Publisher's Weekly Review
Set in 1888 New York City, Belli's underwhelming debut and series launch introduces Genevieve Stewart, a reporter for the New York City Globe. Genevieve is on the trail of a vigilante criminal known as Robin Hood, who has committed three burglaries and then written to the Globe explaining why his victims were selected. In addition to their greed, Robin Hood has targeted them for such additional sins as, in the case of a railroad magnate, running a prostitution ring. Genevieve's digging takes her to the Bowery, where she encounters "one of the most handsome men she'd ever seen" in suspicious proximity to a corpse. She later learns that the hunk is Daniel McCaffrey, heir to a vast fortune and the focal point of numerous rumors. Genevieve's search for evidence that Daniel might be Robin Hood unfolds predictably, as does her attraction to him, and in general Belli telegraphs major plot developments. Those seeking a more plausible female sleuth in the same place and period should check out Lawrence H. Levy's Mary Handley mysteries. Agent: Danielle Egan-Miller, Browne and Miller Literary Assoc. (Oct.)
Kirkus Review
In 1888 New York, a society woman's quest for recognition as a reporter leads her to a case of murder. Despite their eccentric reputation, Genevieve Stewart's family is part of Mrs. Astor's exclusive Four Hundred. After having been jilted at the last moment, Genevieve works as a reporter, though she's not writing the kind of stories that would seem to suit her talents. A thief known as Robin Hood is robbing the rich and sending letters to the press highlighting their sins. Hot on his trail on the Lower East Side, Genevieve is saved from a dangerous encounter in a sordid alley by an exceedingly handsome man. Spotting her rescuer at a ball a few days later, she learns that he's wealthy Daniel McCaffrey, whose past is shrouded in mystery. Daniel's best friend, Rupert Milton, is an impoverished English nobleman who's about to become engaged to Esmerelda Bradley, the daughter of a wealthy family. Suspecting Daniel of being Robin Hood, Genevieve begins to investigate only to find herself drawn to him. Although he does his best to keep his past a secret, his budding trust in Genevieve allows him to open up to her. When Esmerelda's mother is murdered, Genevieve and Daniel investigate a case that involves dirty politics and a scheme to squeeze the poor. Genevieve's sleuthing makes her a target for men from both sides of the tracks who will stop at nothing to advance their schemes. Although the daring duo bring murder and dishonesty to light, their own relationship is threatened by misunderstandings. Gilded Age romance and complex crimes produce welcome surprises in the first of a new series. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
It's unusual--even a little scandalous--for a lady to work in Gilded Age New York, but Genevieve Stewart, aka reporter Polly Palmer, is already viewed as unconventional after her failed engagement to a society gentleman; the smart, wily Genevieve also cares little for hoity-toity opinions. When she meets Daniel McCaffrey while in pursuit of a story, she has no idea that he's one of the richest men in the city, not that others know much about the mysterious Mr. McCaffrey, who appeared from nowhere years before to inherit a rich man's money and home. Genevieve and Daniel move warily around each other at the society events that lead up to a hotly contested mayoral election and the unmasking of a thief and killer that the press has nicknamed Robin Hood. Readers may spy a happily-ever-after ending in the wings, but this debut is less predictable than that. This first in a promising series drops readers right into the dirty, cutthroat streets of a bygone Gotham, introduces a couple whose fortunes they'll wish to follow, and makes a great recommendation for fans of Mariah Fredericks.
Library Journal Review
Under the guise of Polly Palmer, a journalist for the Globe in New York City in 1888, Genevieve Stewart is an intrepid investigator. Still, she's uneasy when she follows several men down an alley in Five Points. She's hoping to uncover information about a thief known as Robin Hood who robs the rich and claims to give the proceeds to the poor. As part of Mrs. Astor's 400, Genevieve knows some of the thief's victims. She feels ridiculed, though, when she runs into one of the men from the alley at an exclusive party. Daniel McCaffrey, who inherited the Van Joost fortune, swears he's not Robin Hood, and he wasn't slumming. He's after bigger game. If they have to pretend to be courting to find the truth about an influential group formed for housing reform, Genevieve and Daniel can set aside their mutual distrust. Neither expects Genevieve to be attacked, physically and in print, as they close in on the answers. VERDICT The riveting, carefully researched, well-plotted mystery introduces two well-developed characters, one determined to succeed despite her social position and the other determined on reform. Fans of Alyssa Maxwell's "Gilded Newport" mysteries will appreciate the historical, social, and political aspects of this debut.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN
