Overview

A gripping novel about two trailblazing women on opposite sides of the law-a prosecutor and a madame-who team up to bring down a notorious gangster, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the million-copy bestseller The Personal Librarian. REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK . A gripping novel about two trailblazing women on opposite sides of the law-a prosecutor and a madam-who team up to bring down notorious Mob boss Lucky Luciano in 1930s New York, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the million-copy bestseller The Personal Librarian. Eunice Carter, assistant district attorney for the City of New York and Manhattan's first Black female prosecutor, has her sights set on the one and only Lucky Luciano, head of New York City's five largest organized crime families. Other prosectors have tried to bring down Lucky, but they've all focused on the crime syndicate's traditional businesses-bootlegging, gambling, loan sharking, and drug dealing-or tax evasion. No one has thought to approach the mob through its role in prostitution. Until Eunice. But she can't get Luciano alone. Polly Adler has worked long and hard to build up her high-class brothel business. Her client list is filled with well-known names, both the famous and the infamous, who all know her booze is top-notch, her music first-rate, her food exquisite, and her girls the best. But Lucky has gone too far, putting her girls in danger, and Polly finally sees the chance to end his reign once and for all. Together, Eunice and Polly fashion a case utilizing a network of women. Bridging the enormous divide between them and risking their own lives, they assemble evidence bit by bit, under the nose of the man they're trying to convict. It is this very alliance-of two women from vastly different worlds-that launches the most sensational trial New York City has ever seen.

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Reviews

""These masterful storytellers deliver a deeply satisfying courtroom drama that offers the rare pleasure of seeing justice done. The takedown of Lucky Luciano is exhilarating—but the novel’s true force rests in two formidable women working in the shadows to build the case. With clarity, courage, and remarkable honesty, the authors explore the forces that silence the vulnerable. By giving us a glimpse into the soft heart of the infamous brothel owner Polly Adler, and by centering Eunice Carter—a towering legal mind and overlooked American hero—this novel delivers a powerful punch and a much-needed historical reminder of what can be accomplished with grit and determination. Smart fiction perfect for the times. Just terrific!""—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Madam Secretary Praise for the novels of Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray “Historical fiction at its best.""—Good Morning America “The book's narrative is seamless...I became hooked.”—NPR “A fascinating story!”—Real Simple “Benedict and Murray bring their knack for historical fiction to a story of the women's unlikely alliance and the ways their bond and efforts forged the beginnings of the modern civil rights movement.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Historical fiction at its best. —Good Morning America, on The Personal Librarian Praise for the novels of Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray “The book's narrative is seamless...I became hooked.”—NPR “A fascinating story!”—Real Simple “Benedict and Murray bring their knack for historical fiction to a story of the women's unlikely alliance and the ways their bond and efforts forged the beginnings of the modern civil rights movement.”—Entertainment Weekly “This book will expand your perspective and keep you reading late into the night.""—Dolen Perkins-Valdez, New York Times bestselling author of Happy Land “The First Ladies is a wonder!""—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye “This timely story encapsulates the unmovable power of when two strong minds come together in the name of justice and equality. ""—Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve “A marvel of a story. Serious kudos to Benedict and Murray for bringing this true story to life.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue “A compelling and important story.”—Therese Anne Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of A Good Neighborhood “An intimate and extraordinary conversation with the past… A novel abundant with culture, art, literature, and romance—the beauty and recklessness of love are revealed with astonishing clarity.”—Patti Callahan, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah “A powerful and unforgettable story of female strength and the triumph of the human spirit.”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Sapphire “I’ve never read a more inspiring story about women raising up other women and working together to try to change the world. A tour de force.”—Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan ""Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray herald the beauty and passion of a celebrated friendship across color lines and the complications of history.”—Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of Queen of Exiles ""This impeccably researched, relevant novel is a must-read and destined to be a book-club favorite."" —Booklist (starred review) “An excellent piece of historical fiction that many readers will find hard to put down.”—Library Journal (starred review)

Author Information

Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years of experience as a litigator. A graduate of Boston College and Boston University School of Law, she is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Daughter of Egypt, The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, Lady Clementine, The Only Woman in the Room, Carnegie's Maid, and The Other Einstein. She has also coauthored with Victoria Christopher Murray the New York Times bestselling The Personal Librarian, a Good Morning America book club pick, and The First Ladies, Target's 2023 Book of the Year. All have been translated into multiple languages, and many have been selected for national book clubs. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family. Victoria Christopher Murray is a New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including her most recent release Harlem Rhapsody. With Marie Benedict, she coauthored The Personal Librarian, a Good Morning America book club pick, and The First Ladies, Target's 2023 Book of the Year. She is an NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work for her novel Stand Your Ground, which was also a Library Journal Best Book of the Year. She holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business.

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