World Gone By: Joe Coughlin    by Dennis Lehane Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2015 (2015) Hardcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth With Dennis Lehane's newest novel, World Gone By, we return to Ybor City, Florida and Cuba during World War II. This book has been called 'a superb work of historical fiction from one of the most interesting and accomplished American novelists.' How about that? It's been ten years since Joe Coughlin's wife was killed by his enemies. His son Tomas is growing up. Joe is now a consigliere to the Bartolo Crime Family. He travels between Tampa and Cuba, his wife's homeland. This wonderful work incorporates various intricate plot lines that carry the tale very well. Lehane's depiction of the Ash Wednesday gun battle in the streets of Ybor City will have you gasping for breath. As will the novel's climax in a Cuban sugarcane field. World Gone By defies description. Mere words cannot do justice to this thrilling story of a man who has so much – money, power, a beautiful mistress and anonymity. Who mixes with U.S. Naval Intelligence and the Lansky-Luciano mob as well as the government of Fulgencio Batista. Myer Lansky makes appearances. Anyone who even slightly displeases the powers that be in the mob is wiped out with apologies – but killed nonetheless. World Gone By is a very dark and thrilling read. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews