A very YA look into the world of prohibition era New York, with a dash of gangsters and a frothy romance thrown in.

Canary Club follows 'Bad Luck' Benny - fresh out of jail, and Maisie, daughter of the local 'mob' boss who Benny ends up working for. Maisie is head strong, like her father, yet vows not to follow in his footsteps. Benny is determined to keep on the right side of the law, yet is drawn into a murky underworld in order to provide for his ailing family. With Maisie facing trouble as the pawn in her families fight for control of the city, she turns to the one person she thinks will be able to help her. But can love win over business?

I enjoyed the author's descriptions of prohibition New York. It's an area of history I know little about, and I adsorbed every little morsel of description that was written about it.The slang used is also rather delightful, and for the most part the story itself is well written.

However, this is where it sort of all starts to fall apart for me as I really didn't like either of the main characters. Maisie is rather one dimensional, naive and doesn't really have much going for her. At times I found her boring and shallow. She also comes across as too modern for her era. One of my gripes in historical fiction is making a female character appear to be so brazen in her 'repressed woman' status for her time period, which Maisie frequently laments. It seems really out of character for a woman of her era to express herself in such a way, and it irritates me.

Benny, as Maisie's love interest, doesn't seem very realistic - he's a mash up of every 'down on his luck' 'jack of the lad' character that's been done before, and far better. Again, he's very one dimensional with no emotional depth and little development throughout the novel.

The plot itself is very centred around the romance elements, and unfortunately it's a case of instalove at its finest. There's no build up to Benny and Maisie falling in love etc. or even any courtship - it's just instantaneous infatuation and it all feels a little bit too 'sweet'. You'd expect a bit of grit for a gangster book. Speaking of 'grit; the 'big bad' is also extremely one dimensional, with little input from the author with regards to making him appear more human and less a simple plot device to provide a problem to the main characters.

I think that's one of the biggest issues with the book - there's just no depth to any of the characters.

The rest of the plot is also rather flat and predictable. I guessed what was going to happen constantly, and I was never surprised by anything in the plot. Because of this, I did unfortunately find myself getting bored. The whole story line just felt a little underwhelming and rushed - especially the ending. I would have preferred it if more time was spent developing and delving deeper into the characters emotions. Because it was so lacking, I just couldn't get emotionally invested in anything that was happening.

Unfortunately underwhelming for me, but I think this will definitely appeal to those looking for a heavy dose of romance mixed with a sprinkling of history.

3.5/5

I really enjoyed this book, the 1920's are one of my favourite era's, the fashion, the language the prohibition, I love it all!

the book follows two characters Benny and Maisie. Benny is from the wrong side of tow and just got out of jail, he ends up landing a gig working for a mob boss. Maisie is the daughter of them ob boss, can you guess what happens here? star-crossed lovers

I really enjoyed the relationship Benny and Maisie formed and how they seemed to work well together. I would have liked to see a bit more of the crime scene, as this was prohibition New York where there were lots of crimes taking place.

this was a fairly quick read and it did keep me intrigued throughout. if you're into 1920's New York, flapper girls, corrupt cops, crime bosses then you'll probably enjoy this book!

Be ware if you are trigger by: abuse (physical and emotional), mental health issues and rape

The story did shed light on the treatment of women during this time and how cruel it was at times. Women were supposed to act the way their husbands told them to otherwise they would face consequences (disgusting). It also included the mistreatment of people with mental health issues. It briefly talked about all the testing and cruel experiments that were taken done on these types of patients.

Sherry Ficklin's writing practically hums with electricity. There's an energy and a sense of expectancy in her writing and her characters that makes her writing unique. Having read all three of the prequel novellas in the Canary Club series, it was so satisfying read a full-length novel with all of the characters. And... based on the ending, I'm hoping there's more to come!
Ms. Ficklin has certainly done her historical research, and has the ability to fully immerse the reader in the Prohibition Era. I love the inclusion of real life mobsters. The characters are so realistic and well-developed, and the plot never drags.
As far as content, there is one instance of rape, but it is not graphic, mostly just alluded to, and one love scene, but again, no graphic details. I recommend this to all fans of Prohibition Era fiction, fans of historical fiction and clean romance. I can't wait to see if there's more to come!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Crimson Tree Publishing. All opinions are my own.

When I recently read Bright Young Things I mentioned in my review that I didn't think there were enough gangsters in that book. Well with The Canary Club my wish was granted! When I spied a book up for request by Sherry Ficklin that was also set in the 1920's, I couldn't request it fast enough! I remembered how much I absolutely loved Queen of Someday and I was stoked to read another title by the artist in prose that is Sherry Ficklin. I can say, quite happily so, that The Canary Club met and exceeded my high expectations.

I was swept into the 1920's as I started reading. Into a world of gangsters, speakeasies and forbidden love. This is a period that I love and know quite well, but Sherry Ficklin makes it come to life and transports me in time better than any other. The book feels authentic for the time period, as it is filled with slang from the 1920's. In comparison Bright Young Things feels like a romance novel playing dress-up, it doesn't have the same authentic feel.

