A Killing on the Hill, by Robert Dugoni, comes out on April 9. This is his 24th novel, along with 3 short stories and 1 non-fiction that he co-wrote. And after all of those books, AKotH is his very 1st historical fiction! And, wow, is it good! The story takes place in Seattle in 1933, at the height of Prohibition and the Great Depression. The main protagonist is a 19-year old boy, William Shumacher ("Shoe") who has moved from Kansas City to Seattle in order to become a newspaper reporter for one of Seattle's 3 main papers. He becomes the chief representative for the paper in a trial regarding the shooting and killing of a well-known prize fighter by the owner of an establishment that is selling alcohol and running illegal gambling games. Of course Shoe is much more involved than just covering the trial. Throw in the newspaper's editor, the chief detective for the City of Seattle, the deputy prosecutor who tries the case, the defense's main attorney, and a couple of women with their own stories, and you have a book that will keep you guessing throughout.
So here's the thing. Dugoni can flat-out write. Whether it's a standalone (5) or one of his series (3), all of his books are terrific. And even though I (shamefacedly) admit that I've only read 5 of his books, one of them - The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - is one of my favorites of all-time! If you haven't read it...get to it! You will thank me!
But I digress. AKotH will keep you enthralled throughout. I have to warn you that there may be some tears in your future. And don't be surprised if you gasp or say "What the heck?" or just shake your head. I predict one or more of those things will happen.
Get your order in so that you can start A Killing on the Hill when it becomes available on April 9.
