I just finished Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe and here are my musings.

Virginia is worried. Her friend is missing and she knows it's something to do with the mob. What she doesn’t expect is to climb the ranks within the organization and amass power no one could have foreseen.

She is ruthless because that’s how you survive in the dark world of organized crime.

YEEE-FING-YAWWWWWWW

This audiobook was too brilliant. I loved how I was transported to the 1930s and wish I had dressed for the occasion.

Virginia really changed over the course of the book. It was amazing. I loved watching the evolution. The girl who was terrified for her missing friend but needed to know the truth so she took a step into the seedy underbelly of Chicago… Into the self contained woman who became an integral part of the mob’s operation. She is based on a real person and her life was totally fascinating.

I love historical fiction like this. It was gritty and raw. I felt like I was really taken back in time and I was fully immersed into a world of murder, money laundering and mob bosses. There is some abuse in here so be mindful.

I love books based on real events and the author did an amazing job of researching all the key players back then while staying true to who Virginia Hall was.

Couldn’t have loved it more.

5 stars

Thank you to @netgalley and @blackstonepublishing for my gifted alc

Wow!
I had no idea what I was in for!
This was phenomenal… and apparently based on a true story!

Circa 1930’s…Chicago, NYC, and so much more.
Mob connections. Mob bosses. Mob life.
And… how a simple woman from Georgia (I think…) was determined to make a better life for herself after being abused by her Dad and then her husband… and deciding that that was NOT going to happen again.

And what a name she made for herself…

With names interspersed throughout like… Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel…and so many more.It was like a who’s who of the mafia! But with a twist!

As all that women were ever good for, back in the day, was ONE THING… but, Virginia Hill was about to prove them all wrong!!

Hold on to your hats. Grab yourself a stiff drink (if so inclined)… and enjoy this one! You are in for quite the ride!

Triggers: Mental and physical abuse. Mob hits. Lots of infidelity…
But, if you can get past these, don’t miss out on this one!

#MobQueen by @ErinBledsoe and narrated beautifully by @BrittanyPressley.

5+ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

*** THIS ONE HAS ALREADY BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

#ad much love for my finished copy @blackstonepublishing & @bibliolifestyle #partner
& @blackstoneaudio ?! #partner for the ALC

Mob Queen 👑 (we need a pretty tiara emoji)

"’My husband and all those men in that special room you were in today…they [the other women] had no choice, and I have no choice, and you have no choice. We all play a part to survive. We're all in cages. Your body belongs to them. The sooner you understand that the easier your life is going to be…And when you feel like you've had enough, just know that it could be worse,’” (144).

Fiercely feminist and totally refreshing.

It’s 1933 - Chicago’s World Fair - and while the mob might control the city, it’s the women who shine here. They’re not here to be walked over, silenced, or dismissed. These women handle their own.

Virginia and Madeline are best friends just trying to make it through life in a city ruled by power and secrets. But when Madeline vanishes some say she probably ran off with a man, escaping this place. But Virginia knows better - her friend would have written. Something is wrong.

Fresh out of an abusive marriage, Virginia’s done being powerless. She’s determined to uncover the truth - even if it means getting in with the mob. Joey Ep is her way in, but he’s keeping a secret of his own. One dangerous enough to get him killed.

To find Madeline, Virginia knows she’ll have to outsmart the mob. Be sharper. Tougher. Better than the men who run it.

I loved this book. The women in this story are filled with spirit. They leap right off the page, demanding to be seen. These characters wormed their way right into my black heart. They’re fierce, fiery, and fabulous. I couldn’t recommend this book more.

Virginia might be one of my favorite characters ever. She’s got wit, grit, and a mouth on her - always holding her own and throwing it right back at the men around her. And listen - I’m not usually one for romance, but I didn’t mind it here. Enemies to lovers to enemies again? Maybe.

It’s compulsive, unputdownable, packed with nonstop action and biting humor. A must read.

