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McGinn Family Saga #1
The Red Road: Book One of the McGinn Family Saga
First Place Winner, Fall 2023 Historical Fiction
There’s no greater duty than family…
In the heart of rural Maine, in the midst of the Great Depression and the final year of Prohibition, the McGinn family stands at a crossroads. The bond between Alder, Finn, and Lewin McGinn, the oldest sons of a widowed mother raising twelve children, is about to be tested in ways they could never have imagined.
Their central desire is to seek justice for their brother Jim's mysterious killing, but the primary challenge lies in the fact that the local authorities lack the evidence to bring anyone to justice. With their small, close-knit community paralyzed by fear, the McGinn brothers take it upon themselves to unravel the truth, even if it means taking the law into their own hands.
As the Morelands, the wealthiest family in town, reveal themselves as the primary villains in this historical family saga, a twist emerges that elevates the stakes even higher. The Morelands are not just influential landowners; they are also the major bootleggers in the area, orchestrating a sprawling empire under the shadow of Prohibition.
June 1933 sets the stage for a climactic showdown in Central Maine, where the McGinns and the Morelands vie for power, justice, and survival. Agent Knox from the Bureau of Prohibition adds another layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere, as he seeks to put an end to the illegal booze trade that has gripped the region.
"The Red Road" is not just a tale of survival and trust but a profound exploration of family bonds and the sacrifices one makes when duty calls. As the McGinn brothers devise a plan to bring down the Moreland empire, they face a moral dilemma - what lengths are they willing to go to for the sake of justice?
This gripping historical fiction family saga weaves a narrative of rich versus poor, the power of family, and the unyielding determination of a few against the might of the privileged. The emotional and philosophical core of the story resonates with the reader, questioning the true meaning of family and the price one is willing to pay for justice.
Dive into the intricate world of "The Red Road" and join the McGinn family as they fight for what's right, uncovering the secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface. In a time when no duty is greater than family, the McGinns will inspire you with their unwavering determination to seek the truth.
Get your copy of "The Red Road" today and experience a tale of family, justice, and intrigue that you won't be able to put down.
There’s no greater duty than family…
In the heart of rural Maine, in the midst of the Great Depression and the final year of Prohibition, the McGinn family stands at a crossroads. The bond between Alder, Finn, and Lewin McGinn, the oldest sons of a widowed mother raising twelve children, is about to be tested in ways they could never have imagined.
Their central desire is to seek justice for their brother Jim's mysterious killing, but the primary challenge lies in the fact that the local authorities lack the evidence to bring anyone to justice. With their small, close-knit community paralyzed by fear, the McGinn brothers take it upon themselves to unravel the truth, even if it means taking the law into their own hands.
As the Morelands, the wealthiest family in town, reveal themselves as the primary villains in this historical family saga, a twist emerges that elevates the stakes even higher. The Morelands are not just influential landowners; they are also the major bootleggers in the area, orchestrating a sprawling empire under the shadow of Prohibition.
June 1933 sets the stage for a climactic showdown in Central Maine, where the McGinns and the Morelands vie for power, justice, and survival. Agent Knox from the Bureau of Prohibition adds another layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere, as he seeks to put an end to the illegal booze trade that has gripped the region.
"The Red Road" is not just a tale of survival and trust but a profound exploration of family bonds and the sacrifices one makes when duty calls. As the McGinn brothers devise a plan to bring down the Moreland empire, they face a moral dilemma - what lengths are they willing to go to for the sake of justice?
This gripping historical fiction family saga weaves a narrative of rich versus poor, the power of family, and the unyielding determination of a few against the might of the privileged. The emotional and philosophical core of the story resonates with the reader, questioning the true meaning of family and the price one is willing to pay for justice.
Dive into the intricate world of "The Red Road" and join the McGinn family as they fight for what's right, uncovering the secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface. In a time when no duty is greater than family, the McGinns will inspire you with their unwavering determination to seek the truth.
Get your copy of "The Red Road" today and experience a tale of family, justice, and intrigue that you won't be able to put down.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2023
892 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 16, 2023
From the first page I knew I would love this book. The characters were so wonderfully put into writing. I could see and feel all their experiences and emotions. As someone who grew up in Maine- I could relate to the story telling and themes throughout the book. The additional materials included some wonderful insight and really added to the reading experience.
