February, 1920. Prohibition went into effect a month before. Prohibition agents are political hacks, most having bought their positions, and more apt to make more in graft from the bootleggers than from their salaries.
At the same time, the Governor of the State of Maryland declared his state would remain as "wet as ever". Police were told to stand down on all matters regarding enforcement of the Volstead Act or the 18th Amendment.
Gabby Lane Pennington is no longer running a patent medicine mail order business. Now she has a full blown distillery, making not just Pennington's Tonic, but Maryland Rye Whiskey. They claim the whiskey is being sold only to pharmacies for prescription distribution. No one told the speakeasies who pull up every Sunday to take delivery on cases of the stuff.
Newly minted police officer Rhys Shay is sent into the factory undercover. Not to investigate the making of illegal liquor, but the death of Barnaby Fogg, Gabby's former bed partner and partner in crime.
At the same time, the Governor of the State of Maryland declared his state would remain as "wet as ever". Police were told to stand down on all matters regarding enforcement of the Volstead Act or the 18th Amendment.
Gabby Lane Pennington is no longer running a patent medicine mail order business. Now she has a full blown distillery, making not just Pennington's Tonic, but Maryland Rye Whiskey. They claim the whiskey is being sold only to pharmacies for prescription distribution. No one told the speakeasies who pull up every Sunday to take delivery on cases of the stuff.
Newly minted police officer Rhys Shay is sent into the factory undercover. Not to investigate the making of illegal liquor, but the death of Barnaby Fogg, Gabby's former bed partner and partner in crime.
Review for Father Dear Father Come Home:
I like the author's mix of history and fiction in this book. She transports us into the Prohibition era. The world of bootlegging, corrupt politics, and murder is part of the interesting and complex plot that kept me glued to the book. Do not miss the "Notes on the book" at the end, where the author provides links to music and some additional historical notes that will enhance your appreciation of the times.
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