The Blind Pig Murders

Caroline Case #2

by Frank Gertcher

The year is 1928 and Prohibition is the law of the land. Caroline Case, who we first met in 2019's The River Rats Murders (9780983575443) is now a wealthy, full-fledged private detective in Chicago. With her partner Hannibal Jones, she visits upscale yet scandalous salons near Lakeshore Drive and prowls dangerous and dark underworld dens in sleazy, industrial neighborhoods. Booze, murders, kidnappings and daring rescues abound. Caroline and Hannibal employ the latest tools of forensic science to solve murders and bring the culprits to justice, legal and otherwise. Although, fiction, Caroline's story rings true to the fascinating history and colorful characters who lived, loved and died in the "murder capital of the world" during the heyday of Al Capone, speakeasies and Chicago-style jazz.

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 3 out of 5]

One step forward and two steps back. After reading the first book of the series, I picked up the second to follow the story of Caroline Case, the Wabash Rive Madam who now leads a life of richness and privilege as a Chicago private detective with her boyfriend, the mysterious Hannibal Jones. The author has improved his writing prowess (or he has a better editor) and the stories flowed.

But in spite of a superficial knowledge of science, one glaring error made me crazy - on the run, our heroine finds water marooned on the peninsula surrounded by stagnant river flood plains. She drinks every chance she gets and she's fine. Me?? I would have died of a brain eating amoeba infection.

Her rich and masterful boyfriend, Hannibal Jones, continues to be inscrutable and blandly smug. We still have no clue why he has fallen in love with a madam from the other side of the tracks when he has access to all the lovely ladies of international high society.

Finally, I got really bored with the detailed description of every outfit worn by our detectives. Mink and silk, satin and jewels, who cares? Could we have a bit more sex instead???

There is another book coming up in the series... I may read it in hopes that our author continues to refine and improve his skills.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the book contained the solving of multiple crimes by Caroline Case and her team with an unexpended ending. It was hard to adjust to the main characters “voice” and the author’s writing style … it may have been because it was a male author writing in the voice of a female protagonist - Caroline Case has a few stereotypical “female” characteristics (like her obsession with clothes and fashion) that make her kind of 2 dimensional. Not sure if the author was trying to use their clothes as a historical reference but it punctuated most scenes described in the book. That being said I have 2 more books in the Carolina Case series and I plan on reading them and really enjoyed the crime solving aspect and the history setting of this book!

[Kevin May · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be immersed in 1920’s Chicago during the height of Prohibition and gangsters. The details made the story really come to life. Whether it was a historically accurate speakeasy, details of hotels or descriptions of clothing, you feel like you are there. You will find yourself looking up many of the places described to learn more about them. Caroline and Hannibal make a great team to solve memorable cases.

[Anne Witten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters! Caroline Case is wealthy, smart, well-spoken and a person I would like to be like. I found the cases to be believable and entertaining. I couldn't put the book down. I am looking forward to Caroline's next adventure! I just picked up a copy of River Rat Murders, her first adventure and plan to read it right away.

[Sharon Claxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for the next Caroline Case book and The Blind Pig Murders did not disappoint. I was immediately taken back to the Chicago of the 1920's and loved my visit. Caroline Case and Hannibal Jones are a intelligent pair of private detectives who always have a unique way of looking at a problem. I am looking forward to reading their next adventure.

[Cathy Helman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my earlier years I read every Nancy Drew mystery I could find. Caroline Case is my new heroine, resourceful, inquisitive, observant and a very classy lady. Her adventures move quickly. Yet they include such interesting historical details of the times, 1920's and Chicago's high-life and low-life!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of great Chicago history in this book!

[Jude Newcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and complex read! I found myself shaking in some of the twists and turns that the author incorporated. My sure you will check out the podcast that I will do tomorrow.

[Judith And · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loveable characters and wonderful historical facts mixed with the fiction. Set in the Capone days of Chicago.

[Kathy Boyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much step by step information on their crime solving. No intrigue, they figure out who it is and get a confession. Too much clothing description and admiring their beauty and wealth. I don't feel any compassion for them and their lives.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too much fashion description! I got tired of reading unnecessary descriptions, but kept with it and finished the story. I might read another, not certain.

[John McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the series of Caroline Case mysteries was Avery enjoyable read. Caroline and Hannibal worked their way through several murders and used their own special style to solve them all!! I look forward to their next adventures.

[Betty J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading about the clothes Caroline wore. I felt I was there with her. It kept me interested with the story till the end. I would recommend this book to everyone. GREAT!