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Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed
Something Big tells the story of the infamous Brown’s Chicken massacre, a brutal case that captivated Chicagoland after remaining unsolved for nearly a decade.
Customers know Brown's Chicken for its crispy buttermilk fried chicken and flaky biscuits. The Illinois-based franchise has a reputation for delicious but simple comfort food. But through no fault of its own, the words "Brown's Chicken" are also synonymous with one fateful night in January of 1993.
“A Real Hometown” is the trite but apt motto of Palatine, Illinois, a quaint middle-class suburb west of Chicago. On a snowy Friday evening, the staff and owners of the city’s local Brown’s Chicken franchise were closing up when two final customers arrived just past 9 p.m. As the night drew on and the employees hadn’t returned home, the families of the owners and workers began to worry, prompting police to investigate. When they entered the dark building, police were shocked to find seven bodies stacked in the restaurant’s freezer and fridge. The killers, of course, were long gone. In the months that followed, the horrendous story rocked Chicagoland and the case remained unsolved for nine years.
The Brown’s Chicken massacre is one of the most infamous cases in Illinois history, yet it is often misremembered. In Something Big, Patrick Wohl gives a new account of the story, taking readers behind the scenes and sharing the perspective of the people who lived it.
Customers know Brown's Chicken for its crispy buttermilk fried chicken and flaky biscuits. The Illinois-based franchise has a reputation for delicious but simple comfort food. But through no fault of its own, the words "Brown's Chicken" are also synonymous with one fateful night in January of 1993.
“A Real Hometown” is the trite but apt motto of Palatine, Illinois, a quaint middle-class suburb west of Chicago. On a snowy Friday evening, the staff and owners of the city’s local Brown’s Chicken franchise were closing up when two final customers arrived just past 9 p.m. As the night drew on and the employees hadn’t returned home, the families of the owners and workers began to worry, prompting police to investigate. When they entered the dark building, police were shocked to find seven bodies stacked in the restaurant’s freezer and fridge. The killers, of course, were long gone. In the months that followed, the horrendous story rocked Chicagoland and the case remained unsolved for nine years.
The Brown’s Chicken massacre is one of the most infamous cases in Illinois history, yet it is often misremembered. In Something Big, Patrick Wohl gives a new account of the story, taking readers behind the scenes and sharing the perspective of the people who lived it.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
22 people are currently reading
3950 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Wohl
2 books29 followersPatrick Wohl is the author of "Something Big" (Post Hill Press) and "Down Ballot" (3 Fields Books / Illinois Press). An attorney, he received his JD from Georgetown University and BA from The George Washington University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 26, 2025
4.5 stars
Anyone who reads true crime will find this book to be a fascinating, moving, valuable addition to the genre, as will anyone who lives in Chicago’s northwest suburbs (or who lived there during the time of the Brown’s Chicken murders). It’s not a whodunnit–the reader knows from the outset who the killers are–yet it is packed with suspense, intrigue, and emotion.
Seven innocent people are murdered–the two owners and five employees of a fast-food restaurant in Palatine, IL. The crime shocked the residents of the town, the nearby suburbs, and, quite literally, the world. The owner of a nearby business that is mentioned briefly in the book was in Europe when the crime took place and learned about it the next morning on the TV of an appliance store there, halfway around the world.
I still remember where I was when I heard about the killings: leaving a coffee shop on my way to open up the used bookstore I owned in Arlington Heights (next door to Palatine). I would soon find out that I knew one of the victims, having worked with him for about a year at another job; he had come in the bookstore a few times too.
Author Patrick Wohl paints thoughtful, detailed, and sensitive portrayals all the people involved in this horrendous event—the victims and their families, the criminals and their families, the police and additional investigators, and the myriad others–friends, reporters, jurors, etc.-- who were caught up in crime’s immediate storm and its long-lingering emotional, political, and legal ramifications.
A powerful and impactful read.
Why 4.5 instead of 5 stars? There are many grammar errors in the book. “Lay” and “lie” are misused several times, and there are a bunch of misplaced modifiers that create confusing sentences. Between them, the author and editors should have caught these mistakes and corrected them. They do not belong in a professional publication and could be seen to undermine the book’s authority.
Anyone who reads true crime will find this book to be a fascinating, moving, valuable addition to the genre, as will anyone who lives in Chicago’s northwest suburbs (or who lived there during the time of the Brown’s Chicken murders). It’s not a whodunnit–the reader knows from the outset who the killers are–yet it is packed with suspense, intrigue, and emotion.
Seven innocent people are murdered–the two owners and five employees of a fast-food restaurant in Palatine, IL. The crime shocked the residents of the town, the nearby suburbs, and, quite literally, the world. The owner of a nearby business that is mentioned briefly in the book was in Europe when the crime took place and learned about it the next morning on the TV of an appliance store there, halfway around the world.
I still remember where I was when I heard about the killings: leaving a coffee shop on my way to open up the used bookstore I owned in Arlington Heights (next door to Palatine). I would soon find out that I knew one of the victims, having worked with him for about a year at another job; he had come in the bookstore a few times too.
Author Patrick Wohl paints thoughtful, detailed, and sensitive portrayals all the people involved in this horrendous event—the victims and their families, the criminals and their families, the police and additional investigators, and the myriad others–friends, reporters, jurors, etc.-- who were caught up in crime’s immediate storm and its long-lingering emotional, political, and legal ramifications.
A powerful and impactful read.
Why 4.5 instead of 5 stars? There are many grammar errors in the book. “Lay” and “lie” are misused several times, and there are a bunch of misplaced modifiers that create confusing sentences. Between them, the author and editors should have caught these mistakes and corrected them. They do not belong in a professional publication and could be seen to undermine the book’s authority.
July 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, Something Big, by Patrick Wohl, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I remember the Browns chicken murder from when I was a kid. It was such a sad time, January 1993. Seven people were murdered, and it seemed like it was never going to be solved. I was looking forward to reading this book, being from Illinois and remembering the case, but I did not like the writers style.
June 5, 2025
If you ever heard the story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, the horrors of that event stick with you. When picking up Patrick Wohl's Something Big, I remembered much of the overall story but wanted an in-depth look. While Wohl gets points for his emotional approach to the material, his technical approach left much to be desired.
Wohl deserves big points for his introduction and where his heart is. He grapples with the genre of true crime and asks himself how to make this book more than just more gristle for the fanatics looking for blood and gore. This is hugely admirable and Wohl does succeed in putting a spotlight on the victims more than most do. Unfortunately, this is also a big part of why the book felt flat for me.
In Wohl's efforts to highlight the people of this tragedy, he completely forgets to give this book a narrative with a strong perspective. Most chapters, even towards the end of the book, keep introducing new characters who do not have strong reasons to be there. For instance, the town mayor has a chapter devoted to her, but if you completely skipped this section, it wouldn't matter to the overall story. These chapters are also very surface level. Without getting into spoilers, a witness breaks this case wide open years after the crime. There is no analysis of how this person came to this momentous decision.
