Howie’s Books
“Hard Knocks” is Howie Carr’s first novel, a gritty noir mystery about the intertwining worlds of crime and politics in Boston. Pre-publication it was praised by New York Times best-selling author “Steve Berry (The Jefferson Key). He said, “Howie Carr has hit a home run.” It’s written in the distinctive prose style that has made Howie Boston’s top newspaper columnist for more than two decades. Its memorable characters include a disgraced City Hack Hall hack who is now an “excrement broker,” and a city councilor who bears more than a slight resemblance to the late Albert Leo “Dapper” O’Neil.
“Hitman” is the definitive story of the last 50 years of organized crime in Boston, as seen through the eyes of Johnny Martorano, one of the two founders of the Winter Hill Gang and its most prolific killer (he’s confessed to 20 murders). This book contains more than 100 photos — mugshots, crime scenes, family photos etc. The paperback edition, complete with an epilogue written after Whitey’s capture last June and an organizational chart of the Winter Hill Gang, will be released in May 2012. The hardcover edition was on the New York Times bestseller list for four weeks in 2011.
The Brothers Bulger” is the only dual biography of Whitey and Billy Bulger, the two ruthless South Boston brothers who rose to the top of their respective trades — organized crime and state politics. Whitey became boss of the Winter Hill Gang, and Billy ruled state government with an iron fist as president of the state Senate. As another South Boston politician put it, “It’s as if Al Capone’s brother was president of the Senate.” Brothers Bulger spent 11 weeks on the New York Times hardcover and paperback bestseller lists in 2006-07.
I enjoyed Howie’s first two books–have them on both printed versions and audiobooks, and I just ordered his latest (will prob. get audio of
that, too). Looking forward to it. Maybe someday Howie could do an autobio with some vintage columns?
When will you be signing in Plymouth Ma.?
I received “Hard Knocks” for Christmas. I found it hard to put down, it was full of intrigue, twists and turns. Great novel.
Where can I find the address for the magnets? I’m usually driving when it’s mentioned
Just put up the post on the front page Carly- Thanks for the prompt!
Just came from signing and talk in Tewksbury. On second chapter of Hard Knocks now. Howie, thanks for signing my three books for me.
Where is Murray’s book?