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Michael Cassidy #2
Night Work
Night the second book in David C. Taylor's transporting historical crime fiction series.
Michael Cassidy, a New York cop plagued by dreams that sometimes come true, escorts a prisoner accused of murder to Havana on the cusp of Fidel Castro's successful revolution against the Batista dictatorship. After delivering the man to La Cabaña prison and rescuing Dylan McCue, a Russian KGB agent and his now-married former lover, from her scheduled execution, Cassidy returns to New York and retreats into the comforts of alcohol and sex.
The arrival of Fidel Castro in New York three months later complicates the cop's life once more. Cassidy's investigation of a young man's murder in Central Park is interrupted when he is assigned to Castro's protective detail.
Castro has many enemies. American mobsters who have been run out of Havana, businessmen who worry about their investments in Cuba, and members of Batista's secret police all want him dead. Cassidy is already investigating one murder. Can he prevent another?
Michael Cassidy, a New York cop plagued by dreams that sometimes come true, escorts a prisoner accused of murder to Havana on the cusp of Fidel Castro's successful revolution against the Batista dictatorship. After delivering the man to La Cabaña prison and rescuing Dylan McCue, a Russian KGB agent and his now-married former lover, from her scheduled execution, Cassidy returns to New York and retreats into the comforts of alcohol and sex.
The arrival of Fidel Castro in New York three months later complicates the cop's life once more. Cassidy's investigation of a young man's murder in Central Park is interrupted when he is assigned to Castro's protective detail.
Castro has many enemies. American mobsters who have been run out of Havana, businessmen who worry about their investments in Cuba, and members of Batista's secret police all want him dead. Cassidy is already investigating one murder. Can he prevent another?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2016
About the author
David C. Taylor
4 books37 followersDavid C. Taylor was born in New York City where he was allowed to roam the city as a free-range child. When finally pushed out into adulthood, he moved to Los Angeles and spent twenty two years writing for movies and television. He has written an off-Broadway musical, magazine columns, and short stories. His Michael Cassidy novels are noir mystery/thrillers set in New York City during the 1950's. "Night Life" was a finalist for Best Novel at the 2016 Edgar Awards and won the 2016 Nero Wolfe Award.
"L.A. Burning" is a contemporary story set against the Hollywood film industry.
"L.A. Burning" is a contemporary story set against the Hollywood film industry.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 27, 2017
So this is a continuation of Michael Cassidy stories 'Night life' was the first book and 'Night Work' is the second I hope there is a third. Mr. Taylor does a wonderful job of capturing a gritty New York timespace of 1959, he obviously done a ton of research that not only captures the look and feel of the time but gives dozens and dozens of easter eggs of details that gives context to the political fervent of the time as he expertly weaves KGB, FBI, Mafia, and New York Police, in a very complex and interesting web of plots. (I liked the Senator and while I figured out who he was suppose to be it's nice that Mr. Taylor kept that very understated part of the plot so it wasn't distracting but just another easter egg of information). I didn't find the prison escape too believable other than that excellent book highly recommend this authors work.
March 10, 2020
I'm an old fashioned guy. I love to read about crime novels that put you in the era of JFK and Marilyn Monroe! This is a Great Series For People that want to return to those days and love action novels.
August 8, 2021
This was my second Detective Cassidy book and I’m hooked. Love the historical background, Castro coming to power in Cuba, and all the hysteria revolving around is he a communist? Cassidy and his fellow cops and also his women are well realized figures. Next?
August 20, 2018
David C. Taylor's debut novel, Night Life, was a stylish noir, set in the McCarthy era, and perfectly captured those tumultuous times. Night Work, picks up the protagonist, NYC Detective Cassidy, four years later, not long after Fidel Castro has successfully invaded his Cuban homeland and established a Communist showpiece a scant ninety miles off America’s coastline. He has many mortal enemies, and when he schedules a visit to the headquarters of the United Nations to thumb his nose at capitalist imperialists, Castro’s personal safety is put to the test.
Cassidy is dragooned into the security detail charged with keeping Castro alive, but he’s not at all sure that the people pulling the strings want him to succeed. And complicating matters, while in Cuba he runs into an old flame from years past, a woman who had been sent by the Russian KGB to make sure he wouldn’t interfere with a blackmail operation they’d mounted against some important American political figures. It falls to Cassidy to protect Castro while he assesses just how far he can trust his former lover.
Drawing on the steamy history of the early 1960s, and revealing it through multiple viewpoints, Taylor has delivered a fine, perfectly-paced tale that perfectly captures the drama of an era when superpowers stood toe to toe, and as usual it is left to the little people to make sure the entire world doesn’t come unglued, and betrayal by even those most trusted is always a possibility.
