The Take Down

by Mark Anthony

Book Overview

While investigating one of hip-hop's most successful music labels, Gun Clap Records, undercover FBI agent Jessica Jackson is willing to do anything to keep her identity a secret. She helps the Feds hit a grand slam during their investigation when they learn that Angela Calvino, the daughter of New York mafia boss Paulie Calvino, plans to start a hip-hop label with money from the Calvino family crime rackets. LaCostra Nostra Records will rise under...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312340796
• ISBN13: 9780312340797
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Griffin
• Length: 291 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

All in the game

Paula Winslow, better know as "Jessica Jackson" the FBI agent with a mission is definitely on a mission. The FBI thinks it is to accomplish the "take down" of a criminal drug lord hiding under the title of a record label mongul and to "take down" Paul Calvino, the notorious mafia head man with New York City on lock. But as I read the book, it reveals that federal undercover agent Jessica Jackson has some deep-rooted issues, both undetected by her employer, the FBI and by the hip hop world of ballers. Jessica Jackson/Paula Winslow has an undisclosed mission of her own when she finally faces the truth with herself. The novel is a fast-paced, page turning novel. The author did a vivid and clear insight on the decption of the law and some rules apply for some & not for others. ANOTHER success from the author Mark Anthony.

RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN

Mark Anthony, the Essence bestselling author's fourth book; The Take Down is about Paula Winslow, a twenty-five year old African American FBI Agent living in St. Louis, Missouri. She loves her job but not for the sake of upholding the law. She is interested in making money by any means necessary and if it indicates getting her hands greasy, she would be up for it. Living in Missouri did not afford her the opportunity to work cases that would lace her pockets. She was able to dabble in cases that included money laundering, kidnapping, and bank robberies but it was not enough to just do those assignments. She wanted to eventually attain celebrity status and celebrity dollars! Paula was aware that this would never happen if she continued to be assigned to cases in the small hick towns of Missouri. Her desires came to fruition when an assignment became available in New York City. Paula pitched a perfect plan to her superior that included a modeling agency "White Chocolate Models Inc." and an undercover name of Jessica Jackson. Paula's a.k.a Jessica's assignment would be to obtain incriminating evidence that would implicate the Calvino's ( a mob family) in supplying Tyrell "Supreme" Morgan (Gun Clap Records Executive) with start up money to 'wash'. This is an illegal act of providing someone funds, usually from drug sells, to funnel through a business in an attempt to make it look legitimate. The FBI had gotten close to the Calvino's in the past but not close enough to make any of the charges stick. Paula promised to not only deliver what her superiors asked for but also to bring them the head of the largest and most dangerous crime family; Paulie Calvino. When Paula was approved to head the case, she knew it would give her the things she desired; money, fortune, and fame. The reader goes deep cover with Paula as Jessica while she risks life and limb to make sure she solves this case successfully. Told in the first person point of view, Mark Anthony takes you on a journey as Jessica wrecks havoc in the word of Rap and organized crime. How many times will she sacrifice her soul or break the law to achieve her goals? How will she overcome demons in her 'real' life that haunt her and guide some of her decisions? I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy entertaining, concrete storylines and excellent character development. Kudos must also be given because there are no unraveled ends left for the reader to mend. I felt complete and satisfied when the tale was over. Be prepared to gasp and let loose belly laughs on this wonderful exploration of the underground world of music and mayhem! Darnetta Frazier APOOO BookClub

She played all sides of the field and won!

Mark Anthony introduces us to a very aggressive lady named Paula, aka Jessica Jackson, FBI agent. Jessica enters the scene and sexily infiltrates hip hop's ballers and shot callers! Playing the game likes she wrote the book, she even connects the mafia with hip hop! Maneuvering, careening, hit and running, Jessica does what she has to do to get the job done with a ploy that will benefit her on all sides as the end result. Join Mr. Anthony as he takes you on the Indy 500 with hip hop, mafia, and police work! Whew! Imagine that, you can't, well come along and let him show you how it all works as only he can! Excellently written! Magnificent if I have to say so myself! My hats off to you my brotha! Continue to make it do what it do!

No One Can Be Trusted

This book was definitely a different type of scenario that I'm used to seeing from Mark Anthony. He amazed me again. Being as though this is his fourth time out of the starting gate he freaked us again with The Take Down. FBI agent Paula Winslow put everything on the line when she went undercover as special agent Jessica Jackson, CEO of White Chocolate modeling. Her grand idea of killing two birds with one stone (The take down of the mafia family the Calvino's and the boss of Gun Clap records Horse), she went into the game ready to wreck shop only to have the tables twisted on her. Before Jessica knew it she was knee deep in some ish that she wasn't sure she was ready for. On the flip side of all that she had a fiance at home that couldn't deal with the demands of her job, and a family and past that she was running from. This book was filled with so many twists and turns that it was truley UNPREDICTABLE, and that made for an excellent read. The down side was I wanted the ending to be different, but so goes the minds of readers. I am wondering if there will be a part two because the author never said how Paula dealt with her family when she got back, and even though Angela was in the witness protection program, no one can run away from the mob, even when it's your own family. If you are looking for an action packed read that will have you on the edge of your seat, The Take Down is definitely it. Go cop dat TODAY!!!

MARK MARK MARK~

YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN.....YOU KEEP DOING YOUR THING.......A MUST READ....HE SHOW YOU AGAIN THAT HE CAN KEEP IT GOING WITH THE HIT LIT..............THANX~