Anthony Celano’s The Case of the Deadly Diary represents the seventh installment in his Sergeant Markie Mystery series. The novel’s first victim: A retired NYPD captain, Johnny Bronco, found murdered—shot and stabbed—in the parking lot of a Bronx golf course. His death sets the tone for a dark yet fascinating tale of obsession, betrayal, and revenge. What begins as a single homicide spirals into a wider pattern of violence. The case turns on whether Sergeant Al Markie and, his partner, Detective Oliver Von Hess, can piece together the threads before the body count rises higher.
At the heart of the story is Esther Trumbell, a young woman who is cursed by bad love. She takes her own life after one too many failed romances with selfish and mean spirited men. Unbeknownst to her, the landlord of the building, where she lives, is her biological father, Cosmo. When he discovers her diary and the list of lovers, including the police captain, he sets on a path of murderous revenge.
Celano, a former NYPD detective and squad commander, writes with an insider’s authority. His 22 years experience on the force included work in organized crime units, the DEA Joint Task Force, and multiple detective squads. He brings rare authenticity to the procedural details. Police work is far from glamorous as shown in the novel from the unfiltered efforts of detectives following leads, interviewing suspects, and balancing inter-precinct dynamics. The mobsters who circle the case are not caricatures but real-life schemers. Their power plays and ruthless ambitions make up for much of the back drama in the story.
As always, Sergeant Markie emerges as a compelling lead. He is tough yet vulnerable. Readers see him wrestling with personal heartbreak while trying to maintain professional focus. Detective Oliver Von Hess remains his able foil. Together, they form a partnership to carry the novel forward.
Celano is a prompt wordsmith who allows space for character and atmosphere. He takes readers on a tour of the five boroughs of New York in his various novels. The Bronx is the setting for much of the action and intrigue in The Case of the Deadly Diary.
The Case of the Deadly Diary is a fusion of procedural realism and emotional weight. The diary becomes a record of desire and despair. The troubled spirit of Esther lives on to drive the characters to their darkest ends. The reader feels the human costs beneath the headlines. Celano conveys a personal depth to ensure a compelling narrative. The novel is both a satisfying crime fiction and a poignant meditation on love, loss, and vengeance.
The Case of the Deadly Diary is a sharp, authentic, and engrossing mystery that proves Anthony Celano’s credentials as both a storyteller and a veteran of the world he describes. Fans of gritty police procedurals will find themselves hooked, while long-time followers of Sergeant Markie will welcome another gripping chapter in his journey. The Case of the Deadly Diary is another outstanding work by Anthony Celano.
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Where to buy the novel?
The Case of the Deadly Diary can be purchased from Anthony Celano’s web site:
http://anthony-celano.com/DeadlyDiary.htm
The Case of the Deadly Diary is available at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Deadly-Diary-Anthony-Celano/dp/1942500955
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Other books by Celano
As mentioned in the review, along with The Case of the Deadly Diary, Anthony Celano has written seven novels in his Sergeant Markie Mystery Series. Here are the titles of his other novels:
The Case of the Amorous Caddy
The Case of Two in the Trunk
The Case of the Hunted Woman
The Case of the Crosseyed Strangler
The Case of Too Many Wives
The Case of the One Eared Wolf
These books can be purchased at:
http://anthony-celano.com/DeadlyDiary.htm
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Deadly-Diary-Anthony-Celano/dp/1942500955
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Anthony Celano was interviewed for PRIMO’s YouTube Channel. He spoke with Truby Chiaviello, PRIMO’s editor, about his time working for the NYPD Organized Crime Task Force, where he crossed paths with none other than John Gotti—boss of the Gambino crime family.
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