The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Rachel Scott McDaniel immerses her readers in Prohibition-era Pittsburgh in her newest historical romance The Mobster’s Daughter.

Book Blurb

The one man who could help her, must never know her name.

If Kate Chamberlin can’t reveal her true identity to the world, she must settle for sharing only her talent. Hired as a musician for KDKA radio, Kate plays everything from sponsors’ jingles to complex sonatas. As long as the whispers around the broadcasting room refer to her as “Killjoy Kate” and not “Catarina the crime boss’s daughter,” then her life is safe from danger.

Or so she thinks.

When anonymous, violent threats surface, Kate’s wary of accepting protection from the handsome private investigator, Detective Jennings. His save-the-world attitude is as charming as his manners, but no one, especially him, can know the gruesome realities of her birth.

The 1924 Pittsburgh underworld is as complicated as it is elusive, and though the dealings of the Salvastanos have dwindled, Rhett Jennings is certain the man responsible for his father’s death is still at large. But his personal hunt for justice must be set aside when his day job requires him to investigate threats directed at a young radio broadcaster with enamoring brown eyes and secretive behavior.

When danger surrounds them, will the truth of Kate’s past become the key to their survival? 

My Thoughts

I’m new to reading stories set in the Roaring ’20s, but thanks to McDaniel, I just might be hooked. She does a great job of dropping you right in the middle of a time when mobsters ruled and speakeasies abounded.

Right away, I felt for both Kate and Rhett and could understand how Kate’s fear drove her deception. While the fake relationship trope isn’t my favorite, McDaniel did a great job pulling it off. I loved how Kate didn’t just leave her fate in Rhett’s hands but did her best to find out the truth herself. I also liked the way the conflict of their relationship resolved. It worked for the characters and fit their personalities.

I also loved the mystery aspect. With plenty of twists and turns, McDaniel keeps you guessing about the truth until the big reveal. Fans of suspense will definitely enjoy this aspect.

And then there’s the faith element. I loved how McDaniel used Rhett’s past to weave in themes about God’s mercy and redemption. With Kate’s arc, the reader also sees a forgiving God who looks past our imperfections.

Overall, The Mobster’s Daughter is a wonderful read historical romance fans will love.

(Note: I was provided a complimentary copy for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Further Information

You can grab your own copy by clicking the book image or visiting your favorite book retailer.

For more on Rachel Scott McDaniel, visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.