The Family Business

by Kimberly Mullins

Times were difficult, and in 1918, the world could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Great War had finally concluded, and everyone was celebrating and happy to be home. The celebration isn't going to last long, though; prohibition is coming, and booze will be restricted. In New York, bars and restaurants are closing, and in California, winemakers are turning to growing orchids.



Jemma and Ben see an opportunity to take the family business based in Chicago and expand it from coast to coast. Prohibition would make alcohol illegal, but the family business has always been bordering on the illegal.



John, their gangster grandfather, has challenges of his own in Chicago. Jemma has a club and challenges in New York, while Ben is going into the wine business in California.

How long will prohibition last? They weren't sure, but there was money to be made while it was here.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Kimberly Mullins is the author of a series of books called “Notebook Mysteries”. She also writes Adult historical fiction under the name K. R. Mullins. She holds a BS in biology and a Masters in business. Her favorite classes were in history. She lives in Texas with her husband and son. When she is not writing she works as a Process Safety Engineer at a large chemical company. You can connect with her on her website at kimberlymullinsauthor.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Kimberly cleverly weaves historical aspects into an entertaining tale and enjoyable read. We reunite with old friends from other Notebook stories and meet new well-written characters along the way.
The narrative captures the atmosphere of the 1920’s, intertwining elements of prohibition, gangsters, speakeasies, scams, skirting the law and more. This tale is richly woven with intrigue, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, action, romance, family drama and the complexities of a troubled time, all contributing to a gripping historical adventure.
While trying to stay one step ahead of prohibition John sends his grandchildren off to create business before others get ahead of the game and cash in as empires fall, all whilst working in varying shades of criminality.
The Family Business maintains a fast-paced and engaging tone, ensuring that we remain invested and entertained through numerous plot twists and surprises, as the action unfolds during key moments.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does one do when alcohol is illegal?
You change who you are or you run a speakeasy and become a supplier.
Well the latter is exactly what happens in The Family Business. The author brings the reader an intriguing story of a family’s navigation of the Volstead Act.
Jemma and Ben decide it’s time to act if they want their family to continue the thrive with prohibition looming. They decide to approach their grandfather with a proposition hoping he will back their venture.
One of them will go to NY and establish a group of clubs that not only cater to every person’s needs but also serve and distribute alcohol illegally. The other will head to CA and add their footprint to the wine industry. How yet is to be determined but there is money to be made.
Jemma and Ben are successful in their venture to get approval and immediately set off on their venture. Setting everything up was the easy part. Battling the federal government was another story. Jemma’s situation is more difficult because she has a string of clubs. Where Ben has found loopholes to keep the family making money and survive by creating concentration with instructions on what not to do that’ll turn it into wine.
Will they continue with their successes or will the law finally catch up to them?
You’ll get into the book and won’t want to put it down. It’s not my typical read but a fascinating subject point so I gave this book a shot, i was not disappointed and you should check it out as well.

[Kristi McChurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is good when you start judging fictional characters like they’re distant relatives at Thanksgiving. The Family Business had me doing exactly that.
This story serves up family drama, romance, secrets, and loyalty like it’s a full-course meal—and no one leaves the table unscathed. Kimberly Mullins does an excellent job of reminding us that family ties can be both a safety net and a tripwire.
The characters are flawed, layered, and occasionally make decisions that had me whispering, “Oh no… don’t do that.” (Spoiler: they do it anyway.) But that’s what makes it so addictive. The romance feels earned, the tension simmers nicely, and the emotional stakes stay high without tipping into melodrama.
I especially loved how this book explores the push and pull between doing what’s expected and doing what your heart demands—because apparently peace was never an option for these people.
If you enjoy romance with backbone, family drama with teeth, and stories where love isn’t easy but it’s worth fighting for, The Family Business should be on your TBR. Just be prepared to pick sides… and possibly change them halfway through.
Highly recommend. Grab the book. Cancel your plans. You’re welcome. 😉📖✨

