Pigeon Tony's Last Stand

We Could be Heroes

by Lisa Scottoline

When amiable Italian immigrant Pigeon Tony discovers that local drug dealers are pressuring his young neighbor into joining their ranks, he resolves to put an end to the crime wave before it can take over the community. Pigeon Tony knows the law isn’t always on the right side, but it takes only one person to rally a revolution.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery, Novella, Contemporary

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

Lisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels. Her books are book-club favorites, and Lisa and her daughter Francesca Serritella have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at her Pennsylvania farm, for the past twelve years. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America, and her reviews of fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Chick Wit, a witty take on life from a woman’s perspective, which have been collected in a bestselling series of humorous memoirs. Lisa graduated magna cum laude in three years from the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in English, and cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she taught Justice and Fiction. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A standalone short story (more like a novella) featuring a pigeon-loving grandpa who finds a new agenda to become passionate about. Good plot, interesting characters, multiple emotions. Enjoyed it!

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Plot Preview:

Pigeon Tony, a senior citizen of Italian origin, loves being with his Italian friends (some of whom are also Tonys with a different nickname) and flying his pet pigeons. His English might still not be so good, but he loves America as it has saved him from his own past. But now, Pigeon Tony finds that his young neighbour, a boy named Enzo, is being forced by drug dealers to act as their courier, he knows that he can’t allow crime to enter the community. But what can a senior citizen do?

This is the first standalone story in the 'We Could be Heroes’ series, described on Amazon as “a darkly inquisitive collection of short stories that examines heroic intentions versus their real-life consequences.”

This short story should actually be called a novella, because at 72 pages, it is much too long for short fiction. But I am glad the author took up the extra pages because it offers a depth to the proceedings not always possible in shorter tales.

There are quite a few characters in this story, but the writing makes all of them very clear in our heads. I loved the old men the best, especially eighty-something Mazzo who has to SPEAK LOUDLY SO THAT OTHERS CAN HEAR HIM and Pigeon Tony who cares much about his dear pigeons and also about his Italian food, even if his favourite dishes are not good for his heath. Young Enzo is also a sweet boy.

Seeing the old men come together to save Enzo is an entertaining experience. As the story says, “they work fuelled by fear, love and caffeine.” Their banter leads to some humorous conversations, but it also shows their strong bond and their commitment to justice.

While the plot resolution is a bit too simplistic, it still works for this tale. But this is a story to be picked up more for the characters than the plot. It seems some of these characters originally appeared in ‘The Vendetta Defense’, which is the sixth book of the Rosato & DiNunzio Series. (DiNunzio has a secondary role in this tale.) I haven't read any book in this series, but when I read the short story, I didn’t feel any gap in my comprehension. So it works perfectly well as a standalone.

Recommended to those looking for a heartwarming story with loveable senior characters and a strong flavour of Italy.

4 stars.


This standalone story is a part of the “We Could Be Heroes” collection, and is currently available free to Amazon Prime subscribers.





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[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it takes more than one hero to get justice

This was a solid audiobook with a really great performance. The story is set in an Italian neighborhood in South Philly that face rising drug problems. Wait for the law or do it yourself? A surprise ending that I didn't see coming. If you read Scottoline's Rosato & DiNunzio Series, you might recognize some names!

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini/ 1h 13 m

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a pleasant short story that can be read in one sitting. Pigeon Tony and his friends decide to do something when a 10 year old boy is being bullied by drug dealers into being a courier. How they confront the drug dealers makes for an enjoyable read that both my wife and I recommend to Scottoline fans.
Pigeon Tony and his friends are in their 80s.
One quote, on Pigeon Tony being forced to eat a salad instead of his beloved Philly steak hoagie, because of his heart:
"This is your new order, Frank said only salads from now on, but I put some sardines on top. I got'em special, packed in water."
Pigeon Tony turned up his nose. He wanted his hoagie. It was hoagie day.
This was an Amazon Prime book.

[SVETLANA · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very kind story showing that only together people can fight for their neighborhood.
Pigeon Tony is a 80 years old guy who loves his pigeons and his neighbors. His English is not perfect but he is very brave and can do everything to make order in the streets

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ...

