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About the Author

Image credit: Katie Daubs

Works by Katie Daubs

Tagged

Common Knowledge

Gender
female
Nationality
Canada
Places of residence
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupations
newspaper reporter
Organizations
Toronto Star

Members

Reviews

This a very well researched look into the case of Ambrose Small, a theatre impresario who deposited a $1M cheque in his Toronto bank account one day in 1919 and then disappeared. The author has interviewed descendants of the Small family and others involved in the case, She also provides a glimpse into Toronto in the 1920s, including the nature of police work and the workings of live entertainment.

It's a very interesting true story, however I found the writing a bit dry.
 
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LynnB | 1 other review | Jul 6, 2021 |
Ambrose Small was an aggressive theatre owner in Toronto and other Ontario cities. On the evening of December 2, 1919, he disappeared. His wife didn't report him missing until Christmas as it was common for him to disappear on trips to Cuba and Bermuda or other places where he could gamble and womanize.

He also had a mistress whose existence was common knowledge including to his wife. While his wife was a devote Catholic, Small was not religious and was known as mean employer who used any method to make money from his many theatres and theatre troupes. He had many enemies.

While his body was never found and no sure theory to explain his death and disappearance was ever made, there is suspicion that his wife and business manager may have been involved. This is a fascinating book that covers the many angles of the case and the way it continues to intrigue people day. Daubs included many photos of the many characters she writes about.
… (more)
 
Flagged
lamour | 1 other review | Sep 7, 2020 |

Awards

Statistics

Works
1
Members
32
Popularity
#430,838
Rating
½ 3.5
Reviews
2
ISBNs
5