The Chicago Phoenix, written by James Keene, is a non fictional book about the authors own journey growing up, and his experiences that led him to being imprisoned. This book also delves into the time he spent helping the FBI, and becoming “friends” with killer Larry Hall. I did not know anything about the author before reading this book, but I feel like I learned a lot and really enjoyed it! I am also now excited to learn more about this author and his time with the FBI. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author and publisher of this book for an ALC, in exchange for an honest review.

An adventure filled book narrated by the author himself. A roller coaster ride of ups and downs and sideways turns. It definitely held my attention as the author detailed his young life and early manhood. A great behind the scenes look at the star of Blackbird. Well worth the ride.

Thank you NetGalley and Silly Goat Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

This book portrays the "everyone deserves a second chance" narrative. We see depth in just how much someone can change and attempt to undo past actions.

I enjoyed the details given through this book and followed along with the events playing out as a movie in my mind.

This is an amazing story and memior that leaves you with that feel good feeling after you finish the book. Sharing your story couldn't have been easy, but it is impactful. No challenge is the same. They all have different obstacles. It is how you overcome them that counts.

Reading for redemption.

Thank you Silly Goat Media Audiobooks, Silly Goat Media for allowing me to read and review The Chicago Phoenix on NetGalley.

Narrator: Bill Hurlbut

Published: 09/15/23

Stars: 3 (Memoir)

This true crime memoir was just okay, and I'm being kind given the nonfiction status. Primarily my biggest issue is the narration. He dealt drugs, ran a crew, owned strip clubs, blah blah blah. He is a Chicagoan. The narrator is a white collar CEO. The book was read as if he was following a pointer, word to word. It was noticeable throughout. Factor in the story itself, juvenile in nature and it is a bad combination. In addition both parents bailed on him and his younger siblings, leaving him to literally feed and clothe the three of them. James was 10 years old. Both parents went on to have other families.

While James did prison time, rightfully; the real crime was the walk away parents and step-parents; they forced James into a life of crime. One day perhaps the justice system will start charging these abusers.

Excellent read. Entertaining throughout.
Although Mr. Keene has lived a thrilling life, he is still a criminal. In no way do his actions to keep a murderer behind bars vindicate him from his past sins. He committed countless crimes and no doubt was at least loosely implicated in killings himself. I'm very glad that he has changed his ways and received a second shot at life beyond prison. I just vehemently believe that people should not be able to profit in any way from illegal activity. But... this is America. Our criminals are also our heros. Kudos to the author.

Much better book than "In with the Devil." Read this one over all others!!!

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to read "The Chicago Phoenix: Jimmy Keene's Untold Story" through NetGalley. Your memoir left a profound impact on me, and I'm honored to share my feedback with you.

Your candid storytelling and raw honesty in recounting your life's journey were truly captivating. From your upbringing in Chicago to your involvement in the city's criminal underworld and eventual redemption, every page was filled with riveting detail and heartfelt emotion. Your willingness to reflect on your past mistakes and the lessons you learned along the way added a depth of authenticity to the narrative that resonated deeply with me.

I was particularly struck by your ability to paint vivid pictures with your words. Your descriptions of the city and the events you experienced were so vivid that I felt like I was right there alongside you, experiencing everything firsthand. Despite the darkness of some of the events depicted, your unwavering optimism and resilience shone through, offering a powerful message of hope and redemption.

In conclusion, "The Chicago Phoenix" is a remarkable memoir that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on readers. Your courage in sharing your story is commendable, and I have no doubt that it will inspire many others who may be facing their own challenges. Thank you for sharing your journey with the world, and I wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.

This is a really interesting and engaging story! I enjoyed the narration and it felt like more of a drama/fiction than non-fiction which made it even more interesting that this was a real story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for advanced access to this audiobook.

‘The Chicago Phoenix: Jimmy Keene’s Untold Story’ written by James Keene and narrated by Bill Hurlbut is a true crime biography about Jimmy Keene as told by his brother.

This is a wonderful audiobook! I enjoyed listening to the crazy life of Jimmy Keene – from running a marijuana business beginning at the age of thirteen to the “Black Bird” situation. Building an empire, going up against Mexican druglords and so much more – had me enthralled and wanting to know more. What an interesting life – growing up as a police officer’s son to being the one the police are following, searching, etc. to straightening out his life.

I’ve not read or listened to other books written by James Keene, but based on this book, I look forward to reading or listening to ‘In with the Devil’ and ‘Black Bird’ and in watching the critically acclaimed award-winning Apple TV series.

Thank you #NetGalley and #SillyGoatMediaAudiobooks #SillyGoatMedia for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for a review. All opinions and thoughts are those of my own.

Interesting and well written book that instantly pulled me in and held my attention.
I found myself thinking about this man’s life and wanting to discuss the details with other readers. I can see this book being a hit for book clubs and reading circles.

While there is a lot of information in this audiobook, there are also a vague bundle of references made to a large news story that is directly related to the story this book is based on. A brief recap would have been useful for people (like me) that don’t have a point of reference for that past event. I didn’t want to put this book down to Google the specifics for backstory but feel like the story could have had a much bigger impact if more information was given for context.

Chicago Phoenix is a great recounting of a true crime epic from recent history. Jimmy Keene built a marijuana empire, then helped elicit a confession from a serial killer to earn some redemption and his freedom.

Written by Keene himself, he probably glossed over some of the things he did to earn the reputation and respect that enabled him to build his empire and hold his own against more established Mexican druglords and more established local gangs that went into him building and maintaining his organization. Also, considering the rebirth elements, it would have been interesting to hear more about his actual time building trust and soliciting confessions and also transitioning back to life as a free man, other than one encourage passing reference to how he put his expertise to good use.

Quite a bit of Keene's skills are brushed off as personality traits, so I wonder if an impartial biographer would have provided more perspective on the work and source behind his ability to organize, persuade, and succeed.

A very compelling, interesting read, and it makes me want to watch the Black Bird series even more.

Wow...if this book is not an exaggeration this dude has LIVED! I did not know that people actually had these real-life experiences. I am glad that James Keene was able to get his life straightened out and rejoin society. I would love to read more about his life so I am reading his other book the Black Bird.

#TheChicagoPhoenix
#NetGalley

The narrator is really amazing. My daughter bought this for me and I had no idea who this character was. It was the first audiobook that didn't put me to sleep. I was on pins and needles for the full 6 hours. I really have a lot of respect for Mr. Keene and his journey. His life and death situations and dealing with dangerous people. I really loved his description of his parents. You could tell he loved his family so much, and humanized his parents just doing the best they could, which really didn't seem much parenting was done. A true Pheonix.