The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck

*** Review ***

Rarely does a book capture the intricate dance between law and crime as compellingly as The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck. Set in the roaring 1920s, amid the chaos of Prohibition, this historical novel vividly brings to life the clandestine world of rumrunners and the relentless pursuit by law enforcement. At the heart of this cat-and-mouse chase are two formidable women—Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a pioneering cryptanalyst for the Coast Guard, and Marie Waite, an ambitious rumrunner known as Spanish Marie.

The Last Twelve Miles opens with Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a brilliant cryptanalyst based in Washington, D.C., who is secretly working for the Coast Guard to dismantle the rum trade by intercepting and decoding smugglers’ messages. Despite her small stature and being a wife and mother, Elizebeth is a force to be reckoned with. Her work is grueling, involving thousands of intercepted messages and courtroom testimonies, but it becomes deeply personal when she identifies her prime adversary: Marie Waite, a woman rising through the ranks of rumrunning in Key West.

Marie Waite, or Spanish Marie, is equally fascinating. After hearing the Bahama Queen, Cleo Lythogoe, announce her retirement, Marie sees her chance to ascend to the top of the rumrunning world. Married to a weak and often inebriated husband, Marie takes charge, driven by the thrill of the chase and the promise of financial security for her family. As her operation grows more sophisticated, she inevitably comes under the radar of federal agents, setting the stage for an epic showdown with Elizebeth.

Robuck masterfully weaves the stories of these two women, drawing readers into the glamour and danger of the Prohibition era. The narrative alternates between Elizebeth’s meticulous decoding work and Marie’s daring escapades, creating a dynamic and engaging storyline. The author’s deep understanding of the historical context and her skillful portrayal of the characters’ emotional landscapes make this book a standout.

One of the most striking aspects of The Last Twelve Miles is how Robuck humanizes these larger-than-life figures. Elizebeth is not just a brilliant cryptanalyst; she’s also a woman balancing her professional duties with her personal life, which includes keeping her pregnancy under wraps. Her dedication to her work and her courage in a male-dominated field are inspiring. On the other hand, Marie is a complex character whose ambition and resilience are born out of necessity. Her transformation from a supportive wife to a ruthless rumrunner is both compelling and tragic.

The historical accuracy in The Last Twelve Miles adds another layer of richness to the story. Robuck’s depiction of the Prohibition era, with its speakeasies, clandestine operations, and the government’s desperate attempts to curb illegal activities, is vivid and authentic. The book highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women like Elizebeth in the fight against crime during this tumultuous period. Moreover, the portrayal of Marie’s rise in a predominantly male world of rumrunning provides a fresh perspective on the era’s gender dynamics.

As a reader, I was particularly drawn to the scenes where Elizebeth and Marie’s worlds collide. The tension and mutual respect between these two women, despite being on opposite sides of the law, are palpable. Robuck’s writing shines in these moments, capturing the intensity of their rivalry and the high stakes involved.

The Last Twelve Miles is not just a historical novel; it’s a story about resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals. It’s a tale of two women who, despite their differences, are bound by their brilliance and determination. Robuck’s portrayal of their journeys is both captivating and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the untold stories of the Prohibition era.

In conclusion, The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck is a brilliant and thrilling exploration of two women’s lives intertwined by fate and ambition during the Prohibition era. Robuck’s meticulous research, combined with her talent for storytelling, brings to life a world of danger, deception, and daring. The emotional depth and complexity of Elizebeth and Marie’s characters make this book an unforgettable read. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a gripping tale, The Last Twelve Miles promises to deliver and will leave you reflecting on the courage and resilience of these extraordinary women long after you turn the last page.