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Midtown Huckster
Can you keep your gelt and freedom when the cops have enough evidence to take you down?
1930s Jewish gangster, Alex Cohen runs Murder Inc for Lucky Luciano. After the death of Prohibition he must find a new way to make money, just as the cops are baying at his heels. When Luciano goes down for racketeering, Alex loses his protection and is arrested for tax evasion–he must decide between saving his skin and ratting out his friends.
If he chooses prison time then his gang will fall apart and he will end up with nothing. If he squeals then he will have to flee the city he loves and the family he once adored. What would you do in a world where nobody can be trusted and you have everything to lose?
The third book in the Alex Cohen series is an historical noir novel, which plunges you deep into the early days of narcotics trafficking and the Jewish New York mob. Leopold Borstinski's piercing crime fiction delivers a fix to every reader like heroin from a needle.
Grab your copy NOW.
1930s Jewish gangster, Alex Cohen runs Murder Inc for Lucky Luciano. After the death of Prohibition he must find a new way to make money, just as the cops are baying at his heels. When Luciano goes down for racketeering, Alex loses his protection and is arrested for tax evasion–he must decide between saving his skin and ratting out his friends.
If he chooses prison time then his gang will fall apart and he will end up with nothing. If he squeals then he will have to flee the city he loves and the family he once adored. What would you do in a world where nobody can be trusted and you have everything to lose?
The third book in the Alex Cohen series is an historical noir novel, which plunges you deep into the early days of narcotics trafficking and the Jewish New York mob. Leopold Borstinski's piercing crime fiction delivers a fix to every reader like heroin from a needle.
Grab your copy NOW.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2020
10 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 1, 2020
Book three in this brilliant series, it’s the end of prohibition, meaning that Alex Cohen and the other mobsters he is working with have to look for other ways to make money, after all once alcohol is legal the regulars won’t be going to the speakeasy’s and drinking their watered down liquor.
Alex is still trying to make it bigger in the mob, constantly trying to get more money, but when is enough enough? His wife Sarah doesn’t want a reconciliation, he gets to see the boys when he can which is not often, they are growing up. Now a part of the syndicate Murder Corporation, who basically knock off people sanctioned to be killed by the syndicate, normally someone who has gone against them, or double crossed them. At times Alex isn’t happy with the outcome of some of these hits, especially when he feels he has been double crossed but is not allowed to kill the people responsible.
Now special prosecutor Thomas Dewey is after the mobsters one by one, trying to bring them down, even if it’s just for tax evasion. Al Capone is the first to be gone. Charlie next and then he’s coming after Alex.
Despite being a mobster/gangster there is a loyalty about Alex and at times a bit of vulnerability. He is a loyal person, he won’t squeal on anyone even if it means him doing time.
This can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I highly recommend you read the first two in the series first to get to know how Alex Cohen ended up where he is now. From arriving in New York with his family. How he got involved with criminals.
A truly engrossing, riveting series, engaging and fast paced.
Alex is still trying to make it bigger in the mob, constantly trying to get more money, but when is enough enough? His wife Sarah doesn’t want a reconciliation, he gets to see the boys when he can which is not often, they are growing up. Now a part of the syndicate Murder Corporation, who basically knock off people sanctioned to be killed by the syndicate, normally someone who has gone against them, or double crossed them. At times Alex isn’t happy with the outcome of some of these hits, especially when he feels he has been double crossed but is not allowed to kill the people responsible.
Now special prosecutor Thomas Dewey is after the mobsters one by one, trying to bring them down, even if it’s just for tax evasion. Al Capone is the first to be gone. Charlie next and then he’s coming after Alex.
Despite being a mobster/gangster there is a loyalty about Alex and at times a bit of vulnerability. He is a loyal person, he won’t squeal on anyone even if it means him doing time.
This can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I highly recommend you read the first two in the series first to get to know how Alex Cohen ended up where he is now. From arriving in New York with his family. How he got involved with criminals.
A truly engrossing, riveting series, engaging and fast paced.
July 18, 2020
Working with mobster Lucky Luciano, Jewish gangster Alex Cohen needs to find a new way to make money. But when his boss is nabbed for racketeering, Alex is also arrested for tax evasion. Faced with saving himself or his friends, he must make a difficult decision – and the repercussions either way could be devastating.
This is the third book in Leopold Borstinski’s Alex Cohen series, charting the rise of an immigrant into the Jewish New York mob. Having read the first volume, I thought I knew what to expect. However, the writing this time round is tighter, and the action moves along at a swifter pace than before. The development of Alex’s character is also interesting, as it reveals his struggle to decide what is important to him and what the consequences could be if he makes the wrong choice. I did feel with this one that the author has worked harder at making the main character more appealing (which I didn’t find with the first book).
Setting the series within actual events and with real people, adds a nice touch too, giving the whole thing a sense of realism that aids the general believability of the story. All in all, an enjoyable read that will appeal to lovers of gun-toting gangsters everywhere.
This is the third book in Leopold Borstinski’s Alex Cohen series, charting the rise of an immigrant into the Jewish New York mob. Having read the first volume, I thought I knew what to expect. However, the writing this time round is tighter, and the action moves along at a swifter pace than before. The development of Alex’s character is also interesting, as it reveals his struggle to decide what is important to him and what the consequences could be if he makes the wrong choice. I did feel with this one that the author has worked harder at making the main character more appealing (which I didn’t find with the first book).
