A black and white photo of a group of seven women and two men gathered around a table outdoors, having tea or coffee, with rustic stone and wooden structures in the background.

The family Rakusko

ten generations of charlatans, cheaters, swindlers, grifters, con-men and con-women, rogues and scoundrels

Book cover featuring a man walking on train tracks carrying a suitcase in a rural landscape.

The family Rakusko

who skillfully and repeatedly cheated the rich, the famous, and the infamous; seemingly unstoppable for almost 400 years, until … you will never guess by whom and how they were brought crashing down!

“Do you have some report or document so I can follow along?” she asked.

“Nope.” He held up a small micro voice activated recorder, “It will all be recorded on this, someone can transcribe the cassettes later, but we wanted to just tell you what we have to tell you. I think we have what you asked for, in spades, but think it is best to begin as an informal conversation!”

“Okay,” she groaned, “I can’t say I didn’t ask for it. Speak to me.”

*****

Gibbons cleared his throat, “We begin on Wednesday, December 24, 1642. Smyth’s Inn and Ale House, Liverpool, England ... we began here because it was the very first line on the family tree in your mother’s bible.”

Quote from Jackie R. praising the book "The Family Rakusko" by Martin Herman, with a black and white photo of a man walking down train tracks carrying a suitcase. The title "The Family Rakusko" and author's name "Martin Herman" are prominently displayed.

Meticulously researched and cross referenced chapter by chapter, Martin Herman weaves the story of 10 generations combining fact with fiction as a spellbinding historical drama.

Reader’s Favorite!

Book cover of "The Family Rakusko" by Martin Herman showing a person walking down a railroad track carrying a suitcase in a rural landscape.

I have finished your book and I must say, it was a lot of fun. Your creativity and attention to detail mixed with history was great. Your appendixes were both interesting and very helpful. -Doug A.

Congratulations on the level of research that went into positioning the characters in their time and place, both historically and culturally. That really enhanced the credibility of the storyline. -John H.

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My Inspiration for The family Rakusko

I first came across the character upon which I named the first generation of the Rakusko family some years back.  She took pride conning and grifting British soldiers out of their pay.  She was so good at it that instead of getting angry at her, they apologized for not having more to give to her. 

I wrote a short story with her as the lead character and before I knew it, I had 10 generations, 400 years of Rakusko stories.  When I am asked which is my own favorite of all my books, I always say The family Rakusko. I know you will enjoy their story for many entertaining hours!

Martin Herman, a native of Brooklyn, New York, had a diverse background in business before establishing himself as a successful self-published author at 75.

In addition to the Will James Mystery series, Martin has authored several equally fascinating books. His novels are packed with surprising plot twists that leave readers thoroughly entertained.

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Book cover for 'The Family Rakusko' by Martin Herman, featuring a black and white image of a man walking along railroad tracks carrying a suitcase, with trees and open fields in the background.

Just wanted to let you know how much I  loved your new book!!   You were right, I could not put it down!!  I read all 484 pages in 4 days!!  I enjoy all the books you write so much!! -Suzanne B.

Black and white cover photo of a man walking away along train tracks, carrying a suitcase, with open countryside in the background. The title reads 'The family Rakúsko' and the author's name is Martin Herman.

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