Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
Ex-PI Joe Kurtz's survival is on the line when an ambush leaves him badly wounded and his parole officer, Peg O'Toole, clinging to life. Their respective professions have ensured that neither suffers from a shortage of enemies, so narrowing down the suspects isn't easy. But Kurtz knows who's at the head of his list: Angelina Farino Ferrara, the lethal beauty who leads the Farino crime family, and her mob rival, Toma Gonzaga. The odd thing is, each would rather hire Joe Kurtz than fire at him. Someone's causing trouble beneath the gray skies of western New York, and it's drawn the notice of the mobs and the cops. Kurtz is caught in the middle along with the rest of them, and no one knows who's tightening the vise.
Hard As Nails: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This crime thriller features graphic violence including ambushes and murder, organized crime activity, and strong language typical of noir detective fiction. Sexual content is minimal but adult themes pervade throughout.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include graphic violence, murder, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who enjoy gritty detective stories with morally complex characters will appreciate the tense cat-and-mouse games between the ex-PI and rival mob families.