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Moonshine Murder
Death, treachery, and illegal hooch. Can a young woman find justice before she’s drowned in a barrel of rotgut and greed?
Colorado, 1925. Seventeen-year-old Lenora Giovanni just wants to do right by her pa. So when he returns home strapped across his burro and dead from poisoned whiskey, she holds back her tears and heads to Durango intent on uncovering the facts. And with more resolve than money, the determined girl poses as a bootlegger and infiltrates the town’s biggest operation to hunt down her pa’s killers.
Befriending a charming moonshiner who quickly captures her heart, he hints at secrets that make her question everything she thought to be real. But as she inches ever closer to tapping the truth, a shocking betrayal could bury her future and destroy any chance of everlasting love.
Can Lenora discover who murdered her father, or will doubt and heartache bring her to ruin?
Moonshine Murder is the first book in the engrossing Moonshine Murder Mysteries historical fiction series. If you like strong-willed heroines, true-to-life chronicles, and a satisfying shot of romance, then you’ll adore E.S. Jameson’s gritty tale.
Buy Moonshine Murder to fight the lies today!- GenresMysteryHistorical
140 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2012
9 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
E.S. Jameson
4 books7 followersE.S. Jameson is an award-winning author who writes historical fiction for adults and young adults. She backpacks through the very mountains about which she writes and was inspired to begin her novel, Moonshine Murder, after stumbling across an abandoned cabin during a trek deep in the San Juan Mountains.
Erin was the 2013 president of Women Writing the West, and is an active member of the organization. A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in English, she lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband and two sons.
Erin was the 2013 president of Women Writing the West, and is an active member of the organization. A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in English, she lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 31, 2020
Ohhhh I'm in love.
Lenora is a seventeen year old girl who lives up in the San Juan mountains with her father, an Austrian immigrant who works in the mines (or does he?). One day his mining buddy brings him back dead, with poisoned moonshine as the culprit.
Lenora can't stay in the mountains anymore and heads to Durango for work. On the way there, she meets a government agent who offers her a job - to infiltrate a group of immigrant moonshine makers and find the man who caused her father's death in the process.
She accepts and begins gaining the trust of a marry band of people, a boy named Rusty among them. Neither of the two expected to fall in love, especially not Rusty who seemed to know exactly who Lenora was from the beginning.
As Lenora digs deeper she discovers secrets best left secret, and ends up torn between the cause she thought she was fighting for and the things (and people) she's come to enjoy.
This was a very fun book. Everything felt so right, from the language used to the descriptions and the action.
The characters were all likable except "hairy". I do wish we saw more of the government agent though, I liked him.
Lenora was great and Rusty was endearing. I love them together. And Rusty was so funny too, he brought a smile to my face.
Rosa is another character worth mentioning, she's the perfect mother figure. And all that cooking made me hungry!
The ending was sweet, but I'm still glad book two is already out, I need to know how the story goes from there.
What are you waiting for? Go read Moonshine Murder ASAP.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Lenora is a seventeen year old girl who lives up in the San Juan mountains with her father, an Austrian immigrant who works in the mines (or does he?). One day his mining buddy brings him back dead, with poisoned moonshine as the culprit.
Lenora can't stay in the mountains anymore and heads to Durango for work. On the way there, she meets a government agent who offers her a job - to infiltrate a group of immigrant moonshine makers and find the man who caused her father's death in the process.
She accepts and begins gaining the trust of a marry band of people, a boy named Rusty among them. Neither of the two expected to fall in love, especially not Rusty who seemed to know exactly who Lenora was from the beginning.
As Lenora digs deeper she discovers secrets best left secret, and ends up torn between the cause she thought she was fighting for and the things (and people) she's come to enjoy.
This was a very fun book. Everything felt so right, from the language used to the descriptions and the action.
The characters were all likable except "hairy". I do wish we saw more of the government agent though, I liked him.
Lenora was great and Rusty was endearing. I love them together. And Rusty was so funny too, he brought a smile to my face.
Rosa is another character worth mentioning, she's the perfect mother figure. And all that cooking made me hungry!
The ending was sweet, but I'm still glad book two is already out, I need to know how the story goes from there.
