 ...Dash tells the true story of Charley Becker and the corrupt world of pre-WWI New York City. Becker was a dishonest cop in the Manhattan gambling and brothel district called Satan's Circus. His life of graft started with bribing his way onto the police force, peaked with the establishment of an extortion racket, and ended when he was unjustly convicted of a gambler's murder and executed. Robertson Dean has a deep, resonant voice that is fluent and engaging. His narration is straightforward except for modulation to indicate direct quotes. The quality of his voice and expression, his pacing, and the story's intrinsic interest ensure that the book never drags. This production is a remarkable, absorbing story, skillfully read by an outstanding narrator with a great voice. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
Kevin Baker, bestselling author of Strivers Row
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"Satan's Circus is the intriguing, tragic story of New York's most notorious- and most misunderstood- crime scandals. Mike Dash has provided a terrific, lively narrative of one of the city's most colorful eras."
Selwyn Raab, New York Times bestselling author of Five Families
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"High-level corruption, betrayals, political shenanigans, a spectacular murder case, a gruesome execution, and a voyage through one of New York's most exotic demimonde cycles. These are just some of the ingredients Dash injects into an engrossing tale that still reverberates today."
Thomas Kelly, author of Empire Rising and The Rackets...
"Combining history and entertainment, Satan's Circus is a fascinating read. Mike Dash artfully describes a grimy Gotham from a century ago with its swarming bars, corrupt pols, and one-of-a-kind underworld forces that sent police lieutenant Charley Becker to the electric chair. Be forewarned, once you pick up Satan's Circus you won't be able to put it down."
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