Lynn D. reviewed on 2/18/2014

" ...novel reimagines the 1930 disappearance of justice Joseph Crater, an unsolved crime that fixates armchair detectives to this day. Set among the speakeasies and society soirees of Jazz Age Manhattan, the story also winds its way through the cramped tenements of the Lower East Side and goes behind the scenes of Broadway spectaculars. One August night, Joseph Crater leaves Club Abbey, a speakeasy owned by notorious gangster Owney Madden, and is never seen again. There are rumors of political corruption and shady connections with the criminal underworld, but the story centers on three women in his lifehis wife, Stella; his mistress, showgirl Ritzi; and his maid, Maria. The three of them, all severely affected by his disappearance, must deal with the unexpected consequences, while trying to decide if there is a chance that he might still be alive. Stella hides in her Maine vacation home to avoid being harassed by police detectives and journalists. Ritzi shoulders a grueling life that is nothing like the glamorous starlet's existence that she dreamed of. Maria, whose husband is a detective assigned to the Crater case, works on starting a family while managing two jobs. These women do everything they can to protect themselves and their families from the malevolent men who let nothing stand in the way of them and their money."

Once I started this novel, I couldn't put it down --- and do wish I had read the author's notes at the end before I had started it! I never realized that this book was based on a true story --- and that the New York Supreme Judge's case has not been solved even as of today's date. The characters were unique, the plot entertaining and enjoyed how the author went from the 1930's to the 1960's so well -- and I couldn't keep from my mind what would have happened in today's world and kept thinking of Jimmy Hoffa disappearance case. I just found it mesmerizing, interesting and fun --- and wonder where he is! GREAT read ---- and really believe anyone would enjoy it!

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