If it's a frame, it's a good one. Justice is a strange animal-sometimes it comes late, sometimes it never comes at all, and sometimes it comes for the wrong crime. Spencer is offered the highest profile case of his career but is conflicted about helping the person making the offer. And he can't help but wonder if, this time, justice has caught up... but for the wrong crime. And maybe that's okay. Two murders leave Spencer trying to put together the pieces of the puzzle and remembering a time when Chicago streets were ruled by Al Capone and Bugs Moran, and tommy guns left Chicago streets bathed in blood.
Industry Reviews
What fun! Great characters who you really care about, a neat plot with intrigue and interesting twists, and a lot of great Chicago background. It's well written (as usual!) and entirely satisfying. If you enjoy detective fiction that doesn't throw blood and guts in your face, Spencer's cases will suit you beautifully.-Henry Brandt
Spenser Manning's latest client, works for the Chicago Mob!! After being accused of murder, Joey Mineo says he was framed, and hires Spenser to find out who did it. I love this series being set In the past, before our modern technology. Cell phones are new, and characters joke they will never catch on!!-Chip Luonuansuu
Spencer Manning is at it again, working for a crime boss this time, trying to clear his name from murder. Polad does an amazing job at setting each scene, while giving you just the right amount of Chicago history to help put things in perspective, which gives the story a truly authentic feel.
Having grown up and living most of my life in Chicago, I can appreciate even more how well it is written. Spencer is a very likable character (who has internal conflicts like the rest of us and can relate!), and so are those that work with him to help him solve his case.
The subplot that was woven into the main story was enjoyable as well. The technological humor had me laughing out loud, as I have experienced the same scenarios growing up. While the book hints at things that occurred in previous books, one could read this as a stand-alone without taking away from it at all.
I would highly recommend this book-and the entire series-to anyone who likes a good "Who Dunnit" story.-Karen Bedore