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Tank Rizzo #1
Бесни спусъци
В Ню Йорк, където едно момиче може да изчезне безследно и да не бъде открито години наред, екип с „оловни значки“ (мними значки, носени от бивши полицаи, натоварени с разследване на „студени досиета“), ръководен от Танк Рицо, се справя успешно с разкриване на безнадеждните случаи. Този път обаче работата е по-различна. Бесните спусъци, както наричат себе си закоравелите ченгета, са изправени пред невиждано предизвикателство.
Томи Рицо по прякор Танка и партньорът му Перлата обаче продължават да работят за нюйоркската полиция. Сега те са „тенекиени значки“ – пенсионирани детективи, на които възлагат разследването на студени досиета и на твърде объркани случаи, за които „истинските“ полицейски служители нямат време. Поредният случай е само отпреди няколко месеца. Изнасилване, грабеж и опит за убийство. Престъпниците влезли с взлом, без да очакват, че ще заварят две млади жени, и ги смазали от бой. Родителите на едната били влиятелни хора, настояващи извършителите да бъдат заловени. Делото излиза от архива и е връчено на Томи Рицо и на партньора му Перлата – важен член от екипа му. А екипът е необикновен: бивш боксьор, пласьор на крадени стоки, млад IT спец, който може да разбие паролите на всеки компютър, и екстрасенска. Неочаквана придобивка е Крис, племенникът на Танка, който след трагичната смърт на родителите си е поверен на пенсионираното ченге. Хлапакът членува в интернет група, работеща върху знаменити случаи, останали неразрешени с десетилетия.
Томи Рицо по прякор Танка и партньорът му Перлата обаче продължават да работят за нюйоркската полиция. Сега те са „тенекиени значки“ – пенсионирани детективи, на които възлагат разследването на студени досиета и на твърде объркани случаи, за които „истинските“ полицейски служители нямат време. Поредният случай е само отпреди няколко месеца. Изнасилване, грабеж и опит за убийство. Престъпниците влезли с взлом, без да очакват, че ще заварят две млади жени, и ги смазали от бой. Родителите на едната били влиятелни хора, настояващи извършителите да бъдат заловени. Делото излиза от архива и е връчено на Томи Рицо и на партньора му Перлата – важен член от екипа му. А екипът е необикновен: бивш боксьор, пласьор на крадени стоки, млад IT спец, който може да разбие паролите на всеки компютър, и екстрасенска. Неочаквана придобивка е Крис, племенникът на Танка, който след трагичната смърт на родителите си е поверен на пенсионираното ченге. Хлапакът членува в интернет група, работеща върху знаменити случаи, останали неразрешени с десетилетия.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
186 people are currently reading
4378 people want to read
About the author
Lorenzo Carcaterra
49 books695 followersNumber-one New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra's highly successful career spans more than 25 years of writing for the diverse fields of fiction, non-fiction, television, and film.
Born and raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Carcaterra landed his first job in the newspaper business as a copy boy for The New York Daily News in 1976. He worked his way up to entertainment reporter before leaving the paper in 1982, heading for the green pastures of then-Time Inc. and TV-Cable Week, as senior writer. Nine months later, the magazine folded, leaving him unemployed. A four-month stint at People magazine was followed by an odyssey of writing for a string of start-up publications—Picture Week, Entertainment Tonight Magazine, Special Reports Magazine—and freelancing for dozens of others—The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Newsday Sunday Magazine, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, and Twilight Zone Magazine among them.
In 1988, Carcaterra turned to television as a Creative Consultant for the syndicated weekly series Cop Talk: Behind the Shield, produced by Grosso-Jacobson Productions. That led to a job as Managing Editor for the CBS weekly series Top Cops, also with Grosso-Jacobson Productions. Running for four seasons, from 1990 to 1994, the show is still in syndication today worldwide. In addition, he worked on a dozen other pilots, one of which––Secret Service (NBC)––made it to air. It was while at Grosso-Jacobson Productions that Carcaterra wrote and published his first two books, A Safe Place and Sleepers.
First published in hardcover in 1993, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, attracted widespread critical acclaim, with Newsweek calling it, “unforgettable—a remarkable book.” Currently in its 14th printing, it has been sold to 11 foreign countries and has sold close to 220,000 copies.
The 1995 publication of Sleepers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, catapulted Carcaterra to national attention. Sold to 35 foreign countries and now in its 38th printing in the United States, the book has sales exceeding 1.8 million copies. In 1996, Sleepers was made into a feature film starring Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Minnie Driver, and Jason Patric. Carcaterra served as co-producer on the project, which was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson. To date, the movie has earned in excess of $500 million worldwide in combined box-office, video, DVD, and TV sales.
Carcaterra made a smooth transition into writing fiction with his first novel, Apaches, a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Published in a 14 foreign countries, the book has sold more than 450,000 copies and been optioned by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
He followed that with Gangster, published in hardcover in 2001. The book has sold over 375,000 copies since its 2002 release as a Mass Market Paperback. The novel has been optioned by Joe Roth and been sold to 15 foreign countries.
Carcaterra then wrote Street Boys, a World War II saga inspired by an incident which occurred in Naples, Italy, in 1943. Warner Bros. and Bel-Air Entertainment bought the rights to the story in March 2001 before it was written, and developed the project for director Barry Levinson. Carcaterra wrote the screenplay. The paperback was released in July, 2003 and has since sold 150,000 copies.
Carcaterra's next novel Paradise City was published in hardcover by Ballantine in September 2004 with the paperback following a year later. To date, the novel has sold over 100,000 copies and was optioned by Fox Television to be developed as a weekly series.
In 2007, Carcaterra published Chasers, a sequel to his bestseller Apaches. The paperback version was published in the spring of 2008 and movie rights to the story are once again controlled by Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
With that, Carcaterra took a different turn and has just completed hi
Born and raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Carcaterra landed his first job in the newspaper business as a copy boy for The New York Daily News in 1976. He worked his way up to entertainment reporter before leaving the paper in 1982, heading for the green pastures of then-Time Inc. and TV-Cable Week, as senior writer. Nine months later, the magazine folded, leaving him unemployed. A four-month stint at People magazine was followed by an odyssey of writing for a string of start-up publications—Picture Week, Entertainment Tonight Magazine, Special Reports Magazine—and freelancing for dozens of others—The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Newsday Sunday Magazine, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, and Twilight Zone Magazine among them.
