul that will never fade.
Out on the island, Anthony “The Midget” Ombrosi loses his mother in a violent crash on the Long Island Expressway. The tragedy hardens him, sharpening a hunger and ruthlessness that will shape every choice he makes. Alongside his childhood friend Joe DiPalma and their new partner Jimmy Hunter, Anthony begins building a cocaine empire, pushing Joe further to the margins as the streets of Queens and Long Island bend to their ambition.
When Sal crosses paths with Maria DiPalma, sparks fly, and a love story blooms amid the chaos. They marry, but the world Sal thought he’d left behind keeps pulling him back—into a life of loyalty, danger, and survival where one wrong step can cost everything.
Spanning the 1970s through September 11, 2001, The Car in White is a raw, cinematic prequel to In Powder Blue, tracing the choices, betrayals, and bloodlines that set the stage for Vincent LoCicero’s world.
For fans of Goodfellas, The Sopranos, and Mystic River, this is where the saga begins.
Out on the island, Anthony “The Midget” Ombrosi loses his mother in a violent crash on the Long Island Expressway. The tragedy hardens him, sharpening a hunger and ruthlessness that will shape every choice he makes. Alongside his childhood friend Joe DiPalma and their new partner Jimmy Hunter, Anthony begins building a cocaine empire, pushing Joe further to the margins as the streets of Queens and Long Island bend to their ambition.
When Sal crosses paths with Maria DiPalma, sparks fly, and a love story blooms amid the chaos. They marry, but the world Sal thought he’d left behind keeps pulling him back—into a life of loyalty, danger, and survival where one wrong step can cost everything.
Spanning the 1970s through September 11, 2001, The Car in White is a raw, cinematic prequel to In Powder Blue, tracing the choices, betrayals, and bloodlines that set the stage for Vincent LoCicero’s world.
For fans of Goodfellas, The Sopranos, and Mystic River, this is where the saga begins.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2026
About the author
Nikolas Pleiadi
7 books30 followersNikolas Pleiadi is a Long Island-born author whose work explores grief, addiction, legacy, and the weight of silence. His debut novel, In Powder Blue, is a gritty, emotionally charged literary crime story set in post-9/11 Levittown — a place where loyalty runs deep, and ghosts never stay buried.
Blending the psychological depth of Mystic River with the raw tension of The Sopranos, Pleiadi writes fiction that feels personal, cinematic, and uncomfortably real. He believes in flawed characters, haunted places, and stories that hit like a fist to the chest.
When he's not writing, he's probably driving too fast down the Wantagh Parkway, lifting heavy things, or building something that hurts a little to talk about.
Visit him at: www.nikolaspleiadi.com
Blending the psychological depth of Mystic River with the raw tension of The Sopranos, Pleiadi writes fiction that feels personal, cinematic, and uncomfortably real. He believes in flawed characters, haunted places, and stories that hit like a fist to the chest.
When he's not writing, he's probably driving too fast down the Wantagh Parkway, lifting heavy things, or building something that hurts a little to talk about.
Visit him at: www.nikolaspleiadi.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 13, 2026
I finished The Car in White by Nikolas Pleiadi a few days ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. The amount of real organized crime history woven into this story is incredible. From the neighborhoods and the unions to the Gambino influence and the way everyday life intersected with that world, it never felt sensationalized it felt authentic. You can tell the author either lived around this culture or did an unbelievable amount of research because the details are so natural. And then there's the reveal surrounding Michelle... I honestly didn't see it coming, but once it clicked, so many earlier moments suddenly took on a completely different meaning. It wasn't a twist for the sake of shocking the reader it was emotional, earned, and completely changed the way I looked at the story. This gives the Godfather a run for its money as far as authenticity goes.
July 13, 2026
★★★★★ The Car in White by Nikolas Pleiadi completely exceeded my expectations. I expected an organized crime novel, but what I got was an incredibly human story about family, love, addiction, loyalty, and the choices that shape generations. Every character felt authentic, and by the end I genuinely missed Joe, Sal, Maria, Jimmy, Anthony, Michelle, Lucy, and Vincent. The Long Island setting, the historical events, and the attention to detail made the world feel lived in rather than written. This is one of those rare books that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. I loved In Powder Blue, but I honestly think The Car in White is the stronger novel. It's beautifully written, emotionally devastating at times, and a book I'll be recommending for a very long time.
July 15, 2026
This book completely consumed me. It’s dark, emotional, gritty, and so vividly written that I felt like I was right there in every room, on every street, watching these characters make choices that would follow them for the rest of their lives. What impressed me most was how real everyone felt. Nobody is simply good or bad. They’re complicated, damaged, loyal, selfish, loving, and sometimes terrifying. Anthony and Uncle Joe especially stayed with me long after I finished. The family dynamics, the friendships, the betrayals, and all the little moments between the bigger scenes gave the story so much heart. The setting is incredibly immersive, and the writing made the 70s, 80s, and 90s feel alive without ever reading like a history lesson. I loved In Powder Blue, but The Car in White somehow feels even bigger, darker, and more emotionally powerful. It broke my heart more than once, and the connections between the two books made everything hit even harder. This is the kind of book you finish and immediately want to talk to someone about. An unforgettable read and easily one of my favorite books of the year. I would give it more than five stars if I could.
August 2, 2026
Okay I genuinely did not expect The Car in White to hit me the way it did. I already loved In Powder Blue, but this book somehow made me love it even more. It fills in so much without ever feeling like it is just explaining things. It changes how you see people, why they made certain choices, and what was really underneath so many moments in the first book. Joe drove me crazy, broke my heart, and somehow still made me understand him. Anthony is on another level. He feels dangerous, but never like some corny made-up gangster. He feels real. Like someone people would still whisper about years later. And Michelle completely changes everything. I am not even saying another word about that because people need to experience it for themselves.The Gilgo killer scene was insane. I actually had to stop reading for a second. Also, the playlist was such a great touch. Listening to the songs while reading made the whole book feel even more alive. It added so much to the time periods and the emotion of certain scenes. This book is dark, messy, sad, violent, and somehow still full of love.Read In Powder Blue first. Then read The Car in White and prepare to rethink the entire first book.
July 23, 2026
One of the best books I've read!
After reading "In Powder Blue ", I knew that I had to read "The Car in White "
This is a story about generations of Italian immigrants in New York. It made me cry and laugh out loud. The characters are so real that I feel like I know them personally. The story really gives one a perspective on how a single tragedy can completely changes ones path in life either for the better or worse. It delves deeply into how our environment can affect the choices we make and the outcome of our life. I would rate this book right up there with my all time favorites that I keep on my bookshelf, not only on my kindle, and I've been an avid reader my entire 64 years of life. If you're looking to buy this book, just do it! You won't be disappointed!
After reading "In Powder Blue ", I knew that I had to read "The Car in White "
This is a story about generations of Italian immigrants in New York. It made me cry and laugh out loud. The characters are so real that I feel like I know them personally. The story really gives one a perspective on how a single tragedy can completely changes ones path in life either for the better or worse. It delves deeply into how our environment can affect the choices we make and the outcome of our life. I would rate this book right up there with my all time favorites that I keep on my bookshelf, not only on my kindle, and I've been an avid reader my entire 64 years of life. If you're looking to buy this book, just do it! You won't be disappointed!
August 13, 2026
You don't read this book, you EXPERIENCE it!
This story hits different. It is a work of fiction, but it's also very real. Somehow you are able to relate to all of the characters. It's difficult to find a villain. (Unless you have lived a pristine life and never had to make a hard decision)
For me it was also a walk down memory lane. I know the places. I've been to the places. I lived many of the events. A few times I was stopped cold and had to take a minute. Especially when they talked about the crash at Southaven Park. I actually saw that craft go down! (It wasn't a plane)
The character development in this book alone made you sit with the characters even when you had to close the book to go make dinner. The playlist, brought the characters alive and really set you in the time period. It added to the story in such a way that made the story and its characters part of your life as well.
Do yourself a favor and buy and read it. You will not be disappointed.
This story hits different. It is a work of fiction, but it's also very real. Somehow you are able to relate to all of the characters. It's difficult to find a villain. (Unless you have lived a pristine life and never had to make a hard decision)
For me it was also a walk down memory lane. I know the places. I've been to the places. I lived many of the events. A few times I was stopped cold and had to take a minute. Especially when they talked about the crash at Southaven Park. I actually saw that craft go down! (It wasn't a plane)
The character development in this book alone made you sit with the characters even when you had to close the book to go make dinner. The playlist, brought the characters alive and really set you in the time period. It added to the story in such a way that made the story and its characters part of your life as well.
Do yourself a favor and buy and read it. You will not be disappointed.
July 30, 2026
great book . sad I finished it so soon
This book is excellent and so relatable . Being from queens and now Long Island I identify with the book and characters more than I like to admit . Family dynamic is similar and Italian heritage . Running with the wrong crowd what so forth. Good mixed with bad in every day life but it’s our life we survive . The first book www excellent as well. We need a third. Vincent in present day . Keep writing Nikolas you have a gift and despite your past you rose above.
This book is excellent and so relatable . Being from queens and now Long Island I identify with the book and characters more than I like to admit . Family dynamic is similar and Italian heritage . Running with the wrong crowd what so forth. Good mixed with bad in every day life but it’s our life we survive . The first book www excellent as well. We need a third. Vincent in present day . Keep writing Nikolas you have a gift and despite your past you rose above.
July 18, 2026
GREAT BOOK GREAT AUTHOR
September 3, 2026
Highly Recommended.
Easy enjoyable reading with reoccurring characters from the authors book “ In Powder Blue”. I read both books in four days.
Easy enjoyable reading with reoccurring characters from the authors book “ In Powder Blue”. I read both books in four days.
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★ ARC Review
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of The Car In White, and after finishing it, all I can say is wow.
This is technically a prequel to In Powder Blue, but it stands completely on its own. In fact, I think someone could read this first and still be fully invested in the story.
What surprised me most was how much heart this book has. Going in, I expected a crime novel. What I got was a deeply emotional story about family, friendship, ambition, loyalty, addiction, and the things that get passed down from one generation to the next.
The characters feel incredibly real. Not "book characters"—real people. Sal was probably my favorite. His desire to build a good life for himself and his family gives the novel its emotional core. Joe completely stole every scene he was in. He's funny, reckless, loyal, frustrating, and heartbreaking all at the same time. Anthony's arc is one of the most fascinating character journeys I've read in a long time.
The setting is phenomenal. The author captures New York in a way that feels lived-in rather than researched. The neighborhoods, family dinners, corner stores, social clubs, train rides, music, and conversations all feel authentic.
What really stayed with me after finishing was the sense of inevitability hanging over the entire story. Even during its happiest moments, there's a feeling that these characters are moving toward something they don't fully understand yet. It gives the novel tremendous emotional weight.
This is a big book, but it never felt long to me. The world is so rich and the characters are so engaging that I found myself wanting to spend more time with them, not less.
By the final chapters, I wasn't thinking about plot twists or action scenes. I was thinking about these people and how much I had come to care about them.
The Car In White is one of the most immersive and emotionally rewarding novels I've read this year. If you enjoy family sagas, literary crime fiction, character-driven storytelling, or books that stay with you long after you finish them, I highly recommend it.
A powerful, memorable novel that deserves a wide audience.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of The Car In White, and after finishing it, all I can say is wow.
This is technically a prequel to In Powder Blue, but it stands completely on its own. In fact, I think someone could read this first and still be fully invested in the story.
What surprised me most was how much heart this book has. Going in, I expected a crime novel. What I got was a deeply emotional story about family, friendship, ambition, loyalty, addiction, and the things that get passed down from one generation to the next.
The characters feel incredibly real. Not "book characters"—real people. Sal was probably my favorite. His desire to build a good life for himself and his family gives the novel its emotional core. Joe completely stole every scene he was in. He's funny, reckless, loyal, frustrating, and heartbreaking all at the same time. Anthony's arc is one of the most fascinating character journeys I've read in a long time.
The setting is phenomenal. The author captures New York in a way that feels lived-in rather than researched. The neighborhoods, family dinners, corner stores, social clubs, train rides, music, and conversations all feel authentic.
What really stayed with me after finishing was the sense of inevitability hanging over the entire story. Even during its happiest moments, there's a feeling that these characters are moving toward something they don't fully understand yet. It gives the novel tremendous emotional weight.
This is a big book, but it never felt long to me. The world is so rich and the characters are so engaging that I found myself wanting to spend more time with them, not less.
By the final chapters, I wasn't thinking about plot twists or action scenes. I was thinking about these people and how much I had come to care about them.
The Car In White is one of the most immersive and emotionally rewarding novels I've read this year. If you enjoy family sagas, literary crime fiction, character-driven storytelling, or books that stay with you long after you finish them, I highly recommend it.
A powerful, memorable novel that deserves a wide audience.
July 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would.
I don't even know where to start with The Car in White by Nikolas Pleiadi. This isn't just another mafia novel. In fact, if that's all you're expecting, you're missing what makes this book so special. What stayed with me wasn't the crime—it was the people. Joe. Sal. Maria. Jimmy. Anthony. Michelle. Lucy. Vincent.By the end, they didn't feel like characters anymore. They felt like people I'd known my whole life.The authenticity is what sets this book apart. Nothing feels Hollywood. The neighborhoods, the family dynamics, the conversations, the construction industry, the organized crime, the addiction, the music, the history it all feels lived in rather than researched. It reads like someone writing about a world they actually understood instead of someone borrowing clichés from movies. The story quietly spans decades, weaving together real historical events with fictional characters so seamlessly that I found myself looking up some of the history afterward. It never felt forced. Everything served the story. What surprised me most was how emotional it was. There were chapters that genuinely made me smile, others that made me anxious, and more than one that left me sitting there after I finished because I needed a minute to process everything. And the music... I've never read another novel that uses a soundtrack this effectively. Every song choice deepens the emotion of the scene without ever feeling gimmicky. I loved In Powder Blue, but I honestly think The Car in White is the stronger novel. It somehow makes the first book even better by adding so much depth to the characters and the world. the criticism that this is "just another mob book" couldn't be further from my experience. At its heart, this is a story about family, loyalty, addiction, love, redemption, and the choices that echo across generations. The organized crime backdrop is simply the world these people inhabit. This is one of those rare books where I wasn't racing to reach the ending because I wanted it to be over I just wanted to spend more time with the characters. One of the best novels I've read in a long time. Highly recommended.
I don't even know where to start with The Car in White by Nikolas Pleiadi. This isn't just another mafia novel. In fact, if that's all you're expecting, you're missing what makes this book so special. What stayed with me wasn't the crime—it was the people. Joe. Sal. Maria. Jimmy. Anthony. Michelle. Lucy. Vincent.By the end, they didn't feel like characters anymore. They felt like people I'd known my whole life.The authenticity is what sets this book apart. Nothing feels Hollywood. The neighborhoods, the family dynamics, the conversations, the construction industry, the organized crime, the addiction, the music, the history it all feels lived in rather than researched. It reads like someone writing about a world they actually understood instead of someone borrowing clichés from movies. The story quietly spans decades, weaving together real historical events with fictional characters so seamlessly that I found myself looking up some of the history afterward. It never felt forced. Everything served the story. What surprised me most was how emotional it was. There were chapters that genuinely made me smile, others that made me anxious, and more than one that left me sitting there after I finished because I needed a minute to process everything. And the music... I've never read another novel that uses a soundtrack this effectively. Every song choice deepens the emotion of the scene without ever feeling gimmicky. I loved In Powder Blue, but I honestly think The Car in White is the stronger novel. It somehow makes the first book even better by adding so much depth to the characters and the world. the criticism that this is "just another mob book" couldn't be further from my experience. At its heart, this is a story about family, loyalty, addiction, love, redemption, and the choices that echo across generations. The organized crime backdrop is simply the world these people inhabit. This is one of those rare books where I wasn't racing to reach the ending because I wanted it to be over I just wanted to spend more time with the characters. One of the best novels I've read in a long time. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2026
Book Review: The Car in White by Nikolas Pleiadi
I really enjoyed The Car in White, but what made it especially meaningful to me was how much of my own life I found within its pages.
Nikolas Pleiadi is the type of author where you feel like you are IN the storyline - feelings, emotion, raw truth - you get it all in this very talented, amazing authors books! Draws you in as soon as you start reading!!