December 7, 2023
An absorbing historical family saga with a revenge-fueled grudge, “The Red Road” is Book 1 of The McGinn Family Saga by J.E. McCarthy. This story begs the question, “How far would you go to protect those you love?” This emotionally charged, character-driven novel illustrates the adversity of the times, an ongoing feud, and the impenetrable bond of brothers.
The year is 1933—prohibition is in full force, and the small farming town of Monroe, Maine, is home to two feuding families. One is the Morelands, wealthy landowners known for their illegal whiskey business. The other, the McGinns, is a large Irish-catholic farming family whose eldest sons, Alder and Finn, want to make an honest living to support their widowed mother.
When their own Jim McGinn is found dead on the side of the road, the police chief deems it an accident, but the McGinn family knows better. This was a brutal act of violence, and all fingers point to the particularly unhinged Hub Moreland. With hatred in their hearts and a thirst for retribution, a nasty back-and-forth ensues between the two families with no end in sight.
Strong themes of family, survival, and revenge are intricately woven into this propulsive storyline, and I couldn’t tear myself away from J.E McCarthy’s “The Red Road.” The need for justice can turn even the most docile person into a monster on a rampage, and this rang true for the feuding families. While the McGinn brothers were genuinely kind people, Hub Moreland’s nefarious attacks could not be ignored. Conspiring with the McCalls, their tough-as-nails cousins, equipped the brothers with the proverbial ammunition they needed to send their message to Hub Moreland—mess with us and suffer the consequences!
Written from the third-person perspective, McCarthy alternates between the characters, enabling the reader to see the inner workings of the McGinn family and the Morelands. Adler and Finn are worthy protagonists, flawed but likable and honorable in their motivation to avenge their brother’s murder. Hub, on the other hand, is downright wicked in his business and personal dealings. Still, I couldn’t help but feel pity for this pathetic man whose bread and butter came from cheating, lying, and asserting his dominance. Hub did an excellent job of antagonizing the people of Monroe (and readers!), which exposed him as a dastardly villain readers will love to hate!
“The Red Road” by J.E. McCarthy will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction about feuding families. The character development is flawless, and I could see this saga being adapted for the big screen. While I lamented over finishing this engrossing book, the good news is that a second installment of The McGinn Family Saga is in the works! This is a five-star, must-read book; don’t miss out!
The year is 1933—prohibition is in full force, and the small farming town of Monroe, Maine, is home to two feuding families. One is the Morelands, wealthy landowners known for their illegal whiskey business. The other, the McGinns, is a large Irish-catholic farming family whose eldest sons, Alder and Finn, want to make an honest living to support their widowed mother.
When their own Jim McGinn is found dead on the side of the road, the police chief deems it an accident, but the McGinn family knows better. This was a brutal act of violence, and all fingers point to the particularly unhinged Hub Moreland. With hatred in their hearts and a thirst for retribution, a nasty back-and-forth ensues between the two families with no end in sight.
Strong themes of family, survival, and revenge are intricately woven into this propulsive storyline, and I couldn’t tear myself away from J.E McCarthy’s “The Red Road.” The need for justice can turn even the most docile person into a monster on a rampage, and this rang true for the feuding families. While the McGinn brothers were genuinely kind people, Hub Moreland’s nefarious attacks could not be ignored. Conspiring with the McCalls, their tough-as-nails cousins, equipped the brothers with the proverbial ammunition they needed to send their message to Hub Moreland—mess with us and suffer the consequences!
Written from the third-person perspective, McCarthy alternates between the characters, enabling the reader to see the inner workings of the McGinn family and the Morelands. Adler and Finn are worthy protagonists, flawed but likable and honorable in their motivation to avenge their brother’s murder. Hub, on the other hand, is downright wicked in his business and personal dealings. Still, I couldn’t help but feel pity for this pathetic man whose bread and butter came from cheating, lying, and asserting his dominance. Hub did an excellent job of antagonizing the people of Monroe (and readers!), which exposed him as a dastardly villain readers will love to hate!
“The Red Road” by J.E. McCarthy will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction about feuding families. The character development is flawless, and I could see this saga being adapted for the big screen. While I lamented over finishing this engrossing book, the good news is that a second installment of The McGinn Family Saga is in the works! This is a five-star, must-read book; don’t miss out!
April 25, 2023
Great book!
I loved this book, it never had a dull moment! I could completely picture it all in my mind as I was reading, can’t wait for the next book!
I loved this book, it never had a dull moment! I could completely picture it all in my mind as I was reading, can’t wait for the next book!