In 1988, Carcaterra turned to television as a Creative Consultant for the syndicated weekly series Cop Talk: Behind the Shield, produced by Grosso-Jacobson Productions. That led to a job as Managing Editor for the CBS weekly series Top Cops, also with Grosso-Jacobson Productions. Running for four seasons, from 1990 to 1994, the show is still in syndication today worldwide. In addition, he worked on a dozen other pilots, one of which––Secret Service (NBC)––made it to air. It was while at Grosso-Jacobson Productions that Carcaterra wrote and published his first two books, A Safe Place and Sleepers.
First published in hardcover in 1993, A Safe Place: The True Story of a Father, a Son, a Murder, attracted widespread critical acclaim, with Newsweek calling it, “unforgettable—a remarkable book.” Currently in its 14th printing, it has been sold to 11 foreign countries and has sold close to 220,000 copies.
The 1995 publication of Sleepers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, catapulted Carcaterra to national attention. Sold to 35 foreign countries and now in its 38th printing in the United States, the book has sales exceeding 1.8 million copies. In 1996, Sleepers was made into a feature film starring Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Bacon, Minnie Driver, and Jason Patric. Carcaterra served as co-producer on the project, which was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson. To date, the movie has earned in excess of $500 million worldwide in combined box-office, video, DVD, and TV sales.
Carcaterra made a smooth transition into writing fiction with his first novel, Apaches, a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback. Published in a 14 foreign countries, the book has sold more than 450,000 copies and been optioned by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
He followed that with Gangster, published in hardcover in 2001. The book has sold over 375,000 copies since its 2002 release as a Mass Market Paperback. The novel has been optioned by Joe Roth and been sold to 15 foreign countries.
Carcaterra then wrote Street Boys, a World War II saga inspired by an incident which occurred in Naples, Italy, in 1943. Warner Bros. and Bel-Air Entertainment bought the rights to the story in March 2001 before it was written, and developed the project for director Barry Levinson. Carcaterra wrote the screenplay. The paperback was released in July, 2003 and has since sold 150,000 copies.
Carcaterra's next novel Paradise City was published in hardcover by Ballantine in September 2004 with the paperback following a year later. To date, the novel has sold over 100,000 copies and was optioned by Fox Television to be developed as a weekly series.
In 2007, Carcaterra published Chasers, a sequel to his bestseller Apaches. The paperback version was published in the spring of 2008 and movie rights to the story are once again controlled by Jerry Bruckheimer Productions.
With that, Carcaterra took a different turn and has just completed hi
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
June 17, 2020
Really wanted to love this one. I found nothing new here to hold me in. The characters seemed two dimensional. The big thing though, was the law enforcement procedure, policy and tactics weren’t close enough to being real. I cringed too many times. And I understand that’s just because of my law enforcement background. There was also a motivational issue that was never explained.
The other big thing for me, the dialogue tags (and again this is just me, the writer), it was like fingernails on a chalkboard. There are five ways to tag, and I prefer the tags to be as invisible as possible, so the carriage return, or context are the two best. Here the tag was within the dialogue. The character would say something, make a statement and end it with, “Tank,” the character’s nickname. An easy read and I could see how many thriller readers would enjoy this one, as they should. Just not for me.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
The other big thing for me, the dialogue tags (and again this is just me, the writer), it was like fingernails on a chalkboard. There are five ways to tag, and I prefer the tags to be as invisible as possible, so the carriage return, or context are the two best. Here the tag was within the dialogue. The character would say something, make a statement and end it with, “Tank,” the character’s nickname. An easy read and I could see how many thriller readers would enjoy this one, as they should. Just not for me.
David Putnam author of the Bruno Johnson series.
November 17, 2021
3.5 stars rounded down. This is a well done thriller that I read in 3 days. Some of the police procedures were not close to real police procedures. However the plot moved along quite fast. "Tank" Rizzo is a retired NYC police detective who occasionally investigates cold cases at the request of his friend, Chief of NYPD Detectives Ray Connors. Tank is known as a "Tin Badge," because of this. He is paid for each case and has police authority to make arrests. But the actual arrests are made by serving NYPD officers to keep Tank's role secret. Tank never has to testify in court or give depositions.
This is a thriller because the bad guy is identified early on and the suspense is built up as Gonzo, a major drug trafficker who has ordered many murders, becomes aware that Tank is investigating him.
There is a secondary plot element as Tank takes in his 15 year old orphaned nephew Chris because his parents were killed in a car accident.
My late GR friend Susan Johnson sent me this book.
This is a thriller because the bad guy is identified early on and the suspense is built up as Gonzo, a major drug trafficker who has ordered many murders, becomes aware that Tank is investigating him.
There is a secondary plot element as Tank takes in his 15 year old orphaned nephew Chris because his parents were killed in a car accident.
My late GR friend Susan Johnson sent me this book.
August 27, 2019
Carcaterra's novel "Tin Badges" appears to be the start of an exciting new series. Tank Rizzo and his partner had an exciting NYPD career which ended with retirement. But,instead of running a bar or playing cards or watching NFL games and inviting the gang over for barbecues, Tank still hungers for the adrenaline feel of action and wears a "tin badge," meaning he gets tossed a cold case or sometimes a rotten case now and then and gets paid real dollars to deliver the criminals to NY's Finest.
So, he still lives in the East Village, hangs out with his old pals, and does police work but he's off the books like a black ops team so the rules don't always apply. And, did I say team? Cause Tank's got a crack team that backs his play from his ex partner in a wheelchair to the crafty fortune teller gypsy who knows everything around town to his computer whiz. Throw in his childhood crush, his orphaned nephew, and a bunch of aging ex mafiosos and you get one fun exciting story told in a manner that gets you turning those pages (even the electronic pages) pretty quickly.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
So, he still lives in the East Village, hangs out with his old pals, and does police work but he's off the books like a black ops team so the rules don't always apply. And, did I say team? Cause Tank's got a crack team that backs his play from his ex partner in a wheelchair to the crafty fortune teller gypsy who knows everything around town to his computer whiz. Throw in his childhood crush, his orphaned nephew, and a bunch of aging ex mafiosos and you get one fun exciting story told in a manner that gets you turning those pages (even the electronic pages) pretty quickly.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
December 7, 2019
This flatlined early. Felt like I was reading a tv cop show. Of course, two cops bust into an apartment before backup arrives. Of course, gunfight ensues. Of course, only way out is through a window onto the fire escape. Of course, fire escape is rusty and cop falls through the railing. Of course, he lands on the edge of a dumpster. 🙄
Two other characters are headed toward a fatal car crash on a slick icy/snowy road, and the driver calmly reaches over and caresses his wife’s cheek right before impact. 🤮
DNF
Two other characters are headed toward a fatal car crash on a slick icy/snowy road, and the driver calmly reaches over and caresses his wife’s cheek right before impact. 🤮
DNF
December 14, 2019
Tin badges are retired cops who still work occasional cases when the police department needs some extra help. In this book, Tank Rizzo is the tin badge who is tasked with investigating an old assault case. His mission expands into the takedown of a drug kingpin and he is assisted by an unofficial crew of “experts”. If this sounds familiar, it’s because you have probably seen a similar plot on half a dozen TV shows. The book is full of clichéd situations, characters and dialogue. The ending of the book suggests that the story is to be continued in another book. While this one held my interest, I’m not sure that I would read the next book. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
July 18, 2019
What a fantastic story of an ex-cop with an amazing selection of friends from all walks of life! The characters are real, showing their good and bad parts, and we come to know exactly the way their lives go. Tank still loves real police work, and he has a relationship with the Chief where he is given cold or hard to get to cases to work out with his own small crew. That includes his former partner and best friend, Paulie, who is in a wheelchair after the outcome of their last case on the force, Carmine, an ex-Mob boss who runs a restaurant with daughter Connie, Tank's life long love, Joey, the computer guy and several other handy folks.