Wohl's heart was certainly in the right place. However, a story is more than just giving the facts to the reader. He never found a way to provide true insight into this case.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Post Hill Press.)
Wohl deserves big points for his introduction and where his heart is. He grapples with the genre of true crime and asks himself how to make this book more than just more gristle for the fanatics looking for blood and gore. This is hugely admirable and Wohl does succeed in putting a spotlight on the victims more than most do. Unfortunately, this is also a big part of why the book felt flat for me.
In Wohl's efforts to highlight the people of this tragedy, he completely forgets to give this book a narrative with a strong perspective. Most chapters, even towards the end of the book, keep introducing new characters who do not have strong reasons to be there. For instance, the town mayor has a chapter devoted to her, but if you completely skipped this section, it wouldn't matter to the overall story. These chapters are also very surface level. Without getting into spoilers, a witness breaks this case wide open years after the crime. There is no analysis of how this person came to this momentous decision.
Wohl's heart was certainly in the right place. However, a story is more than just giving the facts to the reader. He never found a way to provide true insight into this case.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Post Hill Press.)
Read
July 22, 2025The Brown’s Chicken restaurant on Northwest Highway in Palatine, Illinois had just closed on the snowy Friday night of January 8, 1993 when former employee Juan Luna and his friend Jim Degorski knocked on the locked entry door. One of the owners, Lynn Ehlenfeldt, recognized Luna and let in the two men, which was not uncommon. As workers cleaned the restaurant, Degorski sat down at a corner table while Luna ordered a chicken dinner and then joined Degorski at the table. When Luna finished eating, he dumped the chicken bones and other garbage in an already empty trash bin, a move that would eventually provide DNA evidence in solving the crime that was about to occur. Then Degorski and Luna ordered the two owners and five other employees into the backroom cooler and freezer where they shot and killed all seven people.
Patrick Wohl’s Something Big: The True Story of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed is different from earlier books on this crime in that Wohl focuses on the people: the victims, their families, the murderers, the investigators, those who knew something but held the secret for almost a decade, and others. Wohl’s human portraits of those involved reveal their motivations, emotions, and vulnerabilities. Something Big--Degorski’s phrase for why he committed the murders was that he wanted to do “something big”--is a pulse-racing true crime story that honors the victims and their families, as well as the law enforcement officers who worked for years to solve the murders. The portrayals of Luna and Degorski are far from sympathetic, but their stories shed light on how they lived their lives before and after the murders.
My throat and chest were tight as I read Something Big because of my personal familiarity with the case. I was a teacher in Palatine at the time of the murders, and I had the unenviable task of informing a busload of students the next day about the murders and why their hometown was going to be national news. Then for a long time, we all lived with an uneasiness about the unsolved crime.
Flash forward ten years. Degorski and Luna were former students at the school where I taught, as were some of the friends who held their gruesome secrets, so when news of the arrests broke, Chicago media needed a backdrop for their stories, and they descended on our school with helicopters, news vans, and reporters galore. School security wasn’t as tight then, and reporters were coming to the doors and windows of our school trying to gain access to anyone who would talk about the accused, even though neither of them had been there for years. A well-known Chicago reporter slipped through a side door when students were exiting, and a colleague and I literally picked her up by the elbows and carried her out of the building. Seven of the people profiled in Something Big are individuals with whom I’ve had direct interactions of varying degrees, including Degorski and Luna.
Even though it was disturbing, I’m glad I read Something Big because it provides a cohesive structure and fills in some gaps in my lived experience related to the Brown’s Chicken murders. I’m also glad that I’m finished with it. This book stirred up some difficult memories, but they will settle more clearly for having read Something Big.
Patrick Wohl’s Something Big: The True Story of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed is different from earlier books on this crime in that Wohl focuses on the people: the victims, their families, the murderers, the investigators, those who knew something but held the secret for almost a decade, and others. Wohl’s human portraits of those involved reveal their motivations, emotions, and vulnerabilities. Something Big--Degorski’s phrase for why he committed the murders was that he wanted to do “something big”--is a pulse-racing true crime story that honors the victims and their families, as well as the law enforcement officers who worked for years to solve the murders. The portrayals of Luna and Degorski are far from sympathetic, but their stories shed light on how they lived their lives before and after the murders.
My throat and chest were tight as I read Something Big because of my personal familiarity with the case. I was a teacher in Palatine at the time of the murders, and I had the unenviable task of informing a busload of students the next day about the murders and why their hometown was going to be national news. Then for a long time, we all lived with an uneasiness about the unsolved crime.
Flash forward ten years. Degorski and Luna were former students at the school where I taught, as were some of the friends who held their gruesome secrets, so when news of the arrests broke, Chicago media needed a backdrop for their stories, and they descended on our school with helicopters, news vans, and reporters galore. School security wasn’t as tight then, and reporters were coming to the doors and windows of our school trying to gain access to anyone who would talk about the accused, even though neither of them had been there for years. A well-known Chicago reporter slipped through a side door when students were exiting, and a colleague and I literally picked her up by the elbows and carried her out of the building. Seven of the people profiled in Something Big are individuals with whom I’ve had direct interactions of varying degrees, including Degorski and Luna.
Even though it was disturbing, I’m glad I read Something Big because it provides a cohesive structure and fills in some gaps in my lived experience related to the Brown’s Chicken murders. I’m also glad that I’m finished with it. This book stirred up some difficult memories, but they will settle more clearly for having read Something Big.
June 12, 2025
Something Big by Patrick Wohl. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brown’s Chicken in Chicago was onowin for its crispy fried chicken, until a massacre one cold January night in 1993.
I had not heard of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre before. I avoided reading about it so I could get all my info from the book. The author did a great job of introducing all the characters in a very humanizing way so we wouldn’t see them just as victims, or just as their role in the story. This was an interesting story that focused more on the investigation and aftermath, than the gruesome details.
Something Big comes out 7/1.
Brown’s Chicken in Chicago was onowin for its crispy fried chicken, until a massacre one cold January night in 1993.
I had not heard of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre before. I avoided reading about it so I could get all my info from the book. The author did a great job of introducing all the characters in a very humanizing way so we wouldn’t see them just as victims, or just as their role in the story. This was an interesting story that focused more on the investigation and aftermath, than the gruesome details.
Something Big comes out 7/1.
June 10, 2025
So much thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 1, 2025
In January of 1993, two young men broke into a Brown’s Chicken restaurant in Illinois after closing hours and opened fire, intentionally killing the restaurant’s two owners and five other employees. The case remained unsolved for nine years and, finally, when apprehended, one of the suspects admitted that he did it because he wanted to do “something big”.
And that is where Patrick Wohl’s non-fiction true crime story, “Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed” gets its name. Although Wohl claims the story is a well-known and frequently told one, at least in the state of Illinois, it was a complete unknown to me. Seeing as I didn’t have any background to go on, I couldn’t tell you if Wohl presented information that had been previously unknown or not. What I can tell you, though, is the story is engaging and disturbing, even though the tale itself is gory and disturbing.
