Terry Kirk

Frank Cork had it all. As head trader at Chicago’s leading commodities brokerage firm, Frank made a fortune trading wheat futures. He lived the good life, with his beautiful wife Katrina and their two children. Frank witnesses a gangland shooting and fears for his life when he is noticed by the shooter. Shortly after, Frank’s entire fortune is wiped out when the price of wheat plummets during the 1929 stock market crash. Frank flees to Canada, to escape the mob and recover his losses, leaving behind Katrina and the children. While the firm tasks intern Lewis to find Frank, the police open an investigation into his disappearance. Frank has a plethora of enemies, and the police suspect foul play. Frank travels to the Canadian Prairies where he adopts an alias and takes refuge with a local family. He partners with a bootlegger and begins to smuggle Canadian whiskey to the United States, while secretly orchestrating a high-stakes wheat futures deal to recover his losses. Meanwhile, Katrina, struggles to keep their family afloat and forms a bond with Lewis, who continues to search tirelessly for Frank. Frank’s journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with mobsters, a relentless investigator, and a rival from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.

Pitfall by Terry Kirk is a gripping historical fiction novel set in Chicago during the 1929 stock market crash. The story follows Frank Cork as his life unravels amidst financial ruin. The novel offers a fascinating insight into Chicago’s financial world, wheat trading, and the great stock market crash. The vivid descriptions of Chicago’s financial district and the wind-swept Canadian Prairies create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the drama. The characters are well-developed, particularly Frank and Katrina, whose personal struggles feel authentic and relatable.

The novel combines historical drama with personal introspection, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven stories and historical fiction.

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: A compelling and emotionally charged historical fiction novel, with memorable characters and a gripping plot inspired by real-life events.