City on Fire, Danny Ryan Trilogy #1

Author: Don Winslow
Genre: Crime Fiction
351 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2022

Synopsis
Two criminal empires together control all of New England.

Until a beautiful woman comes between the Irish and the Italians, launching a war that will see them kill each other, destroy an alliance, and set a city on fire.

Danny Ryan yearns for a more “legit” life and a place in the sun. But as the bloody conflict stacks body on body and brother turns against brother, Danny has to rise above himself. To save the friends he loves like family and the family he has sworn to protect, he becomes a leader, a ruthless strategist, and a master of a treacherous game in which the winners live and the losers die.

From the gritty streets of Providence to the glittering screens of Hollywood to the golden casinos of Las Vegas, two rival crime families ignite a war that will leave only one standing. The winner will forge a dynasty.

Exploring the classic themes of loyalty, betrayal, and honor, City on Fire is a contemporary masterpiece in the tradition of The Godfather, Casino, and Goodfellas—a thrilling saga from Don Winslow, “America’s greatest living crime writer” (Jon Land, Providence Journal).

My review
City on Fire by Don Winslow is a gritty and captivating story from one of America’s most engaging storytellers. Winslow masterfully writes about crime, the mafia, drug lords, and cartels like few others today. While I don’t often read mafia books, I couldn’t resist this trilogy, especially knowing it will be Winslow’s final work before retirement.

This novel offers a compelling look at organized crime, not in a major city, but in the small town of Providence, Rhode Island. The cast of characters is extensive, yet well-crafted, and the depiction of the gangs’ operations and the escalating feud kept me eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

True to Winslow’s style, the narrative is direct and unflinching, illustrating the harsh realities of the worlds he depicts. He excels in creating an authentic atmosphere and believable characters; however, be aware that the language is gritty and not politically correct, and reflects characters who are homophobic, misogynistic, and racist.

City on Fire is a fast-paced, enjoyable, and compelling read. Some of my favorite novels in recent years include Winslow’s The Cartel Trilogy and The Force. While this book may not quite match those in scope and complexity, this is a strong crime fiction novel and an inspiring beginning to what promises to be an epic series.

My recommendation: read it!