In 1887 New York City, Rose Gallagher is part of a special branch of the Pinkerton Agency and alongside her partner, Thomas, investigate paranormal happenings. Tasked by none other than Theodore Roosevelt, Rose and Thomas travel to the Dakota Territory to find out what has been killing livestock and what exactly is this “monster” many have reported seeing.

What a fun story and delight to read. I immersed myself in this world over a weekend and I did not want to leave so I quickly bought the two previous books in the series. I loved the setting, I loved the characters and even though I missed quite a bit of build-up into the romance with Thomas from the previous books, I still loved their forbidden love/two-lovers-from-different-social-classes trope. Basically, I want to be a Pinkerton agent and I want to be Rose Gallagher.

This is the third mystery in the Rose Gallagher historical mystery series. I haven’t read the other two books in the series, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book.

I really enjoyed the Old West setting of this book, set in the wilds of the Dakota Territory during the late 1880’s. I also liked all of the historical figures and references to Teddy Roosevelt, the Pinkertons, and the Badlands.

This series has the most interesting twist in that there is an otherworldly paranormal element with ghosts, portals, supernatural creatures, etc. I prefer to read historical mysteries without those elements.

I did enjoy the touch of romance in this book. I presume the earlier books were leading up to these romantic interludes and they were very well done.

The Author’s Notes were so interesting to read about things like Cowboys at Teddy Roosevelt’s Inaugural parade. I was also delighted that the Buckshot Outfit (bad guys in this book) was loosely based on the Hashknife Outfit that were stars in any telling of Arizona history.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy books about the Old West and a little supernatural with their historical mystery. 4/5

Working as a maid for Pinkerton agent Thomas Wiltshire, Rose Gallagher displayed a sensitivity that brought her to his attention. She is now a trained Pinkerton for their Special Branch, which deals with unexplained phenomena. In a past case, she aided Teddy Roosevelt and he has now returned with another assignment. In the Dakotas the past winter had been unnaturally harsh and the ranchers lost a great deal of cattle. Now more cattle and horses have disappeared, only to be found brutally slaughtered.

Thomas and Rose head for the western town of Medora, a once thriving town in the Dakota badlands. Accusations have been made by both the ranchers and a band of Lakota tribe members and tensions are high. On their first night Rose is visited by the ghost of a murdered prospector. After being drawn into the actual murder scene as she slept, she is determined to also find his killer. As the Pinkertons investigate there is an actual sighting of the creature that is causing a panic as more livestock and people are attacked. The creature seems to be a combination of several animals. Its’ size and speed confirm that it has been created for a purpose and is being controlled by someone. Somehow it must be trapped and stopped.

Working in the west is a great change for Rose, who discovers the freedom of wearing pants and a love of riding. She is a trained agent and this assignment tests the skills that she has learned. The two agents have feelings for each other that they were forced to conceal from New York society. As a former maid Rose would never be accepted, but in Medora there are no such restrictions. She has to ask herself if they will once again be able to accept restrictions when they return to New York.

The Silver Shooter takes you back to the Wild West with a touch of the supernatural. Poker games at the saloon, a shootout in the streets, horse thieves and gold prospectors all play a part in Erin Lindsey’s tale. She also touches on the plight of the Indians. The story moves quickly and is populated with memorable characters. This was a delight to read and I hope to encounter Thomas and Rose once again in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing my review of this book.

historical-figures, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, romantic, 1887, suspense, paramilitaries, supernatural, family-dynamics, friendship

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed book two, I really came for TR this time and certainly wasn't disappointed.
Rose Gallagher (former Irish maid to) and Thomas Wilshire (wealthy Knickerbocker) are Pinkerton agents in its special branch which only deals with the paranormal. Think of it as an excellent noirish detective yarn starring Steed and Mrs Peel but from New York and in the company of necromancers and witches (among others). TR gives them an assignment out in the Badlands where a horrible winter has been followed by a possibly supernatural creature which is devouring livestock and hunting animals alike and the situation has become dire. Solving the problem is further complicated by the rowdies of the area, the discord between ranchers and the Lakota, a ghost, and a madman. Lots of action (guns) and suspense along with some impossible romantic issues.
I was thoroughly impressed with the extensive research of the area, the times, TR and other notables as detailed in the author's notes at the end. I absolutely loved it and was compelled to read it in one day.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
PS: I went back and ordered book one.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2020/11/13/the-silver-shooter-by-erin-lindsey/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I have enjoyed this author in the fantasy realm and now her works of historical mysteries with magic, which is akin to fantasy, just not quite as far back in history?  The <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/250408-rose-gallagher" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Rose Gallagher</strong> </em></a>series is set in New York City at the time of Roosevelt, part of the gilded age which is charming but also so class oriented.  Rose begins as a housemaid to Sir Thomas, an Englishman of wealth.   Now there will be a few spoilers who have not read any of the series, as <strong>The Silver Shooter</strong> is the third book.

