The Bootlegger's Daughter

by Nadine Nettmann

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 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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Thriller, Ebooks, Book Club

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2024

About the author

Nadine Nettmann, a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, is always on the lookout for great wines and the stories behind them. She pairs every chapter with a wine in her award-nominated Sommelier Mystery Series, which includes Decanting a Murder, Uncorking a Lie, and Pairing a Deception. Her latest novel, The Bootlegger’s Daughter, takes place in Los Angeles where she was born and raised.

Reviews

[Sally Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different kind of read for me as I usually read women's fiction and historical fiction. Because it's more of a detective, suspense story, the sentences are shorter and sharper, and less time is spent on long paragraphs filled with prose and emotions. That said, it was well done, with strong women leading the way and clever hints as to how the story might turn out in an interesting 1920s' setting.
I appreciated the lack of a love interest, and the story was certainly strong enough to not need one. The ending was a great surprise. If you like detective stories, you'll enjoy this one.

[CarolG · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1927 and Letty Hart’s father is long gone but his old winery provides a meagre living for Letty and her mother providing sacramental wine to the church during the days of prohibition in Los Angeles. When that contract goes bust and after Letty stumbles upon her father’s hidden cellar, she's tempted to bootleg the secret stash. Meanwhile Officer Annabel Forman, who wants to be the first female detective in the LAPD, inserts herself into investigations not in her purview and is instrumental in solving a number of bootlegger murders.

This is an easy-to-read story with nice short chapters and deals with a topic I haven't seen much in my fiction - bootlegging. Letty and Annabel are both strong characters and I enjoyed the book very much. I see red every time I read one of these historical novels where men are so dismissive of women's abilities. I'm thankful I wasn't around in those days. I thought the ending wasn't as strong as the rest of the book but I didn't hate it. 3.5 Stars rounded up.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: May 1, 2024

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good but I don’t know about that ending, but because it’s a mystery I can’t tell you why.

3.5 rounding up because we don’t get half stars and I never know what to do.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one sounded interesting the first time I came across it. Two head-strong, feisty women making their way through Prohibition Los Angeles in an effort to support their families. Definitely sounds like my kind of story – and it was! The book summary basically just introduces the MC’s, Letty, and Annabel, and lays out the start of the story. Letty is the daughter of a bootlegger who left his family years ago for his other “family” and it was soon thereafter reported that he was killed. The vineyard is at risk of being lost if Letty doesn’t sell a stash of brandy, she discovered that her father left. Annabel is the first female LAPD officer who has fulfilled the requirements of becoming a detective, but gets passed over for a male officer, who isn’t qualified (hasn’t met the requirements), but is the son of a highly ranked member of the force.

What the book summary doesn’t say is that there is someone going around town killing bootleggers and no one knows who it is. One night, after making a delivery for a local bootlegger, Shorty, Letty secretly sees the killer cleaning up after killing Shorty, but she doesn’t know him or why he killed Shorty. It’s not long before Letty discovers who the killer is and begins to realize how dangerous the situation is that she’s in. In the meantime, Annabel begins to secretly investigate the killings while not getting caught by her captain, who put her on a case of a missing necklace. She also doesn’t know who she can trust amongst the officers, who have all made it all clear that they don’t like Annabel and they want her gone from the force.

The story flips back and forth between Letty, Annabel, and the killer. It’s well into the second half (75%) that the various storylines began to merge resulting with a crazy twist around Letty. There is also a really intense and scary, but very satisfying ending for Letty and Annabel. I loved the very end, sounds like this may not be the end of Letty, the Bootlegger’s Daughter. Hmmm…..a sequel???

The characterization of Letty and Annabel was well done; I wish the killer was a little more fleshed out. The pacing was really good and had me invested from the get-go. The storyline was interesting and well written. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators (Letty, Annabel, and the killer) were well done too. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 and am rounding down to a 4star rating. I want to thank NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #BrilliancePublishing #BrillianceAudio #TheBootleggersDaughter

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t have the highest expectations going into this book and was pleasantly surprised by this story. 1920s prohibition era may be my new historical fiction obsession. Strong characters quick moving plot and good writing.

[Ellen Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bootlegger’s Daughter is utterly fantastic. Nadine Nettmann plants readers in the middle of gritty, seductive, and oft-corrupt 1920s Los Angeles and creates an array of fascinating characters. Letty Hart and Annabel Forman inspire as strong, fearless heroines determined to succeed despite the misogyny and danger both face in opposing careers as bootlegger and officer of the law. Evocative and passionate, with gasp-worthy plot twists, I didn’t want The Bootlegger’s Daughter to end.

[Bradyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!
i really enjoyed this. i love historical fiction but i have never read one centered around bootleggers and the prohibition era until now. this was so well written and i love love love the main characters and how we see them overlap.
it was exciting and tense and emotional and one moment in particular had me holding my breath until it was over.
personally i did not see the ending coming but i lowkey loved it. it most def caught me off guard and it wasn’t the way i expected things to turn out which was so fun bc then i was SURPRISED! which never happens!

[BiblioSizzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While very predictable, I enjoyed the story. The characters - Letty, Raymond, Foreman were all relatable. I liked that this was very women centered, you don't see a lot of that during this time period.

[Jayne Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read up until the end. I loved the relationships and psychological development she created between in the two female characters. The storyline moved fast and keeps you reading. A definite page turner! The bootlegger's character continues to build in complexity until the climax .

