The Book Lovers Guide

What do we really know in this world or universe that hasn’t been imposed upon our minds through education, religion or the mass media? When the dogma or narrative seems unbelievable, do we question and think critically or do we rely on faith and blindly accept? In “God, School, 9/11 and JFK”, Author Bruce de Torres examines the most “sacred” of questions where critical thinking has been jettisoned in favor of obedience.

Religion emphasizes the sacred texts left behind the key prophets or founders who establish them. The word passed down is then echoed by Priests, Pastors, Rabbis or Supreme Leaders. Free thought is not only not encouraged, it can be stifled. Religion also eliminates the concept of Free Will, there is always a plan despite its imperfections. While many followers of the various faiths are well meaning and docile, there are those who possess a zealous nature where murderous acts are allowed. Religion is weaponized into a divisive tactic.

Schooling has its own drawbacks, at least as Common Core has taken over. Creativity has taken a back seat to standardized testing, essay questions where answers could be thoughtfully expressed replaced by the fill in circles of Scantron tests. The children march through Grades K-12 from one structured subject to the next, their energy not allowed to be released. The textbook learning that is doled out to the students is more inclined to present a whitewashing of History, leaving the pupils clueless about the realities that have played out.

The questions presented about the assassination of JFK and 9/11 have filled millions of pages collectively, yet the mainstream media cart out the sanitized version of these events every grim anniversary. One alleged lone gunman(Lee Harvey Oswald) struck JFK an Governor Connolly with 3 bullets in six seconds, then another lone gunman murdered Oswald two days later. They disregard the alliances previously struck(Military/Big Business) that viewed Kennedy as a threat. They ignore the follies of the Secret Service, previous threats against JFK, the fact that Oswald never confessed in 2 days of police custody. The lies that enabled this 57 year cover-up of conspiracy begat 9/11. The questions of foreknowledge, Military drills, Controlled Demolitions are just the tip of the iceberg. The ability to use your skeptical mind in either of these instances is key.

Our World History is riddled with inaccuracies and falsehoods parroted by the media and education system. The forces of Religion and Education serve as control mechanisms, “Government is looking out for you, you can trust the news and God loves you as long as you believe in the right one.” Bruce de Torres scatters these storybook narratives to the wind with his impressive book. He writes each chapter with an authentic passion and viewpoint. He also cites a litany of other literature which will serve as a jumping off point for those seeking to expand their mind. Whether the reader has questions about spirituality, their American History 101 class or the global charade that has become COVID-19, “God, School, 9/11 and JFK will satiate their curiosity.

This list reflects books that were published in 2020 along with ones I read this year. In a year where escapism is truly needed, the written word can provide just what is needed in that regard.

Broken-Don Winslow-A collection of short stories from the excellent Winslow (The Force, The Border…The Power of the Dog, The Cartel and more)..The appearance of familiar faces from previous novels is a gift for fans of Winslow’s previous work. The newcomers to his work will find a path to Winslow’s excellent oeuvre. A pleasurable and rollicking joy ride.

A Brotherhood Betrayed-Michael Cannell-The rise and fall of Murder, Inc., the prolific killing crew utilized to enforce silence and loyalty in the Underworld. The defection of key member Abraham “Kid Twist” Reles and his explosive revelations were curtailed by his fall from a Coney Island Motel room in November 1941. “A Brotherhood Betrayed” is a mesmerizing true crime narrative which is an attention grabber from the opening paragraph. 

The Living Dead-George Romero and Daniel Kraus-The apocalyptic breakdown of the free world viewed by multiple personalities in the US with the dead rising and consuming their victims. Romero’s farewell to his audience. His final work developed and finished by Daniel Kraus is a shocking yet brilliant horror masterpiece. The action never slows, the emotions run from terror to dark humor to sadness, yet there is beauty throughout.

Hard Cash Valley-Brian Panowich-A risky fleecing of criminals leaves Arnie on the run, his scheme quickly unraveling and ending in a grim way. Enter Dane Kirby, noted for his investigative expertise, but viewed warily for his shady associates. The situation gets murky and the consequences dire. The mood is set with the first page, as the frayed nerves of the character grip the reader full throttle. The action never lets up, as the drama unfolds almost untamed.

