The Winter of Frankie Machine

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Frank Machianno is a late-middle-aged ex-surf bum who runs a bait shack on the San Diego waterfront. An affable Italian with a love of people and life, he's a stand-up businessman, devoted father, and a beloved fixture in the community.

He's also a hit man - specifically, a retired hit man. Back in the day, when he was one of the most feared members of the West Coast Mafia, he was known as Frankie Machine. Frank consigned his Mob ties to the past years ago, which is where he wants them to stay. But a favor being called in now by the local boss is one Frank can't refuse, and soon he's sucked back into the treacherous currents of his former life. Someone from the past wants him dead. He has to figure out who and why, and he has to do it fast.

©2006 Don Winslow (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Elmore Leonard fans who have not yet discovered Winslow will be delighted by his fourth thriller....Winslow has created plausible characters and taut scenes of suspense that will keep readers turning pages." (Publishers Weekly)

The Winter of Frankie Machine is a ray of sunshine

I've quickly become a rabid fan of Don Winslow's evocative mystery thrillers. In "The Winter of Frankie Machine" Winslow neatly introduces Frank Machiano, AKA Frankie Machine, who, a stone killer for the mafia, is a likeable, even admirable guy. Frank manages to maintain his integrity even as those around him cheat, lie, steal, kill and--worst of all--betray all that they stood for. Retired from the hitman business--as much as anyone can retire from the mob, Frank is unwilling dragged into the life again as crime and corruption reach toward the highest office in the land. Through it all, Frank stays true to his daughter, his ex-wife, his friends and himself.

Dennis Boutsikaris lends his reading a casual intensity that perfectly captures the winter sunshine of San Diego. A terrific choice for this book.

More Don Winslow, please, and more Dennis Boutsikaris.

Here's the book you want for a boring car ride*.

I can't give this book 5 stars because it's not quite in the same league as, say, "Winds of War." It's fiction, not literature. But, it is certainly near the top of the list for this genre.

I'm always amazed when an author can make me cheer for the bad guy. Don Winslow does that and more. Frankie is just a fabulous character. You can see him, hear him. I loved the life Winslow created for him. Not far into the book, I was already solidly in his camp. I heard myself say out loud, "Whack him, Frankie!" I knew right then I was hooked.

This is a well-crafted story with realistic dialogue, some shady characters and a great star. I never would have found it had it not been a daily deal. I'm glad I did.

* Let's clarify the headline: a boring car ride with ADULTS. This isn't the book you want for the trip to grandma's house with the kids.

"New To Me" author writes of aging Mafia/surf bum

I don't know how I've missed author Don Winslow and his So Cal Surf Scene novels but I'm glad I found him. This rather strangely plotted book tells the story of a retired mafia hit man known as Frankie Machine who would rather stay retired from his hit man job and focus on early morning surfing, his bait shop on the pier and as fish supplier to 4&5 star restaurants.

Unfortunately Frankies Boss man has other ideas.

If you haven't read Don Winslow, I think this is a good book to start in with. I found Frankie to be a basic nice guy who is shoved into situation he'd rather avoid.

Worth the credit and your time.

great story and narration

I really like the overall story the performance of the narrator, and the detailed plot lines

Tense crime drama

Lots of characters and subplots to keep straight. Lots of action. Excellent character development makes this fast-paced organized crime saga a cut above the standard.