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Beer Burlocks and Whiskey Chasers
The Story
Prohibition drifts into northern Vermont like the thick fog that occasionally envelops its major waterway, Lake Champlain. It is recklessly disregarded, dividing the nation and its family units, but offers economic opportunity for Armand Dubuc, a veteran of WWI returning home, finding no work, but willing to risk the dangers of rumrunning on this lucrative water route.
Armand pursues a romance with Cosette, a comely French nurse who saved his life during the battle of Chateau-Thierry. His boating cunning eventually is overcome by the U.S. Boat Patrol – the Prohibition enforcement arm on the lake – and he faces prosecution in federal court.
There with the skills of his lawyer, who himself has a challenging conflict within his own family over the 18th Amendment, Prohibition itself is put on trial, the jury is led to vote its conscience, which forces the judge – mired in his own misdeeds – to take action that shakes the fabric of the community. Justice in an unexpected way is ultimately served.
REVIEWS
“From the initial page of ‘Beer, Burlocks, and Whiskey Chasers’, I became completely enthralled. Harmon S. Graves masterfully unites historical events and personal accounts in his vivid world of Prohibition. My work as a librarian led me to seek historical authenticity combined with emotional storytelling which this novel expertly provided. I found the transformation of Armand from a Vermont logger to a wounded hero and finally to a Prohibition smuggler to be deeply touching. Graves illustrates how ordinary people became quiet heroes during extraordinary periods through Armand’s story while Cosette brings both resilience and hope to the narrative. An absolute must-read!”
Amelia Prescott – Librarian
“I stumbled upon this book unexpectedly yet discovered a deep connection to its story. Through his depiction of Lake Champlain, Graves integrated geographical and historical elements which functioned as a third storyline within the narrative. The mind of a civil engineer in me found fascination in how Dutch Snyder created “Juggernaut” because the design showcased the resourceful nature of smuggling operations. The author successfully merged scenes between France during its war-torn state and the hidden waterways of America during Prohibition. This story follows more than just bootlegging operations since it explores life reconstruction through difficult choices when survival demands violate the law. I highly recommend this book to all readers.”
Julian Hart – Civil Engineer
“The historical novel ‘Beer, Burlocks, and Whiskey Chasers’ exceeded my expectations as a history enthusiast. Through his masterful storytelling Harmon Graves integrates fictional characters with authentic historical events to present readers with an immersive historical experience. The educational experience of teaching Prohibition usually feels unexciting but this novel successfully transformed it into an emotional and human exploration. Armand’s battle within himself alongside his outside difficulties demonstrate the genuine human price that war and societal transformation impose. Cosette’s quiet bravery was equally inspiring. My teaching plan includes sharing selected excerpts to students because these will help them emotionally understand this crucial time in history. Exceptional historical fiction!”
Natalie Cheng – High School History Teacher
“The legal drama within the latter portion of ‘Beer, Burlocks, and Whiskey Chasers’ impressed me thoroughly. The courtroom scenes depicted in this novel seemed realistic to me because of my background in legal analysis while also being dramatic. The author vividly portrays the conflict between federal authority and local opposition to Prohibition in his narrative. The court’s decision to nullify French wine during the trial captured my full attention. The narrative maintains its emotional core while Armand’s personal development and Jean’s dedication stay central to the entire story. This novel delivers both intellectual depth and emotional resonance through its combination of legal and historical elements which makes it essential reading for anyone interested in such themes.”
Derrick Alvarez – Legal Analyst
“The book ‘Beer, Burlocks, and Whiskey Chasers’ led me into a forgotten era that existed in a place I was previously unfamiliar with. The lake Champlain region and its nearby islands and borderlands appear in the novel as vivid and enchanting landscapes. The author Harmon Graves creates natural settings with the same vividness he uses for his fictional characters. Reading this book motivated me to organize a trip visiting the historical sites of Vermont and New York. The lake transforms into a symbol of fate while Cosette and Armand experience a mix of sorrow and optimism in their story. The story appeals to readers who enjoy detailed locations and complex personalities.”
Sophia Bennett – Travel Blogger