I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Howard Beach, Queens, where my family has had roots for more than 50 years. So seeing familiar places like Queens, Rockaway, and Ozone Park immediately gave me that wonderful feeling of home. ❤️
What really touched me were the family gatherings, relationships, love, and loyalty. There were moments when the family interactions felt so familiar that I honestly felt like I was reading about my own family.
And then there was Sal and Maria’s love story. The way they met and the beginning of their relationship reminded me so much of Vinny and me and our own love story. It brought back memories of how our journey began and made their relationship especially meaningful to me. ❤️
That’s what I love about books—the way a story can bring you back to your own family, your neighborhood, your memories, and the people you love.
For me, The Car in White wasn’t just a story. I found little pieces of my own life, my Queens roots, my family, and my love story within its pages.
And those are the books that stay with you. ❤️📚
I really enjoyed The Car in White, but what made it especially meaningful to me was how much of my own life I found within its pages.
Nikolas Pleiadi is the type of author where you feel like you are IN the storyline - feelings, emotion, raw truth - you get it all in this very talented, amazing authors books! Draws you in as soon as you start reading!!
I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Howard Beach, Queens, where my family has had roots for more than 50 years. So seeing familiar places like Queens, Rockaway, and Ozone Park immediately gave me that wonderful feeling of home. ❤️
What really touched me were the family gatherings, relationships, love, and loyalty. There were moments when the family interactions felt so familiar that I honestly felt like I was reading about my own family.
And then there was Sal and Maria’s love story. The way they met and the beginning of their relationship reminded me so much of Vinny and me and our own love story. It brought back memories of how our journey began and made their relationship especially meaningful to me. ❤️
That’s what I love about books—the way a story can bring you back to your own family, your neighborhood, your memories, and the people you love.
For me, The Car in White wasn’t just a story. I found little pieces of my own life, my Queens roots, my family, and my love story within its pages.
And those are the books that stay with you. ❤️📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I could give this 10 stars I would! I was the very first person to get my hands on his new book as an ARC reader & cannot say enough good things about this book. I absolutely LOVED his first book so I was beyond excited for his second.
This hooked me from the very first page. I found myself reading during my nail appts, on the treadmill, at my son’s football practice & sacrificing sleep to read “just one more chapter”. Anytime I could squeeze in time to read, I did!
I gotta admit Joe is my fav character, anytime I’m reading his parts I use a thick Italian mob boss from the Bronx accent haha. This book will make you laugh, shock you & make you cry over & over. It’s so well written & I cannot recommend it enough! I wish I could read it for the first time again & again.
This hooked me from the very first page. I found myself reading during my nail appts, on the treadmill, at my son’s football practice & sacrificing sleep to read “just one more chapter”. Anytime I could squeeze in time to read, I did!
I gotta admit Joe is my fav character, anytime I’m reading his parts I use a thick Italian mob boss from the Bronx accent haha. This book will make you laugh, shock you & make you cry over & over. It’s so well written & I cannot recommend it enough! I wish I could read it for the first time again & again.
July 18, 2026
Joe, Anthony, and Sal were easily my favorite parts of The Car in White. Joe has that old-school toughness and loyalty, but there’s so much pain under the surface. Anthony is colder, more unpredictable, and the kind of character where every scene feels tense because you never fully know what he’s thinking. Then Sal brings a different energy. He feels more grounded, like the guy trying to build something for himself while still being pulled into everything happening around him. also never felt like stock characters. They’re flawed, complicated, and completely human. You understand why they became who they are, even when they make choices you can’t agree with. Honestly, I could’ve read another whole book just following the three of them.
July 13, 2026
Every character feels fully realized, but Anthony's journey especially stood out to me. His relationship with Giacomo was one of the most emotionally complex parts of the novel. Then there's Michelle... I won't spoil anything, but the reveal surrounding her completely changed how I looked at everything that came before it. I actually had to stop and think back through earlier chapters because it was so cleverly earned.
September 13, 2026
In powder blue and The car in white are well worth the read. These books make you feel. Nikolas hit it out of the park with these two. Will definitely look for more of his books. My new favorite Author.
September 20, 2025
Thank you for reading
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews