The Long Island setting of Kenneth Wishnia’s environmental thriller seems to lie just north of Mordor. Usually, such an evil brew of despairing urban grunge and insatiable corporate greed would make me run for the cozy embrace of Hannibal Lector. But Filomena Buscarsela kept me riveted. She burns off the page and lights up the world, even with mortal darkness shadowing her own life. Fil is an amazing, an indomitable heroine. Her vibrant voice dominates the novel, a wise-cracking fury bent on revenge. But the wide array of characters are all distinct, their dialogue honed to a sharp, gleaming edge. The fast-paced, rhythmic plotting uses them all to advantage, throwing in some unexpected twists. I did have some quibbles with the climax, though my reaction to any other ending would been far more negative. Lovers of fierce, savvy heroines will embrace Filomena, and The Glass Factory’s tale of environmental evil may stir some much-needed zealous fervor in its readers.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but that's OK because this novel about former NYPD cop Filomena Buscarsela stands quite well on its own. If you're a leisurely reader, though, you'd better step up your pace. This is a snappy, turbulent read that will whoosh right past you if you don't pay attention. As Filomena goes down the path of Erin Brockovich and also fights a devastating health diagnosis, she finds her own ways of getting near the source of industrial pollution. Not your usual cop story, but a darned enthralling tale. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the short story written from the point of view of Filomena's daughter Antonia at age 12 (Antonia is 4 in the book). I remember reading the short story in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine years ago. Definitely recommended!
Do You like book The Glass Factory (2001)?
I really enjoyed this book. I had not heard of the Filomena Wishnia booksbefore but will definitely look out for them in the future. Filomena is anex cop with a grudge, a well deserved grudge against a chap that has to allintense and purposes murdered her – you will have to read the book tounderstand what I mean. Filomenia is a brilliantly conceived character, youwould certainly love to have her around. That dialogue in the book justjumps off the page and is as sharp as a knife. The story is about some badnews Filomena receives and is concerned about her very charismatic 3 yearold. They head off to Long Island to the home of the child’s Aunt, all isnot well out there and Filomena is soon embroiled in a scandal that involvesthe very person she is after.It’s a great read, I couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend it. Thewriting is very real and the characters are so believable, it makes youbelieve that you could meet people like that in regular life.
—Lucy
