This lovely historical fiction novel tells the story of one woman who manages to go from a small town country girl to one of the most powerful women of the chicago mob. Although for some it may not be the most ideal way of living however it was interesting how our main character managed to make it through everything that was thrown at her. I was overall very impressed with this novel.
Our focus is on a young lady named Virginia who grew up in a dysfunctional and abusive household in the south. She repeats the pattern of abuse by marrying an abusive man named George and moving to Chicago. After a while she gets fed up with the abuse and divorces him. She then gets a job at a diner which is a notorious hang out for all of the great mobsters of Chicago.
She eventually ends up coming friends with Madeline who is also involved with the mob. From there they form a close friendship and Madeline introduces her to all the important people. One of those Bugsy Siegel whom she ends up having a very rocky relationship with. When Madeline ends up disappearing Virginia will do everything in her power to find her. Along the way she will learn what it is to be the most important woman in the Chicago mob.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

A gripping and thrilling read, Mob Queen plunges readers into the heart of the 1930s underworld. Virginia Hill escapes a violent upbringing in Georgia, only to find herself repeating her mother’s tragic path in a troubled marriage. Defying the social expectations of her time, she leaves her husband and sets out in search of her lost friend Madeline—only to be drawn into the perilous world of the Mob. Rising from the bottom, Virginia becomes one of the most powerful women in organized crime, constantly tested by life-or-death decisions and shifting loyalties.

A masterful blend of fiction and historical fact, Mob Queen is both absorbing and richly atmospheric. It pulled me in from the first page and left me eager to learn more about the real history behind the story. Elegantly written and compelling throughout, this is a standout in the realm of historical fiction—one that’s sure to resonate with many readers.

Who says women can't be mobsters? 💁‍♀️ Dive into the thrilling world of *Mob Queen*, where Virginia Hill—a tenacious gal from Georgia—shimmies her way up the bloody ranks of the Chicago Mafia. This isn’t just a story; it’s an exhilarating ride filled with grit, glamour, and a sprinkle of danger.

Picture this: a recently divorced waitress at a mob hangout, living in a brothel, and battling the remnants of an abusive past—all while on a mission to find her missing best friend, Madeline. Virginia doesn’t just tiptoe through the lion’s den; she charges in with a fierce determination that’s as intoxicating as a well-aged whiskey.

The book beautifully captures the chaotic blend of mob life and toxic relationships, feeling like a dark romance that’s both elevated and gritty. Virginia’s relationship with Ben is a rollercoaster of passion and peril, showcasing her relentless spirit while highlighting the messiness of being entwined with the mob. You can’t help but root for her, even as she navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and betrayal.

What’s more? I had no idea that Virginia Hill was a real person until I flipped the pages. She’s a character that lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the book—loyal to a fault, relatable, and defying the odds in a world that’s ready to paint her as the villain. But guess what? This isn’t their story; it’s Virginia’s, and she’s not about to let anyone steal her spotlight.

*Mob Queen* is a masterclass in pacing. I was hooked from start to finish—no dull moments here, which is quite the achievement for historical fiction! Erin Bledsoe has crafted a delightful concoction of fact and fiction, making Virginia’s tale both fascinating and heartbreakingly real. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by Virginia's unforgettable journey! 🥂✨

This one is a tough one to rate. The description alone is interesting enough to pull you in, and the story did but only sometimes. I felt more could have been done with life within the Mob. Anytime a bar night out or meetings occurred, I felt what you wanted to happen vs what happened negatively impacted this story. Often times things were rushed and many conversations were happening with little action. I would have loved some more involved mobster antics. Especially what went on in Mexico! She was there for years and we got nothing about it. As fast as we learned she went to Mexico, she was already getting out of there.. as a reader I needed more. More shiesty deals, more mob violence, and more greed.

I don’t think the characters relationships were written well. Everything that happened, did with little build up, making it hard for me to believe in their relationships. Didn’t love or hate this one, but I am happy I read it. I enjoyed the historic value of someone I didn’t already know about. I will definitely be researching more about Virginia Hill now.

**Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.**

Bledsoe’s protagonist, Virginia Hill, is a footnote to history today, yet played an important role during the 1930s gangster crime spree. Ordinarily a mob story can carry itself on its own merit, but there is an alternate sense of urgency that pervades this narrative with its female viewpoint, as Bledsoe returns a deserving voice to the so-called Mob Queen. Virginia, broadly speaking, was a mob moll and trusted stolen goods courier. She and her only friend Madeline both work as waitresses in the early 1930s, but Madeline craves bigger things from life and hooks up with the Chicago mob, going absent for frequent periods. When her usual postcards from her travels stop coming, Virginia fears her friend may be in too deep, and she owes it to her to find her. After all, Madeline once saved her life.

