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The Trouble Boys
The Trouble Boys is an historical crime novel about the Irish mob in New York City from the 1920s to the 1950s. The story opens in pre-WWII Europe when young Irish immigrant Colin O’Brien settles with his family in New York City. There Colin befriends a Cuban-American boy named Johnny Garcia. Life in America isn’t what Colin’s family expects and he experiences a shocking tragedy that alters his life.
As Johnny and Colin grow into men, their friendship changes. They begin working for different crime syndicates, with Colin joining the ranks of charismatic Tom McPhalen’s Irish mob and Johnny becoming a member of debonair Tito Bernal’s Cuban gang.
As Colin’s rise in the ranks of organized crime becomes increasingly more brutal and demeaning and his friendship with Johnny deteriorates, he begins to question his place in the seductive yet violent world he’s found himself in.
As Johnny and Colin grow into men, their friendship changes. They begin working for different crime syndicates, with Colin joining the ranks of charismatic Tom McPhalen’s Irish mob and Johnny becoming a member of debonair Tito Bernal’s Cuban gang.
As Colin’s rise in the ranks of organized crime becomes increasingly more brutal and demeaning and his friendship with Johnny deteriorates, he begins to question his place in the seductive yet violent world he’s found himself in.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 22, 2018
About the author
E.R. Fallon
17 books11 followersBest-selling crime author E.R. Fallon knows well the gritty city streets of which she writes. She studied criminology and was mentored by a leading advocate for the family members of homicide victims. E.R. is currently working on her next gangland book, Tommy's Turn, with her writing partner, KJ. The New York Times best-selling author Da Chen has said E.R. writes the kind of stories that "We stay up all night to finish."
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 27, 2017
E.R. Fallon's thrilling "The Trouble Boys" is a brilliant and excellent example of the grim and stark realities of immigrants integrating into 1930's seedy New York. Brutal, gritty, hard hitting and quite revealing at times, I enjoyed every minute reading this gripping historical crime novel.
The story opens in 1935, when eight year old Irish immigrant Colin O'Brien settles with his family in New York City where he befriends a Cuban-American boy Johnny Garcia. As the years pass, a shocking turn of events alters Colin's life. As Johnny and Colin become men, their ethnicity and life around them, affects their friendship. They start working for rival crime syndicates - Colin joins an Irish mob and Johnny becomes part of a Cuban gang. As their friendship deteriorates and Colin rapidly rises through the ranks of organised crime the demands on him become ever more brutal and he begins to question the destructive yet violent world he's found himself in.
I loved reading how Colin adapted to life and a completely new environment in New York City as an innocent and young child and my heart really went out to him, reading what he went through just to survive and to defend himself or his family.
I totally felt like I was transported there, the author did a grand job of describing the noises, buildings and people where Colin lived, the sounds and raised voices coming from the apartments were just typical of what I imagined life to be like, living in those conditions. As the story began again in the 1950's - following a life changing event for Colin - it was interesting to see how Johnny's and Colin's friendship had changed. I liked both characters and it was sad how circumstances caused the rift in their relationship. The storyline strongly shows the loyalty to 'blood' versus love for one's family and friends and the divisions it creates.
I'd easily read more work by Irish/American author E.R.Fallon who has clearly used her own extensive knowledge of the gritty streets of NYC - her writing is so easy to follow, it's not heavy or dull and everything is described with clarity. She also creates fabulous characters that are believable and very likeable and her plot line in the story was second to none - creative, entertaining, emotional and very compelling.
A highly enjoyable book that I absolutely loved and oh that ending!!.......I'm saying no more. Truly brilliant!
5 well deserved stars.
The story opens in 1935, when eight year old Irish immigrant Colin O'Brien settles with his family in New York City where he befriends a Cuban-American boy Johnny Garcia. As the years pass, a shocking turn of events alters Colin's life. As Johnny and Colin become men, their ethnicity and life around them, affects their friendship. They start working for rival crime syndicates - Colin joins an Irish mob and Johnny becomes part of a Cuban gang. As their friendship deteriorates and Colin rapidly rises through the ranks of organised crime the demands on him become ever more brutal and he begins to question the destructive yet violent world he's found himself in.
I loved reading how Colin adapted to life and a completely new environment in New York City as an innocent and young child and my heart really went out to him, reading what he went through just to survive and to defend himself or his family.
I totally felt like I was transported there, the author did a grand job of describing the noises, buildings and people where Colin lived, the sounds and raised voices coming from the apartments were just typical of what I imagined life to be like, living in those conditions. As the story began again in the 1950's - following a life changing event for Colin - it was interesting to see how Johnny's and Colin's friendship had changed. I liked both characters and it was sad how circumstances caused the rift in their relationship. The storyline strongly shows the loyalty to 'blood' versus love for one's family and friends and the divisions it creates.
I'd easily read more work by Irish/American author E.R.Fallon who has clearly used her own extensive knowledge of the gritty streets of NYC - her writing is so easy to follow, it's not heavy or dull and everything is described with clarity. She also creates fabulous characters that are believable and very likeable and her plot line in the story was second to none - creative, entertaining, emotional and very compelling.
A highly enjoyable book that I absolutely loved and oh that ending!!.......I'm saying no more. Truly brilliant!
5 well deserved stars.
March 1, 2018
The Trouble Boys, by E.R.Fallon
BLURB
The story opens in pre-WWII Europe when young Irish immigrant Colin O'Brien settles with his family in New York City. There Colin befriends a Cuban-American boy named Johnny Garcia. Life in America isn't what Colin's family expects and he experiences a shocking tragedy that alters his life. As Johnny and Colin grow into men, their friendship changes. They begin working for different crime syndicates, with Colin joining the ranks of charismatic Tom McPhalen's Irish mob and Johnny becoming a member of debonair Tito Bernal's Cuban gang. As Colin's rise in the ranks of organized crime becomes increasingly more brutal and demeaning and his friendship with Johnny deteriorates, he begins to question his place in the seductive yet violent world he's found himself in.
MY THOUGHTS
It did take me a while to engage with this book, but I'm pleased I stuck with it. This is primarily a gangland story and not so much a crime/thriller. There is some violence, but nothing graphic as the story is mainly centred around Colin and him coming of age, and learning life the hard way.
Initially, I noticed that the story moves quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, leaving many details out. This didn't hinder my enjoyment, though, and it was very easy to fill in the gaps.
With good strong characters and good writing, this is a highly enjoyable read and a great story.
Recommended! 4*
BLURB
The story opens in pre-WWII Europe when young Irish immigrant Colin O'Brien settles with his family in New York City. There Colin befriends a Cuban-American boy named Johnny Garcia. Life in America isn't what Colin's family expects and he experiences a shocking tragedy that alters his life. As Johnny and Colin grow into men, their friendship changes. They begin working for different crime syndicates, with Colin joining the ranks of charismatic Tom McPhalen's Irish mob and Johnny becoming a member of debonair Tito Bernal's Cuban gang. As Colin's rise in the ranks of organized crime becomes increasingly more brutal and demeaning and his friendship with Johnny deteriorates, he begins to question his place in the seductive yet violent world he's found himself in.
MY THOUGHTS
It did take me a while to engage with this book, but I'm pleased I stuck with it. This is primarily a gangland story and not so much a crime/thriller. There is some violence, but nothing graphic as the story is mainly centred around Colin and him coming of age, and learning life the hard way.
Initially, I noticed that the story moves quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, leaving many details out. This didn't hinder my enjoyment, though, and it was very easy to fill in the gaps.
With good strong characters and good writing, this is a highly enjoyable read and a great story.
Recommended! 4*
February 21, 2018
The Trouble Boys by E.R. Fallon has left me pleasantly surprised. I do not often choose gang crime novels, or particularly historical ones, but I am glad that I chose to read and review this one. The plot is fast-paced with excellent characters and raw, gritty events. The Trouble Boys will be published on Thursday by Urbane Publications.