Setting the series within actual events and with real people, adds a nice touch too, giving the whole thing a sense of realism that aids the general believability of the story. All in all, an enjoyable read that will appeal to lovers of gun-toting gangsters everywhere.
June 18, 2020
The exciting story of Alex Cohen continue as he works with well-known gangsters to continue his life of crime. His relationship to his wife and family suffer, but he has several jobs as a board member for Murder Corporation. The writing is smooth and makes for an easy read while providing good mental images. I enjoyed the criminal activity and the inerplay between the mobsters.
July 21, 2020
Great read from start to finish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
This is the 3rd slice of historical Noir from Leopold Borstinski as he continues his series about Alex Cohen, a Jewish mob boss.
Now into the 30s, this story brings the tale of the newly formed Murder Corporation Syndicate, now headed up by Alex, a small group of gangsters who now carry out hits on behalf of all the other crime families.
With prohibtion coming to an end, Alex and his gang, need to spread their wings and find other ways of earning the 'Gelt' now their trade in bootleg Alcohol and speakeasies are going to end.
Alex is also facing problems in his private life with estranged wife Sarah, and also from a special prosecutor looking into to his financial dealings.
This really is an excellent series, Borstinski has created a devil of a protagonist in Alex, one you really should hate for some of his actions, but you cant, his charm just draws you on to his side.
The pacing is perfect as we move through the years culminating in an extremley intriging finale that will only leave you wanting book 4!
A series i am increasing looking forward to, this feels like the strongest in the series to date in this enthralling and compelling saga of Alex Cohen's Life.
Now into the 30s, this story brings the tale of the newly formed Murder Corporation Syndicate, now headed up by Alex, a small group of gangsters who now carry out hits on behalf of all the other crime families.
With prohibtion coming to an end, Alex and his gang, need to spread their wings and find other ways of earning the 'Gelt' now their trade in bootleg Alcohol and speakeasies are going to end.
Alex is also facing problems in his private life with estranged wife Sarah, and also from a special prosecutor looking into to his financial dealings.
This really is an excellent series, Borstinski has created a devil of a protagonist in Alex, one you really should hate for some of his actions, but you cant, his charm just draws you on to his side.
The pacing is perfect as we move through the years culminating in an extremley intriging finale that will only leave you wanting book 4!
A series i am increasing looking forward to, this feels like the strongest in the series to date in this enthralling and compelling saga of Alex Cohen's Life.
June 27, 2020
Midtown Huckster is the third book in the Alex Cohen series, and I can honestly say that I am really enjoying following Alex as he continues to try to stay ahead of the game in 1930’s New York. This time the story picks up just as prohibition is ending so Alex and the syndicate are looking to find new ways to ensure that their income does not diminish.
With his personal life going nowhere Alex now has more time to devote to his business interests, including being an integral part of the Murder Corporation, a group of thugs for hire that take on contracts to get rid of anyone that goes against the Syndicate. If this wasn’t taking up enough of his time, he also has to deal with the threat of Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey who has made it his mission to take down all of them one by one. This is one threat that Alex is not going to be able to deal with in his usual style.
Borstinski is certainly getting into his stride with this series and Midtown Huckster delivers a fast paced and gritty read that despite having multiple threads, flows easily and gives the reader a real sense of gang life. Despite him being up to his neck in criminal activity, I still kind of like Alex as he certainly has a sense of loyalty to his friends and his lieutenants, refusing to give them up even if it means him doing hard time. Although he is trying to get further in with the syndicate and make more of a name for himself, he doesn’t always agree with the stance taken by some of the more aggressive members of the group. This makes him a little bit vulnerable at a time when they should maybe be pulling together if they want to stay ahead of Dewey and his incorruptible team. With the net closing in on everything he knows you are left wondering what will become of Alex and how he will deal with the outcome of his battle with the FBI and his “friends”. Even though you really can read any of the books in the series as stand alone book, I really would recommend that you start from the beginning as this is turning into a really interesting series and I look forward to book 4.
With his personal life going nowhere Alex now has more time to devote to his business interests, including being an integral part of the Murder Corporation, a group of thugs for hire that take on contracts to get rid of anyone that goes against the Syndicate. If this wasn’t taking up enough of his time, he also has to deal with the threat of Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey who has made it his mission to take down all of them one by one. This is one threat that Alex is not going to be able to deal with in his usual style.
Borstinski is certainly getting into his stride with this series and Midtown Huckster delivers a fast paced and gritty read that despite having multiple threads, flows easily and gives the reader a real sense of gang life. Despite him being up to his neck in criminal activity, I still kind of like Alex as he certainly has a sense of loyalty to his friends and his lieutenants, refusing to give them up even if it means him doing hard time. Although he is trying to get further in with the syndicate and make more of a name for himself, he doesn’t always agree with the stance taken by some of the more aggressive members of the group. This makes him a little bit vulnerable at a time when they should maybe be pulling together if they want to stay ahead of Dewey and his incorruptible team. With the net closing in on everything he knows you are left wondering what will become of Alex and how he will deal with the outcome of his battle with the FBI and his “friends”. Even though you really can read any of the books in the series as stand alone book, I really would recommend that you start from the beginning as this is turning into a really interesting series and I look forward to book 4.
July 22, 2020
Welcome to the third adventure in the historical noir Alex Cohen series, Midtown Huckster.
