Speakeasy by A. M. Dunnewin is a novella that takes place in 1925s. We are first lured into a simple looking theatre, then are led underneath the foundation and past many doors with secret codes into a speakeasy. As jazz music plays and flappers dance in the background we met the main character Eddie Durante. Eddie is a recent widow and owner of the speakeasy. His mobster uncle supports the speakeasy but his feud with the Caprice family led to Eddie’s wife’s tragic murder. Just as Eddie is trying to move on and focus more on his business, he’s told by the bootleggers that the Caprice family sent a hitman to the speakeasy - and he’s the target.
This fast paced 20’s inspired novella had me hooked from the beginning. It felt like it could be a screenplay from a movie. I enjoyed that Dunnewin started the book peacefully and led the reader into the speakeasy, it really set the tone for the rest of the book. I enjoyed being introduced to each of the characters and learning more about them as the book continued on. I especially liked the honesty behind the main character, Eddie. He felt like a real person, being aware of this faults and emotions in a way that many characters don’t. There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. With a great plot, creative characters and a twist that you won’t see coming - this book has it all. You’ll find yourself quickly turning the pages to see what happens next with this quick read.