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CHICAGO '63
"This is historical fiction at its best. Equal parts gripping, gritty, heartbreaking and revelatory. You'll be turning pages and thinking about 'what-ifs' deep into the night."
- I.S. Berry, Author of THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW
A NPR and A New Yorker's Book of the Year 2023
"Excellent writing, richly developed characters and tight, propulsive action drive this story forward."
Steve Stratton, Award-winning author of the Lance Bear Wolf series
"Secret Service Agent Abe Golden's wit, grit, and loyalty kept me turning the pages and rooting for his success."
Cheryl Head, Award-winning author of the Charlie Mack series and TIME'S UNDOING
"(G)ritty, suspenseful and expertly captures the times of a nation in turmoil. CHICAGO '63 is the breakout hit of 2024!"
Matt Coyle, Author of the Rick Cahill series & Lefty Award Winner
***
Before Dealey Plaza. Before Oswald. The road to conspiracy started in Chicago '63.
Homer Echevarria is a Cuban exile committed to freeing his homeland from Fidel Castro and the evils of Communism. Thomas Vallee is a mercenary who helped Echevarria and the US government train Cuban refugees to fight Castro.
Both men blame President Kennedy for the humiliation they suffered during The Bay of Pigs invasion. Echevarria and Vallee once again join forces when fate allows them to avenge their fallen comrades. To strike a blow for their idea of freedom.
Their allies in the federal government and the Chicago Police Department have arranged for President Kennedy to come to Chicago, thus setting the stage for them to deliver their own brand of justice. The four U.S.-trained Cuban assassins and Vallee will ambush the president on his way to attend the Army-Air Force football game the following month. Each group of sharpshooters will operate independently of the other, thus assuring at least one bullet will find its mark.
Due to President Kennedy's insistence, Abraham Golden is the first African American Secret Service agent assigned to a presidential protection detail. Having since transferred to the Chicago Field Office, he sees two glaring problems with the president's visit in two days. The first is the amount of chatter he detects among the Windy City's many hate groups. The second is a slow turn off the Jackson Exit that will force the motorcade to a crawl, thus making President Kennedy an easy target.
After his concerns fall on deaf ears, Golden must use his skill and cunning to fight adverse influences both inside and outside his own government to uncover the plot against the president. His renegade investigation soon uncovers an international plan so broad that it spans from the halls of power in Washington to the mean streets of Chicago. Golden risks everything he holds dear to stop the plot and save the man he'd once swore to protect. Even if it means his career...and his life.
MORE PRAISE FOR CHICAGO '63
"A gripping story that will have you reading faster than winter wind blowing down Michigan Avenue. CHICAGO '63 is part thriller, part police procedural and all intrigue. Definitely get your hands on a copy ASAP!"
Todd Wilkins, Best Thriller Books
"Conspiracy theorists, consider yourselves warned - CHICAGO '63 will pull you down a mesmerizing rabbit hole with no guaranteed escape."
C.E. Albanese The Crew Reviews Podcast
"Razor-sharp writing catapults readers into the intense fray of complex alliances and buried investigations.
- I.S. Berry, Author of THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW
A NPR and A New Yorker's Book of the Year 2023
"Excellent writing, richly developed characters and tight, propulsive action drive this story forward."
Steve Stratton, Award-winning author of the Lance Bear Wolf series
"Secret Service Agent Abe Golden's wit, grit, and loyalty kept me turning the pages and rooting for his success."
Cheryl Head, Award-winning author of the Charlie Mack series and TIME'S UNDOING
"(G)ritty, suspenseful and expertly captures the times of a nation in turmoil. CHICAGO '63 is the breakout hit of 2024!"
Matt Coyle, Author of the Rick Cahill series & Lefty Award Winner
***
Before Dealey Plaza. Before Oswald. The road to conspiracy started in Chicago '63.
Homer Echevarria is a Cuban exile committed to freeing his homeland from Fidel Castro and the evils of Communism. Thomas Vallee is a mercenary who helped Echevarria and the US government train Cuban refugees to fight Castro.
Both men blame President Kennedy for the humiliation they suffered during The Bay of Pigs invasion. Echevarria and Vallee once again join forces when fate allows them to avenge their fallen comrades. To strike a blow for their idea of freedom.
Their allies in the federal government and the Chicago Police Department have arranged for President Kennedy to come to Chicago, thus setting the stage for them to deliver their own brand of justice. The four U.S.-trained Cuban assassins and Vallee will ambush the president on his way to attend the Army-Air Force football game the following month. Each group of sharpshooters will operate independently of the other, thus assuring at least one bullet will find its mark.
