A special thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In this historical fiction told in alternating timelines, Sawyer is a graduate student working on his doctoral documentary on legendary filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. His research brings him to a Chicago senior living facility to meet with 105 year-old Honoree Dalcour, that just might be the key to unlocking the truth about Micheaux's long lost work. Haunted by the death of his sister, Sawyer is running out of time to get answers from Honoree.
The book takes the reader to 1925 Chicago where the mob runs the town and no one is who they seem. Honoree is a chorus girl at Miss Hattie's speak easy, but stumbles upon a murder that turns her life upside down. With the help of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Bessie, Honoree must escape the mob in order to live. As the book continues, secrets and twists are revealed, along with surprise connections between characters. When the dust settles, the reader must figure out, just who is Honoree Dalcour and how is she connected to Sawyer.
This was an excellent debut novel from Denny S. Bryce. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of Chicago's jazz scene in the 1920's, along with its connections to the mob. While it took a bit to get into the book with all the characters and the intricate details, once you know the scene, it completely pulls you in. No one is what they seem and I was surprised and downright shocked at several points. I also really enjoyed learning more about the Black Belt in Chicago and how that directly correlates to today. Wild Women and the Blues left me entertained and guessing!
In this historical fiction told in alternating timelines, Sawyer is a graduate student working on his doctoral documentary on legendary filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. His research brings him to a Chicago senior living facility to meet with 105 year-old Honoree Dalcour, that just might be the key to unlocking the truth about Micheaux's long lost work. Haunted by the death of his sister, Sawyer is running out of time to get answers from Honoree.
The book takes the reader to 1925 Chicago where the mob runs the town and no one is who they seem. Honoree is a chorus girl at Miss Hattie's speak easy, but stumbles upon a murder that turns her life upside down. With the help of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Bessie, Honoree must escape the mob in order to live. As the book continues, secrets and twists are revealed, along with surprise connections between characters. When the dust settles, the reader must figure out, just who is Honoree Dalcour and how is she connected to Sawyer.
This was an excellent debut novel from Denny S. Bryce. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of Chicago's jazz scene in the 1920's, along with its connections to the mob. While it took a bit to get into the book with all the characters and the intricate details, once you know the scene, it completely pulls you in. No one is what they seem and I was surprised and downright shocked at several points. I also really enjoyed learning more about the Black Belt in Chicago and how that directly correlates to today. Wild Women and the Blues left me entertained and guessing!