EDITOR’S CHOICE
Masterfully crafted, Gangster in Our Midst combines rich historical detail, engaging characters, and Midwestern charm into an unforgettable narrative.
Gangster in Our Midst by Betty Brandt Passick is an intriguing blend of historical fiction and small-town nostalgia, set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era America. The book masterfully captures the turbulent times of the 1920s when the ratification of the 18th Amendment turned the nation upside down, introducing moonshine stills to even the staunchest of teetotalers.
The plot revolves around Marshal Sweeney Delaney, a rookie lawman in an unassuming Iowa town, whose world changes with the arrival of the enigmatic Chicago gangster, Louie La Cava. Delaney, along with his companions—the intellectually curious Walter Bierkoff and the ever-witty Father John Halpin—navigates a delicate and dangerous world where friendships blur with enmities.
Passick’s prose brims with earthy charm, rooted firmly in Midwestern traditions and values. Her depiction of the town is rich with authenticity, grounding the tale in a palpable sense of place. The author’s meticulous research into FBI reports, police records, and local anecdotes shines, giving the narrative a credibility that enhances the tension.
What truly stands out is the deft balance between humour and solemnity. There are moments of levity that feel quintessentially Midwestern, yet the story never shies away from its darker undertones. Despite this being fictional, the “mystery man” Louie La Cava’s connections to Al Capone add a layer of intrigue that keeps readers turning the pages.
While some might wish for faster pacing at times, Gangster in Our Midst is a compelling and wittily told story of faith, morality, and survival in a perilous era. A must-read for history buffs and fans of character-driven narratives.
