Button Man: A Novel

The Rabishevskys are a young Jewish family making their way through life when a tragic accident claims the life of their son, Shmuel. Shmuel’s brother Harry had been with him and has taken the brunt of blame. This death has weighed heavily on the remaining brothers and sister of the family. Harry has become the black sheep, running errands for the members of the murderous Murder, Incorporated. Morris Rabishevsky is a fighter, enlisting in the army before being of legal age. He fights for survival among his fellow troops, who make no secret of their anti-semitism. After he is discharged, Morris uses the same type of bravery in gaining employment at a garment business. He learns the trade and is quickly elevated in the company, eventually starting his own business with his brother Sol. Soon, success meets its match when he is approached about his employees joining a union. The union is backed by Murder, Inc and Louis “Lepke” Buchalter. The two have a past, which includes Harry’s associations. The paths have been set for a collision that will tear the Rabishevskys and the underworld asunder.

Button Man is a ferocious thriller of a read. Andrew Gross has penned a heartrending, fast-paced thriller drama. The protagonists and antagonists are compelling in their own unique ways, engendering sympathy mixed with anger. A classy, endearing read.