Showing results by author "Joe Corso" in All Categories

"On the night of May 27, 1964, thousands of New York City residents, whose dwellings overlook the Hudson River in lower Manhattan, had ringside seats for a spectacular wind-fanned waterfront fire that lit up the Jersey shore. A fire that, before it was brought under control some hours later, taxed the combined efforts of four FDNY marine companies, five FDNY Engine companies, 16 JCFD fire companies, 14 Coast Guard vessels, and 21 Pennsylvania R.R. tug boats.

Every firefighter has a treasure trove of interesting stories to tell, and the stories more often than not are instructional, as well as exciting. When I was a firefighter, I kept notes of the fires I responded to. Now that I am retired, I have reflected on my career as a firefighter and have written a second book about the men alongside whom I worked, facing dangerous situations daily. This book is a compilation of eight short fire stories written between 1963 and 1972, from notes I wrote after returning from fires.

In this book, the era of Kennedy's assassination, race riots, and looting are related through the eyes of a NYC firefighter. Joe Corso describes where he was and what the reactions of the firemen and officers were the day that President Kennedy was killed. The author describes what it felt like to be detailed to La Casa Grande - "The Big House". Engine 82 was one of the busiest fire companies in the world during the race riots of the '60s.

Trenchie, not being a 'rat' is just released from his ten-year prison sentence. A new life is waiting - complete with envelopes of money and a steak house to call his own. He finds the woman of his dreams who brings along ex-husband baggage. Hitman Jimmy 'The Hat' finds unexpected fame and fortune in Hollywood, yet always stays true to the 'boys,' especially Trenchie. His loyalty costs him his life.

Taking a detour on his way back to Vegas, Bull, one of Big Red Fortunato’s righthand men, visits his old army buddy, Sal Stark. Upon arriving at the Lucky Lady, Bull is dismayed to discover Sal severely beaten by local “businessmen” who want to claim the casino as their own. Further investigation reveals that a group of little girls is being held captive. But Red and Bull find out the kidnapping is just the tip of the iceberg. In this 11th installment, take a ride through the roads of the Nevada desert in the 1960s - when the local law was often subject to interpretation!

Cal Rymes left the Civil War and his time with the infamous butcher Colonel William Clarke Quantrill. He left Quantrill's Raiders with a particular set of talents and a desire to get as far away from his past as possible. All he wanted was a quiet life, a small ranch to breed horses and raise cattle. A lofty goal for a man who knows nothing but how to take a life. A marksmanship contest in Dodge City gives him a chance at a new start, where he wins a prized Winchester "Golden Boy" rifle and the moniker of the Calico Kid.

Every firefighter has a treasure trove of interesting stories to tell and the stories more often than not are instructional, as well as exciting. When I was a firefighter, I kept notes of the fires I responded to. Now that I am retired, I have reflected on my career as a firefighter and have written a book about the men alongside whom I worked, facing dangerous situations daily. This book is a compilation of five FIRE short stories written between 1964 and 1972, from notes I wrote after returning from fires.

On Tommy's 14th birthday, his parents tell him of his birthright - he is a powerful wizard whose roots are traced back to the land of Kranta, a faraway place to whichTommy can teleport to in an instant...with the right spell.

Lucky, a jewel thief, is recruited by the CIA. When a routine "theft" for The Company turns deadly and Lucky is almost killed, upon recovering he must find out who double-crossed him. Unbeknownst to others, the secret curtains of light that only Lucky can see provide him with comfort. Lucky and his sidekick, Mickey, will find the people behind them trying to destroy him and the United States.

Royal protocol dictated that the king exit the car last. But as the important man was about to emerge, a hail of gunfire erupted, spraying the royal Hummer. Alone, in a foreign city, he seeks temporary refuge in the Good Burger diner. Here he meets Lom, a crazy Korean War vet, who misses his old life of danger and intrigue.

The British offered Jean Lafitte a Captaincy in the British navy along with extensive lands, titles and $30,000 in gold if he agrees to join with them to fight against the United States. So why does Lafitte refuse their generous offer? In the approaching War of 1812 General Andrew Jackson hasn't any weapons, ammunition or money to fight the British with and no one to turn to for help but the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte.

Red Fortunato's Starlight Club in Queens is back, still teeming with mobsters and their "business" each night. Trenchie, Tarzan, and Moose have returned. The Genovese family and others hang out amidst the grandeur of Red's renovated baby - the Grand Ballroom. Columbia Pictures studio head Larry Bernstein is being blackmailed.

Join the fun. Ride along with Jesse and Frank James and the Younger brothers as they share in the adventures of The Lone Jack Kid. This was wartime and men lived and died fighting their enemy...and sometimes they died fighting each other. Cole looked at the men, raised his hand, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, “Don’t do it, boys. Sturman was a yellow cur, and a deserter, and you don’t have to die trying to avenge the likes of him."

A dirt poor mother and her son who's only possession - their property is desired by an evil man. His lust for wealth drives him to stop at nothing to obtain it - causing a grieving mother the fear of never seeing her only son again. A prison in the desert which has been closed for over a half century is mysteriously reopened, but for what purpose? Why was the boy taken from his mother and the girl he loves - will he ever see them again? Why does Jack McCormack covet John W's worthless property so aggressively?