Due to President Kennedy's insistence, Abraham Golden is the first African American Secret Service agent assigned to a presidential protection detail. Having since transferred to the Chicago Field Office, he sees two glaring problems with the president's visit in two days. The first is the amount of chatter he detects among the Windy City's many hate groups. The second is a slow turn off the Jackson Exit that will force the motorcade to a crawl, thus making President Kennedy an easy target.
After his concerns fall on deaf ears, Golden must use his skill and cunning to fight adverse influences both inside and outside his own government to uncover the plot against the president. His renegade investigation soon uncovers an international plan so broad that it spans from the halls of power in Washington to the mean streets of Chicago. Golden risks everything he holds dear to stop the plot and save the man he'd once swore to protect. Even if it means his career...and his life.
MORE PRAISE FOR CHICAGO '63
"A gripping story that will have you reading faster than winter wind blowing down Michigan Avenue. CHICAGO '63 is part thriller, part police procedural and all intrigue. Definitely get your hands on a copy ASAP!"
Todd Wilkins, Best Thriller Books
"Conspiracy theorists, consider yourselves warned - CHICAGO '63 will pull you down a mesmerizing rabbit hole with no guaranteed escape."
C.E. Albanese The Crew Reviews Podcast
"Razor-sharp writing catapults readers into the intense fray of complex alliances and buried investigations.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Terrence P. McCauley
43 books60 followersAuthor also writes under Terrence McCauley
Terrence McCauley is an award-winning writer of Thrillers, Crime Fiction and Westerns.
His first two Aaron Mackey westerns (WHERE THE BULLETS FLY and DARK TERRITORY), published by Pinnacle, were finalists for the Western Writers of America’s Silver Spur Award. WHERE THE BULLETS FLY won the Western Fictioneers Award for Best Novel in 2018. The third and fourth books in the series, GET OUT OF TOWN and THE DARK SUNRISE, were published in 2020.
Terrence has also written three stand-alone novels for the successful Ralph Compton Series at Berkeley. THE KELLY TRAIL and RIDE THE HAMMER DOWN were published in 2020, with STAGECOACH TO HELL released in 2021.
Terrence is also the author of the acclaimed University Series, which includes: THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT, A CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS, A MURDER OF CROWS and SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL. He has also written two award-winning crime fiction novels set in 1930 New York City – PROHIBITION and SLOW BURN. His World War I novella – THE DEVIL DOGS OF BELLEAU WOOD – won the Silver Medal for Historical Fiction from the Military Writers Society of America. Proceeds from sales go directly to benefit the Semper Fi Fund.
In 2016, Terrence’s short story ‘EL CAMBALACHE’ was nominated for Best Short Story in the ITW’s annual Thriller Awards. His short stories have been featured in Thuglit, Shotgun Honey, Down and Out Magazine and many other publications. He is a member of the New York City chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the International Crime Writers Association, the Military Writers Society of America and the Western Writers of America.
Terrence is an avid reader, loves classic movies and enjoys traveling. A proud native of The Bronx, NY, he currently lives in Dutchess County, NY where he is writing his next work of fiction.
Terrence McCauley is an award-winning writer of Thrillers, Crime Fiction and Westerns.
His first two Aaron Mackey westerns (WHERE THE BULLETS FLY and DARK TERRITORY), published by Pinnacle, were finalists for the Western Writers of America’s Silver Spur Award. WHERE THE BULLETS FLY won the Western Fictioneers Award for Best Novel in 2018. The third and fourth books in the series, GET OUT OF TOWN and THE DARK SUNRISE, were published in 2020.
Terrence has also written three stand-alone novels for the successful Ralph Compton Series at Berkeley. THE KELLY TRAIL and RIDE THE HAMMER DOWN were published in 2020, with STAGECOACH TO HELL released in 2021.
Terrence is also the author of the acclaimed University Series, which includes: THE FAIRFAX INCIDENT, A CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS, A MURDER OF CROWS and SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL. He has also written two award-winning crime fiction novels set in 1930 New York City – PROHIBITION and SLOW BURN. His World War I novella – THE DEVIL DOGS OF BELLEAU WOOD – won the Silver Medal for Historical Fiction from the Military Writers Society of America. Proceeds from sales go directly to benefit the Semper Fi Fund.
In 2016, Terrence’s short story ‘EL CAMBALACHE’ was nominated for Best Short Story in the ITW’s annual Thriller Awards. His short stories have been featured in Thuglit, Shotgun Honey, Down and Out Magazine and many other publications. He is a member of the New York City chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the International Crime Writers Association, the Military Writers Society of America and the Western Writers of America.
