The Friendship of Criminals

In Glinski’s strong first novel, the imprisonment of Italian-American mob boss Tom Monte leaves a vacancy at the top of his Philadelphia crime organization. In the subsequent fight for leadership, Raymond Rea wins. Rea flexes his newfound muscles by reneging on agreements made with the city’s other crime families, including a Polish outfit controlled by the ruthless Anton Bielakowski, a 60-year mob veteran. Believing he can outwit the old-timer, Rea precipitates a struggle that exposes a fascinating world of lawyers, FBI agents, motorcycle gang members, and defendants awaiting trial. All of them must figure out whom to support and whom they can trust, because their lives and fortunes depend on making the right choices. Glinski vividly portrays the seamy side of Philadelphia, while providing absorbing backstories for all the major characters. As the battle wages, the action sweeps the reader along toward the satisfying climax. [em]Agent: Kirby Kim, William Morris Endeavor. (Mar.) [/em]