I particularly enjoy revelations into the past lives of women and the great lengths they attempted in order to survive a world built against them. Vivian Gordon fought the machine, quite literally The political machine, in order to live her life in NYC. Separated from her daughter and outcast by polite society, she kept a detailed journal of her dealings with the police and the prominent men that frequented her establishment. Despite her due diligence, Vivian’s story doesn’t end well. Her murder, however, becomes the catalyst for change in a city of corruption. I enjoyed the audio production of this book and felt it read more like a murder mystery than a historical recounting.

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting/hoping for. It was, in my opinion, more of a history book than a true crime book. It was enjoyable and well researched, just not what I was expecting.

I really enjoyed this book, although I will admit that the third section was a little too research heavy for me, as it was nearly all pertaining to the political machinations that lie underneath the story of the murder. The life of Vivian Gordon was fascinating, and how the crime was unraveled. I would highly recommend for true crime lovers that also love stories of the Gilded Age and New York in the early 20th century.

Totally unknown subject to me, but I greatly enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Easy non-fiction read about a time and place in New York that has received little coverage.

I was not to overly impressed with this ARC. While I am a True Crime fan this book was okay. There were just to to many details revolving around the event of the murder and just way to much information. I am only giving this book 3 stars

3 ⭐️ This book is a thoroughly researched account of how the 1931 murder of Vivian Gordon had a domino effect in unearthing the deeply rooted corruption of many of New York’s most prominent figures at the time. It’s a deep dive into New York (and, to an extent, U.S.) history during that era, discussing how Gordon’s murder eventually leads to the demise of the infamous Tammany Hall.

The narrator does an excellent job and I definitely think this book is well-suited for the audiobook format. But there are so many individuals discussed throughout the book that sometimes I found it difficult to keep everyone’s roles/significance straight, which would lead to my losing interest. While it’s an impressively researched book, it felt a bit long to me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Michael Wolraich for the free audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A good book about 1920s and 1930s era New York and a variety of characters that make the city what it is. Sometimes I felt the crime narrative was a little disconnected form the larger narrative, but overall it was an immersive book that I listened to in one setting.

This book may be set in New York City in the 1930s, however its themes and situations aren't far removed from current political times. It's an engrossing, detailed look at how "Good Government" won out in the end, but not without a fight. It starts with a record scratch of a whodunnit, weaving stories of mobsters, dames, and courtroom drama together that goes as high as the governor's mansion. Vivian Gordon's death is the catalyst for a series of fascinating events that ultimately brings down Tammany Hall and results in FDR's run for the presidency. It's history, drama and New York City lore that made it too good to put down. (Extra points for the narrator and the language quirks of the time: beginning sentences with "Say..." along with other '20s era phrases were perfect touches!) Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of the audiobook.

This is a case so intertwined with politics. I wish we were given a little bit more about her. It’s a fascinating read though and I learned so much about the politics going on. Without her investigation leading straight back to Tammany Hall our future as a country might be vastly different.

Vivian lived a difficult life. A trumped up prostitution charge separated her from her daughter, her only source of income was at the indulgence of the men in her life. She was at one time a Madam and kept records of her dealings with the police and other important men. Her life is told in some detail, and she is treated with respect.

This book is not only about Vivian's murder and subsequent trial. It is a great summary of NYC politics starting in the 18th century. The details of Vivian's diary spur Judge Seabury to put the justice system under a microscope, trying to weed out corruption. NY Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt is must decide to sweep this under the rug or taking a stand. He choice will help pave his way to the presidency.

I found this book very interesting, but not especially engaging.

The ever intriguing look at how the murder investigation of Vivian Gordon brought down the corruption going on in NYC It brought to light the stranglehold the mafia had on the city and it’s inner workings from the traffic cop up through the police top brass and ultimately encircling the mayor., and judicial system. News spread to the governor and ultimately to the president of the United States and then entire country. I will definitely be recommending this audiobook, giving it five stars. Special thanks to the following for sending me an early unedited copy for me to listen and give my own honest opinion:
#NeyGalley,
#DreamscapeMedia
#MichaelWoraich
Narrator #Paula Gordon
#%TheBishopsndtheButterfly
Publication Date:February 6, 2024
Do yourself a favor and go out and get this book or audiobook and you will be able to add it to your family library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

This book was very interesting. I loved how it portrayed the butterfly effect of a murder leading to the dismantling of years of corruption. The author really tells this like a story and that helps the reader to be able to comprehend and remember people and events. I had no idea about the history of this beforehand and I feel like I’ve learned a lot.

The Bishop and the Butterfly by Michael Wolraich is a fascinating true story about murder and corruption during the jazz age. The narrator did a great job bringing the book to life. I liked this audio book so much it made me want to read more about it. This is true crime at its best!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

4/5

There were multiple times while reading this book that I had to remind myself that this is non-fiction, which turned out to be both a good and a bad thing.

The bad: There were times where I was like come on why are we getting all these details - surely they can’t be that important to the murder and/or the corruption story. And that’s when I had to remind myself that this is non-fiction and the point of the book isn’t just to tell a compelling, exciting story.

The good: This book tells a compelling, exciting story. 😂

This book is good. It was not written like the books I normally read. I do wish the narrator was someone else. Overall it was good.