“Big” is split into three parts; the first talks about the victims of the crime, whether it was those who were slaughtered that day or those who were intensely affected, the second part focuses on the background characters who played an important role in the crime itself and its resolution (even if they didn’t know it yet) and of course, the third part talks about the trial and its verdicts. Wohl ensures that all questions readers have are answered to the best of his ability, while still maintaining a high level of respect for the victims and their loved ones.
The crime itself was so out there and so bizarre that I don’t think even the suspects really knew what motivated them. That being said, although Wohl provides us with a bit of background on both murderers, I wanted more on their upbringing and the influences in their lives. Was the hard childhood Jim endured enough to turn him into a killer of seven people? Did Juan simply allow himself to be influenced by the more dominant Jim? These are the details that I most desperately wanted to know but, as is in most true crime, these are the details that often aren’t revealed to anyone outside of the criminal minds themselves.
Whether you knew about the Brown’s Chicken Massacre or not, Wohl provides a compulsively readable version that true crime fans will flock to (pun not intended).
Expected publication date: July 1, 2025
In January of 1993, two young men broke into a Brown’s Chicken restaurant in Illinois after closing hours and opened fire, intentionally killing the restaurant’s two owners and five other employees. The case remained unsolved for nine years and, finally, when apprehended, one of the suspects admitted that he did it because he wanted to do “something big”.
And that is where Patrick Wohl’s non-fiction true crime story, “Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed” gets its name. Although Wohl claims the story is a well-known and frequently told one, at least in the state of Illinois, it was a complete unknown to me. Seeing as I didn’t have any background to go on, I couldn’t tell you if Wohl presented information that had been previously unknown or not. What I can tell you, though, is the story is engaging and disturbing, even though the tale itself is gory and disturbing.
“Big” is split into three parts; the first talks about the victims of the crime, whether it was those who were slaughtered that day or those who were intensely affected, the second part focuses on the background characters who played an important role in the crime itself and its resolution (even if they didn’t know it yet) and of course, the third part talks about the trial and its verdicts. Wohl ensures that all questions readers have are answered to the best of his ability, while still maintaining a high level of respect for the victims and their loved ones.
The crime itself was so out there and so bizarre that I don’t think even the suspects really knew what motivated them. That being said, although Wohl provides us with a bit of background on both murderers, I wanted more on their upbringing and the influences in their lives. Was the hard childhood Jim endured enough to turn him into a killer of seven people? Did Juan simply allow himself to be influenced by the more dominant Jim? These are the details that I most desperately wanted to know but, as is in most true crime, these are the details that often aren’t revealed to anyone outside of the criminal minds themselves.
Whether you knew about the Brown’s Chicken Massacre or not, Wohl provides a compulsively readable version that true crime fans will flock to (pun not intended).
June 15, 2025
Prepare yourself for a true crime experience unlike most others. This book reads like a well-crafted 8-part documentary, delving deep into the intricacies of the case with a phenom level of detail. What sets it apart is its rigorous commitment to transparency; every source is meticulously cited, allowing the reader to follow the investigative trail firsthand. This commitment to factual accuracy ensures a gripping narrative without resorting to the sensationalism and graphic imagery often seen in television true crime docs.
If you're a fellow true crime buff seeking a richly detailed and ethically presented account, then this is your next must-read.
July 1, 2025
Thank you so much @thewohlymammoth for a gifted copy!
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Patrick Wohl
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: July 1, 2025
5⭐️
♦️ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ♦️
I don’t read true crime stories too often, but I watch documents, Dateline, 20/20, you name it. This story intrigued me because it happened around Chicago, which I am just a few hours from, and I hadn’t learned about it yet! This story is so crazy!
Essentially, one evening in January 1993, after closing up at Browns Chicken restaurant, the employees working never came home. Families start to worry and get police involved. When they arrive at the restaurant, they discover 7 bodies in the freezer/fridges of the employees. And it eventually takes 9 years for the murderers to be apprehended.
To start, I enjoyed the way Wohl told this true story. He focused on the human element of the case, providing background on the victims and key players in this case. While I was reading, I felt like I was given a personal account of everyone’s lives before the crime happened. You feel for the victims and their families when you learn how one or two of them were not supposed to be working that night, or how some just started this job or had just moved to America! You get that human connection to them, where something crazy like this can happen anywhere.
➡️ Also, side note, my eyes bugged out when I read the main murderer moved down to my city area and was eventually arrested in the town next to mine!
This story also highlighted the effort that went into this case over 9 years before apprehending the suspects. So many agencies were involved in this case and it’s crazy to know how many man hours go into these cases!
The DNA evidence that came into play was interesting because the criminalist at the time knew to save specific evidence that at the time they couldn’t get a profile from, but she knew science was advancing rapidly enough that it was worth saving!
If you like true crime stories, documentaries, etc, give this story a read!!
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Patrick Wohl
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: July 1, 2025
5⭐️
♦️ 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 ♦️
I don’t read true crime stories too often, but I watch documents, Dateline, 20/20, you name it. This story intrigued me because it happened around Chicago, which I am just a few hours from, and I hadn’t learned about it yet! This story is so crazy!
Essentially, one evening in January 1993, after closing up at Browns Chicken restaurant, the employees working never came home. Families start to worry and get police involved. When they arrive at the restaurant, they discover 7 bodies in the freezer/fridges of the employees. And it eventually takes 9 years for the murderers to be apprehended.
To start, I enjoyed the way Wohl told this true story. He focused on the human element of the case, providing background on the victims and key players in this case. While I was reading, I felt like I was given a personal account of everyone’s lives before the crime happened. You feel for the victims and their families when you learn how one or two of them were not supposed to be working that night, or how some just started this job or had just moved to America! You get that human connection to them, where something crazy like this can happen anywhere.
➡️ Also, side note, my eyes bugged out when I read the main murderer moved down to my city area and was eventually arrested in the town next to mine!
This story also highlighted the effort that went into this case over 9 years before apprehending the suspects. So many agencies were involved in this case and it’s crazy to know how many man hours go into these cases!
The DNA evidence that came into play was interesting because the criminalist at the time knew to save specific evidence that at the time they couldn’t get a profile from, but she knew science was advancing rapidly enough that it was worth saving!
If you like true crime stories, documentaries, etc, give this story a read!!
July 1, 2025
I don't do ⭐ ratings less than 5 for true crime unless the writing is terrible and this was not the case for this book!
“Sometimes the loudest crimes echo in silence for years.”
A chilling true crime account that digs deep into one of the most horrifying—but strangely overlooked—mass murders in American history: the 1993 Brown’s Chicken massacre in Palatine, Illinois. Seven people killed. No suspects. No justice—for nearly a decade.
Patrick Wohl reconstructs the entire case with journalistic precision and a deeply empathetic lens. He gives a voice to the victims, the families left behind, and the investigators who refused to let this case fade into cold-case obscurity.
What sets Something Big apart?
🧠 It's smart without being clinical.
💔 It's emotional without being exploitative.
⚖️ It humanizes both the courtroom and the crime scene.
You feel the weight of time—the silence that settled over the town, the whispers of suspicion, and the eventual shattering of both with a long-awaited arrest. It’s a reminder of how justice delayed is still justice fought for.
Something Big is a compelling and respectful account that brings clarity to a tragic and long-unsolved crime. If you’re drawn to true crime works that balance compassion with journalistic rigor—and care about giving voice to unnoticed victims—this book is a must-read.
🗂️ File under: Forgotten crimes, persistent justice, Midwestern noir.
“Sometimes the loudest crimes echo in silence for years.”
A chilling true crime account that digs deep into one of the most horrifying—but strangely overlooked—mass murders in American history: the 1993 Brown’s Chicken massacre in Palatine, Illinois. Seven people killed. No suspects. No justice—for nearly a decade.
Patrick Wohl reconstructs the entire case with journalistic precision and a deeply empathetic lens. He gives a voice to the victims, the families left behind, and the investigators who refused to let this case fade into cold-case obscurity.
What sets Something Big apart?
🧠 It's smart without being clinical.
💔 It's emotional without being exploitative.
⚖️ It humanizes both the courtroom and the crime scene.
You feel the weight of time—the silence that settled over the town, the whispers of suspicion, and the eventual shattering of both with a long-awaited arrest. It’s a reminder of how justice delayed is still justice fought for.
Something Big is a compelling and respectful account that brings clarity to a tragic and long-unsolved crime. If you’re drawn to true crime works that balance compassion with journalistic rigor—and care about giving voice to unnoticed victims—this book is a must-read.
🗂️ File under: Forgotten crimes, persistent justice, Midwestern noir.
July 1, 2025
⭐️: 4.5/5
So, when I received this book, I had jumped down the rabbit hole of the mass murder of seven employees at a Brown's Chicken fast-food restaurant in Illinois on January 8, 1993. As a true crime enthusiast, I was surprised to discover that I had never heard of this case before.
The author did an excellent job of recounting the horrendous crime while maintaining a significant amount of respect and care for the victims. It is evident that the author conducted extensive research on this case before he began writing the book. As a long-time fan of true crime, I greatly appreciate that effort. He skillfully kept the victims at the center of the narrative, honoring them with the respect they deserve, which is often overlooked in true crime book.
He really goes into depth describing each character and their backstory. He does a good job of not skipping over any of the details, so we can get a full vivid image of what is being described. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort the author invested in portraying this real-life nightmare.
✨Thank you to the author, Patrick Wohl, for my gifted copy.✨
So, when I received this book, I had jumped down the rabbit hole of the mass murder of seven employees at a Brown's Chicken fast-food restaurant in Illinois on January 8, 1993. As a true crime enthusiast, I was surprised to discover that I had never heard of this case before.
The author did an excellent job of recounting the horrendous crime while maintaining a significant amount of respect and care for the victims. It is evident that the author conducted extensive research on this case before he began writing the book. As a long-time fan of true crime, I greatly appreciate that effort. He skillfully kept the victims at the center of the narrative, honoring them with the respect they deserve, which is often overlooked in true crime book.
He really goes into depth describing each character and their backstory. He does a good job of not skipping over any of the details, so we can get a full vivid image of what is being described. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort the author invested in portraying this real-life nightmare.
✨Thank you to the author, Patrick Wohl, for my gifted copy.✨
June 8, 2025
This book was really good. True crime is my favorite genre, and I haven't read one in a long time. I knew very little about the Brown's Chicken massacre before I started reading this. I was young when the murders happened - it was just days before my 12th birthday, but it was on our news a lot, especially since it happened less than an hour from where I was living. This book really got to me - it was well written outlining the crimes, and sharing information about each of the victims. Another thing I learned is both of the murderers are being housed in Stateville Prison, which is the town next to where I live. I had no idea that they were there. Regarding the death penalty, even if they would have gotten it, it would have been overturned just a few years later since Gov. Quinn abolished it and commuted everyone to life without parole. It did take years for Anne to come forward, which gives me hope that another unsolved crime in Illinois can be solved - the Lane Bryant Murders.
June 9, 2025
As someone who had never heard of this tragedy prior to receiving the book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had read the blurb for the #book and that was it.
I felt the book was well written, it provided me with the facts of the case, as well as building a full picture of the people who were murdered, which allows you to see them as the people they were, more than just as victims reported in the media. I thought the author did an excellent job of bringing their stories to life.
The book is full of details surrounding the murders and the police investigation that ensued, and takes you through the whole process, including the hearings at court and the outcomes. I thought it was respectful and well researched.
I did feel there was a slight disconnect in the timeline of the book, and that there was a jump forward and then back that confused me slightly but I do think this is largely due to the nature of the investigation and eventual conclusion rather than an issue with the writing.
Big thanks to the author, publisher and @netgalley for the #arc
I felt the book was well written, it provided me with the facts of the case, as well as building a full picture of the people who were murdered, which allows you to see them as the people they were, more than just as victims reported in the media. I thought the author did an excellent job of bringing their stories to life.
The book is full of details surrounding the murders and the police investigation that ensued, and takes you through the whole process, including the hearings at court and the outcomes. I thought it was respectful and well researched.
I did feel there was a slight disconnect in the timeline of the book, and that there was a jump forward and then back that confused me slightly but I do think this is largely due to the nature of the investigation and eventual conclusion rather than an issue with the writing.
Big thanks to the author, publisher and @netgalley for the #arc
June 23, 2025
4.5/5
Thank you @thewohlymammoth @post_hill_press for the gifted copy of this book!
I’m so thankful Patrick Wohl reached out to me about Something Big because I TOTALLY remember this story from the news! I moved to the Chicago area after college, and this case has lingered in headlines and conversations here ever since. It took place in Palatine, just about 40 minutes from where I live — the senseless murder of seven innocent people at a Brown’s Chicken one night as they were closing up.
Patrick does such a great job honoring the victims, giving us a real sense of who they were beyond the crime. Two were high school students, and the others were hardworking people chasing the American Dream. I always appreciate when a true crime book highlights the lives lost and reminds us of their humanity — not just the horrific event. Patrick really did them justice.
The book also offers a thorough look into the killers’ backgrounds, the painstaking police work, and the long, winding road it took to finally bring them to justice years later. Honestly, thank goodness for people with a conscience who refused to let this case go cold.
It felt like reading a 48 Hours or Dateline episode and once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Patrick’s research is solid, his sources well-cited and I could not put it down once I started.
If you’re a true crime reader, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list. Rest in peace to the seven victims of this heartbreaking tragedy — you are not forgotten.
If you’re a true crime reader, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list. Rest in peace to the seven victims of this heartbreaking tragedy — you are not forgotten.
Thank you @thewohlymammoth @post_hill_press for the gifted copy of this book!
I’m so thankful Patrick Wohl reached out to me about Something Big because I TOTALLY remember this story from the news! I moved to the Chicago area after college, and this case has lingered in headlines and conversations here ever since. It took place in Palatine, just about 40 minutes from where I live — the senseless murder of seven innocent people at a Brown’s Chicken one night as they were closing up.
Patrick does such a great job honoring the victims, giving us a real sense of who they were beyond the crime. Two were high school students, and the others were hardworking people chasing the American Dream. I always appreciate when a true crime book highlights the lives lost and reminds us of their humanity — not just the horrific event. Patrick really did them justice.
The book also offers a thorough look into the killers’ backgrounds, the painstaking police work, and the long, winding road it took to finally bring them to justice years later. Honestly, thank goodness for people with a conscience who refused to let this case go cold.
It felt like reading a 48 Hours or Dateline episode and once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Patrick’s research is solid, his sources well-cited and I could not put it down once I started.
If you’re a true crime reader, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list. Rest in peace to the seven victims of this heartbreaking tragedy — you are not forgotten.
If you’re a true crime reader, this one is absolutely worth adding to your list. Rest in peace to the seven victims of this heartbreaking tragedy — you are not forgotten.
June 11, 2025
I was in high school in Chicago when this gruesome act of violence took place and I’ve often thought about it over the years. If you lived in the Chicago area at the time of the crime, you would have followed the case because it was highly publicized and rocked the community.
I don’t often read true crime but because this case haunted me for years, I decided to take a chance on it. I’m so glad I did. What an engrossing, well-researched read that kept me glued to the pages. I applaud the author for tackling this project and focusing on the victims to honor them and keep their memories alive.
Each chapter is devoted to a different person associated with the case and this makes the book easy to follow. What is perplexing about the crime is that no clear motive was ever given aside from wanting to do “something big.” The author’s way of turning the phrase “something big” around to honor the victims’ legacies was the perfect way to end the narrative.
Highly recommend this true crime novel.
I don’t often read true crime but because this case haunted me for years, I decided to take a chance on it. I’m so glad I did. What an engrossing, well-researched read that kept me glued to the pages. I applaud the author for tackling this project and focusing on the victims to honor them and keep their memories alive.
Each chapter is devoted to a different person associated with the case and this makes the book easy to follow. What is perplexing about the crime is that no clear motive was ever given aside from wanting to do “something big.” The author’s way of turning the phrase “something big” around to honor the victims’ legacies was the perfect way to end the narrative.
Highly recommend this true crime novel.
June 8, 2025
I have heard of this case before listening to a true crime podcast but this book brings so much more when reading about each of the victims, their families and how they were affected by this horrific tragedy. I loved the writing style of the author and how he told each of the victims stories and gave them a voice. Of course with any true crime I read I just want to throw my book when reading about the criminals and how some of the police work was handled but this was definitely an engrossing and heartbreaking read. And I highly recommend it.
August 19, 2025
“Watch the news tonight,” he said. “We did something big.” - James Degorski
One minute, you’re waiting for your loved one to come home, merely wondering why they’re late. The next, your entire life has changed.
On January 8, 1993, seven people working inside a Brown’s Chicken franchise in Palatine, Illinois, were brutally murdered during a robbery.
Police spent nine years chasing leads, with over 150 investigators involved and nearly $1 million spent before finally bringing Juan Luna and James Degorski to justice.
Something Big by Patrick Wohl takes a different approach to this case. Instead of focusing on the crime itself, Wohl shines a light on the people—their lives, their stories, and the human side of this tragedy. He makes sure they are remembered as individuals, not just victims.
This book is incredibly well researched, and that shows on every page. While I appreciated the unique angle and respectful storytelling, I did wish for an introduction or a clearer explanation of the crime at the start. As someone unfamiliar with the case, I had to pause and google the background for context.
Overall, a powerful and deeply human read that reminds us that behind every headline, there are real people and real stories.
One minute, you’re waiting for your loved one to come home, merely wondering why they’re late. The next, your entire life has changed.
On January 8, 1993, seven people working inside a Brown’s Chicken franchise in Palatine, Illinois, were brutally murdered during a robbery.
Police spent nine years chasing leads, with over 150 investigators involved and nearly $1 million spent before finally bringing Juan Luna and James Degorski to justice.
Something Big by Patrick Wohl takes a different approach to this case. Instead of focusing on the crime itself, Wohl shines a light on the people—their lives, their stories, and the human side of this tragedy. He makes sure they are remembered as individuals, not just victims.
This book is incredibly well researched, and that shows on every page. While I appreciated the unique angle and respectful storytelling, I did wish for an introduction or a clearer explanation of the crime at the start. As someone unfamiliar with the case, I had to pause and google the background for context.
Overall, a powerful and deeply human read that reminds us that behind every headline, there are real people and real stories.
July 9, 2025
“This isn’t supposed to happen here.”
But sadly, tragedy strikes when you least expect it. I decided to give this one a try because it was eerily reminiscent of the tragic restaurant murders that happened in East Texas. I was intrigued by the writing style the author chose. I really liked how the author let the reader learn more about the victims, how some had traveled far to do something big here in America. Several were relatable, but then the brutal murders happened — and all for what? A senseless and tragic event that took place in a small town that will never be forgotten. We not only get to know the victims, but we also learn about the murderers, how they grew up, the relationships they had, and how the townspeople either united or turned on the local police and their investigation. Overall, it was a very intriguing story, right up to the trials. My heart aches for those who were brutally slain on that fateful day in 1993. I really liked how the title came into play and appreciated the tribute to the victims.
A very special thanks to Post Hill Press + Netgalley for the gifted arc.
But sadly, tragedy strikes when you least expect it. I decided to give this one a try because it was eerily reminiscent of the tragic restaurant murders that happened in East Texas. I was intrigued by the writing style the author chose. I really liked how the author let the reader learn more about the victims, how some had traveled far to do something big here in America. Several were relatable, but then the brutal murders happened — and all for what? A senseless and tragic event that took place in a small town that will never be forgotten. We not only get to know the victims, but we also learn about the murderers, how they grew up, the relationships they had, and how the townspeople either united or turned on the local police and their investigation. Overall, it was a very intriguing story, right up to the trials. My heart aches for those who were brutally slain on that fateful day in 1993. I really liked how the title came into play and appreciated the tribute to the victims.
A very special thanks to Post Hill Press + Netgalley for the gifted arc.
July 2, 2025
I had to read this since this horrendous crime happened near where I grew up in Chicago and was very familiar with the setting.
Brown’s Chicken was a large chain and was one of my favorite restaurants when I was a child. Thinking about it brings back many fun memories of going there with friends and family after performing in ice skating events. The location we frequented was not the one depicted in this book, however.
Something Big, really delves into the history of Brown’s Chicken and how it became a Chicagoland staple. I loved learning about how a little farm stand turned into a successful business and its connection to Portillo’s, another Chicagoland favorite restaurant.
What I found most intriguing, is learning about the people connected to the case. Wohl presented them as individuals with dreams and aspirations and not just as victims. Just as intriguing, was learning about those who committed the crime and those who kept secrets. I’m a big fan of Ann Rule true-crime books because she also offers a deep perspective into all involved parties as Wohl has done.
