Book Review: Saints of New York
Acts of crime and violence happen across the world. When fictionalizing a crime and the ensuing investigation, a writer's biggest challenge is to keep it as realistic as possible at the same time providing enough thrills along the way. Set in Big Apple, R. J. Ellory's Saints of New York is a recipe for a perfect crime thriller!
Beginning in a dramatic way, we are introduced to the character of NYPD detective Frank Parrish, a hero who is on the brink of losing his family, his career and in short, everything. He happens to be the son of the illustrious detective, John Parrish, who along with his team, known as the 'Saints of New York', had extraordinary success in fighting the mafia in the 1980's.
And hence, in a way, Frank is forced to live up to his family name, despite the knowledge (known to himself) that his father was not as heroic as considered by the Police fraternity. He is no good when it comes to his own family either, having failed in his duties miserably as a husband and as a father to his children. His career is no less controversial; being already under investigation for insubordination and blamed for his partner's death in an operation, he is forced to take therapeutic sessions as a way to help him cope up with the stress of his job.
It's in this situation that, Parrish, who already has quite a few cases with him, lands a new one that involves the murder of a drug dealer Danny Lange. A 'casualty of drug war' thinks Parrish, but Lange's sister Rebecca also ends up murdered. As Parrish and his new partner Jimmy Radick investigate, 'he sees a disturbing pattern emerge'.
But, with his career and credibility already having hit a rock bottom, Parrish faces difficulty in convincing his partner and his superiors of his line of reasoning. This forces him to carry on an investigation on his own, at the risk of losing his job and reputation.
Beginning in a dramatic way, we are introduced to the character of NYPD detective Frank Parrish, a hero who is on the brink of losing his family, his career and in short, everything. He happens to be the son of the illustrious detective, John Parrish, who along with his team, known as the 'Saints of New York', had extraordinary success in fighting the mafia in the 1980's.
And hence, in a way, Frank is forced to live up to his family name, despite the knowledge (known to himself) that his father was not as heroic as considered by the Police fraternity. He is no good when it comes to his own family either, having failed in his duties miserably as a husband and as a father to his children. His career is no less controversial; being already under investigation for insubordination and blamed for his partner's death in an operation, he is forced to take therapeutic sessions as a way to help him cope up with the stress of his job.
It's in this situation that, Parrish, who already has quite a few cases with him, lands a new one that involves the murder of a drug dealer Danny Lange. A 'casualty of drug war' thinks Parrish, but Lange's sister Rebecca also ends up murdered. As Parrish and his new partner Jimmy Radick investigate, 'he sees a disturbing pattern emerge'.
But, with his career and credibility already having hit a rock bottom, Parrish faces difficulty in convincing his partner and his superiors of his line of reasoning. This forces him to carry on an investigation on his own, at the risk of losing his job and reputation.
The investigation happens hand in hand with his counselling sessions, in which we learn about his father, his family, his courage and determination in doing the right thing for the murder victims, even if it comes at the cost of neglecting his own family, and of his obsessive nature and personality. As the case gets the better of Parrish, it dominates his thoughts and actions, and he begins to see it as a way of atoning for his father's sins.
Coming to review it (honestly, I am not even eligible for it!), this is one of THE best crime thrillers I have read in recent years. R. J. Ellory, who has already proved his caliber with A Quiet Belief in Angels, City of Lies and A Simple Act of Violence, does a masterly job with ease. Having read the above mentioned books as well, I can safely say that, his narrative style and his flair for writing are just marvelous.
With authentic characterizations and flawless research working as big pluses, Ellory tremendously succeeds in weaving a superb yarn that delivers a crackling mystery along with providing a haunting glimpse into the life of a highly imperfect heroic man who ultimately becomes the Saint of New York.
With authentic characterizations and flawless research working as big pluses, Ellory tremendously succeeds in weaving a superb yarn that delivers a crackling mystery along with providing a haunting glimpse into the life of a highly imperfect heroic man who ultimately becomes the Saint of New York.
Frank Parrish earns a name in my list of favorite characters, no matter how flawed he is. One thing that deserves a special mention is the fact that, despite the American settings of the novels, Ellory is very much a British author and a damn good one at that! Highly recommended!
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