Operation Underworld

by Paddy Kelly

This is a novel revealing the astonishing underground partnership that changed the course of history. As the Hindenberg dramatically burned, the US government realised its ports were under grave threat from German attack as the Second World War approached its zenith. If the Pentagon and Navy couldn't get the information required, they would risk an unthinkable loss. Facing such danger, the authorities made a decision that would never have been sanctioned at any other time - it sought to solicit the help of the country's most high profile and criminal mafia bosses. Could this historic and secret move, fraught with difficulties and dangers, help turn the tide. This title is based on a true story.

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2009

Reviews

[Legend Press]

February,1942: T. L. S. Normandie, the world's most famous luxury liner of the time, has just been set alight and burned to the water-line in New York Harbor initiating widespread panic in fear of German saboteurs. In one of the most controversial decisions of the war, Naval Intelligence opts to approach the only people who can help: the New York Mafia. In the midst of all the double-dealing and uneasy alliances, Mike ‘Doc’ McKeowen, a New York PI, is drawn into events much larger than even he can suspect.

Casting light on the Federal Government’s links with organized crime and how the Boss of Bosses, Charlie 'Lucky' Luciano, laid the cornerstone of the International Drug Cartel, it becomes clear what the Sicilians mean when they say, ‘Due Facce della stessa Medaliglia’. Titanic was an act of carelessness. Lusitania was an act of war. Normandie was an act of genius.

[Annette Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit wary as I began reading, thinking the use of colloquial speech and vocabulary word make the book hard going. However I was wrong; instead it gives the book a distinctive flavour, alongside the descriptions of a bustling New York.

I liked the mass of divergent characters, some real and some fictional, who come together to tell the story of the sinking and possible sabotage of the Normandie. I also liked the way the fictional storyline, tied together with some historical unknowns, was woven into real, known events, and involved people all the way from the bottom and the top of the White House.

Although I enjoyed it, this book is probably more aimed at men: a 'bloke book', definitely not 'chick lit'!

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Based on a true event, but not my kind of book. Determined to finish it but not a memorable read.