The Killing Game

Once a hitman, always a hitman!  One of the ghost shooters in the Kennedy assassination, mob hitman Bronk Trellisane, has retired only to be recruited once again to kidnap and deliver a government witness who has documents which bring to light incriminating evidence of old “business dealings”.  He must again deceive and incriminate Sonny Bonasera, resentful son his mentor, Doc Bonasera.  Renewed relationships stir up old memories, resentments and regrets.

I had a very difficult time finding the main character a redeeming soul.  Given his participation in the Kennedy assassination as well as other mob and government related hits, I could not find him likeable nor could I raise any sympathy for him.  It is not easy to positively identify with such a character.  He made his choices early on and they shaped who he has become. Growing up in the late 60’s, I clearly remember those shocking assassinations, and the horror and pain it caused our country.  The question of government intervention and black ops was a real issue and this book makes light of it.  The author doesn’t delve in the historical background which he could have used to enhance the plot and educate younger readers.

This book has a tightly woven storyline as does a movie or television mystery.  In fact, it is a very visual read. The action moves along but the characters and back stories lack the depth of what would make a good book a much better one.  It still is a very entertaining, quick read for fans of this genre.

The Killing Game
J.C. Stevens
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432769086
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (04/11)