Coal mine wars. That's what they called the long, bloody conflict between rival unions that tore apart families and communities throughout Illinois during the 1930s. Hot-headed Vinnie Vacca sides with the newly-formed Progressive Miners of America. His stubborn brother Bullo fights for the established United Mine Workers while the coal mine bosses hire Chicago gun thugs from the Capone mob to spread death and fear across the landscape. Vinnie and Bullo's father Antonio struggles to make peace within the family-and the community-as the unending bombings and gunfights kill too many too young. This bloody story is based on actual events that occurred throughout Illinois from 1933 to 1937. A stunning sequel to Corley's acclaimed debut novel Sixteen Tons.