The Hard Hat Riot: Nixon, New York City, and the Dawn of the White Working Class Revolution-David Paul Kuhn-May, 1970-The bombing of Cambodia by the Nixon Administration unsettled the rebellious youth of America. The protests at Kent State ended with the Ohio National Guard gunning down 4 people. The protests spread to NYC, some of the working class felt the youngsters were misguided in their anger if not unpatriotic. The clash known as the Hard Hat Riot was unchecked rage between two ideological opposites hitting its peak. David Paul Kuhn captures the moment with his vivid detail and description of a dark day in New York and U.S. history. 

The Dead are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X-Les Payne-“The Dead are Arising” is a powerfully moving book about an oft polarizing figure. Malcolm X was a man who emerged out of turbulent times, gave a voice to the ignored and downtrodden. The research done by the late Les Payne is exemplary and noteworthy. He makes the past come alive for every reader to behold.

Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Joe McCarthy-Larry Tye-Senator Joe McCarthy held the United States spellbound with allegations of Communists run rampant in the United States Government. That spell lasted four years until McCarthy would be censured and began his ignominious retreat which would be blunted by his early death in 1957. His rise and fall were viewed as excessive Cold War paranoia. Author Larry Tye seeks to clarify the record about past distortions. From the outset, Tye offers up some new information in regards to past allegations hurled about McCarthy in the wake of his efforts to root out Communists. The research done is thorough and well-chronicled, the subject rendered much more complex and tragic. The fine work offered by Tye provides parallels to our current world where one can wield the bully pulpit to incredible harm. A masterful biography.

Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise-Scott Eyman-Cary Grant was a Hollywood icon whose debonair manner and matinee good looks made women flock to see him, while men wanted to be him. His career spanned fifty years, in which he flexed his acting talents in multiple genres. He was beloved by audiences and respected by his peers. Yet, did anyone really know Cary Grant? Scott Eyman has crafted a moving look at a much revered star, attempting to penetrate the veneer his subject so carefully put up. Grant is a fascinating subject, enigmatic in many instances, but human throughout. this is a must-read for 2020 and beyond.

Made Men: The Making of Goodfellas and the Reboot of the American Gangster Picture-Glenn Kenny-The beloved crime classic gets a deconstruction from conception through release and its legacy. The interviews conducted and insight brought by Author Kenny is masterful, bringing a further appreciation to the 1990 Scorsese classic.

Agent Sonya: Moscow’s Most Daring Wartime Spy-Ben Macintyre-Ursula Kuczynski bridled at repressive authoritarianism at a young age. A spark was lit inside that led her on the path to becoming a worldwise and travelled spy for Russia. Her contributions to the Soviets in World War II and Cold War are noteworthy and made her a hero to the Communist cause. “Agent Sonya” is Ben Macintyre’s latest noteworthy entry in his growing list of works. Ursula Kuczynski redefines fascinating as a subject, her reality as compelling as her facades. The perils she faced non-stop for years feel palpable decades removed. The Cold War may be three decades past, but Macintyre reignites the past with a dedicated flare.

Wild Thing: The Short, Spellbinding Life of Jimi Hendrix-Philip Norman-The sound of Jimi Hendrix’s sonorous voice and precision timed guitar licks will never fade despite his tragic demise in 1970. Author Philip Norman pens a moving and winning biography of Hendrix, chronicling the four-year climb of Hendrix, from the cramped confines of New York clubs to the echoes of Stadium Arenas. Norman provides candid insights into the life of a rock god, his loves, and his aspirations. A notable bio for 2020.

Gambling with Armageddon: Nuclear Roulette from Hiroshima to the Cuban Missile Crisis-Martin J. Sherwin-Two weeks in October witnessed a countdown to annihilation as a staredown between the United States and the Soviet Union reached its climax. The Cold War was about to drastically flip, unless diplomacy could calm the turbulence. The palpable tension is felt with every turn of the page, as any misstep by men of history could’ve led to doom. This book feels timely in the present day, a lesson to be learned but also a scholarly work to be enjoyed thoroughly.

