The Whiskey Thieves: An American Adventure in 1871

by Eric Simanek

Set in 1871, the story imagines the adventure of two fictional protagonists (Jemil Stein & young Rolf Mundheim) who are swept naively into the machinations of a plot by McKee and McDonald to uncover how whiskey is being stolen from the fictional distillery Barston & Company in Peoria, Illinois. Starting in Washington, the pair travels by train through Baltimore, across the Appalachian plateau through Marietta, Cincinnati, St. Louis to ultimately arrive in the whiskey capital of the world. Along the way, forgotten, true stories of American history are retold, prominent figures once lost are found, important places are visited and critical events are relived.

334 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2020

Reviews

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set almost exactly 150 years ago and it's interesting to see how times have changed and not changed. The first half of the book trades action for a lot of interesting stories about history and the time period including some cool people, events and places that are worth visiting. It heats up and ends in a really exciting fashion. I'd like to see some of the places that are described. I think you can really get to know the characters and I wonder what their next adventure might be. We had checked out the author's more technical book on whiskey making as a chemical professor, full disclosure my friend's husband! and I think it's wonderful to see his talents extend to imaginative fiction as well. Really fun and will look for more, a great escape!

[Jack Simanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever (not bias)

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book, especially if you like historical fiction. This book is rich with background information of a time period I knew very little about. The characters are ones you won’t forget & some of them you’ll admire, others you’ll question their motives & a few you may detest, but you’ll be drawn in by them all & enjoy the ride as you read about their adventures.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The research done to make this historical fiction novel accurate was outstanding. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.