Jack O'Malley

Historical fiction can show us where we were, and in the case of THE KING OF THE IRISH, it shows how much of the past is being repeated today.

This book is a must for those with an interest in the seamy side of Chicago politics. Opening in 1889, the cast of characters could have been drawn from today, a collection of ward heelers and bosses, the power-hungry and the scapegoats who pay the price of corruption.

Based on true events, the novel is written from the point of view of the man who was charged with an infamous murder, only to find that he was up against perjury, prejudice, and a packed jury. Daniel Coughlin finds a way to survive the hell that passed for penal servitude at the time, but what makes the story more intriguing is the behind-the-scenes political chicanery that lies at the root of Dan's troubles.

Politicians wheel and deal as the Irish come to dominate Chicago, with two opposing sides using the courts and the laws to increase their power. All while Dan languishes in prison, too loyal to his clout to use what he knows to help himself.

For those who may have heard of the Haymarket Riots and the subsequent unrest, you'll want to read this novel to understand how one case of injustice led to the pardon of three other men totally unconnected to Daniel Coughlin, who just happened to be one of the police officers involved in the real investigation.

Once you start this novel, you won't be able to put it down until you've finished it.… (mere)