Book Review: Crooks
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Today is my book review of Lou Berney’s latest book, Crooks.
Lou Berney is an acclaimed, award-winning American author known for his “spellbinding” and gritty crime novels often set in Oklahoma. There were books such as November Road and The Long and Faraway Gone. He also writes for television and teaches, residing in Oklahoma City.
Book Summary:
I doubt that you’ve ever met a family like the Mercurios. They are a family whose individual stories span decades.
They say the American dream is going farther in life than your parents ever did. But how does that work if your parents are criminals?
There is Buddy, a low-level mob wiseguy, and his wife, Lillian, a charming pickpocket. The life of crime is the only life they’ve ever known. They’re forced to leave the glittering lights of Las Vegas, and they end up opening a club in Oklahoma City.
Along for the ride are their five children, who were all raised in the family’s criminal business. But the day comes when they each have a chance to make their own way in the world. But they never manage to completely escape the trappings of their family’s legacy.
The Children
Jeremy, the family’s Golden Boy, will debase himself with his own petty swindling of rich, older widows. He likes the life they lead and figures that riding on their coattails is better than living without money.
Tallulah is the daughter whose daredevil stunts are her biggest high. But eventually, a more normal life and a young child with no home changes everything.
Ray is about as original as a slice of white bread. But one day, he steps outside the family legacy and decides to do things his own way.
Alice is the brainchild who managed (mostly) to put her life behind her. She becomes an attorney and dates an ordinary man. But one day, in order to help her boss, she must tap into old skills to save both the company and her own life.
And then there’s Piggy, the youngest. He’s desperate to be part of the gang, but only manages to hang onto their coat-tails. He likes rich stories and transcribing them to paper.
Crooks is the story of a truly unforgettable family with a powerful criminal legacy. Each member must deal with their past and their present in their own inimitable way.
My Thoughts:
Lou Berney writes stories that blend dark humor, emotion, and mystery.
He creates wonderful characters whose personalities shine through. When I first sat down to read this book, I had a hard time putting it down. Berney writes books that I will reread again at some point.
The Mercurio family saga had me going at the get-go. The narrative was compelling, and the family members were rich in individuality.
From childhood into adulthood, they are always tempted to “get things the easy way and to skip the rules.” They grapple with being good citizens despite a background that was never considered normal.
As a side note, Berney wrote about the double story of the kidnapping of two young girls from the Oklahoma State Fair, a subject I also tackled on this blog years ago.
About the Author:
Lou Berney was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1964. While living with siblings as a child, Berney liked the stories his father told.
He was dismissed from several jobs as a teenager, which included positions in photography and property maintenance. Berney worked as a writer for a student newspaper.
For his post-secondary education, Berney attended Loyola University New Orleans for a journalism program, then graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Previously a screenwriter, he pivoted to writing novels full-time following the 2007-2008 Writers Guild strike. Berney has published seven novels and a collection of short stories.
Lou Berney’s Other Books
Crooks (Sept. 9, 2025): A sprawling family crime epic.
Double Barrel Bluff: (Shake Bouchon #3)(2024) The third book in the Shake Bouchon neo-noir series.
Dark Ride (2023): An intense, darkly funny thriller.
November Road (2018): A highly acclaimed thriller set against the backdrop of the JFK assassination.
The Long and Faraway Gone (2015): A critically acclaimed novel dealing with cold cases.
Whiplash River (Shake Bouchon #2) (2012):
Gutshot Straight (Shake Bouchon #1) (2010):
