Chasing Eliot Ness Book Review

Eliot Ness has been featured in several fictional books, the most recent being Chasing Eliot Ness written by Michelle Regan. Although most of the books on the market portray the legendary crime fighter as just that, a legendary crime fighter, this book is a bit different and puts a whole new perspective on the character.

When I first purchased this book online, I was not sure what to expect. It is touted as a romantic thriller with a twist. The writer introduces the Ness character right away, although more as a fantasy in the head of the female protagonist of the novel, who begins to tell the story in first person narrative. It caught my attention right away because the novel implies that the crime fighter is somewhat different in the eyes of a woman than a man.

I liked the romantic aspect of the story and the setting that is vividly brought to life in 1930s Chicago.
Al Capone shows up as a minor character, which I thought was a bit interesting, considering his connection to the story. The entire story unfolds as a love story between the female narrator and the main male protagonist, a Persian gangster called Hassan Adeeni.

Eliot Ness is brought gradually back into the story and becomes more of a central figure as the book, which is over 500 pages, progresses. There are raids, Tommy gun shootouts and even an opium addiction mentioned in this book, which is a bit different than any other romance book I have ever read. You actually start rooting for the bad guys and against Ness, especially towards the end of the book.

I found the characters to be very well developed and the story is a fast read with no heavy drama or down time. The writer took a lot of creative liberties with Eliot Ness, however, more than have ever been featured in any other book. The character actually steals the book, however, much like Sean Connery stole the show in the Brian DePalma movie, The Untouchables.

All in all, I would say this is a pretty good book for someone who likes a romantic thriller and something other than the ordinary run of the mill romance. I found the book on Amazon and Barnes And Noble. For a first time writer, I think Michelle Regan did a nice job of creating a pretty interesting novel. Those who are looking for a factual account or biography, however, are not going to find it, although the writer mixes in some other interesting real people with fictional characters, as well as events, throughout the book.

Chasing Eliot Ness Book Review