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| Petticoat Detective |
Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies - Book One)
by Margaret Brownley
Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (December 1, 2014)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Undercover and
Overexposed – The job just became a whole lot more challenging!
Can Amy Gardner aka Jennifer Layne be any more of a
contradiction? A Bible-believing, petticoat-wearing
Pinkerton detective working as a woman in a bordello? Amy is struggling to hold
these mismatched elements of her present life together. Set in the year 1883 in
Goodman, Kansas, this intriguing and entertaining whodunit holds you hostage with
loads of laughs, love, and secrets until the unforeseen conclusion.
On an undercover mission to track the infamous Gunnysack
Bandit, Amy is sent by Mr. Pinkerton to Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Fine Boots to chase a
lead. When Amy finds herself working covertly as one of the girls, it proves to
be the toughest and most humiliating assignment she has ever worked on. Seeing
behind the painted faces of the girls to their fractured souls, and encountering
the harsh judgments of society, is not something Amy ever thought she’d
experience.
Tom Colton, former Texas Ranger, arrives in Goodman
determined to clear his brother’s name. His only clue leads him to one of the
girls working for Miss Lillian. As he tries to unearth the truth, he enlists
Amy to work undercover for him. What an amusing and interesting mishmash of
circumstances and conversations this leads to! There is something that pulls Tom
to this beautiful enigma of a girl, but her profession leaves too bad a taste. Can
they get past their disapproval and distrust of each other? And will Tom and
Amy prove his brother innocent?
For all the laughs and smiles that tremendously witty
author Margaret Brownley prompts, there are just as many poignant and inspiring
moments within this story. The colorful secondary characters, including the penny-pinching, Jack-of-all-trades
Miss Lillian, add extra depth and significance to this story, while covering
issues of denial, fragmented families and judgment of others. And there is also
the indispensable message of seeing past the exterior to the person who you
were meant to be.
Wow, I honestly could read Margaret Brownley novels back
to back endlessly! ‘The Petticoat Detective’ shoots with a heartrending reality that’s peppered with humor, complimenting
a creative plot that keeps you guessing until the very end! As a bonus, you’re
treated to fascinating nuggets of information on Pinkerton Agency
operations threaded throughout. Highly recommended!!
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You can find this book at these places: Amazon; CBD; BAM; Barnes & Noble; Book Depository
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You can find this book at these places: Amazon; CBD; BAM; Barnes & Noble; Book Depository
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GIVEAWAY: Margaret Brownley will be giving away a copy of 'Petticoat Detective' in your choice of format to someone who leaves a comment!
*As a bonus GIVEAWAY to celebrate Christmas, OWG will also be giving away a Kindle copy of Margaret's Christmas novella 'The Nutcracker Bride' to a second winner (who leaves a comment)! Click on the title of this book to read about it on Amazon!
This book sounds really good! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteRegina, this really was such an entertaining yet touching story!! Hope you get to enjoy it soon!
DeleteWhat a wonderful review. This sounds like a great book. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteeppersonkatrina@yahoo.com
Thanks Katrina, you're more than welcome! You will love this wonderful story!! Blessings!
DeleteI'd love to win a copy of Petticoat Detective. I've read all her books!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! Aren't they great, Susan?! You're in the draw so here's hoping!
DeleteI really enjoyed Margaret Brownley's last book about a female Pinkerton. This should be great!
ReplyDeleteWasn't that a great one, Rachael?!! Loved that one, and this one is just as good! Always an entertaining and uplifting read with Margaret's books.
DeleteNoela Nancarrow thank you for the great review today of PETTICOAT DETECTIVE by Margaret Brownley . A woman working undercover at a bordello as a detective. I like the twst in this story. It sounds great and would love to have a chance to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanne! I so agree, what an interesting situation she finds herself in!! Such a fun and unique story! :-) Deanne, are you able to leave your email? Makes it a whole lot easier and faster to contact if you should win. Blessings!