When we last met Alex, he had become a great success in organised crime circles, rubbing shoulders with some very big names, running booze during Prohibition, and heading up the Murder Inc. operation for Lucky Luciano. However, his marriage had fallen victim to the amount of time and attention he spent on his nefarious work undertakings, his penchant for "skirt", and the lies he told - not to mention the danger he put his family in.
The end of Prohibition marks a big change for Alex. Although he is still flavour of the month with his boss Luciano, and continuing to run a slick hit man operation, organised crime is going through some big changes. With the loss of income from illegal booze sales, crime bosses are now looking at drugs to fill the gap - namely heroin. Although reluctant, at first, to get on board with this new direction, Alex recognises that there is big money to be made, and he is soon up to the gills in the drug venture and reaping the substantial monetary rewards. His marriage is still on the rocks though, even though he seems less enamoured by the attention of other females as time goes by.
But this is also a time of uncomfortable attention from the Feds, buoyed as they are from their success in bringing down Capone, and they are now making trouble in New York that will soon make Alex's life very difficult, and this all adds gloriously to the seedy gangster scene.
I take my hat off to Leopold Borstinski at the way he has manged to find ever more interesting storylines for Alex Cohen as this series progresses. He really seems to have found his niche in the noir historical crime genre, and this adventure is absolutely packed with glorious mob detail that gives the reader a real feel for the era.
In this book, we are in the middle of the 1930s organised crime world and can fully experience the way New York crime lords are organising themselves along syndicate lines, with gangs working closer together and sanctioning each other's operations in a more corporate way - although this doesn't mean they always agree and are not trying to out manoeuvre each other all the time behind the scenes! We also get to see how and why drugs become a big focus for organised crime, which was really interesting.
This is also the era of Eliot Ness and company, with the Feds getting a taste of how they could bring down some of the big criminal fraternity, such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. Although everyone surely knows the name of Capone, and is aware of how he met his downfall, I found it fascinating the way Leopold Borstinski shows us how the the attention of the Feds was also focused on the gangs in New York, and that they also had success in making a dent in organised crime there too - gone were the days when you could payoff a few cops and judges, or threaten jurors and witnesses; this is the age of The Untouchables.
Interestingly, this also brings home how organised crime gangs were starting to think seriously about how they needed to create legitimate fronts for their operations that could provide a way to hide the sources of their ill-gotten gains and launder the huge amounts of money their were making.
Leopold Borstinski is really warming to his task in this episode of Alex's life. There is a tantalising feel of The Godfather and a touch of Goodfellas that makes it all very enjoyable - in fact, I think this is the best one yet - and I look forward to much more of this is Alex's next outing, Casino Chiseler.
When we last met Alex, he had become a great success in organised crime circles, rubbing shoulders with some very big names, running booze during Prohibition, and heading up the Murder Inc. operation for Lucky Luciano. However, his marriage had fallen victim to the amount of time and attention he spent on his nefarious work undertakings, his penchant for "skirt", and the lies he told - not to mention the danger he put his family in.
The end of Prohibition marks a big change for Alex. Although he is still flavour of the month with his boss Luciano, and continuing to run a slick hit man operation, organised crime is going through some big changes. With the loss of income from illegal booze sales, crime bosses are now looking at drugs to fill the gap - namely heroin. Although reluctant, at first, to get on board with this new direction, Alex recognises that there is big money to be made, and he is soon up to the gills in the drug venture and reaping the substantial monetary rewards. His marriage is still on the rocks though, even though he seems less enamoured by the attention of other females as time goes by.
But this is also a time of uncomfortable attention from the Feds, buoyed as they are from their success in bringing down Capone, and they are now making trouble in New York that will soon make Alex's life very difficult, and this all adds gloriously to the seedy gangster scene.
I take my hat off to Leopold Borstinski at the way he has manged to find ever more interesting storylines for Alex Cohen as this series progresses. He really seems to have found his niche in the noir historical crime genre, and this adventure is absolutely packed with glorious mob detail that gives the reader a real feel for the era.
In this book, we are in the middle of the 1930s organised crime world and can fully experience the way New York crime lords are organising themselves along syndicate lines, with gangs working closer together and sanctioning each other's operations in a more corporate way - although this doesn't mean they always agree and are not trying to out manoeuvre each other all the time behind the scenes! We also get to see how and why drugs become a big focus for organised crime, which was really interesting.
This is also the era of Eliot Ness and company, with the Feds getting a taste of how they could bring down some of the big criminal fraternity, such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. Although everyone surely knows the name of Capone, and is aware of how he met his downfall, I found it fascinating the way Leopold Borstinski shows us how the the attention of the Feds was also focused on the gangs in New York, and that they also had success in making a dent in organised crime there too - gone were the days when you could payoff a few cops and judges, or threaten jurors and witnesses; this is the age of The Untouchables.
Interestingly, this also brings home how organised crime gangs were starting to think seriously about how they needed to create legitimate fronts for their operations that could provide a way to hide the sources of their ill-gotten gains and launder the huge amounts of money their were making.
Leopold Borstinski is really warming to his task in this episode of Alex's life. There is a tantalising feel of The Godfather and a touch of Goodfellas that makes it all very enjoyable - in fact, I think this is the best one yet - and I look forward to much more of this is Alex's next outing, Casino Chiseler.
July 26, 2020
All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/
I received a free eARC of Midtown Huckster but that has in no way influenced my review.
