The Last Bartender

With The Last Bartender, from Anthony F. Lewis comes this master tale. Set in the not too distant dystopia, The Last Bartender chronicles the exploits of Justin Gardiner, a sharp shooting bartender turned brew meister. Justin, bar owner Sam, and local guitar hero Larry, have all been put out of a job as new federal regulations have shut down their Flushing, Queens establishment. When Justin has a house party fueled with homebrewed beer, local goombah Johnny V. becomes very interested in wort Justin has been cooking up since he put his claim in for an unemployment check. And so Justin, Sam, and Larry begin their entry into the market for beer despite its being outside the legal paradigm. From the get-go, their brewing operation is a success, and expansion efforts have quickly tapped out all the available space in Justins home. During a keg party at the American Legion hall, Justin hears of an abandoned upstate resort that is going to be auctioned off at a tax sale. With Johnny V.s underworld connections, further rapid expansion of the brewing business is quickly realized. Johnny, Sam, and Larry quickly set up the available brewing equipment in the kitchen of the resort. Since the Sherriff of the local county was involved in the sale, Sam invites the local blue light gang to enjoy some libations. All decide that it should be a regular weekend thing, and the resort becomes a cops only speak-easy. Things quickly spiral out of control, with a maelstrom of cops, mafioso, and snipers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its spirit of adventure, rebellion, and mafia figures. The Last Bartender has a few enjoyable tangents which tie together very nicely at the climax of the book. Unlike the beer of the same name, The Last Bartender truly is a Meister Brau, and its author is a master craftsman.

First half of this book was just a lot of fun but then things really got going and it became hard to put down. The story revolves around three good friends and their adventures as a hobby making specialty beers during a second prohibition goes awry. Things begin to spin out of control but eventually it all works out.

This one of the best novels Ive read in recent years. What I liked most is that its different. No boy meets girl, extramarital love affair, rouge cop fighting against the odds. Just a well written good read. The technical info about beer brewing and sniper warfare is accurate and informative. Read it in one day as I couldnt put it down. (Wife was unhappy that dinner wasnt ready when she got home!)

I love stories about overreaching governments that get outsmarted at their own game. Unfortunately, most of the really good, main stream writers of adventure still have government agents of one type or another as the hero, and in our modern world that is getting less and less realistic. This is a great story idea that is also very well written. The hero is also a modern day rebel--a perfect combination. The government passes prohibition again; the hero opens a bigger bar, hidden in the middle of nowhere and makes friends with all the cops who still want to drink. The mob gets out of control; he takes them for a ride of his own. The net starts getting too tight; he finds an ingenious way to take the money and run. Other than his training in the military as a sniper, the main character doesnt wear a cape. He is, however, a smart guy who doesnt want to be a sheep and it is fun to get inside his head for the 3 or 4 hours it takes to read this book.

Strange but this book started me homebrewing. :) The story itself is good. Enjoyed reading it and have recomended it to others. Ya Im horrible at reviews so just trust me, worth the $4. (also went an bought the other books from this author)

This was a great read! Quirky, with interesting well-developed characters, and good supporting details.One of the better books I have read lately. BTW, I believe this is a book that would appeal to a wide range of male and female readers. Would definitely read other books by this author. It seems as tho he is NOT a one track pony.

Great story, well developed plot, and believable characters. Not nearly as deep or long as the authors other works but is a solid read and well worth the kindle price.