Iron House: A Novel

John Hart

Jul 2011 · Macmillan

About this ebook

“[A] rich, impressive contemporary thriller from [a] two-time Edgar-winner . . . deftly interweaves a complex family history . . . [with a] quest for vengeance.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

He would go to hell . . .

At the Iron Mountain Home for Boys, there was nothing but time. Time for two young orphans to learn that life isn’t won without a fight. Julian survives only because his older brother, Michael, is fearless and fiercely protective. When a boy is brutally killed, Michael flees the orphanage and takes the blame with him.

. . . to keep her safe.

For two decades, Michael has been an enforcer in New York’s world of organized crime. But the life he’s fought to build unravels when he meets Elena, a beautiful innocent who teaches him the meaning and power of love. He wants a fresh start with her, the chance to start a family like the one he and Julian never had. But escape is not that easy. . . .

Go to hell, and come back burning!

The mob family who gave Michael his second chance is now intent on making him pay for his betrayal. Determined to protect Elena, Michael spirits her back to North Carolina, to the place he was born and the brother he lost so long ago. There, he will encounter deceit and violence that leads inexorably to the place he’s been running from his whole life: Iron House.

“A tour de force.” —Vince Flynn, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Mitch Rapp thrillers

“Outstanding.” —Associated Press

“Hart whips up an intoxicating brew.” —Entertainment Weekly

“An unforgettable novel from a master of popular fiction.” —Booklist, starred review

Ratings and reviews

Michael and Julian are brothers who were raised in a boy's home. Iron House provided shelter and discipline. Julian was picked on and bullied by other boys. Michael wanted to protect his brother and had to fight to do so. As a result he became a ferocious combatant. When Julian finally struck back at his worst tormentor, Michael took the blame. Julian was adopted and Michael left the home and took to the streets, having to defend himself on numerous occasions. Crime boss Otto Kaitlin saw Michael fight and thought of himself as a youngster. He took Michael in and Michael became his protege and later, his main enforcer. Otto's son, Stevan continued his education but didn't have Michael's fighting spirit. Years later, Michael met Elena and fell in love. When she became pregnant, Michael decided he wanted to leave the life of crime and have a normal existence. Otto gave him his blessing but he was old and nearning death. Michael knew that Steven wouldn't let him go. One day, Michael went to see Otto and found him in such extruciating pain that when Otto asked him to end his suffering, Michael obliged. Then he knew he'd have to take Elena and make a run for it. There is a parallel story of Julian's life after adoption. He was adopted by a wealthy family. His adoptive father was a senator and running for office. His adoptive mother, Abigail is fiercely protective of him. However, Jilian's past comes back to haunt him and his path and Michael's converge. The story is reminiscent of Charles Dickens work where at the start of the story, the main characters are in dire situations adn impoverished. Somehow they must rise above their destitute and the manner that this is done is realistic and well described.

I've been privaledged to read this book twice and wouldn't hesitate to read it again, awesome plot, real characters, and unexpected twist. Overall, a classic to be!

Love this book from the first page it sucks you in until it's done and it's full of twists and I can't believe it's not a movie yet

About the author

John Hart is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, The King of Lies, Down River and The Last Child. The only author in history to win the best novel Edgar Award for consecutive novels, John has also won the Barry Award and England's Steel Dagger Award for best thriller of the year. His books have been translated into twenty-nine languages and can be found in over fifty countries. A former criminal defense attorney, John has also worked as a banker, stockbroker, and apprentice helicopter mechanic. A husband and father of two, he spends his time in North Carolina and Virginia.