"Live by Night" is a historical crime novel written by Dennis Lehane. Set during the Prohibition era in the 1920s, the story follows Joe Coughlin, the son of a Boston police officer, who challenges his father's expectations. Instead of adhering to the law, Joe becomes deeply involved in the world of organized crime, ultimately rising through the ranks of a powerful gangster organization. The narrative captures Joe's journey as he navigates betrayal, loyalty, and ambition against the backdrop of a society shaped by the criminal underworld. He becomes a significant player in the lucrative illegal alcohol trade while dealing with the complexities of love and family, especially with the consequences of his choices impacting those around him.