Surviving The Urban Jungle (Press, 4 June 1988)

In his 1988 novel "Strega," Andrew Vachss continues the intense and visceral storytelling style established in his previous work, "Flood." The book, reviewed by Ken Strongman, features Burke, a hardened private eye who embodies a complex mix of toughness and moral conviction. An ex-con and con-man, Burke operates in the perilous underworld of New York City, drawing parallels to a city-dwelling version of Rambo. Burke is accompanied by a unique and colourful cast of associates: the wise and astute 'Prof,' a small but intellectually formidable black beggar; 'Mole,' a reclusive electronics expert who dwells in a junkyard protected by wild dogs; Michelle, a striking transvestite; and Max, an incredibly strong and silent Chinese man. Together, they form an engaging team that supports Burke as he takes on morally challenging missions. The plot unfolds when Strega, a character described as a "witch-bitch," hires Burke to recover a photograph of her friend’s son. The boy has been abducted, and the disturbing circumstances involve coercion into sexual acts tied to the illicit child pornography industry. As Burke and his team dive deeper into the dark realities of this underground market, they uncover layers of corruption and exploitation that challenge their resolve. Much like "Flood," "Strega" does not simply glorify the violence inherent in its setting; instead, it offers keen insights into life in New York City. Through pithy observations, Vachss paints a gritty picture of survival where appearances can be deceiving: “The key to survival in this world is to have people think you’re doing tricks for them.” Burke stands out as a memorable protagonist—streetwise and resilient yet possessing enough emotional depth to prevent him from devolving into mere psychopathy. He is portrayed as a dangerously charming figure, offering a blend of toughness and romanticism, navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity. Overall, "Strega" is an action-packed narrative that blends gritty realism with complex characters, showcasing Vachss's skill in crafting compelling crime stories that resonate with larger social themes.

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