Book Review: A Killing on the Hill by Robert Dugoni

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A Killing on the Hill is a captivating historical thriller by Robert Dugoni, known for his mastery across genres. From his Charles Jenkins mysteries to the Tracy Crosswhite series, Dugoni’s latest work seamlessly blends historical fiction with a gripping legal thriller. With each venture, Dugoni proves his ability to mesmerize readers with his storytelling prowess.

William ‘Shoe’ Shumacher, the sole provider for his family, left Kansas City for Chicago at eighteen after his father could no longer afford his education. He found work as a reporter at the Daily Star under Howard ‘Phish’ Phisbaum’s guidance.

One morning, Detective Ernie Blunt summoned him to a potential crime scene at the Pom Pom Club in Profanity Hill, involving a gangster shooting. Accompanying Blunt, William interviewed four witnesses, including speakeasy owner George Miller and victim Frankie Ray, a former prizefighter. Initially, all witnesses corroborated Miller’s claim of self-defense, stating Ray had a gun and threatened Miller.

As the case progresses, William becomes increasingly entangled in the mystery surrounding Miller’s involvement in Ray’s shooting. The revelation that the victim was left untreated despite being alive when the police arrived adds a chilling layer to the narrative, underscoring the callousness of the situation.

Meanwhile, William’s reporting catapults him to fame, with his stories making front-page headlines and capturing the attention of the entire town. What started as Shoe’s first homicide investigation quickly evolves into the Trial of the Century, with each twist and turn revealing that nothing is as straightforward as it seems.

With conflicting accounts, questionable motives, and witnesses like Ray’s girlfriend, whose silence speaks volumes, William finds himself navigating a perilous path fraught with danger.

From the outset, I was completely drawn into the narrative of A Killing on the Hill. Witnessing William’s rise to fame, alongside his family’s struggles back in Kansas City, set the stage for a gripping tale. As William becomes entangled in a mystery with potentially dire consequences, I found myself unable to tear myself away from the book.

Blending elements of historical fiction and legal thriller, this engrossing novel kept me guessing until the very end. Once I began reading, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down. So, I dove in headfirst, allowing the story to consume my attention, even at the expense of neglecting chores and work.

In addition to the captivating mystery, readers are treated to a tender romance that adds depth to the protagonist’s journey. Dugoni ensures that every facet of William’s life -professional, personal, and romantic – is thoroughly explored.

As I delved deeper into the story, it played like a movie in my head. Certain scenes, particularly those involving William and Amara, I could envision it accompanied by the perfect soundtrack – Frank Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night.

In conclusion, A Killing on the Hill by Robert Dugoni is undoubtedly a must-read thriller of the year, offering a riveting blend of intrigue, romance, and suspense that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

Ending this review post with an Instagram link. Robert shared quotes from this review on his Instagram page.

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A post shared by Robert Dugoni (@robertdugoni)

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I received an ARC from MBC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.