Memorable:
✓ Drinking game: shots till you puke or polish off the bottle
✓ Wife’s revenge at the racetrack 😂👏🏻👏🏻
✓ “F*** your wife for you” ☠️👏🏻👏🏻 — Virginia’s comebacks are lethal and I’m here for it.

🎧 I also listened to the audiobook while reading and - no surprise - Brittney Pressley slayed it. She always does. Honestly, I’ve bought audiobooks just because she narrated them. Sometimes I throw one on just to fall asleep to her voice. No shame. One of my all-time faves.

Weekend post horrible engagement

Erin Bledsoe has crafted a thrilling combination of historical fiction and mafia lore. You almost never get the women’s side of things when it comes to the mob. And what a woman! Virginia Hill was tough as nails, stopping at nothing to fight for her friend and herself. I appreciated the nuanced, complicated relationships; I loved how the women in the story had each other’s backs, even when others were failing and/or judging them. I’ve enjoyed other books narrated by Brittany Pressley and this one is no exception.

OMG get this book!! I absolutely loved it!! 😊 I don’t read alot of HF… but this book is probably my favorite HF I have ever read. 🫶

First off… the audiobook is PHENOMENAL. I literally felt like I was in the 1930’s hanging out with Virginia Hill. Who you ask??

🖤 The girl who was looking for justice…at any cost.. she had to know what happened to her friend… Virginia found herself in… an arrangement… with the mob. 😳

Virginia suddenly was hanging out with the cousin of Al Capone. 🥂🎶 💃 Also in an on and off relationship with Ben… Aka Bugsy Siegel… Iconic mobster that built the Flamingo 🦩 casino in Vegas. What?!! 😮😳 Right?!!

Virginia was a mover and shaker of her time. Girls didn’t hang with the mob guys. Our girl Virginia had the respect of the boys. 😉

I was shocked at the ending. Floored. 😮🫣🤯 I admit I immediately ran to Google to find out more. While Virginia did end up getting swept up into a life of international crime… she was also a strong woman to be reckoned with. She lived a thousand lifetimes in her short life. I was absolutely fascinated with her story. 🖤

I seriously can’t tell you how incredible this book was!! The narrator was perfection!! I immediately added @erinbledsoewrites The Forty Elephants 🐘 to my TBR! 😍

Audiobook review of Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe and narrated by Brittany Pressley.

I knew a little about Virginia Hill, but it was mostly in terms of her relationship to Bugsy Siegel. While I wouldn’t consider Virginia Hill to be a role model, I do think her ability to find what she wants and go for it, as well as just surviving while being associated with the mob was pretty impressive. So often women are just side notes in men’s stories and to have this book focusing on Virginia Hill was unique. I really enjoyed reading Mob Queen.

I had read this book and then received the opportunity to listen to it. Brittany Pressley did a very good job narrating this book. I found it very easy to listen to.

Thank you to the author, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Virginia Hill. was most known for being the girlfriend of mobster Bugsy Siegel. However, she was so much more than just a “girlfriend”. Virginia got involved in the mob initially trying to find out what happened to her best friend who disappeared, then she met and fell in love with Ben "Bugsy" Siegel and eventually rose through the ranks of the mob.
Honestly, I never heard of Virginia before reading this book. I found this story to be so fascinating. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this audio ARC. #netgalley #mobqueen

Mob Queen Is Fierce, Gritty, and Gloriously Unapologetic

I absolutely loved Virginia Hill. Fierce, determined, and headstrong, she bursts off the page in Erin Bledsoe’s Mob Queen—a gutsy, gripping dive into the glitzy but treacherous world of 1930s organized crime. From the moment Virginia flees a violent marriage in Georgia and tumbles into Chicago’s mob scene, the stakes are life and death—and she rises to meet them with swagger and smarts.

Bledsoe doesn’t sugarcoat the brutality. Mob violence is graphic and unsettling, and Virginia grows increasingly at ease carrying out the family’s dirty work. It’s a humanizing portrait of a woman who finds agency in a world that rarely offers it. Her relationship with Bugsy Siegel is steamy and volatile—fueled by lust, ambition, and a hunger for power. The sex scenes are explicit, but they fit the raw, no-holds-barred tone of the story.