What are you waiting for? Go read Moonshine Murder ASAP.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
June 15, 2021
3.5 stars. This is a great historical mystery and as a bonus it is the first in a new series.
This books provides you with a look inside the lives of immigrants who worked the mines in Colorado. The story felt very realistic and authentic. The characters were likeable and I felt invested in finding out what happened and why.
The writing is excellent and the story its self is quite believable. A very nice start to a new series and well worth reading
Many thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This books provides you with a look inside the lives of immigrants who worked the mines in Colorado. The story felt very realistic and authentic. The characters were likeable and I felt invested in finding out what happened and why.
The writing is excellent and the story its self is quite believable. A very nice start to a new series and well worth reading
Many thanks to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 13, 2020
Moonshine Murder is the first book in the Moonshine Murder Mysteries and is a fantastic start to the series.
I loved this historical mystery. The characters are well depicted, likable, and strong. The storyline is well written and interesting, with a young woman determined to discover who killed her father, moonshine, murder, mystery, suspense, and more. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this historical mystery. The characters are well depicted, likable, and strong. The storyline is well written and interesting, with a young woman determined to discover who killed her father, moonshine, murder, mystery, suspense, and more. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2020
Evocative Historic Fiction
This is a fantastic book if you would like a different view into the historic West. Excellent insight into the lives of immigrants who came to southern Colorado for mining work, but lost jobs as the mines closed. This quick read is a little tough girl coming of age story, plenty of adventure, some G-rated romance, and beautiful renderings of the harsh landscape. Ms. Jameson writes in a clear, simple style that moves the story forward without sacrificing ambience.
This is a fantastic book if you would like a different view into the historic West. Excellent insight into the lives of immigrants who came to southern Colorado for mining work, but lost jobs as the mines closed. This quick read is a little tough girl coming of age story, plenty of adventure, some G-rated romance, and beautiful renderings of the harsh landscape. Ms. Jameson writes in a clear, simple style that moves the story forward without sacrificing ambience.
November 1, 2020
Leonora Giovanni is a young lady who has grit. She doesn't back down, she doesn't give up. The tenacity and willingness she exhibits in order to face danger head on has you rooting for Leonora to take down the bad guys.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2013
In Moonshine Murder, author Erin Gray shows the underside of a centuries old custom: the making, selling and pursuit of illegal alcohol. A young girl loses her father and seeks out his murderers. In the process, her life is placed in jeopardy, especially when she goes undercover.
Gray writes well as she reveals Lenora's strengths and determination, with young love complicating matters. The author shows a great sensitivity for the heroine and the struggles she experiences. The flavor of small town mountain life in the mid-1920's is finely drawn.
Moonshine Murder will appeal not only to young adults but also to more mature readers.
Gray writes well as she reveals Lenora's strengths and determination, with young love complicating matters. The author shows a great sensitivity for the heroine and the struggles she experiences. The flavor of small town mountain life in the mid-1920's is finely drawn.
Moonshine Murder will appeal not only to young adults but also to more mature readers.
January 19, 2021
MOONSHINE MURDER, by E. S. Jameson, opened with good suspense and a few intriguing moments. The plot started out in a strong mode. About half way through the story, the intrigue began to fade a bit. Then it picked up a little more as the story developed. The main thing that brought this book to my attention was the title. A title can tell you a lot about the story. Was it murder? Or could it have been accidental? There is where you have to read the book to find out the truth about the story. To me there were two ways of looking at this story. (1.) Could it have been sabotage? (2.) Or was revenge the culprit? There is where the intrigue came in stronger.
When our story opened Lenora had gotten robbed. Her mother's necklace with the red gems had been stolen plus; the money she and her papa had been saving. Who would have known where they kept the items? And why? All Lenora remembered about the robbery was, the guy wore a felt alpine hat and what his voice sounded like. Then the guy her papa worked with brought her papa home. But he was dead! Should Lenora go to the sheriff? If so, would he believe her? If he didn't what would she do? Could Lenora be heading for deep trouble?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When our story opened Lenora had gotten robbed. Her mother's necklace with the red gems had been stolen plus; the money she and her papa had been saving. Who would have known where they kept the items? And why? All Lenora remembered about the robbery was, the guy wore a felt alpine hat and what his voice sounded like. Then the guy her papa worked with brought her papa home. But he was dead! Should Lenora go to the sheriff? If so, would he believe her? If he didn't what would she do? Could Lenora be heading for deep trouble?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2021
"Moonshine Murder,"by E. S. Jameson tells the story of 17 year old Lenora Giovanni and the Era of Prohibition in the year 1925, in the San Juan Mountains, in the United States. The book begins with Lenora being robbed at gunpoint and then finding her father, Judd Giovanni dead from bad (illegal) moonshine.
