Murder At Venegoni’s

by Christopher M. Rutledge

War Between Two Crime Families

Review by Roxanne Burkey

I am delighted to provide this audible book review, which is supported by AudioBookReviewer.com.

Author Christopher M. Rutledge provides a look inside two modern mafia families with territories established in Chicago and New York. The Venegoni and Graziano families began as allies in Italy in the 1800s. The decades of relationship between these two families became tenuous due to an incident when they originally had a wine-making joint venture.  In America, they each had their chosen lines of business. Venegoni historically avoided dealing drugs, while Graziano had no such aversion.

Bloody, ruthless, revenge fighting ensues when the head of the Venegoni family is destroyed by armed thugs who also plant drugs to throw off the investigation. Joseph Venegoni is thrust into the Don position at the death of his father with reluctant support from his hot-headed brother Michele. The depictions of the various battles are detailed concerning weapons and battle strategies. The characteristics of the members of both families are well developed during the story. I liked how the individual’s character flaws contributed to the bitter war between these crime families. I found the involvement of local and federal authorities exciting and realistic.

For a novel, the storytelling was too much like a screen or theatre writing, at times. Some distracting details, like stage direction, felt tedious in this format. The premise of the story is a realistic crime thriller as the listener sorts out who the best of the worst is between these two families. As such, it would be a good action film.

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