Chicago 1898 Young Harriet Morrow has brazenly asked for and gotten a job as detective in a prestigious agency. Her first case is to find the missing maid of the agency's neighbor. Harriet is not a slim lithe woman; she prefers practical clothes, she rides a bike, and likes women. But she is an endearing heroine. Predictably, the case, into which she plunges with no training but with some support from another detective, is much more complicated than it appeared initially. Harriet is a clever and determined detective and The Case of the Missing Maid is a promising start to what I assume is a new series. Fans of historical mysteries will be pleased.

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.

Set in 1898, the main character, Harriet Morrow, defies social norms as she eagerly takes on an opportunity at the prestigious Prescott Agency to work as a junior detective. A lifelong goal of Harriet's is to be a strong, independent working woman who is not held back by others' first impressions of her. The story is quick, funny, and explores themes of queer love and friendship.

This book is unusual for its setting, Chicago in the late 19th century, and its protagonist, a lesbian detective in that time period. I enjoyed the historical detail, and the mystery.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

This title drew my interest as it's set in Chicago and features a female detective in her first assignment at a private investigative firm. I enjoyed the read, but it tried to do a little too much - covering immigration, sexual preference, sexism, and corruption all in one title set at the turn of the 19th century. I would probably read more in the series, but hope the author narrows down the focus a bit.

"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-19th-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."

I miss the bygone times when detective agencies were rather large instead of one of two people.

The Case of the Missing Maid is a light-hearted mystery novel that I was drawn to based on its hook, namely; a queer female detective trying to break into the male-dominated detective industry in Chicago in the late 19th century.

It sounded like a fascinating historical mystery, and one I thought I’d enjoy. But I was quite let down by it.

In terms of storytelling and pacing, the novel was fine. It moved along at a steady clip, and was fast-paced enough for the genre.

My main gripes with the novel were the writing. Very often, the novel would tell the reader what the characters were feeling, such as ‘Harriet was annoyed’ or ‘Harriet was upset.’ I didn’t enjoy this aspect of the story.

After reaching the middle, I had an idea about where the story was going and it ended fairly predictably. You might enjoy if you’re interested in a cozy mystery with a unique protagonist, but unfortunately it wasn’t my cup of tea.

very fun historical mystery with a cool lesbian protagonist and some awesome themes. 4 stars. would recommend. tysm for the arc.

A mystery/noir lesbian historical book? Sign me in, babies! I adore this. The rep is very well written and the mystery is really solid. I like it a lot and I love Harriet, he’s a wonderful character. Can’t wait for the next chapter for her adventures!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This was a strong start to the Harriet Morrow Investigates series, it had that overall feel that I wanted and enjoyed the overall concept in this plot. The overall story worked in the time-period and enjoyed the mystery element to this. I enjoyed how good Rob Osler wrote this and left me wanting to read more in this series and author.

A solid mystery with an intriguing detective. The "coding" in this book is quite substantial-- we're never actually told the heroine is a lesbian, nor does she have any romantic leanings. Yet her determination to dress as a man and act like a man provide insights to modern readers. Her ability to get to know people, and make connections between behaviors leads her into trouble but also leads to the resolution of the mystery. An interesting, capable woman whose life provides illumination into a particular time and place.

Content Warnings: Misogyny (time-period accurate)

Osler's novel features Harriet "Harry" Morrow, a woman who wishes to be a detective, and her following through on the case that will decide whether or not she stays with the agency. She is given 1 week to resolve a case involving a missing maid, as the title suggests, but along the way she gets to explore the Polish community and Queer community, learning more about different people in the city but also about herself. Harriet is a great, well-rounded character. I love that while we, today, might readily identify her as a butch lesbian, she is more uncertain and simply content with herself as she is. Her decision to wear man's clothes, for example, just "feels right," and that's enough for her. The varied, supporting cast -- both cishet and queer -- were also great.

Some might find the "mystery" aspect of the book weak, but I enjoyed how the narrative combined some expected historical mystery investigation with more character focused story, as well as the specific focuses on historical feminism, LGBTQ+ communities, and immigrant cultures. If Osler writes another book featuring Harriet Morrow, I'll definitely pick it up.

I thought the cover was cute. I think the main character had a lot of depth to her personality and it was showing little by little. I found the book to be a bit slow paced. All in all, it was a good book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rob Osler's "The Case of the Missing Maid" is a captivating mystery that invites readers into a world of intrigue and sharp character dynamics. From the very first page, the narrative flows effortlessly, making it a smooth and enjoyable read.

What truly sets this book apart is its character development. Each character brings their own unique quirks and motivations, creating a vibrant tapestry that keeps the reader engaged. The interactions between them are both humorous and insightful, adding depth to the unfolding mystery.

The plot centers around a missing maid, but Osler skillfully weaves in unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The blend of suspense and wit makes for a delightful experience, and you'll find yourself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

Overall, "The Case of the Missing Maid" is not just a mystery—it's a charming exploration of human relationships set against a backdrop of intrigue. If you're looking for an engaging read that combines humor, suspense, and memorable characters, this book is definitely one to add to your list!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can’t possibly describe this book with anything other than: It. Was. Amazing. From the very first page, the story drew me in with its captivating characters and amazing themes!

The character development is particularly impressive; each character feels real and relatable, with their own struggles and triumphs. I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys, cheering for their successes and feeling their pain. I loved the queer themes in this book; it was one of the first times that I read something like this! The representation felt really authentic and added depth to the characters and their experiences. It was so empowering to see stories that reflect diverse identities, making it relatable and inspiring, especially in that time and setting. Overall, it really opened my eyes to new perspectives and made the reading experience even more enjoyable!

This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted historical novel. I highly recommend it!

Love the cover! I like the premise of this new series but felt the pacing too slow for my taste. Should be a fun cozy series.

An amazing historical mystery. It was filled with interesting characters. A wonderful novel that is funny and has plenty of suspense.

The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler introduces readers to Harriet Morrow, the first female detective at Chicago’s Prescott Agency in 1898. A spirited and determined young woman, Harriet navigates skepticism from her male colleagues as she takes on her first case: the mysterious disappearance of a maid from an opulent mansion.

Osler crafts a captivating historical mystery filled with intriguing characters and the vibrant backdrop of turn-of-the-century Chicago. Harriet's quest for the truth leads her through a maze of secrets and potential danger, all while showcasing her resilience and intelligence. This engaging debut in a new series offers a delightful blend of wit, charm, and suspense.