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Reviews for Robert Goldsborough


"A Death in Pilsen is an enjoyable, witty read. …a surprising last-minute twist. This is a fun, fast read that vividly recreates the atmosphere of a bygone era."

--No Name Cafe
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"A Death in Pilsen perfectly captures the angst of the post-war years; details of the journalistic process ring absolutely true. Plus the writing is just top-notch and the plotting is laser-focused on the murder investigation. If it’s true that history can often be better understood through fiction than non-fiction and/or history texts, A Death in Pilsen is a great example of that principle. In fact, it would be a perfect book for younger readers–a dose of history combined with a fascinating story. That’s not to say adults wouldn’t appreciate it, too. (Older readers will especially appreciate the large type!) In the book’s last few pages, the author has included details about the true events and people described, along with a brief bibliography for those who want to know more."

–The Cozy Library
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"This long-awaited sequel to Three Strikes You're Dead continues the story of Chicago Tribune crime reporter Steve Malek. Featuring great characters and wonderful dialogue, the story is set in 1942 on the campus of the University of Chicago, where scientists are at work on a secret weapon. Goldsborough's description of Chicago has the quality of Max Allan Collins' fiction and Erik Larson's factual The Devil in the White City."

August P. Aleksy, Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore,
Forest Park, Ill. on Shadow of the Bomb


"In 1942 most of the newspaper coverage is on the war, but Steve Malek covers the local police beat for the Tribune. Readers obtain a glimpse of how the war impacted Chicago and how careful everyone is not to reveal anything on weapons development. Malek is more interested in solving the homicides than in uncovering tops secret weapons that could harm his nation if revealed. His investigation is realistic and engrossing as he works his crime beat to the delight of fans of historical mysteries. Robert Goldsborough is a fantastic storyteller."

Midwest Book Reviews on Shadow of the Bomb


"You don’t have to be a fan of the city of Chicago, or 30’s-era gangsters, or baseball’s Chicago Cubs, or suspense to enjoy Three Strikes You're Dead but if you are, you will love this book!  Three Strikes You're Dead is a very well developed and written story.  Mr. Goldsborough clearly knows and loves Chicago, and provides a delightful tour!  Of course, even in fiction the Cubs can’t win the series.  Move this one higher on your to-be-read pile."

Sandi Loper-Herzog


Dick Adler, the feature mystery reviewer for the Chicago Tribune spotlights not one, but both of Robert Goldsborough's Snap Malek Mysteries [Three Strikes You're Dead and Shadow of the Bomb] in the Crime Watch section and says, "The author's own secret weapon is the way he stirs in just enough period detail to make you believe it really happened this way."

Chicago Tribune


Robert Goldsborough, known for his continuation of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe series, brings to life Chicago in the ‘30s with a mix of real and fictional and a sports background in Three Strikes You’re Dead (Echelon, $12.99). A reporter follows the leads in this knock-out book."

[LM] Mystery Lovers Bookshop
Oakmont, PA


"Goldsborough, best known as the heir to Rex Stout via his half-dozen Nero Wolfe novels, creates a prewar Chicago that is at once sinister and appealing.  He also weaves an engaging subplot involving Dizzy Dean and the Chicago Cubs' drive to the 1938 World Series.  An enormously entertaining caper."

Wes Lukowsky, Booklist 100th Anniversary Issue 6/15/05


"Robert Goldsborough, the man who so brilliantly brought Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin back to literary life, has returned with a new detective, all his own – and that's cause for any mystery fan to rejoice!  Goldsborough is a master storyteller, providing crackling dialogue and plot twists around every corner – readers are in for a real treat!" 

Max Allan Collins, author of ROAD TO PURGATORY


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