They Tell Me You Are Wicked

"...outstanding and it is so well-written and well-plotted that it is hard to believe it is a debut novel."

"This is one of those surprise-ending novels that are so tightly constructed that it’s hard to write synopsis without giving away an important detail. Hagerty makes a contemporary political point, but gently enough that you can just enjoy the story if you are not interested in the politics. If you are interested in modern American politics, he may help you understand how people come to take sides on a current issue."

“Though this story is set in the late 1970’s, the moral and political questions that emerge from its telling are very contemporary, if not timeless. This book is the ultimate good read from the opening “joy ride” to the mind-bending conclusion. The main character, Duncan Cochrane, candidate for governor of Illinois, is the most interesting and complex of the David Hagerty’s imaginary crew. It seems Cochrane’s quest for power leads him through every moral dilemma one could encounter. Underlying the intrigue is the author’s adroitness for describing each of the 1970’s Chicago scenes in visceral detail. I refer to this in visual terms, or perhaps cinematically, in the way he paints carefully with his word-brush. More importantly, this ability to capture the essence of place translates into emotional impact throughout, adding layers of complexity to the story.”

"...a compelling picture of the Windy City when it was still in thrall to the mob and its own unique political machine."

"It works as a whodunit, but it’s Cochrane’s story and political life that’ll provide the fuel for this series."