Hell's Gate: A Novel

by Richard E. Crabbe

A riveting tale of river piracy, gang wars, and the worst catastrophe to hit New York City before September 11, 2001
In 1904 the Hudson and East Rivers were vital to the people of Manhattan. They offered families an escape from the squalor of the tenements, politicians a means of catering to their constituents, and criminals a means to make a fortune in black-market goods.
When Detective Mike Braddock foils a midnight heist led by the gangland thug Smiling Jack, the city honors him as a hero. But Mike can’t forget Jack’s final the identity of a new mobster jockeying for position in the cutthroat world of New York’s gangs.
Mike is committed to bringing down this new criminal powerhouse before he takes power, no matter where his investigation takes him. He finds out quickly that he’s not the only one who wants to take down this new gangster. A host of other mob heavies have their eyes on the same target, and they’re more than willing to knock Mike out of the way to get there first.
Full of action, double-crossing, and high-stakes mob warfare, Hell’s Gate brings readers to the rough-and-tumble streets of historic Manhattan, all set against the vivid backdrop of the greatest tragedy to strike New York until 9/11.

Genres: Historical Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2008

Reviews

[Jonathan Gruber · Rating 1 out of 5]

worst kind of historical fiction - totally bland and overdramatic characters. disappointing given how good Suspension was

[Jennifer]

"Suspension" was such a great book, but this one seems much less so. Too many colorful dockside criminals that I couldn't keep straight, and whose gangs and roles in the gangs I couldn't keep straight. The male protagonists get clobbered about once every eight hours and yet keep going. It wasn't until the female protagonist got her job at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory that I got excited and remembered what I like about Crabbe's novels. Even the romance seemed cheesy. Was it this cheesy in Suspension? I may have to go back and reread it.

[Mary G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story but not up to the first Crabbe's Suspension.

[Scott Johanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3 and a half stars, bordering on 4 and just because of the characters of Mike Braddock, his cop buddy partnership between Primo, his relationship with his father, the original character Tom from Suspension and The Empire Of Shadows. One reviewer said something about the bad guy characters. That were too many and hard to follow and Mike and Primo really getting injured every 8 hours, severely and surviving with no big problem.

Also, the ending was kind of rushed. Mike and Ginny go on a ship, get caught by the bad, escape but create the biggest disaster before 9/11. The epilog was too short only centering on the Capt. and whoever was in charge of safety and equipment that was old and falling apart. Nothing on Primo or the gangs, etc. The other 2 books did that, this doesn't. Mike, Tom, Primo and Ginny survive and that's that.

However, I still enjoyed this book and wonder, since 2008 was the last book, on the Braddocks. It's 2022, how about another book??

[Mark Giordano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice time piece but not an overall riveting story line. The characters were interesting but I didn't fall in love with any of them. The story starts out with a bang but then I thought it just sort of meandered through to the end. This was "meh".

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved his book about the Adirondacks. This one tried to be a crime story and a love story, and it just was not enough of either for me.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read about early 1900's NYC. Fictional characters involved in real events. I'll check out others by this author.

[Ice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pedestrian police investigation plot to New York City's worst pre-9/11 catastrophe, the 1904 fire aboard the steamship General Slocum, which claimed more than a thousand lives. The city is in the grip of numerous gangs, but Det. Sgt. Mike Braddock, the son of a legendary police captain, manages to throw a monkey wrench into their operations by disrupting a smuggling operation in the East River.

One of the smugglers dies with the word bottler on his lips, giving Braddock a lead to pursue. A less-than-compelling subplot centers on Braddock's love interest, Ginny Caldwell, a prostitute who's forced to find new work after a run-in with a customer. The climax disappoints, despite the inherent drama of the General Slocum disaster.

[Maeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a dollar store for just $1. It has been remandered, but I think it was a good read. Not as heavy as the Alienist or The Devil in The White City, but not as light as Sherlock Holmes, it reminded me a little of the Gangs of New York. Ever since I read The Devil in the White City I have been interested in anything about the period of 1890 through 1910. And this was perfect for that interest.

Of course there is Tamany Hall, the various gangs who tried to run New York, some colorful characters, and an ending worthy of the Titanic. Don't worry, no spoiler.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

the third outing in the series set in late 19th century early 20th century New york city. This one involves gangsters, the Black Hand Piracy and more, all culminating with Detective Mike Braddock being on board the General Slocum on its tragic last voyage in the New York Harbor. The fire and subsequent burning or drowning of nearly 1200 souls remains the costliest marine disaster in New York City history.

The tone hear is light, yet well researched, it certainly has the proper feel of 1904 new york. Braddock is a like-able and believable sleuth. I hope Mr Crabbe writes many more.

[Rosemary A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

History and mystery set in New York City in 1904. The gangs are in control and everybody is on the take. But not our hero a NYC detective he just knocks head together. And the center piece is the fire on the General Slocum that claimed more lives than any other civilian maritime disaster in US history. Not bad for a Dollar Store find.

[Russ Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Very exciting. Kept me on the edge of my seat, especially at the end. I'd like to get other books by Mr. Crabbe.