Pete Dexter does it again. He has the ability to make disgusting, seedy characters come to life. In this story, the two cousins Peter and Michael grow up in Philadelphia amidst the disonnance which exists between the Italian mafia which controls the streets and the Irish Flood family who controls the Union leadership. As youngsters and not understanding exactly why they need to be protected nor how to protect themselves, both end up in some unfortunate situations. Both end up living with live with Michael’s uncle Phillip, a truly untrustworthy man! Then there’s their friend Jimmy Measles, the well-known Jewish dancer from American Bandstand who likes to pal around with Peter and Michael. In this story, people do what they want to do, with or without scruples.

This is not a book for someone who must like or identify with the characters in the story. However, Dexter’s style does make for some highly effective writing.