This is the first book that I have read by Ms Cox, but certainly not the last. Ellie is in Chicago without a job, but due to her innovativeness lands herself as an operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her first case: find out who is stealing silver from the miners in Arizona.The characters are well written, have you laughing one minute and on the edge of your seat the next from the action and suspense. I enjoyed having to figure out who the bad guys were as author lets you "see and hear" them but never identifies them.This book about the West, a feisty heroine, and a handsome hero is always a good book to read. Ellie Moore is desperate to find a new job—any job—after the actress she has worked for heads to Europe without her. Left with her few possessions and a basket full of costumes she finagles her way into a job as a Pinkerton Agent. Using her acting skill, she creates not one but two characters to roam the streets of Pickford Arizona to gather clues on who is robbing the silver mines. Stephen Pierce and the other miners are desperate to find out who is leaking information to the thieves highjacking the silver shipments. Widow Lavinia Stewart’s arrival may be the answer to his financial dilemma while her niece Jessie may succeed in stealing his heart. Both women intrigue him and set the town a buzz with their arrival. This fun, fascinating historical novel takes the reader on Ellie Moore’s adventure as a Pinkerton agent. The Pinkerton detectives were often called in to investigate a crime when the local law was unable to crack the case. Quiet observation and keeping a low profile made these detectives the best in the nation. Women agents often succeeded in gleaning needed intel where men failed because no one imagined a woman capable of being a detective.I love the idea of a woman from the theater world becoming an operative. Surprising to think of the possibilities of this kind of charade in the 1800s. The book is well-researched, and the scenario is very convincing. There is just the right amount of humor and action to keep the reader turning pages. The author shows us how Ellie grows in her faith without preaching at us. A must-read for historical, mystery, and romance readers alike.
What do You think about Love In Disguise (2012)?
Romance was somewhat forced but the rest of the story was really enjoyable.
—menellis71
