I would like to say a big thank you to author Bryan Quinn for reaching out to me and offering me a copy of his book, No good deed goes unpunished in return for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blurb
Sometimes a good deed is best left undone.
Nelson McCormack, America's richest man, is going to learn this simple lesson the hard way—the Mob way.
McCormack is a man on top of the world when his life takes a nightmarish turn the fateful evening he stumbles upon a Mafia don’s wallet in the gutter, never imagining he will find himself there against his will—and worse.
A good deed that will not go unpunished.
A noir psychological thriller set in New York City
My thoughts
Wow, this story really packed a punch (or fifty)! It delved into the dirty, dangerous darkness inhabited by the mafia, a world that sucks you in and never lets you leave, unless it is spitting you back out in a chewed up, destroyed mess.
It was told from the POV of a few different characters, I always enjoy a story that shows the tale from multiple perspectives as it gives you more insight into what is happening and creates more depth I feel.
There were quite a few characters detailed in the story and it is told in 6 parts which split up the antics of the characters well. There were some very brutal mob characters which was to be expected. Bronco especially was a sadistic, violent, psychotic man, a character well suited to his role as henchman to the mafia boss. However, although he was obviously very disturbed and dangerous I found myself gain a soft spot for him as the story progressed. Especially after I found out he had a cat named Rufus, from that point on I willed him not to have a bad outcome!
Nelson on the other hand I could not care less about. He was an extremely unlikeable character and I had no sympathy for him or his wife, they both oozed the entitlement that is afforded to the rich and felt they were above everyone else. I love a book that can make me have such strong feelings towards fictional beings, a testament to the author and his writing skills!
This story was a very thrilling ride, I was on the edge of my seat a lot of the time wondering what was going to happen to the characters. It was tense and gripping and kept me engrossed until the very bitter end. As to be expected there was a considerable amount of blood and death, it wouldn't be a mafia tale without some loss of life and a meat grinder or two.
If you are a fan of fast paced, psychological thrillers with a good amount of tension and murder then this one will be right up your street. Add it to your TBR today!
About the Author
Bryan Quinn, a life-long student of history and comparative religion, earned a BA in American History & Politics from McGill University and a Computer Electronics Diploma from Herzing College which comes in handy when he needs to troubleshoot inevitable computer problems. Yet, despite his expertise with computer technology, he still relies on his wife to operate the coffee machine. Bryan lives with her in Canada, the last best place on Earth.
Bryan won an Honorable Mention Award in the worldwide 85th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition in 2016.
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished was published December 14th 2020 and you can purchase a copy here.
To me the well buit characters are the most important to like or dislike a book. Out of tour review I think that the characters of this book would be of great interest.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Great review! I love fast paced, tense books with interesting characters so I'll definitely be checking this one out! Thanks for sharing.