The story
The Trouble Boys tells the story of Colin, who's family moves from Ireland to America in the hopes of getting better job opportunities and living better lives. Living in the Bowery proves tough for Colin's family, and the men of the family turn to organised crime to help them get by. Colin makes friends with half-Cuban and half-Irish Johnny who looks out for him. After a series of unfortunate events leads Colin to the Irish mob, he finds himself turned against his best friend and losing friends and family.
What I liked
I absolutely loved the context and settings of the book; having never experienced 1930s - 1950s America, including novels or films previously, this book gave me an excellent overview of the lower classes in this time period. I enjoyed reading the story from the Irish immigrant perspective, as it provides the reader with explanations for goings on. Had the story been told by an American-born man, the narrator could have assumed knowledge on the part of the reader, so I liked discovering the setting with Colin.
I also enjoyed the way it was told over two decades of Colin's life, as I could see the long-term effects of the environment and how power can become a person unwittingly. Colin is neither someone with whom I sympathised or hated, but his unwitting, apparent innocence and general ignorance made him a nice character to tell the story. He is not evil, yet doesn't regret many of his actions.
I personally liked the portrayal of the women who ended up without Colin, as they move on and work their lives out without him on board, yet still have a soft spot for him when they see him again. I actually preferred Johnny's character in the beginning, as he appeared to have a deeper understanding and lacked Colin's ignorance. I liked the accuracy of the portrayals of life in this time in the lower classes in America. The lack of sugar coating makes it harder to read, as it is so realistic, but I liked the candidness of the narrative.
What I didn't like
The only thing I didn't like in the narrative was Colin's lack of character development. He goes from crime to crime, woman to woman, and ends the story moving toward more uncertainty. His lack of emotion toward his crimes and the enormity of death in his life would be worrying to any reader and makes it difficult to connect with him as the narrator.
Overall, I enjoyed the story a lot. It was easy to read, fast paced and generally enjoyable. I liked reading about a whole other world which was once a part of our own world and discovering the harrowing realities for mob members in America. This novel makes it easy to see how children can easily spiral down the slope of organised crime, as it offers financial security for their families. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to explore this era and setting for the first time, as well as regular readers of Irish mob fiction. I received The Trouble Boys by E.R. Fallon in the form of a proof copy from Urbane Publications in exchange for an honest review.
The story
The Trouble Boys tells the story of Colin, who's family moves from Ireland to America in the hopes of getting better job opportunities and living better lives. Living in the Bowery proves tough for Colin's family, and the men of the family turn to organised crime to help them get by. Colin makes friends with half-Cuban and half-Irish Johnny who looks out for him. After a series of unfortunate events leads Colin to the Irish mob, he finds himself turned against his best friend and losing friends and family.
What I liked
I absolutely loved the context and settings of the book; having never experienced 1930s - 1950s America, including novels or films previously, this book gave me an excellent overview of the lower classes in this time period. I enjoyed reading the story from the Irish immigrant perspective, as it provides the reader with explanations for goings on. Had the story been told by an American-born man, the narrator could have assumed knowledge on the part of the reader, so I liked discovering the setting with Colin.
I also enjoyed the way it was told over two decades of Colin's life, as I could see the long-term effects of the environment and how power can become a person unwittingly. Colin is neither someone with whom I sympathised or hated, but his unwitting, apparent innocence and general ignorance made him a nice character to tell the story. He is not evil, yet doesn't regret many of his actions.
I personally liked the portrayal of the women who ended up without Colin, as they move on and work their lives out without him on board, yet still have a soft spot for him when they see him again. I actually preferred Johnny's character in the beginning, as he appeared to have a deeper understanding and lacked Colin's ignorance. I liked the accuracy of the portrayals of life in this time in the lower classes in America. The lack of sugar coating makes it harder to read, as it is so realistic, but I liked the candidness of the narrative.
What I didn't like
The only thing I didn't like in the narrative was Colin's lack of character development. He goes from crime to crime, woman to woman, and ends the story moving toward more uncertainty. His lack of emotion toward his crimes and the enormity of death in his life would be worrying to any reader and makes it difficult to connect with him as the narrator.
Overall, I enjoyed the story a lot. It was easy to read, fast paced and generally enjoyable. I liked reading about a whole other world which was once a part of our own world and discovering the harrowing realities for mob members in America. This novel makes it easy to see how children can easily spiral down the slope of organised crime, as it offers financial security for their families. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to explore this era and setting for the first time, as well as regular readers of Irish mob fiction. I received The Trouble Boys by E.R. Fallon in the form of a proof copy from Urbane Publications in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2018
The Trouble Boys was an absolute delight to read. At first glance this is a story that focuses upon the criminal world of the early 1900s in America. But in fact this novel is so much more than a historical crime read. It's a novel about family, about trust, and the value of life, all of which is beautifully told.
The novel begins with Colin O’Brien, a young Irish boy who emigrates to New York City with his family. There he meets Johnny Garcia, a young Cuban-American. It is during this time that Colin suffers a tragic life event and this grief, coupled with his new friendship, sets him on a new life path that is both dangerous and bound within the underworld.
I liked reading how the two boys become men, and of how they eventually grew apart. Over the years Colin's position in the criminal world grows and he becomes a prominent member of the Irish group. Johnny becomes a gang member in a rival gang. But Colin begins to question his future and if what he is doing is right.
What I particularly liked about this book was that I was invited on a journey. I met Colin when he was eight, and then travelled with him on his journey until he was a young man. I saw what he saw, the excitement and bewilderment of entering a new country, of feeling alienated from everyone around you and not fitting in. The descriptions of New York City during the 1920s were so evocative that I could smell and taste the city.
Although this book is dark and gritty, in that we read about the seedier side of life. At the heart of this story is a tale of male friendship from childhood through to adulthood. Reading their story made me want o weep. To weep for lost childhood and lost innocence and that friendship evolves and changes due to life's events.
The Trouble Boys is a compelling read from beginning to end. It's an emotional read which surprised me a little, as I was expecting a gritty crime novel (which it is) but it has a deep emotional level that made me connect with Colin. It is an incredibly unique story and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
The Trouble Boys is published by Urbane Publications on 22 Feb. It can be found on Amazon here.
With thanks to the publisher for the advanced proof paperback copy that was provided for review purposes.
The novel begins with Colin O’Brien, a young Irish boy who emigrates to New York City with his family. There he meets Johnny Garcia, a young Cuban-American. It is during this time that Colin suffers a tragic life event and this grief, coupled with his new friendship, sets him on a new life path that is both dangerous and bound within the underworld.
I liked reading how the two boys become men, and of how they eventually grew apart. Over the years Colin's position in the criminal world grows and he becomes a prominent member of the Irish group. Johnny becomes a gang member in a rival gang. But Colin begins to question his future and if what he is doing is right.
What I particularly liked about this book was that I was invited on a journey. I met Colin when he was eight, and then travelled with him on his journey until he was a young man. I saw what he saw, the excitement and bewilderment of entering a new country, of feeling alienated from everyone around you and not fitting in. The descriptions of New York City during the 1920s were so evocative that I could smell and taste the city.
Although this book is dark and gritty, in that we read about the seedier side of life. At the heart of this story is a tale of male friendship from childhood through to adulthood. Reading their story made me want o weep. To weep for lost childhood and lost innocence and that friendship evolves and changes due to life's events.
The Trouble Boys is a compelling read from beginning to end. It's an emotional read which surprised me a little, as I was expecting a gritty crime novel (which it is) but it has a deep emotional level that made me connect with Colin. It is an incredibly unique story and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
The Trouble Boys is published by Urbane Publications on 22 Feb. It can be found on Amazon here.
With thanks to the publisher for the advanced proof paperback copy that was provided for review purposes.
July 6, 2020
This was a really good read. It was very interesting and reflected the lives of so many immigrants who found themselves down on their luck in the USA, turning to crime as an alternative to get by, to make end meet and to try get on in life, unfortunately though often with disastrous consequences. I loved the relationship that we saw between Irish Colin & Cuban Johnny as the story developed and I could picture their relationship deteriorating as their values changed and their bond widened. Johnny was very likeable in the beginning but I really liked Johnny's character. He was popular with the ladies but lost them all. It was like his life went around in circles and nothing about him ever developed to fruition. This story told of love, crime, and responsibility. It told the story during the 1930s, 40s and 50s and the research was done very well as it gave a wonderful insight into that era in New York. I really enjoyed this read. I give it 4 stars.
April 21, 2020
Really interesting book.
I would have given this book 4.5 stars if I could. I really enjoyed reading it. I was really into this book and I could imagine the characters really clearly I my mind. I Found the story line easy to follow
I would have given this book 4.5 stars if I could. I really enjoyed reading it. I was really into this book and I could imagine the characters really clearly I my mind. I Found the story line easy to follow
March 1, 2021
Boring book. Didn’t live up to expectations at all. I hope the rest in the series are more exciting.
To many irrelevant characters with a boring storyline
Sorry but not my kind of book at all. Didn’t enjoy it but kept hoping it would get better
To many irrelevant characters with a boring storyline
Sorry but not my kind of book at all. Didn’t enjoy it but kept hoping it would get better
February 23, 2024
I bought this after reading it would appeal to fans of Martina Cole and Jessie Keane. It wasn’t as exciting as I had hoped, nor did I think it compared well along side the recommendations. The latter part of the book was much better
March 12, 2019
I found this book very boring. Just skipped over pages until I found out the end.
May 3, 2019
Wasn't very exciting but enough of a story line to
get me to want to finish it
get me to want to finish it
August 11, 2019
A tale of Irish gangland New York. From Northern Ireland to LA we follow Colin, his family, his loves, and his life.
March 29, 2020
The Trouble Boys⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved the story & how well it was written & I am so glad I have another one to start ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved the story & how well it was written & I am so glad I have another one to start ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 12, 2020
Really good story line, some good content but way too many characters and was all over the place, had to read passages several times to understand what had been written. Must say its the 1st book in a long time that didnt have typos or spelling mistakes so that in itself was a joy to read.
September 29, 2024
Great book but disappointing ending
January 1, 2025
Very readable yarn.
June 8, 2018
When he was a child, Colin O’Brien moved to New York with his family because his mother needed a change of scenario. But the reality they found didn’t match any of their expectations. Life seems to revolve around favors and local bonds, and soon the price of living in such a place makes itself known. Growing up, Colin makes only one friend, Johnny Garcia, and their friendship seems to be Colin’s only anchor. But time passes. Tragedies come to pass. And, as the two friends’ pathways diverge, so their lives become more entangled with the criminal organizations that seem to rule the place. To prosper in such a scenario, they must forsake all their previous loyalties. And, by doing that, Colin learns that life isn’t worth that much…
Following Colin’s whole life and growth, and with it, the many people that enter and exit his world, this is a story that brings as much hope as disenchantment. In the beginning, Colin is as innocent as any child, but that quickly changes with the discovery of the real world. And, as his position changes, from victim to protector and then to enforcer of somebody else’s wishes, Colin changes as well. This change is the heart of this book and also its tragedy, for, when Colin’s innocence is lost, his fate becomes inevitable. And, by knowing that, his path becomes much more intense.
Colin is an impressive character, but it is seeing is path in the context of his time that makes it all more impressive. The intricate relationships and enmities between different groups – and even inside the same group – make everything unpredictable, but also somewhat unavoidable. And, knowing how everything must end for such a character, it is somehow heartbreaking to follow Colin’s hopes, fears, passions and choices – even when his actions are harder to understand.
Though the scenery is complex, it’s easy to enter this story. The writing is precise, highlighting the most important moments but also exploring Colin’s interior views. And the narrative flows with an almost perfect balance of naturalness and shock. So there is tenderness and love, growth and friendship – and then there’s death, betrayal, disenchantment. And it all makes sense in the end – even the sadness left by the finale.
Intense, intriguing and surprisingly emotional, at times, it all comes down to this: a story of high hopes in times of darkness and of growing up to be something much different than one’s childhood dreams. Quite a good read, overall.
** I received this book from Urbane Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Following Colin’s whole life and growth, and with it, the many people that enter and exit his world, this is a story that brings as much hope as disenchantment. In the beginning, Colin is as innocent as any child, but that quickly changes with the discovery of the real world. And, as his position changes, from victim to protector and then to enforcer of somebody else’s wishes, Colin changes as well. This change is the heart of this book and also its tragedy, for, when Colin’s innocence is lost, his fate becomes inevitable. And, by knowing that, his path becomes much more intense.
Colin is an impressive character, but it is seeing is path in the context of his time that makes it all more impressive. The intricate relationships and enmities between different groups – and even inside the same group – make everything unpredictable, but also somewhat unavoidable. And, knowing how everything must end for such a character, it is somehow heartbreaking to follow Colin’s hopes, fears, passions and choices – even when his actions are harder to understand.
Though the scenery is complex, it’s easy to enter this story. The writing is precise, highlighting the most important moments but also exploring Colin’s interior views. And the narrative flows with an almost perfect balance of naturalness and shock. So there is tenderness and love, growth and friendship – and then there’s death, betrayal, disenchantment. And it all makes sense in the end – even the sadness left by the finale.
Intense, intriguing and surprisingly emotional, at times, it all comes down to this: a story of high hopes in times of darkness and of growing up to be something much different than one’s childhood dreams. Quite a good read, overall.
** I received this book from Urbane Publications in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2018
E R Fallon brings 1920's New York to life in a truly authentic prose about the Irish,Italian, Cuban immigrants who all strived to rule the underworld.
Central character is a boy called Colin O'Brien born in northern Ireland but comes to New York with his family looking for a better life. He befriends a boy called Johnny Garcia whose mother is Irish but his father was Cuban. They grow up together but when Colin is faced with a huge problem his actions and subsequent punishment means the boys are separated and don't meet up again until they are grown men.
Colin becomes attached to a 'gang' of southern Irishmen and Johnny is aligned to another 'gang' of Cubans. As time goes by the expectations of their contribution to the cause makes Colin question who his allegiance should be with and to what lengths he will go to to prove himself.
Loved this book so much and found it difficult to put down it actually seemed as this was a history book it was so real - well deserved 5 stars.
Central character is a boy called Colin O'Brien born in northern Ireland but comes to New York with his family looking for a better life. He befriends a boy called Johnny Garcia whose mother is Irish but his father was Cuban. They grow up together but when Colin is faced with a huge problem his actions and subsequent punishment means the boys are separated and don't meet up again until they are grown men.
Colin becomes attached to a 'gang' of southern Irishmen and Johnny is aligned to another 'gang' of Cubans. As time goes by the expectations of their contribution to the cause makes Colin question who his allegiance should be with and to what lengths he will go to to prove himself.
Loved this book so much and found it difficult to put down it actually seemed as this was a history book it was so real - well deserved 5 stars.
February 25, 2018
This book is not so much about immigrants in New York in the 1930's but is also a story of family and friendships as well as trust and history. Set in New York, it tells the tale of Colin, an Irish immigrant, and Johnny, a Cuban immigrant. The story is, at times, gritty but it is more about childhood friendship through to adulthood. It is not just a gritty crime novel but is quite emotional and very well written. Some excellent descriptions had me transported to New York and I would recommend this book to lovers of crime and historical books. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
March 22, 2018
The book is mainly about the indignity of being poor. From Ireland in the 20s to New York into the 50s. The only way to better yourself as a young man is to be affiliated with a gang. Irih, Irish/American, Cuban, Italian, but none of them can make life better for the women and children.
This is a history of who got there first.
This is a history of who got there first.
February 7, 2018
This book was so WELL written! I was addicted to the life of this Man whose fate you could see coming but you kept hoping you were wrong. I didn't want to the story to end. It was so good.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews