One Night at the Biograph

I didn't know a whole lot about Dillinger, this book was very insightful and I couldn't put it down. Definitely gives food for thought on the different theories the author writes about.

This book is okay - the large portion of it is little more than regurgitated details from other works on the subject. It is also very apparent that the author had Bryan Burroughs' book 'Public Enemies' right by his side while writing it, as whole lines and some short passages are taken ALMOST word for word from that book. I don't see anything that really sets this book apart from all the others out there that cover the subject, except that the writer has a straight forward style that keeps the story moving. It isn't nearly as detailed as other books on the subject. That said, he does delve into a few of the character's backgrounds not seen in many other works.The title is misleading though - the actual events at the Biograph on the night Dillinger was gunned down and the few heady days before are actually covered in far less detail than the title would suggest. The lions share of the book is another retelling of the 'war on crime era', though with a tighter focus on the Dillinger gang. My biggest pet peeve however is that the author perpetuates the whole idea that Dillinger didn't die that night; a ridiculous proposal put forth by J. Robert Nash some years ago and which has since been widely debunked. Neither Nash nor his #1 source of information on Dillinger's 'escape' - 'Blackie' Audette, a contemporary criminal with Dillinger whose recollections are taken seriously by no one (he claimed to have personally witnessed the Kansas City Massacre, though records show he was in prison at the time - only one of his many, many outrageous claims) - hold water with anyone who studies that era. I did like the final chapter about 'Dillinger's Alley' though, which I thought was a nice touch.Overall, you could do a lot worse on the subject. This would be a good 'primer' for someone new to the subject and I would recommend it but for the author buying into the Nash theory. Considering that, I will recommend it with a word of warning.

I'll admit it; I began this book with a lot of skepticism regarding the whole "Dillinger lived" bit. Having completed this book I have to admit those that say the notorious bank robber didn't die in a Chicago alley might be on to something if the evidence Taylor provides is accurate. Long story short, medical records don't lie. In the end the reader can decide for themselves. The author is convinced, however, that Dillinger wasn't gunned down by the Feds and he makes a compelling argument.This is a fairly exhaustive look at the career of John Dillinger and the chaos he created when he reigned as America's Public Enemy #1. Truth be told, I enjoyed the accounts of his robberies more than most of the book. The stories of survival and ghosts are great but, to me, they're nothing compared to the real life exploits of this brazen, charming criminal.Fans of Taylor's other works will enjoy this book, even as he moves away from the ghost stories and farther into the realm of true crime and mysteries. For those who haven't read his work before; it is a great introduction.Did John Dillinger escape to live a long, quiet life? Could be. Read the evidence and see what you think.

I have read most of the books written about John Dillinger over the years. This one intrigued me. From start to finish, I really enjoyed reading it. History is just so fascinating and to speculate "what if?"...really makes you wonder how things could have turned out. Dillinger could have faked his own death...he certainly seemed like he wanted to stop running. I will definitely be reading this one again!!

Excellent, read through it in four days and a great insight not only into Dillinger’s life but also the conspiracy theory at the end. A few daft literals but that doesn’t detract from a five-star effort.