DOUBLE is quick out of the blocks with a pre-production award from the Independent Press folks. We’ve been recognised in the Crime Fiction category, which draws a substantial entry base. Yes, we are excited.
Gerry Burke is a great storyteller who creates remarkable characters, delivering a cast that is both eccentric and engaging. I was invested in these characters, from the vodka-drinking Irish assassin “The Iceman” to the potato-obsessed villagers, all rendered with satirical flair. The novel's greatest strength lies in its absurdist humor, adeptly juxtaposed with genuine Cold War tension: a village named Omelette, characters with punny names —Sandy Beech, Don Armstrong— and ridiculous scenarios like the dead fish smuggling plutonium. These absurdities coexist with authentic spycraft, and that makes the read even more enjoyable.
Burke employs rapid-fire chapter transitions, mock-serious narration, and playful footnotes to sustain momentum. The pastoral English setting is ingeniously rendered. While the plot occasionally strains credibility—this is clearly intentional—the author winks at readers who appreciate genre parody. Double will appeal to fans of Get Smart, early John le Carré with a comedic twist, and readers who enjoy mysteries that don't take themselves too seriously.
Burke delivers both entertainment and subtle commentary on how absurd real-world espionage can be, proving that sometimes the most dangerous weapons aren't plutonium—but potatoes. This one kept me awake the whole night, thanks to the humor, the fluid prose, and the elaborately written characters.
Meg McKinnon, The Book Commentary: February 11, 2026
Not only have you been named as one of the best thrillers of the year, but you’ve cracked awards from Book Excellence and the Pinnacle Achievement Award for best book in the Mystery category. You’re a couple of hot chicks.
Pratibha Malav 5 Star Review
The Ladies From Long Island is a captivating crime novel that immerses readers in the world of New York City’s glamorous elite, Mafia underworld, and political intrigue, all while weaving a tale of scandal, betrayal, and mystery. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, this novel features two strikingly different sisters, a murder, and an ensemble cast of characters tangled in a web of secrets and power struggles.
At the heart of the story are the twins, whose contrasting lifestyles serve as the catalyst for the plot’s unraveling. One sister is glamorous, rubbing elbows with the social elite at Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, while the other dives headfirst into the gritty, dangerous underbelly of Little Italy, where mobsters and shady characters reign. Their twin-ship is defined not just by their physical similarity but also by an intense and competitive streak that seems to fuel every aspect of their lives.
The murder at the center of the story is more than just a whodunit. It’s a catalyst for exploring the complex dynamics of power and ambition that permeate the lives of the wealthy, the corrupt, and the politically connected.
Burke’s narrative is sharp and full of twists, capturing the atmosphere of 1960s New York City—where power and privilege meet crime and corruption. The political intrigue and Mafia dealings add a layer of depth to the story, reminding readers that no one is truly above suspicion.
The Ladies From Long Island is a thrilling, fast-paced crime novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and noir mysteries. Gerry Burke has crafted a story that is as rich in character as it is in plot, blending political intrigue, murder, and family drama into a tale that is both gripping and thought-provoking. If you're looking for a page-turner that delves into the dark side of New York’s social and criminal elite, this is a novel you won’t want to miss.
Ladies from Long Island is a slapstick crime novel characterized by droll dialogue and a bright 1970s aesthetic. The mayhem includes lies, murder, intrigue, and politics, though the narrative never becomes insipidly political. Gerry Burke has painted a setting so vivid, you might forget you’re in the throes of a slick whodunit. You can feel the burn of cigarette smoke in your throat and hear the clatter and dings of mechanical typewriters in the background as the investigation moves throughout the city. The period parlance, retro social mores, and mafia culture make for a highly entertaining trip back in time, though not a journey for the sensitive of heart. Unless you suffer from a broken funny bone, Burke’s mawkish humor will land like a cheeky grandfather’s favorite family folk story: light-hearted, indelicate, messy, and lovable. All the comfort and levity of a cozy paired with the fast-talking charm of a crime noir novel, this pulpy comedy-mystery mashup is sure to keep you laughing until the case is solved