However disappointing ending! The author falls short of her potential. After developing an intriguing, parallel storyline between the two female characters she drops the ball failing to provide the dectective's logic for her final actions. The book becomes a dime store novel complete with stereotypes. Had the author chosen to delve deeper into the dectective's motivations, the reader could have been able to imagine scenarios for the future ( can't provide more without giving a spoiler), perhaps the reader might even anticipate a sequel. Instead the ending and characters stop evolving and become two dimensional.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent historical novel from AmazonPrime first reads for April 2024, Lake Union Publishing, and the author Nadine Nettman. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I was absolutely pleased with the protagonists, the setting, and the strong storyline of this novel, set in the 1920-1921 prohibition era in Las Angeles, CA. Our heroin Letty is a strong, intelligent woman trying to save herself, her mother, and their livelihood from various bootleggers and the bad apples among the LAPD. This is a story you will not willingly set aside to vacuum. Please take my word for it. You should see my carpets. Save your housekeeping reputation by setting aside the required reading time for this 309-page tale, or at least vacuum first. But find the time to handle this fairly quick read. You won't be sorry.
REVIEWED on May 2, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads more like a detective novel than historical fiction. A fast read featuring two female leads on opposite sides of the law set in 1920's Prohibition. The author is a certified sommelier and her knowledge and history of the industry is apparent throughout the book. Both leads are well developed and likeable and this would make a perfect made for TV book. There's a mystery to solve with a twist ending and great characters.

[Alex Hewko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the unique-ness of the plot but it just had a few holes & loose strings near the end (Advanced copy from Amazon Kindle First Reads program)

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying the book came to the last 10% where everything got wrapped up. When I say wrapped up, I need the office thinks she got it wrapped up. I thought the ending was ridiculous.

[Mary Hadley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but it was clunky and spotty in terms of character development. Chapters bounce back and forth between character perspectives, which I liked, but the writing just seemed elementary to me.

[Laura Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio. Enjoyed the 3 different narrators for each main character. Good, engaging story.

[Quirkybookwormkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually real women’s historical novels. This…..I truly enjoy. It’s very different. It is set during the Depression and the Prohibition time. It is a story of two strong women fighting for their survivals in their own worlds.

I was able to visualize the scenarios and relate to the main characters. The writer made the story enjoyable to read. I will most definitely read her next novel.

Give it a shot…you’ll enjoy it.

Thank you NetGalley and Lakeview Publishing for this copy of eARC.
As usual, all of my reviews are purely my own opinions without any influence from any publisher.

[Paul McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale from the time of prohibition

A well written story, transporting the reader back a century to a different world. A world were men dominated and women had to be extraordinary to be recognised.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced mystery set in Prohibition era Los Angeles with two strong women protagonists, a bootlegger and a police officer. Ignored this book for weeks since it wasn’t due, but finally got into it. Seemed a bit preposterous but still liked the historical fiction and the setting.

[Mrs. Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

At least Prohibition was a good narrative device!

Loved it. Letty is a spunky, fairly well developed character. Baddy is a little overdrawn but plausible. Twist at the end did surprise me. Worth a free read on Kindle Unlimited!

[Connie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong writing that told a solid story that included suspense, surprises, and strong female characters. I like the setting of the 1920s prohibition in California.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Historical fiction with a twist.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 maybe 4 actually it was an easy light read that was easy enough the characters were medium

[Katie F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and did not see the twist coming at the end. Highly recommend.

[Remy Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.15 - great, easy read with an unique plot! It was quick to get through and completely clean.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want this to be a movie so badly. I'm pretty sure Jeremy is sick of me telling him snippets of the plot. Plz go read this.

[Jessi - TheRoughCutEdge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in LA during the prohibition-era this follows two females who are working in jobs most women at that time weren’t a part of. Police officer and bootlegger. Seeing behind the scenes of what bootleggers, suppliers, and the running of speakeasies looked like was really interesting. I loved the drama and the mystery of this one, plus there was a truly excellent twist I didn’t see coming.

If you’re looking for a historical fiction that’s not based during wartime then this will be an excellent fit!

[Sunhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain-spoken yet smooth story-telling, and a window into an interesting time . . . and, of course, my favorite topic: the way women have stepped up and assumed their rightful place in the 'doings of men.' None of the authorial fireworks of a Michael Connelly or Robert B. Parker, but an interesting story well told.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my free April selection from Amazon Kindle First Reads. Anyone who reads my reviews knows how awful those books usually tend to be. Like literally some of the absolute worst books I’ve ever read. That says something, because I’ve read ALOT of books.

This one is one of those ‘unicorns,’ and an example of why I continue to make my free monthly selection. Every now and then, they turn out to be really great books, so I keep going back.

Bootlegger’s Daughter takes place during Prohibition, obviously, and is an interesting and clever tale of 2 main characters (Letty and Forman) whose paths ultimately cross at the end. I thought the author did a great job weaving their two stories together to the point where they merged. A little bit far fetched at the end, but I definitely enjoyed this selection, very readable and well paced, and would definitely choose more by this author.

[gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Disappointed

Have you ever rolled your eyes while reading a novel? I couldn't stop my "Oh, Give me a break,!" eye rolling throughout this book. I recommend this book only to those 10 years old or younger. Plot is predictable and overly unbelievable. Characters are cardboard. Dialogue while pointing guns is ridiculous. Truly a disappointment.

[Teresa Segura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my pick for Amazon First Reads recently, and I was enjoying the book for about 3/4 of it. Then when everything should have started coming together, it felt like it fell apart. Awkwardly worded sentences and unrealistic situations made me wonder if the whole book had been like that and I just didn’t realize it. Weird!