A Killing on the Hill

by Robert Dugoni

The Great Depression. High-level corruption. And a murder that’s about to become Seattle’s hottest mystery. It’s the kind of story that can make a reporter’s career. If he lives to write about it.

Seattle, 1933. The city is in the grips of the Great Depression, Prohibition, and vice. Cutting his teeth on a small-time beat, hungry and ambitious young reporter William “Shoe” Shumacher gets a tip that could change his career. There’s been a murder at a social club on Profanity Hill—an underworld magnet for vice crimes only a privileged few can afford. The story is going to be front-page news, and Shoe is the first reporter on the scene.

The victim, Frankie Ray, is a former prizefighter. His accused killer? Club owner and mobster George Miller, who claims he pulled the trigger in self-defense. Soon the whole town’s talking, and Shoe’s first homicide is fast becoming the Trial of the Century. The more Shoe digs, the more he’s convinced nothing is as it seems. Not with a tangle of conflicting stories, an unlikely motive, and witnesses like Miller’s girlfriend, a glamour girl whose pretty lips are sealed. For now.

In a city steeped in old west debauchery, Shoe’s following every lead to a very dangerous place—one that could bring him glory and fame or end his life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Audiobook

357 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2024

About the author

Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.

Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.

Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni

Reviews

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell”, I always wanted to read another book by this author. While this book is very different from “Sam Hell”, it is still very enjoyable and entertaining.

In this story, we have William Shumacher who is a reporter for the Daily Star during the Depression era. It is June, 1933 when he receives a phone call to report to the Pom Pom Club because there has been a shooting. When William arrives to the club, he learns that prized fighter Frankie Ray has been shot (twice) and killed.

William then has to report to the courthouse daily for the trial of Pom Pom Club owner, George Miller. Did George shoot Frankie in self defense? Or was it premeditated murder? Will George Miller go to jail for the rest of his life, or will he be acquitted?

During the trial, we meet the many police detectives, cast of characters, and clues that William pieces together. William also finds love along the way, which gave us a nice break from some of the courtroom drama. There were some little surprises at the end that made this an interesting story- although I did kind of guess what might happen…

I do recommend reading this story as Dugoni is a great writer and storyteller. As I stated above, this is only my second read by this author, but I’m certainly looking forward to reading more from him in the future!

Edit to add- I highly suggest reading the author’s Acknowledgment at the end of the book, and you will learn his inspiration for writing this story. It was rather interesting and informative, and made me appreciate the story that much more. I also learned that this was Dugoni’s first historical novel, and I must say that he did a fantastic job! 👏

I also want to thank Goodreads for my gifted Kindle copy of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading!

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally takes you back in time and you feel like you've landed in the 1930's. A job well done by Dugoni, his writing is fabulous, as always! 4.5 rounded up.

[Darryl Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Killing On The Hill" is a departure from author, Robert Dugoni’s usual novels set in modern day Seattle, focussing on the exploits of detectives such as Tracy Crosswhite. This time the setting is Seattle but it’s 1933, the Great Depression is in full swing and Prohibition has fostered the growth of illegal speak-easies. Cub reporter, William “Shoe” Shumacher is not only a novice reporter, he’s new to the Seattle scene. He secures a job on a local newspaper and despite his paltry wages, manages to send money home to his family to help them through hard times. He strikes up a friendship of sorts – more of a working relationship – with a cop, Detective Blunt and soon finds himself covering a murder. The killing occurred at a social club, the victim, Frankie Ray, a former prize-fighter gunned down by the club’s owner, an unpopular mobster called George Miller. He’s claiming self-defence and has hired the best lawyer his ill-gotten gains can buy. When the trial gets underway, Shoe finds himself covering what is known locally and nationally as the Trial of the Century. With an unquenchable thirst for the truth and honest reporting, Shoe leaves no lead and no dark corner of Seattle’s underbelly unexplored. The problem is, he is treading on very dangerous territory and if he is not careful, he could find himself as front page news.

