Crime, deception, and mysticism collide in the ruthless world of 1920s Florida.
Mark Mellon’s The Bigger Con is a gripping historical crime novel that immerses readers in the turbulent land boom of 1920s Florida. With con artists and swindlers lurking around every corner, the novel offers a high-stakes game of deception, power, and survival, where even the most seasoned tricksters might meet their match.
A Tale of Crime and Consequence
Harry Easton has built a thriving business scamming people in Target City, Florida. Protected by his connections to the mayor and sheriff, and newly married to the stunning Gabe, his life seems perfect—until Sylvanus O’Moira enters the picture. A cunning charlatan with an air of mysticism, O’Moira draws Harry into an even bigger scheme: swindling the wealthy Regina Siddons. But as the stakes rise, so does the danger. Soon, Harry finds himself trapped in a deadly game, his wife in peril, and his own survival hanging by a thread.
Mellon’s meticulous historical research shines throughout the novel, from authentic Prohibition-era settings to detailed references like Cuban champagne imports and period-specific weaponry. The novel’s dialogue-driven storytelling brings readers directly into the action, making every con and confrontation feel immediate and high-energy.
What Critics Are Saying
Kirkus Reviews praises The Bigger Con for its “high-octane” storytelling, describing it as an immersive crime thriller filled with sharp wit, historical richness, and morally complex characters. While the plot can be dense at times due to its many moving pieces, the book’s charismatic leads—especially the slippery yet entertaining Harry and the menacing O’Moira—make for an unforgettable read.
Why You Should Read The Bigger Con
For fans of historical crime fiction, The Bigger Con delivers an electrifying mix of noir intrigue, period detail, and psychological intensity. Mellon crafts a world where ambition and greed rule, and where the line between conman and victim is razor-thin. The novel’s fast pace and richly drawn characters ensure that readers will be hooked until the very last page.
If you love crime stories with a historical twist, this book is a must-read!
Book Details
| Book | The Bigger Con |
| Series | None |
| Parts | None |
| Publication Date | 25 May 2024 |
| Author | Mark Mellon |
| Publisher | Close To The Bone Publishing |
| ASIN | B0CWPXLN37 |
| Pages | 145 pages |
| Publication Format | Paper Back, Kindle, |
About the Author
Mark Mellon is a novelist with a fascinating and varied background, ranging from lifeguarding to working as a Russian translator during the final years of the Cold War. A graduate of the University of Virginia, his writing blends historical depth with gripping storytelling, reflecting his lifelong love for literature and adventure. When he’s not writing, Mellon enjoys music, film, and reflecting on his many colorful life experiences.