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Unremarkable
In 1920s Chicago, postal employee Saul Imbierowicz is unwittingly swept up in a city-wide conflict between rival gangs, federal agents, and supernatural forces beyond his control.
After striking out on his own from his overbearing Jewish family, Saul quickly becomes involved with the seductive and mysterious Moira. He soon becomes mixed up in the events of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, witnessing the shooting and fleeing from the scene after Moira takes a bullet and is presumed dead.
However, Moira is far from dead, and due to her influence Saul finds himself increasingly entangled in the rival factions seeking control over the city, coming face to face with Bugs Moran, Al Capone, and the federal agents pursuing both.
Everybody wants something from Saul, but will he be able to save himself and his family, and uncover the supernatural secrets of the city, before it’s too late?
After striking out on his own from his overbearing Jewish family, Saul quickly becomes involved with the seductive and mysterious Moira. He soon becomes mixed up in the events of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, witnessing the shooting and fleeing from the scene after Moira takes a bullet and is presumed dead.
However, Moira is far from dead, and due to her influence Saul finds himself increasingly entangled in the rival factions seeking control over the city, coming face to face with Bugs Moran, Al Capone, and the federal agents pursuing both.
Everybody wants something from Saul, but will he be able to save himself and his family, and uncover the supernatural secrets of the city, before it’s too late?
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2018
21 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Habiger
18 books35 followersGeoff Habiger was raised in the shadow of roaring lions and peacock calls in Manhattan...Kansas, not New York. (That's the Little Apple, not the Big Apple, for those of you playing along at home. And the wild animals came from living behind the city's zoo.) Growing up Geoff loved exploring the woods around his home, sneaking into the zoo (don't tell anybody), and playing baseball and Dungeons & Dragons. He and his best friend, Coy Kissee, would spend hours reading comics, playing all sorts of role-playing games, and talking about books and movies. Geoff stayed in Manhattan for college, getting a B.S. degree in Geology at Kansas State University (Go Cats!). He then attended gradual school in Bozeman, Montana where he didn't graduate, but did meet his future wife, so that worked out well.
In 2004 Geoff began two new (though very much part-time) careers in publishing, one as a senior partner in the independent book publishing company, Artemesia Publishing, and the other in a game publishing company, Tangent Games, started with Coy. Through Tangent Games Geoff and Coy have published dozens of role-playing books and a few card games. Geoff published his first book, the Dinosaur Learning Activity Book, a children's coloring and activity book about dinosaurs, through Artemesia Publishing in 2008. His first novels, Unremarkable and Wrath of the Fury Blade, co-written with Coy, were published in 2018.
Geoff currently resides in the wilds of the Monzano mountains, east of Albuquerque, with his wife, son, and two cats.
In 2004 Geoff began two new (though very much part-time) careers in publishing, one as a senior partner in the independent book publishing company, Artemesia Publishing, and the other in a game publishing company, Tangent Games, started with Coy. Through Tangent Games Geoff and Coy have published dozens of role-playing books and a few card games. Geoff published his first book, the Dinosaur Learning Activity Book, a children's coloring and activity book about dinosaurs, through Artemesia Publishing in 2008. His first novels, Unremarkable and Wrath of the Fury Blade, co-written with Coy, were published in 2018.
Geoff currently resides in the wilds of the Monzano mountains, east of Albuquerque, with his wife, son, and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 25, 2018
Unremarkable by Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee could not be any less like its title. This supernatural historical fantasy is set in Chicago in February of 1929 and casts the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in an unexpected way. The novel, the first in a series, is tightly plotted, fast paced, and has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing and engaged.
The story follows the character of Saul Imbierowicz, an ordinary man who is just starting his life away from his parents’ home. He lives an ordinary life, with a tiny apartment, no food in the ice box, and a brand-new job with a strict boss sorting mail on the night shift at the Post Office. Early in February 1929, Saul meets a woman in the Post Office diner after work—the beautiful and enigmatic Moira. Within days, Moira has turned his world upside down. Moira’s life is far different than Saul’s. She is confident, sexy, outgoing, and seems to have her finger on the heartbeat of Chicago. She is also carrying a secret and his association with Moira might just get Saul, and everyone he loves, killed.
I really enjoyed this protagonist. Unremarkable is told in first person, and so we get a close look into how Saul thinks and how the events of this novel change him. Saul is funny and self-depreciating, even when trying to shrug off the pervasive anti-Semitism of the 1920s. Habiger and Coy do not handwave these parts of the story. They have written a good glimpse into early twentieth century Chicago and do not shy away from the many casual, and sometimes not-so-casual, aggressions toward women and people of the Jewish faith in that time. But through it all, Saul’s thoughts and reactions are authentic to an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary circumstances.
I wholeheartedly recommend Unremarkable. It is a ‘read it in one sitting’ kind of book and a remarkable beginning to a series I cannot wait to read more from.
