Overview

Instant USA Today bestseller! The acclaimed author of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award-nominated Devil's Chew Toy delights with the first in a new historical mystery series set in turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago, as America is entering its Progressive Era and Harriet Morrow, a bike-riding, trousers-wearing lesbian, has just begun her new job as the first female detective at the Windy City's Prescott Agency . . . Chicago, 1898. Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. Just twenty-one with a younger brother to support, she seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy--with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure . . . Only an hour into the job, Harriet has an assignment: Discover the whereabouts of a missing maid from one of the most extravagant mansions on Prairie Avenue. Owner Pearl Bartlett has a reputation for sending operatives on wild goose chases around her grand estate, but Harriet believes the stunningly beautiful Agnes Wozniak has indeed vanished under mysterious circumstances--possibly a victim of kidnapping, possibly a victim of something worse . . . With Mr. Prescott pushing a hard deadline, Harriet's burgeoning career depends on working through a labyrinth of eccentric characters and murky motives in a race to discover who made Agnes disappear. When her search leads to Chicago's Polish community and a new friendship in Agnes's charming older sister, Barbara, clues scattered across the city slowly reveal just how much depends on Harriet's inexperienced investigation for answers . . . and the deep danger that awaits once she learns the truth. Praise for The Case of the Missing Maid ""The first woman hired by a Chicago detective agency faces one daunting challenge after another in this excellent historical series launch from Osler . . . With lush historical detail, optimistic but plausible gender politics, and an unforgettable heroine, this series is primed for success."" --Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW ""Osler puts a queer 19th-century spin on a familiar tough-gal type."" --Kirkus Reviews ""Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry."" --Library Journal

Full Product Details

9798228378469

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Reviews

""Highly recommended."" -- ""Historical Novels Society"" ""Nicol Zanzarella splendidly captures 1890s Chicago and its diverse communities...Family life, baked goodies, and phrases such as 'unhand me' add a vintage atmosphere. Audio enhances Zanzarella's luminous segues from quiet reactions to life-or-death action, making for a compelling listen. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."" -- ""AudioFile""

Author Information

Rob Osler writes mysteries with LGBTQ+ main characters. Rob's debut novel, Devil's Chew Toy, was a finalist for the Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity Awards. His first publication, ""Analogue,"" won the Robert L. Fish Award at the Mystery Writers of America Annual Edgar Awards, and he is an Edgar-Award finalist for his short story Miss Direction. He has a philosophy degree from the University of Puget Sound and an MBA from the University of Washington, and previously worked as a brand marketing executive for global agencies and corporations. After living in Chicago and Seattle, Rob resides in California with his long-time partner and a tall grey cat. Nicol Zanzarella is an award-winning audiobook narrator, with titles spanning multiple genres in both fiction and nonfiction. She came to audiobook narration after (literally) growing up within the walls of a local radio station that her father ran, and brings with her a background in both classical and contemporary theater, as well as film. She also has numerous television and radio commercials to her credit. Originally from Yonkers, New York, she currently lives in California, where, when not in the booth, you can usually find her drinking coffee, cooking her grandmother's Italian recipes, or in the local boxing gym. Thank you for listening! Nicol Zanzarella is an award-winning audiobook narrator, with titles spanning multiple genres in both fiction and nonfiction. She came to audiobook narration after (literally) growing up within the walls of a local radio station that her father ran, and brings with her a background in both classical and contemporary theater, as well as film. She also has numerous television and radio commercials to her credit. Originally from Yonkers, New York, she currently lives in California, where, when not in the booth, you can usually find her drinking coffee, cooking her grandmother's Italian recipes, or in the local boxing gym. Thank you for listening!

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