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Mark Harmon and retired NCIS agent Leon Carroll Jr. just released their third collaboration, Ghosts of Sicily, on April 14, 2026. Readers are absolutely captivated by this gripping true story of World War II naval intelligence partnering with the mob to protect America. Early reviews show fans can’t put it down.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: April 14, 2026 in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats
- Authors: Actor Mark Harmon, 74, and retired NCIS special agent Leon Carroll Jr.
- Third Book: Follows successful previous releases Ghosts of Honolulu and Ghosts of Panama
- Publisher: Harper Select, an imprint of HarperCollins
A Legendary Partnership Returns with World War II Espionage
Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr. have become known for uncovering hidden history through their nonfiction collaborations. Their latest book, Ghosts of Sicily, transports readers to 1942 New York to discover how the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) took an unprecedented step. They formed a controversial alliance with Charles Luciano and his organized crime network to protect America’s waterfronts from Nazi threats.
The 304-page hardcover weaves together the stories of historical figures like Meyer Lansky and General George Patton alongside lesser-known heroes. Readers follow daring agent Tony Marsloe and his fellow operatives as they navigate high-stakes espionage, dangerous undercover missions, and the brutal realities of wartime sacrifice.
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Mark Harmon releases ‘Ghosts of Sicily’ book with NCIS agent, fans can’t put it down
The True Story That Remained Hidden for Decades
Harmon explained in an exclusive statement why this forgotten history fascinated him. “All records were burned after WWII. Why?” he wrote. “The Office of Naval Intelligence played a huge part in the invasion, and newly uncovered details reveal a riveting, complex story.” Carroll Jr. added that joining the Naval Investigative Service in 1980 sparked his curiosity about the agency’s remarkable past.
This marks the third installment in what has become a celebrated series examining NCIS legacy through different historical periods. The pair previously exposed the untold story of Pearl Harbor intelligence in Ghosts of Honolulu and revealed the chaos of Panama during an invasion in Ghosts of Panama. Each book combines rigorous historical research with narrative storytelling that keeps readers engaged.
Inside the Book’s Major Themes and Storylines
The narrative centers on an unlikely wartime partnership between military leaders and criminal underworld figures. Luciano’s mob connections proved unexpectedly valuable for gathering intelligence on enemy agents hiding along dockside communities. Workers with ties to organized crime became informants, reporting suspicious activities and sabotage plots. The ONI realized that fighting a global war sometimes required unconventional allies and morally ambiguous decisions.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | April 14, 2026 |
| Format | Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook |
| Page Count | 304 pages |
| Price | $29.99 hardcover |
“When I joined NIS in 1980, I knew little of its remarkable history. This book adds another chapter to the ONI/NIS/NCIS legacy, previously unearthed by the Ghosts of Honolulu and Ghosts of Panama. Once again I feel honored to showcase the ingenuity of Naval Intelligence officers, in this case, teaming with notorious mob figures during WWII in the Ghosts of Sicily.”
— Leon Carroll Jr., Retired NCIS Special Agent and Co-Author
How Harmon and Carroll Jr. Built a Fan-Favorite Series
Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr. first met while working on CBS’s NCIS, where Harmon played legendary agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for years. Carroll Jr. served as technical advisor for the flagship series, lending his real-world expertise and knowledge. Their professional respect evolved into creative partnership, producing three bestselling nonfiction books that satisfy both history buffs and NCIS fans. The chemistry between the Hollywood star and real federal agent creates authenticity readers genuinely appreciate.
Harper Select continues supporting the series because each installment attracts dedicated audiences. Fans of the NCIS franchise naturally gravitate toward these books, curious about the actual history behind the show. Military history enthusiasts discover engaging narratives that read like thrillers while maintaining scholarly rigor and documented facts.
What Readers Are Saying: Can They Really Put It Down?
Early responses to Ghosts of Sicily suggest the book lives up to its hype. Reviewers praise the fast-paced narrative that balances historical detail with compelling character arcs. The book answers long-standing questions about what really happened during World War II intelligence operations along American coasts. Readers appreciate how Harmon and Carroll Jr. present morally complex situations without oversimplifying. The mob alliance wasn’t heroic, but it worked. The NCIS connection adds prestige to these accounts, as fans want to understand the agency they’ve watched for years.
Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and independent bookstores nationwide, the hardcover retails for $29.99. Digital readers can grab the ebook immediately, and audiobook listeners will find the narrated version on major platforms. Pre-orders have already positioned this book for strong early sales. Will this become the most anticipated nonfiction release among NCIS viewers this spring?