Rose has been infatuated with Thomas, which led to her saving his life. In the process, she discovers that most of the wealthy are<em> lucky</em>, which means they have some sort of magic.  She also learns Thomas is a Pinkerton agent  She becomes an agent under his mentoring.  Now they have a case in the wild west and Roosevelt is their client.

Our story is told from Rose's point of view. She works well with Thomas and she has learned much.  Her theories and strategies are welcomed and praised.  Rose does much of the work on this case.  I enjoyed their joint efforts along with old friends and some new ones, in solving the dangerous case.

Being away from New York and the pervasive class system, Rose and Thomas allow their romantic feelings to blossom a bit.  I'm all for it.  But what happens when they go home? I am getting a little bit of the why can't two adults have an adult conversation irritation. So I look forward to the next book, to see how things continue.  I'm left frustrated by the rigid, ridiculous class systems, although it happens often in stories of this time period.

Rose, an ace detective with the Pinkertons, is a little out of her element when she, along with her partner Thomas, head to the Badlands at the behest of Teddy Roosevelt because something is killing his livestock. It's 1887 and she's firmly ensconced in New York, with a new home and a growing reputation for being able to deal with paranormal issues. Don't worry if you haven't read the series- Lindsay gives you enough info to catch you up AND the paranormal is never too woo woo. What then find in the Badlands initially flummoxes them, especially when the murders start. Rose is respectful of and learns from the Lakota, which is especially important as the problem has exacerbated tensions in the region. The relationship between Thomas and Rose is handled gracefully (you will find yourself rooting for them as a couple). This smoothly integrates real people with fictional ones (I found myself checking a few things- it's always great to learn something new). Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A great historical mystery with a dynamic heroine- I'm looking forward to the next one.

More fun from Erin Lindsey and her Rose Gallagher series! In “Silver Shooter”, Rose and her boss, the very buttoned up Thomas Wiltshire, head for the Badlands in Dakota Territory at the behest of Teddy Roosevelt. Strange things are happening on the range, and Roosevelt suspects magic is involved. For help, he calls on the “Special Division” of the Pinkertons, whose special powers allow them to solve crimes that involve other-worldly creatures.

I find the combination of meticulous historical research along with a touch of mysticism very appealing in a time with far too little magic!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

(The following review will run on CriminalElement.com the week of publication.)

Several months into her training as an agent in the Pinkertons’ secret supernatural division, Rose Gallagher and her partner, Thomas Wiltshire, are approached by an exceedingly powerful and lucky client: Theodore Roosevelt.

Impressed by their work foiling his would-be assassins in their last adventure (see: A Golden Grave), the young Mr. Roosevelt has come to them with a story that’s equal parts tragedy and—possibly—supernatural foul play.

Roosevelt’s Dakota ranch has just suffered through a winter so harsh and deadly, some of the locals suspect it was unnatural; perhaps even the work of an elemental being.


“…I lost a great many of my backwoods babies. Cattle, that is.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said. “Was it a very large herd?”
“Thirty-two thousand head,” he replied wistfully. “Plus more than a thousand calves. That was last fall, mind you. As of now, I couldn’t give you a number. We’re still rounding up the stragglers, but we estimate the losses at about sixty-five percent.”
Thomas jerked forward in his chair. “Sixty-five percent? Good heavens! I’d read in the papers that the industry had taken a blow, but this… why, it’s staggering!”
“I fared better than most, if you can believe it. And though perhaps ruined is a touch overstating the case, I am exceedingly strained, and I don’t know that I can sustain the investment.”
“It’s hard luck, Roosevelt,” Mr. Burrows said.
Our guest grunted. “What an interesting choice of words, old fellow. It’s some kind of luck, if I have any nose for it.”
Thomas narrowed his eyes. “Are we to understand something more than nature was at work here?”
“I will not claim to master all the secrets of Mother Nature, Mr. Wiltshire, but one thing I know for certain: Something strange is going on in the Badlands. Something evil. And the way things are going, by this time next year, there will be no one left to stop it.”


It’s not just the cataclysmic weather that has Roosevelt making such dire pronouncements: a wealthy prospector with a nose for gold has also disappeared, sparking stories of his ghost haunting the Medora hotel and sending treasure hunters into the woods in search of his riches.

