Shakedown

by Petievich

When Eddie Sands decides to shake down a famous Hollywood star whose sex life could ruin his screen career, he sets off a chain of events that leads straight to the white-hot center of Las Vegas, and brings down on himself the attentions of Tony Parisi, the mob's kingpin of Las Vegas, and FBI agent John Novak.

Genres: Mystery, Crime

236 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't just Elmore Leonard's glowing praise that counts. Like authors Edwin Torres's crime novels and the work of George V. Higgins, Petievich is compelling to read because the mechanics and lingo from his ex-Secret Service Agent experiences are so credible. They distract from the weaker elements. Much like Higgins's ex-lawyer information and Torres's colorful years as a NYC judge carry their stories, here, the details fuel the narrative with exciting accuracy, and yes, the accuracies are always exciting. The ruthless pursuit of a hateable ex-cop and his extortion schemes allow for the novel's unique cast of characters to come into their own, and from all directions. The regrettable moments come mostly in the book's punctuating sex scenes that arrive like TV commercials, all of them "explosive" and highly successful. Almost as if Petievich wants to earn admiration from the reader for the criminal and law enforcement types, alike, in their bedrooms. Nonetheless, the suspense and grit are without any pretense. As the betrayals stack up on both sides, Petievich also shows the flaws in the various agencies. He doesn't soft-pedal the brutality, hypocrisy and corruption. On the humorous side are the illustrations of Las Vegas, a city Petievich autopsies in great, grotesque detail, describing what seems like an endless community of sleaze and stucco.

[JKM S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't say this is an exciting read. However, since every little thing in this book was very detailed, I was consumed by the story. Because the author had served a long time in the secret service, everything he wrote in this crime thriller book was very descriptive and believable, which kept me turning the pages. However, be mindful that since this is an old book, it calls non-white people with names such as Chicanos and orientals; terms that are frowned upon in 2021.

[Bruce Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to this book on the recommendation of Elmore Leonard. Elmore found it hard to put down. Well, yes, it is gripping. It doesn't have Elmore's linguistic polish, nor his wit. However, the scams were well described and the action flows. The plotting, tension, dialogue and interactions are well done. Because it is so plausibly described, one wonders how much of this stuff actually goes on.

[Jim Bostjancic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Gerald Petievich transformed his real life exploits into a pulp fiction actioner set in Vegas that reads like an occurrence report and fast as a Wesley Snipes "Boiling Point" flying leap kick through a suspect's front door. "Shakedown" would have made a great Charles Bronson vehicle in the mid 80's.

[AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Easily 4.5-stars... much better than the GR ratings would suggest. Flawlessly plotted, clever, believable, taut.