Tank gets a call that his brother and sister-in-law died in a car crash, and their son Chris is on his own. Tank steps up, Chris comes to stay with him and proves himself quite good at computers and plans, working his way easily into the group of 'mis-fits' that make up Tank's crew.
This story shows you police work from the bottom up, the good, the bad and the ugly. But also lets us see the relationships that form with people thrown together in their lives by their ideas, values and morals become more family than a blood brother. A really enjoyable read that makes me want More immediately!!
I thank NetGalley and author Lorenzo Carcaterra for the chance to read this wonderful book, and hope to read more of Tanks' adventures soon!!
Tank gets a call that his brother and sister-in-law died in a car crash, and their son Chris is on his own. Tank steps up, Chris comes to stay with him and proves himself quite good at computers and plans, working his way easily into the group of 'mis-fits' that make up Tank's crew.
This story shows you police work from the bottom up, the good, the bad and the ugly. But also lets us see the relationships that form with people thrown together in their lives by their ideas, values and morals become more family than a blood brother. A really enjoyable read that makes me want More immediately!!
I thank NetGalley and author Lorenzo Carcaterra for the chance to read this wonderful book, and hope to read more of Tanks' adventures soon!!
Read
December 12, 2019Fast paced, great characters who talk the talk and walk the walk, on the real streets of The City. Since first reading Sleepers, Carcaterra never disappoints. Putting in my vote for the continued story of "Tank" Rizzo and his Nephew, Chris.
August 28, 2019
Entertaining and fun! I liked the premise of the ex-police officers being used to solve some cold cases the current force doesn't have time for - maybe that should happin in real life? The relationship between Tank and his new live-in nephew, Chris was interesting and I liked watching it develop. The central case Tank and Pearl, his wheelchair-bound partner, were invesigating turned out to be a lot bigger than they initially thought which put them in some very interesting situations. The link with the Mafia was intriguing as well. I would recommend to my friends for a fun crime read.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2019
Tin Badges: 'Retired cops who get handed cases when the PD is on overload.'
Tank Rizzo and his NYPD partner Frank 'Pearl' Monroe retired after both were injured during a drug-related shoot-out. Two years later, they are occasionally called upon to work as 'tin badges' to look into open cases that have been put on the back burner by the department.
In this latest instance, they are asked to look into the rape and severe beating of two working girls in their apartment during a robbery. What Tank and Pearl learn leads to a surprising development and involvement in a much more complicated situation than was first thought. Tank needs to call on all his friends for their expertise and various crime-fighting skills--and they are a real motley crew, to be sure! Oh! Did I mention that Pearl is in a wheel chair and living in a nursing home? He insists on being included by phone.
In the midst of this, Tank learns that his estranged brother and wife have been killed in a car accident, leaving his fifteen-year-old nephew Chris without a home. The kid seems to have two choices: either going into the foster care system or living with his uncle, a total stranger. Overwhelmed with grief, neither seems a good option. And what exactly was the problem between Tank and his brother Jack that caused their split? Tank just won't talk about it.
Among Tank's close friends are the former mobster Carmine and his daughter Connie, who run a wonderful Italian restaurant called Tramonti's. She and Tank have been in love most of their lives, although they don't seem to want to admit that, and she encourages Tank to step up to be a father figure for Chris. The going is rocky at first but the gap is somewhat bridged by Chris' interest in solving cold crime cases. He impresses Tank's friends with his considerable computer skills that might be of help with this current case. Or would that be unethical, putting the kid in harm's way?
Short chapters and interesting twists and turns move this thriller along quickly. Having big hearts make Tank and his friends very likable. I suppose you could knock the story down a bit because of lack of believability in parts, but what the heck, it's a fun, quick read nevertheless. I'd be happy to read more in this series if the author chooses to continue it and I'll plan to read his past books as well. I am a newbie to his writing and a new fan.
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I apologize for not getting it read in a more timely manner but better late than never, eh? Thanks for the opportunity!
Tank Rizzo and his NYPD partner Frank 'Pearl' Monroe retired after both were injured during a drug-related shoot-out. Two years later, they are occasionally called upon to work as 'tin badges' to look into open cases that have been put on the back burner by the department.
In this latest instance, they are asked to look into the rape and severe beating of two working girls in their apartment during a robbery. What Tank and Pearl learn leads to a surprising development and involvement in a much more complicated situation than was first thought. Tank needs to call on all his friends for their expertise and various crime-fighting skills--and they are a real motley crew, to be sure! Oh! Did I mention that Pearl is in a wheel chair and living in a nursing home? He insists on being included by phone.
In the midst of this, Tank learns that his estranged brother and wife have been killed in a car accident, leaving his fifteen-year-old nephew Chris without a home. The kid seems to have two choices: either going into the foster care system or living with his uncle, a total stranger. Overwhelmed with grief, neither seems a good option. And what exactly was the problem between Tank and his brother Jack that caused their split? Tank just won't talk about it.
Among Tank's close friends are the former mobster Carmine and his daughter Connie, who run a wonderful Italian restaurant called Tramonti's. She and Tank have been in love most of their lives, although they don't seem to want to admit that, and she encourages Tank to step up to be a father figure for Chris. The going is rocky at first but the gap is somewhat bridged by Chris' interest in solving cold crime cases. He impresses Tank's friends with his considerable computer skills that might be of help with this current case. Or would that be unethical, putting the kid in harm's way?
Short chapters and interesting twists and turns move this thriller along quickly. Having big hearts make Tank and his friends very likable. I suppose you could knock the story down a bit because of lack of believability in parts, but what the heck, it's a fun, quick read nevertheless. I'd be happy to read more in this series if the author chooses to continue it and I'll plan to read his past books as well. I am a newbie to his writing and a new fan.