Ever the perfectionist, readers will delight in the fact that by the end of his tale the author has tied up all the potential loose ends, while leaving the door open for the next in this lush, riveting series of time-travels back to the America of an earlier, but no less violent, time.
Cassidy is dragooned into the security detail charged with keeping Castro alive, but he’s not at all sure that the people pulling the strings want him to succeed. And complicating matters, while in Cuba he runs into an old flame from years past, a woman who had been sent by the Russian KGB to make sure he wouldn’t interfere with a blackmail operation they’d mounted against some important American political figures. It falls to Cassidy to protect Castro while he assesses just how far he can trust his former lover.
Drawing on the steamy history of the early 1960s, and revealing it through multiple viewpoints, Taylor has delivered a fine, perfectly-paced tale that perfectly captures the drama of an era when superpowers stood toe to toe, and as usual it is left to the little people to make sure the entire world doesn’t come unglued, and betrayal by even those most trusted is always a possibility.
Ever the perfectionist, readers will delight in the fact that by the end of his tale the author has tied up all the potential loose ends, while leaving the door open for the next in this lush, riveting series of time-travels back to the America of an earlier, but no less violent, time.
December 25, 2019
I very much enjoyed this book in spite of the fact that it had a few characteristics that I occasionally do not enjoy in books. One technique was the protagonist had dreams that previewed something that was going to happen and then he recalled that dream as events unfolded occasionally making a big difference in his life. Like for instance saving his life. And there was also considerable improbability of events. I would’ve said in advance that both of those things would make this a less than enjoyable book for me but for some reason I just went with the flow. I enjoyed the people and I enjoyed the story.
So we have this detective Who inspired of taking a lot of rough treatment chapter after chapter is still alive at the end of the book and resuming a romance with his lost love. Who just happens to be a KGB spy or something. Standard girlfriend material.
So the book combines the solution of a murder mystery with Castro winning the revolution in Cuba and then coming to NYC to the adulation of the crowds. And the detective miraculously manages to handle both situations heroically and of course successfully. And a happy ending to boot.
So we have this detective Who inspired of taking a lot of rough treatment chapter after chapter is still alive at the end of the book and resuming a romance with his lost love. Who just happens to be a KGB spy or something. Standard girlfriend material.
So the book combines the solution of a murder mystery with Castro winning the revolution in Cuba and then coming to NYC to the adulation of the crowds. And the detective miraculously manages to handle both situations heroically and of course successfully. And a happy ending to boot.
July 31, 2019
I enjoyed this historical novel mystery thriller. It was well written with
Great characters and moved at a fast pace. Michael Cassidy is a smart
Honest cop and is taking a prisoner to Havana and leaving with a KGB
Agent named Dylan McCue who was his former lover before she can be
Executed. Three months later he is assigned to the detail that protects
Fidel Castro while he is in New York. This is the second tale in this series
I recommend both books.
Great characters and moved at a fast pace. Michael Cassidy is a smart
Honest cop and is taking a prisoner to Havana and leaving with a KGB
Agent named Dylan McCue who was his former lover before she can be
Executed. Three months later he is assigned to the detail that protects
Fidel Castro while he is in New York. This is the second tale in this series
I recommend both books.
September 16, 2024
Who ya gonna call?
I wish all cops were as efficient as Cassidy; it comes naturally to him as in dreams. And few other thriller writers are as accomplished as Taylor. His research is perfect and his writing moves everything along without the purple prose. So, I somehow missed the first Cassidy installment and now I must go back before I tackle the last of the trio. And the women…wow. I should have been so lucky in my youth.
I wish all cops were as efficient as Cassidy; it comes naturally to him as in dreams. And few other thriller writers are as accomplished as Taylor. His research is perfect and his writing moves everything along without the purple prose. So, I somehow missed the first Cassidy installment and now I must go back before I tackle the last of the trio. And the women…wow. I should have been so lucky in my youth.
September 5, 2017
This is the second in the Michael Cassidy series and was just as good as the first work. Very interesting historical fiction during the period of the ousting of Baptista by Castro's rebels. Excellent writing in the "noir" genre like Dashiel Hammett or Phillip Marlowe. Great character and plot development Highly recommend.
August 12, 2019
Very Good; Continuing character: Michael Cassidy; after witnessing the culmination of the Cuban revolution while he is taking a prisoner from New York to Havana, Cassidy returns to NY in time to pick up a case of a dead man seated on a chair in Central Park, and later to handle security for the upcoming visit of the victorious Castro, who others are aiming for
July 14, 2017
Cassidy is back, five years later. Still gruff and confused but a great cop. Goes over the top when grappling with Cuban jailers but, hey, he's Cassidy. Better when he's back in NY. Book three on tap? Hope so.
