I find myself with mixed feelings on how to review SOMETHING BIG by Patrick Wohl. While I absolutely appreciate the fact that Wohl wants to give the victims dignity by telling their stories to show who each were as people and not just as victims… at parts the book kind of meandered without any real focus.

I did enjoy the backstory of Brown’s Chicken, it made what happened seem all the more horrific. However by about 3/4 of the way through the book, I found my attention wandering. It is as though there is too much “extra”, and that took away from the strength of the narrative instead of adding to it.

Despite this, for the most part I did enjoy Something Big, and would recommend it to those who enjoy reading true crime.

If you ever heard the story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre, the horrors of that event stick with you. When picking up Patrick Wohl's Something Big, I remembered much of the overall story but wanted an in-depth look. While Wohl gets points for his emotional approach to the material, his technical approach left much to be desired.

Wohl deserves big points for his introduction and where his heart is. He grapples with the genre of true crime and asks himself how to make this book more than just more gristle for the fanatics looking for blood and gore. This is hugely admirable and Wohl does succeed in putting a spotlight on the victims more than most do. Unfortunately, this is also a big part of why the book felt flat for me.

In Wohl's efforts to highlight the people of this tragedy, he completely forgets to give this book a narrative with a strong perspective. Most chapters, even towards the end of the book, keep introducing new characters who do not have strong reasons to be there. For instance, the town mayor has a chapter devoted to her, but if you completely skipped this section, it wouldn't matter to the overall story. These chapters are also very surface level. Without getting into spoilers, a witness breaks this case wide open years after the crime. There is no analysis of how this person came to this momentous decision.

Wohl's heart was certainly in the right place. However, a story is more than just giving the facts to the reader. He never found a way to provide true insight into this case.

(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Post Hill Press.)

I first read about this back in 2003 in Possley’s book and it has always remained with me. This book refreshed my memory on details and was a good retelling of the horror, tensions, and the extended wait for a resolution to the tragedy.

I know about Brown’s Chicken due to knowing people that live in Chicago. They go to the establishment a lot. I was intrigued when I saw the arc available and requested it. I am glad I did. Because I know of a lot of places and towns mentioned in the book, it made the book that much more enjoyable to read. I began this book and was quickly drawn in. From page one, the writing was enough to make me not want to put this book down, It flowed very well with a little history about Brown’s Chicken and how it came to be, as well as the people associated with the establishment that were murdered. It also gives you insight into the people who did the crime and their actions after as well as people they associated with. Very good read and really keeps your attention. Anyone who likes/loves true crime, this is the book for you. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book, Receiving the book in this manner, had no bearing on this review.

I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own. This is a perfect example of what an honorable true crime book should be. Rather than glorify the parts of a crime that can traumatize those affected by it, the author chose to cover a lot about the victims and the pursuit of justice. This was one of the most respectful true crime books I have ever read and I read A LOT of them. I had heard briefly of the tragedy at Brown’s Chicken but now I know so much more. The details of the investigation and journey to get justice for the victims was covered so well. This was not a book that left me confused and bored by detail at all.