Despite his departure from modern day thrillers, Robert Dugoni continues to show his versatility with "A Killing On The Hill". This time, he’s writing in the first person, the narrator being his character “Shoe”. Perhaps this one isn’t quite as fast-paced as his other crime novels, but nonetheless it has the same qualities that make this author’s work so enjoyable – easy-to-read-language, realistic dialogue and superb characterisation. It is basically a thriller, a crime novel and a whodunnit rolled into one yet told, unusually, from the view-point of a young, wet-behind-the-ears reporter. Throw in the Great Depression and the Prohibition era and an otherwise monochromatic story becomes very colourful indeed. There’s even a touch of romance as Shoe pursues a young lady who works at her father’s bakery. As with all Robert Dugoni’s novels, his research is meticulous; knowledge of the law and of law enforcement in Seattle shines through at every level. "A Killing On The Hill" is well worth a read.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killing on the Hill represents a change for Robert Dugoni with its golden age of detective style mystery. William Schumacher is a cub reporter for a Seattle newspaper in 1933 when he gets a tip about a murder at a swanky social club. The victim is a former prize fighter and the man who pulled the trigger was the club’s owner, who claims self defense.
The book has a kind of Sam Spade quality to it - gritty scenes and characters, a hard boiled detective that provides “Shoe” the inside scoop. It did a good job transporting me to the time and place of Prohibition, with mobsters and politicians on the take. The courtroom scenes found the proper balance between realistic and dramatic.
Shoe was a well developed character - thrilled to be the one getting the front page credits, finding first love, worried about his family back in Kansas City. His moral dilemmas were well thought out and explored.
The book moved at a steady pace and made good use of Shoe’s newspaper articles.
The story is based on a real event.
I will read or listen to anything Dugoni writes. He’s a great author no matter what he tackles.
I listened to this and Dugoni provides his own narration. He was really good, totally capturing Shoe’s voice and providing some great voices for the other characters and the proper tension.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
It’s 1933 and the country is in the throes of the Great Depression. William (Shoe) Shumacher leaves his home in Kansas City to start a job in Seattle arranged by his mother to help out his family financially. He’s hired as a beat reporter for the Seattle Daily Star, being paid for the number of lines in his story. It’s been a year when he gets the call of his young career, a tip from a chief detective about a murder at the Pom Pom Club. It’s an incredible scoop where mobster and club owner George Miller has shot former prizefighter Frankie Ray. William is now playing in the big leagues and has to step up to the challenge while navigating a snake pit.

the heart of the story…
Everything plays out through William’s eyes, which was fascinating to say the least. I loved seeing him juggle the ethical lines in trying to deliver the news with the “pizzazz” his boss wants and stay factual and balanced. William also has to use his wits to figure out who he can trust, who he can’t, who’s corrupt and who’s just a bit gray. And, he’s trying to woo the daughter of the bakery owner whose shop he frequents every morning. Romance, intrigue, courtroom drama and a bit of danger…I was in book heaven.

the narration…
Of course I was worried about the author narrating the story but he sounded like William (Shoe)! He perfectly captured his naïveté and his strengths.

the bottom line…
This wasn’t anything like I’d expected (a good thing) and though it took a minute to develop, I was completely engaged in all aspects through the end. It’s twisty and suspenseful with lots of heart-tugging moments that kept my brain gnarled. I loved that it was based on a true story (be sure to listen to/read the author’s note and acknowledgments), which made it even more satisfying. Dugoni does it again! 4.5 stars

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing like a great Robert Dugoni novel. While I usually dabble in his legal thrillers, I quite enjoy the one-off novels he writes, which explore many great themes. This book is set in Seattle just after the Great Depression’s arrival. In 1933, nothing is quite as it seems and young beat reporter William “Shoe” Schumacher is trying to make ends meet and support his parents back in Missouri. He receives a tip about a murder at a secret club and reports on it, landing on the front page. As the case grows and goes to trial, Shoe continues to impress with his great reporting, highlighting the truths behind what happened that night. Dugoni delivers another winner set in a bygone era, sure to entertain the curious reader.

Seattle may not have been the largest city in the country, but it was a place William 'Shoe' Schumacher ended up when his parents forced him out of his family home. Trying to make ends meet as a beat reporter, Shoe learns the trade while sowing some resentments amongst the more established journalists in town. It's 1933 and the country is in the grip of the Depression and Prohibition, leaving many to turn to the shadier parts of the city to find their vices. That's when Shoe gets a tip about a shooting at the Pom Pom Club. Rumour has it that there could be an underworld connection and Shoe does not want to mess this up.

