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Frank Corso #2
Black River
There is the law, and there is justice. The two are not always the same....
There is no stronger argument for the death penalty than Nicholas Balagula -- but so far the elusive sociopath has escaped punishment through ruthless intimidation, jury tampering, and the fortuitous deaths of chief prosecution witnesses. Now the bloodthirsty West Coast crime boss has been charged with sixty-three counts of murder, and rogue journalist Frank Corso is the only nonparticipant allowed to observe the closed proceedings, which has placed the reclusive writer uncomfortably in the center ring of the most crazed media circus to hit Seattle in years.
Then personal tragedy strikes in the midst of the madness, knocking Corso's carefully protected world out of its orbit. While following her own leads toward another unpunished crime, photojournalist Meg Dougherty -- once Corso's lover and still his dearest friend -- reaches an abrupt and calculated dead end on a bleak and rainy Washington night, leaving her broken, bloodied, and more dead than alive.
With the one person in the world Corso truly cares about clinging weakly to life in the I.C.U. -- and with the increasingly likely possibility of Balagula taking yet another walk -- the angry lone-wolf reporter is determined to identify all guilty parties and make them pay, by his own hand if necessary. But the black river of lies, secrets, corruption, and death surrounding the Balagula trial is much deeper and more dangerous than even Corso anticipated....
Hard-hitting, gritty, vivid, and unforgettable, Black River is the electrifying follow-up to Fury -- the resoundingly acclaimed thriller that first introduced tough, irascible, wonderfully colorful and complex protagonist Frank Corso to the reading public. With his second sensational appearance, the volatile black sheep investigator earns a permanent place among crime fiction's most intriguing continuing characters...and his creator, G.M. Ford, solidifies his standing as "the Raymond Chandler of Seattle" (San Antonio Express-News).
There is no stronger argument for the death penalty than Nicholas Balagula -- but so far the elusive sociopath has escaped punishment through ruthless intimidation, jury tampering, and the fortuitous deaths of chief prosecution witnesses. Now the bloodthirsty West Coast crime boss has been charged with sixty-three counts of murder, and rogue journalist Frank Corso is the only nonparticipant allowed to observe the closed proceedings, which has placed the reclusive writer uncomfortably in the center ring of the most crazed media circus to hit Seattle in years.
Then personal tragedy strikes in the midst of the madness, knocking Corso's carefully protected world out of its orbit. While following her own leads toward another unpunished crime, photojournalist Meg Dougherty -- once Corso's lover and still his dearest friend -- reaches an abrupt and calculated dead end on a bleak and rainy Washington night, leaving her broken, bloodied, and more dead than alive.
With the one person in the world Corso truly cares about clinging weakly to life in the I.C.U. -- and with the increasingly likely possibility of Balagula taking yet another walk -- the angry lone-wolf reporter is determined to identify all guilty parties and make them pay, by his own hand if necessary. But the black river of lies, secrets, corruption, and death surrounding the Balagula trial is much deeper and more dangerous than even Corso anticipated....
Hard-hitting, gritty, vivid, and unforgettable, Black River is the electrifying follow-up to Fury -- the resoundingly acclaimed thriller that first introduced tough, irascible, wonderfully colorful and complex protagonist Frank Corso to the reading public. With his second sensational appearance, the volatile black sheep investigator earns a permanent place among crime fiction's most intriguing continuing characters...and his creator, G.M. Ford, solidifies his standing as "the Raymond Chandler of Seattle" (San Antonio Express-News).
369 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 18, 2019
Borrowing part of one of the blurbs on the inside jacket -" Part Sam Spade, Part Hunter S, Thompson". In a nutshell, you have Frank Corso. G M Ford is must reading.
July 20, 2015
#2 in the Frank Corso series.
