There is an old maxim that begins with "justice is blind." However, when justice proves inefficient, recourse to avenging wrongs comes from other sources. Detroit has been noted for its crime rate for quite some time, most recently being ranked as the "Most Dangerous City in America" (CBS News, November 2020). And so it goes... A young woman goes to get refreshments for herself and friends during a high school football game. She is never seen alive again, her bruised and battered body left in the wake of a murderous sexual assault under the bleachers. A key suspect is apprehended, but the investigation gets botched, leading to the release of the alleged killer. His celebration is short-lived, however, as he is savagely murdered outside a gentlemen's club. The only clue at the scene is a black bowler hat.

Detective Mike Palazzola is a seasoned detective, a good father raising his two girls in the wake of his wife's recent passing. Upon learning the news of the suspect's murder, his antenna is up. Yet, the unyielding criminal underbelly doesn't cease when a body turns up. The world goes on and the depravity continues. A twelve-year-old boy is abducted and murdered, and a custodian who is also a convicted sex offender is implicated in the crime. However, a violation of his rights results in his being let go. The custodian is found dead shortly after hitting the streets, another bowler hat left mockingly at the scene.

Palazzola and his partner are witnessing a dual killing field, the wicked being inflicted on the innocent and the purging of the alleged perpetrators. Outside of the hats, forensic evidence is virtually nil. The detectives are unaware of the machinations of a secret society that has been taking out the underworld trash for nearly a century. The members of this group function as avenging angels, doling out retribution where the courts and law enforcement flounder. However, as the bodies and black hats add up, Palazzola and an intrepid journalist have taken notice. The Society of Malice risks becoming unmasked, and this they cannot allow, no matter who they might need to take out.

They Only Wear Black Hats is the latest ripping yarn from Edward Izzi (The Buzz Boys). A clever melding of mystery and morality forms the crux of this spellbinding release. The ideas of justice and righteousness harken back to the Bible; however, the gray area that vigilantism inhabits has never seemed as relevant. When do we leave justice to the courts? Is an eye for an eye for outside parties to determine? They Only Wear Black Hats will leave the reader pondering those questions well after finishing this excellent novel. A+ work.

Izzi returns with his latest thriller, featuring the sharp, gutsy Detective Mike Palazzola of Detroit's Third Precinct embroiled in a serial killing investigation. Detective Palazzola is tired of seeing the hellish criminals walking scot-free because of tricky loopholes in the judicial system. When he stumbles upon a secret gathering of The Malizia Society of Detroit, The Archangels, with their own group of executioners trained to kill acquitted criminals, he knows he must find a way to stop the group before they wreak havoc everywhere. But with the FBI involved and the high-profile people being the part of The Archangels, the case becomes more than complicated. Palazzola must brace himself for a dangerous journey if he wants to solve the case. Izzi creates an authentic, appealing, nicely developed protagonist and his atmospheric setting brings the city of Detroit to life: Palazzola is thoroughly human, with a capacity for demanding work being one of his best features, and the secondary characters are equally compelling, the lethal The Archangels most notable among them; the Detroit setting compliment the mood of the story—it's vibrant and grimy at once and always appropriate to the story, which unfolds at just the right pace. The high-intensity action is threaded through a series of brutal killings happening in a succession before the brilliantly inventive final twist sees the culprits apprehended. It's pretty obvious early on who the criminals are, but the knowledge doesn't hurt the reader's interest in the story. Izzi is as capable as his detective hero, weaving in fast-paced twists and shocking revelations to keep the reader invested. The major pleasure comes from following Palazzola through an impenetrable maze of fast-paced chases. Both the hero and the villains are compelling, and the smart, suspenseful cat-and-mouse game between them keeps the pages turning. Izzi is less interested in identifying whodunit than in uncovering a horrific web of malevolence, and he does it with an utmost precision and skill. Some of the intrigue in the dizzying series of brutal murders of innocent victims, particularly young children and teens makes for a mature reading experience, and readers who are wary of graphic scenes of extreme violence are advised to tread with caution. For readers who like their tales ripe with violence and bloodshed, this one is ready for grab. Lovers of fast-paced thrillers will be impressed by Izzi's immaculate plotting and his insight into dark places in the human soul. This one is a winner.

Detective Michael Palazzola of the Detroit Police Department was frustrated with the handling of crimes in his city. Murderers waltzed their way to freedom because of the incompetence of law enforcement, lawyers, medics, and the whole justice system. However, a questionable and scary pattern started in the community. Felons who escaped the justice system ended up dead with a bowler hat souvenir left behind. Malizia Society of Detroit, a gathering inspired by the Law of Moses and modeling the footsteps of the ancient Medici family, was on the prowl. Michael had his work cut out with discreetly finding out who they were while reining in his hard-nosed investigative journalist friend, Justine. Who were these people?
Get the story in They Only Wear Black Hats by Edward Izzi.It is a fantastic page turner that will appeal to lovers of dark savior and detective stories. I loved the brilliant plot, engaging storyline, and unpredictable twists and turns. It is common knowledge that the court of law is the last hope for the helpless man. However, when the justice system falls short, who becomes the savior? This story showed me that attention to detail is crucial in every kind of job. Tiny mistakes could set off a series of catastrophes, especially when dealing with human lives. Also, Blakely's situation struck me, where it became difficult to mete out to his kin the same punishment he administered to others. The selfish nature of humans!
Edward Izzi is a talented storyteller, and I'd love to read more of his works.