Thanks William Morrow and Netgalley for sharing what I guess will be Don Winslow’s final novel. City in Ruins was a great way to wrap us this trilogy. Centered again on our anti-hero (mainly more hero in this installment), it was a fitting conclusion for his story as well as a few others. Definitely recommend if you’ve read the others, or enjoy Don Winslow. I would not read this one without reading the first two.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley for the chance to read this advance copy of the book.

City in Ruins is the finale to the Danny Ryan saga, and the final book in Don Winslow's amazing career. As always with this author's books, the characters were so well developed that despite their complicated and often criminal pasts, I found myself fully engrossed in their stories. This series got stronger with each book, and I truly felt this was one of the best novels of Don Winslow's career. I was sad reading the last pages of this book as I will truly miss his unparalleled story telling and character building. What can I say but does this guy write about some incredibly interesting characters or what!!!! Anyways, fantastic read and congratulations on an incredible career. This reader is really going to miss you.

The third and final book in the Danny Ryan Trilogy as well as the last book in Don Winslow’s impressive career. Picking up after the second book in the trilogy, City of Dreams, Danny is now in Las Vegas. He is rich beyond is wildest dreams. He is a silent partner and business manager in a hotel group that runs two successful casinos on the strip. They are looking to expand. Everything seems great as he has put his past to bed and his personal life is flourishing with his son and a steady love interest. Of course, Danny’s life can never be that simple, and his past begins to surface to complicate things. Will Danny be able to bury his past once and for all, or will his past bury him in an unmarked grave in the desert?

This book was a page turner and a breeze to read. While it is very early in the year, I expect this book to rank near the top of my books read iwhen we come to the end of 2024. Danny Ryan is a complicated character, and his depth makes it fun to follow his arc. While he is far from an angel, there are enough positive characteristics that you can’t help to root for him. The story is complex and far reaching. While Danny is the star, there is a good amount of time spent wrapping up the Rhode Island Mafia story that has been a big part of the trilogy.

While it is sad to see Mr. Winslow ride off into the sunset, it was good to see he is going out on top. I would highly recommend City of Ruin as well as the rest of the Danny Ryan Trilogy. If you haven’t read the first two in the trilogy, you have until April to catch up. Mark down April 2nd as the day to head to your favorite bookstore or online shop to grab this novel! Thank you to NetGalley, Don Winslow, and William Morrow for a free advanced copy for an honest review.

City in Ruins is the conclusion of the trilogy that began with City on Fire and continued with City of Dreams. There are not enough superlatives for this reader to describe the emotional turmoil experienced in reading this series. Basically, it is the story of Danny Ryan, a charismatic Irish Catholic, from Rhode Island during a period when the Irish Catholics and the Italian Catholics were fighting for control.
City in Ruins focuses on Danny’s time in Las Vegas as a hotel/casino owner and on family values. The novel is replete with tremendous amounts of action—murders, FBI investigations, Nevada Gaming Control Board investigations, long standing vendettas, courtroom action, homosexuality, taking a company public, loyalty, etc.
The writing is superb and forced this reader to finish the book in one day. Character development (even of minor characters) is excellent and descriptions are fantastic — for example “…..weird organic casserole that tastes like lawn clippings.”
I highly recommend reading this series and thank NetGalley and Harper Collins Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader copy of one of my most anticipated releases of 2024. Like the prior two books in this series, the story was a constant thrill ride from start to finish. Danny Ryan is a man who is never satisfied or has enough, and his ego and ambition are the triggers to his downfall. Danny wasn't satisfied with the good life he had in Las Vegas, after leaving the life of a mobster behind. As a man on the straight and narrow, he makes the mistake of letting his ambition run amok and it unravels his neat existence... Life once again becomes a chessboard of revenge and retribution for mistakes made, past and present. I greatly admire the talent of Mr. Winslow to wrap up the story arc of Danny Ryan, a truly complex and enjoyable fictional character. My only disappointment is that its over.

Many thanks to Harper Collins and Net Galley for this ARC.

Wow.
So, this was the last of Don Winslow books, the last of the Danny Ryan trilogy. I. Will. Miss. Mr. Winslow.
A fitting send off to Danny Ryan and his story., and like many of Mr Winslow’s protagonists, one of many shades of gray.. it tells his story as he is trying to shore up his legacy for his son with a legit stake in Las Vegas, after running from his place in the Irish mob in RI and a disastrous clash with the Italian mob. Danny is secure in his place and how he wants to proceed, but his past comes back slowly from all directions and Danny is fighting for his and his family’s life.
I could not even begin to say how Mr Winslow’s writing has meant to me, how I’ve looked forward to reading his words, again and again. His characters often reflect the real (under)world and the reality of how most people live, working and struggling, while decisions are made my billionaires, governments, and criminal enterprises.
This trilogy, and all of his work, is very highly recommended.

Really enjoyed this trilogy from a master at his craft. Danny Ryan isnt perfect but you definitely cheer for his happiness and success in life as he navigates his new life in Vegas after fleeing Rhode Island and finding financial success.

