The Bootlegger's Daughter: A Novel

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 14,812 ratings

Price: 4.99

Last update: 09-21-2024


About this item

In Prohibition-era Los Angeles, two women on opposite sides of the law must take control of their lives, make their marks, and try to survive. Even if it means crossing the line.

It’s 1927. Letty Hart’s father is long gone, but his old winery provides a meager wage and a legal livelihood for selling sacramental wine. But when that contract goes bust, Letty stumbles upon a desperate option: her father’s hidden cellar—and enough liquor to tempt Letty to bootleg the secret stash. In an underworld dominated by merciless men, Letty is building an empire.

Officer Annabel Forman deserves to be the first female detective in the LAPD. But after two years on the force, she’s still consigned to clerical work and policing dance halls. When Annabel connects a series of unsolved murders to bootlegging, it’s a chance at a real investigation. Under the thumb of dismissive male superiors, Annabel is building her case.

As their formerly uncompromised morals erode, Letty and Annabel are on a collision course—and determined to prove they’re every bit as ruthless and strong-willed as the powers that be who want to take them down.


From the Publisher

It's a dangerous game

Top reviews from the United States

Bonnie Jo Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Tale of Courage and Friendship in Prohibition-Era Los Angeles
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
In this captivating novel set during the tumultuous 1920s, two women find themselves confronting dangers they never anticipated. Annabelle, a rare female police officer, and Letty, who runs a winery with her mother, are thrown together by unforeseen circumstances that challenge their resilience and fortitude.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of Prohibition, a time when the stakes were high, and the risks even higher. Letty is haunted by the trauma of losing her father twice—first when he abandoned his family, and then a year later when he was found dead. Annabelle, on the other hand, has shouldered the responsibility of providing for her father and aunt after the loss of her mother.

Their paths cross in the perilous, streets of Hollywood and Los Angeles. As they navigate a world filled with speakeasies, bootleggers, and law enforcement, their determination to survive grows stronger, culminating in an explosive outcome that neither could have predicted.

The richly detailed setting of early 20th-century California, with its glitz, glamour, and undercurrent of danger, adds an enthralling dimension to the narrative.

This book is an absolute page-turner. Clear your schedule because once you start reading, you won’t want to stop. The blend of historical intrigue, strong female characters, and unexpected twists guarantees a story that will captivate and delight. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey—it's a story that promises not to disappoint.
flyguy
4.0 out of 5 stars Fast Moving Thriller
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
Easy reading , fast moving and well written. Loved the Prohibition Era references to Hollywood and Los Angeles. Characters develop and grow with each chapter and plot twists abound. Great storyline about two strong female characters in opposing roles in life. I enjoyed the story and thought it was well conceived and written.
Viking
5.0 out of 5 stars Bootleggers Daughter
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
Bootleggers Daughter kept my interest and had some twists and turns. I would recommend the book easy reading and interesting.
Kathy Pitt
3.0 out of 5 stars EASY, LIGHT READ
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this, mostly because of the tie to old Los Angeles. I feel it could have used more depth and follow through into the characters and events. However, it was fun for just a quick little story.
MaineGal
4.0 out of 5 stars Great characters, Lots of twists!
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
I was reading this while waiting for the eclipse of 2024. All the way in Jackman, ME. This quaint northern Maine mountain town was the last stop in the path of total coverage. There was an air of excitement in the anticipation that clung in the air like the last snow before spring takes hold. In my mind it was a transitional time, maybe an exchange of spirits from the real world and fiction.

The 1920’s were definitely a transitional period; A transition from War to Peace, from traditional to avant garde, conservative to open and vibrant. For women, it was a chance to maintain the independence and freedom found during the war. During the war a whole generation of women found out they were capable of doing exactly what their men did, they were equal. When the war ended this new confidence was championed by women such as the main female characters Annabelle Forman and Letty. Both women forging a new way forward for women, albeit on either sides of the law.

The author,Nadine Nettman, is a native Californian and certified sommelier. A sommelier, is found in finer dining establishments, handles all aspects of wine service which requires a rich background and understanding of wine. Nettman uses this knowledge to create a rich landscape and changing times to create tension between our characters. It is a good thing we don't have to choose sides while reading, I would not have been able to either. I liked both women equally as they were strong and driven in their own cause. My only complaint is that I felt that Annabelle’s character was almost too good and Iwould have loved to hear more of her personal internal struggle.Nettman entices you to read to the very end of the novel with an unforeseen twist that changes your perspective on anything.

Bootlegger’s daughter is a great 1920’s period piece. Using the prohibition as the background to create a dynamic conflict for our strong female characters. It is a nice relaxing read, that leaves you feeling good at the end and wanting to hear and see more from the people. I would definitely recommend this read.
Jo
5.0 out of 5 stars Good mystery
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
Interesting story, holds your attention.Good description of clubs and bars during prohibition era. Women were always belittled, Letty made the difference.
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Quick and interesting read. Nice plot twists.
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
This book exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the strong female characters and their story lines. The lack of profanity and any romantic angle for the protagonists was a refreshing change. The change in the voice of the narrative character threw me off initially (first person vs 3rd person) but the story was engaging enough to get past that mental switching. All in all, a good read.
Alpine Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
I enjoy historical fiction and a great story that keeps you guessing. This book provides both. It was an interesting look into life during proabition and also depicted the struggles in life that strong women had to face.

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