Gone the Way of the Dodo Bird

by Bret Kissinger

Step back into the roaring twenties, where Chicago pulses with life and liquor flows freely despite the grip of Prohibition. In the heart of this bustling city, Johnny De Luca navigates the treacherous underworld of the Beer Wars, haunted by memories of his past and the demons that accompany them.Amidst the chaos, Johnny finds himself drawn to the enigmatic Paris Dawson, whose presence forces him to confront his darkest fears and deepest desires. Together with his loyal friends, Tomato and Hotsy, Johnny treads a dangerous path, collecting debts, guarding shipments, and battling rival gangs in a bid to maintain control of their territory.But when they cross paths with the ruthless North Side gangster Mickey Diamond, they ignite a deadly feud that threatens to consume them all.Gone the Way of the Dodo Bird offers a gripping portrayal of the violence and intrigue that defined Prohibition-era Chicago, shedding light on the devastating toll it took on those caught in its crosshairs. From the smoky speakeasies to the blood-soaked streets, this novel brings to life a time of upheaval and uncertainty, where survival often came at a steep price.Relax into the era with a tip of your fedora, the strains of jazz in the air, and an Old Fashioned in hand as you immerse yourself in this thrilling tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal.Prepare to be transported to a time of glamor and danger, where every decision could mean life or death. Order your copy of Gone the Way of the Dodo Bird today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Prohibition-era Chicago.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2020

About the author

Bret Kissinger lives in rural Wisconsin. In 1997, he watched Titanic in a crowded theater, deeply moved as the film transported viewers through a tale of love and loss. As the credits rolled, he knew he wanted to be a writer. On September 11, 2001, he witnessed history unfold on TV, realizing that history wasn’t confined to the dull pages of textbooks or grainy black-and-white photos—it was lived in a vibrant, sensory world.

Merging his passion for history and storytelling, Bret has authored five novels. His historical fiction works, Forever Fleeting and Gone the Way of the Dodo Bird, capture the resilience and complexity of human relationships during turbulent times. His third novel, The Final Edit, ventures into suspense, weaving a chilling mystery that keeps readers on edge.

Bret’s recent works, The Surviving Remnant and The Winter Tiger & The War Eagle, delve into themes of survival, love, and loyalty. The Surviving Remnant (releasing December 6, 2024) follows a Holocaust survivor wrestling with vengeance and healing, while The Winter Tiger & The War Eagle tells the gripping story of a Soviet sniper and a German pilot whose forbidden love defies the conventions of war.

When he isn’t rewriting his next novel or brainstorming new ideas, Bret enjoys reading, watching movies, going to the gym, and walking.

Reviews

[Patricia Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t usually read books about prohibition & the mufia but was really enthralled with the characters & story line ! It was captivating & also educational for this period of time & such a wonderful book about friendship , loyalty & overcoming or not overcoming ones weakness in form of addiction, $ and power over others . Definitely would highly recommend this book to both women & men alike . The hubby read it 1st & wasn’t sure i would like it but honestly couldn’t put it down !

[Kennedy Blahnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away! It’s so much more than a book about Prohibition. It’s a story of love, friendship, compassion, and hidden demons. You’ll find yourself rooting for, laughing with, and crying over a trio of “bad guys” the entire book. Highly recommend!