Worms in the Apple

Worms in the Apple is the author's second effort. As the novel unfolds, Mike Romano, a New York City Police officer is about to begin working in a new command that includes the sleazy world of 42nd Street, in the heart of Time Square, "The Apple," as the NYPD cops know it, in the mid 1970's. The flavor of the era floats from the pages. Mike is an honest, police officer, righteous almost to a fault. Subconsciously, he compares himself to Saint Michael, the Archangel. Always wanting to do a good job as a servant of the public, Romano, thru the forces of the universe, inadvertently gets involved in incidents and investigations that are more exciting then the basic duties of a police officer. The commanding officer of the precinct, Dennis Bryan, known to Romano as a crooked cop, is one rank above Captain, that of Deputy Inspector. Mike Romano knows that Bryan has protected a pedophile in the past. Romano approaches his new his assignment with excited anticipation because he feels that serving in Bryan's command, may enable him to gather information that can used to expose Dennis' corruption that has been hidden from the Department. Mike has vowed to bring Dennis Bryan to justice. The reader is able to follow Romano, a would be archangel, as he interacts with hookers, perverts, fortune tellers, and the usual street people while his career experiences unfold. After recording a past robbery on his foot post, Romano discovers a gang extorting money from local restaurants, resulting in a temporary assignment to work with a detective in Chinatown. After a furious gun battle, he investigates the gang and their connection to the Triads. Returning to his command exhilarated after tasting plainclothes, Mike makes a controversial arrest that brings him new information as to the extent of corruption his commander is involved in, resulting in open verbal and tactical warfare between Romano and Bryan. Great Cop story October 11, 2011 I've always liked Cop books. I prefer reading series of the same character finding it more entertaining and following the progression of the hero. I am a big fan of the character Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly. I have a few others but now have added Mike Romano to my list of Lucas Davenport, Virgil Flowers and former MP, Reacher. Mike Romano's setting is more familiar to me. I am a former New Yorker, born, raised and worked in the Big Apple. I've met many police officers and most are just regular guys trying to do the right thing. No grand heroics, no big capers or horrific shootouts. Just one day at a time people who hope to make a difference and make their world a little better. This is Mike Romano. A New York City cop, who might be a little idealistic and enthusiastic, but finds himself in realistic situations. I've followed Mike from Angel with a Gun and Worms In the Apple. Mike is becoming a better cop and the author has progressed as well. He better keep writing. John D Excerpt from Worms in the Apple: From Mike's left, three quick shots were returned by one of his partners. At that moment, he didn't know which one it was. Revved up by adrenaline and basic survival instinct, Mike also fired three times into the darkness. His shots were low and sent in the direction of the muzzle flash he just saw in front of him. The sound of his own weapon snapped a page from his training to the front of his thinking process. Mike remembered his training. Stop. Count your shots. Don't empty your weapon. It could cost you your life. From his right and slightly ahead of him, two more shots were quickly fired in the direction of the shooters. Mike thought his head would explode with the noise. He ears were ringing. He felt something wet and cold splash on him. Must be water from the damn trays, that thumping sound, angel wings or my heart?