And then there’s the savage, bloody attacks from an unknown creature, spiraling ever closer to the small, quickly emptying backwoods town. Cattle, horses, deer, and now men are being slaughtered. The ranchers are blaming the local Native Americans, who are in turn pointing the finger at the encroaching settlers; the situation is fast becoming a powder keg on the verge of explosion.

Rose and Thomas are thoroughly city folk, but Roosevelt is confident they can get to the bottom of the three-fold mystery in the Badlands. So off the pair go, taking the long train ride out west to a place even more lawless and dangerous than the slums of New York. A place where they’ll have to be on their guard, even as they’re tempted to lower their defenses around each other…


“Thomas,” I whispered, instinctively reaching for him.
The night was ablaze with stars, tiny pinpricks of cold white light scattered across an impossible canopy of sky. The moon had sunk below the horizon; in its place, a glittering band of light traced a clear path through the heavens. At its center, a black void yawned, as though the sky itself were torn. I knew this for the Milky Way, but I’d never seen it. In New York, you could barely make out the stars at all, what with the smoke and ash of steam trains and factories, not to mention hundreds of thousands of homes heated with coal and wood. They were clearer in Newport, but this… The sky wasn’t just above us, it was all around us, as if poised to swallow us whole. The thought made me a little dizzy, but Thomas was there to steady me.
“Magnificent,” he murmured as I leaned against him.


Lindsey continues to thoroughly charm with The Silver Shooter, the third installment in her Rose Gallagher series. By transplanting her plucky heroine and her capable, enigmatic partner/love interest to a rugged Western setting, we get to see Rose and Thomas out of their usual element (and freed of the societal mores that constricted them in New York). This allows for some significant character development, as well as raised stakes in the Rose/Thomas partnership. This investigation is definitely a pivotal one in their relationship, setting them on an unexpected trajectory by the final page…

Many of the expected Western themes come into play here. We’ve got the tensions between trigger-happy settlers and Native Americans fighting for survival; gunslingers and desperadoes aplenty; gold fever, horseback chases, and dangerous wildlife; cowboys and bloody bar fights. Rose gets to play Annie Oakley and Thomas makes denim trousers look good.

And with three concurrent mysteries/threats to overcome—a ghostly prospector, a monster, and the possibility of a Fae elemental—as well as plenty of mundane human baddies to dodge, there’s no shortage of excitement or paranormal surprises. The Silver Shooter fairly crackles with propulsive energy, and racks up quite the body count.

Lindsey continues to steadily develop the magical system and aspects of her alt-history world, peppering in plenty of real faces (Tesla, Roosevelt, Seth Bullock) for extra color. The concept of “luck”, which covers a variety of superpowers from eidetic memory to electricity manipulation, remains a fun and plot-rich explanation for why some folks seem more larger than life than others. This remains one of the richest, most enjoyable historical fantasies I’ve come across.

And for all of Lindsey’s research, this is also one of the most readable historical adventures, too, a book you’ll devour in just a sitting or two. It’s been a joy to watch Rose progress from curious maid to capable Pinkerton over the course of three books; can’t wait to see what’s in store for her in book four.

A fine historical fiction that had me looking up incidents (and yes blowing up Flood Rock is a real thing) to see if they really happened. The characters are interesting and that romantic spark will keep me coming back for future books in the Rose Gallagher series to see what happens between Rose and Thomas.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Silver Shooter by Erin Lindsey
The Third Rose Gallagher Mystery

Things are going well for Rose Gallagher. She owns her own home where her mother and friend Pietro also live and she's proud to be a Pinkerton detective. Things don't stay calm forever, especially where the special branch of the Pinkertons are concerned. Teddy Roosevelt has come in from the Dakota Territory where there's been trouble. After the worst winter ever, things are tough...made tougher by men being found slaughtered. Thinking something supernatural is to blame Roosevelt has suggested Thomas and Rose investigate. Once in the Badlands the duo are freed from their New York City constraints, but also discover just how wild the Wild West can be!

THE SILVER SHOOTER is a pulse pounding adrenaline fueled read. Tension exists everywhere, from the Dakota locals, the Lakota, and the mysterious creature, to the sparks flowing between Rose and Thomas. Thomas and Rose are out of their element, yet they have the opportunity to reveal their true selves and enjoy freedom and taking liberties with societal expectations.

I love when historical novels add real life characters to the story and Teddy Roosevelt is a perfect addition to the story with his bigger than life personality. The historical accuracy adds such realism that the supernatural element appears eminently natural.

THE SILVER SHOOTER has enough thrills and chills to keep you riveted to the story, eyes glued to the page. It proved an emotional experience with moments of white knuckled reading interspersed with laughs, as well as tears. The ending left me speechless and wondering, not only what Thomas would have said earlier, if he hadn't allowed Rose to go first, but what will happen next.

I feel that author Erin Lindsey has really started to find her groove with this third book of the Rose Gallagher series. This book felt much more like a traditional historical mystery with just a splash of the supernatural, and I really appreciated that. Or perhaps I’m becoming more at ease with this sub-genre. Regardless, I enjoyed this book immensely from start to finish. I cannot wait to see what Rose gets up to next!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

this was another great read from Ms. Lindsey and I really enjoyed the previous books in the Rose Gallagher Mystery. This was fun and I enjoyed reading this book.

This is book three in this series and I think it’s my favorite!
It takes place out west so it has a lot of action and some supernatural aspects. I really like these characters and enjoyed the story. I wasn’t too happy about the ending and I hope there’s a book four.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

This is the third installment in the Gilded Age Mystery series, and it was quite enjoyable. I like the change of setting and the fact that Rose was able to do more as a Pinkerton agent. I especially liked that Theodore Roosevelt was included in the story. He was such a larger than life character, and I feel like the author conveyed that really well in this story.

This is a historical mystery series with a paranormal twist and I really like that about it. It makes it a bit different from the other mysteries I read. However, the paranormal element in this one was just ok. I did not enjoy it as much as I did in the two previous books.

I liked that the romance heated up a bit in this book, but the ending was kind of sad. It definitely made we want to read the next book, because things just can't end that way. I need to know what happens next!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This book was the reason I began this series. A historical cozy mystery set in the Dakota Territory, specifically Medora (ND), is not something you come across often as most tend to be set in bigger cities on the East Coast or in Europe. Having lived almost a decade in or adjacent to North Dakota, I knew as soon as I saw the cover that this was gonna be something I'd have to read.
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Turns out that I like the series as a whole, the historical cozy + Pinkertons + paranormal investigation thing works for me, not unsurprisingly, so getting through the first two books was a breeze.

In The Silver Shooter, Rose and Thomas are sent by Teddy Roosevelt to investigate the massive deaths of cattle taking place at his and nearby ranches in Medora. Deaths that have caused settlers to pull up stakes and move on and ranchers blaming the Dakota people, all of which is turning Medora into a contentiously unpleasant ghost town.

While solving the mystery we see Rose and Thomas let go of some of those societal restrictions and deepen their relationship. And in the end, while the perpetrator is magical, the motive for all the carnage ends up being very human.

I'm pleased that I found this series. The story and setting worked well and there's a little cameo from Deadwood's Sheriff Bullock. This'll be out mid-November so plenty of time to catch up with the first two books if you want to put this one on your docket.

New York City during the Gilded Age has always fascinated me, so I've enjoyed reading Erin Lindsey's Rose Gallagher mysteries with fantasy. Aside from supernatural phenomena, in Lindsey's world there is the concept of "luck". Though only about 1% of the population has "luck"/supernatural powers, this special gift is prevalent among the wealthiest citizens. In this 3nd installment, The Silver Shooter, Rose Gallagher is further from her role as former housemaid and comfortable in her position as Pinkerton partner to her former employer the dashing and wealthy Thomas Wiltshire of Fifth Avenue/England. Rose and Thomas work in the Pinkerton Agency's Special Branch and are hired to deal with supernatural problems/phenomena. Rose Gallagher's special skills in identifying and dealing with the dead are critical to their investigations.

When Erin Lindsey takes us to New York City's Gilded Age, she doesn't hold back. In the previous book, Rose and Thomas worked to save Teddy Roosevelt's life during his unsuccessful run for mayor. Roosevelt has luck in the form of his unusual charisma and a physical draw that he has on people. This time, Teddy Roosevelt is back and has requested their help to deal with strange and large scale deaths of cattle in the Badlands.

I like the characters and Gilded Age New York as Erin Lindsey paints it. Lindsey gives us a diverse city with ethnic neighborhoods but there is respect for the different cultures and what the Asians ("Celestials") and other new immigrants (Italian, Irish, etc) face. I like how Rose mingles and befriends people from the different communities from Chinese Mei and her father Wang to African American Clara and her family's longtime Italian tenant Pietro. In Lindsey's New York the differences exist without animosity, racism or cruelty.

As an aside, I've read books that proclaim their historical or cultural authenticity with open displays of prejudice. Sure, the character may think and say "chink" or "gook" but I don't have to spend time in that world with that character. Even if I was getting into the book, the "chink" is enough to stop the suspension of disbelief and set me looking for something else to read. Rose Gallagher's books have the opposite reaction -- they are a sort of celebration of hope and it comes across clearly.

