In The Falcon and The Shaikhs by John Dragonetti, Luigi Falconi, heir to the US Gulf Coast mafia, heads to Dubai to finalize a loan deal. He sees the potential in transforming the sheikhdom into a bustling hub. Struggling between loyalty to his family and a desire for legitimacy, Luigi reluctantly follows the mafia’s agenda. Luigi Falconi is the likely heir to Fabio Falconi, the US Gulf Coast mafia capo. His journey unveils the potential to transform the sheikhdom into the next Havana or Las Vegas. While in Dubai, he is captivated by local culture but faces betrayal from his godfather, Nic Nicandro. Unaware of Nic’s schemes, Luigi allies with diverse expatriates and local rulers to combat the mafia’s grip.

The Falcon and The Shaikhs by John Dragonetti is a fascinating book with solid shades of the historical. This story puts two cultures side by side, examining an intriguing conflict. Luigi is torn between loyalties and two worlds. As the would-be heir to a mafia group, he feels bound by loyalty, but he also commits to his vision to help reshape the future. The intrigue is plentiful in how John Dragonetti juxtaposes the traditional and cultural world of the Shaikhs with Western culture. The eye-opening passages and moments of revelation will spellbind readers. Luigi Falconi’s journey from Muscat back to New Orleans is not merely a physical one but a transition from one world to another, from the high-stakes realm of international business to the familiar grounds of family and tradition. As he traverses Beirut and London, his mind is still buzzing with the recent events, unable to find peace even in moments of rest. This is how the author entices readers to experience the setting. He makes them feel the places, the customs, and the way of life of the people he writes about in The Falcon and The Shaikhs. – Ruffina Oserio for Readers Favorite