In the shadowy metropolis that is 1938 Chicago, Steve Malek is a Tribune police reporter in a city gripped by the Kelly-Nash political machine and the post-Capone crime syndicate. In Malek’s depression-era world, the Tribune is the largest of the town’s fiercely competative daily papers. With the winds of change blowing in, Malek senses the story of a lifetime when a reform candidate for mayor is gunned down by an unknown assailant.
Incurring the anger of his editors, Malek ranges far beyond his beat, plunging into a maverick investigation of the murder that soon spins beyond his control. However, it’s the other side of the law, displeased with Malek’s inquiries, that leaves him dangling on the edge of life and death.
Along this precarious journey, Malek is dazzled by actress Helen Hayes, and crosses paths with Richard J. Daley, legendary Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick, Al Capone, and pitching great Dizzy Dean, who after being traded to the Cubs at the start of the ’38 season, helps lead the race for the pennant, never imagining he will be the key to Malek’s very survival!
Reviews:
Booklist (6/15/05 100th Anniversary Issue) says… “a prewar Chicago that is at once sinister and appealing. … an engaging subplot… An enormously entertaining caper.” –Wes Lukowsky
“…cause for any mystery fan to rejoice! …a master storyteller, providing crackling dialogue and plot twists around every corner – readers are in for a real treat!” –Max Allan Collins, author of ROAD TO PURGATORY
Quick Facts:
ISBN: 978-1-59080-424-7
Genre: Mystery (Golden Age)
Pages: 288
Price: $12.99 US $15.49 CAN
Robert Goldsborough 