The Golden Gate by Amy Chua

1944 Berkeley, California Homicide Detective Al Sullivan lands in the middle of the murder investigation of a former presidential candidate, Walter Wilkinson, and his list of suspects seems to grow every time he talks to someone new. There are the three wealthy Bainbridge heiresses, two sisters and their cousin, and the murder investigation could be tied into the death of a relative of the trio, years earlier. But there is also be a strong Chinese connection, made up of people who would want Wilkinson dead.

Sullivan is an interesting character, interested in history from a young age, he studied it in college, and now is a walking, talking, driving font of historical facts and commentary. His eleven year old niece is usually the recipient of this knowledge since Sullivan is the only stable adult figure in her life due to a very absentee mother. He doesn't have time to act as a "father" to a kid but those are the breaks, despite his busy job he tries to be a responsible uncle, too.

The story is so heavy on history that it can feel bogged down at times. The information is interesting but slows down the story, taking the focus off the here and now of the investigation. But the author has a lot she wants to throw at us so it's part of the story, including the fact that Sullivan is quick to tell anyone who will listen of the abuse he and his family have endured in the past due to his heritage but at the same time not claiming his heritage in his everyday life. There are so many battles going on, in addition to the actual war, battles many of us may not have been aware of since these things happened so long ago. Sullivan and his niece are very interesting characters that I wouldn't mind seeing again.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

How a lawyer and legal scholar can write a 40s noir crime novel with such a brilliantly authentic voice is beyond me, but Amy Chua has accomplished it marvelously. The narrator, Detective Al Sullivan, has a remarkable story of his own that we learn as the novel progresses. We as readers are faced with two crimes. One is a tragic death of a child in the 30s (accident or murder). The other is the contemporary (1944) shooting death of a well-known and well-loved politician. Through Sullivan's quest to learn the events that led up to the murder, we also learn whether the two deaths are related. Chua does a wonderful job of casting our light on one suspect after another, then resolving the case (or cases?) brilliantly. Thanks to Minotaur @macmillanusa and @netgalley for making this advance galley available!!

A very good who-done-it set in 1944 Berkeley, CA. After a presidential candidate is found murdered, Homicide Detective Al Sullivan knows one of the girls in the very wealthy Bainbridge family did it, but proving which one is extremely difficult especially when he begins to wonder if it’s somehow related to the death of a Bainbridge family child a decade prior.
Will keep you guessing.
I look forward to seeing what’s next for this debut author.

I was surprised by this book. What a great historical thriller. It takes place in 1944 with a murder in the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California. Walter Wilkinson, a presidential candidate is the victim. Detective Al Sullivan is the officer in charge. There is a lot going on in this book. The author goes into all the history in that era of time. There is racial prejudice and bigotry. People with money were above the law. Detective Sullivan discovers that a seven year old girl died in a horrible accident at the Claremont. The young girl, Iris, was a Bainbridge heiress. The others are Isabella, her sister and cousins Cassie and Nicole. Grandmother Bainbridge is the of the family. Isabella's mom is alive but some say crazy. The investigation leads Detective Sullivan into a who dun it scenario where it could be anyone. The book is a roller coaster ride of history and family dynamics. Al Sullivan also has some secrets about himself and he takes care of his sister's child who is a ray of sunshine in this novel. It was a very interesting book and I enjoyed it. Being it was the author's debut novel I was very impressed. Thanks to #netgalley, #minotaurbooks and @amychua.author for an ARC of this historical thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read copy in exchange for an honest review.

Amy Chua has perfectly captured California in the 1940s. She write beautifully flawed and unreliable characters. Racial tensions, murder, and a mystery all play a part in this book - I loved it!

I also really liked the layout of the book. It was clear when events took place.

This is the kind of historical mystery I love. Great plot. Engaging characters. Well researched bits of history tucked in. Al Sullivan is a complex man, a true believer in law and justice and well aware the two aren't necessarily the same. Set in 1944 California, the story involves racial discrimination, economic discrimination, patriotism, and good old fashioned murder. I am in love with Al and hope there will be more cases for him to investigate.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

DNF at 5%

I don’t normally DNF that early, but something about this book isn’t hooking me in. It’s an interesting concept, but the time skips are a bit distracting and the first half of the second chapter is just one long history lesson. This book has potential, and I may come back to finish it at a later date.

