The Chicago Way (Michael Kelly Series #1)

Great style, poor execution

I am surprised at the universal review acclaim for this book. It is a throwback to the '30's and '40's mystery genre, sparse language, tough guy attitudes, etc. But the plot was average at best. Lots of killings, little overt sadness, the investigation must go on, tough guy risks. But the villain was predictable, the leaps of logic significant and the work just not that impressive. It tried to be somewhat like Michael Connelly, just substitute Chicago for Los Angeles, with a little Dennis Lehane thrown in, but in content it fell way short. Okay for a fun read, but for good literature, stick with the originals.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

"The Chicago Way" was on target.

My proximity to Chicago lent a lot of context and enjoyment to this story for me, so I'm not sure how differently it would play otherwise. If you're a sucker for campy noir dialogue, a quick-moving story that isn't overly taxing on your brain, and stereotypical tough guy action, I suspect you'll like it. I read this type of book for simple entertainment, and "The Chicago Way" was on target.

Gotta love it...Chicago

Any book based in Chicago will automatically get two stars, but this author earned himself the other two. The author creates real characters with life. You feel for them and get to know them with out him throwing it in your face. It is a fun short read, but the author lost a star for the climax (you were thinking I got my math wrong, huh!?!?!?)...C'mon really???

Enjoy Michael Kelly

I enjoyed reading this first book in the Michael Kelly series. I grew up in Chicago and didn't really like the liberties he took with the City. He didn't use the Mayor, but used a fictional character. I believe it would have more reality to it if he had used the real names of people such as the mayor.

As to the story, it really kept me reading. It was the first book I read on Nook and I finished it in five days. That is a fast read for me.

Overall, I would say it catches the readers attention and keeps it moving. Not the best I have read based in Chicago, but it was a good read.

Prepared to hate this book!

But almost from the start I was pulled into the story. Characters are interesting and empatetic. I wull recomeend this book to all that love this genre. thank you Michael for writing this novel.

A good read!

If you're looking for a good, dark read - grab this book. Excellent writing and a main character that you can't forget, this is a series I'm looking forward to seeing more of.

Good book

Total page turner, I couldn't put it down. The ending will surprise you.

Awesome!

I read this book in 2 days! Very hard to put down and very thrilling.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Shades of Mickey Spillane

This had the old school detective, Mickey Spillane, style to it that eased into a more natural flow. By the middle of the book the style gave way to a captivating story line. I was pleasantly surprised. I recommend you read this one.

great book!!!

could not put it down.

Refreshing, current thriller

If you like LA Confidential, Cold Case Files, and just crime thrillers in general, you will like this one. Great plot and plot twists. Engaging and a energetic read. Definitely recommend.

Decent Read

The writing was a little bumpy. The author may have been going for a Chicago edge in his style but it came off as a little rough, to me. The overall story and character development was okay.

First Novel Success

The story caught my interest on the first page. I love stories based in Chicago and found the city background easy to follow. Written in a classic PI style, the story moves quickly. The characters were not overdone, so it was easy to follow who was doing what.

Chicago Way is okay

Considering it was the author's first book, it was very good. I Had a difficult time getting started as it appeared to be just another detective tough guy story. Once I got into the story it was interesting and unique. I appreciate the fact he did not have too many characters. It was easy to remember who the various characters were. It didn't make any difference in my opinion of the book, but I wondered why he had so many one and two page chapters.

A Great Read!

I am looking forward to more in the Michael Kelly Series! Michael Harvey is off to an exciting start! My husband grew up in Chicago and loved the accuracy of the neighborhoods as well as the title itself.

Great Read!

I was hesitant to buy this book but am so glad I did. I have shared it with family members and they have also enjoyed the book so it was worth the money! I hope to purchase all of his books in the future!

Great first novel

Harvey captured the unique magic that is Chicago. His Michael Kelly is never boring and never predictable. Maybe a little Sam Spade-ish, but in a good, "guy thing" way.
I will read all his books...keep'em coming, Michael.

Great debut by Michael Harvey

Anxious to read his next book "The Fifth Floor".

Stayed true to Chicago - so true that I could picture many scenes; twists and turns throughout, ending not what I thought - always a good thing.

As a huge fan of Ken Bruen, The Chicago Way is all there - not as deep on protagonist dynamics as Bruen is, but Michael Harvey seems very promising. A great read.

The Triangle

This novel is fantastic. Harvey has transformed his non-fiction work with Cold Case into a great fictional read. I could not help but hear Bill Curtis's voice in my head during the entire read. This book reads as well as some of the best historical fiction thrillers I have come across. (e.g. The Alienist) I highly reccommend this book.

Another debut mystery with a great sense of place

Chicago PI Michael Kelly is enlisted by his old friend, retired cop John Gibbons, to help solve a cold case from almost a decade ago. Kelly's investigation plunges him into a series of new killings, as well as a possible coverup of the original crime. Sharp noir prose, tight plotting, poetic violence and a colorful setting make this an outstanding debut. 'The Chicago Way' put me in mind of Marcus Sakey's 'The Blade Itself', another of this year's top crime debuts featuring a down-and-dirty Chicago setting.