The author of the contemporary Hayden & Friends series goes back in time—to 1898—and introduces a plucky female detective-in-training. While trying to ace her first case, Harriet learns a lot about working in a man's world. Her investigation requires diligence, daring, and facing some danger. A strong start to a new series! Nicol Zanzarella did a great job with the narration.

Interesting mystery, even if the writing was a bit repetitive and focused on explaining every aspect of the time period.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC. In audiobook format.

Diving into Rob Osler’s audiobook "The Case of the Missing Maid", narrated by the illustrious Nicol Zanzarella, feels like stepping into a whirlwind mystery that’s tantalizing and deeply engrossing. Osler masterfully crafts a plot that brims with intrigue, while Zanzarella’s narration adds a rich, emotive layer to the experience.

I love this character, Harriet, and the narrator does a wonderful job with the different characters.

"The Case of the Missing Maid" by Rob Osler is a vibrant historical mystery, and is a textured immersion into the late 19th-century Chicago, seen through the sharp, determined eyes of Harriet Morrow. Osler has crafted a narrative that feels both meticulously researched and refreshingly modern, a delicate balance that few authors achieve.

Harriet Morrow is a revelation. She's not JUST a stereotypical "strong female character"; she's a complex, flawed, and utterly compelling individual navigating a world that actively seeks to limit her. Her journey of self-discovery, intertwined with the search for the missing maid, Agnes Wozniak, is both poignant and empowering.

Osler paints a vivid portrait of Chicago, from the opulent mansions of the wealthy to the grimy, dangerous back alleys. The historical details are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a sense of authenticity that draws the reader in.

While the mystery of the missing maid is central to the plot, the book delves into deeper themes of identity, social injustice, and the struggle for acceptance. Osler handles these themes with sensitivity and nuance, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

The fact that this mystery includes queer representation in this time period is very important. It is not done in a heavy handed way, but it is a natural part of who Harriet is, and as such any mystery fan would find this mystery compelling and a welcome addition to the historical mystery genre.

"The Case of the Missing Maid" is a delightful and thought-provoking read.

Rob Osler has created a compelling series that I eagerly anticipate following, and this book in audio format is wonderfully well done.

Detective Harriet Morrow is new to the Prescott Agency, their first female hire who isn't a secretary, and her first case is the disappearance of her boss's neighbor's maid Agnes. It seems like a simple enough case for Harriet to start with, but there's more here than meets the eye.

This cozy mystery set in late 19th-century Chicago, the first in a series, was fascinating especially because of the light it sheds on LGBTQIA+ history. There were several characters who are part of the community, including Harriet. There is a romantic element involved as Harriet gets to know the missing maid's sister Barbara. I was a bit thrown by the author introducing Harriet's full back story about halfway into the book, but overall this was a pretty good read.

Audiobook narrator Nicol Zanzarella did a great job with the Polish accents and small bits of that language.

I absolutely loved this book. It was a great story in more ways than one. First you have the mystery of it all as the new investigator is trying to find out what happened to the maid but it also is a story about what is was like for the LGBTQ community and the very negative things people thought about them and woman. It’s a mystery with a sad history to it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the first volume of the Harriet Morrow Investigates series, and the book does a great job of setting up Harriet’s backstory and what led her to solve mysteries. She needs a job and becomes the first female hired by the Prescott Agency that will be a detective and not a secretary. I was so glad that this book was set during the Gilded Age and in Chicago instead of New York or London, as if those cities cornered the market on the Gilded Age. I’ve read other historical fiction books that were set in Chicago around the time of the World’s Fair (1893), and one really gets a feel for the city on the cusp of a new century

I appreciated the LGBTQIA representation in the story and how much different things were in the 1890s. Things have changed so much for this marginalized community since then, but if some people have their way, they’ll have to go back to hiding their true identity much as they did 125 years ago. Add the fact that Harriet is only 21 and is tasked with raising her younger brother adds another layer of dimension to her character.

What seems like a rather straight-forward mystery as to the whereabouts of a missing maid is anything but, and this mystery has a lot of red herrings and twists and turns, so the reader has to really pay attention to keep up! As Harriet gets closer to solving the mystery, an astute reader would pick up on certain clues to figure out the culprit. Overall, this cozy mystery series is one that I hope to continue.

This book was narrated by Nicol Zanzarella and they did an excellent job bringing this new series to life. I would definitely listen to something narrated by them again.

I got a chance to read well more of a hear this book and let me honest with you, I fell in love. The way characters were written and how the story just keeps pulling you in is something I crave, and this book just satisfied that.

I have so much to say but seems like a cat got my tongue because I can't and that's how great this book was. I am just about to head and buy this book because it is one of those you should have on your shelf.

This was an interesting albeit predictable story with intriguing characters and an engaging pace. The main character, Harriet, was unique and fun to listen to and the narrator really brought her to life!

I enjoyed this book. The mystery was predictable, however it’s a nice cozy read with good characters. The themes are surprisingly modern and progressive for historical fiction but I really enjoyed that aspect. If the author decides to write a sequel I’d be excited to read the next chapter in Harriet’s journey.

I enjoyed this historical mystery featuring a strong female main character. The plot flowed seamlessly, keeping me entertained throughout the entire story. The book also had an excellent narrator whose voice perfectly matched my interpretation of Harriot Morrow. I look forward to continuing with this series as new installments are released. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers!

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 engaging. This is a great beginning of a new series. The narration brought the story to life adding a layer of mystery. Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Audio for my audiobook.

This historical crime novel is set in 19th-century Chicago and follows young detective Harriet Morrow as she navigates a male-dominated profession. At first, the story focuses heavily on her struggles—not only as a woman but also as someone who loves women—in a world that offers her little space.

The case itself, the disappearance of a maid, starts off rather simple and unfolds slowly. However, as Harriet digs deeper, more intrigues and unexpected twists emerge. What initially seems like a personal journey of self-assertion soon turns into a gripping mystery that keeps you hooked until the very end.

The story leaves room for a potential sequel, and I truly hope Rob Osler will bring us more cases featuring Harriet Morrow. I also want to highlight the audiobook narrator Nicol Zanzarella, who did a fantastic job bringing the atmosphere and characters to life.

This was a nice mystery with good characters and a solid plot. I think this would be a nice read for anyone looking for sapphic detective books or light historical mysteries. Harriet is a good main character because she is competent but doesn't possess any special gifts that set her apart other than determination and some grit. I think that the pacing of the book suffered at times from the historical facts that felt like they were wedged in at places. The narrator (Nicol Zanzarella) did a nice job with the story and juggling the characters. Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Harriet is an excellent main character and I loved that she was going against the norm and doing it with pride and hard work. The social commentary on LGBTQ+ was excellent, I loved this idea of mixing up the gender norms during the olden days of Chicago.
I thought the sub characters were so good, I loved Pearl and Barbara, they were probably my favorites.
I thought the end was fun and twisty and I will definitely read more from Oslo.

Really fun little mystery!

In late 19th Century Chicago, Harriet Morrow is trying to figure out how to succeed in her new role as the first woman detective at the firm while also trying to figure out how to be true to herself as a LGBTQ woman in an unaccepting society and support herself and her brother.

I really loved how much character development there was in this book. We follow Harry as she tries to use her instincts and cleverness to resolve the case of a missing maid all while dodging prickly co-workers, sabotage, and a lack of experience. I like that the author really takes you through Harry’s thoughts as she determines her next steps. You also get to really understand Harry and how her current life circumstances have come to pass; she is certainly a charming and sympathetic character. The mystery involved several distinct suspects and was well done. I think there will be great things to come from this series!

The narrator was great and brought the characters to life.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #TantorAudio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In 1898 Chicago, rookie detective Harriet Morrow faces skepticism as the first woman operative at the Prescott Agency. Her initial case, the disappearance of a maid from a wealthy mansion, plunges her into a world of eccentric characters and hidden motives. Under pressure, Harriet must navigate a complex investigation, forging new alliances and facing unexpected dangers as she races to uncover the truth.

I loved this clever, light-hearted, and intriguing mystery. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! The audiobook narration added to the enjoyment of the book.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

this is a super engaging, enjoyable, queer historical mystery. I so enjoyed Harriet's trials and tribulations while trying to solve where the maid disappeared to while discovering underground queer clubs in Chicago and meeting a wide variety of characters. I sincerely hope this is the start of a great series!

This book is about a young woman in the late 1800s named Harriet. She is trying to break out of the world of what a 'normal' woman would be doing in the time and gets herself a job as a junior detective. Day one Harriet finds herself on case her boss assumes to be nothing important. However,it quickly found out that she got herself a real case.

The story was well written, and I rooted for Harriet to be successful, but I felt this book was trying a little too hard, and it was easy to predict what was going to happen in it. Overall this book wasn't really for me, but I could see where some people would love it.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

This was an exciting start to a series. Our FMC, Harriet, learns so much about herself, personally and professionally. She faces the challenges that's posed to he, both as a female detective and in an enthralling case with wit, intelligence, and aplomb.

#netgalley #TheCaseoftheMissingMaid