After leaving the family home behind to find work, the ophraned Lenora meets up with Agent Strickson, a Revenue/Liquor Agent who is trying to put a stop of the illegal production and/or distribution of alcohol. Lenora teams up with Mr. Strickson after going to the police and they're unwillingness to help with the murder of her father's poisoning.
Lenora finds a local distributor "Rusty" and helps him the day to day operation of producing/distributing illegal alcohol or Moonshine. Soon Lenora "Lottie" (Rusty changes her name to protect her) finds out secrets of her father, and an unknown connection to Moonshine.
I received an advanced review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After leaving the family home behind to find work, the ophraned Lenora meets up with Agent Strickson, a Revenue/Liquor Agent who is trying to put a stop of the illegal production and/or distribution of alcohol. Lenora teams up with Mr. Strickson after going to the police and they're unwillingness to help with the murder of her father's poisoning.
Lenora finds a local distributor "Rusty" and helps him the day to day operation of producing/distributing illegal alcohol or Moonshine. Soon Lenora "Lottie" (Rusty changes her name to protect her) finds out secrets of her father, and an unknown connection to Moonshine.
I received an advanced review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2021
Moonshine Murder by E S Jamison Lenorea papa dies from poison moonshine their savings gets stolen by a horrid smelly man who forces Leonor to lie under a bush and then threatens her innocence the next time he sees her. She leaves the only home she ever knew to go to the sheriff and tell him of our papa‘s death. After he blows her off she continues to make her way to the train station bent on solving it herself, but what Leonor didn’t know was that Mr. Strickland so her steal and bravado while talking to the sheriff and he has an opportunity she will find hard to say no to. The meeting with Mr. Strickland is not only apropos it is life-changing and changes her life in so many ways.
I absolutely loved the adventure of this book, Leanora’s character, the plot everything it was so so good! I can’t recommend this book enough. If you like historical fiction then you need to read this book it’s a plus to any historical fiction fans library. I received this book from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved the adventure of this book, Leanora’s character, the plot everything it was so so good! I can’t recommend this book enough. If you like historical fiction then you need to read this book it’s a plus to any historical fiction fans library. I received this book from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2020
An instant shot of adventure and mystery revealed in the first few pages, this fast-paced story caught hold of me like a shirt on barbed wire. Each successive chapter builds on the last with suspense and dogged determination as Lenora, the protagonist, wrangles opposing parties in her quest for truth, no matter how painful that truth may be. The Colorado mountains, the lives of hard-scrabble men are harsh, yet Lenora presents the perfect metaphor of a woman both steel-willed, strong of character and feminine. The author’s descriptions and imagery of the place and time are authentic and perfectly articulated. And the ending, simply wrought, pokes at the edges of your imagination, leaving you thirsting for the next wild ride in this unforgettable series. Bravo! -Monica Devine, author of Water Mask
June 2, 2021
This was a pleasant quick read (I read it in a couple of hours) and interesting enough to keep my interest. I enjoyed the strong main character looking to find answers for her father's death, but I felt that the characters lacked some depth overall. Maybe this would have been addressed in a longer book.
I enjoyed the plot enough to kep me reading but again, I felt there were questions left unanswered - Her father was clearly involved in things she knew nothing about but we never really found out why. Likewise, we know the family home was robbed to pay off a debt but again, I never felt like I got the full story.
The premise was there, I just felt like a bit more time spent on the detail would have gone a long way for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the plot enough to kep me reading but again, I felt there were questions left unanswered - Her father was clearly involved in things she knew nothing about but we never really found out why. Likewise, we know the family home was robbed to pay off a debt but again, I never felt like I got the full story.