Shoe soon finds himself relaying information on the murder of Frankie Ray, a former boxer. It appears as though the killer is none other than bar owner and suspected mobster, George Miller. What begins as a simple skirmish soon appears to have turned deadly and the police are wasting no time with pressing charges.These charges lead to a sensational trial that could put a man with known ties to the underworld behind bars for a long time. The Trial of the Century, as some would have it known, and Shoe is not about to lessen the importance of this pass him along.

As Shoe tries to pen his bylines, he finds himself making quite a name for himself throughout the trial, given the inside scoop and many advantages those of his age could only dream of obtaining. As the murder trial progresses, Shoe's notoriety mounts, as does his desire to find something to ground him. He meets a young woman who is, at first, quite reluctant to settle for him, but their connection cannot be denied. Things progress quickly, but Shoe must also learn lessons of the trade that force him to make risky choices, many of which could jeopardise his future and standing in the journalism community. With pressures on all sides, Shoe will have a choice to make, though it is unsure which he values more. Dugoni at his best in this piece that showcases many wonderful aspects of Seattle in the middle of the Depression.

I have always enjoyed the creative nature of a Robert Dugoni novel. Full of information, tidbits of scene and setting, as well as wonderfully crafted characters to keep the story moving. Dugoni takes the reader back in time to the Seattle of another era, providing a great backstory that is sure to put things into perspective. A solid narrative base helps keep the reader on point and provides a stellar means of guiding things throughout the reading experience. Well-placed characters with their own quirks will always be able to leave the reader wondering just a little bit about what backstories did not make it to the page. Plot points not only surprise the reader, but leave them entertained and guessing what is to come. I can only hope that Dugoni will keep up these standalone pieces, as well as the established series I have come to enjoy so much!

Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a glimpse into Seattle's past and the start of a stunning career for your protagonist.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Dugoni's books simply because he is an excellent writer and always tells a great story. This book is a departure from anything he has written before. It is his first historical novel taking place in Seattle during the Great Depression. The novel gives us an accurate description of the times and the locale since it is based on actual history (some of the names have been changed). Dugoni obviously did a lot of research. It also contains a very touching love story. All in all another great effort by an under appreciated author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can always count on Robert Dugoni to deliver an enthralling story with great characters. This book is all of that and more! This is another standalone for this author and not one of his ever popular series.

Set in Depression era Seattle it is filled with unscrupulous business owners, policemen. and politicians. But my favorite character was “Shoe”, a young newspaper journalist who is learning what he needs to do to beat other reporters to score the lead stories for the day and also how to follow his heart. A murder and a court case round out this suspense-filled historical fiction/mystery.

The narrative flows smoothly and the story keeps you guessing until almost the very end. I highly recommend this book to fans of this author. Don’t miss it!

[Karen Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bestselling award winning author, Robert Dugoni’s first historical novel, A Killing on the Hill, is set in 1933, during the Great Depression when most people were struggling. However, there was a lot of corruption going on across the country. Seattle had its share of “underworld” characters, and on a morning in June, George Miller, who owned the Pom Pom Club which few could afford to patronize, shot Frankie Ray, a boxer, and told the police a story that didn’t add up. Ernie Blunt, the Chief Detective on the case, along with the prosecutor, were at the hospital when Frankie died, and it was thought that he had been shot over Ray’s $55.00 Cadillac payments and an $80.00 hospital bill for his girlfriend. Young William Shumacher had just come to Seattle from Kansas City to take a job with the Daily Star newspaper as a reporter, and Blunt called him to accompany him to the crime scene and hospital so the paper would get the correct story. Shumacher, who was called “Shoe,” saw that this was his chance to make it big in his new profession, and since jobs were very hard to get, he wanted to do well. He puts his all into the investigation, to find a real motive and to keep the stories going each day from the courthouse during the trial. His ambition and drive would easily lead to his success or death.

Dugoni is a brilliant storyteller, and in this one, he not only does a genius job of storytelling, but also making readers feel that they are a part of the time period and living this story in real time. The characters are developed so well that most of us who had grandparents or great-grandparents will be familiar with those who lived during that time, and these characters ring true.

