I really enjoyed listening to the stories about Boston Blackie and Mary. The narrator was pleasant to listen to and the stories a glimpse into the life of a thief with character. I would have liked to hear more about what happened to Boston Blackie and the children he was taking care of at the very beginning after the San Francisco fire.

Good ol classic. Criminal code of honour with a few snitches thrown in. Really enjoyed this book with excellent narration.

The saying that truth is stranger than fiction is certainly true in this case. Jack Boyle was an opium addict, a thief, and a convict. He developed the character of Boston Blackie while serving time in the Colorado State Penitentiary. After Boston Blackie became famous, his character as a thief was “toned” down and he became a detective. Many “B” movies were made around both characters. Now.. to this book itself… had I known any of the author’s even more sordid life story, I probably would not have listened to this book. But with that having been said, it was a fascinating series of short tales of the lives of Blackie and his wife Mary. The first story in the book is probably the best and certainly the sweetest. The rest are either cases of injustice, barbarism, heartbreak, etc. His accounts of prison life could have only been depicted having experienced some of these things or known persons to whom these things had occurred. It is very unsettling, and if the description of the use of the straight jacket to punish prisoners is in fact based on fact, it was horrific. Remember this was supposed to have taken place in the 20s. Some of these stories of course stretch credulity and are simply too far-fetched, but even if half of what is depicted occurred in at least some form it is indeed an amazing series of tales. The devotion and interaction between Boston Blackie and Mary was truly lovely. Can’t say I can comfortably recommend listening to this book, but it is indeed an unusual tale. And the narrator does a fantastic job so for that reason alone, it might be worth taking a chance.

Very good development of characters,almost feel like you know them

Great book, enjoyed the glimpse into the past when honour mattered. Good narrator too.

The story was great it reminds that I have a copy of the book. Wish I knew what happened next The radio shows are really well done

Great book

loved it good story

Didn’t love it. Kinda slow and hard to follow story

Excellent read.

Enjoyed this story of a criminal with morales and standards, narrator is excellent

Enjoyed listening

Good to have the origin story of Boston Blackie. Makes the radio stories that much better.

Great listen. I was intrigued with the story and kept me engrossed.

Great narrator!!!

narrator was just ok. decent book

Dated but still great fun. The crook with a heart of gold and strong moral compass. Wonderful narrator.

I am a fan of “Old Time Radio” so I took a chance getting this book - what a pleasant surprise. Written more than 3 decades before I was born one would expect this book to be very dated – not so. I thoroughly enjoyed it. BTW, the narrator was perfect for the story line. I highly recommend it.

Great characters and a sweet Robin Hood read.

people don't make stars of crooks , anymore, so bearing in mind , since Law and Order, Boston Blackie, book and movie star or not. is a great read. the narrator is great. not distracting.

Loved the change in characters' voices. Loved the pacing. Loved the selection of this book.