Joe Corso

This book begins during the American Civil War outside the town of Lawrence in Kansas. Cal Rymes is part of a confederate band under the leadership of Colonel Quantrill, and so is his good friend ‘Bear.’ Colonel Quantrill has earnt himself a bad reputation, killing innocent people and stealing money, hidden in the guise of fighting the Yankees, in the name of patriotism, and Cal is not happy being part of his band, but to leave would be fatal.

Finally, when the war ends Cal is discharged, a formidable marksman, he decides to head west towards the plains and try his hand at buffalo hunting.

At Dodge City he is forced to defend himself, and his prowess with the gun is noticed. He discovers there is a contest to win the latest Winchester rifle and decides to compete. When he wins it, becomes the Calico Kid, and a friendship with Henry Galton, the representative of Winchester is born.

However, Cal is restless, so he teams up with the brothers Will and Nick McGuire who are expert buffalo hunters, and they head for the plains.

After a successful hunt the trio head off to sell the skins, however they are ambushed by Neil Sutter and his posse.

Barely alive Cal finds himself at the Williamson ranch just outside Cheyenne where he is nursed back to health.

The town of Cheyenne is where the rest of the story is set. With the railroad coming soon and the town growing, Cal soon earns the respect of the locals, and the love of some of the local women. When he is offered the position of Sheriff he is honoured, and picks his deputies wisely, however, in the background lurks Neil Sutter and his gang, outlaws with a resentment of authority. What will happen when they meet again?

This book is packed to the seams with adventure, gun fights and all the things which make the Wild West legendary. Through the author’s imagination, research, and very descriptive writing, the true grit and bravery of these men comes to life.

A real treat for western adventure fans.… (mais)

Fans of The Time Portal series know that the main character is called Lucky Campo, and that he gained the power of time travel after a horrific accident. In this book the author, Joe Corso, takes the reader back to Lucky’s terrible ‘accident,’ and explains how, and why it happened.

The story is told in the form of a meeting at the Astoria Safe House between Lucky and Professor Lindstrom. At the meeting, Lucky recounts to the professor what happened when he was kidnapped, and woke up in a hospital room, at an unknown location, securely tied to the metal frame of his bed.

Eventually, he discovers that he is in a medical facility in Huntingdon, Long Island owned by Ivan Stross. He is being questioned by a Dr Gustav Abrams, and finds himself enjoying recounting how he gained his powers, and explaining what they are to the doctor.

Of course, the doctor doesn’t believe him. However, after consideration, he cannot resist humouring Lucky, by taking him up his offer to travel with him to another time through one of the portals.

Stepping with Lucky into the portal, the doctor soon discovers to his amazement that Lucky is telling the truth, as they travel back through the centuries, stopping off in Egypt and ancient Rome, before going to Medieval England, where he meets Lucky’s wife and children.

However, he is soon to learn that everything has a price, Lucky needs to know who captured him and why. After reassurance that he, and his family can be protected, the doctor agrees to help…

Back in the present time, Lucky and friends have to first get the doctor and his family safe, then they set about teaching Ivan Stross, and Lionel Sturm, his assistant, and the person who kidnapped Lucky a lesson, or two.

It doesn’t matter whether you have read Joe Corso’s The Time Portal series of books or not, this book stands alone. I have read them all, and yet thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Lucky’s accident. One thing I am sure of though is that once you have read this book, you will not be able to resist The Time Portal series, and trust me, you will not be disappointed!… (mais)

Bob is staying at his daughter Lynn’s house in Darien, Connecticut, as bad weather has prevented his return home. At times like these Lynn likes to take advantage of the opportunity to ask her father for some more stories from the famous Starlight Club…

Looking back over the years, Bob decides to tell her about a time when Joey Bones, Bull and Richie swapped the Crown Victoria for a Caddy convertible and drove to Vegas on business for Red. The drive as it turns out was to prove very eventful when Joey decided to pop in and see his sister JoAnne, in Bonner Springs. However, he is none too pleased to discover that her boyfriend, has beaten her up.

When they arrive at her house and confront Brian O’Rourke, the boyfriend, they discover not only is he a thug, he’s also a drug dealer. With the thumbs up from the boss they sort out the situation, however, the results of their actions brings about an interesting chain of events.

Big Red knows that getting what you want and making people bend to your will does not necessarily have to be achieved by actual violence, after all when you are that famous, the suggestion is often enough. He also knows that looking after the little guys is important, they will owe you for life, and do whatever is needed, when the time come for you to call in the favor.

With Trenchie happily married, and romance in the air, Red realises that something is missing in his own life, he can have any girl he wants but he wants a wife, and there is only one lady who will fit the bill, Iris, but will she want him? There’s only one way to find out…

For Starlight Club fans, these tales are a wonderful insight into the dark underworld of mobster life in New York, where life is cheap, and there’s no time for regrets. This book, like others in the series is studded with big names with shady pasts, and gives credence to the clever façade the Starlight Club, and others like it provide.

Another great story from award winning author Joe Corso!… (mais)