What a fascinating read! One hell of a debut novel! I enjoyed the fictional story of politician Walker Wilkinson's murder mystery, detective Al Sullivan's efforts to solve it despite the wealthy actors involved in it (the Bainbridge and Stafford family, as well as the First Lady of China), and the involvement of Japanese immigrants and other local mafia, making this such a meaty plot! The plot was set in 1944 San Francisco, CA. I learned a lot about California History like the Fur rush, and the story of the Golden Gate bridge, the way Japanese and even southern and eastern European were treated --basically, anything not very white. I appreciated reading Al Sullivan's story and how he decided to pass as white to help himself. I absolutely loved exploring the relationship with his niece and to see how family can go to great lengths to help a niece or nephew when their parent is missing or unfit. It was also beautiful to see the struggle between wanting what's best for his niece and not feeling capable to be a good parent --or be scared to be a shitty one, not wanting the desolate pattern of his past to keep reoccurring. The resolve of all plots were magic. I loved this story!

I love an escapism read that also teaches you things. This is exactly what Ms. Amy Chua did and I will definitely read her again!

I have to point out that I discovered The Golden Gate while reading The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 9. I requested an ARC as soon as I finished reading the first couple of chapters in the Minotaur Sampler. I so wanted to find out more about Iris and Walter's deaths!

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for this e-ARC in exchange of my honest review

A multi-layered novel that makes for an encouraging debut! More than just a mystery (Detective Al Sullivan investigates the murder of Walter Wilkinson, a Presidential candidate, in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1940s), it incorporates history, politics and social change as major themes in addition to its noir backdrop. I applaud the author for this fascinating endeavor. Although I found this novel to be an interesting read, I also found it to be “too much”: too many layers, too many subplots, and too many characters so that the reader feels truly overwhelmed at times. Nonetheless, I think the author shows definite promise, and I look forward to seeing what she does next.

In 1944 Berkeley, California, Detective Al Sullivan is on the case of a murdered politician. Al has his own history to deal with- he is half Mexican and his dad and half-brothers were deported during the Great Depression to leave more jobs for "true Americans". In a powder keg of a political climate, Detective Sullivan tries to find the killer of both Wilkinson and connected case long ago of a little girl who died at the same hotel. This noir mystery takes on murder, racism, San Francisco's history, and the political climate at the end of World War II.

I really liked this hard-boiled mystery. It reminded me of the newer prequel series of Perry Mason. If you liked Five Decembers (this one is less on the page gruesome) or time period murder mysteries, this one is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

The Golden Gate is a historical mystery occurring during WWII in California. A presidential candidate is found murdered in a hotel room with his pants around his ankles. The lead homicide detective, Al Sullivan begins investigating only to find out he just had drinks with one of the lead suspects. At least one of the Bainbridge Heiresses were seen at the scene of the crime but determining which one leads Al down a twisted road of scandals and death full of Chinese diplomats and the privileged upper class. Al’s got problems of his own trying to raise his niece whose mother keeps leaving her alone. Al is a very likable and sympathetic character and the whodunnit is a bit of a surprise for a very compelling, historical suspenseful mystery. I’m making Amy Chua a must read author. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

What I thought would be a Philip Marlow/Sam Spade type murder mystery taking place in the 1940’s became much more. Along with the murder, we are given an in-depth history of the state of California. We get interesting facts as to how California came to be as well as descriptions of the flora and fauna of the area. We are exposed to the history of the social norms/taboos of the Berkeley area at the time. In Golden Gate by Amy Chua, we meet Al Sullivan, a man with a biracial history with which he struggles. He is a hard nose detective with a heart of gold as he struggles to maintain a balance between his work and caring for his niece Miriam. Al works for the Berkeley police department. While trying to solve the murder of a VIP in the Claremont hotel, Al takes us on a ride through the Chinese community, the Nob Hill area, the wharf, and the Mexican community. We also meet Japanese spies, have several related murders, meet the intriguing Bainbridge family and finally Madame Chiang Kai-shek herself. A real whirlwind of a mystery which is very different but one that is very enjoyable. I felt like I was reading a classic murder mystery.

