Frisco Blues: A Riley Kovachs Detective Novel

by Gordon Demarco

San Francisco, 1947. The war is over and the fight for democracy continues at home. One of the battlefields is major league baseball. A promising black player has fallen to his death in a racially troubled shipyard. The company claims it was an accident. Riley Kovach isn't so sure. A story about the integration of baseball and post-war America. Real people, like Satchel Paige, the legendary pitcher, make historically authentic appearances. Likewise, real events are portrayed, including one of the best kept secrets of WWII.

Genres: Mystery

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Frisco Blues is a well done detective thriller that blends politics and baseball together. It is set in San Francisco, in 1947, the year that Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier. The main character, Riley Kovachs, is a hardboiled P.I. who won't quit digging until he uncovers the truth no matter how hard someone else tries to stop him.

The authors' use of period slang and topical news of the day provided the right atmosphere for the story. I particularly like his comparison of the weather in San Francisco and life: "I like fog. It's mysterious, silent and sneaky. And it's constantly moving and changing it's appearance. A lot like the old game of life itself." (p. 105) This is a quick read and a good one.

[Ralph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compact little detective novel with a political bent. Set in San Francisco 1947 it touches upon both the integration of major league baseball as well as the Port Chicago disaster and mutiny. Enjoyed the trip back to 40s San Francisco.