The Chicago Way is a first novel by Michael Harvey, who is a co-creator of Cold Case Files. Here we have detective Michael Kelly delving into a cold case that uncovers long hidden crimes. Although a rough and tumble warrior, Kelly is also a devotee of classical Greek literaturepretty unusual for a hard-nosed crime fighter. Somehow this all flows smoothly together.
This book was given to me, and for some reason, I put it on the back burner, thinking it would not be all that much fun to read. I was wrong and regret the delay. The story line flows smoothly and the tale intrigues. Those readers who are Chicago natives should recognize various landmarks throughout the book, as Harvey has tried to stay true to the city he obviously adores, but at the same time you should also recognize where/when he diverges from the actual fabric of what makes the city hum.
All in all, I enjoyed the read and will order the two subsequent books Harvey has written since this was published. I recommend it as a nice, relaxing tale. The ending offers surprises that seem plausible and perhaps could be anticipated if you recognize the clues that are dropped along the way.
This book was given to me, and for some reason, I put it on the back burner, thinking it would not be all that much fun to read. I was wrong and regret the delay. The story line flows smoothly and the tale intrigues. Those readers who are Chicago natives should recognize various landmarks throughout the book, as Harvey has tried to stay true to the city he obviously adores, but at the same time you should also recognize where/when he diverges from the actual fabric of what makes the city hum.
All in all, I enjoyed the read and will order the two subsequent books Harvey has written since this was published. I recommend it as a nice, relaxing tale. The ending offers surprises that seem plausible and perhaps could be anticipated if you recognize the clues that are dropped along the way.
I couldn't put this books down. Lots of twists, turns and surprises. A very quick read. This was the author's debut novel. I'm definitely looking forward to more books by this author. (Library book)
Great first novel and compelling story. Looking forward to more from Harvey.
I will definitely read more of this series.
In one respect a throwback to novels like Dashiell Hammett's but very modern in the amount of gore. Excellent writing, fast-paced but with a level of violence that was disturbing.
This book is a wonderful read - especially for people with ties to Chicago. You can almost smell the hot dogs steaming in Wrigley Field and hear the crack of the bat.
His description of Chicago architecture will remind you of your grandma's house and street names can bring you back to the entrance to Riverview Park. Some words he uses will only have meaning to Chicagoians (the Hawk, Da Coach). His description of a Chicago winter will make you reach for a sweater. Harvey has 'changed the names to protect the innocent', but it's easy to figure who he's referring to and fill in the names. This book starts out at full blast and never slows down - that's how I managed to read a 300 page book in 2 nights.
His description of Chicago architecture will remind you of your grandma's house and street names can bring you back to the entrance to Riverview Park. Some words he uses will only have meaning to Chicagoians (the Hawk, Da Coach). His description of a Chicago winter will make you reach for a sweater. Harvey has 'changed the names to protect the innocent', but it's easy to figure who he's referring to and fill in the names. This book starts out at full blast and never slows down - that's how I managed to read a 300 page book in 2 nights.
A good mystery set (obviously) in Chicago. A fast read with interesting characters and a neat twist.
Honestly, I didn't think I would make it past the first few chapters. The main character, Michael, narrates the way you would imagine an old detective would in a film noir. The author has weird inner monologues and observations - for instance, Michael goes to a TV station and sees the receptionist "She was...drinking what looked like coffee and smoking what looked like a cigarette." huh?
Thankfully that sort of stuff stopped five short chapters in and Michael got interesting just for his own sake, not his "witty" observations.
I haven't read many mysteries, but I liked this one a lot because the author doesn't take you down any wrong turns or false leads. Everything you learn builds up the mystery and points towards solving the cold case and the new mysteries that begin to surround Michael's investigation. Enough of Chicago is accurate to give you a good feel of the city, though the author notes he did take artist license in some instances.
This was a fast read, enjoyable once you got past the first couple chapters of weird writing, and it all wrapped up nicely. Very good for the author's first novel.
Honestly, I didn't think I would make it past the first few chapters. The main character, Michael, narrates the way you would imagine an old detective would in a film noir. The author has weird inner monologues and observations - for instance, Michael goes to a TV station and sees the receptionist "She was...drinking what looked like coffee and smoking what looked like a cigarette." huh?
Thankfully that sort of stuff stopped five short chapters in and Michael got interesting just for his own sake, not his "witty" observations.
I haven't read many mysteries, but I liked this one a lot because the author doesn't take you down any wrong turns or false leads. Everything you learn builds up the mystery and points towards solving the cold case and the new mysteries that begin to surround Michael's investigation. Enough of Chicago is accurate to give you a good feel of the city, though the author notes he did take artist license in some instances.
This was a fast read, enjoyable once you got past the first couple chapters of weird writing, and it all wrapped up nicely. Very good for the author's first novel.
I'm a long time devoted fan of Raymond Chandler and Michael Harvey's " The Chicago Way " is a long overdue echo of that great writer. The book is filled with twists and turns. Private-eye Kelly excepts a request from his former partner who turns up dead . . . Kelly enlists several colleagues to help solve an eight-year old rape and battery cold case. It's the windy city and Kelly finds out how quickly the wind can shift - even with friends.This book will be a page turner with an ending that will take you by surprise. Fast and snappy prose reminiscent of those great private-eye thrillers of long ago.
