Criminals, ghosts, and an unlikely woman fighting for a better world. The Bootleggers' Chronicles might be exactly the atmospheric historical mystery that you've been waiting for.

Prohibition-era Philadelphia, crime rules the city. Notorious bootleggers like Mickey Duffy don't take kindly to those who get in their way, even if they're his wife's best friends. The five novels in the Bootleggers' Chronicles series set the reader up for monumental growth, disastrous downfalls, and plenty of secrets to keep you guessing.

Maggie Barnes has just about everything that you're looking for in a lead character: bravery, her back against a wall, and something big to strive for. As a widow in a backwards time, she struggles to make ends meet and to take care of her young son, but after bringing in a group of lodgers to help generate income, she discovers that the extra money might come with a few complications.

Following the death of one of her son's friends, Maggie quickly realizes that the police would rather protect bootleggers than solve the kid's mysterious death. But when she meets an inspector who's willing to fight for justice and find the truth in the case, she knows her job is only just beginning. Only problem? The inspector's been dead for years.

If you like headstrong heroines, Prohibition-era criminal underworlds, and a touch of the paranormal, then you'll love The Bootleggers' Chronicles series.