[Jonathan T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Business takes place during the early days of Prohibition and stars sister and brother Jemma and Ben who are gangster John Harden's grandchildren. John is one of the main antagonists of The Notebook Mysteries series.
John wants the duo to take over the family business, so Jemma moves to New York to open a nightclub/speakeasy and Ben moves to California to a work with the wine growers to circumvent Prohibition and keep the wineries open
This is another excellent novel from Kimberly Mullins filled with lots of history, action, intrigue, and some romance. Each of her novels just get better and better.
If you haven't been reading these you should.
As always, this ties into some of her previous novels and features cameos by some of our favorite characters, old and new. They can be read as a standalone or as the complete series.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A war where lives were lost was over, but another, a war on alcohol, was about to begin. Jemma and Ben see an opportunity to expand their family business from coast to coast. With the backing of their grandfather Jemma takes on the East while Ben takes on the West. Their family has thrived on doing business that bordered on being illegal so this should be no different. How long will this ban on alcohol last? Will the law catch up with them? I enjoy this authors work. I have kept up with all of her Notebook Mysteries and have loved every single one. There is a little bit of cross over and we see familiar names from those books in this one. If this is the first book you have read by this author you have found a good one.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly Mullins is at is again with another great story! I love how she incorporates characters from her Notebook Mystery series into this story. She also introduces a few new friends!

This book focuses on the prohibition area with John and his family. Their ties are in New York, Chicago, and California and the family is going in separate directions with their unique businesses. How can they keep the family business(es) growing while facing all these new regulations?

There are some plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat while you read this fast paced novel. Even though Ms. Mullins's stories have intertwining characters, these stories can be easily read as stand alones.

[Enchanted Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Family Business is a delightful story that takes place during the Prohibition Era. Siblings Ben and Jemma with some help of their gangster grandfather, John, learn to navigate and skirt around the unlawfulness of alcohol possession.
With the immersive world building, you’ll feel like you’re back in time and right there with the characters.

[Zoe Piengkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This type of story is not one of the typical I would choose but I am so glad I did! It is amazing, the family dynamic, the drive to succeed and the fear of failure and illegal activities. All of it combine makes a page turning story that is sure to catch anyone's attention. The characters are relatable and each one colorfully interesting.
I would recommend!

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins is an addictive historical fiction that will leave you wanting more! Kimberly is a must read in this house, so I HAD to pick this up! This book has so much to offer, from secrets, to family drama, to flushed out, flawed characters. I really hope to see this turn into a series, I would absolutely read it all!!

[Paula Sayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

John, Jemma and Ben each are trying to run their businesses in different parts of the country. Taking place during Prohibition this historical fiction book is enjoyable as are all books by this author. I always learn new things when I read these books.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben and Jemma are the grandchildren of the infamous John Harden, one of the toughest gangsters in Chicago, but in 1919, their world is turned upside down because a new law is coming into place, Volstead, a law against the production and selling of alcohol, Prohibition, something that the underworld uses to gain maximum profits and especially as the country is in a celebratory mood thanks to the end of the Great War.

This means that plans are going to change wildly and Ben and Jemma have some interesting ideas of how their family can get around the rules and so they put their ideas forward and discuss them with their Grandfather, to which he is impressed with both their forethought and planning and so he gives them the go ahead to go to New York and California to build their businesses with Jemma heading to New York to open a club and Ben to California to investigate production, product development and delivery.

As the two entrepreneurs build their contacts and portfolios, the way is not straightforward as both face challenges of how to use the prohibition to their advantage because people will do anything for money, meanwhile, things are not going smoothly either, but how long will this Prohibition last and will the family business thrive or fail in these turbulent times? This is a historical fiction book with some romantic threads woven throughout as you glimpse the era of the prohibition through the eyes of those who lived through it, as well as a healthy dose of action which will keep you hooked throughout.