The premise was there, I just felt like a bit more time spent on the detail would have gone a long way for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2021
This was a first novel for the author, a Young Adult story. It is intriguing and unique. Set in 1925 in a mining town in Colorado, Lenora's father is poisoned by tainted moonshine. The story opens, before she learns that her father is dead, when a hairy stranger arrives, threatens to rape her, then steals all the money from their cabin--and her mother's garnet necklace.
After her father is buried, Lenora determines to find his murderer, and the story then involves going undercover for the feds to find illegal moonshine operations. She meets Rusty, a moonshiner, and realizes she is falling in love with him. But there are betrayals involved at more than one level. In the end, though the ending is more or less positive (her father's murderer is caught and the still is shut down), this is a harsh and gritty novel.
The edition of this book that I read was written by Erin S. Gray. The copy we own was a gift of the author to my husband, so our copy is probably soon after it was first published. The edition above has a different publisher and was published a few years later. Things can change in a short time, including the name of the author.
After her father is buried, Lenora determines to find his murderer, and the story then involves going undercover for the feds to find illegal moonshine operations. She meets Rusty, a moonshiner, and realizes she is falling in love with him. But there are betrayals involved at more than one level. In the end, though the ending is more or less positive (her father's murderer is caught and the still is shut down), this is a harsh and gritty novel.
The edition of this book that I read was written by Erin S. Gray. The copy we own was a gift of the author to my husband, so our copy is probably soon after it was first published. The edition above has a different publisher and was published a few years later. Things can change in a short time, including the name of the author.
May 21, 2021
Update: Several days after I read this book I couldn’t get the characters and storyline out of my mind. So increasing my star rating to five. Great job
4 1:2 stars
What a great story based upon real life events and places (but the actual story is made up.) a woman set out to find revenge for her Pas killer only to find herself mixed up with people and places she wasn’t sure to trust. Will she find closure for her Pa and face a past she didn’t know he lived? This story will grab you and hold your attention until the end.
No sexual references or language so I can recommend this book to anyone who wants a good story.
received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
4 1:2 stars
What a great story based upon real life events and places (but the actual story is made up.) a woman set out to find revenge for her Pas killer only to find herself mixed up with people and places she wasn’t sure to trust. Will she find closure for her Pa and face a past she didn’t know he lived? This story will grab you and hold your attention until the end.
No sexual references or language so I can recommend this book to anyone who wants a good story.
received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 19, 2020
The basic premise and characters Of this book are interesting and likable. Unfortunately, they don’t really get much further than that. The characters remain as sketches, never getting fully fleshed out. There is a lot of tell not show, and the romance subplot is only barely believable. The steps of the plot are fine, but the prose is choppy, making the overall story flow poorly. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read, and would be interested to see how this writer’s work develops in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2020
Moonshine Murder is a great paced short story. There's excitement, danger, sorrow and happiness. I found myself caught up and reading fast to find out what happened next. I'll definitely be reading book 2 very soon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2020
E.S. Jameson does a good job with this storyline. This is the first book in the Moonshine Murder Series. Lenora and Rusty are brought together by fate. They have to figure out their priorities. Will they get a HEA? I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a good read . I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here
September 19, 2019
Very interesting and enjoyable book. The characters in the book are extremely compelling. The author skillfully weaved some of the interesting history of the area into the story. This reader hopes that the author will publish another book.
October 26, 2021
An enjoyable read with likeable characters. I was interested in the facts that were provided about real events of the era. Looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2020
EXCELLENT historical novel. Set in SW Colorado, this book will keep you wondering what will happen next. Can hardly wait for more books!
August 6, 2021
Well written, fun to read. I felt like I was there in Colorado in the time of probation. Can't wait to read the next one.
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August 6, 2021Well written, fun to read. I felt like I was there in Colorado in the time of probation. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 14, 2021
I loved following Lenora’s journey. I truly enjoyed how her character is written and stepping into her shoes in this young adult read. Her grit and tenacity makes her a wonderful role model, especially for young readers. I do wish we got to know the background couples more and what became of them in the end of the book. Hopefully the next series instalment will provide some insight.
Although I loved the plot, I felt that as the storyline progressed the intrigue started to fade. In the beginning, E.S. Jameson sets up her main character well but as we follow Lenora’s mission I felt like critical story developments became choppy interruption the story flow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I loved the plot, I felt that as the storyline progressed the intrigue started to fade. In the beginning, E.S. Jameson sets up her main character well but as we follow Lenora’s mission I felt like critical story developments became choppy interruption the story flow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2020
Moonshine Murder is a brilliantly written book following the story of young Lenora as she deals with her father's death from poisoned Moonshine and is thrown into a life of danger.
It is a Fantastic book for any teen or adult wanting a Historical Mystery. You won't be able to put it down! I highly recommend!
It is a Fantastic book for any teen or adult wanting a Historical Mystery. You won't be able to put it down! I highly recommend!
April 1, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was so intriguing from the beginning to the end. I loved the characters and the fact that it was set during the prohibition and it really did get into how dangerous those days were.
December 14, 2023
THE MOONSHINE MURDER
GENRE: Historical fiction, Mystery
This is the first book in the moonshine murder mystery series. It is a historical fiction with an essence of romance in it. The story has been set in the Colorado of 1925. the story develops against the background where the immigrants are flooding the city and working in mines. Tired out from their days work they enjoy in the moonshine. But recently, death from poisoning by moonshine has increased in the city.
Lenora Giovanni, a seventeen-year-old girl, finds her life upside down when she sees her father’s dead body arrive at home strapped across his burro. Holding back her tears she heads towards Durango both to find a work for herself and also to avenge her father’s death.
While in Durango she befriends a charming moonshiner, Rusty, with the intension to unravel the mystery of her father’s death. She finds herself amidst the town’s biggest operation of the bootleggers.
Her friend, Rusty, incidentally hints at some secrets. While in her pursuit to unravel those secrets – she takes steps closer in finding out the truth, a betrayal that might upturn her future and destroy her chance of an everlasting love.
This story revolves around some strong emotions of greed, death, treachery and illegal hooch. To sum I must say it is basically a story of a strong-willed female character. The incidents are quite true to life.
Ratings: 4.5/5
GENRE: Historical fiction, Mystery
This is the first book in the moonshine murder mystery series. It is a historical fiction with an essence of romance in it. The story has been set in the Colorado of 1925. the story develops against the background where the immigrants are flooding the city and working in mines. Tired out from their days work they enjoy in the moonshine. But recently, death from poisoning by moonshine has increased in the city.
Lenora Giovanni, a seventeen-year-old girl, finds her life upside down when she sees her father’s dead body arrive at home strapped across his burro. Holding back her tears she heads towards Durango both to find a work for herself and also to avenge her father’s death.
While in Durango she befriends a charming moonshiner, Rusty, with the intension to unravel the mystery of her father’s death. She finds herself amidst the town’s biggest operation of the bootleggers.
Her friend, Rusty, incidentally hints at some secrets. While in her pursuit to unravel those secrets – she takes steps closer in finding out the truth, a betrayal that might upturn her future and destroy her chance of an everlasting love.
This story revolves around some strong emotions of greed, death, treachery and illegal hooch. To sum I must say it is basically a story of a strong-willed female character. The incidents are quite true to life.
Ratings: 4.5/5
July 27, 2013
Having recently been to Durango, I could picture Main Street and the Animas River winding through town. Lenora's father dies from bad moonshine, and she decides to help avenge his death by finding the man responsible. She sets out from the family cabin outside of Silverton to Durango to find a job and keep her ears open for information. She happens to meet a government agent who hires her to go undercover and help expose a local moonshine ring.
May 27, 2015
A mystery that ends in a mystery my type of book. A book that is set in the San Juan Mountains of colorado, the book allows you to fall in love with Colorado and it's Characters. Lenora; comes of age and eventually falls in love in this mystery. Lenora's father is murdered by rot-gut whiskey and then in the pursuit of her fathers killer, uncovers all sorts of uncomfortable truths!
February 27, 2013
Fascinating look at bootlegging in Colorado during 1925. Lenora is a determined seventeen-year-old girl whose life becomes in danger after her father's death from tainted moonshine.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews