Reviewed by Emily Maynard for Readers' Favorite

Cole witnessed a traumatic event as a boy. Only he and a girl called Maria managed to survive the massacre. The event leaves Cole orphaned and in the care of his aunt and uncle. At his father’s funeral, the man only ever called the Boss, Maria’s father, approaches him and says to call him if he ever needs anything. Unbeknownst to him, this is the start of Cole’s connection with the mafia, and the beginning of a lifelong career working for them. Years later, he’s on death row, and his execution is imminent. He has avoided interviews of any kind his whole life, whether police or press, but now that it’s nearly over, he wants to tell his story: the good, the bad, and the utterly terrible. Blessed are the Peacemakers is Cole’s final statement, his confessions, and his truth. Luke Gherardi explores Cole’s morals and those of the people who surround him, as well as the violence that is part and parcel of being a gun-for-hire for the mafia.

Blessed are the Peacemakers is an intense, thought-provoking novella that examines the past life of a mafia hitman on death row, considering his family history, the fates of his friends, and some of the assignments he’s had throughout his time working for the Boss. Luke Gherardi uses a variety of different styles to keep the reader engaged, melding interviews with storytelling and streams of consciousness to tell Cole’s story. This also helps to maintain a faster pace and keeps the reader on their toes. As well as the inevitable references to death and murder, this book also includes themes of cancer, the loss of loved ones, and revenge. These are all difficult themes, and it’s a testament to the author that they’re included in such a way that the novel is still light and easy to read. I enjoyed this book very much. It’s a quick read, and utterly captivating. Starting it, I wasn’t sure where it would take me, but I quickly became invested in Cole and his story. It even made me consider the difference between gratuitous violence, and violence that serves a purpose, however convoluted. I recommend this book to anyone interested in crime or thriller novels. There are some parts that readers may find distressing (e.g. descriptions of violence and deaths), so I would advise caution for younger readers or readers of a sensitive disposition.