The Dirty South-John Connolly-Charlie Parker is a man whose demons refuse to abandon its presence in his life. His Wife and Daughter were brutally murdered, his survivor’s guilt gripping him tighter than a vise. In 1997, Parker was on a mission, find the man who took everything from him, and destroy him. Parker has been receiving tips concerning murders with a possible connection to his suspect. He travels down to Arkansas and begins asking questions, and by doing so runs afoul of local law enforcement. The deaths, one of which was declared an accident, are inconvenient to a town with aspirations as a local contractor seeks to build there. John Connolly continues the journey with a prequel/flashback into his tormented protagonist, where the reader is rewarded with an intense and dramatic mystery/thriller.

Laura’s Ghost: Women Speak about Twin Peaks-Courtenay Stallings-A body wrapped in plastic lying adjacent to the cold, dark water. The plastic unfolded to reveal the face of the homecoming queen. A town devastated, the loss catastrophic. Yet, the underlying truth about who Laura Palmer was and what went on behind closed doors remained obscured.

Author Courtenay Stallings interviews various captivating women in the work: from an intrepid creator who designed figures/dolls based on the characters to a burlesque show creator, performers, writers. Their love of Laura, their appreciation for the show is palpable to the reader in every way. Different circumstances drew them to the show, their empathy with Laura apparent throughout, their own life situations occasionally paralleling Laura. Laura Palmer’s impact is not solely as a victim, but as a heroine who refused to submit to the wills of the evil BOB.

Nine Shiny Objects-Brian Castleberry-The spotting of the titular Nine Shiny Objects hits the struggling Oliver with the force of a 2X4. He escapes the dreary debt-ridden grind and hitchhikes to the Pacific Northwest. An encounter with a mystery man named Saul alters his existence and intersects with various others over the ensuing four decades.

“Nine Shiny Objects” is a fascinating work of fiction. Brian Castleberry writes each chapter as almost separate character studies, yet there is a unity underlying each new person the reader meets. The characters are intertwined in four decades of life, love, loss, passion, soul searching, indifference and redemption. In a world where the status quo makes less sense by the minute, “Nine Shiny Objects” arrives with stunning clarity and humanity.

The Scholar-Dervla McTiernan-Cormac Reilly is a Detective who is walking a precaious tightrope between his career and personal life. His romance with a victim/witness in a previous case led him to leave one department for another. Now, the discovery of a high profile murder victim threatens his career and more. 2020 was my discovery of the fabulous McTiernan, her writing is crisp, characters absorbing, a gem of a Writer.

City of Margins-William Boyle-Every new work unleashed by William Boyle is special in its own right. The past never lets go of its hold on us, this is especially true when crooked cop Donnie murders a hapless gambler in 1991. Two years later, Donnie may just have to pay for his sins.The reader embarks on a voyage to the not so distant past, sitting shotgun on a ride to depths unknown; a journey well worth its weight in gold. Another all out literary gut punch!

The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood-Sam Wasson-The making of a film noir classic was never a sure thing….A director still reeling from His Wife and Unborn Child’s shocking murder, A studio wunderkind whose vision and risk taking were nearly undone by his ego and the screenwriter who patched up other projects, now attempting to bring his work whole to the screen. “Chinatown” is an inspired classic, the behind the scenes drama that nearly undid it is harrowing and brilliant.

Hidden History: An Expose of Modern Crimes, Conspiracies and Cover-ups in American Politics-Donald Jeffries-The course of history is guided by those who dwell in the shadows. The front men/women are out in the spotlight, plastic smiles alighted, well meaning sentiments uttered but merely platitudes in the long run. The subject of Donald Jeffries’ Hidden History is vast, yet shares a common thread…Nothing is ever as it seems, especially in the United States. Without giving too much away, Donald Jeffries nails the inherent duplicity of power spanning decades. Conspiracies aren’t anomalies, they are pervasive, vicious and almost always denied by the media. 