I received an arc of this new thriller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I apologize for not getting it read in a more timely manner but better late than never, eh? Thanks for the opportunity!
August 20, 2019
Wow! A good old knock-down, shoot 'em up story with a really cool lead character (somewhat reminiscent of the late Robert B. Parker's Spenser) that doesn't challenge readers with ever-changing character perspectives and time flashbacks or confusing head games. That means assuming the very talented Mr. Carcaterra keeps writing about retired NYPD cop "Tank" Rizzo, I'll be first in line to read each and every one.
Tank, you see, is a "tin badge" - the term used for retired police officers who are called back by the department to provide extra help. This isn't Rizzo's first such rodeo; he and his former partner Pearl, who suffered a formal career-ending injury that's left him in a wheelchair for life, now have an entire group to work with and a stellar solve rate. Together, they form a rather motley crew that includes a couple of young techies and a beautiful gypsy fortune teller (yes, you read that correctly).
This time, Tank gets the nod following a home invasion that leaves two women nearly dead. Two men are sure bets for doing the deed, but they have alibis that are phony as a two-dollar bill but unshakable. As he gathers his buddies to get started, Tank gets bad news: His long-estranged brother and his wife have been killed in an auto accident, orphaning their teenage son Chris. With no other relatives available, Tank offers the boy living quarters in his Greenwich Village brownstone; reluctantly, the kid - not coincidentally a computer whiz and cops-and-robbers aficionado - agrees to the arrangement.
Angered over the emotional distance between Tank and his late father, Chris takes more liking to other crew members as well as Tank's longtime love, Connie, and her "retired" mobster boss Carmine. Over the years, despite their usually-at-loggerheads occupations, Tank and Carmine have forged an unlikely but very real friendship. For the record, that unusual relationship, plus Tank's love of wine, jazz and other more intellectual pursuits and a strong but marriage-free relationship with a beautiful woman are among the traits he shares with the aforementioned Spenser.
As the investigation moves along, it leads directly in the path of a very nasty mob boss who threatens the lives of Tank and everyone he loves and works with. Needless to say, that doesn't sit well with Carmine; his age and the loss of his beloved wife may have nudged him toward inactivity, but threats to his family quickly revive his sense of honor (even if it is among thieves).
All told, it's a fast-moving, totally engaging plot as well as a study in character development and interaction. In the end, I wanted for nothing except more - which hopefully will come soon. Meantime, my wholehearted thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
Tank, you see, is a "tin badge" - the term used for retired police officers who are called back by the department to provide extra help. This isn't Rizzo's first such rodeo; he and his former partner Pearl, who suffered a formal career-ending injury that's left him in a wheelchair for life, now have an entire group to work with and a stellar solve rate. Together, they form a rather motley crew that includes a couple of young techies and a beautiful gypsy fortune teller (yes, you read that correctly).
This time, Tank gets the nod following a home invasion that leaves two women nearly dead. Two men are sure bets for doing the deed, but they have alibis that are phony as a two-dollar bill but unshakable. As he gathers his buddies to get started, Tank gets bad news: His long-estranged brother and his wife have been killed in an auto accident, orphaning their teenage son Chris. With no other relatives available, Tank offers the boy living quarters in his Greenwich Village brownstone; reluctantly, the kid - not coincidentally a computer whiz and cops-and-robbers aficionado - agrees to the arrangement.
Angered over the emotional distance between Tank and his late father, Chris takes more liking to other crew members as well as Tank's longtime love, Connie, and her "retired" mobster boss Carmine. Over the years, despite their usually-at-loggerheads occupations, Tank and Carmine have forged an unlikely but very real friendship. For the record, that unusual relationship, plus Tank's love of wine, jazz and other more intellectual pursuits and a strong but marriage-free relationship with a beautiful woman are among the traits he shares with the aforementioned Spenser.
As the investigation moves along, it leads directly in the path of a very nasty mob boss who threatens the lives of Tank and everyone he loves and works with. Needless to say, that doesn't sit well with Carmine; his age and the loss of his beloved wife may have nudged him toward inactivity, but threats to his family quickly revive his sense of honor (even if it is among thieves).
All told, it's a fast-moving, totally engaging plot as well as a study in character development and interaction. In the end, I wanted for nothing except more - which hopefully will come soon. Meantime, my wholehearted thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
July 26, 2019
Great story. Fast read. Tons of action.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first time reading this author and unfortunately it came during a very busy week for me. So I could only read little bits and pieces of this book at a time. Very frustrating!!
The premise of the story is unique and I love all of these true crime happenings. The street sense, the mob players, and select good cops work together to make a dent in the drug world.
This book is actually a fast read and it is written in the short chapter method that keeps the engagement high and the action plentiful.
There are some great characters in the story, but there are many, and for someone that has not read prior books I don’t know if some were introduced before. However, I love the nephew and the main character, Tank, and their tenuous bond.
Highly entertaining, a great page turner, and a plot you can actually visualize coming together in real life. Tin Badges is a fabulous look at how connections and great friends can truly take on the unsavory and make an impression! Exciting and written with a passion for true crime stories.
This might be the first book I’ve read by Carcaterra, but it’s not the last.
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/tin-badges-b...
** Copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first time reading this author and unfortunately it came during a very busy week for me. So I could only read little bits and pieces of this book at a time. Very frustrating!!
The premise of the story is unique and I love all of these true crime happenings. The street sense, the mob players, and select good cops work together to make a dent in the drug world.
This book is actually a fast read and it is written in the short chapter method that keeps the engagement high and the action plentiful.
There are some great characters in the story, but there are many, and for someone that has not read prior books I don’t know if some were introduced before. However, I love the nephew and the main character, Tank, and their tenuous bond.
Highly entertaining, a great page turner, and a plot you can actually visualize coming together in real life. Tin Badges is a fabulous look at how connections and great friends can truly take on the unsavory and make an impression! Exciting and written with a passion for true crime stories.
This might be the first book I’ve read by Carcaterra, but it’s not the last.
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/tin-badges-b...
** Copy received for review consideration
October 4, 2019
I won't pretend that I read this book within 24 hours, but I won't deny that it is possible to do. I started reading this book by accident. Actually... lately I've found that many of the books I've been reviewing and reading lately (to completion) are completely by accident. I found myself reading some heavier, lengthier reads and needed something to read while I have a morning... breather on my balcony. Before long, I was hooked.
BUT WAIT!!!
I won't pretend that I was hooked because Tin Badges was exceptional or compelling (although the beginning is quite gripping). Lorenzo Carcaterra's latest police procedural hooked me because it was... an easy read. It was a relief. Much to my surprise, I didn't feel compelled to read this title because of it's brilliance but rather because it was a fast paced read that I didn't have to think too much to stay involved.