January 18, 2024
I really enjoy stories where the characters are easy to get to know and keep track of. The author did a great job with all of them, and the story flowed nicely. I'm looking forward to reading the series and appreciate the author.
April 18, 2023
Wonderful period piece
I think the most “twisty” thing (in a good way) was reading the notes in the back - and discovering the author’s IRL connection with this story.
Right away, JE draws you into the past - Depression era Maine. With all the heartbreak but family togetherness those times experienced - in our own familial heritages.
And that’s how I’d characterize the story; it definitely has its heartstring pulling moments. And it’s exciting moments. But overall, the consistent pacing is of a family with heritage and heart. And a law man who tries to keep the peace - making reasonable, if difficult choices along the way.
I think the most “twisty” thing (in a good way) was reading the notes in the back - and discovering the author’s IRL connection with this story.
Right away, JE draws you into the past - Depression era Maine. With all the heartbreak but family togetherness those times experienced - in our own familial heritages.
And that’s how I’d characterize the story; it definitely has its heartstring pulling moments. And it’s exciting moments. But overall, the consistent pacing is of a family with heritage and heart. And a law man who tries to keep the peace - making reasonable, if difficult choices along the way.
March 29, 2024
Wonderful story depicting the lives and historical significance of the Depression era. The dialog read smoothly and the saga drew me into the harshness of the life and realities of the times. I'm excited to read the next book and continue these memorable times in history.
May 4, 2024
A debut novel by an indie author. I don’t remember the last time I looked forward with such anticipation to reading a book. The first reading I got in about 25% and had to turn out the light and go to sleep. The subsequent night I finished the book at about 3 AM. I don’t remember ever staying up this late to finish a book, that is a compelling read. Wow, what an amazing author, and the best thing is, it’s a series!!!!
June 17, 2023
This is a great debut novel by an Indie Author. I was quickly drawn into the lives of the characters and the storyline was compelling. I found myself still thinking about the characters after I had finished the book. Love it when a story can do that! The setting is the Depression Era and the author did a great job of making the reader feel the struggles of the characters. Can’t wait to read his next book!
October 13, 2023
The Red Rose is a spot on historical novel with fully-fleshed out characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning all on its own. McCarthy has created a slice of what life was like in 1930's Central Maine. He brings all disparate elements of society together on the same page and enmeshes the reader into the lives of one particular family, while hating and feeling for their sworn enemies at the same time. The Red Road is one road you will want to go down in your planned reading for the year.
July 3, 2023
Very good.
The author use of language made the. Story a pleasure to read. This was a good story about the moonshine days a the sneaky methods used to import and distribute it. The baseless murder of Him started a feud between 2 families and the downfall of the moonshine dynasty in that country. A righteous ending gives the reader pleasure.
The author use of language made the. Story a pleasure to read. This was a good story about the moonshine days a the sneaky methods used to import and distribute it. The baseless murder of Him started a feud between 2 families and the downfall of the moonshine dynasty in that country. A righteous ending gives the reader pleasure.
April 19, 2023
“Always take care of each other, because we’re all we’ve got.” This theme runs through this gripping historical fiction by J.E. McCarthy. When a young man is found dead on the side of a muddy road on a rainy night in Monroe, Maine, something doesn’t smell right. Was Jim McGinn’s death an accident or something else?
It’s 1933 and the small town of Monroe, Maine is in the throes of the Great Depression. Prohibition and the Volstead Act are on the books. The McGinns are tired of “being stepped on and treated like trash because we’re poor, or Irish or Catholic.” Mary McGinn, a new widow and mother of twelve, is also tired of turning the other cheek. When her son Jim turns up dead, supposedly the victim of a freak accident, it’s the spark that ignites a huge feud between the struggling McGinns and their kin, the McCalls, and the town rich guy, Parker Moreland.
Moreland and his incorrigible son, Hubert (“Hub”), run bootleg Canadian whiskey across the border. They use loads of wood to hide illegal whiskey. Did wood from their truck strike and kill Jim McGinn? How?
The Morelands plead innocence when Jim’s body is discovered in a pool of blood. But their story doesn’t make any sense. Hence, the McGwinns and the McCalls are out for their own brand of justice. Besides. Parker Moreland knows his son Hub and his foreman Delbert Doyle were taking a load of whiskey to town on the night in question, “disguised as a load of wood.” Tempers flare, to put it mildly. Meanwhile, Parker doesn’t know which would be worse – finding himself in the hands of the police or in the hands of the McGinns or McCalls.
