The Case of the Missing Maid, Rob Osler
The Case of the Missing Maid, Rob Osler
1 Rating(s)
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

The Case of the Missing Maid

Author: Rob Osler

Series: Harriet Morrow Investigates

Narrator: Nicol Zanzarella

Unabridged: 9 hr 35 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/04/2025


Synopsis

Instant USA Today bestseller!
The acclaimed author of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award-nominated Devil’s Chew Toy delights with the first in a new historical mystery series set in turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago, as America is entering its Progressive Era and Harriet Morrow, a bike-riding, trousers-wearing lesbian, has just begun her new job as the first female detective at the Windy City's Prescott Agency . . .

Chicago, 1898. Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. Just twenty-one with a younger brother to support, she seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy—with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure . . .

Only an hour into the job, Harriet has an assignment: Discover the whereabouts of a missing maid from one of the most extravagant mansions on Prairie Avenue. Owner Pearl Bartlett has a reputation for sending operatives on wild goose chases around her grand estate, but Harriet believes the stunningly beautiful Agnes Wozniak has indeed vanished under mysterious circumstances—possibly a victim of kidnapping, possibly a victim of something worse . . .

With Mr. Prescott pushing a hard deadline, Harriet's burgeoning career depends on working through a labyrinth of eccentric characters and murky motives in a race to discover who made Agnes disappear. When her search leads to Chicago's Polish community and a new friendship in Agnes's charming older sister, Barbara, clues scattered across the city slowly reveal just how much depends on Harriet's inexperienced investigation for answers . . . and the deep danger that awaits once she learns the truth. Praise for The Case of the Missing Maid

"The first woman hired by a Chicago detective agency faces one daunting challenge after another in this excellent historical series launch from Osler . . . With lush historical detail, optimistic but plausible gender politics, and an unforgettable heroine, this series is primed for success." —Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

"Osler puts a queer 19th-century spin on a familiar tough-gal type." —Kirkus Reviews

"Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry." —Library Journal

About Rob Osler

Rob Osler is the author of several contemporary and historical mysteries. A long-time brand strategist and business writer, he is halfway decent at tennis, proficient at making chicken piccata and crab cakes, and threatening to restart playing bridge and the banjo—though not at the same time. Born and raised in Boise, he attended college in Washington and has lived in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and now southern California. For more information, visit RobOsler.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Tonya on February 07, 2025

This historical mystery was intriguing and informative. I felt like I was transported back to 1898 Chicago. This first installment of the Harriet Morrow series has a constant thread of suspense. The main character, Harriet Morrow is compelling and very original. The plot is perfectly paced and engag......more

Goodreads review by Star on February 13, 2025

This was a fun, riveting mystery! I'll be back soon with thoughts.......more

Goodreads review by BellaDonna's on February 16, 2025

I got this book as a giveaway but you can bet I will be watching Rob Osler like a hawk for more stories! This was an amazing beginning to what could be my favorite detective series if the author decides to continue with more Harriet Morrow investigations! I loved this story so much. From the beginnin......more

Goodreads review by Andrea on February 22, 2025

Okay, there were things to like and to dislike about this book. I love the setting, Chicago in 1898. I like that Harriet Morrow has just been hired as the first woman operative at a detective agency. I like that she is a lesbian before there were choices besides a "Boston marriage." I even wanted to......more

Goodreads review by Barbara on September 20, 2024

Rob Osler has created a fully fleshed out and throughly delightful character , Harriet Morrow in the series debut The Case of the Missing Maid, aHarriet Morrow investigates. In this work we are privy to seeing the struggles of a woman trying to fit into and be accepted in an occupation dominated by......more