Rating: 
Summary: Very Disappointing
Review: As an Irish-American who grew up in the Bronx I thought I might enjoy this novel. Was I wrong. Ledwidge's characterizations of IRA members looked like something from British [DIS]Information Service. The rest of his characters rang untrue also and the plot was improbable.
Rating: 
Summary: Gangbusters crime story with literary overtones. Fine debut.
Review: The plot here could best be described as "The Usual Suspects" meets "The Devil's Own" meets "Reservoir Dogs." Protagonist Tommy Farrell, a Bronx-born Irish American (a "narrowback") certainly has the luck of his ancestors--all bad! Failing his whole life, Farrell seems on the verge of breaking his losing streak when masterminding and executing a profitable heist. But he stumbles again and offs a member of his gang who unbeknownst is a full-fledged IRA black mask with terrorist plans for the loot. Throw into the mix an over-ambitious FBI agent, Albanian wiseguys, and some bullet-brained Belfast boyos--whose eyes aren't smilin'--all of whom are out for Farrell's hide. While on the surface a taut crime thriller, this also sports many motifs found in classic literature as Farrell descends into the underworld while seeking redemption and ! forgiveness for his sullied past. Though a little heavy-handed in spots, the author has an easy, fluid style; the plot moves quickly and the dialogue goes down as smooth as Jamesons. Overall, a gangbusters first novel reminiscent of Jim Thompson and David Goodis. Recommended.-Michael Rogers, "Library Journal
Rating:
Summary: Gangbusters crime story with literary overtones. Fine debut.
Review: The plot here could best be described as "The Usual Suspects" meets "The Devil's Own" meets "Reservoir Dogs." Protagonist Tommy Farrell, a Bronx-born Irish American (a "narrowback") certainly has the luck of his ancestors--all bad! Failing his whole life, Farrell seems on the verge of breaking his losing streak when masterminding and executing a profitable heist. But he stumbles again and offs a member of his gang who unbeknownst is a full-fledged IRA black mask with terrorist plans for the loot. Throw into the mix an over-ambitious FBI agent, Albanian wiseguys, and some bullet-brained Belfast boyos--whose eyes aren't smilin'--all of whom are out for Farrell's hide. While on the surface a taut crime thriller, this also sports many motifs found in classic literature as Farrell descends into the underworld while seeking redemption and ! forgiveness for his sullied past. Though a little heavy-handed in spots, the author has an easy, fluid style; the plot moves quickly and the dialogue goes down as smooth as Jamesons. Overall, a gangbusters first novel reminiscent of Jim Thompson and David Goodis. Recommended.-Michael Rogers, "Library Journal
Rating: 
Summary: I would love to see this as a movie !
Review: A great tale of New York, the IRA, and gritty street crime. I think of this book any time I drive around the city. Great writing talent! I hope to meet the author and pitch this book as a viable independent film.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing...
Review: As someone who reads for a living, I'm surprised by all these very positive reviews. Yes, "The Narrowback" has great atmosphere, but that's about it. The story simply is not engaging due to the fact that every last one of the characters is unsympathetic. Farrell is not even an interesting anti-hero. Perhaps the most disturbing element of this story, however, is the way in which the various ethnic groups are presented. Evidently Mr. Ledwidge is of Irish descent, but he must have some serious issues with his countrymen to present them in such a short-sighted, cliche manner. Here, the IRA are cardboard villians, depicted only as "terrorists" and not examined with any depth or regard for history and politics. Anyone who knows anything about Ireland, Irish-Americans, and the IRA will find themselves quickly turned off by the generalizations and stereotypes Ledwidge employs in "The Narrowback." Let's hope that his next effort moves past this sort of racial denegration and creates a believable, compelling story to place at the center of such wonderful atmosphere.
Rating:
Summary: You won't want to put it down!!
Review: Elmore Leanord pack it in! The Narrowback is awesome. State of Grace meets Reservoir Dogs. Farrell the armed robber protagonist is on a quest for quick large cash. It gets royally bungled and he soon finds himself running from the IRA and the Albanian mafia. Toss in an ex-IRA sniper and an over ambitious FBI agent and you got a recipe for a bloody good read. Realistic, evocative, and violent crime fiction. If you liked Jim Thompson or Tom Kakonis or "The Westies" you'll love this book. Finally, a new writer who knows how to get it right.
Rating: 
Summary: Hardboiled, tough tale of bloody action and reaction
Review: Farrell, an Irish-American (nickname "Narrowback") dishonorably discharged ex-Marine and criminal, spends his first year out of prison constructing a brilliant plan to raid the safe and safety-deposit boxes of a premier New York hotel. All of his research pays off in a flawlessly executed bloodless crime and yields him $150,000 - more than enough for him to escape his gritty and depressing past in the Bronx and head out west for a new life. A betrayal by one of his gang as they're getting rid of their getaway vehicle tips Farrell into a bloody Newtonian world of action and reaction. More and more parties get involved - first the IRA and then the Albanians - and as they clash Farrell is always on the receiving end. Ledwidge has painted a stark picture of events and counter-events with characters trapped into acting as they must yet in horribly detrimental and brutal ways. The beauty of this thriller is that it challenges you to think about how Farrell would have had to have been different in order to step aside from the "freight train of consequences" bearing down upon him.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, quick, tight, exciting ride through NY!
Review: I absolutely recommend this book. The writer has a great literary flair that is both eleoquent and street smart- not an easy combination. The story is smart and fast. The character of Farrell is a great anti-hero. I couldn't put it down. Great!!!
Rating:
Summary: Maybe next time
Review: I don't understand how anyone could like this book. The best thing about it -- the hard-boiled atmosphere -- seems derived from all the obvious sources (Hammett, Ellroy, etc). Its loaded with cliches about the Irish and Irish Americans. It reads more like a comic book than a novel. Has American crime fiction really gotten this bad?
Rating:
Summary: Review from a fellow phoneman!
Review: I really liked the book. It was right in line with all of the established writers out there today - an excellent 1st book. I just ordered "Bad Connection" & I hope it's just as good. Being a fellow tech (for the same company), I must say that I am a little biased, however. Keep up the good work and you'll be a stress free (once you leave the phone company), full-time writer. Good luck Michael.
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