Frank Corso is observing the third trial of Nico Balagula on 63 counts of murder for his next book. Ex-lover, photog Meg Daugherty is tracing the story of an uncovered pickup with a dead body in it when she is chased and left for dead after a car crash. Corso picks up the investigation and he is attacked. The two threads come together neatly and violently.
Frank Corso is observing the third trial of Nico Balagula on 63 counts of murder for his next book. Ex-lover, photog Meg Daugherty is tracing the story of an uncovered pickup with a dead body in it when she is chased and left for dead after a car crash. Corso picks up the investigation and he is attacked. The two threads come together neatly and violently.
April 21, 2011
Nice pacing, unscrupulous Russian bad guys and a hero with a moral code made this an entertaining book.
March 28, 2013
ive read two of his books and have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. I have added mr ford to my must read list of aurhors.
January 7, 2015
Picked this book up at a used book seller. Had never heard of the author before. Looking forward to finding and reading his other books. Really liked this one!
November 23, 2018
Mr. Ford fastidiously wraps up all the loose ends on this one before he finishes. Nicely done.
April 22, 2024
Thriller discreto, ma le storie incentrate quasi interamente su un processo le trovo noiose.
June 17, 2019
F CORSO vs la mafia entre autre Toujours un page turner avec une pointe parfois d'humour (noir ?)
et des rebondissements Mon seul hic c'est qu'il ne m'en restera certainement pas grand chose dans quelques mois à part que le système américain de la justice est bien loin de celui de la France
et des rebondissements Mon seul hic c'est qu'il ne m'en restera certainement pas grand chose dans quelques mois à part que le système américain de la justice est bien loin de celui de la France
March 22, 2024
I’ve not read anything by this author before, and I actually picked this one up off the “free” cart at my library. It turned out to be a wonderful read. 4.25 stars
September 15, 2011
Light novel filled with extremes. The bad guy is really bad, surrounded by other really bad guys. And the hero has no problem knocking off a couple of bad guys who seemed to me to be just a couple bricks short of a load. Enjoyable, if predictable. I prefer a little more subtlety, but a satisfactory way to pass some time in between the heavier stuff.
August 14, 2012
This mystery was well written, with a good combination of plot twists and standard detective work. The author does a good job of giving you insight to a character, so that you understand why they are doing something, instead of just focusing on what they are doing.
The ending is not necessarily a surprise, because he leads you logically to the final conclusion, but without making it boring.
The ending is not necessarily a surprise, because he leads you logically to the final conclusion, but without making it boring.
June 6, 2014
I'm continually impressed by the plotting in Ford's novels. The characters are well-developed. The scenes are easy to visualize. The action has a significant degree of tension.
What probably impressed me the most in this novel is the quality of the courtroom dialogue. Probably as good as Turow in that regard.
Another fine novel in the Corso series.
What probably impressed me the most in this novel is the quality of the courtroom dialogue. Probably as good as Turow in that regard.
Another fine novel in the Corso series.
May 18, 2025
This kind of story is my comfort food. I got it from a used book store for like $3 and it was well worth it. I will usually read any good thriller that has mobster elements. It is competently written, moves at a good pace, and the characters and mystery are interesting. I did not read the first Frank Corso novel and you do not need to. This appears to be a standalone mystery. I like how this story swapped between Frank trying to solve the mystery of what happened to his friend, and the trial of an infamous Russian mob boss who always seems to get away scot-free.
Frank is a loner with a temper and a quick wit and his flaws make him a fun character to watch. I like how at the beginning the readers actually know more than Frank does, but towards the climax, Frank knows more than the readers do and the rest of the mystery is revealed in a satisfying fashion.
If you like mystery/thriller and want a well-paced entertaining read, this one will do it for you.
Frank is a loner with a temper and a quick wit and his flaws make him a fun character to watch. I like how at the beginning the readers actually know more than Frank does, but towards the climax, Frank knows more than the readers do and the rest of the mystery is revealed in a satisfying fashion.
If you like mystery/thriller and want a well-paced entertaining read, this one will do it for you.
September 27, 2017
This is a very good crime/mystery novel. A Russian mobster is being tried for 63 counts of murder for building a shoddy unreinforced hospital in an earthquake zone. The mobster had beaten two earlier trials for other crimes by either killing the witnesses or buying off the jury. Frank Corso is attending the trial intent upon writing a book about the case. He gets involved and helps solve the crime with a burst of violence. Recommended to crime/mystery fans.
October 19, 2017
Another gripping read in a series I can see is going to become a firm favourite. Plenty of suspense & a few shocks....one which had me on the edge of my seat going "Nooooo!" -but I'm not saying anymore, don't want to spoil it for future readers. Love the characters of Corso & Meg, surely they'd be ideal for TV or film (that said on past experiences they'd be nothing like, Meg probably won't even be tattooed!), loved it & highly recommend it.
December 26, 2023
Famed writer, Frank Corso, is allowed to cover the trial of a crime boss who is charged with jury tampering as well as the deaths of 63 people, killed when a hospital collapsed, a hospital where it was determined that he had used his influence to weaken the concrete used it its construction. When Corso’s friend is attacked and severely injured, Corso searched for the reasons of the attack, he finds himself deeply involved in a series of incidents that lead back to the defendant
May 22, 2020
Hits all the targets of this kind of mystery: the ultimate bad guy is bad in every possible way, his hit men are completely merciless, the tough detective is very smart and really tough, and the local color is bleak and vivid. There were a couple of well-done surprises along the way, and all the loose ends are artfully handled.
December 21, 2021
I am a huge fan of this author. I liked his Leo Waterman series but this Frank Corsco series is 10 times better. In Black River, murdered people are killed twice and Frank is stuck working backwards trying to find out who is endangering his friend. His characters are really interesting and his plots work just fine.
February 7, 2018
Ford's books are always entertaining - this one is especially good.
August 4, 2019
I’m enjoying this series all more than the Leo Waterman books by the same author.
May 10, 2021
I enjoy Mr. Ford's writing
August 18, 2024
Have enjoyed many other Ford fictions but unfortunately not this one. Too much fill and prose not working well with the story.
It did come together fairly well but just can't recommend it ....
It did come together fairly well but just can't recommend it ....
October 12, 2024
Excellent story as an intrepid author gets drawn into the trial of a Russian gangster chief
September 13, 2025
This book kept my on my toes as I could not go to sleep.
January 5, 2026
Black River is a fast-paced, action-packed read with sharp dialogue. However, the mystery is average and the payoff feels a bit messy. It’s an enjoyable but forgettable thriller with some plot holes.
May 21, 2014
Un brutto che piace
Brutto, furbo perfino nelle pennellate ben scritte ma bello da leggere, divertente.
Tra i difetti, una totale assenza di autenticità e un protagonista molto "Mary Sue". Abbiamo per esempio un boss russo che si esprime in stile "perdiana": «Ho trattato uomini migliori di lei alla stregua di donnicciole.» Abbiamo procuratori generali che invece dire un franco "cazzo" arpeggiano: «Che io sia dannata». :-)
Frank Corso dal canto suo è alto, bello, con espressione che tradisce subito durezza e implacabilità, è ricco sfondo, determinato, intelligente, abile in tutto ciò che fa, manco a dirlo scrittore di successo: marysuissimo!
D'altro canto la vividezza dei contesti è tale da rendere la lettura un'esperienza immersiva di grande godibilità e il cattivo è veramente cattivo, alla Stieg Larrsson.
Brutto, furbo perfino nelle pennellate ben scritte ma bello da leggere, divertente.
Tra i difetti, una totale assenza di autenticità e un protagonista molto "Mary Sue". Abbiamo per esempio un boss russo che si esprime in stile "perdiana": «Ho trattato uomini migliori di lei alla stregua di donnicciole.» Abbiamo procuratori generali che invece dire un franco "cazzo" arpeggiano: «Che io sia dannata». :-)
Frank Corso dal canto suo è alto, bello, con espressione che tradisce subito durezza e implacabilità, è ricco sfondo, determinato, intelligente, abile in tutto ciò che fa, manco a dirlo scrittore di successo: marysuissimo!
D'altro canto la vividezza dei contesti è tale da rendere la lettura un'esperienza immersiva di grande godibilità e il cattivo è veramente cattivo, alla Stieg Larrsson.
October 31, 2016
An easy read. Frank Corso is the sole non-participant allowed into the court room at the trial of Nicholas Balagula, a vicious Russian mobster who is now operating on the West Coast. This is the third time the state have tried to convict Balagula; if they don't succeed this time, there won't be another trial. Frank needs an ending to his book and has used some connections to get his chance to observe.
Meg Dougherty, a former lover, is chasing her own story, trying to get photographs for another show. She is viciously attacked while trying to track down information about a recent photograph. Corso, who considers Meg his best friend, vows to find out who was responsible for putting Meg in hospital fighting for her life.
Of course, the stories overlap. Frank is his normal, reclusive, inquisitive self. He follows leads, annoys the police, and gets the story.
Meg Dougherty, a former lover, is chasing her own story, trying to get photographs for another show. She is viciously attacked while trying to track down information about a recent photograph. Corso, who considers Meg his best friend, vows to find out who was responsible for putting Meg in hospital fighting for her life.
Of course, the stories overlap. Frank is his normal, reclusive, inquisitive self. He follows leads, annoys the police, and gets the story.
September 19, 2007
BLACK RIVER-VG
Ford, G.M.- 2nd Corso
Mobster Nicholas Balagula cut so many corners when he built a new children's hospital that 63 people died when it collapsed. Now he's up on murder charges, and Seattle true-crime writer Frank Corso, who watched Balagula's first two trials end disastrously when witnesses disappeared and jurors were bought off, is back in court for the third one, which looks like a slam dunk for the prosecution. Then Frank's former girlfriend, photojournalist Meg Dougherty, is brutally attacked after stumbling on a connection between a story she's following and the one Frank's hoping to turn into another bestseller.
Ford knows how to write and keep story moving
Ford, G.M.- 2nd Corso
Mobster Nicholas Balagula cut so many corners when he built a new children's hospital that 63 people died when it collapsed. Now he's up on murder charges, and Seattle true-crime writer Frank Corso, who watched Balagula's first two trials end disastrously when witnesses disappeared and jurors were bought off, is back in court for the third one, which looks like a slam dunk for the prosecution. Then Frank's former girlfriend, photojournalist Meg Dougherty, is brutally attacked after stumbling on a connection between a story she's following and the one Frank's hoping to turn into another bestseller.
Ford knows how to write and keep story moving
November 11, 2014
very interesting and enjoyable book. i enjoyed the story and i loves the caracters very much!!
I guess in real life many criminals really get away with their crimes for mistrials and all, and i liked the way this story goes on.
Spoilers:
For a moment i was afraid that meg was really dead, although i kind of figured it out that it was just suspence :) cause i really liked her, a tough woman :)
and at the end i totally forgot that Donald Barth was not killedbut those cubans, as planned, and i was surprised by the real killer!! Mr Pov was just a regular guy, and i wouldn't have thought of him as a murderer at all, but i liked the moral aspect!!!
I guess in real life many criminals really get away with their crimes for mistrials and all, and i liked the way this story goes on.
Spoilers:
For a moment i was afraid that meg was really dead, although i kind of figured it out that it was just suspence :) cause i really liked her, a tough woman :)
and at the end i totally forgot that Donald Barth was not killedbut those cubans, as planned, and i was surprised by the real killer!! Mr Pov was just a regular guy, and i wouldn't have thought of him as a murderer at all, but i liked the moral aspect!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews