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The novel opens in 1966, guiding the readers through the picturesque Tomoka River in Florida as a father and son enjoy their fishing vacation aboard the "Have Weapons Will Travel" boat. If readers have not read the author's first book in the series, Twin River, prepare to be floored: a nonchalant, casual scene turns dark without a moments notice. From this moment onward, Fields has his audience captivated and eager to discover how a sympathetic, Catcher In the Rye-loving fourteen-year-old Wesley Palladin steps into his father's shoes and evolves into a prolific hitman.
The frenetic, breakneck pace of the action is exhilarating, making the piece both an easy and entertaining read. Moreover, Fields references then-living mob affiliates like Angelo Bruno to paint a genuine picture of the 1980's organized crime movement in Philadelphia. Nevertheless, Wesley Palladin is what makes this story go. Though he is a ruthless, contracted killer who never fails, Palladin hasn't lost his moral compass. Regardless of the repercussions, he won't harm the innocent and won't think twice about burning bridges with mobsters in the process.
While Wesley Palladin is certainly the central character, there are various subplots underway featuring students at Twin River High School in rural Alexandria and Barree, Pennsylvania. On one hand, correctional officers Max Wright and Luther Cicconi are abducting female students to be featured in adult videos. On the other, Wayne Wilson is being hunted down by the Towers twins, fatefully named Cain and Abel. There's nothing right about Twin River and Fields' appropriately recognizes this by naming several prominent locations "Shadow of Death" and "Blood Mountain." Another student, Matt Henry, forges a relationship with Palladin, who he hires for the security of his bank and himself. At times, there are strong characters, including Matt's best friend Conner Brooks, and his father, Gene Brooks who are thrust into the story's spotlight. Perhaps the only knock on Fields' narrative is featuring too many intriguing characters that readers would like to know more about.
Wesley Palladin is fourteen-year-old Matt Henry's employee and lives in his Barree mansion with Matt's dog, Sensay. From the time the two encounter each other, Palladin nurtures Matt as a father and seemingly sees himself in the boy. As utter mayhem is unfolding in Twin River, Palladin, ironically, is instructing Matt to avoid the urge to kill senselessly.
Fields alludes to biblical references and classical music, in addition to imagery, to establish mood. Comparing anything to The Godfather, the novel and film franchise, would be a travesty; however, Twin River II reads like another of The Godfather author Mario Puzo's prominent works, The Last Don. Strong, dynamic characters immersed in nonstop conflict in a setting that exemplifies nature’s beauty would certainly be appealing. Entertaining dialogue to keep the readers engaged is icing on the cake. To see this novel be adapted to the big screen would be unsurprising to say the least.
Twin River II undoubtedly caters to an adult audience and should be considered rated R for violence and sexually themed topics. For those who enjoy a good thriller and mob story, this is a highly recommended jolt of energy that will leave readers awaiting Twin River III: A Death at One Thousand Steps.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review