Review
MURDER KNOCKS TWICE by Susanna Calkins
The First Speakeasy Mystery
Times are tough in 1929 Chicago. With her father unable to work, Gina Ricci takes a job as a cigarette girl at a speakeasy called The Third Door. Gina needs the money and is determined to prove she's no rube and that she's tough enough to handle anything thrown at her. While taking a break she hears a noise, only to discover the speakeasy's photographer has been attacked. With his dying breath he gives her his camera telling her to hide it. Scared, Gina keeps quiet, but resolves to find out what Marty wanted her to hide and why. As she slowly starts to uncover the many secrets hidden by The Third Door Gina discovers that life is about to get a lot more dangerous.
MURDER KNOCKS TWICE starts slowly with the author throwing in lots of slag from the era making the dialogue sound a bit trite. The story, however, is compelling and the characters interesting. I found the narrative more and more compelling as I read on and by the end I was completely enamoured by it.
Gina Ricci is a likeable gum chewing protagonist who can take care of herself. When she finds herself out of her depths, she takes steps to rectify the situation. In this first Speakeasy Mystery she learns about her past, her family, and makes steps to ensure her own future.
MURDER KNOCKS TWICE is a keen historical mystery that brings the prohibition era to life. I enjoyed my immersion into the glamour, desperation, and mob influence of the times and I look forward to going back. I believe Billy Bottles has a Mary Pickford with my name on it!
MURDER KNOCKS TWICE starts slowly with the author throwing in lots of slag from the era making the dialogue sound a bit trite. The story, however, is compelling and the characters interesting. I found the narrative more and more compelling as I read on and by the end I was completely enamoured by it.
Gina Ricci is a likeable gum chewing protagonist who can take care of herself. When she finds herself out of her depths, she takes steps to rectify the situation. In this first Speakeasy Mystery she learns about her past, her family, and makes steps to ensure her own future.
MURDER KNOCKS TWICE is a keen historical mystery that brings the prohibition era to life. I enjoyed my immersion into the glamour, desperation, and mob influence of the times and I look forward to going back. I believe Billy Bottles has a Mary Pickford with my name on it!
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