The Wicked City: A Novel

As usual, Beatriz Williams doesn't disappoint. What's not to love about a story set in NYC in a gin joint during the Roaring 20s? The main character, Geneva "Gin" Kelly is strong, brave, and independent. You can't help but be drawn in by her story, her past, and the potential embodied by her future. She's darker than many of the leads in Williams other novels, and her story is dark as well. She comes from Maryland and leaves for NYC to distance herself from her step-father and the threat he poses to her, as well as to prove to herself that she can survive more successfully than her mother did In NYC. In essence, she wants to rewrite her mother's story. She works as a typist by day, an "artist's" model, and frequents a speakeasy on Christopher Street by night. The opportunity to get back at her step-father, who has become a wealthy bootlegger, arises, and she takes it. The rest of her story centers on trying to resolve the conflict between them and the complications that breeds. There is an alternate story line, set in the 1990s, which takes place in the same building where Gin lived. The modern day story line focuses on Ella, who moves into the apartment on Christopher Street when she is betrayed by her husband. Her story centers on recovering her life after the break up of what she thought was a perfect marriage. The stories intersect when Ella finds Gin's mother's box of keepsakes beneath a floorboard in the apartment. Both Gin and Ella question the viability and authenticity of finding true love in an unforgivingly real and "wicked" world. I didn't agree with the reviews that said Ella's story was unnecessary. I enjoyed it as much as I did Gin's story. As always, I appreciated Williams' ability to create ambiance, atmosphere, and complex authentic characters. I look forward to meeting them again in her forthcoming novel Cocoa Beach. I also absolutely loved the Schuyler connection and the "visit" with Julie, Viv, and Pepper.

Williams is one of those writers with a masterful ability to turn a phrase so exquisite that I find myself rereading them for the sheer pleasure of it. This is the second novel of hers that I’ve read, and if anything, I enjoyed it more than “A Certain Age.” My one quibble with this book is that I don’t really understand why she chose to weave a current-era plotline into the main narrative. I was enjoying it and kept expecting it to tie in to the past-era plot but it didn’t. Or if it did, I missed it. Other than that, a very satisfying read.

Beatriz is a new author to me ...love that name ... so different and fun! I love this cover ..totally what pulled me in immediately ... it is a Goodreads Giveaway read. The synopsis pulled in as well. I am new to her writing and I look forward to getting another one of her books to sink into ... loved this read ... descriptive ideas and thoughts ... fell into it and just enjoy all moments ... I love her creative writing style. I think it would be fun to live during this time era. Well done, must read. Check it out! ( ;

Beatriz Williams has done it... AGAIN! In her latest release "The Wicked City", we have the highly entertaining Geneva "Ginger" Kelly in the roaring twenties NYC. Did I mention Ginger is the step daughter of one of the most notorious bootleggers (and twisted SOBs) to come out of the Appalachian mountains.
On the other side of the story we meet Ella in 1998 New York. A woman who's just about lost everything after catching her hubby with a prostitute. She moves from a posh SoHo penthouse, to a fixer upper in Greenwich.
Two women, seven decades apart... connected through heartache, loss and a little Greenwich apartment.

While I adore all of Beatriz Williams' books, I think The Wicked City is the best. The "voice" used in describing the time period and the dialogue is simply incredible. The story is complex and well thought. Overall, I would give this one 10 stars in possible.

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have never read any of this author's books before, but I certainly will now. The premise is intriguing, the plot mobile, the characters engaging, the dialog great fun. The story reels you in while you just keep turning the pages. No spoilers, the publisher's blurb gives hints and clues but can't begin to prepare you for all the laughs and creativity. An excellent read, and I highly recommend it!
I did enter and win a giveaway in which the book was provided by the publisher in expectation of a review.

The novel has silly, saucy, and quick paced writing that is hard to read.It is an unsuccessful effort to write clever and witty dialogue that keeps the reader's interest. It is not the author's usual interesting plot with exciting twists and turns that I found in reading her other best sellers. Quite boring and seems like she wrote the book quickly with a publication date in mind instead of a good story. I would not recommend reading this book.

Set in two time periods, the roaring twenties with its bootleg booze and more contemporary time of the late 1990's, this story is a witty, wonderful read. From start to finish, I couldn't put it down. Ms. Williams brings in some characters from her previously written books (the Schuylers) and her two new female protagonists are as different as night and day. The dialog is snappy, humorous and fast paced. Highly recommended.

Love doesn’t care about convenience, propriety or good timing. If you want it, sometimes you must throw caution to the wind, and jump in feet first, consequences be damned. In New York City, where life moves fast, this is especially true.

Gin and Ella are women from two different eras – the 20’s and the 90’s – who are connected by a building wrought with history (and perhaps even more). Gin moved to the city from rural Maryland to escape her stepfather, and Ella moved into Gin’s old building to escape a marriage that wasn’t what it seemed. Gin spends her nights at the speakeasy next door, drinking and dancing the night away in the days of Prohibition. 70+ years later, Ella swears she hears jazz music through the laundry room wall, but can find no way to get inside. Both women find love unexpectedly in the same place, decades apart.

Beatriz Williams never disappoints. Stories of complicated (if not impossible) love with a side of historical fiction, served up in her lovely writing style? Just my cup of tea. This recent endeavor, the third of her books that I’ve read so far, takes 2nd place, just after Along the Infinite Sea.

It was a bit mysterious, very character-driven (as always), and I especially liked Gin. She had gumption and smarts and a strong will to make the best of things. Even in the worst of situations, she tried to do the right thing, at great cost to herself. But she was no doormat.

The relationships that develop are not a surprise, but I enjoyed watching them play out. The ending left a little too much to the imagination for me, given this isn’t a series so far as I know. Perhaps the door was being left open for a related story where those questions will be answered. I suppose it’s also possible there were some connections I didn’t make along the way.

One thing that took some getting used to was the shift in style. It was reminiscent of a detective novel/or movie from the 20’s. Completely appropriate given the story, but I wasn’t expecting it, and I don’t have a lot of experience with detective novels, especially from that period. After awhile, I didn’t notice it anymore. But it’s something to be aware of.

As I said, Beatriz Williams did not disappoint. She will continue to be at the top of my reading list, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next.

Note: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

So many questions and loose ends that need to be addressed. Things are introduced, then not mentioned again. Liked much more than A Certain Age, which I thought was terribly slow, but this one left me unsatisfied at the end. Had high hopes.

The reviews for this book are all over the place (fro, good to bad) but I really enjoyed this book. I would have given it 5 stars except there were a lot of loose ends. The story was interesting and the book is ripe for a sequel. Williams tells her story in two time periods and does a good job with both stories.

I love all of Beatriz Williams' books. I love the historical aspect of her novels and how she weaves and links characters together from the past to the current day. This book was a little different from other books of hers I have read in that it had more of a suspenseful, crime theme running through it. It is also part of a trilogy so the book leaves you hanging a little bit. I am looking forward to the next novel being released. Beatriz is a wonderful storyteller. She has become one of my favorite authors and if you're looking for a great story that will keep the pages turning, you won't be disappointed.

Giving this four stars, but really should be 3-1/2 stars. It was slow for me to get into this book, but once I did get into it, I wanted to finish it. I didn't absolutely love either main female character, which is probably why I didn't love the book. Warning: the book contains a lot of profanity and some sexual violence that may bother some readers.

Easy to get into and impossible to put down. The connections between the early 20th C and the late 20th C stories were expected but there are enough twists to keep the reader satisfied. The ending for Ella and Hector was a bit too nicely wrapped(your standard sugar happy end).

I think what I like most about Beatriz Williams' books is that they connect to one another. They are amusing and I appreciate the way she parrellels two equally interesting stories and characters. Great literature - no, but a good beach read.

I am a librarian and very rarely write reviews. Yes, I know LOL
However, I could not - not critique this novel.
Wicked City DID NOT disappoint! As usual Miss Williams is on her game and an excellent storyteller. I felt like I was actually a member of "Gin's" family living in the moment!
Crime, betrayal, loyalty, love, etc., who could ask for more? Her writing style keeps one on their toes. I have read all her books and am eagerly awaiting her next.
Outstanding read!!

What a fabulous book. I love books that cover two different generations. I have a mad love for New York in the 20's. Beatriz Williams is a fabulous author who wrote an amazing book. It's s 1920's in New York where Prohibition tried to rule the people. You have flappers and speakeasys. What's not to love? Then fast forward to present time and you're presented with a woman who moves into the building and is trying to piece her life back together. Then you mix in a touch of ghost story which makes me excited to red book in her amazing new trilogy. Pick this book up because I can guarantee you that you won't be disappointed. Until you reach the last page and realize you have to wait for book two. LOL. Happy reading!

Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Beatriz Williams’ The Wicked City has it all. She is a master of endearing, charming characters both male and female weaving a tale thru the past and present with passion and excitement. The double storyline keeps the pages turning long into the night. I absolutely adored Ginger and Oliver’s story and fell in love with Ella as she struggles to find her new normal amid the ghosts of her past! This book was fun and fast paced luring me into the fascinating, unpredictable era of prohibition while intertwining a modern day career woman- soon to be divorcee- starting her new life! Highly recommend! @authorbeatriz #BeatrizBinge