Mayhem on Mulberry: Rise of the East is the first book in the Mayhem on Mulberry series by Vincent deFilippo. Set in the 1990s in New York City, the story follows Enzo DeCarlo, the heir to a crumbling Italian mafia empire, and Jen Mo Li, a determined and underestimated member of a powerful Chinese crime family. As their worlds collide in a web of gang warfare, betrayal, and vengeance, the two find themselves drawn to one another despite the violent chaos threatening to tear them apart. When Jen becomes the leader of the Black Dragon gang and becomes entangled in a tragic human trafficking operation, the stakes rise even higher, forcing Enzo and Jen to make impossible choices in a bid to survive and protect their future.

Author Vincent deFilippo did a fantastic job of weaving an entertaining narrative that captures the intensity of 1990s New York, blending historical detail with fast-paced action and complex character development. The story moves at a relentless pace, with each twist and turn raising the tension. Enzo and Jen are my favorites! Their characters are rich and layered perfectly to become complex protagonists that I loved till the end. Their struggles with loyalty, love, and power add depth to the already perfect plot. The portrayal of their respective crime families is perfectly executed, revealing the shifting dynamics of organized crime amid rising ethnic gangs. Themes of betrayal, loss, and resilience are expertly woven into the narrative, making this a compelling novel. Mayhem on Mulberry is a fantastic start to what promises to be a powerful series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Mayhem on Mulberry by Vincent deFilippo is a captivating and complex story of power, loyalty, and the dynamic interaction of cultures in 1990s New York City. The novel is set in Chinatown and unfolds through diverse characters whose lives are impacted by crime, ambition, and family expectations. The story follows Jen Mo-Li, a strong and principled woman who navigates her roles as a daughter in a powerful immigrant family and as a protector of vulnerable newcomers. Her journey explores duty, morality, and the pursuit of justice within a system frequently biased against the marginalized. Jen’s inner conflict between loyalty to her father’s business and her desire to protect immigrants from exploitation creates a narrative rich in emotional and ethical complexity.

The setting of Chinatown is vividly described, capturing the vibrancy and tension of a community grappling with shifting power dynamics. From bustling streets to concealed underground operations, Vincent deFilippo’s writing immerses readers in intrigue and danger. The pacing balances action-packed sequences and quieter, character-driven moments. Scenes involving crime families, rivalries, and unexpected alliances maintain suspense, while Jen’s introspective moments allow for depth and reflection. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding authenticity to the characters and their interactions. The skillful weaving of multiple perspectives offers insight into the motivations and struggles of Jen and key characters like Eddie, her loyal bodyguard, and Enzo DeCarlo, a brash mobster drawn to Jen’s strength and beauty. Their evolving dynamics add tension and unpredictability to the plot. Mayhem on Mulberry is a riveting read that combines crime, cultural exploration, and personal resilience. This novel will appeal to fans of richly layered stories with a strong sense of place and character. I highly recommend it.

Mayhem on Mulberry by Vincent deFilippo is a gripping story that takes place in the early 1990s in the gritty, busy Chinatown neighborhood of New York City. The story follows Jen Mo-Li, a strong, astute woman who struggles with her twin roles as a reluctant participant in her family's darker activities and an enforcer of their immigration empire. A cast of well-drawn characters, such as ambitious gangsters, needy immigrants, and vicious mobsters, all fighting for survival in a perilous and ethically complex environment, cross Jen's path. As Jen fights to safeguard vulnerable lives while doubting her role in a corrupt family business, the tension grows as she faces internal and external threats. DeFilippo creates a vivid picture of a neighborhood rich in culture and plagued by crime, balancing moments of quiet introspection with explosive confrontations.

Vincent deFilippo's writing is a masterwork of suspense and timing, skilfully fusing heartfelt character development with action-packed sequences. With its surprising turns and morally complex quandaries, the plot develops with detailed accuracy, captivating readers. Jen, a complex, flawed, and utterly captivating lead character, is surrounded by a supporting cast that is equally real and fascinating. The narrative gains depth from the thematic exploration of identity, loyalty, and the cost of survival. The author creates a unique character in Chinatown itself by describing it in a vivid and atmospheric manner. Mayhem on Mulberry is a gripping and intriguing tale that I heartily recommend to readers who appreciate crime dramas with layers of moral complexity and emotional intensity.

Mayhem on Mulberry: Rise of the East by Vincent deFilippo is set in 1990s New York City, where Jen Mo-Li, daughter of Ming Sen, the head of the Black Dragons, is deeply entrenched in the gang’s operations, managing the settlement of immigrants and facilitating the gang's business dealings. Still, her father continues to sideline her despite her expertise. Jen’s personal life becomes more complicated when she starts a secret relationship with Enzo DeCarlo, the son of Italian mafia boss Vincenzo DeCarlo, which conflicts with both their families' expectations. As the Black Dragons face violent retaliation from rival gangs, Jen grows more assertive, helping expand their criminal operations, including running brothels and clashing with her father’s traditionalist views. Enzo's father also has ideas on who Enzo should align with to consolidate power with; another Italian powerhouse. When Jen and Enzo’s relationship hits fast-forward with an unexpected development, their enemies take on a new target and the fight for survival intensifies.

In Mayhem on Mulberry, Vincent deFilippo masterfully brings two morally complex anti-heroes to life, blending action with deep character exploration. Both Enzo and Jen are terrible people who do all of the horrible things one expects as the children and de-facto consiglieres to their own crime families. The fact that deFilippo can make Jen supremely likable, and Enzo to a lesser extent, is a testament to his skill as a writer. I love the portrayal of Jen as a woman both hardened by the world around her and still seeking agency in a ruthless environment. There's a guilty pleasure in wanting her to succeed. The writing is sharp, the many moving pieces are well-managed and it isn't difficult to keep who's who in line. DeFilippo takes a familiar West Side Story trope and spins it into something uniquely his own, complete with fiery action scenes, a bit of sizzle, and a lot of racial epithets. The first book in the titular series pushes boundaries in a delightful way, and readers will be happy to know that there's no wait for book two, Mayhem on Mulberry: Fall of an Empire, as it is already out. Recommended.