Yes, I gave this title a 3-star rating, but I could have easily given it a 2-star rating as well. More on that later.
Tin Badges introduces readers to Tank Rizzo as he narrates his final day of work as a New York City detective. He's managed to keep his nose clean and his record spotless. He's a plain old good cop who understands the gray areas in police work but would rather stay in his lane. While staying in his lane, tragedy hits him and his partner on their final day together which also sets the stage for the story to come.
Tank is referred to as a Tin Badge because he no longer works for the department yet still is called on to assist in solving cold cases for his old team. While investigating a cold case, he stumbles upon evidence that suggests he's on to something big. By big I mean HUGE. His investigation leads him to drug kingpins as well as dirty cops. With a small team... he's unstoppable... or so it would appear.
Tank's life is turned upside down when his brother and sister-in-law die in a tragic automobile accident that leaves his only teenage nephew, and living relative, without a home. Tank offers his home to the young crime enthusiast and before long, it gets interesting.
Yes, it gets interesting.
But... not usual Carcaterra interesting. I won't deny that I enjoyed much of the fast-paced read. The story was uncomplicated. What makes me not so in love with Tin Badges is how darn predictable it was. There were so many mini-climaxes that when the climax finally did hit, I totally missed it. It's almost like this novel was rushed. Carcaterra just wrote anything to appease his publishers but didn't really make sure the novel stood out.
I hate to be so harsh. I really do. But... I'm a fan of Carcaterra's work and I guess I set the bar a little high. And it may seem that I have nothing positive to say, that's not entirely the case. I thoroughly enjoyed Tin Badges for it's simplicity. I was able to escape life for a minute or two and dive into a world I will never know for a few minutes. Sure, the writing is a little blah and the plot a little predictable, I still won't count this as a terrible read. No it doesn't add much to the police procedural landscape but... hey... Tin Badges locked me in until the last page.
Copy provided by Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley
BUT WAIT!!!
I won't pretend that I was hooked because Tin Badges was exceptional or compelling (although the beginning is quite gripping). Lorenzo Carcaterra's latest police procedural hooked me because it was... an easy read. It was a relief. Much to my surprise, I didn't feel compelled to read this title because of it's brilliance but rather because it was a fast paced read that I didn't have to think too much to stay involved.
Yes, I gave this title a 3-star rating, but I could have easily given it a 2-star rating as well. More on that later.
Tin Badges introduces readers to Tank Rizzo as he narrates his final day of work as a New York City detective. He's managed to keep his nose clean and his record spotless. He's a plain old good cop who understands the gray areas in police work but would rather stay in his lane. While staying in his lane, tragedy hits him and his partner on their final day together which also sets the stage for the story to come.
Tank is referred to as a Tin Badge because he no longer works for the department yet still is called on to assist in solving cold cases for his old team. While investigating a cold case, he stumbles upon evidence that suggests he's on to something big. By big I mean HUGE. His investigation leads him to drug kingpins as well as dirty cops. With a small team... he's unstoppable... or so it would appear.
Tank's life is turned upside down when his brother and sister-in-law die in a tragic automobile accident that leaves his only teenage nephew, and living relative, without a home. Tank offers his home to the young crime enthusiast and before long, it gets interesting.
Yes, it gets interesting.
But... not usual Carcaterra interesting. I won't deny that I enjoyed much of the fast-paced read. The story was uncomplicated. What makes me not so in love with Tin Badges is how darn predictable it was. There were so many mini-climaxes that when the climax finally did hit, I totally missed it. It's almost like this novel was rushed. Carcaterra just wrote anything to appease his publishers but didn't really make sure the novel stood out.
I hate to be so harsh. I really do. But... I'm a fan of Carcaterra's work and I guess I set the bar a little high. And it may seem that I have nothing positive to say, that's not entirely the case. I thoroughly enjoyed Tin Badges for it's simplicity. I was able to escape life for a minute or two and dive into a world I will never know for a few minutes. Sure, the writing is a little blah and the plot a little predictable, I still won't count this as a terrible read. No it doesn't add much to the police procedural landscape but... hey... Tin Badges locked me in until the last page.
Copy provided by Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley
June 27, 2019
3.5 stars
Tank Rizzo is recently retired as a NY Police Detective. He keeps his fingers in the game by becoming a tin star, a recently detective who is assigned a cold case to investigate. He does this one at a time and as frequently as he wants. With his partner, Pearl who was injured in the line of duty and is now in a wheelchair, and a motley crew that includes a gypsy fortune teller, a body builder and the former head of a local Mafia gang he is assigned the case of two streetwalkers who had been raped and assaulted years ago.
As the investigation starts, his estranged brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car crash. His 15 year old nephew he has never met was left in his care. Luckily the nephew, Chris, is into crime and computers, two good skills to build a relationship with his uncle.
As his case evolves, it leads into a highly placed drug dealer who has corrupt cops working for him.
With his small and unique crew, can Tank possibly solve the complex case?
The writing is a little rough at the edges to me but the story kept me turning the pages. It seemed to me to a book appealing more to men. In fact I kept picturing a book group of middle aged men pulling the book out to discuss and enjoy. The picture made me smile.
Tank Rizzo is recently retired as a NY Police Detective. He keeps his fingers in the game by becoming a tin star, a recently detective who is assigned a cold case to investigate. He does this one at a time and as frequently as he wants. With his partner, Pearl who was injured in the line of duty and is now in a wheelchair, and a motley crew that includes a gypsy fortune teller, a body builder and the former head of a local Mafia gang he is assigned the case of two streetwalkers who had been raped and assaulted years ago.
As the investigation starts, his estranged brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car crash. His 15 year old nephew he has never met was left in his care. Luckily the nephew, Chris, is into crime and computers, two good skills to build a relationship with his uncle.
As his case evolves, it leads into a highly placed drug dealer who has corrupt cops working for him.
With his small and unique crew, can Tank possibly solve the complex case?
The writing is a little rough at the edges to me but the story kept me turning the pages. It seemed to me to a book appealing more to men. In fact I kept picturing a book group of middle aged men pulling the book out to discuss and enjoy. The picture made me smile.
August 1, 2019
I give Tin Badges 3.5⭐️. It’s a very quick read, with short chapters and a fast moving plot.