During the following dull months at the racetrack, she rigidly obeys the Chicago mob’s rules to prove herself worthy. When considered trustworthy enough to deliver stolen goods across state lines, she excels at the job. Moving higher up the food chain, she is sent to New York to seduce Joe Adonis, the Italian American mobster who helped found the Cosa Nostra. But as events begin to sour, Virginia is no longer confident she will find Madeline before it is too late.

One excellent plot construct that is particularly intriguing is the treatment of Bugsy Siegel’s role. Dialogue is animated and snappy. Tension is in high gear throughout, and although the author must fill in a lot of blanks, I was caught up in this credible, compelling story. Bledsoe admits she writes about women who behave badly (indeed!) but here she paints a gracious picture of Hill’s vulnerability-to-pluck personality by exploring motivation and action despite their inevitable dark consequences. A thrilling and fascinating true crime tale.

How do you describe Virginia Hill? Seductive, desperate, brave, angry....a bad ass good time girl.
Erin Bledsoe's "Mob Queen" introduces us to a country girl running for an abusive father and laterly husband. Divorced and destitute she earns her money in a cafe frequented by Chicago mobsters. Her friend Madeline joined this shadey world....and disappeared! Would the same happen to Virginia as she sets out on a mission to find Madeline? Or is she made of sterner stuff?
Making a start laundering money at the race track, then promoted to a courier of expensive items, she worked her way into the inner workings of the Chicago mob. Along the way she saw and participated in horrific acts of violence. She was sent to New York to keep tabs on Luciano family capo Joe Adonis, which she did by becoming his lover. She told people that she was a Southern-belle society girl who had gone through four rich husbands, all divorced or dead, and that she had received $1 million each from their estates. Virginia was a master of disguise and would fully emmerse herself in any vice to fit in.
Living a whirlwind of deceit, drink, drugs and sex. Virginia was more than just window dressing in a hyper violent male dominated world. She was relied on for her ability to keep secrets and contracted to all Chicago, New York and LA branches of the mafia as they tried to play each other for power and payback.
Central to this book is the toxic on and off relationship with Ben "Bugsy" Siegel, with his steely blue eyes and ability to heartlessly commit murder and cleanup after.
I very much enjoyed this fascinating dramatisation of Virginia's mob life....where she was undoubtedly Queen and a member of the mob in her won right.
Thanks to NetGalley, Erin Bledsoe and Blackstone Publishing for my copy.

Was I expecting a historical fiction based on some fact? Honestly no but I really enjoyed this. Most books that rely on fact come off as disjected and somewhat painful to read but this one actually flowed.

This story follows the tale of Virginia Hill and how she came to be the girlfriend of Bugsy Seigel. Know to be as Ben. I greatly enjoyed how the author took fact and made it colorful while also working in some fiction to make the story come alive.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe is set in the 1930s and follows Virginia Hill's journey through the Mafia and navigates her relationship with Bugsy Siegal.

Virginia escaped an abusive father in small-town Georgia by marrying a man who took her to Chicago. The depression era rolled in and her husband had a temper and soon Virginia found herself in an unhappy marriage.

She makes a new friend Madeline, who encourages her to stand up for herself. Virginia takes the advice but ends up divorced and broke. she begins working as a waitress and a local mob spot. When her friend disappears Virginia vows to find out what happened with her friend, even if that means following her into the Mob world.

I loved this book! Thank you Erin for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This book comes to stores June 17 2025

Mob Queen follows Virginia Hill as she rises through the Mafia in the 1930s searching for a better life. As she climbs through, she's seeking to unravel the mystery of what happened to her missing friend.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Virginia and did not realize she was an actual person. I loved the back and forth between her and Joey. Seeing her with Bugsy was so hard to see but her determination made me wonder. She wanted to be set apart from the other girls of the mob and make a name for herself.
I loved living in this book- hearing about the nightlife and the setting in Chicago and NYC- how Virginia learned so much about the Mafia.
The book was well paced as it had shown the growth of Virgina in her quest to not only learn about who she can become as well as answers to the whereabouts of her missing friend.
I enjoyed this book very much. I don’t think there is much I would have changed in this book.
Thank you to Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I had no idea this was based on a real person, but Virginia Hill’s story was definitely memorable. I liked how determined she was to make something of herself, even while being caught up in the mob. Her relationship with Ben was all kinds of toxic, but that just made it even more interesting to read.
The pacing was a little off—some parts felt slow, while major events were rushed. I also wish we got more early on to really show what made the fmc different from everyone else. Still, it was an engaging read, and it left me wanting to learn more about the real history behind it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The title & cover drew me in and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this historical fiction story of real life Mob "moll" Virginia Hill. I knew of her relationship with Bugsy Siegal but very much enjoyed the background and context the author gave as to why Ms Hill made the choices that she did. I loved learning more about her and the world she inhabited. I will look for more works by the author.

