Rizzo's War

August 3, 2009
Manfredo's debut introduces a likable if predictable hero, Det. Joe Rizzo, a white knight in the dark city of New York. Though pondering retirement after 27 years on the force, Rizzo is content to nurture a new partner, Mike McQueen, a young NYPD detective who's quickly risen in the ranks through equal parts skill and political opportunity. Together, they tackle cases both big and small, though most of the action involves a missing teenager whose father is a shady Brooklyn councilman. The author excels at moving his plot forward and creating a realistic landscape that shows both the politics and practice of police work. A wonderful husband and dad, Rizzo drops chestnuts of wisdom at every turn. McQueen, meanwhile, comes across as fawning and naïve. Through several subplots, Manfredo lays the foundation for future entries, but their success may require a new dynamic for the syrupy monotony of the two main characters' relationship. 100,000 first printing.

Starred review from August 15, 2009
Gritty, gripping first novel deconstructs the NYPD the way Joseph Wambaugh once anatomized the LAPD.

Two cops, one a savvy veteran, the other just as smart but a bit starry-eyed. Strangers to each other, they're about to become partners in Brooklyn's 62nd Precinct. Detective Joe Rizzo is in the twilight of an exceptional career. He's seen it all; understands the often murky ways of the NYPD; and can be cavalier about legalities when they stand in the way of what matters most to him: getting the job done."There is no right. There is no wrong," runs Joe's mantra."There just is." Mike McQueen, 28, has arrived at the 62nd after an exemplary apprenticeship in uniform, but first-rate performance is not what's earned him his brand-new shield. He knows he got lucky, was in the right place when an important person needed help, rendered it and reaped the benefits. Mike's ambitious. He sees himself in high command one day and in the meantime wants nothing blotting his copybook. Joe has long since let ambition go; besides, he has a certain ongoing, promotion-negating problem with Internal Affairs. Though respectful of each other's talents and abilities, the two approach partnership with caution. Mike is leery of Joe's short cuts. Joe isn't sure that Mike will have his back in any and all circumstances. Now a test looms. A powerful politician's emotionally unstable daughter has gone missing, and the partners are charged with finding her. The assignment will confront them with the systemic corruption both find despicable, and with attendant dilemmas. Which means, of course, that hard decisions must be made.

Strong characters and a compelling story. Manfredo has logged 25 years in the criminal justice system, and it shows on every authentic page.

(COPYRIGHT (2009) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Starred review from August 15, 2009
A new cop and a seasoned cop: the formula's old as the hills, but it still works. Joe Rizzo has 26 years on the force; he's a good cop but makes his own rules, as he tells new partner Mike McQueen. Mike's only recently been jumped to the rank of inspector, and he's not sure he wants Rizzo as partner. Internal Affairs thinks that Rizzo is dirty, and Mike doesn't want any blotches on his record. Then they're placed on assignment to find an underhanded politician's missing mentally ill daughter; when he gets hold of her, Daddy wants to put her away in a loony bin where she can't hurt his chances for reelection. The two cops learn to respect each other as they face off a half-insane biker leader and a slimy Mafia boss and deal with assorted lowlifes in their search for the girl. But the ones they have to watch out for most are in City Hall. VERDICT With Ed McBain gone, there's need for a quality New York City police procedural series, and Manfredo could fill the bill with this debut featuring two appealing cops. This may attract fans of McBain and Joseph Wambaugh, but Manfredo is his own man, and his novel should have broad appeal. [See Prepub Mystery, "LJ" 6/1/09; with a 100,000-copy first printing and library marketing.]David Keymer, Modesto, CA

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2009
Mike McQueen, a patrolman from Manhattan, makes detective in Brooklyn, thanks to a well-timed bathroom break. Hes partnered with Joe Rizzo, a crafty, crusty veteran who shows him the ropes as they work assault and burglary cases. When theyre assigned to a politically charged missing-person hunt, Rizzos philosophy about the ethical gray areas of life on the job becomes McQueens lifeline. Its almost easier to define this book by what it isntfast, violent, intricately plottedthough thats unfair to what it is: an organically developing story of working cops that feels genuinely authentic. For some readers, this will recall early Wambaugh, less about titillating crimes than about what makes the crime-solvers tick. Some first-timer rough edges are in evidence here, and Rizzos mantra gets repeated too often. (Theres no wrong. Theres no right. There just is.) But if, like Rizzo, War is a bit of a throwback, we dont mind at all. This isnt high-octane; its regular unleadedand we like a slow roll down the mean streets once in a while.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)