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Ms. Etta's Fast House
Essence® bestselling author Victor McGlothin delivers a stirring novel about a player who's down on his luck only to receive help from the most unlikely source- the very women whose hearts he broke...
The year is 1947, and Ms. Etta's Fast House is the hottest nightclub this side of Chicago. The city's fastest-talking street hustlers rub elbows here with the rich and famous, and anyone with enough cash in their wallet can drink like a king and dance the night away. Life is good- until a stranger named Baltimore Floyd strolls into town...
Handsome and charming, Baltimore is a hustler with a penchant for stirring up trouble. Everyone adores him, including Etta Adams, the matron of Ms. Etta's Fast House. But before he can imagine settling down with one woman, Baltimore is up for a little action, which is how he hooks up with a corrupt cop's wife.
In the blink of an eye, Baltimore finds himself on trial for a crime he didn't commit. Now, to keep him from hanging, the patrons of Ms. Etta's Fast House will need to heal their heartache and come together before the world beyond the Ville's borders tears them apart...
The year is 1947, and Ms. Etta's Fast House is the hottest nightclub this side of Chicago. The city's fastest-talking street hustlers rub elbows here with the rich and famous, and anyone with enough cash in their wallet can drink like a king and dance the night away. Life is good- until a stranger named Baltimore Floyd strolls into town...
Handsome and charming, Baltimore is a hustler with a penchant for stirring up trouble. Everyone adores him, including Etta Adams, the matron of Ms. Etta's Fast House. But before he can imagine settling down with one woman, Baltimore is up for a little action, which is how he hooks up with a corrupt cop's wife.
In the blink of an eye, Baltimore finds himself on trial for a crime he didn't commit. Now, to keep him from hanging, the patrons of Ms. Etta's Fast House will need to heal their heartache and come together before the world beyond the Ville's borders tears them apart...
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
About the author
Victor McGlothin
30 books41 followersVictor McGlothin almost lost an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills. Ultimately, he overcame that obstacle and later completed a Masters degree in Human Relations & Business. After he developed a love for the written word, Victor left a vice president position with a local bank to pursue a career in literature. He now lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two sons.
I've always loved telling stories, just ask anyone who knew me in my youth. They'd say, "that Victor sho' can lie!" They were right, I could come up with some whoppers; still can. Now I'm trying to earn a living writing fiction telling lies. Some things never change. "Oh man, I love my job."
I've always loved telling stories, just ask anyone who knew me in my youth. They'd say, "that Victor sho' can lie!" They were right, I could come up with some whoppers; still can. Now I'm trying to earn a living writing fiction telling lies. Some things never change. "Oh man, I love my job."
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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July 14, 2014This book will make a fantastic movie one day.
October 21, 2020
Truly ENJOYED this book from start to finish!! The fast paced action and plethora of great characters allows you to choose who you like best and gives you plenty to like about them.
July 1, 2016
I liked that way the author wove Black history facts throughout the novel. These facts added a feeling of authenticity to the novel and served to educate as well. "The Ville" was the most prestigious Black community in St. Louis during the period in which the novel is set. The Homer G. Phillips hospital was built in 1937 to provide medical treatment to the Black community. Within ten years of opening its doors, it was one of a few, nationally ranked hospitals where Black doctors and nurses could receive medical traning; as well as those seeking to become x-ray and laboratory technicians.
I enjoyed this book and just kept turning the pages. The cast of characters are richly drawn and full of life, wisdom, and are sometimes faced with difficult choices: Ms. Etta, Penny, "Baltimore" Floyd, M.K., Delbert, Henry, and Dr. Hiram Knight all play pivotal roles in the fast paced storyline.
Set in St. Louis after WWII, St. Louis is changing, as is the nation. The Negro Baseball League is on the decline after the signing of Jackie Robinson. The St. Louis Police Department is about to make some significant changes. And those courageous Black men who fought in WWII are coming home with a new attitude. In the midst of these changes, Baltimore Floyd rolls into town.
Baltimore Floyd is very, very easy on the eyes, has women falling at his feet (although he upfront regarding his intentions and never makes promises he does not intend to keep), and is a hustler with a heart. He despise bullies and champions that which is just and fair.
