Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM
Chicago Confidential
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Max Allan Collins
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Private Investigator
Series: Nathan Heller # 13
June 4. 2002 ISBN 0451206509 New American Library (Penguin Putnam)
In this latest Nate Heller Memoir, the fourteenth in the series, we find our hardboiled detective back in Chicago. And I have to say, it’s like running into an old freind in a familiar place. The reason for his return is the Kefauver inquiries into organized crime in the Windy City. Nate has found out that he may be called to testify, which could cause some problems due to his past association with some of the mob guys in question. He makes a few visits to let people know he will keep quiet and not cause problems. This of course being a Nate Heller book, means that this also opens up a whole new can of worms. One of the people helping out the committee is an old freind and sometime employee of Nate’s. Along the way Nate does a favor for Frank Sinatra which involves a little trip to Washington DC. Collins treats us to a few other cameos by some well known people, and it just makes reading that much more fun. The organized crime angles are well done and as usual, and the research shows.
This was a very enjoyable book, with a great flow to it. Not unlike opening a bag of good chips and eating the whole thing, it wants to be read in one sitting. I love this series, and I really like seeing Heller back in Chicago. If you haven’t read any of these books yet, shame on you. They are all terrific, but you can jump on in here. And then, just like a bag of chips, you’ll be hungry for more.
Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM
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