In The Silver Shooter, we go beyond New York City to the Dakotas on the request of Teddy Roosevelt. Before leaving, Rose and Thomas approach Tesla to ask if he has any inventions that will help them identify "luck". Telsa's abilities as an inventor are magnified by his "luck" working with electricity and inventiveness. The appearance of historical figures in the narrative are a wink to the reader and much appreciated.

But the real problem that Rose and Thomas face is finding the cause of deaths of cattle and men in the Dakotas. The destruction, thievery, loss of horses and cattle has increased the tensions between the ranchers and the Native Americans. The few Native Americans in the area have already been forced out of their land and homes but are in danger of being destroyed by the US Army on the request of powerful ranchers. Thomas and their team must determine what is causing the attacks and find a way to solve the problem before the loss of another innocent life. Rose, Thomas and their friends from New York's Fifth Avenue set risk life and limb. Erin Lindsey delivers another fun, engrossing read!

The two detectives – Rose and Thomas are back again with a new mystery at hand to solve.

Rose owns a lovely home and lives with her mother and a friend – Pietro. She is making astounding progress as a Pinkerton Agent and has a brilliant partner to work with. Just when things are going good, Theodore Roosevelt rains on their parade. This time there is a mysterious job awaiting out west. A series of strange occurrences take place which doesn’t seem natural. What involves is something supernatural and now it lies in the hands of these two detectives to solve this paranormal puzzle. It's indeed a quest in the wild wild west.

It started with the disappearance and death of livestock. When the cadavers are found, it has been torn apart by a herculean monster. No one is able to figure out the happenings and it just doesn’t stop at livestock. It now begins with human beings disappearing and dying in the same way as animals. Does it stop here? No it definitely doesn’t. Amidst all the carcass and chaos, a murder takes place.

– Who is murdered and for what?

– Is the monster going to be found?

– What is the supernatural element?

– Can the two detectives solve this?

Rating – 5/5 Stars
Recommendation – Very High

Conclusion,

A truly spooky read, this is a perfect pick for October. Supremely captivating, it centers around - A Murder, A Monster and Magic. It takes us through the Badlands with people and animals dying and the carcasses found are a ghoulish sight. Something seems amiss and the people are having a really hard time in this town to survive. The plot is enrapturing and this book keeps the reader hooked right from he beginning until the end. Even though this is my first Rose Gallagher Mystery, I was enthralled from the start and now I cannot wait to go back to read the other two books.

Trigger Warnings – Involves Death, Killings and Supernatural Element.

P.S: Thank You Netgalley for this ecopy in exchange for an honest review.

THE SILVER SHOOTER by Erin Lindsey is the third book in the Rose Gallagher paranormal historical mystery series and is set in New York and in the Badlands of the Dakotas during 1887. Rose Gallagher and Thomas Wilshire are Pinkerton agents in its special branch which deals with the paranormal. This novel brings in historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt as well as others and does a nice job of blending fiction and history including a note from the author at the end of the book. In this book, Theodore Roosevelt is Rose and Thomas’ client. He has lost over 65 percent of his cattle on his ranch in the Badlands. Something is leaving bloody carcasses of animals and humans.

Rose and Thomas are a great team that support each other. Their characters are definitely someone you can root for and they both have flaws and virtues that made this reader easily connect with them. Their goals were clear and their motivations were believable even in a story that has a paranormal aspect to it. The stakes were high and there was plenty of action and tension as well as a few romantic moments. Themes include family, class distinctions and prejudices, women’s occupations and attire, murder, assault, and much more.

Overall, I enjoyed this unique, engrossing, appealing, and entertaining story. I definitely want to go back and read the first two books in the series as well as reading her Nicolas Lenoir mystery series and her Bloodbound fantasy trilogy. I recommend this to those that enjoy some paranormal with their historical mysteries.

St. Martin’s Press and Erin Lindsey provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

My grandpa would always watch Western movies when I was growing up. I was never a huge fan. I just felt the stories to be quite dull and could never relate to them. This western story? I loved! The supernatural twist is what adds such character to the West, who would've thought?! I love the historical context and mystery...I just can't say enough great things about Erin's writing. I'm a huge fan yet again!

Historical mystery, with a dash of the supernatural and a trip to the Wild West? Yup, I'm in. Rose Gallagher continues to be a delightful heroine, and I enjoyed seeing her grow in this book. Pants! She wears pants! The only drawback of the book, is how annoying the ending was. Annoying, b/c I need to know what happens next! Will Thomas and Rose ever resolve their feelings? Will Rose continue to rise the ranks of the Pinkertons? Will Clara finish nursing school? So much to look forward to in future books.

I'm here for it.