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling historical fiction novel that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of the American Prohibition era. Set against the backdrop of 1918, the story begins just as the world exhales after the Great War, only to face the social and legal upheaval of the ban on alcohol. The story follows siblings Jemma and Ben, who see the impending Prohibition not as a disaster, but as a golden opportunity. They aim to take their family’s already questionable Chicago-based enterprise and expand it into a nationwide empire. Jemma manages a club and navigates the dangerous social landscape of New York. Ben heads to California to infiltrate the wine industry, where winemakers are desperately pivoting to growing orchids to survive. John, their gangster grandfather, anchors the operation in Chicago, providing the gritty experience needed to navigate the underworld. Mullins does an excellent job of capturing the transition from the relief of WWI to the tension of the 1920s. The geographic spread—from the vineyards of California to the speakeasies of New York—gives the book a grand, cinematic feel. It is a fast-paced exploration of ambition, grit, and the moral gray areas people inhabit when the law changes overnight. The "business" is often illegal, but the motivation is always the survival and prosperity of the family unit. If you're drawn to historical fiction that blends organized crime with deep family legacy, you'll love this book.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins is a spirited piece of historical fiction that plunges readers into the tumultuous era of Prohibition in the United States. Set shortly after World War I, the novel follows siblings Jemma and Ben as they seek to expand their family’s borderline-illegal enterprise from Chicago to both coasts, navigating the perils and opportunities that arise when the manufacture and sale of alcohol become outlawed. Alongside them is their gangster grandfather John, whose own challenges in Chicago lend grit and depth to the narrative. Mullins deftly sketches a vibrant period setting and infuses the story with tension, drama, and the constant question of how far one will go for family and success.

What stands out in The Family Business is its blend of rich historical detail with compelling character dynamics. The alternating locales—from the jazz-tinged clubs of New York to the vineyards of California—offer more than just backdrop; they reflect the shifting ambitions and moral landscapes of the characters. Readers who enjoy family sagas rich with intrigue, loyalty, and the shades of gray in personal choices will find this novel engaging and immersive. The story balances drama and suspense with a nuanced portrayal of familial bonds in an era defined by risk and reinvention.

[Jay Batista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical adventure and dangerous mobsters: Great story, fast read and wonderful conclusion!

Capping multiple book series tracing both the policing and criminal sides of a family saga, the ne’er-do-well side of the family anticipates public reaction to the prohibition of alcoholic beverages and positions themselves to take profitable advantage. Progenitor gangster John wisely predicts his empire’s fall and directs his grandchildren to New York and Los Angeles, where they navigate the 1920s prohibition laws, establish speakeasies and implement an innovative work-around to the Volsted Act to acquire and ultimately save the California Winery business. Scraps with Capone’s mobsters, duplicitous assistants and dangerous scams threaten the ever-expanding cast of characters, but readers of the series will be happy to know that all the characters have a reunion moment in this satisfying, fast paced adventure novel.

While focusing on character driven action, this book does introduce several historical facts about the history of 1919 to 1922 prohibition years, the craft of movie making, and, like all her pervious novels, the author skillfully weaves details into the narrative. It is a fun and quick read, appropriate for middle-grade and teenagers as well as adults interested in US life after the “Great War.” I highly recommend this wonderful novel.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins turned out to be a fantastic historical fiction, with plenty of family drama, a touch of suspense, and set against the turbulent backdrop of post World War I prohibition-imposed America. The story follows Jemma and Ben, two ambitious siblings who see an opportunity to expand their Chicago-based family enterprise during the dawn of Prohibition, which was a time when fortunes could be made, but at what risk.
Ms. Mullins skillfully weaves together the grit of the era with some glamour and challenges, all while exploring the moral gray areas of a family whose livelihood skirts the edges of legality. The characters feel authentic - and the intergenerational dynamics added and extra layer of richness, tension, and loyalty.
The atmosphere is vivid with smoky speakeasies, bustling city streets, and along with the quiet moments of doubt and determination that define her characters. While the plot offers intrigue and danger, it’s ultimately the emotional core - the bonds of family, the weight of legacy, and the cost of ambition - that lingers long after the final page.
A compelling, character-driven historical novel that will appeal to fans of Prohibition-era tales, family sagas, and morally complex storytelling.
Happy Reading…

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction story set in the 1920s. I love this authors work, her attention to details and historical research really brings the stories to life for me. I feel transported back in time when I read this authors books.

