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Jonah Geller #2
High Chicago
After his successful debut, Buffalo Jump, Howard Shrier is back with High Chicago, the next in the Jonah Geller series.Toronto investigator Jonah Geller has opened his own agency, World Repairs, and he and his partner, Jenn Raudsepp, are immediately drawn into investigating the apparent suicide of a young girl — and the high-stakes world of construction and development on a long-neglected parcel of Toronto’s waterfront. Clues lead them to suspect that fabled real estate tycoon Simon Birk — the partner of the dead girl’s father — is killing people who get in the way of the project, but the evidence isn’t rock solid. And Jonah has to craft an audacious plan to take down one of Chicago’s most powerful men.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Howard Shrier
10 books27 followersAward-winning author Howard Shrier was born and raised in Montreal, where he earned an Honours Degree in Journalism and Creative Writing at Concordia University. Since then he has worked in a wide variety of media, including print, magazine and radio journalism, theatre and television, sketch comedy and improv. He has also been a senior communications advisor to government agencies. He now lives in Toronto with his wife and their two sons and teaches writing at University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies.
Series:
* Jonah Geller
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (2009): Buffalo Jump
◊ Best Novel (2010): High Chicago
Nominations:
Arthur Ellis Award, Best Novel of 2013: Miss Montreal
Bony Blithe Award, Best Humourous Mystery of 2013: Miss Montreal
Series:
* Jonah Geller
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (2009): Buffalo Jump
◊ Best Novel (2010): High Chicago
Nominations:
Arthur Ellis Award, Best Novel of 2013: Miss Montreal
Bony Blithe Award, Best Humourous Mystery of 2013: Miss Montreal
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 23, 2014
Okay, I am prejudiced because this is my book, but I had to re-read it last week in preparation for a writing class I am teaching and you know what? I enjoyed it. I found the funny parts funny, the darker parts dark, and it whipped along pretty fast. I don't pat myself on the back much, but I am going to risk it this time.
October 26, 2013
Book 2, in the Jonah Geller series
This series is definitely Canadian very unique in its genre and I love how each story is crafted from current events found in the news. A few weeks ago I had the chance to read “Miss Montreal “ the 4th novel in the series and skipped momentary book 2 and 3 but I couldn't keep too far away before returning to the sequence to catch up. Here I am this time telling everyone nice enough to read my thoughts that Mr. Shrier has definitely won my admiration and made me one of his most faithful of fans.
Jonah Geller, the protagonist is so unlike any American hard-boiled detective we read these days. He exploits his Jewishness, does not carry a gun and splits his attention between Toronto and an American city with his gay female partner. First he was in Buffalo in “Buffalo Jump” and now in this second installment Jonah brings his investigating skills to the Windy city, Chicago. Of course along the way Jonah will re-establish contact with Dante Ryan, a former contract killer now a restaurateur, for assistance.
“High Chicago” has a stylish Hollywood crime drama opening. Jonah is hired to look into the apparent suicide of the daughter of a well-known Toronto property developer. Not one to mind his manners, he smells a rat that needs fixing and soon find himself up to his neck, deep in trouble, crossing words with a major real estate developer and the father of the dead girl. Before long he is in hot pursuit of a mega builder (reminds you of Donald Trump) who has ways of dealing with pesky investigators. Before it is all over, a considerable of mayhem has taken place, some surprising plot twists unfurled and we are plunged into nail-biting suspense not typically found in this kind of mystery. Needless to say Jonah is a wonderful character and the supporting cast is as varied as they come all with their own strong personality and ambition rarely seen.
This is a strong entrée and a very entertaining addition to a fantastic series.
This series is definitely Canadian very unique in its genre and I love how each story is crafted from current events found in the news. A few weeks ago I had the chance to read “Miss Montreal “ the 4th novel in the series and skipped momentary book 2 and 3 but I couldn't keep too far away before returning to the sequence to catch up. Here I am this time telling everyone nice enough to read my thoughts that Mr. Shrier has definitely won my admiration and made me one of his most faithful of fans.
Jonah Geller, the protagonist is so unlike any American hard-boiled detective we read these days. He exploits his Jewishness, does not carry a gun and splits his attention between Toronto and an American city with his gay female partner. First he was in Buffalo in “Buffalo Jump” and now in this second installment Jonah brings his investigating skills to the Windy city, Chicago. Of course along the way Jonah will re-establish contact with Dante Ryan, a former contract killer now a restaurateur, for assistance.
“High Chicago” has a stylish Hollywood crime drama opening. Jonah is hired to look into the apparent suicide of the daughter of a well-known Toronto property developer. Not one to mind his manners, he smells a rat that needs fixing and soon find himself up to his neck, deep in trouble, crossing words with a major real estate developer and the father of the dead girl. Before long he is in hot pursuit of a mega builder (reminds you of Donald Trump) who has ways of dealing with pesky investigators. Before it is all over, a considerable of mayhem has taken place, some surprising plot twists unfurled and we are plunged into nail-biting suspense not typically found in this kind of mystery. Needless to say Jonah is a wonderful character and the supporting cast is as varied as they come all with their own strong personality and ambition rarely seen.
This is a strong entrée and a very entertaining addition to a fantastic series.
September 15, 2013
It's a gloriously sunny fall day here, one of those days that shouts at you that you should get outside, there aren't more left, you should wallow in the sun and coolish air and bright blue while you can.
But I'm inside, finishing High Chicago.
Because it is impossible to stop.
The last few chapters have the racing about pacing of an action film, the first part of the book lays out a complex, twisted plot, everyone is not who they seem, and wow - I sit agog at the plot developments and how the story is brought together so expertly at the end.
It's hard to write violent scenes and make them sound realistic - Shrier can do this in spades but doesn't dwell on things in a nasty way - he describes the punch and the kick so that you can feel them, then moves on. His characters are not mystically strong. I like this. Actually, I love all the characters in this book, even the slimy ones. (Well, except one of them).
Wonderfully done and I must now read Miss Montreal ASAP. I'm hoping for rain.
But I'm inside, finishing High Chicago.
Because it is impossible to stop.
The last few chapters have the racing about pacing of an action film, the first part of the book lays out a complex, twisted plot, everyone is not who they seem, and wow - I sit agog at the plot developments and how the story is brought together so expertly at the end.
It's hard to write violent scenes and make them sound realistic - Shrier can do this in spades but doesn't dwell on things in a nasty way - he describes the punch and the kick so that you can feel them, then moves on. His characters are not mystically strong. I like this. Actually, I love all the characters in this book, even the slimy ones. (Well, except one of them).
Wonderfully done and I must now read Miss Montreal ASAP. I'm hoping for rain.
March 29, 2010
Howard Shrier did not disappoint my expectations for his second Jonah Geller novel. It was an exciting mystery, with enough plots turns and international mystery to keep me reading. Again, I loved the emphasis on Toronto locales. You get the sense that Jonah really lives in the city from his enthusiasm for describing his favourite haunts. When's the next book coming?
February 12, 2011
2nd in the Jonah Geller (Toronto PI) series. Jonah has now opened his own agency and is approached by a woman whose daughter has recently committed suicide. She asks Jonah to find out why, since there were no warning signs. A good solid mystery with interesting detail about Toronto and Chicago, but I was a little disturbed by the vigilante aspect of Jonah's quest to bring the murderer to justice.
August 6, 2018
Action Mystery That Pulls You In and Won't Let Go
Loved the story, loved the film noire/Hammet style, loved the characterizations. This is Shrier's second novel and it centers around corruption in the construction trade. The main villian is a Donald Trump competitor named Simon Birk, though the author has Trump himself appear briefly, a nice meshing of reality in the fiction Protagonist Jonah Geller Shrier has just started his own agency, "World Repairs", specializing in cases that may need a little rough justice to set right. His 20% minority partner Jenn is smart, sassy, leggy, also gay and makes a neat foil against the other characters. Shrier also uses fewer characters than he did in Buffalo jump and I think this works well as he is able fill them out more fully. I also have to admit a bit of narcissistic pleasure in that the action takes place in and around Chicago and Toronto neighbourhoods that I'm familiar with.