August 25, 2017
As I said about the first book, I love this character and the time in which Taylor decided to place his story. Highly recommend!
September 10, 2017
Not as good as his first book but still a good read.
November 9, 2017
Definitely a four !
September 29, 2016
Night Work
Mysterious Book Report No. 257
by John Dwaine McKenna
Author David C. Taylor hit the literary ground running last year when his first crime-fiction novel entitled Night Life, featuring tough-guy Michael Cassidy was first published. Cassidy's a classic, Phillip Marlowe kind of detective, working the mean streets of 1950s New York City at a time when the Cold War—with it's potential threat of nuclear Armageddon—was at its zenith, and Senator Joseph McCarthy was building his power base.
Now, Taylor's back with the second installment of his Michael Cassidy series, and he's hit the sweet spot again, focusing this time on the ouster of Cuban dictator Fulgenico Batista by Fidel Castro. Night Work, (Forge/Tom Doherty, $25.99, 318 pages, ISBN 978-0-7653-7485-1) opens on the cusp of Christmas day, 1959 when detective Michael Cassidy gets tasked with prisoner escort duty. He's to pick up a Cuban triple murderer named Echivera at Rikers Island Jail and return him to the authorities in Havana. Nursing a bruised heart and pining for a Russian woman who disappeared, Cassidy applied for and has been granted leave time . . . planning to rest and relax in the warm tropical sun . . . maybe even do some gambling in one of the many mob-owned casinos. But, the easiest way to make God laugh is to make plans. Moments after he's delivered into the hands of the Cuban authorities, Eschivera is dead, and Cassidy makes a discovery that changes his life and turns him into a wanted man . . . an outlaw on the run in the mountains of Cuba. Then comes New Years Eve, 1960—and as everyone who's watched The Godfather, Part II knows, the rebels march into Havana, triumphant, and Batista flees the country—and everything changes again in another one of many stunning plot twists in this intricately detailed novel that combines fact and fancy so smoothly and seamlessly that it's hard to tell at times, which is which. One thing for sure though. All those who read this fast and furious, atmospheric and one hundred percent noir novel will, like me, be Michael Cassidy fans for life! David C. Taylor's already a star in the hard-boiled fiction universe . . . I look for him to be an even bigger and brighter one in the future!.
Mysterious Book Report No. 257
by John Dwaine McKenna
Author David C. Taylor hit the literary ground running last year when his first crime-fiction novel entitled Night Life, featuring tough-guy Michael Cassidy was first published. Cassidy's a classic, Phillip Marlowe kind of detective, working the mean streets of 1950s New York City at a time when the Cold War—with it's potential threat of nuclear Armageddon—was at its zenith, and Senator Joseph McCarthy was building his power base.
Now, Taylor's back with the second installment of his Michael Cassidy series, and he's hit the sweet spot again, focusing this time on the ouster of Cuban dictator Fulgenico Batista by Fidel Castro. Night Work, (Forge/Tom Doherty, $25.99, 318 pages, ISBN 978-0-7653-7485-1) opens on the cusp of Christmas day, 1959 when detective Michael Cassidy gets tasked with prisoner escort duty. He's to pick up a Cuban triple murderer named Echivera at Rikers Island Jail and return him to the authorities in Havana. Nursing a bruised heart and pining for a Russian woman who disappeared, Cassidy applied for and has been granted leave time . . . planning to rest and relax in the warm tropical sun . . . maybe even do some gambling in one of the many mob-owned casinos. But, the easiest way to make God laugh is to make plans. Moments after he's delivered into the hands of the Cuban authorities, Eschivera is dead, and Cassidy makes a discovery that changes his life and turns him into a wanted man . . . an outlaw on the run in the mountains of Cuba. Then comes New Years Eve, 1960—and as everyone who's watched The Godfather, Part II knows, the rebels march into Havana, triumphant, and Batista flees the country—and everything changes again in another one of many stunning plot twists in this intricately detailed novel that combines fact and fancy so smoothly and seamlessly that it's hard to tell at times, which is which. One thing for sure though. All those who read this fast and furious, atmospheric and one hundred percent noir novel will, like me, be Michael Cassidy fans for life! David C. Taylor's already a star in the hard-boiled fiction universe . . . I look for him to be an even bigger and brighter one in the future!.
June 1, 2018
11 hrs
I enjoyed Night Life, the first book in this series, and this second entry is better in some ways, worse in others. Taking place some five years later, in 1959, just after Castro's takeover of Cuba, Detective Michael Cassidy is assigned to provide security for Castro during his visit to New York. I found the plot less predictable than in Night Life but, on the other hand, I agree with Timo that there are numerous situations that strain credibility. His meeting of former lover in a Cuban prizon, and his single-handed rescue of her from the maximum security prison, is completely unbelievable. I could also do without the premonitions in Cassidy's dreams, which go beyond that which might be attributed to subconscious intuition.
I wouldn't call this historical fiction, but the author does a good job of recreating the scene in NY around this time. The situation in New York and the characters' motives and plot are intriguing, and once again, Keith Szarabajka does an exceptional job as narrator.
I enjoyed Night Life, the first book in this series, and this second entry is better in some ways, worse in others. Taking place some five years later, in 1959, just after Castro's takeover of Cuba, Detective Michael Cassidy is assigned to provide security for Castro during his visit to New York. I found the plot less predictable than in Night Life but, on the other hand, I agree with Timo that there are numerous situations that strain credibility. His meeting of former lover in a Cuban prizon, and his single-handed rescue of her from the maximum security prison, is completely unbelievable. I could also do without the premonitions in Cassidy's dreams, which go beyond that which might be attributed to subconscious intuition.
I wouldn't call this historical fiction, but the author does a good job of recreating the scene in NY around this time. The situation in New York and the characters' motives and plot are intriguing, and once again, Keith Szarabajka does an exceptional job as narrator.
July 25, 2016
David Taylor's books are throwbacks to another era, and very much a commentary about the rise of contemporary times. In looking at the past in his signature imaginative detail, we can see the world that helped shape our own. The past is prologue, after all. Corrupt cops, ruthless politicians and terrorizing crime, love-ish stories. It's all within Taylor's world, packaged in a foreboding patina of noir. "Night Work" brings Michael Cassidy, the hero of Taylor's earlier "Night Life," back to the streets of NYC and beyond. I've come to expect smart, comic, dramatic and propelling writing out of Taylor. He understands the genre, the era...and theater, both of the human heart and of the stage. Plus the writing. The writing. The writing.
April 27, 2016
This book takes place around the time when Castro first comes to power in Cuba. I found that part very interesting considering what is going on today with Americans now starting to be able to go to Cuba. Michael Cassidy is a New York cop who delivers a prisoner to Cuba. Several months later, Castro visits the United States and Cassidy is on the security detail. The book held my interest throughout but some of the story lines seemed a little disjointed. The murder at the park didn't really seem to fit with the rest of the story. However, I really enjoyed the book and couldn't wait to see how it ended. I would like to read more about Michael Cassidy.
April 24, 2016
A sequel to Taylor's NIGHT LIFE, this novel finds our hero Michael Cassidy in Cuba, extraditing a prisoner. Things get a tad out of control though. Later, having impressed Castro's people with his street smarts, Cassidy is asked to work security when the new leader of Cuba visits New York. Taylor's strength is evoking an era of jazz, booze, and political strife. A subplot involving an odd murder shows what the work-a-day life of a Manhattan homicide police is like, but Taylor is at his best when negotiating the waters of political turmoil (departmental politics, international politics, sexual politics). A literary historical noir that reads like a pulp.
June 14, 2016
Held my attention to the very end...that's a good thing!
Great read...fast paced, diverse and interesting. Loved the Cuban connection from the revolution with Castro. Connecting Batista with the mob is especially relevant with the recent U.S. participation to loosen restrictions with Cuba.
Great read...fast paced, diverse and interesting. Loved the Cuban connection from the revolution with Castro. Connecting Batista with the mob is especially relevant with the recent U.S. participation to loosen restrictions with Cuba.
December 30, 2016
I love it. Author Taylor,makes his story come alive by using historical events as back drops.
Although Mickey is an excellent detective, he certainly holds his own with the ladies too. How he manages to do all that's expected of him and still be kind and thoughtful is amazing. Read it. You'l Like it
Although Mickey is an excellent detective, he certainly holds his own with the ladies too. How he manages to do all that's expected of him and still be kind and thoughtful is amazing. Read it. You'l Like it
May 10, 2016
Very smooth writing here, evoking the not-so-distantly-past of New York City clubland and its Winchell-esque denizens. Meanwhile, Fidel is in the mountains, Havana is in the balance, and certain Manhattanites are worrying about their investments.
February 21, 2017
Another fine outing from this author ! Great characters and well narrated. Highly recommended if you like gritty, noir-ish books. The two books in the series (so far) are set in the 1950s and EVERYBODY smokes
August 16, 2016
One of the best books I've read in a long time
I'm a big reader
I read all the time
The two books in this series are the best books I've read that in a long long time.
Read these books
I'm a big reader
I read all the time
The two books in this series are the best books I've read that in a long long time.
Read these books
May 11, 2016
Couldn't put this book down. Great second book in series. Fast paced, tropical, New York thriller.
Must read for those who like historical fictional thrillers.
Stephen Taber
Must read for those who like historical fictional thrillers.
Stephen Taber
July 3, 2016
Not bad
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews