The Last Twelve Miles

By: Erika Robuck

Narrated by: Romy Nordlinger

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

1926, Washington, DC

In the Prohibition Rum Wars, the Coast Guard is losing. But the Coast Guard has a new, secret weapon. That secret weapon is a 5'2" mastermind in heels, who also happens to be a wife and mother: Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman.

Bahamas

When Marie Waite notices discrepancies in cargo, she insists on accompanying her husband, Charlie, on a run. There, not only does Marie witness her husband's shortcomings, but she becomes enthralled by Cleo Lythgoe, "The Bahama Queen," who announces her retirement. Marie knows an opportunity when she sees it, and she wants the crown for herself so badly she can taste it.

So begins Marie's plan to rise as rumrunner royalty long enough to get her family in the black. What she didn't count on was that the more sophisticated her operation grows, the more she comes on the radar of the feds, nabbing criminals by the daily dozen. Once Marie knows who she's up against, she's more determined than ever to triumph.

On the other side of the law, Elizebeth is the only codebreaker battling scores of smugglers. Once the work becomes personal, and she discovers Marie as a premier adversary, Elizebeth's desire to catch the woman becomes almost obsessive.

©2024 Erika Robuck (P)2024 Tantor

Somewhere between 3.5 to 4 stars for me

Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars.
While the book definitely kept me interested and wanting to read more there are a couple of reasons I did not give it more stars.
I found it to be a little too descriptive at times. The author went into quite the detailing of Elizabeth's office and desk that I thought for sure, that must be important for later on. Well, no! When Marie and her husband were looking at boats, again the author was thorough in the boat's specs but, for me, for really no apparent reason except maybe word count.
The other reason I could not give it more stars was, simply put, the ending. Very unsatisfying - and it felt unfinished. But maybe that was so a sequel could be written. With all that time involved in reading the book I would have liked more closure. And not just the ending... I feel like there were a lot of unresolved issues.
The narration was quite good.

A fascinating story of two daring women

Robuck weaves the tale of two women on opposite sides of the rum trade during prohibition. A fascinating story of daring women who balanced motherhood with courageous pursuits.