"5 stars Grady Harp ‘She’s quality and she’s smart’ – Maeve O’Shaughnessy shines again!

Author A.G. Russo has now published eleven books - OUR WILD AND PRECIOUS LIVES, the short story collections OF DUST AND TIDES and OFF-RAMP TO THE VOID, OFFENBUNKER, ODETTE’S SONG, ONLY OUR DESTINY, ONCE UPON A MURDEROUS DELUSION, DIEGO THE SMELLY DOG, OCELLICON, and continues his tradition of opting for titles that begin with the letter ‘O’ with O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC, Part One - The Cases Nobody Wanted, and now Part Two Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar’s Kiss. Having read all of these works, the impression is that they each have a strong potential for adaptation for screenplays, so vivid are the characters and disposition of high suspense. The series provides a fine reflection of the impact of WW II on America at home – in crime, early women’s rights, and the manner in which everyone adjusted to the war – both emotionally and physically!

Russo’s ability to create historic atmosphere onto which stage he places his characters is obvious as the story opens: ’The homefront, summer 1943, Brooklyn, New York. In the year since Vic Marino came into the lives of Maeve O’Shaughnessy and her younger brother Jimmy, World War II continued to rage on and alter everyday life. Not that Vic’s intrusion into their lives and his help with the O’Shaughnessy Detective Agency wasn’t a monumental life-altering event in itself, for the three of them; but an entire country (and the world) was shaken by a magnitude of death and destruction that had never been known before—even in World War I, “The War to End All Wars.”

Characters from the initial novel return in fine form and new characters are added to enhance the drama. But towering over the cast is Maeve O’Shaughnessy - a solid, strong character - and Russo provides a significant ‘history character’ for the feminist movement (and all readers!) to embrace. Excellent historical fiction and mystery combine to make this a very successful fast paced novel. Highly recommended!

5 stars Piaras A Gripping Mystery in Wartime Brooklyn

A.G. Russo's Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar's Kiss is a thrilling continuation of the O'Shaughnessy Investigations series, expertly integrating mystery and historical fiction against the backdrop of Brooklyn during World War II. Maeve O'Shaughnessy and Vic Marino, the resolute duo at the core of the O'Shaughnessy Detective Agency, engage in a perilous quest for a missing individual connected to both organized crime and governmental operatives.

The narrative adeptly captures the somber atmosphere of 1943 through vivid depictions of wartime rations, the allure of Coney Island, and the persistent anxiety of a conflict-ridden environment. Maeve's personal struggles in balancing her responsibilities as a detective and guardian to her teenage brother add depth to the character-driven narrative. Fans of neo-noir mysteries will appreciate Russo's ability to weave complicated characters and high-stakes drama. With layers of mystery and danger, this second installment is both exciting and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.

5 stars GM Reads A Gripping Historical Mystery Full of Tension and Intrigue

O'Shaughnessy Investigations Inc.: Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar's Kiss by A.G. Russo masterfully combines noir mystery and historical fiction in a riveting 1940s Brooklyn setting. The complex relationship between Maeve O'Shaughnessy and her ex-lover adds layers of emotional depth to an already suspenseful plot, keeping readers on edge.

Russo skillfully captures the essence of wartime Brooklyn, immersing readers in the grittiness of the era while weaving together themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. Maeve's struggles with her personal demons and dangerous encounters make her a compelling and multifaceted protagonist.

The dialogue is sharp, and the tension between characters is palpable, making this novel an exciting, page-turning mystery. For fans of historical fiction with a psychological twist, this book delivers on every level.

5 stars Ann Marie (Goodreads)

America was at War. That meant all Americans. Those on the homefront didn't fight the enemy in battle, but they had their own conflicts and struggles. Maeve O'Shaughnessy, like many women, found herself in a situation she never anticipated. In Book 1, Maeve began her journey. It’s clear from the book description this is the follow up to Book 1.

It’s true that it’s more helpful to have read Book 1 first, but that’s because in this series it shows the evolution of a young woman essentially alone, guardian of a younger brother, left with a business she knew nothing about, coming to terms with her fate. Still, this can be read as a stand-alone though some of the “side issues” from the first book are touched on so readers understand why she and her partner Vic Marino ended up in such difficult situations.

Maeve showed growth, change, and adaptability as the duo found themselves dealing with more dangerous cases this time around. Vic guides her in how to act, how to not give away what she’s thinking, or not show emotion by keeping a straight face when confronted by threatening gangsters. Like any good detective, she learned to withhold information, and to lie, something not in her nature. She was a woman in conflict. Pining for a GI boyfriend overseas as many young women did, mothering a teenage brother, yet she had to be tough enough for hazardous detective work.

Vic was the ex-cop with a code, but he was also inclined to go over the line himself at times and exploit the system. He had seen enough and been through enough to be jaded. Justice, in his mind, was not an exact practice of right and wrong.

Many war stories focus on what happened to people in Europe as they tried to survive the vast horrors of War. These stories rightly evoked sympathy for lives torn apart and lost. This series focuses on those left behind in America to “be strong” and hold things together at home while they supported troops overseas. When the worst news came for them, they were there for each other. That generation, called the Greatest Generation, was stoic. They believed in their “duty” and that for all it was a shared sacrifice.

I appreciated the attention to detail about what life was like in those early war years in the 1940s. People tried to find moments of joy amidst frightening news of death and destruction, but crime never took a break. I look forward to the next chapter of their journey.

5 stars Phil Bolas Great for those who love mysteries.

O'SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS INC.: Bangtails, Grifters, and a Liar's Kiss by A.G. Russo is a fantastic story for anyone who enjoys murder mysteries and detective-based thrillers. The book picks up right after the first installment and offers a new mystery and adventure for the cast of characters. The author does a great job of continuing to flesh out the characters giving them more background, personality, and insights into who they are and what makes them tick. Will these reluctant detectives be able to solve the case, or will the agency fail to the delight of the corrupt chief of police? Dive into this fun series to find out."