The Deputy Interviews-Steve Cameron-Roger Craig was a Deputy Sheriff in Dallas when President John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Roger Craig had an exemplary career where he had been honored for his work. His life was irreversibly altered when he told superiors he saw alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald leave the Texas School Book Depository in a station wagon. Craig also had seen the rifle located in the Depository, the rifle was not the famed Mannlicher-Carcano. These was contrary to the narrative of Oswald’s departure being relayed to the mainstream media. Craig was told to keep his story to himself, but Craig didn’t shrink from intimidation. He was ran out of the Dallas Sheriff’s office, attempts on his life became frequent and earning an income became trying. He would be found dead in May 1975, foul play suspected. Steve Cameron’s “The Deputy Interviews” is the epitaph that Roger Craig deserves. Cameron interviews members of Craig’s family along with friends who relate the type of person Craig truly was, and how his knowledge proved inconvenient and why he was ultimately destroyed by it. Cameron’s work is compelling and a welcome addition to the JFK assassination library.

The Trigger-David Icke-The 9/11 attacks were 18 years passed when David Icke re-examined this subject. The weighty 898 page book may appear an intimidating read, but the book quickly consumes the reader in the conspiracies and cover-up of the 9/11 attacks committed by the denizens of the swamp who serve their power-hungry elite masters. The conspiracy that led to nearly 3000 deaths continues through the present day, with the true conspirators hiding in plain sight. Icke’s work is well written and researched, fascinating with every chapter.

Shakespeare aptly wrote “All the world’s a stage…….And one man in his time plays many parts.” Frank W. Abagnale Jr. personifies this quote. He began his grifts at 16, forging checks from PanAm while passing himself off as a pilot and cheating airlines on fares as he hitched rides on planes. He would bilk PanAm out of $2.5 million and continue various cons around the United States, posing as a Doctor, Attorney, and various other personas until he was arrested in Europe in 1970. This is what Abagnale says happened. There are individuals who view Abagnale’s claims as outright flights of fancy, even more fraudulent than the crimes Abagnale has served time for. The Greatest Hoax on Earth gives a voice to the unheard victims. Paula Parks worked as a Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines when she met Frank Abagnale in January 1969. He was deadheading on a flight Parks worked. She sensed something off about the young man. She brushed off his attempts at courtship, but soon he inserted himself into her family after dropping Paula off at her house in Baton Rouge. Soon, he was charming her parents into letting him stay at their house. His career as a pilot seemingly stalled, he told the Parks Family that he wanted to find a job working with kids. The concerns about Abagnale never seemed glaring until his scheming got him arrested. He had been cashing checks under the Parks Family’s account along with a local business. Paula’s parents were devastated at the betrayal. Abagnale promised reform and professed remorse, he received a slap on the wrist and soon left the state. Mark Zinder was an impressionable college student when he heard Frank Abagnale’s story. He was awestruck with Abagnale’s exploits and taken in by his charm and generosity. Soon Zinder was representing Abagnale and booking him at various colleges to relate an incredible true story about crime and redemption. As the years passed, Zinder noticed certain oddities about Abagnale, but never truly questioned his client’s veracity until a College Professor did exactly that. Allegations were made that put Abagnale’s past in a whole new light, showing his crimes involving suffering victims, not victimless as claimed. Despite the experiences of Parks and Zinder and the exposes of intrepid journalists, the lovable rogue portrayed in “Catch Me If You Can” is what the public embraces. “The Greatest Hoax on Earth” entrances from the opening and doesn’t let go of its hold until the very end. Author Alan Logan has assumed a Sisyphean task in attempting to untangle a web of deception that has endured for over four decades. After finishing this fine true-crime work, the conclusion is that Logan with the help of Parks and Zinder has done an admirable job in debunking a legend.

A body wrapped in plastic lying adjacent to the cold, dark water. The plastic unfolded to reveal the face of the homecoming queen. A town devastated, the loss catastrophic. Yet, the underlying truth about who Laura Palmer was and what went on behind closed doors remained obscured. The mesmerizing two seasons of “Twin Peaks” along with the revelatory “Fire Walk With Me” provide background for the dysfunction that lay beneath Laura Palmer’s stolid exterior. “Laura’s Ghost” is a comprehensive set of interviews involving the incomparable Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer/Maddie Ferguson/Carrie Page), Grace Zabriskie (Sarah Palmer), Writer/Director Jennifer Lynch, Producer Sabrina Sutherland and many other Women who have watched, embraced and love the show and its enigmatic victim.

Author Courtenay Stallings interviews various captivating women in the work: from an intrepid creator who designed figures/dolls based on the characters to a burlesque show creator, performers, writers. Their love of Laura, their appreciation for the show is palpable to the reader in every way. Different circumstances drew them to the show, their empathy with Laura apparent throughout, their own life situations occasionally paralleling Laura. Laura Palmer’s impact is not solely as a victim, but as a heroine who refused to submit to the wills of the evil BOB. Her double life was a rebellion to the control exerted over her by abusive Father Leland. The emotional and physical abuse inflicted on Laura has never been an easy topic to discuss, yet Author Stallings asks the probing questions. Her interviewees open up and provide moving and heartrending takes on the subject. “Laura’s Ghost” is a powerful book that will resonate for a long time.

What haunts us in the night? Is it the current status of our lives, a negative outlook towards the coming days, weeks, months, or is it the past? Our past actions take hold with the tenacity of a vise and give no mercy. A night out on the town, celebrating being stateside after an interminable hitch across the globe, the decision for one more round and getting behind the wheel proves costly. Cut to a few years down the road….Living alone, the future confined to staring at a taunting computer screen while thoughts of a future book prove elusive, seeking employment while your spotty past serving as deterrent to employers, the only silver lining remains at the opening of a cold beer. The alcohol is the panacea for the demons gathering in the darkness of the clouded mind.

How to live with the past, while living in the present and planning for the future? The Kid who narrowly survived an abusive childhood now faces being a father. He is estranged from the expecting Mother, his distance functioning as a defense mechanism. Everything starts to change when he rescues two kittens, his existence no longer solitary. While not initially a fan of the two co-dependent fur balls, after giving one away, the other cat remains stubborn and immobile. The Kid(now a young man) must adapt, learn to care for one that can’t care for itself, and learn some inner lessons along the way.

“Night Goblins” is an emotionally charged autobiography about coping with Life. The book will takes the reader through a gauntlet of emotions, a smile followed by a sigh, cringe-worthy turning into laugh out loud humor. JT Gregory has dug deep in this soul-baring book. This is a book that will make you really think and appreciate the important things in this world.

November 12, 1941-Coney Island, New York

A body is found, having plummeted six stories from his room at the Half Moon Hotel. His voice is silenced, the damage had been done, but the Made Men could finally sleep……For Now.

The treacherous world of the Mafia was gobsmacked with the defection of hitman Abe “Kid Twist” Reles in 1940. Reles was the cog in the murder machine dubbed Murder, Incorporated. Murder, Inc was composed of a hodgepodge of Jewish and Italian men who murdered at the whim of their underworld bosses. Reles was born and raised in Brownsville, the son of hardworking immigrants. Reles was ashamed of his parents and their toiling for a living. He resolved to find an easier route to the valuable dollar.

Reles worked as muscle for the Shapiro brothers, enforcing their protection rackets. Reles would find himself behind bars repeatedly for his thuggish acts, yet the Shapiros bailed him out until Reles was no longer considered useful. A two year stint gave Reles time to plot revenge against the Shapiros, his release spawned a bloody war that left Reles on top. A partnership with ruthless labor racketeer Louis “Lepke” Buchalter further cemented the bona fides of Reles. Reles would soon set up shop at the Midnight Rose Candy Store. He would be joined by men like Phil “Pittsburgh Phil” Strauss, Emmanuel “Mendy” Weiss, Frank “Dasher” Abbandano and Harry “Happy” Maione. A phone call to the headquarters from Lepke, Albert Anastasia meant orders to kill. The target was usually an impediment to the earning power of the Mob. But as time elapsed, the killers began to turn on each other.

The body count mounted. Witnesses were scarce, as the intimidation employed by Murder, Inc could quell any busybodies. However, reform emerged in politics, corruption needing to be stamped out. Men like Thomas Dewey and William O’ Dwyer viewed the gangsters as masters of menace needing to be removed from society. The testimony of Reles began to demolish Murder, Inc resulting in convictions, imprisonment and capital punishment. Yet, as Reles got further into his testimony, he was getting closer to the mob hierarchy. This would not stand, and on November 12, his voice was silenced for good.

“A Brotherhood Betrayed” is a mesmerizing true crime narrative which is an attention grabber from the opening paragraph. The demise of Abe Reles and his posse of trigger happy men has been examined previously, but never as in depth. The crew that stabbed, strangled, shot with impunity for a decade is not merely a footnote in the story of the New York Mafia. They are center stage in this law and order tale, where the battle ends, but no clear winner has emerged. A powerful history book to add to an endless library of Organized Crime.

June 1947- Oliver struggles to make it as an actor, hustling pool to bring in some money. A stroke of fortune graces his life, when a loan shark he’s indebted to drops dead. Oliver views this coupled with news of a UFO sighting in the Pacific Northwest as reason for a change. He strikes out for the Pacific coast. He meets up with a man named Saul, and his destiny begins to take shape. 5 years later, Claudette toils as a waitress in a diner, she is the object of unwanted advances by her lecherous boss, while she views a romantic escape with Eileen. Eileen is a customer at the diner, but she appears to also be a parishioner of the new church which resides adjacent to the diner. The goings on at the church are mysterious, a long talk between Eileen and Claudette yields to a message about “The Vision”. Claudette is nonplussed with Eileen’s passionate beliefs. Soon the Church is vacated, and Eileen has vanished. And so the story goes…..5 years lapse, another character appears…The story intensifies with each new twist….

From out west we are transferred to Long Island, NY…A housewife stuck in a disintegrating marriage endeavors to embark on an affair, yet soon a new housing development with out of town residents and a young black man visiting threaten to upset the equation of a discriminating community. A missing child and a rush to judgment turn into murderous mob violence. With each new chapter and time jump, the prospect of chaos looms ever brighter.

“Nine Shiny Objects” is a fascinating work of fiction. Brian Castleberry writes each chapter as almost separate character studies, yet there is a unity underlying each new person the reader meets. The characters are intertwined in four decades of life, love, loss, passion, soul searching, indifference and redemption. In a world where the status quo makes less sense by the minute, “Nine Shiny Objects” arrives with stunning clarity and humanity.

“If you want to understand how the world works, read The Godfather”- quote attributed to Roberto Calvi, aka “God’s Banker”

The course of history is guided by those who dwell in the shadows. The front men/women are out in the spotlight, plastic smiles alighted, well meaning sentiments uttered but merely platitudes in the long run. The subject of Donald Jeffries’ Hidden History is vast, yet shares a common thread…Nothing is ever as it seems, especially in the United States. The assassinations that rocked the 1960’s were merely a prelude to the rampant criminality engaged in by the United States Government.

The assassination of 35th President John F. Kennedy was a coup d’etat altering the landscape of the Executive Branch. John F. Kennedy was a beacon of light for those longing for change in the status quo. A thawing of the Cold War, a push forward for civil rights, a voice for the oppressed…All of these seemed possible with Kennedy’s presidency. Yet, menacing figures spoke in hushed tones regarding their disdain of Kennedy and his plans. His intentions rendered moot as the Lincoln took the turn onto Elm Street in Dealey Plaza. The conspiracy that left JFK a sitting duck in that limo on November 22, 1963 continues to this day. Jeffries doesn’t get bogged down in minutiae, but cuts to questions of how Lee Harvey Oswald was railroaded for JFK’s murder along with Dallas Policeman JD Tippit. He provides the “eyewitness” testimony of a few witnesses, which more than likely would have provided reasonable doubt if Oswald had seen a trial. The material provided by Jeffries is priceless for longtime buffs along with those just starting to delve into the assassination. But the JFK assassination is only the beginning of this epic deep history tome.

Jeffries weaves a clear and concise path through the troubled waters of the Watergate submerged 1970s. The case has always been posed as clear cut, but Jeffries’ work illustrates that this is simply not so. When did Richard Nixon cross the political Rubicon? Who did he threaten in his policies? Did one of his men betray him in planning the DNC break-in? The nightmares unearthed by the revelations of Watergate led to attempts at reforming the CIA & FBI. The Church Committee hearings aired the dirty laundry of “Executive Action” & other covert illegalities. The House Select Committee on Assassinations was formed seeking answers to the shootings of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and others. However, infighting among the politicians on the staff hurt the progress of the Committee. The CIA would place one of their own as a liaison to the committee, muddying the waters for the investigators probing the covert areas of inquiry. The prosecutor who was pegged to helm the inquiry was jettisoned, replaced by a law professor who took the Federal agencies at their word. The fix was in, only at the last second was a conspiracy decided on as being responsible for JFK’s death.

The 1980s-1990s mark a dangerous time, as the covert actions carried out by “Men of Zeal” becomes bolder with darker consequences. Did the Reagan campaign conspire with Iran’s government to scuttle hostage negotiations with the Carter Administration in order to secure the 1980 election? Did this later have ramifications in relation to the Iran-Contra imbroglio? Where does the theft of the PROMIS software from the INSLAW company fit in the narrative? How big was the Octopus that Writer Danny Casolaro followed before his untimely demise? Each one of these scandals features a hefty body count. Dropping in the cloak and dagger goings on at Mena Intermountain Airport starring Barry Seal and the makings for a political soap opera have been exceeded.

Changes in administration usher in new faces, but the corruption remains unaltered. A glance at Bill Clinton’s 8 years for some would mean a robust economy, a kerfuffle about a semen spotted blue dress and a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy. Jeffries details many aspects of Bill Clinton that always seem to be ignored by the Mainstream media. The lingering stench of the Whitewater land deal had been mentioned during the Democratic Candidate debates, a foreshadowing of the future perhaps. On Clinton’s watch, The World Trade Center was bombed in 1993, the result of a sting operation involving Middle Eastern radicals…The Branch Davidians and the ATF/FBI/Delta Force squared off in a 51 day siege featuring close to a hundred deaths and the use of psychological warfare on American soil. The Death of Deputy White House Counsel Vince Foster occurred 6 months into Clinton’s nascent first term. The suspicions around Foster’s suicide would linger for years after, especially as the actions of the White House in and around Foster’s death were not always above reproach. Oklahoma City, Ron Brown’s plane crash, TWA Flight 800, John F Kennedy Jrs plane mishap all occurred in the terms of Bill Clinton. As Clinton left office, but never too far from the limelight, Dubya Bush marched in….And the conspiracies exploded….

Without giving too much away, Donald Jeffries nails the inherent duplicity of power spanning decades. Conspiracies aren’t anomalies, they are pervasive, vicious and almost always denied by the media. They are also not solely political. This book will open your eyes wide, if you’re a newcomer to the deep politics realm. For others, this book ventures further into the muck of what the mainstream media chooses to sweep under the rug. History at its finest, especially when its told warts and all.

Brooklyn, 1991- Donnie is a cop living on the edge. He serves as hired muscle for a local hoodlum, quick with either fists or bat to strong arm recalcitrant debtors. His home life is in shambles, the suicide of his teenage son indirectly leading to the dissolution of his marriage. Drinking and his extralegal activities help salve the open wounds. His activities have become more brazen, one night roughing up and terrorizing one young man involved in a covert assignation with a younger woman, before going overboard and murdering a down on his luck gambler.