Terrence is an avid reader, loves classic movies and enjoys traveling. A proud native of The Bronx, NY, he currently lives in Dutchess County, NY where he is writing his next work of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2023
I've been a fan of McCauley's work since I read PROHIBITION and the wide range of topics he is able to capture never fails to impress me. CHICAGO '63 may be the best yet. It reads as if James Ellroy was doing an adaptation of THE DAY OF THE JACKAL: tight, fast but not frantically paced, and with a satisfying conclusion.
If you're looking at the start and end dates I listed, they're correct. I read it one day.
If you're looking at the start and end dates I listed, they're correct. I read it one day.
February 20, 2024
Terrence McCauley’s Chicago ‘63 is a fascinating bit of historical fiction, highlighting a plot that predated JFK’s 11/22/63 assassination by a few weeks. While the story is a long novella (feels like 125 pages or so?), McCauley is able to flesh out a series of characters and create a tense, pulse-pounding tale that had me flipping pages faster and faster. I’d never heard of this plot before, yet even though I knew it didn’t succeed, it still had me on the edge of my seat, which is a testament to how well McCauley did with the material. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2023
A heart pounding look at one of the thwarted attempts before America fell to her knees. McCauley dishes out a well developed plot with vivid scene creation and the right amount of violence. Throw in a little good cop bad cop vibe with a dash of impending doom and Chicago ‘63 will wow you from start to finish!
April 1, 2024
A full length story packed into a novella
Terrence delivers authenticity and drama into an authentic fictionalized tale that proceeded what occurred in Dallas a short time later. Novellas can often seem abbreviated but Terrence goes to great lengths to deliver a full story in a small package, and I hope he delivers more stories like Chicago '63 in the future.
Terrence delivers authenticity and drama into an authentic fictionalized tale that proceeded what occurred in Dallas a short time later. Novellas can often seem abbreviated but Terrence goes to great lengths to deliver a full story in a small package, and I hope he delivers more stories like Chicago '63 in the future.
December 18, 2023
Admittedly, I am a Terrence McCauley fan. His University series and westerns (Jeremiah Halstead and Aaron Mackey) are superb. Chicago 63 is a bit of a departure, not only because it’s a novella, but also because of the historical context surrounding theories related to the JFK assassination. Outstanding writing along with a tenacious hero and thought-provoking plot make this another great read from McCauley!
January 31, 2024
As a new reader of Terrence McCauley’s writings, I must say that this is an excellent introduction to his work, as well as a unique take on 1960’s America and the conspiracy theories surrounding The JFK Assassination.
Sadly, this novella also serves as a sort of “prologue” to the assassination itself.
The character of Abraham Golden is extremely compelling considering that he’s based on a real African-American Secret Service Agent who served on President Kennedy’s detail. The racial tensions of the times are present in this story, but are never overbearing or feel forced. The plot to assassinate Kennedy in Chicago remains front and center as it should. The Chicago Conspirators themselves are interesting characters, but I do wish that some character development was fleshed out more in this story.
Overall, CHICAGO 63 is an excellent novella that showcases certain aspects of the lead up to JFK’s death, and will leave readers wowed by the end!
Sadly, this novella also serves as a sort of “prologue” to the assassination itself.
The character of Abraham Golden is extremely compelling considering that he’s based on a real African-American Secret Service Agent who served on President Kennedy’s detail. The racial tensions of the times are present in this story, but are never overbearing or feel forced. The plot to assassinate Kennedy in Chicago remains front and center as it should. The Chicago Conspirators themselves are interesting characters, but I do wish that some character development was fleshed out more in this story.
Overall, CHICAGO 63 is an excellent novella that showcases certain aspects of the lead up to JFK’s death, and will leave readers wowed by the end!
February 3, 2024
Chicago '63 was a pleasure to read. I did my undergraduate senior thesis on the JFK Assassination. I read the entire Warren Report and House Select Committee Findings while looking through countless pages of redacted FBI Files. The parallels between Chicago and Dallas are mind-blowing and certainly connected. I hate reading ebooks but made an exception for this one. I read that McCauley is doing a trilogy on the JFK Assassination. I can't wait! As a social studies teacher, I can tell that Terrence did his homework. The storyline flowed, connected the dots, and was exceptionally well written. I'm a fan!
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February 16, 2024McCauley has a knack for creating immersive and captivating stories within the genre of historical fiction. The way the author combines factual accuracy with a compelling narrative transports readers to the past and keeps them engaged throughout the book. He excels in using dialogue to illuminate the characters' motivations. It not only moves the plot forward but also allows readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. It's fantastic to come across an author who can craft dialogue that is not only engaging but also reveals more about the characters themselves and brings history to life in such a vivid and intriguing manner.
January 22, 2024
Yesterday morning I woke in Tennessee 2024, but before long I found myself fully immersed in Chicago ‘63. When a story feels so real that it leaves you questioning whether it is truly fiction or not, you know you’ve found something great. The level of detail, pacing, and characters are expertly crafted by Terrence McCauley, and left me eagerly anticipating his next foray into history.
April 14, 2024
Chicago 63 is an excellent work of noir, historical fiction set in Chicago during the Kennedy era, and it reads so well you won't want to put it down. The protagonist is modeled after a real life Black Secret Service agent who suspects there's a plot in the works to assassinate JFK during an upcoming visit to the city. Corrupt cops, Cuban militants, and ordinary souls flesh out the novella, and tense encounters, conspiracies, and a spiral of world events ensue. Well done Terrence, looking forward to what's next!
March 17, 2024
Fast-paced and Taut
Loved this novella. It was a quick read, pulling the reader along with a fast pace and taut dialog. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Kennedy conspiracy tales.
Loved this novella. It was a quick read, pulling the reader along with a fast pace and taut dialog. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Kennedy conspiracy tales.
March 13, 2024
Terrence McCauley's CHICAGO '63 is a gripping novella that will hold you to your seat from start to finish. Each page begs the question as to what is historical fact and what is the product of McCauley's rich imagination. The characterization is exceptional as it gives painful insight into the nation's dark social issues and politically tainted law enforcement of the time. Yes, this is a gold nugget in the Terrence McCauley's literary catalog, but this gem is also thought provoking as to the incredible courage, beyond flying bullets, it takes to DO THE RIGHT THING.
December 18, 2023
I was a child on November 22, 1963. Like many Americans, I remember every detail from that tragic day, and the days and weeks that followed, as our nation mourned the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
That's what attracted me to award-winning author Terrence P. McCauley's, Chicago '63, a historically based, fictionalized account of a foiled assassination attempt on President Kennedy. An attempt purportedly planned 20 days earlier, on November 2, 1963.
This is a tightly woven, dialogue-driven book, made more compelling by its novella format. The storyline comes at the reader fast and hard, with character development neatly revealed through the thoughts and words flowing from each individual’s mind and mouth.
In short order, the reader is immersed in the cesspool hierarchy of various law enforcement organizations, from feds to locals, as they jockey to weave together discordant clues about a plan to kill the president on an early November trip to the Windy City.
Evidence is gathered. Assumptions made. Aspersions cast. Lines between good and evil drawn and redrawn. All of it taking place in dark and seedy locales that allow the reader to fully imagine the sights, sounds, and even the smells of each one.
What truly seals the deal for this novella is McCauley’s note at the end of the story, in which he acknowledges the veracity of storyline of Chicago '63’s storyline and characters…and the frightening truth about President Kennedy’s assassination which, even today, may still remain unknown.
Whether you remember the Kennedy assassination or not, take an hour or so and give this novella a read. I guarantee you’ll quickly become immersed in the storyline. And I’m willing to bet you’ll spend the next few days thinking and wondering about what really happened…and what might have been.
Chicago '63 will not publish until February, 2024. You can obtain an advance reader's copy by ordering a premier reader's package, that will afford you input on publication and advance notice about this novella, and more. Use this link and enjoy!
https://www.silverbackpub.com/premium...
That's what attracted me to award-winning author Terrence P. McCauley's, Chicago '63, a historically based, fictionalized account of a foiled assassination attempt on President Kennedy. An attempt purportedly planned 20 days earlier, on November 2, 1963.
This is a tightly woven, dialogue-driven book, made more compelling by its novella format. The storyline comes at the reader fast and hard, with character development neatly revealed through the thoughts and words flowing from each individual’s mind and mouth.
In short order, the reader is immersed in the cesspool hierarchy of various law enforcement organizations, from feds to locals, as they jockey to weave together discordant clues about a plan to kill the president on an early November trip to the Windy City.
Evidence is gathered. Assumptions made. Aspersions cast. Lines between good and evil drawn and redrawn. All of it taking place in dark and seedy locales that allow the reader to fully imagine the sights, sounds, and even the smells of each one.
