Bay Matthews

In the 1880s Pinkerton detective Lilly Long of six months standing and her partner Cade McShane are employed to determine what has happened to her friend Nora Nash. Last heard of Nora had traveled to Fort Worth as a mail-order bride but had been forced into prostitution in Hell's Half Acre, an area of the town. They are joined in the enterprise by Cade's sister Erin.
An entertaining read which I mainly enjoyed, and look forward to see how the relationship between Lilly and Cade develop in future books.
Athough the third in the series it can be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book… (meer)

This book was a pleasant surprise. With its feisty main character, Lilly Long, and several suspenseful plot twists, this was a great read!

In 1881, women were limited in their career choices. Actress Lilly Long feels looked down on by society because of her career on the stage. After all of her money is stolen by her abusive husband, she finds herself applying for yet another edgy career choice for a woman: detective. Desperate for money and wanting to move on with her life, she answers an advertisement placed by the Pinkerton Agency seeking female detectives. Using her acting skills and few well-told lies to secure the job, she soon finds her skills and intelligence put to the test as a Pinkerton Agent.

This is the first book in the Lilly Long series set in 1880s Chicago. The book is an intriguing historical mystery with just a hint of romance. The mystery portion of the plot was well-written with plenty of twists and suspense. I figured out some portions of the plot, but I have to say that the ending was a surprise.

I can't wait for the next book in this series! Readers who enjoy historical mysteries and historical romance will love this book!

This is the first mystery written by Penny Richards. She has published several romance novels including the Calloway Corners and the Wolf Creek series. She has also written romance books under the pseudonym Bay Matthews, and co-authored books as Sandi Shane with writer Sandra Canfield.… (meer)

A friend sent me this book in a box of books. She must not have put it on this site before she did though.

The book is 3 novellas (or perhaps short stories) that involve three friends, all of whom made a pact in their close to high school years to stay single and remain friends forever. Predictably, each finds the love of her life.

I liked the women's friendship that spanned many years.

In two of the stories (Jo's by Lyn Cote and Elizabeth's by Lenora Worth) the women meet their "true love' only shortly before deciding he's the one and getting married. Hannah's story is different in that they knew each other years before. I did guess the twist in Hannah's story though.

Overall, all three stories were good, especially for this publishing line.… (meer)

When she receives a letter from a friend, Lilly Long and her partner, Cade McShane, is sent west to Texas. On arriving at Hell's Half Acre, they both will have to stay on their toes as they investigate murder and the claims that respectable ladies are forced into prostitution.

While I enjoyed the previous books, I found the subject of this one more difficult to enjoy. It seemed darker and there was just something that keeps me from rating this as highly as the first two books. Lilly herself is as enjoyable as ever. She is questioning her choice to become a Pinkerton, alarmed that she has become jaded in her brief career.

Cade and Lilly are joined by Cade's disreputable sister, who has a secret of her own. The plot moves it bursts, moving swiftly, then lagging as time needs to pass. Overall, the writing is good.

For those who have enjoyed Lilly's adventures so far will enjoy this as we learn more about Cade's family.… (meer)