The Crossroads

"The Crossroads" is the mesmerizing sequel to "The Deuce," written by husband and wife team F.P. Lione. It continues the story of NYPD cop Tony Cavalucci, struggling to apply his new found faith in God to his job and his relationships, especially those with his family. Tony's week didn't start out well. Christmas Eve dinner with his family was horrible. They treated his new girlfriend, Michele, and her little boy Stevie so rudely it was hard for even Tony to believe. Tony can understand why Michele left upset. But he can only do so much, right? They're his family, and these destructive family gatherings are normal to him. But Michele doesn't want Stevie around that environment, and while she loves Tony, she puts a hold on their relationship so she can pray and think about what is best for her and Stevie. Seeking God's wisdom and guidance is a brand new experience for Tony. But his partner Joe Fiore continues to help him, encouraging him to pray and pointing him to Bible verses that apply to the situations going on in his life. I appreciate the fact that the Lione's don't make Tony an "instant" Christian, automatically knowing all the right things to say and do now that he is a believer. He is still battling with past temptations. It's hard for him not to turn to old habits, such as drinking, when things get tough. But step by step we see Tony learn to view life, including his family relationships, with the new eyes that God is giving him. Frank & Pam Lione have a rare talent of taking ordinary events and relationships we all relate to and making them so interesting you don't want to stop turning the page. It's also a realistic glimpse into the lives of NYPD's finest. While this book stands on its own and can certainly be read without reading "The Deuce" first, I think readers will enjoy the books more if they start at the beginning with Tony. I highly recommend the Midtown Blues series, and look forward to reading "The Skells," next in the series soon.

Tony Cavalucci has just helped arrest Santa Claus and The Grinch, and it only goes downhill from there on his busy midnight tour. Soon he's facing a machette-wielding bandit, just praying he won't have to shoot the guy. It's all in a night's work for this ten-year NYPD veteran whose story began in F.P. Lione's previous book, The Deuce. The days before New Year's are busy ones in New York, where "The Crossroads of the World become the Center of the Universe as the eyes of the planet look to Times Square." It's also a chance for Tony to earn some overtime and he welcomes the diversion from his Italian family's disapproval of his girlfriend and her young son. When Christmas Eve dinner at his grandmother's becomes a near brawl as passionate family members verbally (and even physically) duke it out, Tony realizes he has to choose his loyalties fast--before he loses the only woman he's ever wanted to marry. With his overtime detail of checking cars for bombs in the parking garages with his partner, Joe Fiore, there isn't much time for pondering his family troubles. It's fast and furious during the holidays in The City That Never Sleeps, and Tony wrestles more than once with hitting the bottle again. He's been sober for five months and he's proud of it, but the stresses are enough to stretch any guy to his breaking point. Will he have the strength to do what he knows is right or will he relapse into his old hard-living ways? A brand new Christian, Tony refreshingly doesn't have it all together. He still smokes. He's still tempted to drink and look at women. But there is a difference in his life. He gets his job done, but with more compassion now. He helps a rookie cop the old-timers would've ostracized. He doesn't hate the perps like he used to. He's a work-in-progress, and he knows it, but he's truly making an effort to live out what he now believes. If The Deuce was all about Tony's journey toward God, The Crossroads is all about his struggle to live out his faith when life, and the people around him, go crazy. As in The Deuce, you'll be treated to more cop lingo, like a "bus" for an ambulance, and "RMP" for Radio Motor Patrol vehicle, but I appreciated how the authors took even more care to explain unfamiliar terms, often including a definition in parentheses. And although Tony's often tedious directions of where he and Fiore travel on patrol (we drove down this street, then turned down that, then headed east on this) will probably be appreciated best by those familiar with New York City, it does give you the feel for their intimate knowledge of the streets. Frank & Pam Lione aren't afraid to get down and dirty in their stark portrayal of a cop's life, but they never resort to anything gratuitous. The encounters Tony and Joe experience run the gamut: from the humorous (the bar-fight encounter of the men dressed as Santa and the Grinch), and the gruesome (pulling the personal effects off a dead man in a multiple car accident) to the downright b

The Crossroads courageously bridges the gap between Christianity and the contemporary culture. With hard-hitting drama and an emotionally charged plot, this book appeals to readers on several levels. The realism of police work in New York City is captured with the concise writing and personal knowledge of the authors. There is a genuine sense of danger as the officers respond to calls in this precinct. Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering how each encounter will end. This second book in the series further explores the relationships between the characters and their family and friends. Tony Cavalucci has committed his life to Christ and now he is trying to live according to his new beliefs. However, there are some serious and long-standing emotional issues between himself and his divorced parents. Readers will watch this character grow in the knowledge of the Lord. It's noteworthy that the authors have portrayed Tony's spiritual development with a sense of realism. His growth as a Christian comes in small, natural steps that blend well with the rest of the novel. Excellent writing and exceptional dialogue makes each page come alive. The life of a police officer is shown with a clarity that is impressive. The authors captured the fears and uncertainties that surround police work, but contrasted that with the absolute confidence believers have in the Lord. The gospel message is incorporated into the story with skill and sensitivity. Readers will understand the ability of biblical truths to answer today's problems. -- Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

I picked up this book as soon as I finished the first one. I love the way you are drawn into this man's life. It's like watching NYPD Blue, but with a true-to-life, not flowery Christian message. The struggles etc. Get it you won't be dissappointed

I adored this book from the first page to the very last sentence. I was crazy about The Deuce (first book in series) and didn't think F.P. Lione could do any better, but they did with The Crossroads. It's been days since I finished it and the story is lingering in my thoughts and my heart. The characters become friends and it's easily forgotten that they are not flesh and blood. There's humor, romance and lots of cop stuff. I feel as though I've walked Time Square with the NYPD. I guarantee you'll love it!