In this story we are in 1920s Chicago with siblings Jemma and Ben. This is a time of prohibition, a time where there is great fortune to be made but the risks are just as great.
When Ben and Jemma see the opportunity to expand their family business from coast to coast they take it. They are aware that alcohol is illegal but between them they have plans to hopefully go undetected.

Along with their gangster grandad John the pair set out to make their fortune. No one knows how long prohibition will last but they are determined to make their fortune while they can.

This is a story filled with family dynamics, speakeasies, prohibition, and tricks to get past the law. At the heart of this story is family loyalty and the weight of building an empire and the dangers of becoming too ambitious.
I was completed captivated by this story. And it is another great read by this author

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins. I loved this book! I already knew I really enjoyed this author so I grabbed this as soon as I saw it and it did not disappoint. Its a historical fiction story about mobsters and the prohibition. What more could you want? The time period is shortly after World War I and prohibition is about to start. Siblings Jemma and Ben are wanting to expand their families almost illegal business from Chicago to Los Angeles and New York. Their grandfather John is running the business in Chicago and they are hoping to improvise and cash in on unknown opportunities that will open up if you know the way thru certain laws that are passed. Jemma heads to New York to open a string of clubs while Ben goes to LA and gets into the vineyards and wine making. The writing is done so well that I truly felt like I was in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago at the various bars, clubs and vineyards. Will the illegal part of the business catch up with them before they really get successful or will they be able to profit from their many endeavors. Such a great story!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. One of the things I enjoy about this author is her creative details that make the characters and story pop. I also enjoy this author’s ability to pull me into the story from the start and keep me engaged to the end. This is a story that takes place during 1918 and how a family struggles to expand their business during prohibition. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They are strong, determined, connectable and supportive of each other. I also enjoyed the growth of the story that made it easy and entertaining to read. This is a story that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. I found this story to be fast paced and hard to put down. This is a great story to read and may just be my favorite by this author yet. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable historical novel which kept me gripped throughout. Set in 1918 at the end of the Great War, and people were celebrating. However, before long booze would be restricted during the prohibition era. Jemma and Ben take the opportunity to expand their Chicago based family business. Although prohibition makes alcohol illegal with John, their gangster grandfather, they are used to bordering on the illegal. As John faces challenges in Chicago, Jemma has problems at her club in New York, whilst Ben starts a wine business in California. Not knowing how long prohibition would last the family were keen to make money during this era. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and settings vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. Whilst the added historical details transported me back in time and place bringing the prohibition era to life. I was hooked from page one and was kept happily turning the pages.

[Kat Mellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, but I did have a hard time getting into it in the first probably quarter of it. I love all the other books written by the author, but this one felt a little convoluted up front. I was expecting it to be a parallel series to that with Emma and Jeremy, and at first I thought it was since they were mentioned. But then they weren't and I thought maybe I was just misunderstanding. But then they were again and it got tied together at like the 90% point. There were a lot of characters, lot of moving parts, but it was also super fascinating to see sort of behind the scenes from the prohibition times and how the clubs could have gotten their start and the operations of them. I really was hooked once I sorted out all the players and finished in a day. Would def read more about this particular family set as well as more by the author.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins is a fun novel about prohibition and family bonds. A gangster grandfather has established himself and his family in Chicago, and made connections and money, like, good money. The Great War ends and Prohibition looms on the horizon, and Jemma and Ben (siblings and his grandchildren) see an opportunity to make money, while also establishing themselves and making their own way in the world. This novel is very engaging, and it was fun seeing all the times the phrase “it’s business” or “it’s family” (obviously in the iconic voice) popped up in the book haha. However, it is also a good reminder of what times looked like back in 1920’s America, the ups, downs, and many prejudices that prevailed. Jemma and Ben are keeping their friends close, family closer, and their rivals right where they can be carefully watched and monitored