Jewish gangster and thug, Alex Cohen, is back! And he’s bigger and badder than ever. He’s a killing machine and the reader really shouldn’t like him….but it’s hard not to. I thoroughly enjoyed Midtown Huckster which focuses on Cohen’s life in 1930s New York. The end of prohibition, the end of his marriage to Sarah and the end of….well, I won’t spoil it for you. I think this is my favourite book in the series so far!
The end of prohibition is nigh and Alex and his men need to find a new way to make sure they continue to live in the lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to. No one will be looking for watered down, bootlegged hooch when the real thing will be readily available again. A new money-spinning idea is needed to keep them rolling in gelt. But that’s not all Alex should be worrying about. There’s a new Special Prosecutor in town – Thomas Dewey – and he’s out to clean up the mean streets of New York and has Alex and his colleagues in his sights. Will Alex manage to see out the 1930s a free man or is this the end of Slugger…?
Eminently readable, utterly compelling and as I think I said, my favourite book of the series so far. I absolutely devoured Midtown Huckster. This series is something very special with its mix of fact and fiction. Notorious names from history you’ll definitely recognise rubbing shoulders alongside wonderfully written, standout creations. I adore Alex Cohen and his dark edge. But he has a conscience, which the reader gets to see him battling with as the prospect of dealing heroin is put upon the table.
The plot moves quickly as it does in all three of these books. Each novel tends to cover a decade so the author has a lot to fit in. Scenes do jump quickly but I really enjoy that as it keeps the pace fresh – never a dull moment with Cohen around. Being a gangster novel, there is violence but it fits with the period and the setting. It’s all in keeping with what you would expect.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I would recommend all three novels in the Alex Cohen series. They can be read as standalone novels but why would you when you can start at the very beginning and follow Alex on his journey as he steps off the boat from the Ukraine. They’re gritty, compelling books which deserve a wider readership. Hard-hitting crime noir with a likeable lead, this entire series is something quite special.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Midtown Huckster. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a free eARC of Midtown Huckster but that has in no way influenced my review.
Jewish gangster and thug, Alex Cohen, is back! And he’s bigger and badder than ever. He’s a killing machine and the reader really shouldn’t like him….but it’s hard not to. I thoroughly enjoyed Midtown Huckster which focuses on Cohen’s life in 1930s New York. The end of prohibition, the end of his marriage to Sarah and the end of….well, I won’t spoil it for you. I think this is my favourite book in the series so far!
The end of prohibition is nigh and Alex and his men need to find a new way to make sure they continue to live in the lifestyle they’ve become accustomed to. No one will be looking for watered down, bootlegged hooch when the real thing will be readily available again. A new money-spinning idea is needed to keep them rolling in gelt. But that’s not all Alex should be worrying about. There’s a new Special Prosecutor in town – Thomas Dewey – and he’s out to clean up the mean streets of New York and has Alex and his colleagues in his sights. Will Alex manage to see out the 1930s a free man or is this the end of Slugger…?
Eminently readable, utterly compelling and as I think I said, my favourite book of the series so far. I absolutely devoured Midtown Huckster. This series is something very special with its mix of fact and fiction. Notorious names from history you’ll definitely recognise rubbing shoulders alongside wonderfully written, standout creations. I adore Alex Cohen and his dark edge. But he has a conscience, which the reader gets to see him battling with as the prospect of dealing heroin is put upon the table.
The plot moves quickly as it does in all three of these books. Each novel tends to cover a decade so the author has a lot to fit in. Scenes do jump quickly but I really enjoy that as it keeps the pace fresh – never a dull moment with Cohen around. Being a gangster novel, there is violence but it fits with the period and the setting. It’s all in keeping with what you would expect.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I would recommend all three novels in the Alex Cohen series. They can be read as standalone novels but why would you when you can start at the very beginning and follow Alex on his journey as he steps off the boat from the Ukraine. They’re gritty, compelling books which deserve a wider readership. Hard-hitting crime noir with a likeable lead, this entire series is something quite special.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Midtown Huckster. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 27, 2020
Midtown Huckster is the third book in the Alex Cohen series. While it can certainly be read as a standalone, this is a series that is going from strength to strength, and there are little details and elements of the context that are stronger for reading the rest of the series, and you get to see how Alex has reached the point he’s now at.
Once again and showing a reoccurring strength on the side of the author, it is the historical elements of this book that made me fall in love with the story. You can feel the dedication to the era throughout the story, but the facts never get in the way of the story but enrich it until it feels as though you have stepped through a door to the past. In Midtown Huckster it’s the end of Prohibition, and the start of a new era, where Alex and his contemporaries have to look elsewhere in order to make money and keep the mob in power. You can really get a feel for that newness, and uncertainty of these latest endeavours, in a world that is trying to push back against them. The excellent writing, and continued appearances from well-known historical figures, build on this and provide a robust and realistic foundation that lifts the narrative.
Alex remains a fascinating character, and while his actions and choices, such as working as part of the Murder Corporation for the syndicate, place him very much on the wrong side of the law. It is impossible not to enjoy his character, he remains human despite everything that he is involved in– from his failing personal relationships to his past, to the moments of vulnerability and the weight of what could happen if he makes the wrong choice. All in all, he makes for an excellent main character, and it has been a delight to see how he has grown and adapted from the events in the previous book to the ones he is living through now, and I look forward to seeing where his path will take him in the future.