Apparently this is both Danny Ryan and Don Winslow's last book so its a bittersweet goodbye. I definitely need to go back and read more of Winslow's backlog since I have never been disappointed by anything of his I have read.

The finale of Winslow’s Danny Ryan trilogy is definitely worth reading; full of action, intrigue, plot twists, and often compelling characters. As with many trilogies, I thought the first book was the best and the sequels weren’t quite as strong. The plot twists are not as unexpected, some of the coincidences and misunderstandings are a bit strained, and some of the motivations that drive the plot seem overblown, particularly on the law enforcement side.

The fact we know this is the end of the series probably makes it harder for Winslow to surprise us as consistently as he did at the start. Also, the whole premise of this plot is an echo of the famous line from Godfather III: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Both works try to evoke the inexorable fate of Greek tragedy, which really limits the options for surprise, but Winslow still has plenty of twists and turns to make the reader keep wanting to turn the next page.

City In Ruins continues to reflect the strong sense of place from the first two books: City on Fire and City of Dreams. The three cities are Providence (Fire), L.A. (Dreams) and Las Vegas (Ruins), and the distinct character of each location is crucial to the stories. In fact, my only real quibble with the first book was with the pervasive idiosyncratic Rhode Island gangster lingo, which may be completely authentic, but which I found a little distracting.

I think City In Ruins would work as a standalone, as it weaves in the essential elements from the other books where needed. If you can, however, I would recommend reading the prequels first. I read all three books in a short time frame and I didn’t find the reiteration of earlier events annoying, the way it sometimes is in a series. Winslow does a good job of explaining the back story for fresh readers without belaboring it.

Sadly, this is the final panel in Don Winslow's vividly drawn triptych that might be entitled, "The Life and Times of Danny Ryan: From Providence to Purgatory." (If you're casting, Mr. Scorsese, look no further than the Peakiest Blinder of them all, Cillian Murphy). If the title doesn't cast enough of a foreshadow, the prologue surely does, but that's not the point. With Winslow it's the journey, not the destination and he takes us for a bumpy ride as the now casino-rich Rhode Island refugee tries to navigate the Road to Legitimacy. Question: How do you deal with filth without getting your hands dirty? Ryan has dirt -- and blood -- to spare, but....but our anti-hero seems to lead a charmed life in his public-facing persona. His torment is mostly private. The final chapter is rife with Runyonesque characters, moral migraines and bloody set pieces. Are we not entertained?

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader’s copy.
"City in Ruins" finishes the Danny Ryan trilogy. Danny has moved on to life as a respectable businessman, but can he avoid his old life pulling him back in? For that matter, will he even survive all of this? If you haven't read the first two books of the trilogy, I think you'll enjoy this one better if you start with those. With that said, this probably can stand on its own. Either way, a great book! Very entertaining.

Yes, Don Winslow is retiring, or so he says, and yes, CITY IN RUINS is his final novel, or so he says.

I suppose if a writer is going to quit cold, doing after publishing the extraordinary trilogy of CITY ON FIRE, CITY OF DREAMS, and CITY IN RUINS is the way to go. Taken as a whole, the three books are an epic portrayal of America: what we aren't, what we are, and how we got this way. Taken as a whole, the three books may be the greatest series of American novels ever published. If that seems hyperbolic and over the top, I'll just say this to you. It isn't.

I for one bemoan Winslow's departure from the business of writing novels for the business of social activism, whatever the hell that is. His permanent contributions to our future as a culture are being exchanged for a pittance of something ephemeral and insignificant. It's like Beethoven giving up orchestral composition to finish his career writing jingles for television commercials.

We've lost so much, and we will get so little in exchange.

Wow! What an ending to a trilogy and more importantly a career. The Cartel trilogy was incredible, and so was the Danny Ryan series. Couldn’t out it down, and gutted that there will be no more Don Winslow books. One of the best authors of all time, with a fitting five star send off. Thanks Don!

This is the conclusion to the trilogy. Danny Ryan returns as the misunderstood ex mob millionaire who is trying to keep clean and raise a Son. But as his successes grow his past cannot seem to stay in the past. This is a gritty thriller with a lot of true Vegas history tidbits thrown in. The author has done his research and weaves an edge of your seat nail biter. It’s sad to see this series end as well as Don Winslow retire.

City in Ruins is the third book of Don Winslow's Danny Ryan trilogy and is the swan song of Winslow's storied career. And that swan can sing. Ryan is trying to create a new life for him and his son after the events in City of Dreams. Living in Las Vegas, Ryan is a casino mogul making waves, money and is doing it by the book. As one does occasionally, Ryan gets too big for his britches, steps on some toes and wakes up to his past knocking at his door. He may be a legitimate businessman now but he is not feckless nor meek. Danny Ryan has no problem breaking a few laws and playing in the mud in order to protect everything he holds dear.

City in Ruins is exquisite. What else is there to say? It is a perfect ending to the Danny Ryan saga. And Winslow's career. So au revoir. Arrivederci. Auf wiedersehen. Ve con Dios, Senor Winslow. Enjoy retirement. trolling/dunking on dweebs or whatever floats your boat. And thanks for stories.

My sincere thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of City in Ruins.