Now that I've finished this series,
I can declare 'Pigeon Tony' the winner!😊
The other four were good/very good ...
this one was excellent.
Also, this narrator was,
by far, the best of the group.😁

This series has provided
excellent bedtime stories
for the past five days ...
recommended. 👍👍

[Chrissie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very simple tale; if only prevailing against drug dealers were that simple...

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining short story featuring Italian immigrant, Pigeon Tony, from Scottoline's full-length novel The Vendetta Defense. It also includes my favorite Scottoline character, Mary DiNunzio. This is a touching story about love, friendship, and community. Fans of Scottoline's legal thrillers will enjoy it, but it also works perfectly as a stanalone.

[Karly · Rating 1 out of 5]

My Rating: 1⭐️ didn’t hold my interest, wasn’t fussed at all!!

This was my last book in the 5 book We Could be Heroes, Amazon Originals short stories series. I wasn’t really too excited about it mostly because of the name of the book. I was like meh whatever… but I wanted to finish the series.

After having a total winner the last time around with These Cold Strangers, a girl could hope for more love… but it wasn’t to be. There was nothing overtly BAD about this book it was just really really super boring.

I think so much more could have happened, and I understand the message, I understand the sentiment… but I just didn’t vibe with it at all. It was predictable…which was totally fine but it was flat from start to finish.

Normally with these shorties I sit down and read them in one go and I could have done that with this one but I didn’t want to. I took three separate turns to read approx. 70 pages… to me thats something that is just not captivating my attention.

Overall: I was glad I closed out the series although none of these books have anything to do with each other I was just excited to try mostly new authors. I got two stellar reads out of it and two that didn’t give me anything at all and one pretty good one - so I think time well spent.

I definitely recommend GR friends and readers to check out this Kindle Unlimited series, and if you want to know my 5, 3 and 1 star picks then please feel free to check out my other reviews

Happy Reading GoodReaders!!! 🌟

[ᒪᗴᗩᕼ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2½⭐

I liked the idea of this more than I liked the actual story. Honestly, I only cared about the missing pigeon…and I don’t even like pigeons???

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great short story, I almost didn’t listen to it as I didn’t like the title. What do I know? Lol

[Brian Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa at her best. I loved everything about the story. I only wish it was longer. Now waiting for the next in the series!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a short story binge, I turned to Lisa Scottoline’s contribution to the We Could Be Heroes collection. In fact, I have devoured a few in the collection, as they are quick reads and very entertaining. Scottoline did not disappoint with her addition, pulling on some of the characters she made popular in one of her legal thriller series (of which I have not read, but must try soon). Pigeon Tony is well-known in his Philadelphia community for having pigeons that race with the best of them. When he notices that one of the neighbourhood boys is being targeted by local drug dealers, Pigeon Tony makes it his mission to send this once and for all, however he is able to use his 82-year-old body and mind. What follows is a stubborn man’s attempt to protect what he hold dear and the push back from those who feel they own the neighbourhood.

Pigeon Tony is part o a group of elderly Italian men who have many stories to share from their pasts. Pigeon Tony, whose name comes from his owning and racing a number of pigeons, has taken it upon himself to protect one of the young boys in the neighbourhood, whose grades are high but stature remains small. Local drug dealers have targeted him to be their messenger, pulling him into the the illegal acts that are tarnishing the streets of South Philadelphia.

While his friends want Pigeon Tony to stand down, the elderly man uses his wits and determination to take a stand, which includes a risky confrontation that raises more than a few eyebrows. Armed with a scoop of gumption and little fear, Pigeon Tony clashes with those who would sully his streets with drugs and other criminal acts, almost ending up hurt himself. Still, Pigeon Tony will not stand down or deny that he has a right to protect those he loves.

Turning to his legal representative, Mary DiNunzio, Pigeon Tony works through the possible outcomes before deciding on one that will involve the neighbourhood as a whole. It may be the last chance Pigeon Tony had to make a difference, but he will not stand down until he knows those around him are safe once and for all. A great piece by Lisa Scottoline, which has me wanting to know more about these characters.

While I know of Lisa Scottoline, I have read only one or two of her novels in the past, though they do not come to mind as I pen this review. She has a way with words and building her story that has me wanting to know more and delve even deeper. I am eager to see how she is able to build her narrative base, which proves strong and quick to establish in this short story. The characters are strong and keep me asking questions to myself about their backstories, which I suppose are developed in Scottoline’s series that includes many of them. With little time to develop them, Scottoline relies on what she includes here, which is enough to fill the gaps left with the narrative. Plot developments are clear and keeps the story moving along, keeping things from being too predictable. While the story moves swiftly and left little time to meander, Scottoline presents something well worth the reader’s time. I am eager to get my hands on some more books in this series, which will allow me to see how this short story fits in with the rest.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for a great story that left me wanting more. I will have to find that series and whet my appetite once more.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short story showed how people can come together in a community to fight crime even when the police do not want to get involved. Pigeon Tony was determined to help a young boy in the neighborhood that drug dealers were targeting. I also enjoyed reading about Tony’s racing pigeons, love of pigeons, and how they mate for life.

[Lynne Hannmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quintessential Scottoline and everything we love about South Philly. Satisfying, inspiring, a breath of fresh air.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this first short story in the Amazon “We Could Be Heroes” series - nice change of pace to read about a group of senior citizens.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely short story about neighborhoods, immigrants, and people looking out for each other. This is the America that I love but it seems to be eroding before my eyes. This is a story full of hope. I still have some ❤️

[☮Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free on Audible as part of the We Could Be Heroes collection.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for Pigeon Tony’s Last Stand (audiobook) by Lisa Scottoline read by Edoardo Ballerini.

Pigeon Tony and his buddies are getting up there in years. They used to be able to make the criminals think twice about coming on their block but things have changed. There’s a drug dealer trying to recruit a young neighbor boy and they won’t take no for an answer. And the police don’t seem interested in helping. Tony and his friends are going to have to get creative to put a stop to these thugs.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just LOVED it, even better on audible to hear the octogenarians’ voices, exactly as I imagined them! But way too short! 💕 I want to hear more about their lives before, as they all sound like characters, plus, who has had the same friends for over six, seven decades? Their stories are just waiting to be heard… I feel like family and want to know more about each of them… and why Feet is called feet… I’ve read every single book of Lisa’s and I don’t recall her every saying why… 🤔. There’s a whole other series just waiting to be told!

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short novella with wonderful elements -- Philadelphian Italians, pigeons, cheesesteaks, community heroes. Short and very sweet.

[isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d die for you, Pigeon Tony 🐦🤍

[Janey Glidden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story of the power of neighborhoods

When a young boy (and friend of the three Tony's and Mattie) is approached by the drug dealers in the neighborhood and told he is going to be their new runner, the old men reach out to Mary ( Mattie's daughter) to search for answers on what they can do. The 8 y/o boy has to stay home from school until this is resolved. Fortunately the old men come up with a plan to run the dealers off with the police backing them up. Very short story but holds your attention well.

[Caroline]

rating/reviewing when i finish the rest of the collection

[Dun's · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book on Prime Reading and decided to listen to the audiobook. It was the first audiobook that I'd ever listened and actually finished (while cooking dinner), and I really enjoyed it.

The short story is set in Philadelphia featuring a missing pigeon, a group of friends in their 80s, drug dealers, and members of the neighborhood. It's an entertaining story and each character is wonderfully narrated.

I found out that the short story is part of the "We Could Be Heroes" original stories collection. Can't wait to check out the other ones.

[✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧ Bini's Era ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

very sweet plot and a lovely ending

This story shows just how powerful a neighborhood can be if they STAND UNITED ! I love how Pigeon Tony always says “ alla good ” , as in “ don’t worry, all is well ”. He’s not trying to have a bunch of people trying to feel all sorry for him. That’s gone be me when I get old. A stubborn old fart. 😂😂😂

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had my attention from the beginning, and I enjoyed the flow and the banter of the characters. Knowing that these characters can be found in some of Scottoline's other books definitely makes me want to seek them out and add them to my TBR.

[Yari Roncone · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick short read. I enjoyed it. It was cute, and I got to hear from Mary Dinunzio, who is my absolute favorite character.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great short story by SCOTTOLINE. If you’ve read any of the ROSATO & DINUNZIO series, you know Mary’s father, Matty and the Tony’s. This story centers around Pigeon Tony and how he battles for his neighbors.

Great story with characters I’ve come to love.

[Michelle Only Wants to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story set in South Philly about a group of Italian neighbors (with many Tonys) fighting a drug dealer. Pigeon Tony has a great idea to support the community. Endearing story.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short story by Lisa Scottoline. Very well written, funny and touching.