From the #1 internationally bestselling author of the Cartel Trilogy, The Force, and Broken comes the first novel in an epic crime saga about the Irish and Italian crime syndicates in America during the 1980s and 1990s.
'One of America's greatest storytellers' Stephen King
'A masterpiece - wonderfully crafted, beautifully written, and a propulsive, authentic page-turner' Christian White, bestselling author of The Nowhere Child
Two criminal empires together control all of New England.
Until a beautiful modern-day Helen of Troy comes between the Irish and the Italians, launching a war that will see them kill each other, destroy an alliance, and set a city on fire.
Danny Ryan yearns for a more 'legit' life and a place in the sun. But as the bloody conflict stacks body on body and brother turns against brother, Danny has to rise above himself.
To save the friends he loves like family and the family he has sworn to protect, he becomes a leader, a ruthless strategist, and a master of a treacherous game in which the winners live and the losers die.
From the gritty streets of Providence to the glittering screens of Hollywood to the golden casinos of Las Vegas, Danny Ryan will forge a dynasty.
Exploring the classic themes of loyalty, betrayal, and honor, City on Fire is a contemporary Iliad, a saga that spans generations - a towering achievement of storytelling genius from Don Winslow, "America's greatest living crime writer" (Jon Land, Providence Journal).
'An organised crime saga that sits somewhere between the intimate and the epic, between Mystic River and The Godfather, and stands with the best in its genre.' Sydney Morning Herald Fiction Pick of the Week
'Is there any doubt that Don Winslow's the greatest?' New York Times
'One of the best thriller writers on the planet' Esquire
'Epic, ambitious, majestic, City on Fire is The Godfather for our generation' Adrian McKinty, bestselling author of The Chain
Industry Reviews
‘Gritty, moody, and totally immersive, City on Fire is the first installment in an epic new series that is sure to grip readers from the start. This is Winslow at his very best.’ Karin Slaughter
‘Only one word for this book – superb’ – Stephen King
‘Don Winslow’s City on Fire is a masterpiece – wonderfully crafted, beautifully written, and a propulsive, authentic page-turner’ Christian White
‘Epic, ambitious, majestic, City on Fire is The Godfather for our generation’ – Adrian McKinty
‘Pure genius! Nobody can bring such grit and such heart to crime fiction as Don Winslow – and with such a unique and compelling stylistic voice. This sprawling novel, populated with breathtakingly real characters, will grip you from the first page and never loosen its hold, and that remains true long after you’ve turned the last page. And what a delight that this is the first of a trilogy. Can hardly wait for the others!’ Jeffery Deaver
‘Don Winslow can hold his own with the best of crime fiction's elite: Mario Puzo, George Higgins, Elmore Leonard. He's a bard of the bad guys and City on Fire is his most relentless book yet. You gotta have it.’ – Joe Hill
‘Rich in action and riveting characters, hugely entertaining, City on Firebrings the reader into a fable about the escalating stakes of underworld warfare, with an emotional depth that lingers long after the book is finished’ – Kyle Perry
‘City on Fire uses a foundation of myth to tell a mob saga heavy with authenticity and tragic inevitability. It’s lightning paced yet deliberate, centred on characters who transcend archetype without losing sight of their classical origins. Vivid, unmissable storytelling.’ – Gabriel Bergmoser
‘A blistering novel filled with anger and bite.’ – Kirkus, starred review
‘Winslow’s epic slow-burner, full of richly layered characters and tender personal struggles, bubbles to an intricate, exciting climax. Crime fiction fans will eagerly await the sequel.’ – Publishers Weekly, starred review
‘This completely immersive opening act signals a trilogy in the offing that will possess all the power of Winslow's celebrated Cartel novels.’ Booklist, starred review
‘Stunning … Echoing Homer’s epic Iliad, Winslow delivers a fast-paced, intense, and brooding story. It’s perfect for readers of William Boyle, James Lee Burke, and Dennis Lehane.’ – Library Journal
‘Classic Winslow … Winslow’s trademark staccato prose makes the pages fly. City on Fire zings like a high-tension wire. The final 100 pages are a suspense masterclass, punctuated by gut-wrenching heartache. The next volume can’t come soon enough.’ – Simon McDonald
‘City on Fire is as incendiary as its title suggests; a tale of family and friendship, carnage and corruption, that draws on the classics but has roots in the here and now. It ranks alongside his best, and Winslow’s best is as good as it gets.’ – Mick Herron
‘City on Fire is the best gangster novel since The Godfather’ – Steve Cavanagh
