Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe

 Who was Virginia Hill? What made her become part of Chicago Mob?

This story explores briefly Virginia’s childhood and her abusive marriage at very young age, giving an understanding what might have led her to become one of the mobsters.

Set in 1930s Chicago, Virginia’s path to the Mob starts with her search for her missing friend who disappeared in New York. But when you deal with a mafia, once you’re in, there is no way out. In order to be sent to New York, Virginia has to prove that she can be trusted. She is put at racetracks and told on which horse to bet money.

At the racetrack, she meets charismatic Ben (Bugsy Siegel), and that’s when things take a turn, and she feels her trust is being tested.

Her path also crosses with Velma Capone who taches Virginia how to rise in popularity and reputation as Virginia is told to create a new persona.

Virginia goes from racetracks to money laundering and along the way discovering mafia’s involvement in things she didn’t expect. The freedom she sought seems to be closing on her as she learns more about mafia’s involvement.

As she searches for her friend, she discovers that those who she thought she could trust turn opposite. It seems that the sides constantly switch who she can trust. Her relationship with Ben is pretty complex and volatile.

As the story begins, it reveals backstories of both women. The backstories are short but they give enough depth to understand the subject and get attached to the characters. The progressing story has much longer descriptions which at times slow the pace. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating read, at times, making you cringe due to the reality of mafia’s work.

Released in June 2025

Source: Blackstone Publishing