Blue Steel Crucifix

by S.R. Perricone

When the beautiful auburn-haired confident of the former Louisiana governor was found floating in a desolate swamp near New Orleans, no one in the FBI seemed to care, despite her unrequited cooperation with one of their most significant investigations. Whoever put two bullets in her head, felt bold and immune from scrutiny. While they gloated in their ersatz power, they waited and planned their next murder, the mob’s accountant, who not only testified against his former friends, but also hid their inculpating treasures. The mob and a certain governor wanted those treasures and were willing to kill for them. Antoine Biaggi knew how the mob operated. For years, he kept their books and knew who got paid what, when and for what reason. When he refused to go into the Witness Protection program upon his release from federal prison, his old associates were waiting for him. Even his old childhood friend, Father Joseph Terranova, could not dissuade him from returning to New Orleans and a certain death. Meanwhile, miles from New Orleans, a young Native American man, Wilson Three Eagles, was preparing to graduate from law school at the University of Montana. With no employment prospects, he joined the FBI with the hope of helping his natal people. But the FBI had other plans for him, and upon graduating from the FBI Academy, he was assigned to a secret task force assembled to investigate organized crime’s pernicious grip on Louisiana’s public officials and even on the FBI.

418 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2014

Reviews

[Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in New Orleans, this is a very intriguing first novel. Perricone has managed to mix the Sicilian and Russian mafias in a novel fraught with murder, political corruption, stolen secrets, the FBI, and The Church. The reader meets Fr. Terranova, the mysterious Fr. O'Malley, and Wilson Three Eagles along with The Prophet. Perricone knows his subject matter well, having spent 21 years investigating and persecuting corrupt politicians and members of organized crime during his tenure as a detective with the New Orleans PD and as a special agent in the FBI. Thus, his novel grabs the reader's attention and holds it to the end. The only constructive criticism this reader has is that the final product would have benefitted immensely with the touch of a good editor. There are sufficient instances of errors in spelling and syntax to be a bit annoying. Other than that, this reader recommends this novel as a "good read".

[Elsie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Crime Thriller You Can’t Put Down

From the first chilling discovery in the Louisiana swamp to the high stakes investigation into mob corruption, this story grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The plot is razor-sharp, weaving multiple perspectives from Antoine Biaggi, the mob accountant with dangerous knowledge, to Wilson Three Eagles, a young FBI recruit determined to fight for justice into a tension filled narrative that pulses with suspense.

The stakes feel real, the danger is palpable, and the intrigue keeps escalating with every chapter. It’s a masterful blend of crime, political corruption, and moral dilemmas, all set against a vividly drawn Louisiana backdrop. Fans of thrillers and police procedurals will be hooked from start to finish.

[Shelby M. St. Romain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This book has all the pieces that make for a good crime novel; well developed characters, interesting plot, well described setting and a logical conclusion. The author uses vocabulary that is perplexing, at times, sending the reader to a dictionary and dialogue that really does not fit the character's profiles. Anyone familiar with New Orleans will feel at home as locations are visited during the story. The story is set over time and various venues and all elements are brought together in the conclusion.

[Chris-Jean Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to see this book adapted to film!

The Blue Steel Crucifix gives the reader a glimpse into New Orleans - a society where a large portion of its citizens, from the lowest to the highest ranking are corrupt and will resort to murder whenever they deem it necessary.

This book will play on your psyche long after you have completed the book just knowing these happenings are not a figment of the author's imagination but a portrayal of life as it is for many.

[Carol Guedry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt as if I was in the shadows watching all unfold.