Three Strikes You're Dead

Snap Malek Mystery #1

by Robert Goldsborough

In the mob-ridden Chicago of 1938, a reform candidate for mayor is gunned down, and Steve Malek, a police reporter for The Tribune, senses the story of a lifetime. Incurring his editors' anger, he ranges far beyond his beat, plunging headlong into a maverick investigation of the murder. In the process, he crosses paths with actress Helen Hayes, future Mayor Richard J. Daley, one-time syndicate kingpin Al Capone, and pitching great Dizzy Dean, traded to the Cubs at the start of the season. Even with the excitement of the World Series, Dean may be the key to Malek's very survival.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Robert Goldsborough is an American author of mystery novels. He was born in 1937 and grew up in the Chicago area. Although he worked for 45 years for the Chicago Tribune and Advertising Age, he first came to prominence in the 1980s with the publication, with the approval of the estate of Rex Stout, of his Nero Wolfe mystery Murder in E Minor. Written privately for his mother back in 1978, shortly after the death of Stout, creator of the Wolfe stories, the novel received a Nero Award.

Six other Nero Wolfe books followed from Goldsborough, all favorably received. However, more recently he has turned his attention to creating books with his own characters, beginning with Three Strikes You're Dead, a novel set in pre-war Chicago, and starring Steve Malek, a reporter for the Tribune.

Series:
* Nero Wolfe Novels by Robert Goldsborough
* Snap Malek Mystery

Reviews

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago in 1938

I am very grateful to the author for continuing the Nero Wolfe series after the death of Rex Stout. Mr Goldsborough gave we Wolfe fans several more adventures that I thoroughly enjoyed. Only recently did I become aware that Mr Goldsborough had written a 4-volume stand alone series about a 1930s Chicago newspaper reporter, Snap Malek. Snap Malek is drawn into solving the murder of a prominent Chicago politician who is assassinated mob-style except the syndicate didn't do it. The mob wants their name cleared of this murder so they come down hard on Snap to solve the mystery. Snap does with many twists and turns. Cameo appearances including the actress Helen Hays, future Chicago mayor Richard Daley, and baseball great Dizzy Dean make for entertaining reading. Solid mystery and I will read the remaining three mysteries in the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

February 2010 COTC Book Club Selection.

While the story was somewhat enjoyable, in part because of the Chicago connections for me, this was really not written very well. The plot was strung together a little loosely for me with famous people thrown in without regard for whether or not it made sense to the story. There was very little actual detecting, our hero stumbled on most things by chance. The pace was too slow - not enough relevent events for the page count. It just felt like someone who was learning to write and needed more editing rather than a polished work. I don't feel like I wasted my time, but I'm not looking to read more by this author either.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, with an engaging main character and interesting historical context. Unfortunately, Goldsborough seems to have an aversion to the word “said”, often substituting such gems as “drawled”, “observed”, “tweaked” (what??), “sassed”, “grunted”, “rasped”, “snorted”, “chortled”, and “intoned” - to name just a few.

[Thomas W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable - makes it feel like you're in 1930's Chicago

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd never read a "hard-boiled" detective novel, so it was a new experience. Being from Chicago, I found the *constant* references to Chicago locations and historical events a bit annoying, as if the author wanted to prove he'd done his research with a mention of every little thing he found.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, especially with the twist. Author did a great job with all the Chicago details. Thought he rambled a bit, dragging it out. But otherwise an enjoyable mystery.

[Thad Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Snap Malek is a reporter in Chicago in the 1930s. In this book it is the year 1938 and he meets with such notables as Al Capone, Dizzy Dean and a young Richard Daly. He also helps solve a mystery.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Very Chicago - Cubs vs Sox, north side vs south side, what parish do you live in, Lake Shore Drive, calling Colonel McCormick (fortunately out of town) to complain about a reporter. Set in 1938, the reporter is set on discovery of a murderer - a possible Republican reform candidate, which pleases neither the Democratic machine nor the post-Capone Mob, both of which might have dunnit but didn't. The Mob gets the blame by the police,the district attorney, the mayor, and all the newspapers, doesn't like it, & pressures a Tribune police beat reporter to find out.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care much for this book, which surprised me as I like historical fiction and have enjoyed other work by the author. I think historical settings should be built up from the details but this story uses real historical figures to create the background in broad strokes. I think this technique detracted from the story. I did not care much for the central character and the ending
was unsatisfactory.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read...newspaperman's procedural, 1938, stalking the story--who killed the big blustery guy threatening to run for Mayor of Chicago? The Mob? The Other Party? Or.......? Both scenes and mystery unraveling rich and full......and the real-life characters are the greatest of fun: Dizzy Dean in all his wonder, and the young Richard J. Daley was the most intriguing--is this how that dynasty-builder started out as a young man? Did like the moral backbone of integrity and loyalty, too.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good start to a series. The main Character "Snap Malek" is a reporter for the Chicago Tribune on the crime beat in Chicago. The story is easy to read...the plot progresses at an even pace and builds nicely to fast paced ending. The time period is brought to life by bringing together events that were current at the time with vivid descriptions of Chicago in the 1930's.

[Luu · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked the most about this book was that you can fully emerse yourself into the setting. Which is a wonderful setting indeed. It's full of mystery cliches, but with this book it's alright cause they're all put to good use. The hero is definatly likeable and you're rooting for him to get to the bottom of the mystery and win the girl.

[Mary Noyszewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting peek into Chicago 1938. I found it implausible (too many coincidental meetings with famous people) but I still liked the characters and just going along for the ride. Good historical info is packed in this book.

[Cody Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this in my History of Chicago class junior year. It is a fun book that has a good mystery. After reading it, i turned the book over to my aunt and uncle who also enjoyed.

[Christine Verstraete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, especially the old Chicago history. Having spent my own time at the Chicago Historical Center and Newberry Libraries, the background def. got me hooked!

[Gloria Anders]

Very good! A favorite!