This is an incredible account of a truly nonsensical act. I’m heartbroken for the families of the seven employees lost that night in January 1993.
Thank you to the author for the arc!
Brown’s Chicken was a large chain and was one of my favorite restaurants when I was a child. Thinking about it brings back many fun memories of going there with friends and family after performing in ice skating events. The location we frequented was not the one depicted in this book, however.
Something Big, really delves into the history of Brown’s Chicken and how it became a Chicagoland staple. I loved learning about how a little farm stand turned into a successful business and its connection to Portillo’s, another Chicagoland favorite restaurant.
What I found most intriguing, is learning about the people connected to the case. Wohl presented them as individuals with dreams and aspirations and not just as victims. Just as intriguing, was learning about those who committed the crime and those who kept secrets. I’m a big fan of Ann Rule true-crime books because she also offers a deep perspective into all involved parties as Wohl has done.
This is an incredible account of a truly nonsensical act. I’m heartbroken for the families of the seven employees lost that night in January 1993.
Thank you to the author for the arc!
September 24, 2025
Pretty good re-telling of the Brown’s Chicken massacre. I found it interesting because I live very near there and remember when it happened.
I rolled my eyes at some of it. Fremd high school students having “thick Chicago accents” is laughable.
Reading about the murderers backgrounds was disturbing and want to hear what happened to their families.
But foremost I feel so sad for the victims and their families.
I rolled my eyes at some of it. Fremd high school students having “thick Chicago accents” is laughable.
Reading about the murderers backgrounds was disturbing and want to hear what happened to their families.
But foremost I feel so sad for the victims and their families.
June 26, 2025
SOMETHING BIG is the true crime story of seven people who were brutally murdered at a Brown’s Chicken restaurant in a quiet suburb of Chicago back in 1993.
I loved Patrick Wohl’s approach. Too often we (readers and writers) focus on the killers, relegating the victims to nothing more than victimhood. Here, Wohl not only spends time letting us get to know the killers, but we also meet all the victims. We learn about their lives, who they were, who they wanted to be, and what they meant to the people who loved them.
The term “senseless crime” is frequently used, but this truly was just that. The two killers wanted to do “something big”, for reasons unknown to us, and maybe to them. And they almost got away with it.
*Thanks to the author for the signed copy!*
I loved Patrick Wohl’s approach. Too often we (readers and writers) focus on the killers, relegating the victims to nothing more than victimhood. Here, Wohl not only spends time letting us get to know the killers, but we also meet all the victims. We learn about their lives, who they were, who they wanted to be, and what they meant to the people who loved them.
The term “senseless crime” is frequently used, but this truly was just that. The two killers wanted to do “something big”, for reasons unknown to us, and maybe to them. And they almost got away with it.
*Thanks to the author for the signed copy!*
June 18, 2025
As someone who lives for true crime podcasts, I was shocked I hadn’t heard about this case before. Something Big was a gut-punch of a read. It’s a tragic, horrifying story, but Patrick Wohl handles it with care and thoughtfulness. What really stood out to me was how much space he gave to the victims and their families—we get to see who they were and what they brought to the world, not just what was taken from them.
The crime itself was senseless and cruel, committed by men who wanted to do “something big” for no reason other than violence. As a crier, I definitely had moments where I had to pause and sit with the weight of what the families shared. Still, the writing flowed so well, and the story was told with such clarity and respect that I couldn’t put it down. I’d absolutely recommend this to fellow true crime readers. It’s heartbreaking, yes,but deeply human.
The crime itself was senseless and cruel, committed by men who wanted to do “something big” for no reason other than violence. As a crier, I definitely had moments where I had to pause and sit with the weight of what the families shared. Still, the writing flowed so well, and the story was told with such clarity and respect that I couldn’t put it down. I’d absolutely recommend this to fellow true crime readers. It’s heartbreaking, yes,but deeply human.
June 4, 2025
10/10, 5 gold stars, two thumbs up, etc. All the superlatives for the author on this one.
While “Something Big” is certainly not the first accounting of the 1993 Brown’s Chicken tragedy, there hasn’t been a work done this thoroughly or with this amount of respect and care paid to the victims.
Tremendous work by Patrick on his second book. Cannot recommend it enough.
While “Something Big” is certainly not the first accounting of the 1993 Brown’s Chicken tragedy, there hasn’t been a work done this thoroughly or with this amount of respect and care paid to the victims.
Tremendous work by Patrick on his second book. Cannot recommend it enough.
June 29, 2025
📚 ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚
Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed
By Patrick Wohl
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Publisher: Post Hill Press
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Huge thanks go out to Patrick Wohl for sending an autographed advanced copy of his book, and to Post Hill Press and to NetGalley for the e-arc -- in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
When author Patrick Wohl reached out and asked if I'd be interested in reading his upcoming true crime book, Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre..., I couldn't say yes fast enough! I was honored when he sent an autographed copy of this incredible read. And to my fellow true crime fans, prepare yourself for Something Big to be added to your TBR lists immediately.
Something Big is a comprehensive and thoroughly detailed written account of the Brown's Chicken massacre (as it became widely-known) in Palatine, Illinois, on January 8, 1993. Sensitive and tactfully-written, it was clear to me that Wohl had taken his time in compiling this information and had really gotten to know those involved in this case. In the preface, Wohl explained he was raised not far from where this tragedy occurred and grew up eating Brown's fried chicken. As such, this case stuck with him over the years. While there were numerous books about this case, none came from someone with local ties, and Wohl cited his desire to focus on the stories of those involved and share the human side of the tragedy.
"People trusted me with incredibly intimate stories about this awful event that profoundly impacted their lives. Many of them still live with this tragedy day in and day out. To them, it's not just a story. I promised to write this book in a way that is different from other tales, respecting the families while still managing to tell a compelling narrative for readers with no connection to Palatine, Illinois."
After finishing this gripping read, I assert Wohl did EXACTLY as he set out to do. This book was so well-written, with each chapter dedicated to a detailed story of a person's life and their connection to the brutal crime. His writing style was immersive, as he took me along on his journey of looking deeper into the lives of those impacted by this crime - from before the crime was committed until after the verdicts were delivered.
I greatly appreciated the way in which Wohl shared this accounting of one of Illinois's most brutal crimes and its impact on everyone it touched. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime -- and I genuinely look forward to any future true crime stories to which Wohl may lend his masterful writing prowess.
#SomethingBig #PatrickWohl #PostHillPress #truecrime #truecrimereads #BrownsChickenMassacre #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecs #booklover #bookaddict
Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed
By Patrick Wohl
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Publisher: Post Hill Press
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Huge thanks go out to Patrick Wohl for sending an autographed advanced copy of his book, and to Post Hill Press and to NetGalley for the e-arc -- in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
When author Patrick Wohl reached out and asked if I'd be interested in reading his upcoming true crime book, Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre..., I couldn't say yes fast enough! I was honored when he sent an autographed copy of this incredible read. And to my fellow true crime fans, prepare yourself for Something Big to be added to your TBR lists immediately.