One of the questions one has to ask about a series though is - can you read the second or nth book without reading the first? Shrier accomodates by refilling in some of the back story from the first book, skillfully in dealing with the ex-hitman Dante Ryan, but a bit uneven I felt when dealing with the main protagonist.
The chapters are short and the story packs both an andrenal and emotional wallop, esp about 2/3rds in. Good twists in the plot and Jonah's internal dialogs and moral questioning makes good use of the first person narrative form. And the hat tip to the Maltese Falcon near the end is IMHO nicely done, though might be a bit heavy handed for serious fans of the film.
Loved the story, loved the film noire/Hammet style, loved the characterizations. This is Shrier's second novel and it centers around corruption in the construction trade. The main villian is a Donald Trump competitor named Simon Birk, though the author has Trump himself appear briefly, a nice meshing of reality in the fiction Protagonist Jonah Geller Shrier has just started his own agency, "World Repairs", specializing in cases that may need a little rough justice to set right. His 20% minority partner Jenn is smart, sassy, leggy, also gay and makes a neat foil against the other characters. Shrier also uses fewer characters than he did in Buffalo jump and I think this works well as he is able fill them out more fully. I also have to admit a bit of narcissistic pleasure in that the action takes place in and around Chicago and Toronto neighbourhoods that I'm familiar with.
One of the questions one has to ask about a series though is - can you read the second or nth book without reading the first? Shrier accomodates by refilling in some of the back story from the first book, skillfully in dealing with the ex-hitman Dante Ryan, but a bit uneven I felt when dealing with the main protagonist.
The chapters are short and the story packs both an andrenal and emotional wallop, esp about 2/3rds in. Good twists in the plot and Jonah's internal dialogs and moral questioning makes good use of the first person narrative form. And the hat tip to the Maltese Falcon near the end is IMHO nicely done, though might be a bit heavy handed for serious fans of the film.
August 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this one, quite possibly better than the first.
I read it in advance of a trip to Chicago, as I often like to read a book or two about a place I will be visiting. I felt it was a bit risky to trust a Canadian author to portray Chicago well, but it's clear that a lot of time and research went into crafting this novel. Shrier did an awesome job of describing the city, making it feel real, and nailing landmarks and streets down accurately.
I'm definitely enjoying this series so far. The action and suspense is well paced, reasonably believable, and logical to the characters and plot. I've really enjoyed the way that Shrier has fleshed out the characters in this novel, and they are all interesting and likeable. There's a pinch of good humour throughout the book and a dose of real world issues that helps to bind the plot together and make it flow.
Can't wait to read Boston Cream, and as much of Shrier's other work that I can get my hands on. Well done!!!
I read it in advance of a trip to Chicago, as I often like to read a book or two about a place I will be visiting. I felt it was a bit risky to trust a Canadian author to portray Chicago well, but it's clear that a lot of time and research went into crafting this novel. Shrier did an awesome job of describing the city, making it feel real, and nailing landmarks and streets down accurately.
I'm definitely enjoying this series so far. The action and suspense is well paced, reasonably believable, and logical to the characters and plot. I've really enjoyed the way that Shrier has fleshed out the characters in this novel, and they are all interesting and likeable. There's a pinch of good humour throughout the book and a dose of real world issues that helps to bind the plot together and make it flow.
Can't wait to read Boston Cream, and as much of Shrier's other work that I can get my hands on. Well done!!!
May 6, 2024
Again, a reread. I enjoyed all the same things I did with the first volume, and had the same minor quibbles as before (see my review of Buffalo Jump). The milieu this time is the high-powered and notoriously corrupt word of property development. Again, the pieces come together slowly, with an unexpected twist at the end. However, we are told in chapter one who the big bad guy is, so the bulk of the book is really an exercise in explaining all the discoveries that led Geller to that point. It is for that reason in particular that I have dropped my rating to a 3.
April 24, 2018
Jonah Geller is asked to investigate why a young woman committed suicide. But his search takes him from Toronto to Chicago -- and pits him up against a billionaire land developer.
His perils again require the assistance of Dante Ryan so you know it might get a bit bloody.
But this series continues to amuse -- and gets better along the way.
If your regional mysteries lack an entry from Toronto, you might want to give Geller a call.
His perils again require the assistance of Dante Ryan so you know it might get a bit bloody.
But this series continues to amuse -- and gets better along the way.
If your regional mysteries lack an entry from Toronto, you might want to give Geller a call.
May 24, 2018
Four chapters and I love it already!
Now that I'm finished, I can't wait to read book #3. This is a great series.
Now that I'm finished, I can't wait to read book #3. This is a great series.
February 13, 2017
Private investigator Jonah Geller is asked to look into the apparent suicide of a young woman by her grieving mother, the ex-wife of a real estate developer who has started construction on a sought-after site on Toronto’s waterfront. The developer has partnered with a Trump-like tycoon from Chicago, and Geller’s investigations lead him to search in that city for answers, but not before a couple more mysterious deaths in Toronto occur, deaths that seem somehow linked to the high-stakes world of luxury construction projects…. I initially read a later book in Howard Shrier’s Geller series ("Miss Montreal"), which I found to be too violent for my tastes; "High Chicago" is equally violent, but this time I was prepared for it and managed to discount that aspect of the series. I found Geller and his friends and colleagues to be interesting characters, and certainly the story is very fast-paced and a quick read. The final scene of violence in this particular novel struck me as completely out of character with the rest of the book, though; if Geller’s such a terrific investigator *and* fighter, how could his opponent have surprised him so? Leaving that mistake aside, and keeping in mind the extreme violence, it’s an entertaining enough read, however, so mildly recommended.
August 10, 2014
HIGH CHICAGO, a fast-paced crime thriller by Canadian writer, Howard Shrier, grabs you by the eyeballs and doesn't let go. I must confess that this is my first Howard Shrier novel and it certainly won't be the last. Toronto private investigator, Jonah Geller was introduced in Shrier's first mystery thriller, "Buffalo Jump" and returns with a bang in "High Chicago." Jonah now runs a new business, "World Repairs," co-owned with his partner and best friend, Jenn Raudsepp. Hired to investigate an apparent suicide, the trail soon leads to the dark side of construction and development. It also leads to a very shady multimillionaire, Simon Birk, who can whistle up mobsters, muscle and hitmen with a flick of his finger.
Jonah proves to be a formidable opponent who has his own sources of information plus a hidden weapon--a retired mobster who is in Jonah's debt and will do anything to help his friend and has the connections to do it.
I like this well-crafted mystery--at times violent, filled with great dialogue, a bit of humour, believable characters. "High Chicago" may be my first Howard Shrier book but definitely not my last. Grab a copy if you see it and settle in for an entertaining read!
Jonah proves to be a formidable opponent who has his own sources of information plus a hidden weapon--a retired mobster who is in Jonah's debt and will do anything to help his friend and has the connections to do it.
I like this well-crafted mystery--at times violent, filled with great dialogue, a bit of humour, believable characters. "High Chicago" may be my first Howard Shrier book but definitely not my last. Grab a copy if you see it and settle in for an entertaining read!
March 29, 2014
SERIES: 2
RATING: 3.25
Jonah Geller has formed an investigative agency with his friend, Jenn Raudsepp. When a young woman commits suicide, her mother asks them to look into what her life had been like to cause such an event. They uncover some ugly events. Not as good as the first - Jonah's past experiences in Israel aren't really mentioned, and he's become more high octane. Jenn is gay, and much more emphasis is placed on her beauty than her skills.