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Family Business” by Kimberly Mullins is a fascinating and complex tale that takes place during the prohibition era! This author has a wonderful knack for incorporating real lift events and people into her stories, and this one is no exception. Just before the expected passing of the Volstead Act, Ben and Jemma, who are brother and sister, seek to expand their father’s business interests from Chicago. Jemma goes to New York to open bars and nightclubs while Ben travels to California to purchase wineries. The siblings plan to take advantage of the wording in the act to provide alcohol to those who will persist in drinking despite the new law. With romance, danger, and family drama, this well-researched historical fiction saga is certain to satisfy!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Mullins is an author that I have come to really enjoy over the course of her Notebook Mysteries series so I was eager to try something else she had on offer. Even from reading the description, I loved the premise behind the idea and when I started reading it was clear to see the author had created an intriguing and well written story.
The story is all about the characters while also weaving in a few different storylines. I found the time period the author had chosen to focus on an interesting choice but, for me, it only enhanced the story being told. I really connected with both the characters and the story in this book and I loved the whole thing from start to finish.

[Katie Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Family Business. It is a fun, fast-paced read that does a great job blending historical vibes with family drama and a touch of crime. I really liked how the story jumps between Chicago, New York, and California, showing how each character handles Prohibition in their own way, and the concept of a family already skirting the law before booze becomes illegal is especially entertaining. The characters are easy to follow and the era feels well researched without being heavy or boring, though I did wish a few plot threads were explored a bit deeper. Overall, it’s an engaging and enjoyable book that keeps things moving and makes early Prohibition feel lively and full of opportunity.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved The Family Business, and would love to see it turn into a series. I did not expect there to be any crossover to the Notebook Mystery Series, but I loved that. When I heard Emma and Jeremy, I wondered. But then all the other characters names were slowly dropped and I got excited. This is a great story as it is, but the crossover was brilliant. This story gives us a behind the scenes of the start of Prohibition and what people had to do to work around it. Jemma was such a strong character and female lead. This story really sucked me in. I look forward to more from the author, as I always love her books!

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst I had a basic understanding of the prohibition era in the USA, this brilliant story put a face to it, albeit not ones you would necessarily want to mess with. The peek into the 'family' and their 'business' added an extra historical dimension as Ben and Jemma set up their businesses and it was also interesting to see Jemma and Lottie take on roles that were largely male dominated in that time period. A great read for anyone who likes a well written narrative based on actual times and events.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of historical fiction novels about the world wars, I've seen some about civil war, depression era. But I haven't found myself reading books about the prohibition (I know they are out there, I just haven't found them yet) so this was a great read for me. I was thoroughly mesmerized by the storytelling. It's the end of the Great War, families are trying to get back to a new normal only to have alcohol banned and this novel spans across the country as one family sees the ban as an opportunity. Readers get to experience the captivating vineyards in California, the hip speakeasys in New York and the gritty, dark underworld of Chicago all blended together in this tale of one family trying to survive. It was a great quick read, I didn't want to put it down.

[Betsy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting story about gangster life during the bigging of prohibition. It follows the Harden family as they split up to save the family business, and tells how they create new businesses to survive. Very good story. I feel it could have been fleshed out more to give more details, but overall was a good read. This is one I’ll definitely keep to reread.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction with plenty of action and surprise. It is one of those books you pick up and don’t want to put down until you are done. The characters while flawed are relatable. There’s loyalty, love, and a few bad decisions thrown in there to create an enthralling read.