The Chicago Way
by Michael Harvey
From the writer and producer of “Cold Case Files”, comes a twisted, modern-day, Chicago crime-noir novel. Michael Kelly is a private investigator/former police detective who is hired by his former partner to solve an eight-year-old vicious rape. When his partner is found dead, Michael Kelly scrounges up old friends and associates to assist him in solving the case. The novel unfolds into a sinister “whodunit” dispersed inside Chicago’s more popular landmarks.
Biography
(courtesy of michaelharveybooks.com)
Michael Harvey is a writer, journalist, and documentary producer. He is the co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the Prime-Time Emmy nominated television series, “The Cold Case Files”, and a former investigative producer for CBS Chicago. Michael’s work as a documentary producer and journalist has won numerous national and international awards, including multiple Emmys and an Academy Award nomination for the holocaust documentary, “Eyewitness”. Michael earned a law degree from Duke University, a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree in classical languages from Holy Cross College. Michael was born and raised in Boston and graduated from Boston Latin School. He now lives in Chicago with his wife Mary Frances, and their dog, Maggie. Michael also owns The Hidden Shamrock, home to a great pint of Guinness, and a place that Michael likes to frequent.
Discussion Questions
(courtesy of about.com, bookclubsresourse.com)
1. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
2. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?
3. Do the characters seem real and believable? Can you relate to their predicaments? To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?
4. How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
5. In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author's world view?
6. Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
7. How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place?
8. Did the book end the way you expected?