RATING: 3.25
Jonah Geller has formed an investigative agency with his friend, Jenn Raudsepp. When a young woman commits suicide, her mother asks them to look into what her life had been like to cause such an event. They uncover some ugly events. Not as good as the first - Jonah's past experiences in Israel aren't really mentioned, and he's become more high octane. Jenn is gay, and much more emphasis is placed on her beauty than her skills.
July 4, 2012
There aren't many stories that are based in Toronto so I was drawn to this one ... especially because it was a mystery.
It took me a couple chapters to get into it but once I did, I found it interesting.
This is the second in the series.
I find it curious that male investigators must have lesbian partners ... why?
It took me a couple chapters to get into it but once I did, I found it interesting.
This is the second in the series.
I find it curious that male investigators must have lesbian partners ... why?
March 6, 2012
Howard Shrier's written a fast-paced, fun novel. I enjoyed the main character, who is quite funny, and I enjoyed the Toronto settings, which I was familiar with. I'm going to look for his earlier book, which received good reviews also. Nice to read a Canadian writer for a change.
December 10, 2013
Decent little detective novel. Some parts were a bit predictable and few parts were absurdly unrealistic (Shrier isn't maybe as good a thriller writer as some out there). But the pages went by quickly.
August 20, 2016
I'm digging this series but for heaven's sake man, CALL THE POLICE!
July 17, 2011
Much same type as last book.Engaging character.Good
Read
April 17, 2012Jonah Geller is a great character! The plot is scary, funny and a great look at life between canada and the US.
June 4, 2013
Another great book in this series.
March 30, 2014
I really liked the first Jonah Geller detective novel... but I think I liked this one even better! Great characters, and fast-moving plot makes this a very quick read!!!!
January 18, 2017
This is his follow up to his debut novel, Buffalo Jump and it didn't disappoint. Good plot, characters and witty dialogue
maybe
October 22, 2011Arthur Ellis Award winner 2010.
August 18, 2013
3.5 stars.
December 9, 2015
Second in the series, a bit better than the first, looking forward to the third.
April 23, 2017
There were three parts to the book for me.
First recap of the last book, it was okay and good for me since not too much time has passed. I did skip a few lines.
A lot of the buildings descriptions were lost on me because I have not been to Chicago but I don't hold those surround details up to very high standard. I did enjoy the local reference (for me) of Toronto. The first 3 characters were tough to tell the difference from one another for some reason I had to go back and re-read to straighten them out.
Jonah Jen and Dante. This was by far the most enjoyable part of the book the way all characters interacted with each other. Amazing. When Dante was introduced I got crazy excited. I do wish Jen was not so overtly sexualized, it is all anyone mentions about her. Rather annoying. The highlight will be the banter between Dante and Jen left me laughing out loud several times. And even the Sargent had her moments.
I literally forgot about the girl by the time the book started to close the case. I liked the way Jonas' plan or lack of one played out. There was nothing to complain about with a nice wrap up. I did not want to put this book down at all and loved every minute of it and will definitely be re-reading it again and again.
First recap of the last book, it was okay and good for me since not too much time has passed. I did skip a few lines.
A lot of the buildings descriptions were lost on me because I have not been to Chicago but I don't hold those surround details up to very high standard. I did enjoy the local reference (for me) of Toronto. The first 3 characters were tough to tell the difference from one another for some reason I had to go back and re-read to straighten them out.
Jonah Jen and Dante. This was by far the most enjoyable part of the book the way all characters interacted with each other. Amazing. When Dante was introduced I got crazy excited. I do wish Jen was not so overtly sexualized, it is all anyone mentions about her. Rather annoying. The highlight will be the banter between Dante and Jen left me laughing out loud several times. And even the Sargent had her moments.
I literally forgot about the girl by the time the book started to close the case. I liked the way Jonas' plan or lack of one played out. There was nothing to complain about with a nice wrap up. I did not want to put this book down at all and loved every minute of it and will definitely be re-reading it again and again.
Want to read
September 20, 2018Synopsis: PI Jonah Geller is drawn into a young girl's suicide and the high-stakes of land development.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews