Tormented by a problematic past, Alby O’Brian hides in Southern New Jersey avoiding terrorists that he encountered in Iraq. But the troubling memories remain and haunt him. Alby attempts to reclaim a low-key life working under the table as a repairman, staying out of sight as much as possible. Consequently, his past catches up to him. He is shaken, realizing that he might still be risking the lives of all those that mean the most to him.

Even a Pandemic Can’t Stop Love & Murder by A.E.S O’Neill shares the thrilling story of a man named Alby who is attempting to seek emancipation from a troubled past in Iraq, and instead, ends up mixed up with the mob. Alby gets blamed when the mob’s bank is robbed, and he must find the missing item before he becomes the next victim of the mob hitman. This is a suspenseful setup to the novel that I really enjoyed.

In all this, he unexpectedly meets Ginger, a dancer that instantly attracts and consumes all of Alby’s thoughts. He becomes more vigilant about the risks he would inadvertently subject her to. As Alby tries to navigate his own safety and those around him, he dwells on the consequences of his choices. I really liked the interesting dynamic between these characters.

A.E.S O’Neill has based this story on a real-life narrative as told by his father on the violence of a mob bank. He draws on real sentiments and reflects them in Alby as a man who is psychologically torn by his past. The juxtaposition of love and crime is an interesting take, which permeates emotion while sustaining an atmosphere of tension and suspense.

Even a Pandemic Can’t Stop Love & Murder composes a perfect balance between love and crime. Readers will be drawn into the world of the mob, the suspense, and thrills of being on the run, and the excitement of trying to survive. The first book in the trilogy will captivate readers and have them waiting on edge for book two.

Pages: 343 | ASIN : B09JVGF9KQ