Falling into the Mob

Freelance speechwriter Phillip Vail, the 59-year-old divorced narrator of this exceptional comic crime novel, is considering fading away into the sunset until he’s suddenly presented with two big opportunities. One is to become idea man and ghostwriter for retired CEO Peter Draybin, who’s considering running for president, but he settles for the far less likely option to become head of the Sforza crime family. On a train from Manhattan to his home in Westchester County, Phil meets Sylvia Sforza, the beautiful, hard-edged daughter of the head of the clan, and together they face down a trio of thugs, though Sylvia does most of the facing down. Sylvia later introduces Phil to her dying dad, Jacopo, who decides that Phil is just who the family needs to replace him. The initially hesitant Phil, who’s smitten by Sylvia, slides into his new life after Jacopo’s death. He must quickly get his footing as the Sforzas have to contend with FBI probes, as well as other mobs looking to take them over, in this clever, captivating romp. Zousmer, who has worked as a freelance speechwriter for CEOs of major corporations, is also the author of the novel Famous (with Richard Liebman-Smith). (Jan.)