Petticoat Detective

October 13, 2014
Romance fans will welcome this first of the Undercover Ladies series set in frontier Kansas in 1883. Former Texas Ranger Tom Colton’s mission to clear the name of his recently deceased brother forces him to the door of the local brothel. Seeking to talk with the prostitute his brother allegedly planned to marry, he instead is paired up with Amy, who is actually an undercover Pinkerton operative named Jennifer Layne on the trail of a notorious bandit. With Amy’s true identity unknown, Tom finds his attraction to this “prostitute” confusing and alarming. As their parallel investigations cross and eventually collide, Jennifer struggles with her own feelings for Tom and the increasing fear that her evidence will incriminate his brother. Their shared faith gives both characters a high sense of justice and honesty, causing inner conflict over the inevitable lies and ruses that come with undercover work. Playful and funny secondary characters lighten things up, and even the judgmental church ladies prove teachable. Brownley (Gunpowder Tea) strikes a fine balance of humor and realism, not glossing over the darker side of the Wild West as she explores childhood abuse, broken families, and double standards. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

Starred review from January 1, 2015

Pinkerton agent Jennifer Lane has taken on the role of a lifetime. Posing as a lady companion at Miss Lillian's Parlor House and Boots, Jennifer is hot on the trail of the Gunnysack Bandit. Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger, just wants to clear his deceased brother's name. Thrust together time and again, even as sparks fly, Tom and Jennifer finally figure out that working together and perhaps learning to trust each other might get them what they both want. The disappearance of Jennifer's sister many years before haunts her dreams, and a mystery yet unsolved is adeptly included in this cozy Western. The budding relationship between the protagonists adds a bit of romance to the enjoyable narrative, although their inability to see how God is blending their lives together will keep readers on edge. VERDICT RITA Award finalist Brownley's new series opener has handsome cowboys and girls in distress, who also stand up for themselves, making this a work that fans of the genre will wish to devour.--Jane Blue, Andrews P.L., NC

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