The Golden Gate by Amy Chua is a captivating and accomplished blend of California history, ghostly narrative, family saga, and insightful social commentary. This remarkable work seamlessly weaves together these diverse elements, resulting in a truly engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.

Amy Chua’s new novel is an evocative murder mystery set at the Claremont Hotel in Berkley, in March, 1944, interwoven with an unsolved death in 1930 at the same hotel. A police procedural told in very personal first person by homicide Detective Al Sullivan, it has a solidly true-to-era feel of a black and white gumshoe movie with gothic elements. Characters are brilliantly drawn as Sullivan works his way through his suspects, including two sisters of wealthy heritage, and their beautiful and untouchable cousin, Issy, whose sister died in the 1930 tragedy. To match wits with their formidable grandmother, who protects them with her hawk’s talons, he must use everything he’s ever learned as a detective.
Author Chua takes readers on a delicious ride through California’s history, geography, fluctuating populations, fur trade to gold rush and railroad tycoons, and expertly juxtaposes the wealthy elite against the poor and unloved, without ever slowing or diverting the narrative. She draws edgy attention to race disparity in a city which glows outwardly with success and bling, and exposes how white capitalism dumbs down the immigrant population, keeping it forever underfoot. Sullivan’s ever-present 11-year-old (going on 25!) niece, Miriam, keeps him grounded in the importance of family, and is a necessary addition to the story. Very highly recommended to anyone who loves a mystery with a twisty ending it’s hard to see coming and brilliantly wrought.

History buffs and readers of detective novels are in luck. This is an engaging 1940s murder mystery in San Francisco with lots of threads winding around a handful of possible suspects. The bonus is how the author inserts several pieces of history from this period of time.

The question throughout the book was: “Who did it?” William Wilkerson, a wealthy socialite and politician, was shot in his prominent San Francisco hotel room. Everyone was anxiously waiting for Detective Al Sullivan to solve this important case.

There was a lot written about the wealthy white families versus everyone else scrambling to make a living. The Japanese were sent to camps during the war. There was prejudice against the Communists. And, some poor kids were working rather than going to school. The author also included some hair-raising medical treatments of this period. I was surprised how much I learned from reading this deeply researched book.

I could easily visualize the characters and the plot felt believable. However, I kept thinking that the detective narrating the story was going over some of the same points which slowed down the pace.

It was just eight decades ago and it made me pause reading about some of the laws that were followed. The detective said, “Ninety percent of success is confidence. That’s why it’s the people with the least self-doubt who rule the world which is pretty scary if you think about it.” It’s great for book club discussions.

My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy with an expected release date of September 19, 2023.

Although I have seen some references indicating THE GOLDEN GATE to be a historical thriller, I would classify it more as a historical murder mystery. Amy Chua's background as a non-fiction writer is evident here but I do applaud her efforts at delving into the world of fiction with her debut, THE GOLDEN GATE.

Set in 1944 in Berkley, California, homicide detective Al Sullivan learns of a presidential candidate's murder in a room upstairs as he has a drink with a woman in the swanky Claremont Hotel bar. Sullivan's investigation brings up the suspicious death of a seven year old, Iris Stafford, a member of the Bainbridge family, many years prior. Many leads surface with much of them leading back to the remaining Bainbridge heiresses.

THE GOLDEN GATE is rife with historical themes relevant to California during the Second World War and upcoming major changes. The historical content is rich with description and loaded with information leaving the reader with a lot to learn and unpack. Amy's storytelling lends the reader to a time that may be little known to the general population, particularly to the goings-on in that area of the world. While I initially appreciated the rich and flowing descriptions and loads of informations, I soon found my eyes glazing and my brain wishing for it to be over soon. Some readers will loved to be inundated in line after line of historical information, but I am not one of them.

I was all in for the murder mystery and finding out what came to pass at the time of Iris Stafford's suspicious death as well learning who was responsible for the murder of presidential candidate Walter Wilkinson. That being said, I soon found myself struggling to parse through the historical content which was feeling as though it was overshadowing the mystery.

THE GOLDEN GATE is told primarily in the view of Detective Sullivan interspersed with the deposition of Mrs Genevieve Bainbridge. I personally loved the deposition sections of the novel which really contributed to the overall backgrounds of the characters, allowing the reader to better know the many characters suspected in the murder investigation.

The murder investigation was intriguing, and I liked that Detective Sullivan was looking into the previous death of Iris Stafford simultaneously, despite it not being his primary focus. It is initially unclear how each facet of the story fits together, keeping the reader off balance as the story slowly unravels. There are many moving pieces in Walter Wilkinson's murder but I was satisfied by the resolution to the mystery, although I did begin to suspect it a little earlier on. There are certain elements to the plot reveal at the end that are slightly unbelievable and detracts from the story as a whole.

I appreciated the author's note that highlights how her novel came to be and gave insight and references to the historical facts that she loosely based her story on.

<i>I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.</i>

The Golden Gate was constantly changing my opinion on who the suspect was which hasn’t happened in many thrillers for me lately. I also loved the history built into the novel around the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, SF/California, and how Japanese Americans were treated during WWII.
I will definitely be recommending this book to people when it comes out next month!

Part crime drama, murder mystery, historical fiction novel, and family saga, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘦 is an interesting book that weaves in bits of California history throughout its plot. Set primarily in Berkeley in 1944, the story follows Detective Al Sullivan as he investigates the gruesome death of controversial politician Walter Wilkinson. It also includes the deposition of Genevieve Bainbridge, a socialite and prominent local figure whose three granddaughters appear to be tied to the case. The novel moves back and forth between the two perspectives and touches on important issues like racism, classism, poverty, and privilege. I did enjoy the historical elements and was initially engaged with the mystery, but eventually there were too many red herrings and plot twists for my liking. It seemed like there was a new suspect every other chapter and I grew weary of the constant misdirections, especially in the last third of the book. This novel is likely better suited for a more patient mystery reader. 3.75 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. My review was posted on August 19, 2023 to https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5380357922.

The Golden Gate is a historical mystery, full of "just when I'm sure I know who the killer is, but wait!" moments. Possibly too many of them for me, as while I'm game as anyone for a good twist, I tend to get slightly exhausted when the twists turn into full-fledged knots. It's also full of really fascinating history about the Bay Area during the later years of World War II, and a lot of dynamics across race and wealth. When a presidential candidate is killed at The Claremont, a pricey hotel in the Bay, three possible candidates quickly emerge - the beautiful, wealthy granddaughters of society matron Mrs. Bainbridge. It turns out they all have their different possible motives, but did any one of them actually commit the murder. Detective Al Sullivan reports to two different people during the story as he pursues the truth, one who the last thing he wants to do is haul in a pretty, rich white girl, and the other a man that can't wait to do it. Sullivan is mixed-race, passing as white, and has a biracial niece that he adores more than he's willing to admit - to himself and to others. While trying to enforce the law he also sees the injustices that are being done, to his family and to others, for the color of their skin. Will he be able to be objective in finding the true murderer? I can definitely see this being the first in a series about Sullivan and his niece Miriam, and would really enjoy reading future books that cover so much history and Sullivan's reconciliation with the very racist mindsets of people during the time period. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's 1944. It's San Francisco. Detective Al Sullivan gets involved in the murder of presidential candidate Walter Wilkinson who is shot to death and stage in a humiliating way in the Claremont Hotel. Wilkinson was a controversial candidate with enemies at all ends of the political spectrum. But another reason, far more personal, is a possible motive for murder too.

Sullivan finds himself investigating the cream of society in the Bainbridges. Any of three attractive Bainbridge young women - sisters Nicole and Cassie and their cousin Isabella - all have their own reasons for wanting him dead. Or it is possible that there is a Chinese connection since he's been rumored to be having an affair with Madame Chiang Kai-Shek.

Sullivan, a mixed-race former Army officer passing for White, finds himself dealing with all sorts of prejudices and presumptions as he investigates from his superior's certainty that no woman of good family could be involved in murder to a DA who is all too ready to frame one or the other of the Bainbridge girls if it will help his political career. Al also dealing with his half-sister's eleven-year-old daughter who is going astray and is in debt to the mob after the disappearance of her mother.

This story was filled with incredible historical detail and has extensive notes of the sources the author used. As a liberal, I was extremely uncomfortable reading about the prevailing attitudes and prejudices of the day. However, the story was compelling and hard to put down.