Customer Reviews

Martin Quinn: A Novel of Suspense

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a marvelous novel, so complete, so strong, it's hard to believe it's Lee's first. The language is absolutely true to the characters and their environment, and the dialogue is so dead-on there's not a false note in more than 300 pages. And this is a novel, not a thriller, crimer, mystery or suspense, as the editor/publisher mistakenly calls it. (Do not be mislead by the readers' comments below, disappointed it's not a mystery, etc.)

The themes are classic, from the complexity of father-son, mother-daughter relationships, to individual responsibilty and the impact of group morality.

I was lead to this fine novel by Lee's terrific short story "Feast of Saint Anthony" in the literary magazine "Prairie Schooner" (Summer 2007), and the promise of that read was more than fulfilled.

The story is tough and gritty, the protagonist is molded on the typical tough guy but you soon learn he is completely unique. The writing style and story will keep you intrigued. It is a timeless story that takes place in Brooklyn and Manhattan, an intense love story playing out in the midst of Little Odessa. Original and smart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although it took me a short while to adapt to the author's style, the story and the characters held my attention throughout. It's a story of loyalty, ambition, love and betrayal, seen through the eyes of a young man trying to make his way through the New York City underworld. It's one of those books that you want to power through so you can see how things turn out, but at the same time, you don't want it to end. Pick it up - you won't be disappointed. I only hope Anthony Lee's subsequent efforts can live up to my now-heightened expectations.

I read this novel a few years ago - and decided to reread it.

A well written novel about so much more than suspense and criminals. Lee writes about neighborhoods that change, life suspended by memories, mistakes, and decisions, internal struggle, the relationships we create, and survival.

The characters are crafted superbly. More than anything, I truly enjoyed following the psychology of Martin Quinn.

Some beautifully written passages.

Read it.

It is a great book! Not your typical gangster suspense story. The book comes alive with the setting in NYC and characters. I had an image for each character in my mind. I could not put it down, what a great ending!

Terry Hughes, working under the orders of the Russian Mafia is assigned to killing fellow gangsters Martin Quinn and Martin's best friend Felix. Unfortunately for Terry things go horribly wrong and it is Martin alone who is left alive after the exchange of gunfire. Wounded and losing consciousness, Martin is arrested and charged with the deaths of his fellow gangsters. Given that he was the target, he decides to become a government witness knowing he is putting not only himself in danger but also the woman he loves. Through flashbacks we learn of the past life and relationships of Martin Quinn.
Anthony Lee has written a mainstream novel under the guise of crime fiction. The plot really concerns the character of Martin Quinn. This is the focus- not the weak story line. As such the characters are superbly rendered and the writing style- though the plot is dull and pedantic- is of top quality. The reader cannot help but feel that he or she is reading a very well written novel. Continuing to turn the pages, however becomes more and more difficult.

Martin Quinn, half Irish and half Italian, grew up in the shadow of New York's Mafia. While in high school, he became friends with Felix (Fee), son of the head of Russian crime in the U.S. Together, they survived high school. But a shared love for one woman pushed Martin to kill the man who had been his best friend.

Author Anthony Lee begins with the shootout that leaves Fee and Terry dead and Martin badly wounded. The federals move in, accusing Martin of murdering the other two, but offering him the chance to turn on his former allies. Then Lee backtracks through the long friendship between Martin and Felix--and the ripples that their shared love for Penelope created.

Lee's voice is convincing in his descriptions of the New York underworld and the deals that lead to illicit wealth. I found him somewhat less convincing in developing his characters. Perhaps because all of them are criminals, it's difficult to gain any affection for them or find any concern for the troubles they face.

THE FIX is Lee's first novel and it shows considerable promise. Although the story has its flaws, it makes an interesting and perceptive read.

In the Catskills at his father's country home, Felix "Fee" Pasko and his best friend small time hood Martin Quinn discuss betraying fathers when their mutual enemy Terry Hughes arrives to kill them both. Terry murders Fee, but Martin kills the hitman. The New York police arrest Martin for the double homicides; however, the DA offers him a deal he shouldn't refuse. He can start over in the witness protection program if he turns state's evidence against his "family" the Italians who raised him or he can take his chance in court on double first degree murder charges.

When Felix's father, the head of the Russian Mafia, sends his goons to kill the murderer of his son, Martin realizes he so far has been fortunate to stay alive. He needs to move out fast if he rejects the Feds' offer and somehow retrieve his share of the heroin money. Wherever he goes, law enforcement and the Russian Mob follow him for he rejects negotiating with either to keep his respect, but the cost could be more than his life, he could lose his beloved Penelope.

This is an exciting thriller starring a law breaking antihero who decides to risk his life not just for the loot, but more for his self respect. The story line is action-packed though some of the significant secondary players like the Feds and the mobsters are caricatures rather than full blooded (though they bleed). Still Quinn carries the tale with his chutzpah gauntlet run.

Harriet Klausner

Terry Hughes is sent to kill Felix Pasko and Martin Hughes. But things go awry. Martin is the sole survivor of the encounter. The police arrive on the scene almost immediately. The cops had been building a narcotics case on Martin, but still had nothing. They took this opportunity to go bigger and begin pushing for a double homicide conviction. They could care less that Martin isn't the one who killed Felix or that Martin killed Terry in self defense. The feds are after a bigger target. Martin must decide whether to turn state's evidence or keep his mouth shut.

** The plot is good, but weak. The story has A LOT of flashbacks and they soon begin to detract from the story. The tale is well written, just not organized well enough for me. Every time a flashback began I found myself getting irritated. I kept having to switch gears to another time and place. Then, pages later, return to the present and try to recall just what had been going on before the most recent flashback. I gave up trying about half way through. **

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.