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The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age by Michael Wolraich
ashleyra3's review
CONVOLUTED. Not good as an audiobook. Read like a dry history text book rather than a true crime thriller. Very little time was dedicated to "the Butterfly".
dgrachel's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.0
This just wasn’t for me. While the history is interesting, much of the prose was dry and all the politics were tedious.
bethfishreads's review against another edition
3.5
Author Wolraich uses the murder of Vivian Gordon to look at many of the seedier aspects of New York City at the end of the Jazz Age.
Vivian Gordon was many things, including a wheeler-dealer, black mailer, money lender, and call girl. When her body was found in a city park, her murder became a sensation. The investigation, supported by then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, threw a wide net, eventually exposing police corruption and bringing down Tammany Hall and Mayor Jimmy Walker.
The narrative is easy to follow and written in an engaging style. Through the story of Gordon's murder and the ensuing investigation, we see links connecting the mob, Prohibition crime, the police, the courts, City Hall and even an international bank scheme.
Recommended for anyone interested in true crime, history, and New York City.
The print/digital edition contains 54 historical photos documenting the case and the people involved. The visuals add to the story and give us a better sense of the people involved. It also includes footnotes that define words and give more insight.
The Audiobook is narrated by Kirsten Potter who did an excellent job animating the quotes. Potter's decision to inject a little attitude into her delivery perfectly fits this account of a sensational crime with a cast of flamboyant and cocky characters. Highly recommended audiobook.
Note: because the audiobook doesn't come with a PDF of the photos, footnotes, or back-of-book material, I augmented my listening experience by following along with a digital copy.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various media.
Vivian Gordon was many things, including a wheeler-dealer, black mailer, money lender, and call girl. When her body was found in a city park, her murder became a sensation. The investigation, supported by then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, threw a wide net, eventually exposing police corruption and bringing down Tammany Hall and Mayor Jimmy Walker.
The narrative is easy to follow and written in an engaging style. Through the story of Gordon's murder and the ensuing investigation, we see links connecting the mob, Prohibition crime, the police, the courts, City Hall and even an international bank scheme.
Recommended for anyone interested in true crime, history, and New York City.
The print/digital edition contains 54 historical photos documenting the case and the people involved. The visuals add to the story and give us a better sense of the people involved. It also includes footnotes that define words and give more insight.
The Audiobook is narrated by Kirsten Potter who did an excellent job animating the quotes. Potter's decision to inject a little attitude into her delivery perfectly fits this account of a sensational crime with a cast of flamboyant and cocky characters. Highly recommended audiobook.
Note: because the audiobook doesn't come with a PDF of the photos, footnotes, or back-of-book material, I augmented my listening experience by following along with a digital copy.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various media.
bntyle01's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
This is a case so intertwined with politics. I wish we were given a little bit more about her. It’s a fascinating read though and I learned so much about the politics going on. Without her investigation leading straight back to Tammany Hall our future as a country might be vastly different.
jessies's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
3.0
Vivian lived a difficult life. A trumped up prostitution charge separated her from her daughter, her only source of income was at the indulgence of the men in her life. She was at one time a Madam and kept records of her dealings with the police and other important men. Her life is told in some detail, and she is treated with respect.
This book is not only about Vivian's murder and subsequent trial. It is a great summary of NYC politics starting in the 18th century. The details of Vivian's diary spur Judge Seabury to put the justice system under a microscope, trying to weed out corruption. NY Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt is must decide to sweep this under the rug or taking a stand. He choice will help pave his way to the presidency.
I found this book very interesting, but not especially engaging.
This book is not only about Vivian's murder and subsequent trial. It is a great summary of NYC politics starting in the 18th century. The details of Vivian's diary spur Judge Seabury to put the justice system under a microscope, trying to weed out corruption. NY Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt is must decide to sweep this under the rug or taking a stand. He choice will help pave his way to the presidency.
I found this book very interesting, but not especially engaging.