The Prime Roll

The first half of this novel (the Chicago half) are the most intense as any crime/suspense novel you'll read. The characters are vividly drawn; Izzi has a keen sense of place (mob-connected, underground Chicagoland). The tensions are palpable and running just under the surface of every interaction. Great page-turning stuff.Unfortunately, the second half gets a little too bogged down in sentiment. I guess I'm strange, I don't feel everything has to be resolved in one neat bow. When the action moves to Atlantic City, the writing seems to lose some of its edge.Still a great read, by one of America's truly underappreciated writers. We lost a great talent when Eugene Izzi died.

Eugene Izzi's style is as fresh today as it was when he first wrote this novel. His characters are believable, authentic, and interesting. A great read!