Book Review: The Price by Joseph Garraty – AND a Giveaway!

Holy cow, Tuesdays swing back around awfully quickly, don’t they? That’s okay though, especially since I’m able to spend so much time talking about GREAT books lately… And today’s is no exception. Today I’m honored to take you on your second trip into the world of author Joe Garraty, this time into The Price, a Mafia-filled corner of said world for a crime story unlike any you’re likely to have read before. My review copy of The Price was graciously provided by the author. And he has offered to donate a copy for a giveaway, so you have the chance to win your very own, graciously provided by the author!

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Joe Garraty writes great books.

There, I’ve said it. If you ever see his name, pick up the book. It’s that simple. There aren’t many authors I can say this about, mind you, so take the advice at face value. Seriously. This guy knows how to tell a story. Doesn’t matter what the topic is, he nails the tone and the feel of a good story every time.

I first encountered Joe when he asked me to review his debut novel, Voice (review available here). I couldn’t have loved the book more, so when he informed me that he had a second that was just about ready for prime time and asked if I’d have any interest in reviewing it, I jumped at the chance. I’m pleased to report that The Price was every bit as enjoyable as Voice – and just as chock-a-block full of mayhem, madness, and magic, as well.

The story opens in a somewhat customary fashion for a mob story: a young Jimmy Pecatti witnesses his father getting beaten for failing to pay the Russian mob it’s required protection money in a timely fashion (and receives a few licks of his own, since he happens to be in the room at the time). Just as things look like they are about to get out of hand, two mysterious fellows walk into the room, announce their presence with authority (by beating the hell out of the Russians), and basically inviting Jimmy to join their world – an invitation he willingly accepts.

Up to this point it sounds like a classic Mafia story, right? Kid gets sucked in, enters world, yadda yadda… Garraty would never be so gauche as to follow such a predictable path though – because right about when I was thinking it was going to be a regular story – BAM, he threw in a loop. You see, Jimmy isn’t just joining up to protect his family and seek vengeance, like the classic genre tales would have. Whoa, no. He’s also joining up because he wants to learn more about the flash-bang magic employed by Benedict, the most mysterious of the two men. Magic that tracks the kind of bizarre happenings that Jimmy himself has been able to tap into ever since he was a wee small boy.

Cool, huh? I certainly thought so.

As Jimmy travels deeper and deeper into the intertwined worlds of organized crime and organized magic, the tale gets darker and darker. There’s good old-fashioned crime/mystery/suspense here, as well as some classic fantasy/supernatural elements – all tied together with messy, mind-bending, evil ribbons and bows. It’s the best possible kind of present – one full of things you don’t see coming.

Trust Auntie Jill (teehee – an homage to Stephen King’s “Uncle Stevie” references, shamelessly adapted to my own ends), even if you think you don’t like Mob stories, check this one out. It’s a fabulously dark, mystical journey into a world you won’t want to stay in but won’t be able to stay away from – just watch out for that first step, it’s a doozy…