The main character, “Tank” Rizzo is a former cop who still works cases now and then with his former partner, “Pearl” Monroe, and a small team of misfits. After a family tragedy, Chris, Tank’s teenage nephew, is forced to go live with him, moving from an ideal suburban life to one in the big city with an uncle he’s never met. Tank won’t talk about Chris’s father (Tank’s brother) or why they stopped communicating nearly two decades before. The book follows the evolution of Tank’s and Chris’ relationship as they go from complete strangers, to friends, to blood. They both are natural born crime solvers and find they’re a lot alike. Chris joins Tank’s team to help solve a crime that turns out to be a lot bigger (and more dangerous) than it first appears.
This was an easy read and a good beginning to what I hope will be an engaging series. I did feel like the dialogue was a bit stilted and I would’ve liked to have gotten to know some of the characters a bit better, Tank in particular. However, I have a feeling that that will come in the next book, as the ending definitely left a good opening for it. I do look forward to continuing the series. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The main character, “Tank” Rizzo is a former cop who still works cases now and then with his former partner, “Pearl” Monroe, and a small team of misfits. After a family tragedy, Chris, Tank’s teenage nephew, is forced to go live with him, moving from an ideal suburban life to one in the big city with an uncle he’s never met. Tank won’t talk about Chris’s father (Tank’s brother) or why they stopped communicating nearly two decades before. The book follows the evolution of Tank’s and Chris’ relationship as they go from complete strangers, to friends, to blood. They both are natural born crime solvers and find they’re a lot alike. Chris joins Tank’s team to help solve a crime that turns out to be a lot bigger (and more dangerous) than it first appears.
This was an easy read and a good beginning to what I hope will be an engaging series. I did feel like the dialogue was a bit stilted and I would’ve liked to have gotten to know some of the characters a bit better, Tank in particular. However, I have a feeling that that will come in the next book, as the ending definitely left a good opening for it. I do look forward to continuing the series. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 3, 2019
While not quite as gritty as I expected, Tin Badges is a solid crime novel. It’s very smart and both the plot and characters keep you intrigued.
I loved Tank Rizzo, and especially loved how family, friendship, and the streets all intertwined here.
Carcarterra’s writing style is tight and stylish, making this a compelling read.
I enjoyed this and would like more Tank Rizzo books in the future!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
I loved Tank Rizzo, and especially loved how family, friendship, and the streets all intertwined here.
Carcarterra’s writing style is tight and stylish, making this a compelling read.
I enjoyed this and would like more Tank Rizzo books in the future!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
December 19, 2019
It's always great to find a new action thriller author. My dad and I enjoyed this start to a new series and are looking forward to the next installment. Great action and character and relationship development between the uncle and nephew thrown together.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine , and the author Lorenzo Carcaterra for a digital review copy. This book was published August 27th, 2019.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine , and the author Lorenzo Carcaterra for a digital review copy. This book was published August 27th, 2019.
August 27, 2019
Tin Badges are those imaginary ones carried by ex-cops and ex-military looking to clear up unsolved crimes after overworked authorities have given up on finding a solution. Tank Rizzo is retired from the NYPD and his old commander brings him the occasional dead file to keep him and his team of misfits busy. Working one case until it is solved is a luxury available only to those no longer working the street, and Tank and crew have an excellent success rate going for them.
But the case handed down to them this time is slightly different. In the first place it is only a few months old, a home invasion where a couple of working girls were beaten and raped. The ladies spent 10 plus days in ICU, bringing attempted murder into the charges. And one of the girls was an underaged runaway from a well-to-do out-of-state family. Looking closer, there aren't many signs of real police work done on the case, and closer still there may be a link to a really nasty drug connection named Gonzo. Throw in a newly orphaned teen nephew and Tank certainly has his hands full. But you know from the get-go that he can handle it. The only question is 'how'?
This novel is filled with interesting characters who make you smile and mysteries that keep your mind hopping. I am pleased to recommend this work to friends and family. Lorenzo Carcaterra is an author to follow.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Mulholland Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this tale of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
pub date June 7, 2019
rec May 22, 2019
Mulholland Books
Reviewed on Goodreads and Netgalley on June 9, 2019. Reviewed on August 27, 2019 at AmazonSmile, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo and GooglePlay.
But the case handed down to them this time is slightly different. In the first place it is only a few months old, a home invasion where a couple of working girls were beaten and raped. The ladies spent 10 plus days in ICU, bringing attempted murder into the charges. And one of the girls was an underaged runaway from a well-to-do out-of-state family. Looking closer, there aren't many signs of real police work done on the case, and closer still there may be a link to a really nasty drug connection named Gonzo. Throw in a newly orphaned teen nephew and Tank certainly has his hands full. But you know from the get-go that he can handle it. The only question is 'how'?
This novel is filled with interesting characters who make you smile and mysteries that keep your mind hopping. I am pleased to recommend this work to friends and family. Lorenzo Carcaterra is an author to follow.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Mulholland Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this tale of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
pub date June 7, 2019
rec May 22, 2019
Mulholland Books
Reviewed on Goodreads and Netgalley on June 9, 2019. Reviewed on August 27, 2019 at AmazonSmile, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Kobo and GooglePlay.
July 29, 2019
I really wanted to read Tin Badges by Lorenzo because the cover and description grabbed my attention. I have not read any of author Lorenzo Carcaterra's books before, but I am glad that I have now! Tin Badges is a rough group of colorful characters gathering together to solve cold cases. Retired Detectives Tank and his former partner in solving crime, Pearl are the leaders of the Tin Badges group. Tank suddenly becomes the guardian to his nephew, Chris who is 15 and angry at the world. The two had never met before Chris was orphaned and they both have some grieving to do.
Chris becomes interested in helping solve the case that the crew are working on and his computer skills come in handy. This has him bonding some, little by little with his Uncle Tank while the case becomes more complicated...and of course, more dangerous.
The writing was good, with developed characters and a decent flow on pace. There were times when it slowed some, but I think that was intentional to allow the reader to get a little comfortable and at times, to get a little intense.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. As always, my opinions are my own. My review will publish August 2019.
Chris becomes interested in helping solve the case that the crew are working on and his computer skills come in handy. This has him bonding some, little by little with his Uncle Tank while the case becomes more complicated...and of course, more dangerous.
The writing was good, with developed characters and a decent flow on pace. There were times when it slowed some, but I think that was intentional to allow the reader to get a little comfortable and at times, to get a little intense.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. As always, my opinions are my own. My review will publish August 2019.
August 23, 2019
Lack of attention to details ruined this book for me. From the book's description, we know Tank gets custody of his nephew. But here's the problem: there is no will naming Tank, or anyone else, as the child's guardian. And yet, there is no social worker, no hearing, no legal proceedings at all. Tank simply tells the kid he gets to decide where he wants to live, and then the kid packs a bag and off they go.
Attention to detail doesn't get better as the story moves along. Issues were either ignored, such as the child's family home that was simply abandoned, or they were completely implausible in how they played out.
The genre's tone is hard-boiled, in that way of a tough, morally ambiguous main character with a lot of grit. Tank is interesting in that sense, if not slightly overdone. The female characters are largely absent. The bad guys are total stereotypes.
And then, after unrealistic action scenes, we come to the end, where we're left with a cliffhanger. I dislike cliffhangers.
You might love this book if you're a fan of the old pulp fiction detective stories, and if you're not concerned about details making sense. I won't be continuing on with this series.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via Amazon Vine.*
Attention to detail doesn't get better as the story moves along. Issues were either ignored, such as the child's family home that was simply abandoned, or they were completely implausible in how they played out.
The genre's tone is hard-boiled, in that way of a tough, morally ambiguous main character with a lot of grit. Tank is interesting in that sense, if not slightly overdone. The female characters are largely absent. The bad guys are total stereotypes.
And then, after unrealistic action scenes, we come to the end, where we're left with a cliffhanger. I dislike cliffhangers.
You might love this book if you're a fan of the old pulp fiction detective stories, and if you're not concerned about details making sense. I won't be continuing on with this series.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via Amazon Vine.*
Want to read
July 20, 2019Tin Badges makes retirement look exciting! Tank, retired NYPD, sometimes gets cold cases to work from his old boss. He has an interesting assemblage of personas to help him out with these cases. I liked the quirky dynamics of these characters. They had engaging dialogue and interactions. Tank is tough on the outside, but he's soft on the inside. As a former cop, he must embody the idea of a take no sh** from anybody kind of guy. There's much more to him, though, and he has a lot of personal stuff to deal with. I enjoyed reading about his cold case work. The case is complicated, twisted and thrilling. I liked the story overall, and I will read more from the author. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
A Review of the Audiobook
Published in 2019 by Random House Audio.
Read by Pete Simonelli
Duration: 7 hours, 44 minutes.
Unabridged.
Tank Rizzo is a retired police officer. He retired early because his partner suffered a career-ending injury in a botched raid on a drug dealer's apartment.
Tank's retirement consists of hanging out at the neighborhood restaurant, dating the owner of the restaurant, helping his partner with his rehab and catching a few hockey games with the father of his girlfriend (a retired mob boss).
But, Tank has a hobby that is sort of an open secret. He has built his own team of crime solvers and he solves cold cases for his old boss. His former partner helps by working remotely. They are paid from sort of slush fund or a secret budget line. It's not really clear, but money is not an issue.
Tank's estranged brother and wife die in a car crash in a snowstorm and Tank's mystery-loving nephew moves in and joins the team and they have just caught a hot new case...
This book was full of so many cliches that it was amusing just to watch them build up:
*Rogue superstar cops? Check.
*Restaurant owned by a mobster? Check.
*The mobster is actually a decent guy? Check.
*Black cop/white cop partners who are so close that they are like brothers? Check.
*Brilliant teenager with amazing skills? Check.
*Amazing team that works together perfectly even though they have no reason to even know each other let alone work together? Check.
*Off the books special deal with the police? Check.
The best thing about this book was the audiobook reader, Pete Simonelli. He has a fantastic voice. The story was not very good. The reading was great.
I rate this audiobook 2 stars out of 5.
Published in 2019 by Random House Audio.
Read by Pete Simonelli
Duration: 7 hours, 44 minutes.
Unabridged.
Tank Rizzo is a retired police officer. He retired early because his partner suffered a career-ending injury in a botched raid on a drug dealer's apartment.
Tank's retirement consists of hanging out at the neighborhood restaurant, dating the owner of the restaurant, helping his partner with his rehab and catching a few hockey games with the father of his girlfriend (a retired mob boss).
But, Tank has a hobby that is sort of an open secret. He has built his own team of crime solvers and he solves cold cases for his old boss. His former partner helps by working remotely. They are paid from sort of slush fund or a secret budget line. It's not really clear, but money is not an issue.
Tank's estranged brother and wife die in a car crash in a snowstorm and Tank's mystery-loving nephew moves in and joins the team and they have just caught a hot new case...
This book was full of so many cliches that it was amusing just to watch them build up:
*Rogue superstar cops? Check.
*Restaurant owned by a mobster? Check.
*The mobster is actually a decent guy? Check.
*Black cop/white cop partners who are so close that they are like brothers? Check.
*Brilliant teenager with amazing skills? Check.
*Amazing team that works together perfectly even though they have no reason to even know each other let alone work together? Check.
*Off the books special deal with the police? Check.
The best thing about this book was the audiobook reader, Pete Simonelli. He has a fantastic voice. The story was not very good. The reading was great.
I rate this audiobook 2 stars out of 5.
June 28, 2019
This book is an engaging read which also makes it hard to put down and the result is a farily quick read. The main storyline is about a retired New York City detective who is hired by the department to work cold cases which makes him referred to as a tin badge. He has a crew that he works with on these cases with a new addition in this novel. This is a stand alone book, but the ending does set up a sequel if the author chooses to write one (I am hopeful that he does).
I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fast paced crime novel.
I received a free Kindle ARC courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would provide an honest review and post it on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy a fast paced crime novel.
I received a free Kindle ARC courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would provide an honest review and post it on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
August 27, 2019
This was a good read about a retired cop and his partner who work on cold cases. It's a stand-alone novel, moves through the story quickly. I am curious to see what happens in the next book with his nephew. I enjoyed it.
July 13, 2019
Retired detectives are still used to solve cold cases for the NYPD, but this case is barely lukewarm when the department has given up. The Chief gives it to Tank Rizzo and his wheelchair bound former partner Pear. And they the his crew of Tin Badges find themselves embroiled with an evil and violent drug dealer, who threatens all of them, including Tank’s inamorata, the daughter of a former Outfit member, and his recently orphaned nephew, a computer genius. Great Greenwich Village scenes, wonderful characters, and a straight on hard boiled novel as Carcatarra has done so many times. This is a terrific read.
August 19, 2019
This is a story about a retired New York City police officer who, under the direction of the Chief of Detectives, works with a disparate group of people on an unsolved crime. The case is more than he bargained for as he adjusts to a change in his personal life as well. His brother, with whom he was estranged, and his wife recently died in an automobile accident and their son, whom he never met before, is now living with him.
The plot moves along quickly, although it strains credulity a bit. There is good, distinct character development. Tank, the main protagonist, is a rough and tough individual who prefers fine wine, good food, and museums to beer and bars. The ending is a set up for a sequel, and I look forward to it.
The plot moves along quickly, although it strains credulity a bit. There is good, distinct character development. Tank, the main protagonist, is a rough and tough individual who prefers fine wine, good food, and museums to beer and bars. The ending is a set up for a sequel, and I look forward to it.
December 6, 2019
I'll keep this review short, but maybe not so sweet. I just want to say that this wasn't for me. It was a little too cheesy for me. I don't mind a little cheese, but there was so much of it which made the outcomes to events easy to predict.
I did like Tank though as an MC. So 2 stars.
I did like Tank though as an MC. So 2 stars.
May 29, 2019
5 stars
This is an addictive novel. I almost wanted to start it over as soon as I finished it.
In it, we meet retired detective Tank Rizzo, his partner and closest friend Pearl and a new gang of “irregulars.”
At the request of the Chief of Detectives of the NYPD Tank and Pearl are pulled out of retirement to investigate an attack on two women. It turns out to be a much bigger investigation than originally imagined. Following the clues in the case leads them to Gonzo, a semi-crazed drug lord. This guy plays for keeps.
Tank, Pearl, Chris (Tank's orphaned teenage nephew), come up with a brilliant, bold and daring plan to capture Gonzo and his band of n'er-do-wells with the aid of some old wise guys, gypsies and the NYPD.
This is a remarkable book. Mr. Carcaterra's psychological insights into Tank, Pearl and the others' personalities are brilliant. He lays out their histories and very smoothly subtly shows the motivations and reasons for their behavior, both currently and in the individual's past. He explains very well why are the way they are. And he makes it look effortless. (Which I'm sure it is not.) He captures the essence of the relationships between people.
The writing is excellent, as is the plotting of this story. I would love to read more about Tank, Pearl and the gang. I surely hope there is another novel about them.
I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This is an addictive novel. I almost wanted to start it over as soon as I finished it.
In it, we meet retired detective Tank Rizzo, his partner and closest friend Pearl and a new gang of “irregulars.”
At the request of the Chief of Detectives of the NYPD Tank and Pearl are pulled out of retirement to investigate an attack on two women. It turns out to be a much bigger investigation than originally imagined. Following the clues in the case leads them to Gonzo, a semi-crazed drug lord. This guy plays for keeps.
Tank, Pearl, Chris (Tank's orphaned teenage nephew), come up with a brilliant, bold and daring plan to capture Gonzo and his band of n'er-do-wells with the aid of some old wise guys, gypsies and the NYPD.
This is a remarkable book. Mr. Carcaterra's psychological insights into Tank, Pearl and the others' personalities are brilliant. He lays out their histories and very smoothly subtly shows the motivations and reasons for their behavior, both currently and in the individual's past. He explains very well why are the way they are. And he makes it look effortless. (Which I'm sure it is not.) He captures the essence of the relationships between people.
The writing is excellent, as is the plotting of this story. I would love to read more about Tank, Pearl and the gang. I surely hope there is another novel about them.
I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
September 9, 2019
I received the ARC of ‘Tin Badges’ via a goodreads giveaway.
Retired from the NYPD due to on-the-job injuries; Detectives Tank Rizzo and Pearl are now thrown cold cases that need to be taken off the books. Although they may still act the part of an officer of the law, neither is; thus, they are referred to as ‘tin badges.’
Although Tank would never win father of the year, he and his nephew are forced together by circumstances, the death of Chris’s parents. Tank does not know how to communicate with the youth until he discovers his nephew’s extreme interest in true crime, and his genius with a computer.
Tank may not be an officer of the law any longer, but neither are any members of the crew he puts together when he realizes he is dealing with a drug kingpin named Gonzo, and dirty cops. His crew includes his sixteen year-old nephew, Chris; a former mobster and a bunch of total misfits; yet Tank trust each member of his crew with his life.
This case becomes personal when Gonzo sends his flunkies to take out Alexandria, a gypsy fortune teller; but when he sends his goons to rough up and hospital former wise guy Carmine, Gonzo has taken a step too far over the line and Tank is determined to take him and his crew down.
Awesome book! Highly recommended!
Retired from the NYPD due to on-the-job injuries; Detectives Tank Rizzo and Pearl are now thrown cold cases that need to be taken off the books. Although they may still act the part of an officer of the law, neither is; thus, they are referred to as ‘tin badges.’
Although Tank would never win father of the year, he and his nephew are forced together by circumstances, the death of Chris’s parents. Tank does not know how to communicate with the youth until he discovers his nephew’s extreme interest in true crime, and his genius with a computer.
Tank may not be an officer of the law any longer, but neither are any members of the crew he puts together when he realizes he is dealing with a drug kingpin named Gonzo, and dirty cops. His crew includes his sixteen year-old nephew, Chris; a former mobster and a bunch of total misfits; yet Tank trust each member of his crew with his life.
This case becomes personal when Gonzo sends his flunkies to take out Alexandria, a gypsy fortune teller; but when he sends his goons to rough up and hospital former wise guy Carmine, Gonzo has taken a step too far over the line and Tank is determined to take him and his crew down.
Awesome book! Highly recommended!
February 5, 2020
The book opens with the two partners doing their job while being detectives, and how Pear his best friend ends up in a wheelchair. Now many years later retired Tank is still given jobs by the chief. With his crew or the people that have been in his life, it seems forever, from Carmine who owns the restaurant across the street who is also an ex-mob boss. Connie Carmines daughter also works at the restaurant and is the love interest of Tank’s. to his computer guy Joey. He begins his case about a decomposed body of a teenage girl along the Hudson Park Way.
Before he can even start to get involved with all of that his brother and his wife die in a car accident leaving a teenage boy who has never met his uncle and now is supposed to live with him. Or as Tank says you can go into the system until you eighteen. Really a good bonding tool is Tank’s communication skills.
Once you get going into the story it is a quick read with twists and turns. With all of the different characters adding something to the flow of the story. I found that it was really all of these characters that for me made the book. Overall a good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Before he can even start to get involved with all of that his brother and his wife die in a car accident leaving a teenage boy who has never met his uncle and now is supposed to live with him. Or as Tank says you can go into the system until you eighteen. Really a good bonding tool is Tank’s communication skills.
Once you get going into the story it is a quick read with twists and turns. With all of the different characters adding something to the flow of the story. I found that it was really all of these characters that for me made the book. Overall a good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 21, 2019
This is perhaps one of the best police stories I have read. It all takes place in New York City, and involves just about every issue in human relationships you can identify. The characters are very realistic and covered in depth, warts and all. The story begins with Tank and his long time partner on a bust that ends with both of them wounded and sent to pasture. Many separate plot threads keep the reader engaged and provide understanding of the characters involved and the progress of their relationships. I ended up taking the afternoon off to finish this book, and I'm happy I did. I was overjoyed to find the ending seemed to promise more to come.
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