Manhattan South

Rating:
Summary: A Good Book But Not A Special One!
Review: Ex-cop John Mackie's first novel is worth reading and warrants a 3 1/2 star rating. Manhattan South is a fast read, has an interesting story and pretty well-developed characters (for the most part). While the plot moves along at a brisk pace, I didn't think this book deserved more than 3 1/2 stars since there really weren't any surprises and most of the occrrences were predictable. Also, Mackie leaves too many loose ends regarding some of the relationships between some of the characters. Perhaps, however, the author did this intentionally in order to create interest in a sequel or a series involving these characters. Nevertheless, despite these limitations, Manhattan South makes a good beach read or when you're in the mood for a "light ", action-packed police yarn.

Rating:
Summary: LLLOVED ITTT!!!!
Review: I've been an avid reader for 40 years and every now and then I become engrossed in a story and morn its ending. I was very suprised to find out that this is John Mackie's first published novel and relieved to learn that there is more to come. I guess what I'm saying is, I highly recommend Manhattan South.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read!
Review: Manhattan south hooked me in and I hated to finish it. The characters had a true feel to them, as if I knew them forever. Very humorous/edgy dialog. And the plot was a labyrinth of suprises, yet was credible and intriguing. I was shocked to learn that this is Mackie's first book. I look forward to seeing more of his work. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for intelligent and entertaining reading.

Rating:
Summary: police procedural that is tight from the start to the end
Review: Ukrainian hitman Andrew Karis is a pro who never makes a mistake or leaves behind a loose end. His current assignment takes place in La Florentine, a Manhattan bar just before closing. He kills forty-five years old Candy Mayhew, her mid thirties lover miner mobster Donny Cesare, and the bartender Hugh Byrne. However, coming out of the bathroom is private detective Tony DiLeo, doing surveillance on Candy for her spouse. Caught off guard, Andrew shoots the sleuth, but the last victim barely survives and is rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

MANHATTAN SOUTH homicide detective Sergeant Thornton Savage and his team head the investigation. On first look the cops eliminate robbery as the motive. The case appears either to have been a mob hit on Donny or a cuckold husband killing his wife and her lover. However, the investigation begins to take strange twists that reach the highest level of political power in this country leaving a good caring cop in jeopardy of his job and reputation as nothing stands in the way of ambition.

Fans of police procedurals will welcome John Mackie into the sub-genre after reading the powerful MANHATTAN SOUTH. The story line is fast-paced, loaded with action, and filled with twists caused by external pressures. Thornton and his crew comes across as individuals yet a professional team while the villains include a great hitman and a Lady Macbeth type character. Though the NYPD brass is politically stereotyped, readers will enjoy this tale that starts faster than a colt and retains the speed and action until the tight end.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: police procedural that is tight from the start to the end
Review: Ukrainian hitman Andrew Karis is a pro who never makes a mistake or leaves behind a loose end. His current assignment takes place in La Florentine, a Manhattan bar just before closing. He kills forty-five years old Candy Mayhew, her mid thirties lover miner mobster Donny Cesare, and the bartender Hugh Byrne. However, coming out of the bathroom is private detective Tony DiLeo, doing surveillance on Candy for her spouse. Caught off guard, Andrew shoots the sleuth, but the last victim barely survives and is rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

MANHATTAN SOUTH homicide detective Sergeant Thornton Savage and his team head the investigation. On first look the cops eliminate robbery as the motive. The case appears either to have been a mob hit on Donny or a cuckold husband killing his wife and her lover. However, the investigation begins to take strange twists that reach the highest level of political power in this country leaving a good caring cop in jeopardy of his job and reputation as nothing stands in the way of ambition.

Fans of police procedurals will welcome John Mackie into the sub-genre after reading the powerful MANHATTAN SOUTH. The story line is fast-paced, loaded with action, and filled with twists caused by external pressures. Thornton and his crew comes across as individuals yet a professional team while the villains include a great hitman and a Lady Macbeth type character. Though the NYPD brass is politically stereotyped, readers will enjoy this tale that starts faster than a colt and retains the speed and action until the tight end.

Harriet Klausner