Once again Estleman takes a look at the history and controversies of the automobile industry and the lure and mystique of it's counterpart, organized crime. It was interesting to think of the people in the streetcar business prepping for the advent of cars and Ford's competitors who looked to bring him down on the basis of a broken moral compass. Even more interesting was the advent of the iconic Ford logo. The revolving door of characters will make your head spin if you let them. I was compelled to keep notes on all of them although it didn't help. James Aloysius Dolan (aka Jimmy, Big Jim, Boss Dolan, Honorable James A. Dolan, Diamond Jim, Irish Pope, or Himself depending on who you ask) was my favorite character. Wealthy, knows Yiddish, fat and Irish, James has held the titles of Railway Commissioner and chairman of State Democratic Party. He is married with children and has a manservant named Noche. He's an all around shady guy, but I liked him.
A note on the Novel of Detroit series: I read the books in the order in which they were written, but to get a sense of chronology they should be read differently. Start with Thunder City (1900-1910), then move on to Whiskey River (1928 - 1939), Jitterbug (1943), Edsel (1951 - 1959), Motown (1966), Stress (1973) and end with King of the Corner (1990). ( )