Shotgun Opera

After separating from his lowlife thug mob life and brother Dan, Mikey Foley has taken up refuge in Oklahoma, producing Scorpion Hill Wine from his self-taught vineyard. It's been 20 years when he gets a phone call from someone he's never met, his nephew Andrew. Seems Andrew has witnessed something he wasn't supposed to and there's a hit out on him. Enter Nikki Enders, slinky top assassin that is looking to get out of the game. Mix in a variety of over-the-top fellow assassins, all after Andrew and you're in for a fast paced, hectic trip in this action packed novel. It's been quite sometime since I've actually read a book that was this hard to put down. Despite some realistic issues, I couldn't stop reading it. The characters are enjoyable and there's not an overabundance of them so there's little to no sidetracking involved. I found it similar in style to Smokin' Aces and Snatch. Would make a great summer action movie.

Know what's great about this book? It's a quick, simple read. This may not be a good thing for someone who likes to sink their teeth into a thick and chunky dictionary-sized hunk of literature, but to those of us looking for something fun and entertaining it's not only a God-send, but it's also a perfect fit. Shotgun Opera is a short and sweet thrill ride, balanced like the perfect rollercoaster: it's short, but it'll keep you smiling and gasping for air the whle ride. Anyone who likes a good underdog story, featuring a guy against overwhelmingly stacked odds will love Shotgun Opera. It's the story of Mick Foley and his nephew being hunted down by assasains. As the killers decend upon Mick and his family and friends, Mick stands tall with nothing more than a few hundred bullets between him and the would be killers. But dont let the bravado of my description or it's Jerry Bruckheimer-esque name fool you; Shotgun Opera has a lot of heart in it too, showing old man Mick in a state of constant reflection and regret over the bloody history that he shares with the people trying to kill him. Unique, well drawn characters and villians who provide their own perspectives to the story make the story lush and deep. In closing, if you're looking for a fun, easy yet fullfilling read, buy Shotgun Opera!! Michael Ferrari Author, "Assault on the Senses"

"Shotgun Opera" is pure, escapist thriller fun. The first few pages have all the expected touches of a serious thriller. Dan and Mike Foley are hitmen who clean up for the mob with no concern for the innocent who might be in the way. Until tonight. Mike does something that wakens his conscience and brings a bloody career to a close. That was 1965. Fast forward to 2005 where Andrew Foley, son of the now deceased by natural causes Dan Foley helps two mob connected buddies with a small cargo diversion job on the waterfront. Whoops! As the corpses start piling up, Andrew needs to run before he is terminated by an unknown enemy. He dials the number given him by his late father, the number for his Uncle Mike who grows grapes in Oklahoma. From this point on the plot has huge holes and disconnects; the characters are delightfully outlandish. Nikki Enders, hitwoman extraordinaire. The mystery man who provides her contractors. Nikki's mom, Middle Sister, Litte Sister, all of whom are murderous and more than a bit oit of the mainstream of Ameican life. Ortega, an illegal immigrant with a dream of a crime empire; Enrique Mars, self-confident murderer. Jack Sprat, contortionist and part-time killer and his 300 pound alligator wrestling wife. And poor old Mike Foley, long retired hitman who just wants to be left alone with his guilt, grapes and bad back in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma. It is not to be. Nephew Andrew shows up seeking safety and the assorted killers aren't far behind. There is no pretense to seriousness in this thriller: it is simply a fun romp filled with interesting (if bizarre) characters, mayhem, murder, the occasional surprise and, of course, a happy, if violent, ending. Jerry

When they won't let you (retire), they won't let you ... what you do, between making wine, you take a stand ... and when they throw something extra hot your way (albeit a hit woman), you load up the double-pump and make do ... Victor Gischler is one of the best around ... like his Edgar award nominated Gun Monkey's, Shotgun opera is no fluke of greatness. For my money consistency is what distinguishes the great ones from the chaff ... and Gischler never disappoints ... go read this baby soon.

I've been unable to put this book down since purchasing a couple of days ago. It's loaded, cocked, & packin' heat! Okay, I am a bit biased, as I own all of Victor Gischler's books...but "Shotgun Opera" has quickly become my favorite. It has all the things we love in fiction: humor, over-the-top characters, violence, sexy ladies killing thugs, mobsters killing sexy ladies, mobsters killing mobsters, even more carnage, a rapid-paced action, eccentric carnival freaks, and all the taste of a good Pinot Noir. Like I said, everything. Buy this & every book with Victor's name on it!