Innocence Lost

Bootleggers' Chronicles #1

by Sherilyn Decter

In a city of bootleggers and crime, one woman must rely on a long-dead lawman to hunt down justice…

Philadelphia, 1924. Maggie Barnes doesn't have much left. After the death of her husband, she finds herself all alone to care for her young son and look after their rundown house. As if that weren't bad enough, Prohibition has turned her neighborhood into a bootlegger's playground. To keep the shoddy roof over their heads, she has no choice but to take on boarders with criminal ties.

When her son's friend disappears, Maggie suspects the worst. And local politicians and police don't seem to have any interest in an investigation. With a child's life on the line, Maggie takes the case and risks angering the enemy living right under her nose.

Maggie's one advantage may be her oldest the ghost of a Victorian-era cop. With his help, can she find justice in a lawless city?

Innocence Lost is the first novel in the Bootleggers' Chronicles, a series of historical fiction tales. If you like headstrong heroines, Prohibition-era criminal underworlds, and a touch of the paranormal, then you'll love Sherilyn Decter’s gripping tale.

Buy Innocence Lost to dive into corruption and mystery today!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Ebooks

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2019

About the author

Sherilyn Decter writes emotionally rich historical fiction about strong, determined women navigating the shadows of Prohibition-era America. Whether uncovering secrets in speakeasies or confronting legacy in Little Italy, her stories blend meticulous research with unforgettable characters. She is the author of the Bootleggers’ Chronicles, Rum Runners’ Chronicles, Moonshiner Mysteries, The Promise Trilogy, and Legacy Letters, a serialized fiction project delivered directly to readers.
Inspired by authors like Kristin Hannah, Fiona Davis, and Rhys Bowen, Sherilyn Decter brings untold women’s stories to life with rich detail and emotional depth.
Learn more at sherilyndecter.com.

Reviews

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocence Lost is the first book in a thrilling new series, The Bootleggers’ Chronicles, a historical mystery set during the Prohibition Era when bootleggers and speakeasies were common and crime was everywhere you turned.

In a city of bootleggers and crime, one woman must rely on a long-dead lawman to hunt down justice…

Philadelphia, 1924. Maggie Barnes doesn’t have much left. After the death of her husband, she finds herself all alone to care for her young son and look after their rundown house. As if that weren’t bad enough, Prohibition has turned her neighborhood into a bootlegger’s playground. To keep the shoddy roof over their heads, she has no choice but to take on boarders with questionable ties…

When her son’s friend disappears, Maggie suspects the worst. And local politicians and police don’t seem to have any interest in an investigation. With a child’s life on the line, Maggie takes the case and risks angering the enemy living right under her nose. Maggie’s one advantage may be her new found friend: the ghost of a Victorian-era cop. With his help, can she find justice in a lawless city?

It’s no secret that this era is my favorite in history. The Roaring 20s, the gangsters and bootleggers who were romanticized more than feared, rum-running and moonshiners in the cities and the hills combine to create a magical backdrop to an ever-changing landscape. However, in reality all of those things we love most were highly illegal and it led to many streets and cities being quite dangerous. This is the life that our heroine, Maggie, finds herself living in after the “great war.” She’s trying to make a home for her son in a run-down house in a city that is filled with crime. When her son’s friend goes missing, it appears that the two of them are the only ones who are willing to search for the boy – along with one very unusual policeman.

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.

Innocence Lost is Available Now at AMAZON

[PamG · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won the kindle e-book version in a Goodreads giveaway. I liked this historical mystery, but it is not a fast-paced story. Also bear in mind, it has a paranormal component to the story.

The story begins in 1924 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during Prohibition. The main character is a widow with a young son. She is having trouble paying bills and decides to take in lodgers: a school teacher, a bookkeeper, and a rookie constable. One of her son's friends goes missing and the story is off and running.

This is a time of bootleggers, speak-easies, crime, flappers, gangsters, political bribes, police and judges on the take, and so much more. It is also about friendship, family and immigrant communities. Additionally, it is a time when women had few options for supporting themselves.

The author does a great job of giving the reader a sense of the times. I was easily able to visualize the clothes, houses, and people. She also did a great job of blending in the paranormal aspect of the story. There is a great cast of supporting characters. What kept this from being a 4 star rating for me was that it seemed a little slow in places. Otherwise, it is well-written and entertaining. Will I try book 2 in the series? Definitely. If you enjoy historical mysteries, I recommend you give this one a try.

[Amy Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Philadelphia has not yet lost its soul. It's still the early days of Prohibition. Sure, you can see that rot around the edges of beginning to creep in, but people, for the most part, are enjoying the thrill of being lawmakers."

Prohibition has been going on for about 4 years and bootleggers run the city of Philadelphia. Maggie is a single mother living alone with her son at a time where that was frowned upon. Despite her parent's pleas to return home after losing her husband, Maggie is determined to stay independent.

When one of her young son's friends goes missing Maggie is drawn into the case with the help of a the ghost of a long dead policeman. I liked how Maggie came out of her shell more as the novel progresses. She moves past her prejudices and misgivings and integrates herself more into the community. I enjoy watching a character evolve like that. She also overcomes her apprehension with working with a ghost and becomes quite the detective herself!

"I realize that it is unorthodox. But here we sit, a woman and a ghost and, if I join the investigation, I don't know which of us would shock people more. Surely you see that the whole situation is unorthodox."

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!

I greatly enjoyed my time in the world created by Sherilyn Decter and can't wait for the next book in the series, Tasting the Apple. I highly recommend Innocence Lost!

[LAWonder10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Inspector Frank Geyer observes bootlegging activities along with the bad influence it has on young boys. He wonders why he is still here. He cannot do anything about what is happening.

Maggie Barnes has been a widow now for about four years. Her young seven year old son is the main focus of her life. She refuses to return to her parents house for them to try to raise Tommy in the uppity manor they raised her. They disliked her husband and never cared about seeing their grandson until after their son-in-law's death. They do not need to be near him now. No, she will find some way to save their home and support her son. She will take in boarders and provide meals too. Thee are soon more ideas she has to be self-sustaining.

This is an intriguing tale attitudes during the rapidly changing times that occurred after World War 1. This story centers in Philadelphia during the days of prohibition, women's rights to vote, own property , etc. It is also a time of Jazz, the Charleston, shorter skirts and hair and of "Speakeasies". It was still deemed improper for a single woman to house and feed single men.
However, Maggie was a rebel and didn't care how shocked her mother and others were.

Maggie interviewed many people settling on a policeman, an accountant, and a school teacher but wait!... There is someone she hadn't counted on! Is she crazy?

This is a fun suspense/mystery with a touch of the paranormal. The fans of "Topper" oer "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" wil certainly enjoy this first book of a new series.

The characters are "colorful" and are portrayed in a way the seemingly become real! The scenes are additionally portrayed and easily visualized.

This author's writing style is captivating and "flows" smoothly. It was fast moving and left me eager to read the next book in the series. The Book Cover and Title were very well-chosen.

READER BEWARE: There is some profanity and some intimate sexual terminology.
This earns a Five Stars rating
*This book was gifted me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.

[Pat Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the ratification of the eighteenth amendment on January 19, 1919, one of the bloodiest, if not the bloodiest period of the United States of America history began.

Innocence Lost by Sherilyn Decter, documents the detrimental effects that this period played in the lives of a young widow, her son, her son’s friends and the people living as borders in her house.

Sherilyn Decter has done an excellent job of painting a picture of what most people only know as the Roaring Twenties. She incorporates it into a real story where illegally transporting alcohol into various states become the backdrop for murdering those who did not keep their mouths shut.

Her characters are believable, engaging, and it is her characters that force you to turn to the next page and keep reading because you want to know more. Decter hammers into the head of her readers what the streets of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, must have been like as she shows the traumatic experiences of a young widow, Margaret, and her son. A widow who rises up against her own mother’s norms and standards and finds steps out to find her own way of living. I truly enjoyed her characters especially, Inspector Geyer, i.e., Frank. Outside of watching Maggie’s internal growth, he was my favorite character.

Innocence Lost depicts the bootlegging scene that swept the United States; that gave many poor immigrants pouring into the States a job although illegal and put food on their families’ tables.

It presents historical facts with a fictional story interwoven within it.

Well-crafted and very well written, I highly recommend investing your time in reading this book.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1924 Philadelphia, the city is run by bootleggers. The gangs that supply the alcohol run the city, controlling the money and most of the police force and Mickey Duffy is one of the bosses that controls it all. On the night of a raid of one of Duffy's warehouses, three young boys are caught in the action. One boy, Oskar, never made it home. Oskar is friends with Tommy Barnes, Tommy's mom, Maggie runs a boarding house in order to make ends meet. When Maggie finds out that it is Tommy's friend that has disappeared, she becomes more involved in the community and sees the toll that bootlegging has taken. Maggie is determined to find out what happened to Oskar, but has no idea where to start. Maggie gets a helping hand from an unusual source, a retired Police Inspector from another era coaches Maggie to help her bring down the criminals hiding right beneath her nose.

Innocence Lost is a unique murder mystery set within Prohibition era Philadelphia. It took me a while to get into the story while the scene was being set, but once Maggie and Tommy's characters were introduced, I felt connected to the story. Maggie's character transforms throughout the story from a woman who feels powerless to control her surroundings while feeling like she does not fit in with many of her immigrant neighbors to a woman who is actively fighting crime and caring for her neighbors. The integration of Inspector Geyer was very interesting. His presence as a ghost fit in seamlessly and helped Maggie immensely, but I did wonder a lot about his background and how he found his way to Maggie. The Prohibition era was highlighted in the storytelling as well; I had never thought of the many reasons why so many men easily fell into bootlegging after World War I and how women embraced the freedoms of the era after taking up the men's jobs while they were away. 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.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

[Sarah Zama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocence Lost is the first novel in the 5-book Bootleggers Chronicles, a 1920s crime series set in Philadelphia. Although it is clearly the starting of a series, with all the required introductions of characters and situations, it is also a great novel on its own right, centered around the death of a young boy and the investigation going on – and not going on – around it. But don’t expect to get all the answers at the end. We’re invited for a long ride.

Sherilyn Decter is clearly and enthusiastic historian. Her 1920s Philadelphia is vivid and living and I loved that she focused on everyday life rather than the big events of that time. This story is mostly about normal people trying to get though another day, though it is also about how those people choose to go through that day. It’s about choices and responsibilities. Yes, in short Maggie is one of us, a very true person in a very realistic and relatable world.

As a first novel in a series, this focuses on the main character, Maggie, very much. There is a big cast of characters, but most of them remain in the background while Maggie takes centre stage. There is a strong feeling, though, that a few of them – even the ones that only ‘appear’ here – will grow into more than strong supporting characters in the novels to come. I like this building up, this expectation. I generally like stories with many characters because they create a sense of community, not just of place but also of culture and I think this is where this story is going.

There is also an element of supernatural and I enjoyed that. It’s very mild, to the point I wouldn’t say this is a ghost story. It’s more definitely a historical novel. But I like this element of fantasy that goes beyond the ‘normality’ of the rest of the story.

I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Innocence Lost by Sherilyn Decter is a story of Maggie Barnes, a widow with a young son to raise in Philadelphia, 1924. Maggie is finding is extremely difficult making ends meet including putting food on the table and paying the bills. She decides to open her house to guests, she has room for a few lodgers. One of the lodgers is Constable Joe Kelly, also living with her is Mr.Mansfield and Mr. Smith. Her son Tommy is at a warehouse along with a few of his friends, where there are some bootleggers, led by Mickey Duffy.  There is a police raid, they end up running and one of his friends, Oskar, goes missing. Tommy is scared and doesn't say anything of what he knows about the raid and the missing boy. The boy is eventually found, in the river and this starts the investigation that Maggie finds herself in. Ironically, Maggie also becomes friends with Mickey Duffy's wife Edith.Prohibition was the norm in the '20s, there were speakeasies all over  Philadelphia. Maggie along with the help of Joe, they try to find and capture the bootleggers. Maggie also has another person helping her, a ghost of a Victorian cop, Inspector Frank Geyer. Their investigation into who and how Oskar died takes them into the world of gangsters and corruption. 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.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Disclosure* I won this book as a goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.*

This book waivered between 3 and 4 stars from beginning to end, but I would say it ended up closer to a 3. The writing is good, the characters interesting, and the story is exciting. However, there are some complaints. The ghost is both essential and a distraction; it feels like he is there to fill in some plots holes where a woman in 1920's can get anything done -- yet he also perfectly fits. That doesn't make sense as I write it, but I don't know how else to explain it.

My biggest complaint was the ending. I know this is a series, so I know there will be an overarching storyline that carries you from one book to the next. However, I expected there to be some sort of closure for the sub-plots along the way and it just felt like everything was left hanging. That is frustrating for a reader; we want to feel some satisfaction at the end of the book that our time was not wasted even as we look forward to the next in the series. Not that there has to be a "happy" ending - but there does need to feel like an "end", and not just a ploy to get us to buy the next book.

I really enjoyed the writing and the premise, but finished feeling frustrated and incomplete.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Innocence Lost' by Sherilyn Decter is the first book in the Bootleggers' Chronicles. The story centers around single-mother, Maggie Barnes who is struggling to pay the bills and keep a roof over her and her son Tommy's head. Decter clearly loves the history surrounding the 1920's and prohibition as the book is full of prohibition terms and facts. In the book Maggie teams with the spirit of a deceased police officer to try and solve the mystery of who killed one of her son's friend. While the supernatural element is present in the book, it is not the focal point of the story. Rather Maggie's efforts to solve the mystery and try to limit the 'lawlessness' of Prohibition gangster's are more prevalent themes. The book is well-written and a fun read, perfect for summer.

[Kala (ReaderthenBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What initially caught my attention with this novel is that it takes placed during Prohibition and the Roaring 20's.  I love historical fiction and this is an era that I don't have the pleasure of reading about enough.  Another thing that drew me to this story is that it is a self published debut and although I admittedly try to veer away from those types of novels, this one made me want to see what the author had in store.
Check out the full review:
https://readerthenblogger.wordpress.c...

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise with day to day of a widow on her own in the 20s, but I kept tripping over things. That 7 year old sure had a lot of homework. In PA? Palooka that early? Well maybe, I'm from Ham Fisher's home town, and the term was used as early as 1923, but the strip didn't appear until the 30s. And I didn't see much of a resolution to the mystery. And maybe it was my kindle, but all the double spacing constantly kept me thinking a scene was changing.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in THE BOOTLEGGERS CHRONICLES, INNOCENCE LOST is a lyrical fictional examination of Philadelphia during the Prohibition Era, the 1920's. The frisson of danger and illegality was all part of the fun; till danger became deadly. There was plenty of money to be acquired, and where wealth is possible, human greed is right at hand, irregardless.

[G. Sue Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I found this book very interesting. Especially with it taking place in the 20's. The twists and turns, while expected didn't disappoint. Although I can't picture a single mom in that era braving a mob. Especially with a son to worry about. Still a great book. I will read more.

[Joni Omura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was entertaining and I continued with the series but I gave it only 2 stars because I have never read a book with worse editing! There was grammatical errors, font size changes for a couple of pages, and she referred to a character by a different name before it had been revealed in the story that the character was getting a new name!

[Bruce K. Beyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corruption

This story started slowly by introducing the main characters and the situation in Philadelphia during Prohibition. Times are tough for a widow and her young son, and life is complicated by the widespread influence of illegal activities, especially booze. Corruption is rampant, though a few decide to take a stand.

[Arlene-George Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Bootleggers Chronicles. A very good read with a few surprises. Interesting reading the evolution of a woman who was brought up in those days and how she becomes stronger.
Recommend it!

[Maryteresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perils during prohibition

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. It was fun reading the discourse between the ghost and the main character. It was also interesting to read about prohibition and how dangerous it could be to be so bootlegger.

[Robin H-R Holmes Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to go on...

I really enjoyed this first book in the Bootleggers Chronicles by first time author, Sherilyn Decter. It has a surprising character twist that I won't divulge here, and I liked it. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Bravo!

[Joyce Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

A mix between excitement of prohibition and super natural. Ghost of retired detective enlists young widowed mother to help infiltrate bootlegging gang in Philadelphia. Difficult to stop reading until the end of the next chapter ...

[Lin S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was OK. Part one of a series of four. Roaring twenties, murder, bootlegging, in Philadelphia. I came away thinking that much hasn't change for that city. Fast forward 2022 and now its drugs and murder. Never ending? Still a city in crisis.

[Jameson Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

I was very interested in this book, until I got to the end and got to read the last chapter twice only to have it end with no conclusion! You need to proofread your publication.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

strength of a woman

A widowed woman exhibits her strength when taking on bootleggers. She has a son, a home & lodgers to tend to but, finds time to investigate the death of a child which leads her forward to seek justice.

[Joan O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking justice during Prohibition lawlessness

Fast paced story if a strong young widow who struggles to care for her young son. Boys will be boys but one adventure leads to a sad ending involving an entire neighborhood.

[Cora Amburn-Lijek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prohibition Outlaw Days

The main female character while formed by traditional values of civility has an independence that takes her on a path from young upper middle class woman to eloper to mother to widow to landlady to crime investigator.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read. It really takes you back to the days of bootleggers and speakeasies. Love the way Maggie progresses in her quest for independence. Seems well researched as to background town and times.

[Lindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its ok

It was like watching a very slow movie. The last 3 chapters are identical like it was cut and pasted a few to many times. Other than that its ok.

[Vj · Rating 1 out of 5]

Historically, it is an interesting window on Philadelphia during prohibition. I think the story had strong elements but was not engaging enough for me.

[Ruth Utterback · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting even

Fantastic characters and story! Once you start the book. Its hard to put down! Really holds your interest. A real page turner!

[maros j jewell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was okay till the very end when it just stopped. No ending---no resolution or solution---it just stopped. I did NOT like that. Just seems like a come on to buy another book. No thanks!