Fiction Review

The Sicilian Conspiracy
By Michael Sammaritano
ISBN-10: 0977902374

Whispers of the Mafia are part of our culture, like it or not. Some say the legend is bigger than fact, some pretend they know nothing about it. Michael Sammaritano’s novel, “The Sicilian Conspiracy” does more than whisper rumors, but after all it is a work of fiction.

Don Severio Cremona was forced into taking over the family “business” in Sicily. It is something he didn’t wish to do but upon the death of his father he makes a decision to set forth dramatic change in the Mafia around the world. The goal of legitimacy is a huge undertaking. It will take years to bring about tiny steps of progress. Ray Greco becomes Don Severio’s presence in the United States, New York to be precise. With the help of the Class of 1956, a group of young men specially trained per Don Severio’s instructions, Ray will begin to break down the decaying Mafia and replace it with supposedly legit business. The control that Severio hopes to gain will come through his men being in every possible position of power, from within. Politics, business, even the FBI, are all targets. Ray though, has been waiting for the moment to seek his revenge for his own father’s murder. Will he follow tradition? How does the new Mafia truly differ from the old?

Michael Sammaritano has written an interesting and exciting tale of the darker side of Sicilian and American culture. His plot flows nicely, coming full circle, while his characters lead the way. A fast-paced and intriguing read!