The Winter of Frankie Machine

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Frank Machianno is a late-middle-aged ex-surf bum who runs a bait shack on the San Diego waterfront. An affable Italian with a love of people and life, he's a stand-up businessman, devoted father, and a beloved fixture in the community.

He's also a hit man - specifically, a retired hit man. Back in the day, when he was one of the most feared members of the West Coast Mafia, he was known as Frankie Machine. Frank consigned his Mob ties to the past years ago, which is where he wants them to stay. But a favor being called in now by the local boss is one Frank can't refuse, and soon he's sucked back into the treacherous currents of his former life. Someone from the past wants him dead. He has to figure out who and why, and he has to do it fast.

©2006 Don Winslow (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Elmore Leonard fans who have not yet discovered Winslow will be delighted by his fourth thriller....Winslow has created plausible characters and taut scenes of suspense that will keep readers turning pages." (Publishers Weekly)

The Winter of Frankie Machine is a ray of sunshine

I've quickly become a rabid fan of Don Winslow's evocative mystery thrillers. In "The Winter of Frankie Machine" Winslow neatly introduces Frank Machiano, AKA Frankie Machine, who, a stone killer for the mafia, is a likeable, even admirable guy. Frank manages to maintain his integrity even as those around him cheat, lie, steal, kill and--worst of all--betray all that they stood for. Retired from the hitman business--as much as anyone can retire from the mob, Frank is unwilling dragged into the life again as crime and corruption reach toward the highest office in the land. Through it all, Frank stays true to his daughter, his ex-wife, his friends and himself.

Dennis Boutsikaris lends his reading a casual intensity that perfectly captures the winter sunshine of San Diego. A terrific choice for this book.

More Don Winslow, please, and more Dennis Boutsikaris.

"New To Me" author writes of aging Mafia/surf bum

I don't know how I've missed author Don Winslow and his So Cal Surf Scene novels but I'm glad I found him. This rather strangely plotted book tells the story of a retired mafia hit man known as Frankie Machine who would rather stay retired from his hit man job and focus on early morning surfing, his bait shop on the pier and as fish supplier to 4&5 star restaurants.

Unfortunately Frankies Boss man has other ideas.

If you haven't read Don Winslow, I think this is a good book to start in with. I found Frankie to be a basic nice guy who is shoved into situation he'd rather avoid.

Worth the credit and your time.

Here's the book you want for a boring car ride*.

I can't give this book 5 stars because it's not quite in the same league as, say, "Winds of War." It's fiction, not literature. But, it is certainly near the top of the list for this genre.

I'm always amazed when an author can make me cheer for the bad guy. Don Winslow does that and more. Frankie is just a fabulous character. You can see him, hear him. I loved the life Winslow created for him. Not far into the book, I was already solidly in his camp. I heard myself say out loud, "Whack him, Frankie!" I knew right then I was hooked.

This is a well-crafted story with realistic dialogue, some shady characters and a great star. I never would have found it had it not been a daily deal. I'm glad I did.

* Let's clarify the headline: a boring car ride with ADULTS. This isn't the book you want for the trip to grandma's house with the kids.

Tense crime drama

Lots of characters and subplots to keep straight. Lots of action. Excellent character development makes this fast-paced organized crime saga a cut above the standard.

Listened almost straight through

The narrator was fantastic just right for this story. He definitely made the book just that much better. At one point I thought perhaps the stories were going on a bit long the memories running together but that quickly passed and I was back into the book and story and didn't break until it was over. Terrific fun story. Frankie Machine was quite a guy.

Not your typical mob story. Nice twist and turns.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend any book by Don Winslow to a friend. This Mr. Winslow is a gifted writer. His stories are interesting with well thought out characters and plots.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Winter of Frankie Machine?

I thought the ending with Frankie Machine was unusual. It caught me off guard. I didn't expect it.

Have you listened to any of Dennis Boutsikaris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I admit I don't follow the narrators at all. However, I thought Mr. Boutsikaris did great job on this audible.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire booked moved me on how Frank Machine dealt with life and his circumstances.

Perfect Goomba narration!

Another Don Winslow winner! All my reviews are for audiobooks as I drive a lot. The narrator usually makes or breaks the book, but a good author can still make the book good and vice Versa. But, in this case both were outstanding. Frankie Machianno is the guy you root for even being an organized crime wise guy. A good man with morals until you cross him or his family. I highly suggest this story. It holds your attention well. 👍🏽👍🏽

frankie scruples

who knew, a hitman with a moral code. i liked the story and it read more true than many other "wiseguy" stories. There was no amazing feats that most humans could never pulloff, it was a regular guy who was trained well and was naturally intelligent. he was very likable even knowing he had killed bc he had his code and was not about violence. he loved his family above all and was a good and loyal friend.
this book was not crazy exciting or romantic but it was a good story that kept my interest. i recommend it.

Frankie Machine, A Gentle Giant With A dark Past

We all wish our pasts are without blemish but not always possible when you are locked into a certain culture and time. whatever his mistakes and villainy, Frankie remains a man of honor, and integrity. He becomes a family man with thriving businesses and earns the love of a small group of locals in San Diego. However his past never quite leaves him alone, and soon he is becoming the prey not the efficient hunter of mafioso family enemies he was once. I grew to admire Frankie's courage, integrity, and empathy even to hated enemies and friends who ultimately betray him. I felt I was witnessing episodes of the Sopranos with James Gandolfo playing Frankie Machine. Loved this, absolutely a great listen!!

Absolutely genius!

Another great story from Don Winslow! If you liked Power of the Dog and the Cartel, this is a must read!