What truly seals the deal for this novella is McCauley’s note at the end of the story, in which he acknowledges the veracity of storyline of Chicago '63’s storyline and characters…and the frightening truth about President Kennedy’s assassination which, even today, may still remain unknown.
Whether you remember the Kennedy assassination or not, take an hour or so and give this novella a read. I guarantee you’ll quickly become immersed in the storyline. And I’m willing to bet you’ll spend the next few days thinking and wondering about what really happened…and what might have been.
Chicago '63 will not publish until February, 2024. You can obtain an advance reader's copy by ordering a premier reader's package, that will afford you input on publication and advance notice about this novella, and more. Use this link and enjoy!
https://www.silverbackpub.com/premium...
February 8, 2024
In truth, I haven't read this, But I just wanted to say that this historical fiction is based on real people
Homer Echevarria was my Uncle, my Fathers older brother. He passed away about 6 years ago.
I am pretty sure that this would have made him very angry, as in truth, he was not in any way involved in any of this stuff. My dad was a part of the expat group in real life but when he found out my mother was pregnant with my oldest sister in late 62, decided that the US was home (Which is why I and all of my sisters are named on our Birth Certificates with English first and middle names) and as of December that year was no longer involved with the expat group.
However, as this is a work of fiction, I do not begrudge the author for his creative spark.
I will likely purchase the book and see what inventive version of my Uncle he has come up with.
Homer Echevarria was my Uncle, my Fathers older brother. He passed away about 6 years ago.
I am pretty sure that this would have made him very angry, as in truth, he was not in any way involved in any of this stuff. My dad was a part of the expat group in real life but when he found out my mother was pregnant with my oldest sister in late 62, decided that the US was home (Which is why I and all of my sisters are named on our Birth Certificates with English first and middle names) and as of December that year was no longer involved with the expat group.
However, as this is a work of fiction, I do not begrudge the author for his creative spark.
I will likely purchase the book and see what inventive version of my Uncle he has come up with.
January 18, 2024
Found this book as a result of being picked to receive an eARC. Am I ever glad I was selected. I hadn't heard of the series of events that were depicted in the plot. Terrence McCauley's version of this story had me reading the entire book without stopping. Every turn of the page brought a new twist that continued to keep my interest. I highly recommend it to everyone.
March 6, 2025
With several books already under his belt, Terrence McCauley has landed another page-turner with CHICAGO '63. Different than his other genre novels in crime, thriller, and western, this new work illustrates McCauley's fine writing style and combines it with articulate research for a historical fiction story that offers another perspective and a tantalizing conspiracy.
December 13, 2023
Excellent writing, richly developed characters, and tight propulsive action drive this story forward in a race against time and corrupt law enforcement. Drawn from the pages of history, McCauley weaves an amazing story of one man's fight to save a president.
December 14, 2023
Terrance McCauley writes a riveting thriller that grabs you by the horns and takes you along for a fantastic historical adventure that feels more real than fiction. Even as a novella, the narrative feels grand and the characters too real. You can’t go wrong with this one.
January 24, 2024
It’s been snowing here in Tennessee so I was happy to be able to read this gem and make a book cover cake. You can tell Terrance did his research, and it really makes you think about history! Can’t wait for the next one!
December 15, 2023
Fascinating look at a story I thought I knew in a length that allows me to read for pleasure again!
Picture-perfect page-turner!
Picture-perfect page-turner!
January 9, 2024
You will not be able to put this down. Felt so real, walking through a bit of history in a nail biting, page turning way. You will enjoy this one!
February 27, 2024
Cool historical fiction
Very cool piece of historical fiction. Looking forward to the new trilogy. If you haven't yet, do check out Terrence's other books.
Very cool piece of historical fiction. Looking forward to the new trilogy. If you haven't yet, do check out Terrence's other books.
February 28, 2024
Historical fiction based on actual events. Terrence McCauley's novella is the gripping story of the plot to assassinate JFK in Chicago on November 2, 1963.
January 25, 2024
Terrance McCauley has written a gripping story that will have you reading faster than winter wind blowing down Michigan Ave.
Chicago '63 is part thriller, part police procedural, and all intrigue. Definitely get your hands on a copy ASAP.
Chicago '63 is part thriller, part police procedural, and all intrigue. Definitely get your hands on a copy ASAP.
January 25, 2024
Gripping, anxiety-inducing educational, Chicago '63 paints a cinematic picture that gives the reader a front row seat to the lesser known, but quite fascinating first assassination attempt of JFK. Terrence McCauley expertly crafts this propulsive and compelling story that will leave you trying to separate fact from fiction.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews