Iron House

Book excerpt: “[A] rich, impressive contemporary thriller from [a] two-time Edgar-winner . . . deftly interweaves a complex family history . . . [with a] quest for vengeance.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review He would go to hell . . . At the Iron Mountain Home for Boys, there was nothing but time. Time for two young orphans to learn that life isn’t won without a fight. Julian survives only because his older brother, Michael, is fearless and fiercely protective. When a boy is brutally killed, Michael flees the orphanage and takes the blame with him. . . . to keep her safe. For two decades, Michael has been an enforcer in New York’s world of organized crime. But the life he’s fought to build unravels when he meets Elena, a beautiful innocent who teaches him the meaning and power of love. He wants a fresh start with her, the chance to start a family like the one he and Julian never had. But escape is not that easy. . . . Go to hell, and come back burning! The mob family who gave Michael his second chance is now intent on making him pay for his betrayal. Determined to protect Elena, Michael spirits her back to North Carolina, to the place he was born and the brother he lost so long ago. There, he will encounter deceit and violence that leads inexorably to the place he’s been running from his whole life: Iron House. “A tour de force.” —Vince Flynn, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Mitch Rapp thrillers “Outstanding.” —Associated Press “Hart whips up an intoxicating brew.” —Entertainment Weekly “An unforgettable novel from a master of popular fiction.” —Booklist, starred review