For me, this has been my favourite book of the three, and it feels very much as though the series has hit its stride and will only continue from here. The writing is a wonderful blend of historical detail, action and human moments, and there’s never a dull moment from start to finish.
Once again and showing a reoccurring strength on the side of the author, it is the historical elements of this book that made me fall in love with the story. You can feel the dedication to the era throughout the story, but the facts never get in the way of the story but enrich it until it feels as though you have stepped through a door to the past. In Midtown Huckster it’s the end of Prohibition, and the start of a new era, where Alex and his contemporaries have to look elsewhere in order to make money and keep the mob in power. You can really get a feel for that newness, and uncertainty of these latest endeavours, in a world that is trying to push back against them. The excellent writing, and continued appearances from well-known historical figures, build on this and provide a robust and realistic foundation that lifts the narrative.
Alex remains a fascinating character, and while his actions and choices, such as working as part of the Murder Corporation for the syndicate, place him very much on the wrong side of the law. It is impossible not to enjoy his character, he remains human despite everything that he is involved in– from his failing personal relationships to his past, to the moments of vulnerability and the weight of what could happen if he makes the wrong choice. All in all, he makes for an excellent main character, and it has been a delight to see how he has grown and adapted from the events in the previous book to the ones he is living through now, and I look forward to seeing where his path will take him in the future.
For me, this has been my favourite book of the three, and it feels very much as though the series has hit its stride and will only continue from here. The writing is a wonderful blend of historical detail, action and human moments, and there’s never a dull moment from start to finish.
July 7, 2020
Can you keep your gelt and freedom when the cops have enough evidence to take you down?
1930s Jewish gangster, Alex Cohen runs Murder Inc for Lucky Luciano. After the death of Prohibition he must find a new way to make money, just as the cops are baying at his heels. When Luciano goes down for racketeering, Alex loses his protection and is arrested for tax evasion–he must decide between saving his skin and ratting out his friends.
If he chooses prison time then his gang will fall apart and he will end up with nothing. If he squeals then he will have to flee the city he loves and the family he once adored. What would you do in a world where nobody can be trusted and you have everything to lose?
The third book in the Alex Cohen series is an historical noir novel, which plunges you deep into the early days of narcotics trafficking and the Jewish New York mob. Leopold Borstinski's piercing crime fiction delivers a fix to every reader like heroin from a needle.
Grab your copy NOW.
My thoughts about this brilliant historical crime gangster novel, set in the 1930s New York, was fantastic. What I loved about the story was how the main characters journey Alex Cohen's going into the criminal underworld, in New York was fantastic a well written story that takes you on a journey into the darkness of the underworld author Leopold Borstinski's writing is truly brilliant Midtown Huckster is one of thouse gangster books that truly takes your breath away if you want to explore the dark secrets of the criminal underworld then this is for you highly recommended I would like to say thank you to Emma Welton of damppebbles for giving me a chance to read and review this incredible story can not believe this is the 3rd book in the series will be defiently reading the first 2 books in the series highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
1930s Jewish gangster, Alex Cohen runs Murder Inc for Lucky Luciano. After the death of Prohibition he must find a new way to make money, just as the cops are baying at his heels. When Luciano goes down for racketeering, Alex loses his protection and is arrested for tax evasion–he must decide between saving his skin and ratting out his friends.
If he chooses prison time then his gang will fall apart and he will end up with nothing. If he squeals then he will have to flee the city he loves and the family he once adored. What would you do in a world where nobody can be trusted and you have everything to lose?
The third book in the Alex Cohen series is an historical noir novel, which plunges you deep into the early days of narcotics trafficking and the Jewish New York mob. Leopold Borstinski's piercing crime fiction delivers a fix to every reader like heroin from a needle.
Grab your copy NOW.
My thoughts about this brilliant historical crime gangster novel, set in the 1930s New York, was fantastic. What I loved about the story was how the main characters journey Alex Cohen's going into the criminal underworld, in New York was fantastic a well written story that takes you on a journey into the darkness of the underworld author Leopold Borstinski's writing is truly brilliant Midtown Huckster is one of thouse gangster books that truly takes your breath away if you want to explore the dark secrets of the criminal underworld then this is for you highly recommended I would like to say thank you to Emma Welton of damppebbles for giving me a chance to read and review this incredible story can not believe this is the 3rd book in the series will be defiently reading the first 2 books in the series highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
July 29, 2020
Midtown Huckster by Leopold Borstinski, is the third book in the series about Alex Cohen, a historical noir novel which from the first book, envelopes you with the early days of the Jewish New York mobsters and the shady activities involved.
In Midtown Huckster, Alex is attempting to find fresh new ways to make money due to Prohibition. Although he is part of a Murder Corporation(nice huh?!), that basically carries out hits on whoever has wronged the syndicate, it is just not regular enough for him to class it as income.
The only problem comes in the shape of Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey. He is determined to get something on Alex and the syndicate, times are tricky!
This complete series is a must read for anyone interested in America's mob history,but then again it's a colourful, immersive fictional read, that has good historical research for us to be able to follow a timeline within history of the events for the mob also. It is a book that can be read as a standalone but, to be able to fully inderstand the mixed bag of Alex, the other two give you a fuller, more rounded picture. We see that although he wants to climb up the mobster's chain, he has high standards and will not stamp on just anyone to further himself.