If you like reading about the mob, you'll love this book as much as i did. The author gives us the story of Virginia Hill and her involvement with the Chicago mob and how she became Bugsy Seigel's girl. Definitely one to add to your library.

Girlfriend to famed monster, Bugsey Siegel, Virginia Hill was a member of the mob in her own right. Having climbed the ranks from money launderer to being apart of bigger deals Virginia has money and power, and now she wants her freedom. To get that she will have to help the mob take down one of its own, a risky endeavour which could have disastrous consequences.
I struggled with this book a bit, especially early on. I feel like the book failed to capture what set Virginia apart, especially in the start, from all the other girls who came before her and all the ones who were involved in the organization. It was a case of being told she was special with no real evidence to back it up. This could be a case of missing information and trying not to make too much up for accuracy sake, but to me it felt like something was missing. I enjoyed the book quite a bit more after Virginia had already climbed the ranks and was in a position of importance. This book definitely sent me off to do some extra reading of my own because it was interesting and it’s not a part of history I am including familiar with.
Thank you to @netgalley and @blackstonepublishing for letting me have an advanced copy in exchange for a review. Mob Queen hits shelves June 17, 2025.
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First of all, WOW! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think early on I could not for the life of me understand why Virginia was committed to finding Madeline but as the story progressed I started to understand that this was never really about Madeline and it was always about Virginia and her pursuit for a better reality. This storyline was filled plot twists that kept me glued to the book. The introduction and realization of Ben’s true character and the Joey EP betrayal were amongst the most stunning. I especially appreciated that part of the story where we got to see Virginia’s family dynamic. So much of what she believed was built on her parents relationship, it was nice to see there be a resolution to that part of the storyline.

I really did enjoy this book and it’s made me interested in learning more about Virginia and even Ben. I’m off to go read the books the author mentioned at the end now.

*I received an ARC from Net galley in exchange for an honest review*

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2


Going in I didn’t know that this book was about a real person, and I won’t soon forget Virginia Hill.

Highly recommend this one. Mob life and toxic relationships, it had the feel of an elevated dark romance. I liked Virginia and Ben’s doomed and toxic relationship.

I loved how recklessly determined Virginia was to overcome her circumstances but unfortunately still having to wade through the mess of being a tool for the mob.

The only downside was the pacing. It would be slow the majority of the time and then when the action and tension would rise it would end quickly or be skimmed over. So I wished it was a little darker on that aspect. It would have made the story fuller and have that grit that I was expecting.

Overall in spite of the pacing issues, an engaging story following a strong woman trying to make her mark and elevate her circumstances while dealing with the mob. Recommend.

**Thanks to Blackstone Publishing & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Who was Virginia Hill? What made her become part of Chicago Mob?

This story explores briefly Virginia’s childhood and her abusive marriage at very young age, giving an understanding what might have led her to become one of the mobsters.

Set in 1930s Chicago, Virginia’s path to the Mob starts with her search for her missing friend who disappeared in New York. But when you deal with a mafia, once you’re in, there is no way out. In order to be sent to New York, Virginia has to prove that she can be trusted. She is put at racetracks and told on which horse to bet money.

At the racetrack, she meets charismatic Ben (Bugsy Siegel), and that’s when things take a turn, and she feels her trust is being tested.

Her path also crosses with Velma Capone who taches Virginia how to rise in popularity and reputation as Virginia is told to create a new persona.

Virginia goes from racetracks to money laundering and along the way discovering mafia’s involvement in things she didn’t expect. The freedom she sought seems to be closing on her as she learns more about mafia’s involvement.

As she searches for her friend, she discovers that those who she thought she could trust turn opposite. It seems that the sides constantly switch who she can trust. Her relationship with Ben is pretty complex and volatile.

As the story begins, it reveals backstories of both women. The backstories are short but they give enough depth to understand the subject and get attached to the characters. The progressing story has much longer descriptions which at times slow the pace. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating read, at times, making you cringe due to the reality of mafia’s work.

Erin Bledsoe did a fabulous job telling Virginia Hill's story. Virginia was a waitress in Chicago, and she had a friend, Madeline, who had vanished. Joey Ep, The accountant for the mob, used to frequent Virginia's restaurant. He always sat in her station and tipped largely. Eventually he asked her out. At first she didn't want to go with him, but then conceded. She learned from him that Madeline had gone to work for him. Virginia was determined to find her and agreed to go to work for him. Her sordid history with them was basically that of a whore. She started out going to the racetrack and laundering money. She had learned that Madeline had gone to New York, and that was Virginia's plan. To go to New York to find Madeline. So after the horse tracks, she was assigned to smuggling goods and money in New York. That's where she met Bugsy Siegel.

Bugsy was a married man but he was taken with Virginia. They had a tumultuous relationship whereby they would fight viciously and then end up having sex. Eventually, she learned that Bugsy had killed Madeline. That's when she started to hate him. After she learned about Madeline, she decided she wanted out. But getting out was not an easy venture. So she stayed in for 13 years. Eventually her contract was sold. She was told that if she helped them kill Bugsy, she would own her contract. And that she did. Bugsy had gotten heads strong and was determined to open a casino in Las Vegas. He had been in show Business and had a lot of contacts. So he hit up his contacts to invest in his casino. He opened the Flamingo. He had also stolen $2 million from the mob that he had stashed away for him and Virginia. His hotel and casino felt a hard times and it was closed. But a few months later it was reopened. Virginia sold him out and was able to acquire her contract. All of this took place between the years 1933 and 1946.

In 1950 she had met and married. Hans and was pregnant with their child. It was at that time that she got a call from Joey who told her that she would have to come and testify. She didn't want to do it but she knew she had no choice, so she decided she would lie. That way they'd have nothing on her. It seems that all went well, but in 1966 she was found dead. It was considered a suicide. I choose to believe that the mob caught up with her. She was definitely the mob Queen. She had a sharp tongue and she pretty much ran her own life, even though the mob was in control of her. She was the only woman to rise to the status that she did. She found herself in meetings with the upper echelon, who were only men.

I so very much enjoyed reading this biography. If I could give this book 10 stars I would, but I can only give it five, which I did. I praise the author for her exceptional work on this story.

I was so excited to receive this ARC two years after reading the authors debut, The Forty Elephants (a 5 star read for me). I really enjoyed this, but I do look forward to reading it again once it's published. Since this was an unedited ARC, it read quite choppily but that obviously says nothing about the quality of the book so l do intend to re-read it once it's finalized and may possibly update my review then.
All in all, I really liked this. I did find the beginning a bit slow, but I think TFE read slow as well and I still absolutely loved it. The one thing I didn't care for this time around, however, is that I felt it had some transitional/pacing issues. It would be so slow and then something big would happen but would be rushed and glazed over, I'd find myself disappointed and wanting more. And maybe that was just the author trying to keep it as factual as she could with what little information she had on the title character. I get that, but it left me disappointed nonetheless. For example, something big and dark would happen, like a murder or a sexual encounter, and it would just be a sentence or so saying oh bam this happened. Then cut to black and the next sentence would be completely unrelated and several months later. Because of that, several times throughout, I found myself confused about what was actually going on.
Again, I don't believe that speaks to the quality of the content of the book... And it's not to say that made me not enjoy it either. I simply just wanted MORE. Whereas the first half read slow, the second half felt really rushed... and had some of the darker stuff had more depth and detail, I think it would've made me more invested in the story and characters.
With all that being said, I still loved this book. I loved learning about Virginia Hill. I love the way this author writes (her dialogue is just some of the best l've seen. I find her writing so easy to read and her characters are always relatable. They NEVER feel cheesy or fake). And I can't wait to re-read this when it's all finished up!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this earc! One of my favorite reads of 2024, really captivating story.

The concept of the book Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe was very interesting, as I love reading fictional stories based on the Mob and the lives of notorious gangsters. I also really liked the historical backdrop of this book as it takes place in Chicago in the 1930s. The story is told from the perspective of a real figure who was a part of the Mob; a woman named Virginia Hill who was a courier for the mob in Chicago in the mid-1930s and who had a highly tumultuous and abusive relationship with Bugsy Siegel, who was a well known mobster, I enjoyed the first half of the book in which Virginia's story about how she got involved with the Mob in the first place is told to the reader, but parts of it were slow and I did not care for all of the time in the book that was spent on Virginia's role at the race tracks. Towards the middle of the book, the pacing gets slightly better and picks up around the time Virginia meets Bugsy Siegel and begins a relationship with him. I found the ending to be a bit rushed and wished the author had spent more time on this part of the story compared to the beginning and middle of the novel. Overall, this was an okay read; I definitely thought I would have enjoyed it more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!