Now I read romance novels, or novels with a romance aspect, practically everyday. I often find myself understanding the love interest, or seeing the attraction. But this is the first time in a long time that I truly found a book romantic. This was a romance that swept me off my feet and pulled at my heartstrings. The heat radiated off of the pages.

The plot was well thought out and the pacing made it hard to put down. I found myself staying up until the sun rose so I could finish reading. I was so engrossed in the world of gangsters and speakeasies that I didn't realize the time passing until I heard birds chirping. The realism and dirty deeds of these gangsters was gruesome and horrific, exactly how gangsters are supposed to be.

I would push this book at anyone who asks me for a recommendation. Being the second novel I've read by Sherry Ficklin I can say she is an author who will bring you back, no matter what it's about I will read anything by her. I can't wait to get my hands on another of her titles.

Slipping into the 1920s in this period piece was a nice change of setting from everything I’ve read lately. I immediately enjoyed the descriptions of Manhattan as Benny walked its streets after getting out of prison. The scenery came alive with author Sherry Ficklin’s descriptions of the sights and sounds, the people and places, and the lingo of those prohibition days. I liked Benny too. A guy who wouldn’t have any luck if he didn’t have bad luck is the type of underdog many readers like to root for.

On the other hand, I did not care for Masie at all. It really annoys me when a character talks about how bad she is or how dark she is, but there is no evidence to support this. So she calls her a former friend to beat up the guy who beat up her best friend? So, what? That does not make her a dark, twisted individual. Her need to be with Benny so he can make her a good person was not believable to me.

Unfortunately, my overall feeling about the story was that it was just so-so. Once Benny and Masie’s relationship started to heat up, my enthusiasm for the story cooled down. Plot wise, everything became a little too cookie-cutter for me. Nothing surprising happened. This felt like a story I have read a dozen times before. New background, new character names, same old story. I kept hoping something refreshing and unexpected would happen. Like, maybe Masie would kill her father and take the family business for her own (now, that would be dark and twisted) or maybe Daddy’s hired killer would carry out his plan and leave Benny with nothing but emptiness and vengeance. That also did not happen. No, the whole story dissolved into an underdeveloped plot to help the canary escape her cage. The ending was wrapped up in way too neat packaging and tied off with a tiny little bow that left me wanting a lot more.

The epilogue left things open for a sequel, but there simply wasn’t enough to The Canary Club to interest me in reading more. If you want a cut and dry love story, I think you’ll enjoy this book. If you want more, this is not the story for you.

I didn't read any of the novellas before reading Canary Club, but I don’t think you need to. Canary Club is set in the late 1920s New York and follows the lives of two characters, Benny and Masie in alternating POV chapters.

This book was everything I love about YA and Historical Fiction — life-like setting and swoon worthy romance. The 20s is one of my favourite eras to read about and Ficklin nailed it. I felt like I had been sucked into the era from the first page. She weaves in slang with ease; it never felt off-putting or unnatural for any of the characters. The romance was a slow burn, which I adored. I also enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold from both Benny and Masie’s POVs.

Benny and Masie have definitely become two of my favourite characters. I feel like I know them, that I could head down to a club and have dinner with them. In fact, all of the Canary Club gang feel real. Their speech, action and motivations are believable and a reality for this era.

Masie is a strong character throughout the book when see her fight for independence. She’s constantly rebelling against her father and society. She’s the daughter to one the city’s rising crime bosses. Her father keeps her and her brother, JD, under his control as he builds his empire. But Masie doesn’t want to live life on her father’s terms. She has dreams of Ivy League Colleges, faraway places and security. But can she find the strength to leave her family and do what she wants?

I adore Benny. We meet him as he’s let out of jail and on his way to his family, Mum and younger siblings. He is sweet and will do whatever it takes to keep his family fed and healthy. But he has a habit of always winding up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Quickly his luck lands him in the ranks of Dutch Shultz’s gang. This would've been a reality for many people at the time. You see the struggle they would’ve gone through. The only work they can find is running liquor to the speakeasies. It’s dangerous but it also pays better than anything else. Luck, drama, love and setbacks are thrown at Benny but never gives up.

I will be pre-ordering a physical copy. This is one of my favourite books of the year. Please grab a copy! Canary Club it’s stunning. It will suck you in, play with your heart and spit you out the other end. I highly recommend!

The Canary Club will make an impact on your that you won’t soon forget!

Masie and Benny come from two completely different worlds, but through fate and a little arm twisting, they end up friends, lovers and more.

This Gatsby-era book includes all the glitz and glamor with a completely real and believable story line and characters. The book periodically switches view points between Masie and Benny to show their background, thoughts and feelings. This is extremely well done as both are incredibly likeable although not perfect which makes them even more realistic.

This book does include explicit sexual content so skip it if that it a concern for you.

This is a piece of historical fiction that will stand the test of time. The best flapper era book since The Great Gatsby.

DNF at 56%


"I wish I could be more like the other Joes, beating the streets with wild dreams of striking it rich in the market or becoming the next Broadway darling. They flood in by the train full, with stars in their eyes and holes in their shoes. But dreams are for suckers and con artists, and this city has more than enough of both."