The story follows the character of Saul Imbierowicz, an ordinary man who is just starting his life away from his parents’ home. He lives an ordinary life, with a tiny apartment, no food in the ice box, and a brand-new job with a strict boss sorting mail on the night shift at the Post Office. Early in February 1929, Saul meets a woman in the Post Office diner after work—the beautiful and enigmatic Moira. Within days, Moira has turned his world upside down. Moira’s life is far different than Saul’s. She is confident, sexy, outgoing, and seems to have her finger on the heartbeat of Chicago. She is also carrying a secret and his association with Moira might just get Saul, and everyone he loves, killed.
I really enjoyed this protagonist. Unremarkable is told in first person, and so we get a close look into how Saul thinks and how the events of this novel change him. Saul is funny and self-depreciating, even when trying to shrug off the pervasive anti-Semitism of the 1920s. Habiger and Coy do not handwave these parts of the story. They have written a good glimpse into early twentieth century Chicago and do not shy away from the many casual, and sometimes not-so-casual, aggressions toward women and people of the Jewish faith in that time. But through it all, Saul’s thoughts and reactions are authentic to an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary circumstances.
I wholeheartedly recommend Unremarkable. It is a ‘read it in one sitting’ kind of book and a remarkable beginning to a series I cannot wait to read more from.
March 28, 2018
It shouldn't work. On paper, Unremarkable is a 20's era noir tale about gangsters and vampires with a heavy peppering of Jewish culture. Admittedly, I went into this book with an eyebrow raised. Few authors are brave enough to tackle genre blends and even fewer manage to pull them off. Much to my surprise, Unremarkable works remarkably well.
Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee have created an rich yet grimy world that sucks you in regardless of genre allegiance. From the very first chapter, I could smell the cigarettes and envision the drab gray surroundings. The gravelly voices and smirking dames infected my psyche, as if reading a love letter to Chinatown.
Most readers will cite the big reveals as their favorite parts of the book, which are well-crafted and rewarding. However, I would be remiss not to highlight the interactions between Saul (the protagonist) and his family. The exchanges stood out as some of the most thoughtful passages I have read in a long time. Highly recommended.
Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee have created an rich yet grimy world that sucks you in regardless of genre allegiance. From the very first chapter, I could smell the cigarettes and envision the drab gray surroundings. The gravelly voices and smirking dames infected my psyche, as if reading a love letter to Chinatown.
Most readers will cite the big reveals as their favorite parts of the book, which are well-crafted and rewarding. However, I would be remiss not to highlight the interactions between Saul (the protagonist) and his family. The exchanges stood out as some of the most thoughtful passages I have read in a long time. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2018
A testament to the authors’ talents — the characters’ voices had accents in my head and I could feel the grit on the streets under my feet as I walked through this tale.
Descriptions were woven in such a way that I didn’t even know they were occurring, instead they just grew in the background and set the stage perfectly.
I truly cared about these characters and kept reading to stay a part of their lives and see how they fared.
I’d like to know more about the vampire lore of this alternate history, but I’m sure that will come with sequels.
A fabulous read and highly recommended!
Descriptions were woven in such a way that I didn’t even know they were occurring, instead they just grew in the background and set the stage perfectly.
I truly cared about these characters and kept reading to stay a part of their lives and see how they fared.
I’d like to know more about the vampire lore of this alternate history, but I’m sure that will come with sequels.
A fabulous read and highly recommended!
February 14, 2018
Intensely Vampiric
I love a good vampire story and it has to be well written and not hokey, and this story was one of the better ones that I have read. This story takes the reader back to 1920s Chicago, and it's full of gangsters, mayhem, and what else, vampires. I enjoyed this story, really liking Saul and his connection to the elusive Moira. Great story.
I love a good vampire story and it has to be well written and not hokey, and this story was one of the better ones that I have read. This story takes the reader back to 1920s Chicago, and it's full of gangsters, mayhem, and what else, vampires. I enjoyed this story, really liking Saul and his connection to the elusive Moira. Great story.
April 26, 2022
I love the 1920's and historical fantasy, so any combination is an obvious allure :)
What to Expect
Expect a short novel about a good Jewish boy from Chicago getting caught in the notorious gang wars between AL Capone and Bugs Moran. Not only is that bad enough, but there's a supernatural twist that bubbles up around him.
What I liked
I love the setting, and Habiger & Kisse provide an excellent rendition of the period. You do feel immersed in the period and locale, with plenty of Yiddish slang (explained quite naturally within the text) and 'colourful' characters of the period. The supernatural elements are slowly introduced, an interesting twist to an already tumultuous period.
What to be aware of
Saul (the protagonist) is an 'average Joe', who gets sucked in to events over his head. Not always the most active, and for modern reader of supernatural fiction some of the clues may be a bit obvious. Still, it's true to the character and the period, and it's engaging enough to be enjoyed to the end.
Felix's Review
Felix wasn't surprised at the criminal element crossing over with supernatural entities, he's dealt with enough himself. He thought Saul did reasonably well for himself, and as kept his head (literally and figuratively) firmly attached he can certainly see a future for him in the business.
