Hustling the Mob: The Mafia, Malware, and Murder by Don Spillane (Book Review #1995)

In *Hustling the Mob: The Mafia, Malware, and Murder*, Don Spillane crafts a high-octane, international crime thriller that keeps the tension tight and the stakes higher than ever. The story revolves around Joshua, a world-class hacker, and Sarah, a master safe cracker, whose skills are typically put to use pilfering the bank accounts of other criminals. However, when they rob the wrong target—a mafia-connected bank—they quickly find themselves in over their heads, running for their lives as both their talents and wits are tested like never before.

The plot kicks off with a dramatic twist: an attempted assassination forces Joshua and Sarah to seek refuge with a Middle Eastern spy chief. In return for his protection, they’re tasked with sabotaging an arms deal involving a crooked banker in the Cayman Islands, a man who launders money for a powerful New Jersey mafia boss. The lure of a massive pot of money and the need to stay one step ahead of increasingly dangerous enemies propel the duo into a relentless game of cat and mouse across borders.

Spillane excels at blending fast-paced action with intricate plot twists. The relationship between Sarah and Joshua is engaging, as their skills complement each other while their growing bond adds an emotional layer to the narrative. Their personalities shine through as both resourceful and unpredictable, making for an engaging team to follow as they navigate treacherous waters.

The plot is steeped in suspense, with various factions—spies, gangsters, and international criminals—all vying for control of the massive money pot. As the couple digs deeper into the world of arms deals and money laundering, the stakes become increasingly personal, forcing them to outwit a growing list of bad guys while balancing the risk of betrayal from unexpected sources.

Ultimately, *Hustling the Mob* is a thrilling, fast-paced ride with sharp dialogue, high tension, and an abundance of dangerous, memorable characters. It’s a must-read for fans of heist thrillers, action-packed crime stories, and those who love seeing clever, flawed protagonists take on the criminal underworld.

Written by Jeyran Main

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