"Being a fan of Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos and Walter Mosley, I would certainly label Andrew Cotto as a comparable read to these luminaries in terms of style, characterization and the depiction of life in a tough neighborhood." – Raven Crime Reads "Cotto's lyrical prose reads like Raymond Chandler taking dictation from Walt Whitman." – Publishers Weekly Black Irish Blues is the return-to-origin story of Caesar Stiles, an erstwhile runaway who returns to his hometown with plans to buy the town's only tavern and end his family's Sicilian curse. Caesar's attempt for redemption is complicated by the spectral presence of his estranged father, reparation seekers related to his corrupt older brother, a charming crime boss and his enigmatic crew, and - most significantly - a stranger named Dinny Tuite whose disappearance under dubious circumstances immerses Caesar in a mystery that leads into the criminal underbelly of industrial New Jersey, the flawed myth of the American Dream, and his hometown's shameful secrets. Black Irish Blues is a poetic, gritty noir full of dynamic characters, a page-turning plot, and the further development of a unique American character. "The writing itself is as good as that of any classic American novel," - Rosie's Book Reviews "Black Irish Blues is an intense read about a complex central protagonist who is trying hard to do the right thing while circumstances keep pushing him in other directions. It has that compelling Hollywood noir style of a Raymond Chandler novel but in a more modern setting. Easily imagined on screen, it invigorates all the senses bringing Caesar Stiles very much alive for the reader." - Swirl and Thread "Once again Cotto proves his innate skill at character building and scene setting, infusing this book with atmosphere, flowing dialogue, a perceptive look at human frailty and strength, layering in big themes, but also hanging it all on a compelling central storyline amongst the criminal seedy underbelly of this most vibrant and dangerous neighborhood. I love the soulful edge that Cotto consistently injects into his writing, and the emotional connections of friendship and family that he explores. Highly recommended." Raven Crime Reads "Black Irish Blues is a tale of redemption through renovation, via violence and vice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Andrew Cotto's work.: - Sarah Faichney "At its essence, Black Irish Blues is a beautiful story about family, redemption and debunking the myth that you can't go home again. Andrew Cotto delivers a quick, witty and impactful read that will give you all the feels and leave you satisfied as you close the back cover." - Best Thriller Books "Being a fan of Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos and Walter Mosley, I would certainly label Andrew Cotto as a comparable read to these luminaries in terms of style, characterization and the depiction of life in a tough neighborhood." - Raven Crime Reads "Cotto's lyrical prose reads like Raymond Chandler taking dictation from Walt Whitman." - Publishers Weekly Andrew Cotto is an award-winning author and regular contributor to The New York Times. Andrew has also written for Parade, Men's Journal, Rolling Stone, La Cucina Italiana, Rachael Ray in Season, The Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, Condé Nast Traveler, Italy magazine, Maxim, and more. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.