Runner: A Novel

by Ashton Lattimore

In this gripping, emotionally-layered novel set in Prohibition-era Martha’s Vineyard, a young woman from a Black seafaring family plunges into the dangerous world of rum-running to save her home and uncover the truth about her father’s death.

Martha’s Vineyard, 1923. The sea is a gift that keeps on giving to Lena Jameson’s father, Earl, a fisherman turned successful rumrunner who’s built up a small fortune smuggling liquor from offshore ships to thirsty customers back on the island. But when Earl and his entire crew are lost in a mysterious shipwreck that some whisper was no accident, his loved ones are left reeling and penniless—and Lena, who’d been on the cusp of heading off to college in Boston, sees her future slipping away.

Desperate to save her family and her own hopes of escaping their small town, Lena decides to take over Earl’s rum-running business. For a crew, she ropes in Walter, her roguish big brother who leans too hard on the bottle, Sam, her steadfast local boyfriend who wants to keep her tethered to shore, and Dee, a glamorous young woman summering in the Vineyard from Boston, who offers Lena a glimpse of the future she still wants for herself—and who’s keeping an explosive secret.

The foursome takes off on a journey from the quaint, colorful streets of Oak Bluffs through gangland Boston and down to the jazz-filled clubs of Harlem in its early Renaissance, all in search of quick money—and the truth about the shipwreck. But as buried secrets rise to the surface and the temptations of the glittering underworld pull Lena in deeper, soon everything she’s fought to protect hangs in the her heart, her family, and her place in a world quick to condemn women who dare to want more.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Adult, Summer Reads, Adult Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

Published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Quaterria Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and suspense, then you absolutely read this book!

Lena Jameson did what she needed to do by taking over her father’s rum-running business after his untimely death in order to provide for her family and build a future for herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way the plot unfolds. Lattimore’s vivid, descriptive writing had me completely engrossed in the story, making it easy to see and feel Lena’s experiences during the Prohibition era through all of its highs, lows, and everything (and I mean everything) in between.

“Prohibition didn’t change a thing but the location of the liquor stores.”

Layered family dynamics makes things that much more interesting to add depth to the story.

The way the truth gradually came to light throughout Lena’s determined journey had me eagerly anticipating what would happen next because there were so many questions that needed answers.

What a thrilling, intricate historical ride!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.

[KJ Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. What a time! I read very little historical fiction largely because I always assume it will be a bit slow. This book was the opposite of slow! It truly had everything: mystery, romance, suspense, adventure, deeply emotional stories of friendship and family, and so much beautifully described history of Martha’s Vineyard and black culture on the east coast. I LOVED IT.

[Casey R Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf

Book: 46
Dates read: 03.06.2026 – 03.10.2026
Title: Runner
Author: Ashton Lattimore
Format: digital ARC

#caseysbookshelf

Let me start here. It does not normally take me this long to read a book. I was hella busy at the beginning of the month, so don’t let the timeline fool you. This was not the book… it was work.

Because once I was locked in, I was locked in.

There’s something really special about a historical novel that doesn’t just take you back in time, but makes you realize how much of that time you were never taught in the first place.

Runner pulls us into Martha’s Vineyard during Prohibition, but not the version most people think they know. This is a story rooted in Black life on the island. Community, survival, ambition, and the quiet ways people built lives for themselves in the middle of systems that weren’t built for them.

Lena is trying to hold everything together after her father’s death, making decisions that feel bigger than her age. Dee arrives carrying her own questions, and watching their lives begin to orbit each other adds a tension that kept me fully engaged.

And what I wasn’t expecting? A subtle suspense thread running through the story.

There are questions sitting just under the surface that you’re not quite sure will be answered, but they stay with you. And when the author decides to pull that thread? My mouth literally dropped. I did not see it coming. At all.

It’s written with a level of control that feels very intentional. Like someone who understands how to build tension without disrupting the emotional core of the story. The thriller girlie in me was very satisfied.

What also stood out is how the book engages with the Prohibition era. We all learned about it in school, but let’s be real… where were the Black people? We know we existed, but the stories of how we lived, worked, and navigated that time are rarely centered.

This book fills in some of those gaps and raises even more questions. Especially around Black life and the Black middle class during that period. I would love to sit down with Ashton and talk through her research because you can feel it on the page.

It reads with intention. Not rushed, not overly heavy, just immersive in a way that lets the world build around you.

If you love historical fiction that centers Black experiences, or you’ve been wanting to get into the genre, this is a strong place to start.

This one will be in stores July 28.

Thank you Ballantine Books for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.

Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚

[Bookreporter.com Historical Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following her 2024 debut, ALL WE WERE PROMISED, Ashton Lattimore introduces Lena Jameson. Youthful Lena had earned her sea legs when her dad, Earl, let her steer the Honeysuckle on fishing trips. At age 23, Lena takes on the responsibilities of managing a household and the family-owned Clam Shack in the gender and race inequity of segregated Martha’s Vineyard during 1923’s Prohibition era.

Lena poignantly realizes that her rum-running father was more sinner than saint after he and his crew die in a suspicious shipwreck. Her brother, Walter, is a gadabout who sails his ship in a contraband bottle of bootlegged booze. As for her mom, “Sarah was all strength and focus, right up to the moment she wasn’t.” Delinquent mortgage payments and property taxes force chameleon Lena to become a rumrunner. “Ain’t no shame in trying to take care of family.”

Due to the sea claiming Earl, there’s only a memorial service, after which Dee Brooks from Boston snags a printed eulogy and obit that omits key factors of his life. Dee is challenged by locating accommodations since “rooming houses that took in colored guests in Oak Bluffs could be counted on one hand with fingers to spare.”

Lena assembles a motley crew consisting of Walt, sometimes-boyfriend Sam, and Dee. After a near-profitless haul of hooch for local guesthouses, Lena and crew branch out to gangland Boston and the Jazz Age of Harlem. They encounter trouble at each turn: gangster ambushes, a competitor rumrunner ramming their vessel, and authorities invoking the 1919 Volstead Act to ransack the Clam Shack.

When Lena and Dee are about to accept defeat, powerful women guide them to success. “But as ever, a woman had stepped into the gap where a man had failed.”

An unapologetic feminist current courses through RUNNER like the Gulf Stream. Thriller, suspense and surprise mystery aspects are embedded in this laudable work of historical fiction.

Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy

[Char Grell · Rating 4 out of 5]

32215 0f 45K pages

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, Ashton Lattimore and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy in return for my honest feedback.

Lena Jameson, born into a Black seafaring family, has her life upended when her father Earl—once a fisherman turned successful rumrunner—dies in a mysterious shipwreck along with his entire crew. Rumors swirl that it wasn’t an accident. With her family suddenly penniless and her dreams of college slipping away, Lena decides to take over her father’s illicit business to keep her home afloat and to investigate what really happened.

This novel had everything in it! Suspense, mystery and twists. 1920s prohibition, racism, misogyny, feminism, elicit and secret affairs all centered around Lena determined to save her family from financial ruin.

I loved the depth of Lena's character and her strength even when the odds were against her. She is a very strong main character while the men (brother, uncle etc.) are not. In fact, all the women in this book were much more evolved and knowing then their men counterparts.

This was a fun and entertaining novel that I did enjoy! I would recommend!

Thank you again to NetGalley, Ballantine Books and the author!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt for the main character in Ashton Lattimore's Runner. Leah is a young Black woman in 1923 living on Martha's Vineyard, she has just been accepted into college on the mainland and can't wait to start the next chapter of her life. But, of course, tragedy strikes when her father's rum runner boat is destroyed and the crew all died. Leah sees the need for money not only to go off to college but to save her family's home.

This begins a whole escapade to follow in her father's footsteps running liquor during Prohibition and also learning long the way that her father may not have been as a great a man as she thought. There is an interesting cast of characters including her older brother, her on again, off again boyfriend, and a new friend who is summering on the island.

Leah also travels to Boston and Harlem so we are introduced to what life was like in those places during Prohibition. The descriptions of the Vineyard along with the mainland transport the reader. The author's notes at the end were very informative about the real rum runners of the day.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Amy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but a bit lengthy, Runner is the story of Lena, brother Walter, and new "friend" Dee who set out to revive their recently murdered father's rum running business in Prohibition Boston area. Lena's longtime boyfriend, pharmacist Sam, takes part in the "business" as well. As the story progresses we learn about the criminal element involved in the business, as well as how relationships develop and disintegrate when money is tight and the law is against all that brings in such income.

This story has some twists and turns that are interesting, but ultimately, it was just too long, and could have been edited down a lot. I started getting frustrated with the progress and skimmed the chapters from time to time. The end of the book presented several surprises, and I'm glad I finished, as the ending was quite satisfying. I think this book would appeal to readers of historical fiction, especially those who love the culture of the Prohibition in New England.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Runner.

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runner was a great read, loosely based on the Black rum running history of Martha’s Vineyard. Lena Jameson is the feisty protagonist. After Lena’s rum runner father dies at sea, she is determined to take his place to save her family from losing their home. Lena drags in a small posse to support the difficult and dangerous work, but is clearly the ringleader.

While a lot of the story takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, there are storylines in Boston and Manhattan that provide a peek into the music, art, and queer scene for Black Americans at the time.

Lena is an easy character to root for: her spunk and fire make her very likable. The supporting cast doesn’t offer as much, but it comes together nicely. There is a hint of mystery, but it’s mostly a fun drama that gives a slice of history I knew nothing about. The end got a little wild for me, but it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the novel.

Recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[RMazin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction is always better when it exposes a reader to the unknown past of Prohibition. In Lattimore’s title meet the fractured family of Lena Jameson, a young Black woman with college aspirations. Father is a rumrunner plying his trade in the waters surrounding Martha’s Vineyard. Secrets regarding his trade and his family begin to surface after his death at sea, which may be suspicious. Lena, his feisty daughter, did not realize the state of his finances until his death. She sees the only way out to protect her mother and young siblings is to become a rumrunner herself…using her and her brother’s limited seafaring knowledge and establishing connections with suppliers and buyers who are not trusting or trustworthy. There is also the matter of her father’s philandering ways and that effect. This is a title with mystery, romance, queer scene, feminism, jazz, art, money and danger – something for everyone. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1923 Martha’s Vineyard Lena and Walter just lost their father Earl in a boating accident. Needing money to support their family they decide to get into his dangerous rum running business with the help of Lena’s new friend Dee. Dee came to the island to see Earl, because she is also his daughter because Earl had a second family unbeknownst to Lena. The three risk their lives in order to rum run, bringing them to NYC and Boston. They also learn that people who they trusted were not who they seem to be.

I really enjoyed the author’s last book and I thought the story behind this one was fascinating, rum running Black women during prohibition. However the story was just a little too slow for me for much of the book and I found it hard to want to sit down to read. The topic is great but the book needed something. The audiobook was good, but I think this is better as an eyeball read (or at least to start as an eyeball read) because there is so much going in and a lot of characters to keep track of.

3.5

[Amber Lati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced reader copy of Runner. FIVE STAR READ!

Runner is a warm blend of historical fiction, high adventure, and just the right touch of suspense. The book opens with the death of rum-runner, Earl Jameson. His daughter, Lena, convinces her brother, Walter, to take over the family business to keep the Oak Bluffs family home. Meanwhile, Dee arrives on the island, meets, and befriends Lena. The trio pulls in Lena's sometimes boyfriend, Sam, into the fold, and they set off to Rum Row.

From there, the story pulled me in, and it was a page-turner. I finished this book in two sittings. Runner is full of historical tidbits as the four characters face higher and higher stakes. Illegal activities, vibrant descriptions of life in Oak Bluffs, rife with familial tensions, this was a great book, definitely one of my favorite books of 2026.

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair review. I had high hopes for this book. Rumrunning in the 1920s is a fascinating topic and the fact that this book takes place on Martha's Vineyard made it all the more appealing. When Earl Jameson, a fisherman who became a successful rumrunner, and his crew are murdered at sea, his daughter, Lena takes over. In the process, Lena discovers that her father led a double life with another family in Boston. All very intriguing, but to me, the problem with this book was the writing style. It just seemed to fall flat and the characters seemed very one-dimensional. The story itself was interesting and the historical research involved was well done. The book itself, however, didn't come across for me.

[sallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody in this book was irritating, and I loved every second!

I love a book with complicated women, and every woman in this story has a secret. Add a little romance, a lot of crime, and a murder mystery and put it all on the seaside of the Prohibition era and you got a gripping tale that I could not put down.

Lena’s hot-headed self will stress you OUT! But she is what makes the books exciting as she navigates grief and independence, but she has me screaming at her multiple times. But I loved how dynamic and imperfect she was, it made her feel so human.

Lattimore did a fantastic job at world-building, and showcasing this cinematic old world experience on the east coast. The history felt rich and authentic, and love that she gave us details in the author’s note. Definitely a book you want to read cover to cover.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runner by Ashton Latimore, has a plot that is well-developed, steadily building tension and kept me engaged throughout the story. The story flows naturally, with just the right balance of action and reflection, making every chapter feel purposeful.

The characterization is one of the book’s strongest points. Each character feels individual and fully realized, with motivations and emotions that are believable and relatable. The interactions between the characters add depth to the narrative and keep the stakes compelling.

Another standout element is the setting. Latimore paints vivid backdrops that ground the story perfectly, from bustling urban streets to quiet, atmospheric hideaways. The world feels alive and immersive, enhancing the overall reading experience.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-researched and engaging historical fiction about a woman (Lena) living in an African-American community in Martha's Vineyard during Prohibition who decides to take over her father's rum-running business after he dies. The descriptions of the community and of the rum-running business in Martha's Vineyard feel very realistic, and those are both interesting milieus. Lena's trajectory, however, feels far-fetched and the twists become a little eye-rolling towards the end. But it is a rollicking read. I would describe it as a historical fiction beach read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of the novel.

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

1923. Martha’s Vineyard. Prohibition. This story is full. A little drama, a little romance, a little action. Lena was a tad naive and impulsive but she was a leader. She is trying to find her own journey she has goals and a plan but life happens and she must make the necessary adjustments. She must move through this season of uncertainty using instinct and her father’s memory. This is a story of survival, history, and a little mystery. I enjoyed learning about Martha Vineyard. I enjoyed this story and all of its many people and places.
I recommend this book especially if you love historical fiction.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is addictive!!!

I was please when I received a request to review this book. This is the first book I have read written by this author but it absolutely won’t be the last.

The story kept my attention from the first to the last page. Although it’s a historical novel, there were elements of this book that are still relevant today. Particularly adult children having to deal with issues created by their parent’s decisions.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[booksbydorothea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a beautifully written and researched book about 1923 Prohibition-era rum-running in Martha's Vineyard. The character development was strong, and the plotline was incredible.

If you like well-written historical fiction, female BIPOC authors who write about BIPOC, or enjoy reading about forgotten history, then this is the book for YOU!

For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea: https://tinyurl.com/ymh4m4yb

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled through this one a bit. I thought there was too much going on but simultaneously found the pacing of the story to be a bit slow. Furthermore, I did not find the main character, Lena, to be likable whatsoever. I did find the story interesting and was surprised by some of the major twists. Overall, it was a decent read, it just dragged a bit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Meekilovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runner is a story rooted in black life in Martha's Vineyard. Lena is doing all she can to hold on to a thriving business her daddy, Earl Jameson started during prohibition. This story was definitely written with intension on teaching us about AA role during this time.

The author did a fantastic job in researching every aspect and with realistic characters.

Thank you Penguin Random House and Netgally for this beautiful important story.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating 3.5. Huge thanks to the publisher and the PRH Audio!

This was a fascinating read. My great-grandfather was a Moonshiner and I know they're not the same, but there were still some of the same dangers and it helped me understand the pressure she was under. But even still, the stakes in this book were much higher because she was a Black woman. I enjoyed this. More research into my family history of moonshining and my review for this book to come on my blog.

[Susan Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine living on Martha's Vineyard, but you are black, there are few good jobs, and it is during Prohibition. Lena's father finds a way to provide for his family by running rum but once he dies how is Lena to provide?

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This well-researched book opened my eyes to the Black-run business of rum running during Prohibition. The descriptions were vivid and the storyline kept me turning pages. Thank you, Ballentine and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this interesting book.

[Teresa A. Mauk · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting historical fiction novel about a black family on Martha's Vineyard who become rum runners during Prohibition.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much of what I know about transporting liquor during Prohibition involves white southerners bootlegging. Runner, on the other hand, gives us a black family rum running off the New England coast. The book is well researched and many of the fictional characters are based on real life people, which the Author’s Note delineates.
Just as Lena is hoping to escape for Boston University, her father and his ship go down at sea. In an effort to save the family home in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, she decides to take up her father’s mantle as a rum runner. Her crew consists of her older brother, who would normally be expected to take on the leadership role except for a drinking problem, her boyfriend and a new female friend who’s just shown up for the summer. The characters were well developed and nuanced.
The book moves at a steady pace with scenes easy to envision. There’s an undercurrent of suspense. Was their father’s death an accident? And if not, who was behind it? Will they be able to raise the funds to save their house? It’s an entertaining story and I love that the author caught me off guard. I did not foresee either twist at the end.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.