The plot can be cringeworthy—there’s some truly dark stuff here—but that’s part of its power. You feel the danger. You don’t always know who to trust.

Fans of gritty historical fiction with complicated female leads will devour this. My only complaint? I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more: Virginia’s testimony before Congress, her downfall, exile, and fiery final act. Here's hoping Bledsoe writes a sequel.

** Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for copies of the eBook and audiobook. Opinions are my own.

Excellent writing. Erin Bledsoe is a compelling storyteller. I'm typically not interested in the mob, but I loved the way she portrayed and handled telling Virginia Hill's story. The interiority and goal that drove Virginia was believable and kept me listening until late at night. The narrator did an excellent job with the voices. One time I had to remind myself that a woman was reading the men's roles -- well done. Will look forward to more stories by Blesoe and the narrator. Thank you!

𝗠𝗢𝗕 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗱𝘀𝗼𝗲 is a captivating, gritty historical novel that reimagines the life of Virginia Hill — a woman who dared to carve out her place in the ruthless world of the 1930s Chicago Mob. After fleeing an abusive marriage and a bleak life in Georgia, Virginia’s quest to find her missing friend Madeline draws her into a dark labyrinth of crime, power, and betrayal. Her rise from a waitress to a key player in the Mafia is both empowering and tragic, revealing the seductive danger of power and the cost of survival. The book shines in its atmospheric portrayal of Chicago’s underworld, offering vivid details that transport you right into smoky back rooms and racetracks. While some lengthy descriptions slow the pacing, Virginia’s evolution keeps you hooked. Her volatile relationship with Bugsy Siegel adds emotional complexity and tension. If you enjoy stories about strong women in dangerous worlds, give this one a try!

"Mob Queen" by Erin Bledsoe wasn't quite the right fit for me personally. I found myself struggling to connect with Virginia as a character, and when you can't connect with the protagonist, it's really hard to become invested in where their story is headed. The audiobook is narrated by Brittany Pressley, who is absolutely talented, and I've enjoyed her work in several contemporary fiction titles before, but this was my first time hearing her tackle historical fiction, and I have to admit it took some adjustment. I'm so used to associating her voice with modern stories that it was a bit jarring to hear her in a 1930s setting, which made it harder for me to stay immersed in the historical period. That said, I want to emphasize that my experience doesn't mean this is a bad book. Historical fiction readers who enjoy stories about strong women in challenging circumstances will likely find a lot to appreciate here, and I absolutely plan to recommend it to patrons who enjoy historical fiction.

Thank you to Erin Bledsoe, Brittany Pressley, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe

Mob Queen is a thrilling work of historical fiction that shines a light on a lesser-known figure from the 1930s–40s mob world: Virginia Hill. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s organized crime scene, the book is full of the twists, secrets, and betrayals you’d expect from mob life—making it an exciting, fast-paced read.

Virginia Hill is portrayed as a strong and complex woman who becomes entangled with dangerous and shady characters. The secrets and lies woven throughout the story kept me turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next.

I found Virginia to be a brave and determined character who fought hard for everything she had. I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator did an excellent job transporting me to the era with vivid detail and emotion.

This is definitely a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction—especially stories centered on powerful, complex women navigating a world stacked against them.

🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 𝙈𝙤𝙗 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗱𝘀𝗼𝗲👑
I have never read a book about the mafia, but I watched The Sopranos. I couldn't help but imagine the main character from that series. 🤣
This audiobook was such an interesting ride! I was hooked from the first chapter. The story is fast-paced, atmospheric, and filled with tension. What made it stand out was the incredible female lead. 💪💋 The main character, Virginia, starts off as a waitress and works her way up to the top of the “organization”. She evolved into a bold, smart, and unapologetically fierce woman working with some very dangerous men.
If you love historical fiction with edge, drama, and a badass woman at the center,  Mob Queen is 100% worth a listen. Just a heads-up: the chapters are on the longer side!