Summary
A fun quick read for those who enjoy historical-fantasy blends, especially around the Roaring 20's
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Expect a short novel about a good Jewish boy from Chicago getting caught in the notorious gang wars between AL Capone and Bugs Moran. Not only is that bad enough, but there's a supernatural twist that bubbles up around him.
What I liked
I love the setting, and Habiger & Kisse provide an excellent rendition of the period. You do feel immersed in the period and locale, with plenty of Yiddish slang (explained quite naturally within the text) and 'colourful' characters of the period. The supernatural elements are slowly introduced, an interesting twist to an already tumultuous period.
What to be aware of
Saul (the protagonist) is an 'average Joe', who gets sucked in to events over his head. Not always the most active, and for modern reader of supernatural fiction some of the clues may be a bit obvious. Still, it's true to the character and the period, and it's engaging enough to be enjoyed to the end.
Felix's Review
Felix wasn't surprised at the criminal element crossing over with supernatural entities, he's dealt with enough himself. He thought Saul did reasonably well for himself, and as kept his head (literally and figuratively) firmly attached he can certainly see a future for him in the business.
Summary
A fun quick read for those who enjoy historical-fantasy blends, especially around the Roaring 20's
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
February 11, 2018
3.5 Stars ***
If you would like to see all my thoughts on this book, be sure to check out the review on my blog:
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
Overall, I liked the story. The writing is good. The plot was actually really interesting. I loved how it started and I also enjoyed how everything spun out of control towards the middle. The plot was definitely my favourite thing about this book. The characters were enjoyable but the shortness of the book didn't allow the characters to develop and therefore made them seem flat. Thank you so much to Pen Power Marking for providing me with a copy of this book
If you would like to see all my thoughts on this book, be sure to check out the review on my blog:
www.abooktropolis01.blogspot.co.za
But here is a snippet and overview of what I thought:
Overall, I liked the story. The writing is good. The plot was actually really interesting. I loved how it started and I also enjoyed how everything spun out of control towards the middle. The plot was definitely my favourite thing about this book. The characters were enjoyable but the shortness of the book didn't allow the characters to develop and therefore made them seem flat. Thank you so much to Pen Power Marking for providing me with a copy of this book
June 27, 2018
Hugely entertaining tale mixing gangsters and vampires in 1920s Chicago. Love all the period detail and the wonderful sense of humor sprinkled throughout. A quick and very fun read.
August 1, 2021
Fantastic read.
February 16, 2018
The concept behind this book was original and entertaining - vampires in 1920s Chicago, some meaning behind the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, how the rising tide of the mob was halted. Unfortunately, I found the writing a little stilted for my taste. It felt uneven; I'd really get pulled into a section, then things would slow up and I'd find myself floundering a bit... Ditto the characters. Everyone felt a little like a cliche, and I had a difficult time connecting with Saul (the protagonist). The opening was promising - how can you not be intrigued by a book that begins: '"Al Capone murdered me tonight."'?? - and this may be the first book I've read in a LONG time that had a prologue that peaked my interest rather than one that felt like obligatory foreshadowing... The ending was also very strong and engaging, with a kicker that I (eventually) saw coming but that really made the plot thicken, and despite a review that I realize sounds rather tepid, I may pick up the sequel simply because I was so intrigued by the possibilities that the ending offered for the second book.
My review copy was provided by the IBPA.
My review copy was provided by the IBPA.
October 27, 2025
This is the first book in the Saul Imbierowicz trilogy series by Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee. Saul Imbierowicz living in 1929 Chicago works in the post office as a mail sorter when he meets the red-headed Moira. Saul takes Moira on a date when they run into the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre between Al Capone, Bugsy Moran and the Feds. Moira is shot and Saul flees assuming she is dead. Saul is grabbed by Moran’s men who take him to meet mob boss Moran informing Saul that the building where Saul works holds tax accounting records from Frank Capone which the Feds possess. Moran wants Saul to steal the records or else he will kill his parents and sister. In the meantime, Moira may not be dead. I really enjoyed this fascinating paranormal historical fantasy novel. I received this free e-book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 12, 2021
Interesting, fast read
Jewish man, gets hired at the post office. He meets, a beautiful lady. She becomes his girlfriend. They meet for a date, and actually witness the Valentine's day massacre. By that, the man, Saul, ends up in both Capone's and Moran's interest. Throw in some vampires, for added drama.
Jewish man, gets hired at the post office. He meets, a beautiful lady. She becomes his girlfriend. They meet for a date, and actually witness the Valentine's day massacre. By that, the man, Saul, ends up in both Capone's and Moran's interest. Throw in some vampires, for added drama.
May 23, 2021
Not at all to my liking
I think this the very worst mystery I have ever read. This is a vampire story not a mystery How did this ever get published?
I think this the very worst mystery I have ever read. This is a vampire story not a mystery How did this ever get published?
February 23, 2025
Good read
I NEVER KNEW Al Capone was a vampire lol. Very good read i enjoyed it. Love the description of the massacre and how they described Al Capone.
I NEVER KNEW Al Capone was a vampire lol. Very good read i enjoyed it. Love the description of the massacre and how they described Al Capone.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews