I just finished the book and thought it was quite good in spite of the contrast between Steve Geng's outlaw life and my placid one.

As I read Ralph Gardner Jr.'s review, two things jumped out at me. On the comment in the restaurant after the wake, my impression as I read the book was that Geng initially wanted to talk about where his sister's creativity came from - but that as he sized up the situation, felt that he was put on the spot, and responded with an offhand joke.

Also, regarding the Donald Fagan episode, it seemed clear that Geng's offer to have him taken care of was a macho joke.