Meanwhile, a lot of people ae dying “by strange circumstances.” Pretty soon the U.S. Department of Justice is involved in the form of the formidable Agent Knox and his agents. When Hub is fingered for the McGinn murder, Parker tells his son to hightail it to Canada. But … Well. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out what happens next.
The taut plot traces a rising line of tension and intrigue as the feud spills over into the community. Solid writing and a nimble, three-dimensional storyline pull you in from chapter one and keep you going until the final page. It’s also chockful of colorful characters such as Delbert Doyle, Parker Moreland’s foreman, Chief of Police Winslow Hatch, and “Ernie and Ike Armstrong,” also known as the McCall boys.
The Red Road is intense and absorbing. The historical backdrop against which this book is set is fascinating, especially the details regarding the Volstead Act, bootlegging from both sides of the border (the United States and Canada), and border agent corruption. There’s also revenge. Murder. Kidnapping and arson. Sleuthing, mystery, intrigue, and “dark doin’s in the dead of night.”
Occasional typos occur such as “You said that they are brining whiskey in at the border.” But these are minor and do not detract from the overall read.
Don’t miss the Additional Materials section at the end of the book. These pages include a McGinn Family Tree, maps, a discussion of “Potcheen” (Irish “Moonshine Whiskey” made from potatoes), and Maine vernacular.
Finally, The Red Road is an exceptional accomplishment, especially for a first-time author. It would make a good movie. In the meantime, grab your own copy and buckle up for one heckuva barn burner (you'll get that if you read the book)!
The Red Road is Book One in the McGinn Family Saga. Stay tuned for Book Two, The Mothers McGinn.
My Rating: 3.5
I received a free copy of this ARC in order to write an honest review.
It’s 1933 and the small town of Monroe, Maine is in the throes of the Great Depression. Prohibition and the Volstead Act are on the books. The McGinns are tired of “being stepped on and treated like trash because we’re poor, or Irish or Catholic.” Mary McGinn, a new widow and mother of twelve, is also tired of turning the other cheek. When her son Jim turns up dead, supposedly the victim of a freak accident, it’s the spark that ignites a huge feud between the struggling McGinns and their kin, the McCalls, and the town rich guy, Parker Moreland.
Moreland and his incorrigible son, Hubert (“Hub”), run bootleg Canadian whiskey across the border. They use loads of wood to hide illegal whiskey. Did wood from their truck strike and kill Jim McGinn? How?
The Morelands plead innocence when Jim’s body is discovered in a pool of blood. But their story doesn’t make any sense. Hence, the McGwinns and the McCalls are out for their own brand of justice. Besides. Parker Moreland knows his son Hub and his foreman Delbert Doyle were taking a load of whiskey to town on the night in question, “disguised as a load of wood.” Tempers flare, to put it mildly. Meanwhile, Parker doesn’t know which would be worse – finding himself in the hands of the police or in the hands of the McGinns or McCalls.
Meanwhile, a lot of people ae dying “by strange circumstances.” Pretty soon the U.S. Department of Justice is involved in the form of the formidable Agent Knox and his agents. When Hub is fingered for the McGinn murder, Parker tells his son to hightail it to Canada. But … Well. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out what happens next.
The taut plot traces a rising line of tension and intrigue as the feud spills over into the community. Solid writing and a nimble, three-dimensional storyline pull you in from chapter one and keep you going until the final page. It’s also chockful of colorful characters such as Delbert Doyle, Parker Moreland’s foreman, Chief of Police Winslow Hatch, and “Ernie and Ike Armstrong,” also known as the McCall boys.
The Red Road is intense and absorbing. The historical backdrop against which this book is set is fascinating, especially the details regarding the Volstead Act, bootlegging from both sides of the border (the United States and Canada), and border agent corruption. There’s also revenge. Murder. Kidnapping and arson. Sleuthing, mystery, intrigue, and “dark doin’s in the dead of night.”
Occasional typos occur such as “You said that they are brining whiskey in at the border.” But these are minor and do not detract from the overall read.
Don’t miss the Additional Materials section at the end of the book. These pages include a McGinn Family Tree, maps, a discussion of “Potcheen” (Irish “Moonshine Whiskey” made from potatoes), and Maine vernacular.
Finally, The Red Road is an exceptional accomplishment, especially for a first-time author. It would make a good movie. In the meantime, grab your own copy and buckle up for one heckuva barn burner (you'll get that if you read the book)!