Something Big is a comprehensive and thoroughly detailed written account of the Brown's Chicken massacre (as it became widely-known) in Palatine, Illinois, on January 8, 1993. Sensitive and tactfully-written, it was clear to me that Wohl had taken his time in compiling this information and had really gotten to know those involved in this case. In the preface, Wohl explained he was raised not far from where this tragedy occurred and grew up eating Brown's fried chicken. As such, this case stuck with him over the years. While there were numerous books about this case, none came from someone with local ties, and Wohl cited his desire to focus on the stories of those involved and share the human side of the tragedy.
"People trusted me with incredibly intimate stories about this awful event that profoundly impacted their lives. Many of them still live with this tragedy day in and day out. To them, it's not just a story. I promised to write this book in a way that is different from other tales, respecting the families while still managing to tell a compelling narrative for readers with no connection to Palatine, Illinois."
After finishing this gripping read, I assert Wohl did EXACTLY as he set out to do. This book was so well-written, with each chapter dedicated to a detailed story of a person's life and their connection to the brutal crime. His writing style was immersive, as he took me along on his journey of looking deeper into the lives of those impacted by this crime - from before the crime was committed until after the verdicts were delivered.
I greatly appreciated the way in which Wohl shared this accounting of one of Illinois's most brutal crimes and its impact on everyone it touched. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime -- and I genuinely look forward to any future true crime stories to which Wohl may lend his masterful writing prowess.
#SomethingBig #PatrickWohl #PostHillPress #truecrime #truecrimereads #BrownsChickenMassacre #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecs #booklover #bookaddict
July 5, 2025
Brown's Chicken is a regional chain known for its fried chicken, but it's also linked to a terrible night in January 1993. In Palatine, Illinois, the two owners and five staff were closing when two customers came in late. In the morning, families noticed that their loved ones didn't come home, so police checked the restaurant and found seven bodies inside. The killers had vanished. This shocking crime, known as the Brown's Chicken massacre, remained unsolved for nine years and is one of Illinois's most infamous cases.
Patrick Wohl took true crime in a brilliant direction as he tells the story from the viewpoint of those involved, which added a fantastic human element to the genre. The prologue sets the stage for an important conversation around the ethics of how we consume true crime, and the rest of the book delivered on his goal to not sensationalize tragedy for entertainment. I was enamored with how he dove into the lives of the victims, the perpetrators, law enforcement, and the people connected to the periphery of the crime, and told their stories in a respectful humanizing way. I, surprisingly, had never heard of this crime. For one, I used to be a HUGE consumer of true crime, but semi-recently have dialed that back due to some ethical discourse I started to educate myself on. Two, I grew up 90 minutes west of Palatine and I'm surprised a crime of this size wasn't woven into the small town gossip of my childhood (granted I was only 3 in 1993). This is a great book for any true crime obsessed reader, especially because I believe it succeeds in beginning to shift the narrative to how these kinds of stories are told. Maybe some other authors are doing this already, but this is my first exposure to this approach and I found it to be brilliant. No sensationalism, just facts and heart that brings dignity to the victims and their families.
Patrick Wohl took true crime in a brilliant direction as he tells the story from the viewpoint of those involved, which added a fantastic human element to the genre. The prologue sets the stage for an important conversation around the ethics of how we consume true crime, and the rest of the book delivered on his goal to not sensationalize tragedy for entertainment. I was enamored with how he dove into the lives of the victims, the perpetrators, law enforcement, and the people connected to the periphery of the crime, and told their stories in a respectful humanizing way. I, surprisingly, had never heard of this crime. For one, I used to be a HUGE consumer of true crime, but semi-recently have dialed that back due to some ethical discourse I started to educate myself on. Two, I grew up 90 minutes west of Palatine and I'm surprised a crime of this size wasn't woven into the small town gossip of my childhood (granted I was only 3 in 1993). This is a great book for any true crime obsessed reader, especially because I believe it succeeds in beginning to shift the narrative to how these kinds of stories are told. Maybe some other authors are doing this already, but this is my first exposure to this approach and I found it to be brilliant. No sensationalism, just facts and heart that brings dignity to the victims and their families.
August 3, 2025
While it doesn't feel right to say I loved this book, I loved the style and dignity with which the story was told. I will also admit a likely bias due to my own closeness to this story.
I went to Fremd High School. The people in this story are in my yearbooks. I was at the basketball game that night with my friends. My family regularly ordered from Jake's Pizza. I know one of the police officers in the book and shopped at the deli of the owner that was quoted. I remember how scared we all were that there was a mass murderer on the loose, not knowing if and when he would strike again. This crime shattered the illusion of safety in the peaceful place I grew up. I went to Fremd when the murders occurred and I taught there when the arrests were made. And though I knew the story and places so well, this book showed me so much more I didn't know. Telling the story through the stories of those who really lived it made it more personal and meaningful and I couldn't put it down.
Despite those connections that likely made this a more compelling read for me, I think it would be powerful for anyone who picks it up. Wohl interweaves the story of the crime through the individual stories that each highlight a certain person or people who play some sort of a role in this terrible story (the chief of police, the individual victims, the mayor, a girl who wrote for the high school paper, etc.). Though not told in the traditional style of a true crime book, there are no real gaps in the story of the crime so those not familiar with the story won't feel like there are missing pieces. Those who are familiar will learn about the event in a deeper way.
I went to Fremd High School. The people in this story are in my yearbooks. I was at the basketball game that night with my friends. My family regularly ordered from Jake's Pizza. I know one of the police officers in the book and shopped at the deli of the owner that was quoted. I remember how scared we all were that there was a mass murderer on the loose, not knowing if and when he would strike again. This crime shattered the illusion of safety in the peaceful place I grew up. I went to Fremd when the murders occurred and I taught there when the arrests were made. And though I knew the story and places so well, this book showed me so much more I didn't know. Telling the story through the stories of those who really lived it made it more personal and meaningful and I couldn't put it down.
Despite those connections that likely made this a more compelling read for me, I think it would be powerful for anyone who picks it up. Wohl interweaves the story of the crime through the individual stories that each highlight a certain person or people who play some sort of a role in this terrible story (the chief of police, the individual victims, the mayor, a girl who wrote for the high school paper, etc.). Though not told in the traditional style of a true crime book, there are no real gaps in the story of the crime so those not familiar with the story won't feel like there are missing pieces. Those who are familiar will learn about the event in a deeper way.
August 11, 2025
Something Big attempts to bring a true-crime case to life by blending historical fact with a more novelized storytelling approach. The book focuses on the murder at the heart of the story, walking readers step-by-step through the events leading up to the crime, the investigation, and its eventual resolution. Patrick Wohl presents the case in a very linear fashion, making it easy to follow chronologically, and there’s a clear effort to build atmosphere and humanize those involved.
Unfortunately, the execution fell short for me. While the intention was clearly to create an accessible, almost cinematic reading experience, the prose often felt overly simplistic. The inclusion of numerous side characters—many of whom contributed little to the core narrative—slowed the pacing without adding much depth. Some sections that could have offered greater insight or emotional resonance felt rushed or underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more substance.
