Meet Sal Tocco Tonight (Feb 25, 2025) at Hopkinton Public Library for a book review — 6 PM

Hopkinton resident Sal Tocco’s debut novel, The Cardinal and the Crook, captivates readers with a compelling family saga that skillfully combines suspense, action, and crime, centering on the intertwined lives of twin brothers James and John.

The story begins on a dreary evening when a young mother abandons her infant twin sons. Adopted by a loving priest, Father Pat, the brothers grow up to lead dramatically different lives. John enters the priesthood, eventually rising to the rank of cardinal, while James makes fateful choices that lead to deadly consequences.

Through John’s reflections and a series of flashbacks, readers witness the influential people and the tragic events that shaped him into a powerful, dynamic, and compassionate leader.

Tocco’s central message resonates throughout the novel: while life inevitably brings disappointments, tragedies, and losses, one can choose to either succumb to these hardships or embrace them with unwavering faith, determination, and courage. This perspective transforms adversities into opportunities for personal growth and strength.

Set against the backdrop of Boston, the novel incorporates authentic details of family life, lending a biographical feel to the narrative. Tocco skillfully interweaves elements of mystery, including anonymous financial donations that ensure the boys’ education and John’s internal struggle between love and his commitment to the priesthood.

The author also tackles sensitive topics such as the Boston child sexual abuse scandal with tact and without explicit details.

The inspiration for The Cardinal and the Crook came from a conversation Tocco had with his elderly Aunt Florence several decades ago. She revealed that their family history included both a cardinal in the early 1800s and a mafia member in the 1900s, sparking the idea for the book’s intriguing title. Tocco carried this concept for years, finally penning the novel after retiring and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interestingly, Tocco wrote the entire manuscript by hand, allowing the story to evolve organically. This process led to unexpected developments, such as the main characters becoming identical twins and the setting shifting to contemporary Massachusetts instead of World War II-era Europe.

Writing the whole thing by hand allowed me to think it through as the story took different paths and changed over time. I thought the main characters would be brothers, but I didn’t know they would be identical twins. It was a lot of fun to write, and it never felt like work.

The Cardinal and the Crook holds personal significance for Tocco, who sees it as part of his legacy to his grandchildren. Through the novel, he aims to convey his strong faith and provide guidance on navigating difficult times through trust in God. The cover art, a family collaboration featuring hands holding a rosary, was conceptualized by Tocco’s son Stephen.

With its blend of suspense, family secrets, and inspirational themes, The Cardinal and the Crook is a compelling read that offers readers a fresh perspective on the human experience, redemption, and the enduring power of faith.

Editor’s note: I highly recommend this fascinating page-turner, offering unexpected insights into the FBI and the seminary—two subjects I never thought I’d encounter together. The ending was particularly surprising, turning everything on its head.

Sal will have books for purchase at Hopkinton Public Library tonight.

Purchase The Cardinal and the Crook on Amazon