The Friends Of Eddie Coyle -

: The title is deeply ironic; in a world defined by transactional relationships and survival, Eddie has no true friends—only associates willing to betray him to save themselves. Literary & Cinematic Significance

: He attempts to trade information on his criminal associates to ATF Special Agent Dave Foley in exchange for a leniency recommendation. The Friends of Eddie Coyle

The story centers on , a middle-aged, low-level gunrunner in the Boston underworld. : The title is deeply ironic; in a

: Faced with a looming prison sentence for a hijacked truck conviction in New Hampshire, Eddie is desperate to avoid more "time" for the sake of his wife and three children. : Faced with a looming prison sentence for

Both the book and film are noted for their departure from the romanticized "gentleman thief" or "mafia royalty" tropes found in other works of the era.