I went in expecting something with the depth and storytelling precision of In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross—richly reported, tightly focused, and deeply immersive—but this one didn’t quite reach that level. That said, the central murder story itself is compelling, and I appreciated the clear foundation laid for the events leading up to the crime.
Who this might appeal to: Readers who enjoy straightforward, fact-driven true crime narratives told in chronological order may appreciate this approach, particularly if they prefer a simpler, more accessible writing style without the density of more investigative or literary nonfiction.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, the execution fell short for me. While the intention was clearly to create an accessible, almost cinematic reading experience, the prose often felt overly simplistic. The inclusion of numerous side characters—many of whom contributed little to the core narrative—slowed the pacing without adding much depth. Some sections that could have offered greater insight or emotional resonance felt rushed or underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more substance.
I went in expecting something with the depth and storytelling precision of In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross—richly reported, tightly focused, and deeply immersive—but this one didn’t quite reach that level. That said, the central murder story itself is compelling, and I appreciated the clear foundation laid for the events leading up to the crime.
Who this might appeal to: Readers who enjoy straightforward, fact-driven true crime narratives told in chronological order may appreciate this approach, particularly if they prefer a simpler, more accessible writing style without the density of more investigative or literary nonfiction.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2025
A true crime book that is written in a different way. It is told through the people that were connected to the crime in a way. Each chapter is about a different person and how they are connected to the crime. The author dives into their backgrounds a bit to paint the story. 7 innocent people lost their lives for fun or “something big.” This crime went unsolved for almost a decade. One of the killers ex girlfriends finally comes forward with the information. She came forward at the right time. DNA testing had advanced quite a bit since this crime in the early 1990’s. The DNA evidence corroborated her story and Juan Luna and Jim were arrested and tried for the murders. I think the author did a great job giving a little background on each person without giving too much. I thought it flowed very well. I understand this book was more focused on the families of this tragedy but I felt the crime was kind of casually mentioned in this story.. it lacked an emotional connection for me. I would have also liked to see a follow up with the families after the trial to see how they all have moved on from this tragedy. All in all, I did enjoy this book and would definitely recommend! Thank you for sending me the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
In Jan 1993, Palatine, Illinois, two men entered the 'Brown's Chicken' restaurant around closing time. At 3am police investigated reports that the workers had not returned home & found seven bodies in the walk-in freezer & fridge. Seven members of staff, including the two owners, had been killed & it would take a decade to bring their killers to justice.
As someone not from the US, I had never heard of Brown's Chicken or the murders before. The author has approached the case by not focusing on a linear reconstruction of the events, but by putting the spotlight on the people themselves. I think this does help to avoid sensationalism & to remind that reader that these were very real people with real lives which were tragically cut short.
I did think it occasionally lost a bit of focus & there were some things I was left wondering. For example, I was very interested as to why the false confession made out of nowhere happened, but the author never really returned to those two people & what the impact was on their lives. Overall it was an informative read but there just seemed to be something missing for me. 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Post Hill Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
As someone not from the US, I had never heard of Brown's Chicken or the murders before. The author has approached the case by not focusing on a linear reconstruction of the events, but by putting the spotlight on the people themselves. I think this does help to avoid sensationalism & to remind that reader that these were very real people with real lives which were tragically cut short.
I did think it occasionally lost a bit of focus & there were some things I was left wondering. For example, I was very interested as to why the false confession made out of nowhere happened, but the author never really returned to those two people & what the impact was on their lives. Overall it was an informative read but there just seemed to be something missing for me. 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Post Hill Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
June 20, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me this advanced copy.
As someone who had never heard of the Brown's Chicken massacre, I was intrigued to learn about it. When I first read the title, I'll be honest I thought chicken's were massacred. But that's just because I had never heard of Brown's Chicken. After learning that Brown's Chicken is an actual fast food chain I was eager to learn more about this restaurant and what happened to it's people.
Here's a little synopsis.....back in January 1993 in Palatine, IL a Brown's Chicken restaurant is robbed and seven people massacred. This true crime book is a unique telling of this tragedy. Its written a bit differently than a traditional true crime book in which each chapter is about a different person or persons. Its an interesting take and it really gets down to the emotional aspects of the victims and their families. It doesn't just focus on the crime itself but it focuses on the victims before the tragedy and the impact on their families afterwards.
If you like true crime I would definitely check out this book.
As someone who had never heard of the Brown's Chicken massacre, I was intrigued to learn about it. When I first read the title, I'll be honest I thought chicken's were massacred. But that's just because I had never heard of Brown's Chicken. After learning that Brown's Chicken is an actual fast food chain I was eager to learn more about this restaurant and what happened to it's people.
Here's a little synopsis.....back in January 1993 in Palatine, IL a Brown's Chicken restaurant is robbed and seven people massacred. This true crime book is a unique telling of this tragedy. Its written a bit differently than a traditional true crime book in which each chapter is about a different person or persons. Its an interesting take and it really gets down to the emotional aspects of the victims and their families. It doesn't just focus on the crime itself but it focuses on the victims before the tragedy and the impact on their families afterwards.
If you like true crime I would definitely check out this book.
July 18, 2025
This is a true crime told with heart! The author Patrick Wohl understands that the families and community involved in this terrible tragedy are still impacted by it today. He made a promise to them that he would be respectful of this, while also writing a gripping account for those of us who are outside the community. I feel he excelled in doing just that!
Each chapter features a POV from someone associated with this tragedy, beginning with Belva and John Brown, who were the founders of this Illinois franchise. The first sentence of chapter one immediately grabbed me: “By the time he placed the gun in his mouth, there was little time to dissuade John Brown from pulling the trigger”. The background and insight the author shared about each person who was part of this tragedy and community was so well researched and written, that I breezed through every chapter, fascinated by the story he was telling. Other POVs include most everyone directly involved, such as the victims, their friends and families, and the investigators. It also shows how others witnessed and experienced the event, including; Martin Blake - an early suspect, Michelle Parke - the student editor of the local high school’s student newspaper, and many more. As you read, it feels like you are seeing this story from within and you can imagine being there with this community as everything unfolds.
I highly recommend this one for my true crime readers, and even those who don’t usually reach for this genre.
Each chapter features a POV from someone associated with this tragedy, beginning with Belva and John Brown, who were the founders of this Illinois franchise. The first sentence of chapter one immediately grabbed me: “By the time he placed the gun in his mouth, there was little time to dissuade John Brown from pulling the trigger”. The background and insight the author shared about each person who was part of this tragedy and community was so well researched and written, that I breezed through every chapter, fascinated by the story he was telling. Other POVs include most everyone directly involved, such as the victims, their friends and families, and the investigators. It also shows how others witnessed and experienced the event, including; Martin Blake - an early suspect, Michelle Parke - the student editor of the local high school’s student newspaper, and many more. As you read, it feels like you are seeing this story from within and you can imagine being there with this community as everything unfolds.
I highly recommend this one for my true crime readers, and even those who don’t usually reach for this genre.
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