A fantastically compelling and addictive read, that is written to show the darker, murkier and grittier side of the 1930's New York, gangsters world.
This book, in fact,this series is a read that kept me gripped and wanting to know what came next everytime I picked it up! Certainly enjoyes travelling to Alex Cohens world for the time I was reading this, and the other books. A big thank you to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Leopold Borstinski for the opportunity to be educated about the ganster world of 1930's New York, while being highly entertained at the same time!
In Midtown Huckster, Alex is attempting to find fresh new ways to make money due to Prohibition. Although he is part of a Murder Corporation(nice huh?!), that basically carries out hits on whoever has wronged the syndicate, it is just not regular enough for him to class it as income.
The only problem comes in the shape of Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey. He is determined to get something on Alex and the syndicate, times are tricky!
This complete series is a must read for anyone interested in America's mob history,but then again it's a colourful, immersive fictional read, that has good historical research for us to be able to follow a timeline within history of the events for the mob also. It is a book that can be read as a standalone but, to be able to fully inderstand the mixed bag of Alex, the other two give you a fuller, more rounded picture. We see that although he wants to climb up the mobster's chain, he has high standards and will not stamp on just anyone to further himself.
A fantastically compelling and addictive read, that is written to show the darker, murkier and grittier side of the 1930's New York, gangsters world.
This book, in fact,this series is a read that kept me gripped and wanting to know what came next everytime I picked it up! Certainly enjoyes travelling to Alex Cohens world for the time I was reading this, and the other books. A big thank you to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Leopold Borstinski for the opportunity to be educated about the ganster world of 1930's New York, while being highly entertained at the same time!
January 14, 2021
This is the third book in the Alex Cohen series and I having been enjoying it so much. This book follows on from the previous books and while you could read them as a stand-alone I would advise reading in order.
Set in 1930’s New York as prohibition is coming to an end and as President Hoover forms the Federal Bureau to investigate tax evasion and bringing the profiteers to justice.
As I mentioned, this story follows on from the previous books, these include Alex’s arrival in New York and his Jewish background. This book feels more involved as there is more secrecy as the investigators are getting closer to convicting the main bosses. Another thing that I noticed was slightly less Jewish terms, this kind of makes sense as Alex would have become more Americanised but, I also do miss them.
The book once again uses various points of history to keep the story in the right period, with mentions of Thomas Dewey who was a New York City prosecutor in the 1930’s and whose aim was to beat organised crime. I like these historical mentions as it makes for great additional reading outside of the story.
The journey Alex has made up to this point has been gradual, he is trusted and has respect but there are things afoot that are making him suspicious. Times are changing and not necessarily in Alex’s favour. As he has had his fingers in many pies and looks for more ways to earn a living, the more the investigators have to go on, and what they can’t find well…
Another excellent read in the series and I am so glad there are more planned book to follow, I am certainly interested in what happens next for Alex. This is an excellent series for Historical fiction readers and I would definitely recommend reading Midtown Huckster.
Set in 1930’s New York as prohibition is coming to an end and as President Hoover forms the Federal Bureau to investigate tax evasion and bringing the profiteers to justice.
As I mentioned, this story follows on from the previous books, these include Alex’s arrival in New York and his Jewish background. This book feels more involved as there is more secrecy as the investigators are getting closer to convicting the main bosses. Another thing that I noticed was slightly less Jewish terms, this kind of makes sense as Alex would have become more Americanised but, I also do miss them.
The book once again uses various points of history to keep the story in the right period, with mentions of Thomas Dewey who was a New York City prosecutor in the 1930’s and whose aim was to beat organised crime. I like these historical mentions as it makes for great additional reading outside of the story.
The journey Alex has made up to this point has been gradual, he is trusted and has respect but there are things afoot that are making him suspicious. Times are changing and not necessarily in Alex’s favour. As he has had his fingers in many pies and looks for more ways to earn a living, the more the investigators have to go on, and what they can’t find well…
Another excellent read in the series and I am so glad there are more planned book to follow, I am certainly interested in what happens next for Alex. This is an excellent series for Historical fiction readers and I would definitely recommend reading Midtown Huckster.
July 23, 2020
I'm absolutely loving the Alex Cohen series by Leopold Borstinski and I couldn't wait to dive back in to find out what was next on the cards for this exciting character.
Prohibition is coming to an end and Alex needs to find new ways to earn money. He's a member of the ominously titled Murder Corporation, carrying out hits on whoever the syndicate feels has wronged them, but he also needs a more regular source of income.
At the same time, his private life is in turmoil. His estranged wife Sarah is against any kind of reconciliation and he knows that he isn't spending enough time with his boys who are growing up fast. If that wasn't enough to deal with, there's also someone lurking in the background, determined to take Alex and the whole of the syndicate down, Special Prosecutor, Thomas Dewey. The heat is definitely on for Alex this time!
This is a series that just goes from strength to strength with each book. Alex is a strong protagonist, who, despite wanting to get further up the mobster's ladder, is loyal to those he cares about but he also shows a vulnerable side which I feel adds to the authenticity of the character.
Midtown Huckster is a compelling read that gives a hard hitting and unapologetic glimpse into the dark and disturbing world of gangster life in 1930's New York. Flowing effortlessly from chapter to chapter Leopold Borstinski knows how to write a story that will keep his readers gripped and on their toes for the duration. I'm so pleased to hear that there are several more books to come in this series - my only problem is the wait between each one!
