Road to the Galliano Club: Prequel to the Galliano Club historical fiction series

by Carmen Amato

Three outcasts try to outrun the past, only to end up at the Galliano Club, where trouble is always on tap.

In this prequel to the exciting Prohibition-era Galliano Club historical fiction thriller series, go on the road with three unforgettable characters and experience their timeless tales of risk, determination, and danger during the Roaring

Ruth Cross escapes a dead-end life in a Pennsylvania coal mining town, but scandal will chase her all the way to the tiny apartment over the Galliano Club.

Luca Lombardo emigrates to America but it costs him everything. By the time he goes to work as the barman at the Galliano Club, he has nothing left to lose.

Benny Rotolo rises from street thug to trusted bodyguard for Chicago’s North Side Gang but when Al Capone puts a price on his head, the Galliano Club could be his chance to get even

Are you a fan of The Godfather, Road to Perdition, The Untouchables, or Boardwalk Empire? If you love historical fiction featuring Prohibition-era stories of Chicago gangsters, Italian mobsters, and bold bootleggers, you’ll love this introduction to the Galliano Club series.

"The Galliano Club series promises to be as riveting as Amato’s previous novels set in Mexico. The Roaring Twenties in their uninhibited violence and excitement come alive . . . A sure hit with loyal fans and new readers alike." - Michael Hogan, author of Women of the Irish Rising

“A gripping thriller series that will immerse you in the gritty, violent world of America in the 1920s. Clawing their way through the tale are a host of desperate characters that will shock and amaze you, never allowing you to catch your breath until the jaw-dropping conclusion.” - Amanda Hughes, author of The Looking Glass Goddess and The Image Seeker

“Spot-on historic atmosphere as the compelling characters fight, dance, and gamble their way to the Galliano Club . . . An epic tale with all the glitz, danger and gritty charm of the era.” - L.A. Chandlar, award-winning author of the Art Deco Mystery SeriesGALLIANO CLUB SERIES

ROAD TO THE GALLIANO Prequel
MURDER AT THE GALLIANO Book 1
BLACKMAIL AT THE GALLIANO Book 2
REVENGE AT THE GALLIANO Book 3

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2022

About the author

Carmen Amato is the author of the Detective Emilia Cryz mystery series pitting the first female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico's cartels, corruption, and social inequality. Starting with Cliff Diver, the series is a 2-time winner of the Outstanding Series award from CrimeMasters of America and was hailed by National Public Radio as “A thrilling series.”

Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.

A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.

A judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, her essays have appeared in Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications. She writes the popular Mystery Ahead newsletter on Substack with her top secrets, exclusive excerpts and book reviews: https://mysteryahead.substack.com.

Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee. https://carmenamato.net/links

Reviews

[Athena (OneReadingNurse) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to the publisher for the free Audible Code in exchange for an honest review! as always, all opinions are my own.

This shorter novel introduces (I'm assuming) the main characters in The Galliano Club books! I liked the little preview at the beginning so we knew who was who and a bit of what was coming.

Each of the characters has a unique and interesting (and a little sad) origin story that sets them up in a smaller industrial town based on a historical Rome, NY.

The characters have been through some absolutely wild things and are ready to settle down and make lives for themselves in a steady place. That said, it seems like the adventure is just getting started.

It's fun because I'm in Rochester and have been to a lot of the real towns mentioned. Some of the history is a little similar and I love historical fiction set in that gangster/prohibition era. Amato had first hand sources too and makes the setting feel extremely real, while the characters were brought to life by James Froemel.

It's a tiny bit less fun because at this point, the story reads like what it is, a trio of slice-of-life stories setting up a larger storyline. Each has its own beginning, middle, and end, so nothing is lost, but I am curious as to what it all turns into in the larger series.

I would definitely go on to read the books in the main series based off the characters and author's writing style. I also enjoyed the narrator, James Froemel, and would happily listen to the books to continue the story. He had a great range of voices and kept my interest level high throughout!

Thanks again for my copy 🖤

[Lynda Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a big fan for several years of Carmen Amato's Detective Emilia Cruz mysteries and now I am excited to read her new series, The Galliano Club. The story begins with her newly released prequel, Road to the Galliano Club. Loosely based on her home town of Rome New York, Carmen's descriptions of the residents, the environs, and atmosphere of the Prohibition Era brings the imaginary town of Lido New York to life. The main characters Ruth, Luca, and Benny are headed towards trouble. I highly recommend it. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Death in the Vineyards Mysteries & Isla Mujeres Mysteries)

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this short story prequel from the author at a minimum cost of 99 cents. Carmen Amato is an intriguing author, one I adore. She spent her youth in Rome, New York, and her working career with the CIA. Ten of those CIA years took place in Mexico, and many of her novels take us there, to that time and place. These Galliano Club novels, however, take place in prohibition times in and around Chicago, Illinois. I have read this novel of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am always happy to recommend Carmen Amato to friends and family. She brings the story to visual life.

Chicago, 1919. Capone's Chicago Outfit was in firm control of the underbelly of the windy city. Benny Rotolo of the Northside Gang was a bootlegger who provided prohibition booze to Capone's Galliano Club. And he wants to do so much more...

Reviewed on September 21, 2022, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile,

[Colin Flanigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great period thriller set in the Prohibition but not in any of the familiar cities. This is set in Lido, a fictional upstate New York city based on Rome, New York. Italian, Irish and other immigrants vie for their place in this booming industrial city. The characters of Ruth Cross- the dancer, Luca Lombardo-an Italian Immigrant and Benny Rotolo- a Chicago gangster, are all introduced in this new novella. It is a city big enough for thrills, intrigue and family ties, but small enough so that the characters don't get lost in the weight of history. A problem that can happed in historical fiction set in New York or other metropolis settings that constrain the plot into tired timelines with the same march of mayors and milestone events.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carmen Amato, known for her Emila Cruz detective series set in Acapulco, is working on a new series set in New York during Prohibition where her own family roots lie. This novella is a setup for the first book in the series due out this year, however Amato should have ensured that it was better edited before she released it. Names are especially problematic. It appears that she was trying different names for the characters and then didn't go back to ensure a character had the same name throughout. I hope she is able to balance her trademark grit with some brighter, kinder moments in this series and it could be a winner.

[Vee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific prequel novel that sets the stage for the 20's noir trilogy, "The Galliano Club." The prose is beautifully crafted, the characters come off the page, and you find yourself in the world of the Roaring 20's. Read this one first, then dive into a story of intrigue, crime, and murder. Who will come out on top? Will Benny gets his just desserts?

[Richard Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen has set this book in the early 20th century and is following several people through these times especially Italian immigrants. Some are in normal jobs and some are a little shady Good reading and hope to see more

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, entertaining story that sets up the Galliano Club. Characters from diverse backgrounds are believably portrayed as they are introduced. Chicago setting seems authentic. This short novel is the prequel to Galliano Club Thrillers. Would definitely read others in the series.

[Rick Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author great series fton Carmen.

What a great story. I felt like I was in Lido. All three books
were awesome, because when one finished the next picked right up. I looking forward to the 4th book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prequel. Can't wait for more

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adds context to the trilogy

This one leaves you hanging unless you’ve already read the other three. I’m a sucker for backstories and that is exactly what this one delivers.