Pariah

Following up the critically acclaimed SMALL CRIMES, Dave Zeltserman had to prove that book was not some sort of fluke. PARIAH proves that CRIMES was no fluke, even surpassing that previous novel in leaps and bounds, to the point that Zeltserman should be considered the new king of Boston crime. In my eyes, the last writer who held that title was George V. Higgins.

PARIAH is sure to make a good portion of Boston residents angry, since Zeltserman never one to pull a punch, coming up with a story that involves the South Boston Irish mob. We follow Kyle Nevin, who was once the right hand of local boss Red Mahoney, himself a thinly disguised version of James “Whitey” Bulger — so thin that it seems Saran Wrap was keeping it a secret.

Mahoney is a man whom Kyle refers to as a rat since it’s discovered Red was an informant for the FBI. Kyle has one obsession since being released from prison for armed robbery, which he was set up for: finding Red with the sole purpose of revenge. Like the real-life person he is based on, Red has fled the state and maybe the country.

Kyle recounts the fateful day of the robbery, and how plans were slightly changed, causing him to survive the attempt, while his partner was killed. He explains the reason he never took parole so that once he was out, he would be free and clear. He explains that even though he was ratted out, he would never do the same, since he is from the old school of Boston Southie, which, in his eyes, has changed dramatically, so that any low-level crook would sell out his own mother, given the chance.

Once out of prison, Kyle goes to the only person he can count on: his brother Danny, who has given up crime for a straight life in a rundown apartment with his girlfriend, Eve, who has a distinct hold over Danny that Kyle just can’t comprehend. Kyle explains he has a perfect plan to make a lot of money fast for them, which he will use to track down Red.

The story is steeped in the Boston crime world, with Kyle going back to the old neighborhood to not only bask in adulation, but also, as he says, to get his pound of flesh. He is the quintessential bad-ass; when jokes are made of his time in prison, he has to be pulled off the culprits. But this is nothing compared to the true horrors Kyle is capable of, as Zeltserman paints him as darker than anything seen before.

There is just no liking Kyle; the reader soon discovers that he is a person to avoid at all costs. He’s a monster of intimidation, and has no regard for anyone but himself, which he clearly demonstrates throughout. His time in prison did not mellow him out — more to the point, it focused him on the job at hand. Even when his grand plan for the quick money goes wrong, Kyle is not one to admit defeat.

The book is set up for the reader as though we are reading a manuscript written by Kyle. Later, it’s explained as to what causes him to write. You also see a few notes to the editor by Kyle himself, clearing up some passages while also explaining his use for a little creative license in other portions. These asides are a brilliant idea, since Zeltserman takes more then a few potshots at former crime figures turned authors, and the publishing world in general.

PARIAH is sure to catapult Zeltserman head and shoulders above other Boston authors. This is not only a great crime book, but a gripping read that will crossover to allow greater exposure for this rising talent. —Bruce Grossman

Buy it at Amazon.

OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS AUTHOR:
• SMALL CRIMES by Dave Zeltserman

Related posts:

1. Small Crimes
2. Bad Thoughts
3. Road Dogs
4. Sleep with the Fishes
5. Crime Beat: A Decade of Covering Cops & Killers