The Lady Detective

Chicago, 1856. Kate Warne is a widow with no prospects, no fortune, and no future—until she walks into Allan Pinkerton's detective agency with an audacious proposal: hire her as the first female detective in America. Against all odds, Pinkerton agrees, setting Kate on a path that will shatter conventions and redefine what women can achieve. Armed with sharp intelligence, unflinching courage, and the unique advantage of being underestimated, Kate infiltrates Chicago's glittering society circles to solve cases that baffle her male colleagues. From a stolen emerald necklace that leads to blackmail and desperation, to a dangerous railroad conspiracy involving theft and betrayal, Kate navigates a world of counterfeiters, embezzlers, and criminals who never suspect the elegant lady in their midst is actually hunting them. Along the way, she finds unexpected romance with railroad investigator Timothy Bellamy—a man who values her brilliant mind as much as her daring heart. As Kate solves one intricate mystery after another—rescuing missing heiresses, exposing art thieves, and bringing justice to those who prey on the vulnerable—she proves that determination and skill know no gender. But her greatest challenge may be balancing her groundbreaking career with the possibility of love and partnership in an era when women were expected to choose between independence and marriage. Based on the remarkable true story of Kate Warne, America's first female detective, this thrilling Victorian adventure celebrates a woman who refused to accept society's limitations and blazed a trail for all who would follow. Perfect for readers who love: Victorian-era historical fiction - Strong, intelligent female protagonists - Detective mysteries and investigations - Romance that respects independence.