The Bootlegger of Illinois
| Author Pages Sample Paperback Hardcover Kindle |
Keith Lawson [Bio] 292 £0.00 First Chapter Free £9.99 £15.99 £4.99 |
Synopsis
Chicago is a city already deep in corruption. Gangs of Irish and Italians vie for control and when the Volstead Act is passed in 1920, new opportunities for criminal enterprises are seized.
Sean O’Leary arrived in Chicago several years earlier, starting with his journey from poor immigrant rising to be a mob boss. Successful at first, he is hit by hijacking and rivalry and needs a more secure source of booze for his speakeasy and bars.
Also in Illinois, in a small town, having gone through the Great War and returning home a war hero, young Jesse Hakerman has to face running the family farm, in debt to the bank. Naively, he sees bootlegging as a short-term fix to relieve him of money worries and to secure the farm from foreclosure. His troubles begin when O’Leary learns of a potential source of liquor on his doorstep.
When their worlds meet, violence is unleashed. Jesse has to pushback against the mobsters and bloodshed in his neighbourhood has him travelling to the City to deal with the mob boss to protect his friends.
The story of two men with different ideals and purposes but both strong and courageous.
Our Review
The Bootlegger of Illinois by Keith Lawson is a compelling historical crime novel that masterfully captures the essence of Prohibition-era Chicago. The story revolves around two protagonists: Sean O'Leary, an ambitious Irish immigrant who rises to become a mob boss, and Jesse Hakerman, a war hero turned reluctant bootlegger trying to save his family farm from foreclosure.
Lawson's portrayal of the gritty, corrupt world of 1920s Chicago is vivid and immersive. The narrative is rich with historical detail, bringing to life the tension and violence of the time. The characters are well-developed and complex, each driven by their own motivations and ideals. O'Leary's ruthless ambition and Hakerman's desperate determination create a dynamic and engaging conflict that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel's pacing is brisk, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers hooked. The clash between O'Leary and Hakerman is intense and dramatic, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. Lawson's writing is both descriptive and evocative, making it easy for readers to visualize the scenes and feel the emotions of the characters.
Overall, The Bootlegger of Illinois is a gripping and well-crafted tale of crime, courage, and survival. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and crime dramas.
Reader Reviews
What readers are saying about "The Bootlegger of Illinois"
"The author, I felt, went to great lengths to paint the true picture as much as he possibly could. For most of the book, I felt like I was there."
Sharianne Creber (goodreads)
"I found this a riveting read. What a great story and what an ending to hang on!"
Myra McCulloch (goodreads).
"I can’t wait to share my copy of the book with David because the story captures our attention and, at times, I felt like I was actually in the story."
Glenda Cates (themommiesreviews.com)
"I have just finished reading 'The Bootlegger of Illinois'. It was excellent, in fact I stayed up really late last night as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the characters as well, especially Buck and Jesse, and Moses and Molly."
Sandra Capel (book fan)
"Loved the incorporation of multiple storylines into what was expected to be a single storyline type story."
Lyndsay Fiorentino (goodreads)
The Bootlegger of Illinois
| Author Pages Sample Paperback Hardcover Kindle |
Keith Lawson [Bio] 292 £0.00 First Chapter Free £9.99 £15.99 £4.99 |
Synopsis
Chicago is a city already deep in corruption. Gangs of Irish and Italians vie for control and when the Volstead Act is passed in 1920, new opportunities for criminal enterprises are seized.
Sean O’Leary arrived in Chicago several years earlier, starting with his journey from poor immigrant rising to be a mob boss. Successful at first, he is hit by hijacking and rivalry and needs a more secure source of booze for his speakeasy and bars.
Also in Illinois, in a small town, having gone through the Great War and returning home a war hero, young Jesse Hakerman has to face running the family farm, in debt to the bank. Naively, he sees bootlegging as a short-term fix to relieve him of money worries and to secure the farm from foreclosure. His troubles begin when O’Leary learns of a potential source of liquor on his doorstep.
When their worlds meet, violence is unleashed. Jesse has to pushback against the mobsters and bloodshed in his neighbourhood has him travelling to the City to deal with the mob boss to protect his friends.
The story of two men with different ideals and purposes but both strong and courageous.
Our Review
The Bootlegger of Illinois by Keith Lawson is a compelling historical crime novel that masterfully captures the essence of Prohibition-era Chicago. The story revolves around two protagonists: Sean O'Leary, an ambitious Irish immigrant who rises to become a mob boss, and Jesse Hakerman, a war hero turned reluctant bootlegger trying to save his family farm from foreclosure.
Lawson's portrayal of the gritty, corrupt world of 1920s Chicago is vivid and immersive. The narrative is rich with historical detail, bringing to life the tension and violence of the time. The characters are well-developed and complex, each driven by their own motivations and ideals. O'Leary's ruthless ambition and Hakerman's desperate determination create a dynamic and engaging conflict that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel's pacing is brisk, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers hooked. The clash between O'Leary and Hakerman is intense and dramatic, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. Lawson's writing is both descriptive and evocative, making it easy for readers to visualize the scenes and feel the emotions of the characters.
Overall, The Bootlegger of Illinois is a gripping and well-crafted tale of crime, courage, and survival. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and crime dramas.
Reader Reviews
What readers are saying about "The Bootlegger of Illinois"
"The author, I felt, went to great lengths to paint the true picture as much as he possibly could. For most of the book, I felt like I was there."
Sharianne Creber (goodreads)
"I found this a riveting read. What a great story and what an ending to hang on!"
Myra McCulloch (goodreads).
"I can’t wait to share my copy of the book with David because the story captures our attention and, at times, I felt like I was actually in the story."
Glenda Cates (themommiesreviews.com)
"I have just finished reading 'The Bootlegger of Illinois'. It was excellent, in fact I stayed up really late last night as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the characters as well, especially Buck and Jesse, and Moses and Molly."
Sandra Capel (book fan)
"Loved the incorporation of multiple storylines into what was expected to be a single storyline type story."
Lyndsay Fiorentino (goodreads)
