According to Random House exec Jonathan Kerp, 'Godfather' author Mario Puzo wasn't interested in writing a fourth chapter, but said that the publisher could do what it wanted after he was gone. And so the publisher did.

Random House and Puzo's estate held a nationwide contest last year, to determine who would have get an offer that can't be refused. Established author Michael Winegardener was finally chosen to write "The Godfather Returns".

His book starts back in 1955, revisiting the execution of traitor Sal Mineo by a new character named 'Ace' Geraci. The murder ignites a chain of events, power struggles and betrayals, which serves to introduce a new generation of Corleones, offsprings of Vito's elder son Santino.

In stores since Tuesday, the new story already generated loads of mixed reviews. Associated Press even cries out that the book "should sleep with the fishes". All reaches one conclusion, however: the original novel just can't be topped.

As for a feature film adaptation, nothing has been herd from Paramount, who handled the cinematic side of the saga. Since common sense dictates that a new film would be unnecessary, you can bet anything it will happen sooner or later.