Drawing on his own struggles and life experiences, author Michael Mili presents a compelling snapshot of a time gone by in his new novel, Cigarette Money. In this poignant mid-1960's coming of age story, the author chronicles the life of a young boy from Detroit named Michael Paphos and his unlikely friendship with Detroit's underworld. The story centers around Michael and his Uncle Gus' Greektown restaurant called, The Grecian. During that wondrous but turbulent decade, the restaurant was known as the "best of the best" of what Detroit had to offer. It was a hangout for movie stars, politicians, and athletes. It was a stop over for "The Rat Pack" along with the "who's who" of Hollywood royalty. Oh yeah, let's not forget the infamous backroom, with its private top act shows. Not to mention, it was a gamblers paradise; with its well hidden poker rooms, crap tables and roulette wheels. Add a little off track and sports betting and you've got yourself a mini Las Vegas, Greco-Roman Style. A well kept secret, because even the cops, judges and politicians liked to play there on their nights off. On one night, Michael literally bumps into mob boss Dominick Parazano, marking the beginning of an unlikely friendship that lasted for years. The story follows young Michael's introduction into Detroit's underworld, where he witnesses some life altering events. At Dom's request Michael and his friends Johnny & Gino start selling cigarettes to the boys in the backroom and start raking in the cash. At the same time, Michael's home and school lives begin to clash with his life as a would-be mafia cadet. After witnessing a horrific murder, that ultimately occurred to save his life, Michael and his friends get caught up in a situation that they never saw coming. As if that weren't enough for a little kid to handle, Michael still had to deal with a maniac trying to kill him, a psychopathic teacher and his neighborhood gone crazy after being destroyed by a race riot. Dominick tries to discourage Michael's adoration of the wise guy world; while watching that Michael doesn't get burned, earning a little "Cigarette Money."
