Jack S. (jack1) reviewed on 5/2/2011 + 67 more book reviews

What is Chicago really like, beneath the glitter and great reputation? Michael Harvey does for Chicago what John Lescroart does for San Francisco, writing about both the pretty and the unpretty. Michael Kelly is a former policeman, framed and dismissed as part of the graft and corruption for which Chicago politics is renowned. As a private detective, he tackles whatever comes his way, but with humor, heart, and grace. Hard hitting at times but a softie at other times, Kelly is an engaging guy, trained in the classics, capable of quoting the ancients and reading their language.

The Fifth Floor is the second by Mr. Harvey, the first being The Chicago Way. I have read both and have his third on the wish list. In this particular book, Kelly examines the great Chicago fire and the myths that have sprung up around it. He is in and out of some Chicago landmark restaurants and pubs. The conclusion to his tale is satisfying and, unlike so many books these days, it is not completely off the wall. Read it if you like good suspense/thriller/ mystery, or whatever this genre is called. I just call it a good book to read.

By the way, if you want to get this book, put it on your wish list, as my copy is going out the door today.

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