The Backlist

by Frank Zafiro, Eric Beetner

When the mob finds itself on hard times and has to lay people off, the boss decides to give two different hitters separate lists of “overdue accounts” — a backlist — to see who distinguishes themselves enough to remain on the payroll. The sharp-tongued Bricks and the hapless, eager to please Cam find themselves faced with challenges they never imagined when they got into the business.

But there’s no other choice than to settle out the names on… The Backlist.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2021

About the author

A former police officer, Frank writes gritty crime fiction from both sides of the badge.

Reviews

[Joe Beauchamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing style of bouncing back and forth every other chapter hits a bad spot for me. In general, that seems like lazy writing to add info which doesn't fit. Here, it took a while before I realized that it jumped back and forth between hitmen as 1st person. Why did he just get the folder and now it's being delivered? Do we really need 2 1st person speakers and jockey back and forth every chapter? I'd rather the author try to tell a story instead of a card shuffle of chapters.
The story wasn't a mystery, did have some tension as a thriller, a lot brought on by stupid moves, dragging out the clock to make sure at least one thing goes wrong. I was surprised by no immediate ohoh after an action because most writers throw something in to add tension. Not here, and that's when I realized other authors did that. I don't miss the feeling that nothing ever goes completely right.
The story did cause enough interest so that I finished it. Also, an issue with ebooks, there seemed to be ok proofreading.

[Jeff Cochrane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was painful. Good premise. Everyone else is downsizing, so the Mob should as well. However, the two main characters are so inept, it was a struggle to get through the story. Cam never planned on what to do other than having a few beers and visiting an ex-girlfriend before the hit. It’s completely understandable why he got the nickname of “Slaughterhouse “. Planning is not big with Bricks either. The only one that goes well is the one that the target commits suicide. When they finally get together around 75% of the way through the book things don’t get much better. Going after a higher level mobster and not expecting him to have bodyguards with him? Not recommended definitely.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a new series

Bricks and Cam a hitmen for the mob. Unfortunately the mob is downsizing and they are tasked with the downsizing. They are both trying to be the last one standing.

[Vickie Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced mob hits

Couldnt help myself, just had to cheer on the bad guys. Wait a minute, they were all bad guys! Cam and Brick certainly drew you into hoping they would come out the winners. What a great ride to the finale

[Ron Sarich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun romp through the life of a mafia hit man (and woman).

More twists and turns than a roller coaster. Thoroughly enjoyed this one, can't wait to start the next one in the series.

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your usual boy meets girl

The writing is good, but by the second chapter you start hoping everybody gets killed off, and you can move on to a more satisfying book

[Michael E Lucas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much to like about this one. Very light on plot and even though I wanted it to get better, it never did.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for a really good read.
A good story, very well told.

[clare c. gambino]

Guns on Fire

I enjoyed the character of the woman as a hitman and intricacies of mob life and loyalties as well as betrayals .

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light story not to be taken seriously. To enjoy the experience ignore the gruesomeness of the murders and assume all of the victims are deserving their fates.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book - fast-paced. I rate it 4.5 stars.