1993-Mikey Baldini is nearing 21 years of age….His life has assumed meandering qualities…Dropped out of college, living at home, pining over unattainable women. His overwhelmed Mother has assumed the debts of his deceased father, an untimely suicide. Mikey’s forlorn future seems assured, until he discovers a box of donated books at the local library. He finds a note that leads him to grieving mother and recently divorced Donna. Their worlds are altered when they meet, a spark ignites within both of them.

Nick is a 30 something in a state of arrested development. He lingers at home, despite having an attractive girlfriend who desires him. He is an English teacher, who quickly becomes obsessed with his Mother Ava’s new beau. Nick consumes himself with writing a screenplay based on the man, to the exclusion of other’s feelings and his responsibilities. The characters are on a chartered collision course that will change their lives forever.

“City of Margins” is the latest compelling release from William Boyle. The author’s skill in creating relatable characters in interlocking narratives grows with each book. The borough of Brooklyn remains as fascinating a backdrop for the denizens of the story to inhabit, blending in seamlessly. The reader embarks on a voyage to the not so distant past, sitting shotgun on a ride to depths unknown; a journey well worth its weight in gold. Another all out literary gut punch!

Journalism best exemplifies nobility when the journalist writes the truth, consequences be damned. Truth can be found at the end of a long, lonely crusade. Elias Demetracopoulos was a journalist who waged such a journey.

Demetracopoulos hailed from Greece, where he was born in 1928. His home country was unsettled as revolution and coups had ripped at the heartstrings of the land since the 1800s. The effects of the Great Depression were intense on the populace, the divisions amongst the upper and lower classes distinct in ideals as well as wealth ownership. Elias had a rebellious streak running through his veins, World War II and the Axis forces occupation of Greece exacerbated this. Elias and his Mother would hide Allied Soldiers from capture and grave harm. Soon Elias was on the inside of the resistance, working to upend the occupiers. Elias would summarily be captured, imprisoned and tortured. His fate was precarious throughout his captivity, an execution hanging over his head. His connections and past deeds soon got him sprung, but the persecution he endured would forever mark Elias.

Elias heard the calling of journalism and he embraced it. Greece was a battleground for US-Soviet Cold War tensions, the country was divided in allegiances. Elias covered the ever changing developments in his country. He was anti-communist, but was not a far right reactionary enthusiast. Elias fit more in the moderate category. Authoritarianism in any form brought out hints of danger. Elias’ work soon caught the attention of the nascent CIA. They attempted to recruit Elias, but he turned them down. By spurning their entreaties, he had earned their enmity. Elias’ future had taken a dark turn.

Elias’ work spanned many publications, his talent unquestioned. However, his scoops and interviews rubbed certain people the wrong way. His interview of Admiral Arleigh Burke irked the Kennedy administration, as they thought Burke revealed too much. The timing of the Burke interview was questioned, but Elias backed his subject and his reputation. As the 1960s wore on, Greece deteriorated into a military junta, repression of dissent omnipresent. Elias became a man without country, while his host country of the United States kept a wary eye on him.

The Nixon administration shared similar distrust of Elias as the Kennedy Administration. Elias focused his investigative eye on the largesse and influence of Tom Pappas. Pappas was a fellow countryman of Elias, Pappas made his money in the oil sector. Pappas was an unabashed supporter of the current ruling regime in Greece. Elias gathered intel that showed a large contribution to the Nixon campaign which cemented their support for the Junta. The specter of Pappas and his influence cast a shadow which may have led to certain intelligence gathering in and around the Watergate break-in. Elias would face scrutiny, job loss and looming deportation proceedings. Yet his voice would not be rendered silent. The resistance within his heart beat louder.

“The Greek Connection” is a fascinating biography of an intriguing personality. Author James H. Barron covers a lot of ground in recounting Demetracopoulos’ long life and work. No stone is left unturned, his subject unveiled for all to see. The reader is consumed by the subject’s love of his country and his desire for truth. This is a book that matters in our current state of affairs….Journalism and Government wise.