The Pips of Paradise

by Michael Ciminera

Review by R. Burkey

Reminiscent of Gangster Wanna Be Guys!

Author Michael Ciminera creates a compelling short story thriller with two low-level stereotype mobsters, aka grave diggers, as the lead characters. The dialogue between Otto and Mordy shows insight into these characters. Mordy clearly annoys Otto often.

There are some tongue-in-cheek moments that are essential to the storytelling. For example:

“Envelopes I don’t mind so much. It’s what’s inside them,” Mordy said.

Otto played along. “What’s inside them?”

Cock nosed assignments is what’s in these envelopes,” Mordy said again.

He took the card from the envelope and read it out loud with more attitude that the first time, “Dig a two and a half foot wide, eight-foot-long hole, next the fourth gravestone on the right.”

He counted the gravestones, one,

 two, three and with a middle finger landed on four and shrugged back to Otto.

“That ain’t a gravestone,” Otto said.

“What do you mean it ain’t a gravestone?”

“That’s a boulder, dummy.”

Even though these two guys are not as high in the organization as they desire, they are familiar with the mob rules. Sallie the Horse, their immediate boss, has a distinctive personality, often referring to the boss above them as The Man with The Plan.  Fast-paced and entertaining.

This story is a good listen with a surprising ending. The quality of the audio is good. The narrator is consistent with the voices, tone, and pace of telling the story.  The voice of Kay Elusvian is well-suited to these characters. The style and emphasis enhance the thriller aspects.   

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.