Let me just say this before I lay out everything that stopped me from finishing this book: I really, REALLY wanted to love Canary Club. I loved the premise, the synopsis made me excited, and I enjoy historical fiction, so I figured there was no way I could be disappointed.

I am very sorry to say that I was wrong.

There were certain aspects of the book that I did enjoy. Benny was precious, and Sherry D. Ficklin is a talented user of the English language. Her descriptions were vivid and felt very real, and the writing itself was lyrical and fun to read.

That's about where my interest in the story ended, however.

Masie got on my nerves. She felt very shallow and undeveloped as a character, a lot of her behavior felt somewhat out of context, and her POV chapters dragged.
The main conflict for the plot-- Vincent-- seemed to just conveniently appear after the drama with Benny's gunshot wound ended, and Vinnie's presence in the story felt kind if like it was thrown in as an afterthought. Just something to make trouble for the other characters. There were snibbets where it was clear the author TRIED to humanize him and make him a person instead of just "the bad guy," but that didn't make it any easier to relate to him-- or Masie, for that matter, since their pasts intertwine.

Obviously these are just opinions, but they are my reasons for DNFing this one.
I'm sorry for the negative review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Canary Club is set in prohibition era NYC and is filled to the brim with flappers, corrupt cops, and gangsters. Are you intrigued yet? You should be.

The story picks up when "Bad Luck” Benny is released from jail. Initially he vows to "keep his head down," but he also must care for his sickly sister as well as provide for his family. Not quite an easy task considering the times. Eventually he ends up taking a position with a notorious crime boss, Dutch Schultz.

ENTER, Masie!

Masie is the daughter of said notorious crime boss. She is as strong-willed as they come, but trapped in a life she never wanted. This book held no punches in exposing how women were treated back then, and still today to some extent, unfortunately. Masie is a pawn in her father's fight for control of the city.

Star crossed lovers much?

YES PLEASE.

While I wasn't over the moon, I still enjoyed reading this book. It kept me intrigued as to how it was going to play out in the end and left me satisfied enough to where I don't feel I have to pick up the next one. Not saying I won't, but I like the option.

My biggest complaint is that I really wanted a good "Mob/Mafia" story. Meaning that I was hoping for ONCE that we would get a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, make his way up into the world and really take to it. I didn't want a "let's start a revolution" book where people try to change the way things are, I have read too many of those. So, this complaint is the primary reason why it gets 3 stars from me and not a higher rating.
 
TRIGGER WARNING:
Abuse (both physical and emotional)
Attempted rape
Mistreatment of those with mental health by institutions

I love that this book is a period piece and takes place in prohibition-era New York! There is a little something for everybody in this book which makes it a must-have for my classroom library!.

Canary Club is YA historical set in the Roaring 20s. It was a quick and enjoyable read for the most part. I loved the setting and the time period complete with mobsters, flappers, speakeasies, and shady dealings. The characters were interesting if a tad one-dimensional. I wanted more character development and more complexity, especially from the villains. I have a soft spot for bad boys so I had high hopes for Vinnie but his character disappointed me the most. He had a promise of being complex and fascinating which was left unfulfilled. Also there was some disconnect between characters' ages and how they acted. Masie, Benny, June, and JD are all around 17-18 years old but they were thinking and acting more like if they were in their twenties. They didn't behave like teenagers at all.

Overall I really enjoyed some parts of Canary Club, namely the time period, and was left disappointed with other parts. There are not that many YA books set in this era and this book is more special for it.

This was a good historical fiction read. The main and secondary characters were well formed. The relationship between Masie and Benjamin seemed a bit contrived at some points; and I felt the intimate scene was not needed especially for a YA book. I liked how the ending left the option for a second book.

I enjoyed this book. Anyone who likes the roaring 20s would. I thought the two main characters were likeable and I love when a book changes viewpoints between chapters. It had some good drama and intrigue and the set up for a sequel was a good ending. It moved at a good pace.

I absolutely loved this story. I enjoyed reading about how each of the character developed and grew. It is an outstanding book. Amazing.

If I had to pick only one book to read this fall it would be The Canary Club. There is no review that I can write that can share the pure joy I got from reading this beauty. Benny and Masie were so likeable and well written that I quickly forgot that I was reading a YA novel, and the mature content that this tale covers (rape, teen delinquency, abusive parents, sexual desire, etc.) really gives credit to interests and maturity levels of it’s YA audience. Without question, I think that this is one of those rare titles that effortlessly defies categorization and can be easily enjoyed by adults and teen readers alike.

Absolutely loved this book so much that I loved about it. I really got hooked by the cover, very pretty, not to mention I haven't read a good book about gangsters in the prohibition times and I find flappers., the music, and the mob boss era extremely fascinating. One of the best things I found about this book was the slang I loved reading and sometimes trying to guess what the slang ment I even had to Google some words. Mas and Benny are a odd but beautiful couple and one of my favorite parts of the book is when she goes to rescue her friend and goes gun crazy on the pompous ass guy. I highly recommend this book it's got action, the author does a fantastic job on showing what it was like for two separate people with completely different lives can still be entwined.