Prohibition is coming to an end and Alex needs to find new ways to earn money. He's a member of the ominously titled Murder Corporation, carrying out hits on whoever the syndicate feels has wronged them, but he also needs a more regular source of income.
At the same time, his private life is in turmoil. His estranged wife Sarah is against any kind of reconciliation and he knows that he isn't spending enough time with his boys who are growing up fast. If that wasn't enough to deal with, there's also someone lurking in the background, determined to take Alex and the whole of the syndicate down, Special Prosecutor, Thomas Dewey. The heat is definitely on for Alex this time!
This is a series that just goes from strength to strength with each book. Alex is a strong protagonist, who, despite wanting to get further up the mobster's ladder, is loyal to those he cares about but he also shows a vulnerable side which I feel adds to the authenticity of the character.
Midtown Huckster is a compelling read that gives a hard hitting and unapologetic glimpse into the dark and disturbing world of gangster life in 1930's New York. Flowing effortlessly from chapter to chapter Leopold Borstinski knows how to write a story that will keep his readers gripped and on their toes for the duration. I'm so pleased to hear that there are several more books to come in this series - my only problem is the wait between each one!
August 23, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
After really enjoying the first two books in this series I was delighted to be able to get my hands on a copy of Midtown Huckster - the third installment in the fabulous Alex Cohen series - and the book lived up to all my expectations!
The characters were brilliant, they worked well together and their interaction was great and they really worked with the story too. I loved the pace for the story - it was spot on.
The author is a brilliant storyteller and his books as addictive and after a few pages you know they are ones that you will want to keep reading until the end - and this one was no different - it is a fabulous book in a wonderful series!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a well written and additive story - the author has a brilliant way of bringing his stories, and this period to life - very highly recommended!
After really enjoying the first two books in this series I was delighted to be able to get my hands on a copy of Midtown Huckster - the third installment in the fabulous Alex Cohen series - and the book lived up to all my expectations!
The characters were brilliant, they worked well together and their interaction was great and they really worked with the story too. I loved the pace for the story - it was spot on.
The author is a brilliant storyteller and his books as addictive and after a few pages you know they are ones that you will want to keep reading until the end - and this one was no different - it is a fabulous book in a wonderful series!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a well written and additive story - the author has a brilliant way of bringing his stories, and this period to life - very highly recommended!
July 29, 2020
Midtown Huckster is the third novel in this series, and it may be my favorite yet. This is following Alex during his darkest years, which grew his character even more for me. Alex is not a nice guy, but we get to learn more about why and it makes it easier to empathize with him.
Leopold Borstinski’s writing is fantastic. He has the ability to write in such a way that I can’t put the book down. The pacing is great, the plot is engaging and the characters are deep and intriguing.
I highly recommend this book and this series. I think reading the rest of the series is a good idea because you get to see why Alex is who he is and each book shares more of him. It is really intriguing to watch his character grow. Check it out.
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Damppebbles Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Leopold Borstinski’s writing is fantastic. He has the ability to write in such a way that I can’t put the book down. The pacing is great, the plot is engaging and the characters are deep and intriguing.
I highly recommend this book and this series. I think reading the rest of the series is a good idea because you get to see why Alex is who he is and each book shares more of him. It is really intriguing to watch his character grow. Check it out.
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Damppebbles Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
July 18, 2020
Dry saga of mob murders in the 1930s in New York - 3.5 stars
Alex Cohen rose up from poverty and became one of the leading gangsters in New York City. When Tom Dewey starts investigations after prohibition ends, Alex is near the top of the list.
Alex made his money from liquor and sex during prohibition. He transitions to drugs but runs a foul of the IRS by not reporting all his income. Alex has few moments of introspection. He shrewdly calculates how to kill each marked man and preserve the organization until it turns on him because he is not Italian.
Alex's code of honor is clear - never be a rat and always support the organization. His executions are nearly always simple and quick without endangering the public.
Would you give this man a stiff sentence?
Alex Cohen rose up from poverty and became one of the leading gangsters in New York City. When Tom Dewey starts investigations after prohibition ends, Alex is near the top of the list.
Alex made his money from liquor and sex during prohibition. He transitions to drugs but runs a foul of the IRS by not reporting all his income. Alex has few moments of introspection. He shrewdly calculates how to kill each marked man and preserve the organization until it turns on him because he is not Italian.
Alex's code of honor is clear - never be a rat and always support the organization. His executions are nearly always simple and quick without endangering the public.
Would you give this man a stiff sentence?
June 19, 2020
This is the third book of about Alex Cohen and this is really the best book yet. We find Alex at the end of prohibition wondering what to do with the organization. Meanwhile the FBI has a new head prosecutor, Thomas Dewey, who is determined to take crime out of the city.
The book follows along a time in history when organized crime was very prevalent. Mr. Borstinski writes a compelling book that is honest and doesn’t hold back. The storyline is well written, it flows from chapter to chapter keeping you in suspense and wondering what is going to happen next. Mr. Borstinski has written an excellent book, I am so impressed!!
The book follows along a time in history when organized crime was very prevalent. Mr. Borstinski writes a compelling book that is honest and doesn’t hold back. The storyline is well written, it flows from chapter to chapter keeping you in suspense and wondering what is going to happen next. Mr. Borstinski has written an excellent book, I am so impressed!!
July 13, 2020
EBook review: MIDTOWN HUCKSTER by Leopold Borstinski
(M) erging
( I ) nterests
(D) ividing
(T) asks
(O) utweighing
(W) hat
(N) eed
(H) ighly
(U) urgent
(C) onsider
(S) olution
(T) o
(E) scape
(R) epercussions
MIDTOWN HUCKSTER settles in, offers to resolve.
Has done quite well, where everyone wins.
Or so it had been, things are changing.
New enemy from without, shaking the box.
Never before had questioned, who friends were.
Hitting closer to home, as time passes.
Who to root for, I am wondering?
Feeling guilty because of, what they do.
Jump in with me, journey with them.
Life is complicated not, black or white!
(M) erging
( I ) nterests
(D) ividing
(T) asks
(O) utweighing
(W) hat
(N) eed
(H) ighly
(U) urgent
(C) onsider
(S) olution
(T) o
(E) scape
(R) epercussions
MIDTOWN HUCKSTER settles in, offers to resolve.
Has done quite well, where everyone wins.
Or so it had been, things are changing.
New enemy from without, shaking the box.
Never before had questioned, who friends were.
Hitting closer to home, as time passes.
Who to root for, I am wondering?
Feeling guilty because of, what they do.
Jump in with me, journey with them.
Life is complicated not, black or white!
June 30, 2020
Follow Alex along his journey into the 1930's in this book. Everything is changing. Capone is sent to jail. Alex is being investigated for tax evasion as well. Prohibition is over and Alex has to find a new way to make a living. He replaces liquor for heroin. There are also changes with Sarah and Ida. This was a great book that held my attention through to the end.
July 18, 2020
If you like good gangster books and the 1930s, you will love Midtown Huckster. It's like watching
The Untouchables only better. I read this book in one night...I couldn't put it down so sleep got pushed to the background. Mr. Bortinski has developed a list of fantastic characters and a wonderful
story. Highly Recommended
Given as an ARC book...this is my freely given, honest review.
The Untouchables only better. I read this book in one night...I couldn't put it down so sleep got pushed to the background. Mr. Bortinski has developed a list of fantastic characters and a wonderful
story. Highly Recommended
Given as an ARC book...this is my freely given, honest review.
June 20, 2020
Tired of the daily barrage of oppressive news of 2020 ? Take a journey back to the 1930’s and Crime USA and follow the continuing saga of Alex Cohen, mobster extraordinaire. Midtown Huckster is the perfect antidote to escape the mishugana world we’re living in. You won’t be sorry !
Read
November 21, 2020Please see blog for [K]'s review:
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
November 16, 2020
Alex Cohen is working his way to the top. Check out all his adventures.
February 11, 2023
The third in a series is almost always the one where good series/shows turn into great series/shows. See Azkaban, Red Wedding, Breaking Bad, Sons, Lords of the North and now this.
January 21, 2021
Read my full review for the Alex Cohen series books 1-3 on my blog. https://theverybookish.com/2021/01/13...
November 20, 2020
Midtown Huckster is the third installment in the Alex Cohen series, which focuses on the life Alex leads as a member of the Italian-Jewish National Crime Syndicate. After years of working his way up the ranks, Alex is now one of the bosses, running businesses and conferring with the members of the Syndicate. But after decades of hard work, Alex’s life is falling apart.
The repeal of the Volstead Act means the end of Prohibition, and with it the end of all those lovely profits. Sarah, Alex’s wife, has asked for a divorce after years of their having been separated. Louis Buchalter and Albert Anastasia, Alex’s cohorts in the Murder Corporation, an elite assassination squad are alternately pushing for higher pay or attempting to oust Alex from their group. And through it all, Thomas Dewey is working to bring Organized Crime down.
This book follows Alex through his darkest years yet. Seeing his friends go to prison and trying to avoid the same fate is hard enough; but watching the subtle betrayals from coworkers and the slow dawning of the death of his marriage is painful. I’ve said it before, Alex is not a nice character, but it is incredibly easy to empathize with him. This series is unlike most of the historical fiction I read, told entirely from the view of a gangster; there are no heroes here, only shades of villainry.
One thing really sticks with me, for all that Alex does his best to do well by his fellow gangsters, there really is no honor among thieves.Midtown Huckster spells the end of Alex Cohen’s adventures in New York, but I dearly hope to see him again!
The repeal of the Volstead Act means the end of Prohibition, and with it the end of all those lovely profits. Sarah, Alex’s wife, has asked for a divorce after years of their having been separated. Louis Buchalter and Albert Anastasia, Alex’s cohorts in the Murder Corporation, an elite assassination squad are alternately pushing for higher pay or attempting to oust Alex from their group. And through it all, Thomas Dewey is working to bring Organized Crime down.
This book follows Alex through his darkest years yet. Seeing his friends go to prison and trying to avoid the same fate is hard enough; but watching the subtle betrayals from coworkers and the slow dawning of the death of his marriage is painful. I’ve said it before, Alex is not a nice character, but it is incredibly easy to empathize with him. This series is unlike most of the historical fiction I read, told entirely from the view of a gangster; there are no heroes here, only shades of villainry.
One thing really sticks with me, for all that Alex does his best to do well by his fellow gangsters, there really is no honor among thieves.Midtown Huckster spells the end of Alex Cohen’s adventures in New York, but I dearly hope to see him again!
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