What readers are saying...
“It’s the catepillar’s spats! … There is a diverse cast of characters from Mickey’s best pal Henry, to police of both the straight and crooked varieties, to Maggie’s new boarders that she takes on, and several others. Do I like good character development? If I lived in the 1920s would I want to get my whiskey? Hell yes! So let’s put it all together.
The author, Sherilyn Decter, weaves the story in a compelling plot line with plenty of surprises. There’s lots of references to life in Philadelphia in the 1920s that gave me the feeling of “being there”, which is one of the reasons I enjoy a well crafted historical fiction novel. As Edith would tell you “You’re posilutely gonna love this book.” Read more…
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“Criminals, ghosts, and an unlikely woman fighting for a better world. Innocence Lost might be exactly the atmospheric historical mystery that you’ve been waiting for.
In 1924 Philadelphia, crime rules the city. Notorious bootleggers like Mickey Duffy don’t take kindly to those who get in their way, even if they’re his wife’s best friends. Innocence Lost proves to be a glowing first novel in the Bootleggers’ Chronicles series, setting the reader up for monumental growth, disastrous downfalls, and plenty of secrets to keep you guessing.
Maggie Barnes has just about everything that you’re looking for in a lead character: bravery, her back against a wall, and something big to strive for. As a widow in a backwards time, she struggles to make ends meet and to take care of her young son, but after bringing in a group of lodgers to help generate income, she discovers that the extra money might come with a few complications.” read more….
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“Fast paced and intriguing, I was immediately drawn into the novel and by the time I looked up I was already halfway through the book! I finished the second half in one sitting too. That’s how hard it was to put down. Maggie and Frank are a great team!” Read more…
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“Then I started to see a side of Maggie that I thoroughly enjoyed and rooted for. Y’all, I could not put this book down! And I am so, so happy that it is only Book 1 in “The Bootleggers’ Chronicles,” because I need more.” Read more…
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“Decter has created an intriguing mystery that combines the best of the historical mystery genre with the gothic eeriness of paranormal. Because of the time period, it doesn’t really seem all that strange that the copper who helps Maggie is, well, a ghost. It just fits. And while there are those who shy away from magical realism or paranormal, this book marries these genres together so seamlessly that the storyline never once falters. The believability remains present throughout. It takes a good writer to do that and Decter accomplishes that feat. Innocence Lost is a well written, entertaining historical read; one that I highly recommend.” Read more…
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“I enjoyed that the author paid a lot of attention to the details of the bootlegging industry – the cars, the precautions taken with accounting, bribes, etc — the kinds of details so often neglected in this kind of novel. … Maggie grows as a person and as an investigator. She learns how dangerous and complicated investigation work can be in the gangster-run city. I found Innocence Lost to be a fast and entertaining read. The series, Bootleggers’ Chronicles promises to be filled with danger and excitement.” Read more…
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“I have not read a lot about Prohibition or gangsters, so I was a bit apprehensive because I like different genres in historical fiction, that said, I really enjoyed this book. There was a great amount of research done in this book, an ultimately the whole Bootlegger’s Chronicles. A fast and entertaining read. I highly recommend and look forward to reading the next in the series.” Read more…
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“Innocence Lost is a first book in a new Historical mystery series and if this book is any indication of what’s to come, well the future is really bright.” Read more…
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“Innocence Lost is a unique murder mystery set within Prohibition era Philadelphia. While Maggie lends a large hand in avenging Oskar’s death, there is still a lot of work to be done in keeping her city safe. I’d love to see what she can accomplish next.” Read more…
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“Sherilyn Decter is clearly an enthusiastic historian. Her 1920s Philadelphia is vivid and living. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.” Read more…
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“I loved Innocence Lost! … The disappearance of one of her son’s friends kicks off the mystery, taking us through the backyards and kitchens, back alleys and warehouses supporting the black market liquor industry of the Jazz Age.” Read more…