A Brooklyn 8 Ballo Mystery Book 2
Blurb:
Award-winning author Matt Cost brings us back to Brooklyn in the Roaring ’20s and Hungarian private eye, 8 Ballo, who is hired by Theda Lazar Vogel to prove that her husband was murdered. His colorful cast of friends returns, as well as legendary figures such as Dorothy Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Bugsy Siegel, and Lucky Luciano.
8 discovers that a priceless Aquila—an ancient eagle Roman standard carried into battle 2,000 years ago—was stolen from Karl Vogel when he was killed. This provides ties to a secret German organization known as the Batavi. But Vogel was also involved in the eugenics movement centered in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island, as well as being involved with the Ku Klux Klan.
As 8 peels back layers of the underbelly of 1920s Brooklyn, the more complicated and dangerous it becomes for him and those who are important to him. What is happening at Cold Spring Harbor with Herman Wall and the eugenics movement? Who are the mysterious Germans threatening 8? And what is the identity of the charismatic Grand Cyclops? 8 must race against time to uncover the truth and put a stop to the most chilling triumvirate ever conceived.
His Review:
The Aquila carried into battle by the Romans is a gold and silver eagle about 1 foot tall. A barbaric Germanic tribe led by a former Roman officer took it when they defeated the Romans. Theda Vogel’s husband Karl got it during the occupation of Germany after the Second World War. Theda knows it is priceless and wants it back. 8 Ballo also needs to identify her husband’s killers.
Youn
g ladies are apparently becoming part of a eugenics movement that became common in many large cities in the United States during this time. 8 Ballo is enraged by this thoughtless crime.
Matt Cost has explored these problems with rare insight. 8 works to help the well-healed maintain a distance from crime and corruption. At the same time, he also has some major allies in Bugsy Siegel and other major crime heads. The country is being controlled by White Supremacists and crooked public officials.
This book is very enlightening and will expand public understanding of those turbulent times. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
I read Book 1 of this series back in April last year and greatly enjoyed. The series tackles a tough historical period for the country as well as the world. Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own.
Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars 
Book Details:
Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Historical Mysteries, Private Investigator Mysteries
Publisher: Encircle Publications
ISBN-10: 1645995445
ISBN-13: 978-1645995449
ASIN: B0D3SXMD59
Print Length: 304 pages pages
Publication Date: July 31, 2024
Source: Author
Title Link(s):
Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
The Author: Over the years, [Matthew Langdon] Cost has owned a video store, a mystery bookstore, and a gym. He has also taught history and coached just about every sport imaginable.
During those years, since age eight actually, the true passion has been writing. I Am Cuba: Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution (Encircle Publications, March, 2020) was his first traditionally published novel.
Mainely Power is the first of the Mainely Mystery trilogy featuring private detective Goff Langdon. This will be followed by Mainely Fear (coming in December, 2020), and Mainely Money (to be released in May, 2021).
Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
©2024 CE Williams – V Williams
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