Tin Badges: A Novel

Lorenzo Carcaterra

Aug 2019 · Tank Rizzo Book 1 · Sold by Ballantine Books

About this ebook

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Sleepers and The Wolf, hailed as “simply the best” (Steve Berry) and “one of the most intriguing writers around” (Newsweek). . . .
 
A top NYPD detective is pulled out of retirement to take down a notorious drug dealer. But will he risk the only family he’s ever had to crack the case?

As one of the NYPD’s most trusted “tin badges”—retired detectives brought in to solve cases that are beyond the reach of the everyday force—Tank Rizzo has faced off against some of the city’s toughest criminals without breaking a sweat. To tackle a case involving a dangerous kingpin known as Gonzo, Tank turns to his best friend and ex-partner, Pearl; a former mobster living out a seemingly quiet retirement as the owner of Tank’s favorite Italian restaurant; and a team of expert misfits he would trust with his life. But Gonzo will stop at nothing to defend the empire he's built, and won't hesitate to make it personal.

Then Tank gets a call telling him that his brother and sister-in-law, estranged from him for many years, have been killed in a horrific car accident. Tank is the only family left for his orphaned teenage nephew, Chris, although he knows his lifestyle is ill-suited to win him father of the year.

Chris moves in with Tank, and the two circle each other warily. It’s only when Chris reveals an interest in true crime and a genius-level skill with computers that they begin to bond. Chris’s skills may be exactly what Tank’s team needs to take Gonzo down—but getting him involved could put his life at risk.

Advance praise for Tin Badges

“Carcaterra capably combines his trademark adrenaline-fueled action with the emotion involved in Tank taking on a parental role for a sometimes surly teen. All this needs, after a cliff-hanger close, is a sequel, and, fortunately, one is promised.” —Booklist

“Another gem from a writer who has earned his spot at the top echelon of suspense masters . . . Everything here leaps from the page, never stinting on the harsh reality, delivering a spicy, smart, and entertaining adventure.”—Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series

Ratings and reviews

Tin Badges are those imaginary ones carried by ex-cops and ex-military looking to clear up unsolved crimes after authorities have given up on finding a solution. Tank Rizzo is retired from the NYPD and his old commander brings him the occasional dead file to keep him and his team of misfits busy. Working one case until it is solved is a luxury available only to those no longer working the street, and Tank and crew have an excellent success rate going for them. But the case handed down to them this time is slightly different. In the first place it is only a few months old, a home invasion where a couple of working girls were beaten and raped. The ladies spent 10 plus days in ICU, bringing attempted murder into the charges. And one of the girls was an underaged runaway from a well-to-do out-of-state family. Looking closer, there aren't many signs of real police work done on the case, and closer still there may be a link to a really nasty drug connection named Gonzo. Throw in a newly orphaned teen nephew and Tank certainly has his hands full. But you know from the get-go that he can handle it. The only question is 'how'? This novel is filled with interesting characters who make you smile and mysteries that keep your mind hopping. I am pleased to recommend this work to friends and family. Lorenzo Carcaterra is an author to follow. I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Mulholland Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this tale of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.

Excellent. The story moves smoothly from beginning to end. There is humor, action, loss. I was touched at the beginning, loss that was poignantly done. The bad guys are well and truly written. This does end with a set up for the next book. Well done with a bite.

I really enjoyed Tin Badges. Is there a sequel, finding Cris' parents murders?

About the author

Lorenzo Carcaterra is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Safe Place, Sleepers, Apaches, Gangster, Street Boys, Paradise City, Chasers, Midnight Angels, and The Wolf. He is a former writer/producer for Law & Order and has written for National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times Magazine, and Maxim. He lives in New York City and is at work on his next novel.