Mob Queen is a gripping, atmospheric dive into the 1930s Chicago underworld, following Virginia Hill’s transformation from a desperate, down-and-out woman to someone who learns how to navigate and rise within the dangerous world of the Mob.

I really enjoyed how this story balanced historical detail with a propulsive plot. Virginia’s journey is raw and compelling. Her search for her friend Madeline and the choices she makes to survive pull you right into her world. The backdrop of the Depression era, the vivid speakeasies, and the looming threat of Bugsy Siegel add layers of tension that kept me turning pages.

The dynamic between loyalty and ambition was especially interesting. Watching Virginia discover the power she holds and what she has to sacrifice along the way made this more than just a standard gangster story. It’s about resilience, friendship, and the cost of survival when you’re a woman in a man’s world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early. I’m already recommending it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a dark, gritty edge.

This was an intriguing, fascinating, irresistible historical fiction about the mob in the 1930s. Absolutely loved the main character, Virginia Hill. She was fierce, determined, and headstrong. This novel was well-written, and I highly recommend it!

Thank you, #Netgalley and #Blackstoneaudio, for this ARC

I really enjoyed this book. It was told from a woman's perspective and was sad and tragic, yet, empowering. Abused as a child, Virginia had the attitude that she was in charge of not only her body but her life. She used her history with an abusive father to help her rise up through the ranks in the mob, a historically male dominated arena. It is fiction, but using people from history to tell this story kept me intrigued and held my interest.

This intriguing mob story was done so well. It really makes you realize the gusto that Virginia had to have being in the throws of these hard hitting men in the mob. I think her difficult upbringing hardened her to not back down to them even if she felt intimidated. Loved this book. #MobQueen #NetGalley

Brittany Pressley’s narration never disappoints. Her accents were on point for our characters colorful personalities.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 ⭐️
I was gifted the audiobook version of this book and enjoyed listening to it. I had never heard of Virginia Hill and after doing a bit of my own research on her I feel like the author did a decent job of writing a novel based on her life. Let's be honest, the actual Mob Queen is not going to be a very morally sound character, but the Virginia Hill in this book was more or less described as such. The writing and overall story was interesting, and I enjoyed the spin the author took from the real life story. The narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I liked this more because I knew the actual story behind Virginia Hill, but I think it was written well enough that someone with no knowledge would also enjoy it. There is quite a bit of time-line jumping that for the sake of following the story of Ben 'Bugsy' Seigel and Virginia. And while I would not classify this as romance, the story is definitely centered around Ben and Virginia's relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version and would recommend for those interested in a fictional version of history based on an actual person.

The book follows Virginia Hill’s quest to discover what happened to her friend Madeline. The story takes place in the 1930s and tells the story of Virginia’s rise through the Chicago mob.

Virginia was born in Alabama and had a tragic childhood, she escaped an abusive marriage and moved to Chicago for a fresh start. The story gives insight into her relationships with mafia legends like Bugsy Siegel and Joseph Epstein.

It was a fascinating read - historical fiction is a favorite genre and this book left me researching the life of Virginia Hill.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early review of the book

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Fierce, Flirty, and Full of Firepower

Mob Queen is like if The Godfather and your favourite sassy rom-com had a secret love child—and she’s wearing designer heels while plotting world domination. Erin Bledsoe delivers a high-octane story packed with attitude, ambition, and just the right amount of chaos.

Our leading lady? An absolute icon. She’s sharp, stylish, and perfectly capable of taking down bad guys while sipping espresso. The dialogue snaps, the tension crackles, and the vibes are pure boss energy. There’s crime, there’s drama, and there’s just enough romance to keep things deliciously messy.

It’s a four-star ride because sometimes the pacing gets a little wild (but hey, so does she), and there are moments you’ll wish for just a bit more depth. But honestly? You’re here for the fun, and Mob Queen delivers it in spades—with lipstick, leverage, and a whole lot of sass.