Ms. Etta operates the hottest night spot in St. Louis and is frequented by the doctors and nurses from the hospital, businessmen, hustlers and just about anyone else who can afford the prices. Ms. Etta loves Henry, who is Baltimore's "ride and die" from way back. But Baltimore learns from the broken-hearted Ms. Etta that Henry upped and married someone else without saying a word to her before doing so. Baltimore is in disbelief that his friend would treat Ms. Etta is such a manner.
The St. Louis Police Department annouces an examination for new recruits and, that for the first time, the exam will be open to Blacks. The newly married Henry sees this as an opportunity to create a steady income for his new new family and registers to take the exam. The Black community is divided on this new development. Some see those who are seeking to join the force as heroes while others view them as traitors who are joining their oppressors. When Baltimore finally catches up with Henry, he receives a frosty reception from Henry's wife. When he learns that Henry plans to sit for the exam and accept the position if offered, Baltimore feels betrayed by his friend who was not opposed to operating outside of the law in the past.
When Baltimore is accused of a crime that he did not commit, new friendships will form, loyalties will be tested, wits will be challenged, as Baltimore's friend come to his aid.
I enjoyed this book and just kept turning the pages. The cast of characters are richly drawn and full of life, wisdom, and are sometimes faced with difficult choices: Ms. Etta, Penny, "Baltimore" Floyd, M.K., Delbert, Henry, and Dr. Hiram Knight all play pivotal roles in the fast paced storyline.
Set in St. Louis after WWII, St. Louis is changing, as is the nation. The Negro Baseball League is on the decline after the signing of Jackie Robinson. The St. Louis Police Department is about to make some significant changes. And those courageous Black men who fought in WWII are coming home with a new attitude. In the midst of these changes, Baltimore Floyd rolls into town.
Baltimore Floyd is very, very easy on the eyes, has women falling at his feet (although he upfront regarding his intentions and never makes promises he does not intend to keep), and is a hustler with a heart. He despise bullies and champions that which is just and fair.
Ms. Etta operates the hottest night spot in St. Louis and is frequented by the doctors and nurses from the hospital, businessmen, hustlers and just about anyone else who can afford the prices. Ms. Etta loves Henry, who is Baltimore's "ride and die" from way back. But Baltimore learns from the broken-hearted Ms. Etta that Henry upped and married someone else without saying a word to her before doing so. Baltimore is in disbelief that his friend would treat Ms. Etta is such a manner.
The St. Louis Police Department annouces an examination for new recruits and, that for the first time, the exam will be open to Blacks. The newly married Henry sees this as an opportunity to create a steady income for his new new family and registers to take the exam. The Black community is divided on this new development. Some see those who are seeking to join the force as heroes while others view them as traitors who are joining their oppressors. When Baltimore finally catches up with Henry, he receives a frosty reception from Henry's wife. When he learns that Henry plans to sit for the exam and accept the position if offered, Baltimore feels betrayed by his friend who was not opposed to operating outside of the law in the past.
When Baltimore is accused of a crime that he did not commit, new friendships will form, loyalties will be tested, wits will be challenged, as Baltimore's friend come to his aid.
October 12, 2009
Victor McGlothin's latest novel is set in 1947 St. Louis where the music is hot, women are hotter, and Ms. Etta's Fast House is the place to be. The bold, the beautiful, the bad and the good mingle at Ms. Etta's - including the debonair hustler, Baltimore Floyd. Women love him, men want to emulate him, and trouble seems to follow him everywhere.
Friend to many, Baltimore has a cadre that includes the new interns at the renowned Homer G. Phillips hospital as well as some with shadier skills and less than perfect pasts. Penny, an ill-treated girl, who reminds Baltimore of his little sister, is also adopted into the "family". However, change comes in more ways than one on the cusp of Baltimore's arrival in St. Louis. His best friend, Henry, seemingly does a complete reversal leaving the lush life (including a steamy relationship with Ms. Etta) and hurriedly marries a school teacher with a ready-made family. He even foregoes his friendship with Baltimore and Etta to join/integrate the police force - a move that severs ties from his dark past and con-artist friends. However, when Baltimore crosses dirty, racist cops in a `get-rich-quick' scam, sleeps with the "wrong" woman, and ends up on the trial for his life, it is all of his friends (including Henry) that come to his aid, risking their reputation, professions and lives to save him from the gallows in a creative, yet dangerous rescue.
The author blends realism of the times in the sub-plots surrounding the supporting characters: racism and discrimination force top medical minds to practice at segregated facilities; Jim Crow laws impact the character's daily lives (shopping, dining, commuting, sporting events, etc.); and social taboos of interracial dating complicate relationships. The author paints Baltimore as a scoundrel with a big-heart. In addition to Baltimore; Ms. Etta, Penny, Delbert, and Jinx are also lovable characters that readers will love and want to see again. Fast paced, well-conceived (I didn't see some plot twists coming and the sub-plots came together well), with saucy dialogue it is recommended for those seeking a quick, entertaining read.
Friend to many, Baltimore has a cadre that includes the new interns at the renowned Homer G. Phillips hospital as well as some with shadier skills and less than perfect pasts. Penny, an ill-treated girl, who reminds Baltimore of his little sister, is also adopted into the "family". However, change comes in more ways than one on the cusp of Baltimore's arrival in St. Louis. His best friend, Henry, seemingly does a complete reversal leaving the lush life (including a steamy relationship with Ms. Etta) and hurriedly marries a school teacher with a ready-made family. He even foregoes his friendship with Baltimore and Etta to join/integrate the police force - a move that severs ties from his dark past and con-artist friends. However, when Baltimore crosses dirty, racist cops in a `get-rich-quick' scam, sleeps with the "wrong" woman, and ends up on the trial for his life, it is all of his friends (including Henry) that come to his aid, risking their reputation, professions and lives to save him from the gallows in a creative, yet dangerous rescue.
The author blends realism of the times in the sub-plots surrounding the supporting characters: racism and discrimination force top medical minds to practice at segregated facilities; Jim Crow laws impact the character's daily lives (shopping, dining, commuting, sporting events, etc.); and social taboos of interracial dating complicate relationships. The author paints Baltimore as a scoundrel with a big-heart. In addition to Baltimore; Ms. Etta, Penny, Delbert, and Jinx are also lovable characters that readers will love and want to see again. Fast paced, well-conceived (I didn't see some plot twists coming and the sub-plots came together well), with saucy dialogue it is recommended for those seeking a quick, entertaining read.
July 18, 2013
Victor McGlothin is one of my favs. He can write an entire book without a lick of profanity- not this one of course, but he has done it. With this read you have to be patient and I understand those who don't have time for all of that! The characters are fully developed but the story does take a while to get to the point. It is however true to McGlothin's style.
September 26, 2007
Well-done story brimming with memorable characters and great escapades, mixed in with both a sense and some actual facts of history. A few early missteps are more than redeemed. If Hollywood was smart, it would start the casting immediately--!
Full review in "Booklist" magazine.
Full review in "Booklist" magazine.
January 10, 2008
This book is slow as I don't know what. Very difficult to get into but I have to finish it because I hate not finishing a book. I wouldn't want anyone else to waste their time on this book.
Oh my goodness it was so painful to get through but I finally did.
Oh my goodness it was so painful to get through but I finally did.
September 4, 2015
It was an ok story. It took me a little longer to read than most stories. It did give some interesting facts, especially how African Americans lived during that time. It did get better towards the middle of the story.
July 28, 2008
This book was amazing as it takes place in the 1940s but it keeps you on a roller coaster ride!
Read
August 10, 2008Like Walter Moseley before he went all sci-fi. But Baltimore is more Mouse than Easy.
Want to Read
March 31, 2009TBD...will read soon.
May 24, 2011
My 2nd Victor McGlothin book, this one was just okay for me. I give it 2 stars.....
July 14, 2013
was a slow read at times.
July 30, 2016
Loved it!!
January 26, 2017
Looking for action ,humor,anger and love this is the book for you.
May 2, 2017
Different but interesting
ByPamela Johnston Wardon May 2, 2017
This was a different but interesting read. It's set in the year 1947. It was very interesting to read about how things were in those days. A refreshing change from all of the sex, drugs, and violence of today. There was also some black history facts that I knew nothing about. I got a glimpse of how African-Americans lived during that time.
ByPamela Johnston Wardon May 2, 2017
This was a different but interesting read. It's set in the year 1947. It was very interesting to read about how things were in those days. A refreshing change from all of the sex, drugs, and violence of today. There was also some black history facts that I knew nothing about. I got a glimpse of how African-Americans lived during that time.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews