If you’re in the mood for a cozy Prohibition mystery, The Bottled Bootlegger by D.S. Lang is a delightful way to slip back in time. Set in small-town Ohio during the 1920s, this fifth installment in the Doro Banyon Historical Mysteries brings together moonshine, murder, and a charming amateur sleuth you can’t help but root for.
When a local bootlegger is found dead on an old Ohio farm, secrets begin to unravel. Doro, who balances her career with a knack for solving crimes, jumps into the case with her usual mix of smarts, compassion, and quiet determination only after invited by her new beau, Ev Mallow (town constable). As law enforcement stumbles and Ev goes missing, suspicions swirl, leaving Doro piecing together clues with a careful hand, which never rushes the story, but keeps it steady and engaging.
What makes this cozy Prohibition mystery stand out is its balance of gentle intrigue and historical detail. D.S. Lang’s background in education shows in her thoughtful world-building, especially around women’s roles, small-town dynamics, and the tension between law and community during Prohibition. The writing is clean, dialogue rings true to the era, and Doro continues to evolve as a character, offering just enough romantic subplot to sweeten the mix.
Readers new to the series may prefer to start with book one, The Catalogued Corpse, but fans will find The Bottled Bootlegger a satisfying continuation with returning characters and familiar rhythms.
If you’re looking for a cozy Prohibition mystery that won’t keep you up at night but will keep you turning pages, this one is a worthy addition to your TBR pile.
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