From Publishers Weekly
On the morning of July 24, 1915, the liner Eastland rolled over and capsized into the Chicago River; 844 people died. In his first nonfiction book, mystery writer Bonansinga (The Black Mariah, etc.) captures the raw emotion in a story full of greed, courage and overwhelming grief. The victims were looking forward to a day of eating, drinking and dancing. Dressed in their finest, the passengers swarmed onto the boat. Gazing at the huge, sturdy looking, freshly painted vessel, most took it on faith that they were in good hands. Unbeknownst to them, the Eastland had been beset by serious problems from its launch. The ship was hard to control and prone to listing even under normal conditions, though its various owners had covered up this fact. As the disaster unfolded, the best and worst of human nature was immediately on display. Men shoved women and children out of the way in desperate attempts to escape. From shore, passersby risked their lives to save the fortunate few. In pure Chicago style, the disaster’s aftermath was marked by political infighting and petty corruption. For all the loss of life and the implications to public safely, this incident is little known today; Bonansinga’s powerful book returns it to the record.

The Sinking of the Eastland is a winner. From the first page I was intrigued and I wanted to read more.
Never heard of this disaster accident. Jay Bonansinga has a great way of writing. It feels like you are there, in the boat, in the water, as a spectator, as a rescuer.
Correct me if I am wrong but I think this is his first Non Fiction book, he normally writes thrillers. Well He is a great writer and I hope he will write more Non Fiction books Highly recommend.