William Faulkner wrote, "The past is never dead. It's not even past," a fitting epigraph for this, the last of Don Winslow's Danny Ryan trilogy.

Without giving too much away, the book finds Danny, a former mob soldier from Providence, a widower with a young son, running a hotel company in Las Vegas in the 1990s. He has become a legitimate businessman but, and this is true for everyone in the book, from his mother to his friends and ultimately his competitors, he's confronted by his past. One is left wondering whether forces and people beyond his control dragged or merely drew him back.

Winslow is at his best when writing about morally conflicted men, convincing themselves that they're doing what they need to do to survive in an unjust world. If I were to pick one bone, it would be that the female characters aren't as well drawn. They're necessary to the plot but they don't feel as alive or vibrant as his male characters.

There's an obvious debt to Mario Puzo which is unsurprising, given the subject matter, but Winslow takes it much deeper than he ever did. If one will forgive an obvious metaphor, Winslow, who cites Virgil throughout, and thanks his professors and authors in the acknowledgements, has written "The Godfather," if edited by the young Francis Ford Coppola. .

I know that the author said this was his last novel but I hope he changes his mind.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the honor and opportunity to read this advanced reader’s copy of an extraordinary ending to the Danny Ryan trilogy. It is a fitting end with nail biting action and fast paced suspense as all that Danny built in the first two books comes under serious fire. If this is Winslow’s last book as he has announced, it is a triumphant way to go out and on to his next calling.

Diving back into Danny Ryan's world, he is now trying to buy an old hotel, such sets off a new turn of events that test everything about him. The plot navigates between Providence, D.C. and Las Vegas. I was taken on a deep into high-stakes gambling and cutthroat competition. The characters go through love/hate, ambition and desperation, vengeance and compassion.

Danny has to fight with a lot of demons from his past. The situations that Danny is facing turns him from a respectable businessman to a ruthless fighter and shows us what one person would do to protect the people they love.

This was a captivating crime novel that delivers on its promise of love and hate, ambition and desperation. The characters were compelling as ever; a tale of redemption and revenge that left me with a lasting impression.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book for review.

A Masterpiece Unveiled: "City in Ruins" by Don Winslow

Don Winslow's latest literary triumph, "City in Ruins," is a gripping and unflinching exploration of the dark underbelly of society. In this mesmerizing novel, Winslow weaves a tapestry of crime, corruption, and redemption set against the backdrop of a city teetering on the brink of collapse. From the very first page, readers are catapulted into a world where morality is a rare commodity, and survival comes at a steep price.

Winslow's narrative prowess is on full display as he introduces a cast of characters so vivid and authentic that they leap off the page. At the center of it all is a flawed but compelling protagonist, whose journey through the chaos mirrors the very essence of the city itself. The author's keen understanding of human nature and his ability to craft nuanced, multi-dimensional characters make "City in Ruins" an emotionally resonant experience.

The prose is nothing short of masterful, with Winslow's distinctive voice infusing every sentence with a gritty realism that transports readers to the heart of the action. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, capturing the cadence and rhythm of the streets. Winslow effortlessly navigates between moments of heart-pounding tension and poignant introspection, creating a narrative rhythm that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its unflinching examination of societal issues. Winslow tackles themes of power, corruption, and the impact of crime on communities with a deft touch. The city itself becomes a character, a living, breathing entity shaped by the choices of its inhabitants. Through the lens of "City in Ruins," Winslow holds up a mirror to society, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we live in.

The plot unfolds with a relentless momentum, each twist and turn propelling the story forward with an irresistible force. Winslow skillfully blends intricate plotting with a deep understanding of the human condition, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. As the layers of the story unfold, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

"City in Ruins" is not merely a crime novel; it's a literary tour de force that transcends genre boundaries. Winslow's ability to craft a narrative that is both socially relevant and emotionally resonant sets this novel apart as a true work of art. As the final pages turn, readers are left with a lingering sense of awe, having witnessed the unveiling of a modern classic.

In conclusion, Don Winslow's "City in Ruins" is a magnum opus that cements his status as a master storyteller. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and a narrative that pulsates with raw intensity, this novel stands as a testament to the power of literature to explore the complexities of the human experience. A must-read for anyone seeking a gripping, thought-provoking, and ultimately unforgettable literary journey.

This is a day off book – meaning don’t start it if you have to go to work the next day. I couldn’t put it down. Danny Ryan is such a compelling and tragic character, and the book is filled with other well-defined and believable characters.

The last of a trilogy, Danny has come to Vegas to take over. He’s using his ill-gotten gains to build a reputable casino group. But as always happens, he can’t escape his past. When he out-maneuvers another hotelier, things take an ugly turn. The tension starts on page one and rolls along to the end.

Winslow’s writing style probably isn’t for everyone. But it is for me. Short paragraphs, short sentences, and a non-stop pace that builds dramatically. I loved everything about this book! I’m sad that Winslow is retiring. But it’s a worthy cause he is going to.

If you like mafia, gangster, and/or action thrillers, this book is for you.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Don Winslow never disappoints. City in Ruins is another cerebral, engaging, surprising story. I was sucked n from the very beginning and read to the end in one sitting.