Dugoni’s first historical novel is fabulous, and will keep readers on the edge, as well as take them back to a time of gangsters, prohibition, and poverty. Hopefully Shoe will be back in subsequent novels.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the title and description and thought I would be rewarded with investing some time in reading this book covering an era that could be considered "hardscrabble" times in the city of Seattle. Daily life is sympathetically depicted based on the author's research and commitment to providing the reader with authentic window into daily life in the 30's, the Great Depression. A young naïve news reporter is featured and the era comes alive through his challenging experiences.
This author knows Seattle.

Kindle Unlimited

[Alyscia Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I LOVE this author, but this was not like most of his other books. I tried to finish, but I was just so bored.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killing On The Hill is the fifth stand-alone novel by award-winning, best-selling American author, Robert Dugoni. It’s mid-1933, and William Shumacher (aka Shoe) is lucky to have a job at all, let alone as police/court reporter for the Seattle Daily Star. He’s been there a year when he gets a big break: an early-morning tip-off about a murder at the Pom Pom Club. He gets there even before SPD Chief Detective Ernie Blunt arrives with King County Prosecutor, Laurence McKinley, and is permitted to view the scene and tag along with them

When they go inside, former boxer, Frankie Ray is lying in a pool of blood, at death’s door, but refusing to finger his killer. The owner of the club, George Miller claims that Frankie came in wielding a gun, demanding money and was shot while George was trying to disarm him. George’s partner, Syd Brunn and three staff back up this version of events.

Watching Blunt work is an education: the man is incredibly observant of details, and his deductive powers are impressive. By the time they have seen Frankie in the hospital, have paced things out in at the scene, interrogated the witnesses and had the physical evidence examined by their expert criminologist, Blunt, Laurence and Shoe have concluded that Miller is definitely lying. But without some solid evidence, they will have to release Miller, Brunn and their employees within 48 hours. They need results fast.

Shoe’s scoop makes it to the front page, and he’s pleased that the Star’s owner, Howard Phishbaum lets him keep on with the story; also that it’s impressive enough to convince the lovely Amara Giovacchini to go on a cinema date with him. But it’s not only the envious reporters for the other Seattle dailies who warn him to be careful of the motive of those sources slipping him access and information.

When the trial gets going in October with McKinley prosecuting, there seem to be dramatic developments every day, witnesses blithely changing their stories, so that Shoe has something, in addition to the glamourous attire on show, to report each afternoon, and is gaining quite a following.

Then there’s another death: the police are saying that someone Shoe interviewed recently has suicided, but he’s not convinced. He learns that there may be huge sums of cash involved in the case; it’s the Depression, gangsters are involved, and some people will do anything for money, even commit murder; it’s likely that what he finds out might just put him in real danger.

When the truth is finally revealed, it’s quite a bit more complicated that what was originally thought to be the case, and a dark horse or two revealed in the resolution. Dugoni easily conveys his era and setting, and his first historical novel is an atmospheric page-turner.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic mystery set in the early 1930s in Seattle. It's full of absolutely wonderful characters and completely transported me to the era. I really hope to see these characters again 🤞

Robert Dugoni is an impressive author who has such great range in his writing. I found this story fascinating, made even more so after reading the author's note at the end.

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Very enjoyable, solid read. Audiobook was narrated by the author, mostly to good effect. The 1930s and Great Depression definitely felt very real throughout, the reading/aural equivalent of film noir. That's both good and maybe-not-so-good, as some of the tropes bordered on cliches, sometimes. There weren't that many surprises along the way, but that didn't detract from enjoying the book.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killing on the Hill
By: Robert Dugoni
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Length: 380 pages

5💸💸💸💸💸

Seattle in 1933 is in the middle of the Geat Depression. With Prohibition and a murder, things are bleak as corruption is rampant.
💸
A young reporter William “Shoe” Shumacher gets a tip which can make his career when a murder happens. Frankie Ray, was a former prizefighter.
💸
The court scene makes up a majority of the novel. The testimonies are detailed! Who is telling the truth?
💸
This novel is a nail-bitter, full of vivid details. This was my first novel by this author.

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This re-write of an actual crime is superb reading ... complicated facts unravelled by difficult decisions, set within a compelling personal story of a young reporter and his boss

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn as a young journalist learns about life, love, and crime in Seattle during the Depression. 4/5 stars

[Adrian Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dugonis books and here he ventures into historical crime fiction, transporting us back to the Great Depression of the 1930s in the US.

A story of a mob death, a love story and a story of journalism, you will be transported back in time from the first page.

A hugely enjoyable yarn with the love element adding greatly to the story.

Mr Dugoni is one of the most readable authors out there today. I don’t think I’ve read a bad book by him and as you can see from my star rating is no exception.

Get your hands on a copy if you can.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author does a terrific job with his first historical novel. His descriptions of places, people and his use of language were all spot on for the Great Depression. His characters come to life….especially Shoe and Phish! Looking forward to following Shoe on his future adventures.

[Pallavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A wonderful court/journalism thriller drama inspired by a shooting during the Great Depression of 1930s Seattle. A want to be journalist William “Shoe” Shumacher, covers the court happenings on the killing of former prizefighter Frankie Ray by mobster George Miller. We follow William as he gets fame due to his articles on the case, his career is on the track because of his quick actions, he finds love in an Italian baker's daughter, so on. But as the case proceeds, William discovers a different, dark side of Seattle, questioning his beliefs, his innocent life back at Kansas City. He finds out something sinister behind Frankie Ray's murder, which opens a door of danger on him. Something that might end not only his career but his life.

An era of underworld, parties, clubs, money, murder and jazz. Wonderfully written story consumed my waking time, a blend of suspense and romance. I had to cut down .5 stars as I am a bit skeptical about the ending as I would have liked the book to end with some unanswered questions. Otherwise, a 5-star read.
Happy Reading!!

[Julie]

DNF at page 85. I've enjoyed all the Dugoni books I've read, but the writing here is sending me fleeing. It's like I'm reading an Encyclopedia Brown mystery. Now, I love Encyclopedia Brown, but I understand that I'm reading a book written for 9-year-olds. I've been hanging on far longer than I wanted to because the novel is set in Depression Era Seattle and I love reading historical fiction about my city, but I just can't keep going.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It will be a top remembered, favorite read from this year! The historical setting was vivid and felt real, like I was there (is it possible to feel like you’re reading in black and white? or in an old movie? because that’s how good the setting and writing was). The plot was engaging, exciting, moving, and had good twists/conclusions. I also appreciated that it was clean. All around such a great read, and one I’ll be recommending!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dugoni did a great job of taking us back to 1933 and a mostly real (fictionalized) story of a murder involving the underworld and, in a time when everyone was suffering financially from the Great Depression, supposedly hidden money (ill-gotten gains).

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good. And completely different from his other books (and I’ve read more than a few!). Set of course in Seattle, but instead of modern-day we go back to 1933 where crime and illegal gambling and cops on the take were part of everyday life. A great, gritty look into the past.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depression era baudy Seattle. This was a fun and very readable murder mystery. Seattle, in the 1930s, was filled with corruption, graft , illegal gambling and drinking venues, prostitution. With everyone on the take, it made for an interesting story. A young and eager newspaper employee is out to discover” who done it.”

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Seattle Story

I received this advanced copy from the publisher through Goodreads.

Really great story - love reading about Seattle in the 1930’s. Illegal gambling, criminals, bootlegging, tax evasion, murder, corrupt politicians and police - what’s not to love? And, as a Dugoni trademark, lots of true Seattle historical tidbits sprinkled in. I’ve enjoyed all of Dugoni’s previous books and this one is no exception!

[James F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good period piece it takes place in the early 30's during the depression. It gives you insight on what it was like living there at that time. With gangsters hidden money a killing loose women speakeasys and a love story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dugoni's first foray into historical fiction is a winner! This crime noir novel starts kind of slow, but picks up steam. The author's notes contain an interesting story about how he came to write this novel.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only read first 30 pages and found myself a bit bored. The plot and the writing felt.....elementary. There was nothing unique that engaged me as a reader. So, I'm moving on....

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dugoni's first historical thriller. I enjoyed it and this show Dugoni's range as a writer.