Sometimes in a world of fiction, it is necessary to delve into reality for a bit to learn more about some of the true stories that influenced some of our favorite fiction stories.
This week, I really just felt like sharing a book that explains the truth behind the stories of the Murderesses in the musical, Chicago.
Turns out, not only was the musical inspired by true events, but the stories of two specific women–represented in the musical as Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.
The stories of these two women, including the story of other murderesses, are chronicled in their glory in The Girls of Murder City by Douglas Perry.
With a thrilling, fast-paced narrative, award-winning journalist Douglas Perry vividly captures the sensationalized circus atmosphere that gave rise to the concept of the celebrity criminal- and gave Chicago its most famous story. The Girls of Murder City recounts two scandalous, sex-fueled murder cases and how an intrepid “girl reporter” named Maurine Watkins turned the beautiful, media-savvy suspects-“Stylish Belva” and “Beautiful Beulah”-into the talk of the town. Fueled by rich period detail and a cast of characters who seemed destined for the stage, The Girls of Murder City is a crackling tale that simultaneously presents the freewheeling spirit of the Jazz Age and its sober repercussions.
So if you are a fan of Chicago or just like learning about history, then I recommend The Girls of Murder City.
Moving! 