DeleteWhat a wonderful review as always, NOELA! I love the cover and the expressions on their faces tells the tale. haha
ReplyDeleteI know, aren't those expressions priceless and just perfect for the story!! That former Texas Ranger is too cute also! ;) Thanks Diana!
DeleteLooks like a stand-off to me!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win Margaret's story! Paperback for me, please! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Haha Kathleen, it does look that way doesn't it?! That's a suspicious look if ever I've seen one! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI love this kind of book and would love to win it. Love the cover. Love these reviews from this OWG bunch. They are the best. Always ready to encourage and pray. Please put my name in and Merry Christmas to all of you.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
God bless you Maxie and thank you for your beautiful words! We love you too Maxie and wish you a very Merry Christmas!! Your name is in the hat my friend. Wishing you all the best!!
DeleteI've never read any of Margaret's books, but Noela you make Petticoat Detective sound like once you start it, you can't put it down! Wow! I'd love to win! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!! RW620{at}aol{dot}com
ReplyDeleteHaha yep, it's pretty much like that!! So glad you came by to read about this fabulous book and I really do hope you get to read either this one or another of Margaret's books soon. Trust me, when you do, you'll need to read every single one of them! Bless you!!
DeleteI love the idea of a female Pinkerton working in a naughty house to catch the bad guys!
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved the way you summed that up Melody, lol!! It's a very entertaining premise for sure. Couldn't wait to read this one, and it ended up being everything and more, as per usual! :)
DeleteI love the way you summed that up, too, Melody/
DeleteOH I WOULD LOVE to win, read, and review Petticoat Detective!!! The hole concept of the Undercover Ladies series is awesome!!!! I'm anxious to read Undercover Bride to! The both sound SO GOOD!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry CHRISTmas, Amada
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom
Amada, I would so love it if you won too!! :-) They really are both such awesome stories as only Margaret Brownley can write! Merry Christmas to you too!!
DeleteAN entertaining whodunit holds you hostage with loads of laughs, love, and secrets - now that's my kind of story ! !
ReplyDeletewould love to read it :)
dkstevensne AT outlook DOt CoM
Good to hear Deanna, because that means you will just absolutely LOVE this story!! :) And I sure hope you get to soon!
DeleteNoela, great review! I love Margaret Brownley's books. The idea of being a Christian and working undercover as a Pinkerton agent at a bordello is really intriguing. Would definitely take some guts on the part of a young woman who is a believer. Would love to read "Petticoat Detective". Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
ReplyDeletebookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you Angi! Aren't they always such wonderful stories?! This one was as usual was every bit as great with sparkling dialogue and very entertaining scenario's!! Blessings!
DeleteI love stories about the Pinkerton detectives, looking foward to reading this one.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Wendy, thanks for coming by! I don't know of anybody who knows more or writes better about Pinkerton Detectives than Margaret Brownley, so I'm sure you will absolutely love this!!
DeleteGreat review. I would love to win a paperback copy of this book. It sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Tina
Thank you Tina, and yes it is a very interesting and entertaining read! I hope you get to read it soon Tina! God bless!!
DeleteThis book sounds like a winner. Thanks fro the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
Marilyn, thank you for participating! Good luck.
DeleteWould love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteMarion
Thank you for such an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteJoan
Thank you for your interest Marilyn, Marion, and Joan. You should definitely read this wonderful book!
DeleteI'm glad to read such a good review for Petticoat Detective since I really like Margaret's books. She always has such a great blend of humor, action, and romance with quirky characters.Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteShe certainly does Pam, I completely agree!! Thank you for your kind words. God bless!
DeleteSounds like a delightful read!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
It sure is Susan! Thanks for coming by to check it out!!
DeleteMiss Lillian's Parlor House and FINE BOOTS?? What a hoot!! You've certainly sold me on this one, NOELA!!
ReplyDeleteIt's only within the last year that I gave any thought to there being female Pinkerton detectives and certainly didn't realize the agency was in existence in the 1800's. My curiosity has been aroused.
"Petticoat Detective" sounds like a "mixed bag" of wonderful writing to enjoy - humor, mystery, history, dysfunction and some romance also - I'm betting!! Such a unique story line and the cover only adds to it.
A completely enthralling and captivating review, Noela - thank you!!
Shared post!!
Thank you so much Bonnie, and yes this story is all those things and more! It's rare to find authors who write with such fantastic humor, while including the sweetest romances, amazing characters, and creative story-lines, as Margaret Brownley!! :)
DeleteNot only did Allan Pinkerton start his agency in the 1800s but he had an entire female detective department.
DeleteKeeping my fingers crossed!!!!!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Haha, maybe say a prayer as well Melanie! All the best with your entry!! Blessings!
DeleteThis sounds like a great read! I love reading historicals with women detectives because they were unusual considering the role of women at those times. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Loraine! So glad you could come by to read about The Petticoat Detective... It really is a fabulous read and it gives an interesting glimpse into the history of women detectives within the Pinkerton Detective Agency. All the best!!
DeleteSounds like the book has some twists and turns! Have added it to my "To Read" list.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely has some surprises Becky! :) You'll enjoy it for sure!
DeleteI would love to read this book. Sounds like a fun one too read
ReplyDeleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
Hey Danie, you will love this one my friend! As always, all the best with your entry!!
DeleteThe cover has me intrigued. I would love to win it!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it one of the best covers Joy?!! :) That expression on Tom Colton's face is priceless! And I love how both those characters pictured, fit the story perfectly!
DeleteI read and reviewed the book already and I LOVED it!!! I think it's now my favorite one Margaret has written. I can't wait to read the next one :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, as always, Noela!
And I bought Nutcracker Bride, but still have to write my review. It was a cute story!
DeleteSo I guess I am not entering the contest.
Just saying Hi to my fav ladies on the book circuit ;)
Hi Anne, thank you for stopping by. You're the best!
DeleteAwww...I'm just supporting my book blogger friends and a favorite author :)
DeleteI hope you have a Merry Christmas, Margaret!
Thank you Anne! We love you and thank you for your always precious friendship and support! Like Margaret said, you're the best!! :-)
DeleteI just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and more blessings in the New Year than you can count!
ReplyDeleteA very merry Christmas and blessed new year to you also!
DeleteDonna L.H. Smith here. Posted this comment on Facebook last night. Hmmmm. She's holding a wanted poster behind her back. I wonder if his face is on it. But how could that be? Looks fun. Should be sparks. Oh, maybe she gets in his way as he is the local lawman. Hmmmm again.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna, glad you found your way here to leave your comment! I can't wait for you to find out all the answers! If you win, you'll be able to find them out all the sooner! :-)
DeleteNOELA I am going to have to buy a whole stack of Margaret's book, they sound so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou always do an exceptional job on your reviews; it seems I always read them and think "I HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!" :-)
Yes, you will Teresa! :) I know my Sissy well enough to know that you would absolutely LOVE Margaret's books! Let me know soon as you do!
DeletePetticoat Detective sounds fun and uplifting, perfect for a winter arm chair read!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Yep it would be just perfect for that Merry. :-) That sounds very inviting, especially since here in Australia we are in the middle of heatwave though we're only in the first month of Summer. Blessings to you!
DeletePetticoat Detective would be a book I would enjoy reading
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it would 'Mailbox Specialists'! :-) Christmas blessings!
DeleteI know I would love this book!
ReplyDeleteYou would indeed Sonja! :-) God bless you!
DeleteI love Pinkerton novels! This one sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about that Nancy! :-) If you love Pinkerton novels, this will be the perfect series to read!
DeleteNoela, I'm trying to imagine what it would be like to celebrate Christmas in summer.
ReplyDeleteProbably the complete opposite to your Christmas! :) Lol, there was actually a piece on TV earlier this evening where Santa was wearing red shorts and thongs! Haha, I should point out that our thongs are what you call flip flops. Some people have lunch on the beach, but hubby and I much prefer the aircon on such a busy day. But this year there'll probably be some water fun in the backyard with our 2yr. old grandson though!
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