Pitfall

by Terry Kirk

Frank has made a killing trading wheat futures on Chicago's commodities exchange. But on October 29, 1929, Frank watches in the trading pit as his fortune is wiped out in a single day. Now, holed up in a shed on the Canadian Prairies, Frank wrestles with how to redeem himself and return home. The only opportunity in sight is selling Canadian whiskey to the Chicago mob. Frank faces setbacks at every turn, including a terrifying visit to the still in the tunnels under Moose Jaw. Meanwhile in Chicago, Frank's firm is looking for him. Was it suicide? Murder? Everyone's a suspect, from the managing partner to the mob-boss mayor. Terry Kirk's Pitfall is a gripping historical thriller and a stunning debut.

Genres: Historical Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2025

About the author

Terry Kirk honed her story-telling craft as a courtroom lawyer, weaving gritty facts into winning cases. Now, her fast-paced historical fiction stories are building a following among readers. Her first novel, Pitfall, was published in 2025 by Canadian publisher At Bay Press and named A Top Book to Read this Spring by CBC Reads. It is for sale on major platforms and bookstores in Canada and the US, and Terry is currently participating in book launch events in cities across Canada.

Terry studied journalism on a scholarship to Carleton University, completing courses in English and French literature. She holds a master’s degree from Queen’s University and a Juris Doctor (Law) from Osgoode Hall Law School.

After practicing law, she began investing in early-stage technology ventures, including as a Founder & CEO. She has been a member of the board of the Private Capital Markets Association of Canada and recognized as a top female entrepreneur and innovator by the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance.

Terry is a popular speaker at book clubs and industry events and once delivered an 18-minute TEDx Talk with no notes. She has appeared on popular television talk shows, including BNN-Bloomberg’s The Pitch. Learn more on the author’s website, terrykirkbooks.com, and social media pages.

Stay tuned. Terry’s second novel, Plunder, is coming soon.

Reviews

[Kim Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Within the first twenty pages I was hooked! I loved the writing style, storyline and characters. I savored the last few chapters before handing the book over to my husband, and I am looking forward to reading the next book!

[Terry Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

“From the sweaty trading pits and speakeasies of Jazz Age Chicago to the vast wheat fields and underground distilleries of Saskatchewan, Terry Kirk traces the fault lines beneath the greatest financial collapse in history. It's a rollicking good read filled with vivid characters and a magical sense of place.”
- Michel Lucas, Founding Partner, Decima Research (now part of Nielsen)

I thoroughly enjoyed Frank Cork and especially his time in Saskatchewan.
- Gerda Hnatyshyn, former viceregal consort of Canada and Companion of the Order of Canada

The story is full of vivid, juicy, historic details, from financial markets to cars and music. It captures the time period with authority and intrigue. I found myself feverishly reading long after lights out.
- Kevin O’Farrell, Senior management consulting practice leader

“Pitfall literally take you away to the places that are described in great clear detail. If you close your eyes you can see and place yourself in the scene. The description of the financial industry was accurate and well done. Right up there with Boardwalk Empire.
- Brian Howard, Retired Partner, Dorchester Wealth Management

[Cindy.Sherban · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Short chapters made it easy to stay engaged with one of those 'just one more chapter' rationalizations we tell our selves to avoid other things we have to do. Kirk has some lovely descriptions that are just enough to add to the story without bogging down the flow of the story. I live in Saskatchewan so this was an added bonus to have familiar touchstones along the way. Kirk leaves a little of a mystery at the end of this tale and reflects much of life...we don't always get the full story or all the questions answered. An excellent read for any time of year.
I liked the cover art and the fancy stuff on section starts. My son really notices aesthetics and I was excited to share this book bling with him (I am ignorant of the technical terms around these things)

[Alyssa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well written novel, absolutely brilliant work.

This novel captivated both my husband and I from the start. Something I didn't think I'd say in my life. We have very different interests when it comes to reading however, this novel offers "something for everyone" with multiple genres all within one story, not something you see very often!

Putting this novel down was tough for me, it truly is a "page turner" and in turn kept me up well past my bedtime a few nights!

I would give it 10 stars if I could!

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of this novel which was quite interesting. Then it collapsed until Frank began living on a farm in Saskatchewan. He helped his new friend in the bootlegging business which gave him an idea how to recoup his lost revenues. The ending seemed a bit contrived and not very realistic. I learned some new things regarding the stock market crash and how people rallied in unique ways to make money at this time but overall the book needed more editing and revision.

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift, and I'm very grateful. Filled with interesting and realistic characters, a well-developed plot that explores the real-life experiences of the Crash of 1929, and colorful descriptions of both Chicago and Saskatchewan in that era, I felt truly immersed in the story. Written with intelligence and wit, this story was a definite page-turner. Congratulations!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished “Pitfall” and wanted to tell everyone how much I enjoyed it! It’s a ripping good yarn, with all sorts of historical, regional, and personal references that made it an engaging and satisfying read - and I learned lots of interesting and useful facts along the way!

[Mitchell Toews · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEE MY FORTHCOMING REVIEW in *Literary Heist* in December of 2025. https://www.literaryheist.com/