Who Would Like This Book:
If you love fast-paced crime thrillers with gritty mob drama, unforgettable antiheroes, and sharp, cinematic writing, this book is for you. Frankie Machine, the retired hit man trying to enjoy sunny San Diego, is as complex and compelling as they come. Winslow balances action, tension, smart dialogue, and even flashes of humor, painting a vivid picture of the west coast underworld. It’s perfect for fans of crime fiction, lovers of old-school mafia tales, or anyone who enjoys rooting for a surprisingly likable bad guy.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the frequent flashbacks and sprawling cast of characters a little confusing, especially in the audiobook format. The plot can get tangled with mafia history and side stories, leading to a feeling of disjointedness at times. If you prefer tight, straightforward stories or need a strong emotional connection to every character, you might not love Frankie’s rambling walks down memory lane.
About:
The Winter of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow is a gripping crime novel following the life of Frank Machianno, a retired hitman living a quiet life in San Diego running a bait shop. When his past catches up with him, Frank is forced to navigate a dangerous world of mobsters, betrayal, and assassination attempts. The story alternates between present-day events and flashbacks, revealing Frank's complex history and the web of deceit surrounding him. Winslow's writing style is characterized by rapid character sketching, cinematic plotting, and short, snappy chapters that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains content warnings related to violence, organized crime, and potential trauma from past events.
Has Romance?
There is a moderate presence of romance, particularly concerning Frank's relationship with his girlfriend and his past with his ex-wife.
From The Publisher:
Frank Machianno is the guy, a late-middle-aged ex-surf bum who runs a bait shack on the San Diego waterfront. That's when he's not juggling any of his other three part-time jobs or trying to get a quick set in on his long board. He's a beloved fixture of the community, a stand-up businessman, a devoted father to his daughter. Frank's also a hit man. Well, a retired hit man.
Back in the day, when he was one of the most feared members of the West Coast mob, he was known as Frankie Machine. Years ago, Frank consigned his mob ties to the past, which is where he wants them to stay. But a favour called in by the local boss is one Frank simply can't refuse, and before he knows it he's sucked back into the treacherous currents of his former life. Someone from his past wants him dead, and he has to figure out who, and why, and he has to do it fast. The problem is that the list of candidates is about the size of his local phone book and Frank's rapidly running out of time...
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What can you read after
The Winter of Frankie Machine?
About the Author:
Don Winslow has worked as a movie theatre manager, a production assistant, and as a private investigator. In addition to being a novelist he now works as an independent consultant in issues involving litigation arising from criminal behaviour. His novels include The Kings of Cool, Savages, The Death and Life of Bobby Z, California Fire and Life, The Power of the Dog, The Winter of Frankie Machine and The Dawn Patrol. In 2012 Savages was released as a blockbuster film.
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