This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Ironweed

   

   Set during the Great Depression, the novel follows Francis Phelan, a former professional baseball player, who has become a drifter following a series of unfortunate events. Haunted by his past, including the accidental death of his infant son, Phelan returns to his hometown of Albany, New York, where he confronts his past and tries to make amends. The book explores themes of guilt, suffering, survival, and redemption.

   The 2302nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Albany Cycle

   

   The Albany Cycle is a series of novels that intricately weaves the personal and political narratives of multiple generations of characters in Albany, New York. Set against the backdrop of the 20th century, the series explores themes of corruption, power, and redemption, delving into the lives of Irish-American families and their entanglements with the city's political machine. Through a blend of historical fact and fiction, the novels paint a vivid portrait of urban life, examining the complexities of human nature and the impact of societal change on individual destinies.

   The 10849th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Legs

   

   "Legs" is a fictional biography of the notorious gangster Jack 'Legs' Diamond, set in the Prohibition era. The narrative, told from the perspective of Marcus Gorman, a lawyer and friend to Diamond, explores the gangster's life, his criminal activities, his relationships, and his untimely death. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age, offering a deep exploration of the criminal underworld of that time.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Billy Phelan's Greatest Game

   

   Billy Phelan's Greatest Game is a novel set in the 1930s, focusing on the life of a small-time hustler and poker player named Billy Phelan. When a local politician's son is kidnapped, Billy becomes embroiled in the case, despite his attempts to stay out of it. The story explores the themes of morality, corruption, and redemption as Billy navigates the seedy underbelly of Albany, New York, and is forced to confront his own past and make some tough decisions.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. An Albany Trio

   

   Set against the backdrop of Albany, New York, this collection of interconnected stories delves into the lives of its diverse inhabitants, capturing the gritty essence of the city through a tapestry of ambition, struggle, and redemption. The narrative weaves through the lives of a journalist, a politician, and a small-time crook, each grappling with their own demons and desires. As their paths intersect, the stories reveal the complexities of human nature and the enduring spirit of a community shaped by its history and aspirations.

6. 6. Quinn's Book

   

   Set in the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of 19th-century America, this novel follows the life of Daniel Quinn, a young aspiring writer, as he navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and identity. Through a series of vivid encounters and adventures, Quinn's journey takes him from the bustling streets of Albany to the chaotic theaters of New York City, all while grappling with the ghosts of his past and the ever-present specter of the Civil War. Rich in historical detail and lyrical prose, the story weaves a tapestry of human resilience and the relentless pursuit of dreams amidst the ever-changing tides of history.

7. 7. Very Old Bones

   

   Set in the vibrant and tumultuous world of Albany, New York, the story delves into the intricate tapestry of the Phelan family, exploring themes of legacy, memory, and the haunting shadows of the past. Through the eyes of Orson Purcell, a painter and the illegitimate son of Peter Phelan, the narrative unfolds with a blend of humor and tragedy, revealing the complexities of familial bonds and the enduring impact of history on the present. As Orson navigates his own artistic journey, he uncovers long-buried secrets and confronts the ghosts that linger in the very bones of his family's history, painting a vivid portrait of love, betrayal, and redemption.

8. 8. The Flaming Corsage

   

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9. 9. Roscoe

   

   Set in early 20th-century Albany, this rollicking political novel follows Roscoe Conway, a charismatic Irish-American lawyer who builds a sprawling political machine through charm, patronage and streetwise savvy; as he mentors younger operatives and navigates alliances with reformers, gangsters and corrupt officials, the narrative explores the costs of power, loyalty and moral compromise while offering vivid local color, sharp humor and a meditation on a city’s changing social fabric.

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