I haven't read this book as of yet Dave, but I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Donnie Wahlberg. He doesn't need massive size to be very imposing.
"In case of snakebite always carry a small flagon of whiskey, and furthermore always carry a small snake." W.C. Fields
"In case of snakebite always carry a small flagon of whiskey, and furthermore always carry a small snake." W.C. Fields