Book Review: ‘Murder Knocks Twice: (A Speakeasy Mystery)’ By Susanna Calkins Is A Great Start To A New Series

Set in 1929 and prohibition is in full swing. It’s the law of the land. That doesn’t stop places from obeying it. In Chicago the speakeasy the Third Door is where the action is. For Gina Ricci it’s a new job as a cigarette girl replacing the previous girl who was murdered (and no one wants to talk about her). She lost her job and her dad has lost his due to medical issues.

The place is run by Signora Castallazzo, a woman who is tough and puts up with no crap. There are very strict rules and Gina needs to learn them quickly. Gina sees a lot right away including photographed Marty. And it turns out Marty is her cousin on her mother’s side. There was a falling out when Gina’s dad married her mom and they disowned her not approving.

And it turns out a lot of people that work at Third Door knew her parents. She wonders if that was part of the reason she got the job. Gina starts nosing around about things and follows Marty outside one night and sees him get murdered. Before he dies he tells her to take his camera and protect the film and leaves a key. Gina soon learns she is the beneficiary in Marty’s will. He had left everything to her mom but since she died and her brother died it goes to her. Gina leans how to take pictures and develop them. And soon Gina finds herself in trouble. Someone tries to rob her. Her house is broken into. She knows it has to do with Marty and she’s determined to find out who killed him and why. But will it be too late for Gina?

A really fun mystery with strong well-written characters, a great look at 1929 Chicago and a story with fun twists and turns start this series off on the right foot. I can’t wait for more stories from author Susanna Calkins.

You can pick up Murder Knocks Twice in stores on Tuesday, April 30th from Minotaur Books.