Things Could Get Ugly: The Great Depression, Jim Crow, the Syndicate, a corrupt politician … and a reporter

I had read the author's first novel, thoroughly enjoyed it, and looked forward to his second one. "Things Could Get Ugly" did not disappoint me and completely captured my attention. It is evident that the author did his homework and researched the time in history. He included many places in Covington and the surrounding area, and paid particular attention to details of places and people. I had heard many stories of that time period from my parents and grandparents, and the events were accurate to the time and environment. The characters were vividly portrayed and the book kept my interest from beginning to end.

Enjoyed the romp through Northern Kentucky during the 30's with the journalists and mobsters.

Gary Reed’s “Things Could Get Ugly,” set in 1939 as the world prepares for war and the City of Covington, Kentucky battles mob influence, follows rookie reporter Jack O’Brien in his quest for the facts of a story he hopes will advance his fledgling career. Tinged with a hint of humor, it encompasses murder, scandal, racism, gangsters, love, and no small amount of personal danger. Mr. Reed has constructed a complex story that tantalizes the reader by weaving the individual threads into a story thick with the ambiance of the era.

This book was hard to put down when I had other things to do! I’m a local history buff so it was more compelling to me, but the story has its own strength and is well written. The little news blurbs at the top of each new chapter adds a touch of the times to everything.

Really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to read about the local places I remember around Northern Kentucky. It inspired me to look into the history of Covington and what the Syndicate had to do with our politics. It’s been very interesting.

Enjoyed this book because of its characters and its setting. The cub reporter, an invincible young man in his twenties and Woody, the former professor are my favorites. I have heard about the reputation of Newport and Covington, KY. and this story gives them life.

The story drew me in to the point where I felt I was there in 1939. Captivating plot, richly drawn characters, and good writing make this book a "don't miss" !

Gary Reed’s third novel Things Could Get Ugly continues to deliver the high quality mystery writing of his two earlier works. This time out Reed focuses on Jack O’Brien, an ambitious and good-hearted reporter in Covington, Kentucky, who is looking for a career boosting story. His quest gets complicated when he runs afoul of gangsters, pimps, crooked cops, morally dubious elected officials, and the worst kind of racism—the kind that frames an innocent black man for murder. That’s not all. In 1939 the Great Depression continues its strangle hold at home and abroad. More ominous, in Europe the NAZIs are on the move. Covington serves as a microcosm of the world at large, a world that desperately needs heroes—and love. Jack’s sterling moral compass and dogged determination to be a bone fide journalist tackles them all—and finds love along the way. Reed, a well known Greater Cincinnati attorney, has a knack for writing well researched mysteries that shine a spotlight on relevant social issues used to fuel a cracking good plot. He makes us care about those caught in the grinding wheels of oppression. But Reed gives us a bonus: a love story that deeply humanizes the hero. Yes. I loved Things Could Get Ugly.