'Succession' meets 'Sopranos' in gritty tale of inheritance, corruption and faith

Accomplished musician, businessman and prolific author Patrick Girondi presents "Blind Faith," an intriguing story of contested inheritance and corruption that incorporates an edgy look at faith in a higher power. Girondi’s latest novel mixes elements of the hit television show "Succession" with the seedy characters of "The Sopranos," while examining the plight of a few righteous people who stand in the way of ruthless, powerful men determined to expand their fortunes.

"Blind Faith" shares a meaningful story with a remarkable cast, set in and around Chicago. Girondi’s uniquely provocative writing style and penchant for exposing corruption are on dazzling display in these pages.

Aaron Abbott is the ambitious heir of a massive electronics company which has brought his family immense wealth and privilege. Aaron sets his sights on a merger with the smaller Andrew Industries, but desperately needs an infusion of cash to make the deal. When a rich benefactor (his grandmother) passes away at an opportune moment, Aaron is dismayed that the entire inheritance is left to his sister Trisha. As the troubling dynamics of the Abbott family are revealed, a wide array of supporting characters are introduced. The devious players in this story are found in high government offices, exclusive clubs for the wealthy, as well as the grimy, illicit underworld of the city. Aaron Abbott enlists corrupt officials, greedy lawyers and criminal elements in an attempt to steal Trisha’s inheritance; doing so with a righteous conviction that his actions are all for the good of the family name.

Throughout the course of this gripping book, the author presents a menagerie of ingenious metaphors, allusions and foreshadowing. Imagery and icons of ancient Rome are included in several scenes, for example,...