The Red Road is Book One in the McGinn Family Saga. Stay tuned for Book Two, The Mothers McGinn.
My Rating: 3.5
I received a free copy of this ARC in order to write an honest review.
August 4, 2024
I chose not to finish this book. I found the writing style very amateur -- just a lot of descriptive telling rather than showing. In addition, here is a sentence from chapter 2:
"Unless some fool walks into the station with a guilty conscious and says, I did it, then no."
Conscious?!
I could potentially look past an editing oversight, but that's not just a typo. It's a totally different word! Since I was already feeling the writing style was not up to par, I did not go any further than chapter 3.
"Unless some fool walks into the station with a guilty conscious and says, I did it, then no."
Conscious?!
I could potentially look past an editing oversight, but that's not just a typo. It's a totally different word! Since I was already feeling the writing style was not up to par, I did not go any further than chapter 3.
May 29, 2024
Interesting read
I especially liked the way the characters were portrayed. The storyline and the characters had the ring of truth. I would recommend this book. I subtracted one star because I wasn’t engaged enough to read the series.
I especially liked the way the characters were portrayed. The storyline and the characters had the ring of truth. I would recommend this book. I subtracted one star because I wasn’t engaged enough to read the series.
August 5, 2024
Based upon a true story (which I didn't realize until the end) the author tells an interesting story from his family tree. I found myself compelled to read by the way he wove the story, and am interested to read the second book in the series.
August 20, 2024
the Hatfields and Mccoys
This book took you to depression era in Maine. The story revolves around the death of an Irish son and the revenge that ensued. It is an insightful book about the time.
This book took you to depression era in Maine. The story revolves around the death of an Irish son and the revenge that ensued. It is an insightful book about the time.
August 30, 2024
Foul language was an unnecessary distraction
Interesting historical fiction story and I liked his writing style with the exception of the foul language. Would have been a 5 star book if he hadn't felt the need to embellish it with offensive language.
Interesting historical fiction story and I liked his writing style with the exception of the foul language. Would have been a 5 star book if he hadn't felt the need to embellish it with offensive language.
September 9, 2024
Historical fiction in rural America
A well written story of life in rural Maine in the 1930s. A poor farm family struggles to survive while feuding with the local bully. The feud spans several years with heartache and blood shed on all sides. Historical fiction with a twist.
A well written story of life in rural Maine in the 1930s. A poor farm family struggles to survive while feuding with the local bully. The feud spans several years with heartache and blood shed on all sides. Historical fiction with a twist.
November 6, 2024
Well written and engaging storyline. I felt for the McGinn family as they struggled to make life work for them. A strong matriarch. Some parts a little predictable, but overall an enjoyable read. I will read Book 2.
December 3, 2024
Solid
This was a very satisfying and fast read. A prohibition era family vengeance story. A little bit of Hatfields vs McCoys. Some of the characters were pretty one note, but I enjoyed it. It was like a good 90 minute movie.
This was a very satisfying and fast read. A prohibition era family vengeance story. A little bit of Hatfields vs McCoys. Some of the characters were pretty one note, but I enjoyed it. It was like a good 90 minute movie.
March 11, 2024
The red road
This was a good book read it while between my stops ,looking forward to the new st one,and loving Mary and the kids
This was a good book read it while between my stops ,looking forward to the new st one,and loving Mary and the kids
April 21, 2024
I got 50% through and lost interest.
May 12, 2024
Great Read
Fast paced and based on a true story of a family in Maine.
I learned about how So many families survived during the depression.
Fast paced and based on a true story of a family in Maine.
I learned about how So many families survived during the depression.
Read
June 4, 2024I really enjoyed all 4 books in the McGinn saga. The character development was good, but they needed an editor! I found soooo many mistakes that could have easy been corrected.
June 13, 2024
Vengeance
Feuding in the hills of Maine shows the struggles of the haves and have nots in the early '30s. The McGinn family are introduced and the reader roots for the "good" side.
Feuding in the hills of Maine shows the struggles of the haves and have nots in the early '30s. The McGinn family are introduced and the reader roots for the "good" side.
June 24, 2024
I enjoyed the historical fiction piece of it and the storyline itself but it really ended abruptly!
July 5, 2024
Great read
July 7, 2024
Family feud story it was well done written story 3 1/2
July 8, 2024
Story was pretty good, but I didn't connect with the characters..
July 12, 2024
Not sure how this book has so many stars. Started out good and then fell flat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews