Three Strikes You're Dead

Book excerpt: In this depression-era noir series debut, a politician's murder leads a Chicago crime reporter to a conspiracy involving the Cubs' race for the pennant. Chicago, 1938. A new mayoral candidate runs on a promise to stomp out organized crime. When he's gunned down, it seems clear that the mob cast their ballot with bullets. But Chicago Tribune reporter Steve "Snap" Malek senses more to the story. And his hunch is confirmed by none other than former syndicate kingpin Al Capone. Incurring his editors' anger, Malek ranges far beyond his beat, plunging headlong into a maverick investigation that soon spins beyond his control. In the process, he crosses paths with actress Helen Hayes, future Mayor Richard J. Daley, and pitching great Dizzy Dean, who was recently traded to the Cubs. And while Dizzy may be essential to a Cubs pennant win, he may also be the key to Malek's very survival.