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The Harvey Girl #1
The Harvey Girl
From the award-winning author of the Kate Shugak Mysteries, a thrilling new detective series set during America's wild boom time and frontier expansion of the nineteenth century.
WELCOME TO THE GILDED AGE. WHERE NOT EVERYTHING GLITTERS.
1890: the Gilded Age, a period of financial success and political corruption. The United States is growing at a breathless rate, with six new states recently added to the Union.
With expansion comes an influx of crime. Outlaw gangs hold sway on the frontier and heists and robberies are commonplace. A lot of businesses shrug off these depredations as the cost of success. Those who don't hire the Pinkerton Detective Agency to get their money back.
The Pinkertons' newest operative is twenty-two-year-old Clare Wright. Highly educated, skilled with disguises, and handy enough in a fight, Clare's future in the agency seems bright. But when she's introduced to Fred Harvey, she finds herself thrown right into the heady mix of frontier life.
Harvey's Arizona hotel has been robbed and Clare is the perfect recruit to solve this mystery. Clare must infiltrate high society and win the confidence of killers like Butch Cassidy as she seeks the truth.
'Let me recommend Dana Stabenow' Diana Gabaldon
WELCOME TO THE GILDED AGE. WHERE NOT EVERYTHING GLITTERS.
1890: the Gilded Age, a period of financial success and political corruption. The United States is growing at a breathless rate, with six new states recently added to the Union.
With expansion comes an influx of crime. Outlaw gangs hold sway on the frontier and heists and robberies are commonplace. A lot of businesses shrug off these depredations as the cost of success. Those who don't hire the Pinkerton Detective Agency to get their money back.
The Pinkertons' newest operative is twenty-two-year-old Clare Wright. Highly educated, skilled with disguises, and handy enough in a fight, Clare's future in the agency seems bright. But when she's introduced to Fred Harvey, she finds herself thrown right into the heady mix of frontier life.
Harvey's Arizona hotel has been robbed and Clare is the perfect recruit to solve this mystery. Clare must infiltrate high society and win the confidence of killers like Butch Cassidy as she seeks the truth.
'Let me recommend Dana Stabenow' Diana Gabaldon
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2026
151 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Dana Stabenow
103 books2,188 followersDana Stabenow was born in Anchorage and raised on 75-foot fish tender in the Gulf of Alaska. She knew there was a warmer, drier job out there somewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
November 24, 2025
This book is the first in what appears to be a new series from Dana Stabenow. I’ve already read the entire Kate Shugak (20+books) set in Alaska.
This time, the book is set in the new Frontier towns of the Old West. Reading the notes at the end of the book, I was surprised to read just how many of these events, places and people were real - just jiggled around a bit for the book. I’d heard of several of the people and places but wasn’t aware that the Harvey Hotels, the Harvey Girls and the Pinkerton Detective Agency actually existed.
Although I chose this book because it was written by Dana Stabenow, I do have some issues with her writing.
What she does best is location and scene setting, followed by her inclusion of interesting historical facts. Next comes her storylines - which are sometimes quite far-fetched and rely heavily on the same set of dramatic situations. Although, that said, they’re usually engrossing for the most part.
My main issue with her books is that her characters aren’t generally engaging - particularly her lead characters. Plenty about what they do and how they look physically, but they’re never really deep or nuanced. And that’s such a shame as I’d love to be rooting for them, but there’s nothing really to give them anything but a basic personality (usually fortitude, attitude and courage, and that’s about it).
Interesting time and setting, but I’m not sure that I’d go back for another helping if this is going to be a new series.
This time, the book is set in the new Frontier towns of the Old West. Reading the notes at the end of the book, I was surprised to read just how many of these events, places and people were real - just jiggled around a bit for the book. I’d heard of several of the people and places but wasn’t aware that the Harvey Hotels, the Harvey Girls and the Pinkerton Detective Agency actually existed.
Although I chose this book because it was written by Dana Stabenow, I do have some issues with her writing.
What she does best is location and scene setting, followed by her inclusion of interesting historical facts. Next comes her storylines - which are sometimes quite far-fetched and rely heavily on the same set of dramatic situations. Although, that said, they’re usually engrossing for the most part.
My main issue with her books is that her characters aren’t generally engaging - particularly her lead characters. Plenty about what they do and how they look physically, but they’re never really deep or nuanced. And that’s such a shame as I’d love to be rooting for them, but there’s nothing really to give them anything but a basic personality (usually fortitude, attitude and courage, and that’s about it).
Interesting time and setting, but I’m not sure that I’d go back for another helping if this is going to be a new series.
March 27, 2026
IN A NUTSHELL
First book in a new historical fiction series set in 1890s America. A strong, brave, resourceful, well-educated female Pinkerton agent as the main character. Propulsive thriller plot woven around real historical figures. Lots of action, much of it violent. It was a fast, fun and fascinating read. I want more, as soon as possible.
'The Harvey Girl' is the first book in an historical fiction series about Pinkerton Agent Clare Wright in 1890s America, where, twenty-five years after the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln, the robber barons of the railroad have opened up the still largely lawless territories of the American West.
The story hooked me immediately, starting with a dramatic prologue, set in 1868, describing the traumatic birth of the baby who will become our heroine, establishing an air of mystery and a suggestion of tragedy about her from the beginning.
The action then moved to the Red Mountain Express, which, en route from Chicago to Montaña Roja in the New Mexico Territory, is stopped in the middle of the night in the high desert and robbed at gunpoint by a highly organised crew, leaving a dead body in their wake.
We finally meet Clare as, working undercover, she brings a fraud case to a spectacular close before being called back to headquarters to be given a new assignment working undercover for a very high-profile client: Fred Harvey, founder and manager of the Harvey Houses. Fred wants Clare to investigate the train robberies while working as a Harvey Girl.
I liked the way Dana Stabenow wove real people, like the Pinkerton Brothers, Fred Harvey and even Mark Twain, into the story. They provided a credible context for Clare to work in without getting the reader bogged down in a long history lesson.
The mystery that Clare is tasked with solving is a solid one, and the Harvey Girl culture is vividly brought to life, but, for me, it was Clare who gave the story its sparkle. She was clever, brave, well-educated, focused, lied fluently to everyone to protect her cover story of being a Harvey Girl, and always carried her Derringer. I enjoyed getting to know her and seeing her worldview expand as she started to fall in love with the American West.
There was a lot of violence in the story, but then this was the American West before the law had arrived, when the billionaires of the day regularly demonstrated that the law didn’t apply to them.
The book doesn’t have a cliff-hanger ending, but it does have a Season 1, Episode 1 feel, where many possibilities are left open, not all mysteries are solved, and it is clear that we will meet some of the most charismatic characters again in the next book. I was fine with that, even if I have to wait a year for Episode 2.
I recommend the audiobook version of ‘The Harvey Girl’. I loved listening to Marguerite Gavin bring this world to life. Click on the YouTube link below to hear a sample.
https://youtu.be/fNKlzsJIl9E?si=-_Km-...
First book in a new historical fiction series set in 1890s America. A strong, brave, resourceful, well-educated female Pinkerton agent as the main character. Propulsive thriller plot woven around real historical figures. Lots of action, much of it violent. It was a fast, fun and fascinating read. I want more, as soon as possible.
'The Harvey Girl' is the first book in an historical fiction series about Pinkerton Agent Clare Wright in 1890s America, where, twenty-five years after the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln, the robber barons of the railroad have opened up the still largely lawless territories of the American West.
The story hooked me immediately, starting with a dramatic prologue, set in 1868, describing the traumatic birth of the baby who will become our heroine, establishing an air of mystery and a suggestion of tragedy about her from the beginning.
The action then moved to the Red Mountain Express, which, en route from Chicago to Montaña Roja in the New Mexico Territory, is stopped in the middle of the night in the high desert and robbed at gunpoint by a highly organised crew, leaving a dead body in their wake.
We finally meet Clare as, working undercover, she brings a fraud case to a spectacular close before being called back to headquarters to be given a new assignment working undercover for a very high-profile client: Fred Harvey, founder and manager of the Harvey Houses. Fred wants Clare to investigate the train robberies while working as a Harvey Girl.
I liked the way Dana Stabenow wove real people, like the Pinkerton Brothers, Fred Harvey and even Mark Twain, into the story. They provided a credible context for Clare to work in without getting the reader bogged down in a long history lesson.
The mystery that Clare is tasked with solving is a solid one, and the Harvey Girl culture is vividly brought to life, but, for me, it was Clare who gave the story its sparkle. She was clever, brave, well-educated, focused, lied fluently to everyone to protect her cover story of being a Harvey Girl, and always carried her Derringer. I enjoyed getting to know her and seeing her worldview expand as she started to fall in love with the American West.
There was a lot of violence in the story, but then this was the American West before the law had arrived, when the billionaires of the day regularly demonstrated that the law didn’t apply to them.
The book doesn’t have a cliff-hanger ending, but it does have a Season 1, Episode 1 feel, where many possibilities are left open, not all mysteries are solved, and it is clear that we will meet some of the most charismatic characters again in the next book. I was fine with that, even if I have to wait a year for Episode 2.
I recommend the audiobook version of ‘The Harvey Girl’. I loved listening to Marguerite Gavin bring this world to life. Click on the YouTube link below to hear a sample.
https://youtu.be/fNKlzsJIl9E?si=-_Km-...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pre-Read Notes:
I requested this from NetGalley because I read a Dana Stabenow mystery two decades ago and liked it. When books stick with me this way, I tend to read more from the author.
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I think this could have been a better book if it was longer. With 26 speaking characters, the story really should have unfolded over more pages, giving all those characters room to breathe.
If you don't mind a story mostly made from summary and dialog, you could find the history fascinating.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ The concept is heartbreaking, because this child goes through so much. I haven't gotten very far yet, but she could be good and screwed up for life! It wouldn't be her fault if she was.
✔️ I like the length of this book, 272 pages. That's perfect for a mystery. But this book has 26 named and speaking characters. That's about one every ten pages. For me, it's too much. Maybe objectively, it's too much.
Content Notes: child neglect, child abandonment,
Thank you to the author Dana Stabenow, Bloomsbury USA, and NetGalley for an accessible digital copy of THE HARVEY GIRL. All views are mine.
I requested this from NetGalley because I read a Dana Stabenow mystery two decades ago and liked it. When books stick with me this way, I tend to read more from the author.
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I think this could have been a better book if it was longer. With 26 speaking characters, the story really should have unfolded over more pages, giving all those characters room to breathe.
If you don't mind a story mostly made from summary and dialog, you could find the history fascinating.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ The concept is heartbreaking, because this child goes through so much. I haven't gotten very far yet, but she could be good and screwed up for life! It wouldn't be her fault if she was.
✔️ I like the length of this book, 272 pages. That's perfect for a mystery. But this book has 26 named and speaking characters. That's about one every ten pages. For me, it's too much. Maybe objectively, it's too much.
Content Notes: child neglect, child abandonment,
Thank you to the author Dana Stabenow, Bloomsbury USA, and NetGalley for an accessible digital copy of THE HARVEY GIRL. All views are mine.
April 3, 2026
I might have read a book in the author's Kate Shugak series years ago, but if I did, I didn't stick with the series (obviously). No, I picked up this book based entirely on the subject matter (Lady Pinkerton Agent!) and the subject matter (going undercover as a Harvey Girl to find train robbers!). My history nerd heart started singing immediately.
This was a very quick listen on audio (7 hours) so it's a book that runs on a the shorter side. There's also a ton of characters here and it did take me a moment to find my sea legs. Where this book excels is in the world building, which is dynamite. Gilded Age New Mexico - still very much the untamed Wild West in a lot of ways. Stabenow utilizes real historical events and figures in her story - sometimes they work, sometimes they feel like filler. Frank Harvey? Necessary for the story. Bat Masterson? Moderately important to the story. Mark Twain? Totally unnecessary. The bits about robber barons, tariffs, and what was going on between the US and Mexico at the time? Very interesting.
It's one of those mysteries that's "solved" but only to a certain extent. The heroine discovers what's going on, but she can't conclusively prove it. I like my mysteries to be a bit more definitive than that with their endings, but I still enjoyed this. I'll read the next book in the series if we get one.
This was a very quick listen on audio (7 hours) so it's a book that runs on a the shorter side. There's also a ton of characters here and it did take me a moment to find my sea legs. Where this book excels is in the world building, which is dynamite. Gilded Age New Mexico - still very much the untamed Wild West in a lot of ways. Stabenow utilizes real historical events and figures in her story - sometimes they work, sometimes they feel like filler. Frank Harvey? Necessary for the story. Bat Masterson? Moderately important to the story. Mark Twain? Totally unnecessary. The bits about robber barons, tariffs, and what was going on between the US and Mexico at the time? Very interesting.
It's one of those mysteries that's "solved" but only to a certain extent. The heroine discovers what's going on, but she can't conclusively prove it. I like my mysteries to be a bit more definitive than that with their endings, but I still enjoyed this. I'll read the next book in the series if we get one.
April 27, 2026
Set in New Mexico circa 1890, The Harvey Girl is the first in a new series featuring Clare Wright a young Pinkerton agent who is assigned to the city of Montana Roja, to find the culprits behind a series of train robberies, the most recent of which resulted in a gruesome death. She poses as a Harvey girl, a hostess at one of the famous Harvey Houses, and during her investigation gets her first exposure to the wild west.
This was a fun read. I had never heard of the Harvey girls so it was nice to get a little history lesson while enjoying a surprisingly complicated mystery. Stabenow does a great job integrating actual historic personas into the story line and I always appreciate an author's afterword explaining her research. Clare is another smart, strong Stabenow heroine and I look forward to her next adventure.
This was a fun read. I had never heard of the Harvey girls so it was nice to get a little history lesson while enjoying a surprisingly complicated mystery. Stabenow does a great job integrating actual historic personas into the story line and I always appreciate an author's afterword explaining her research. Clare is another smart, strong Stabenow heroine and I look forward to her next adventure.
April 4, 2026
Review to come
March 10, 2026
To be perfectly honest, I confused this with another book of the same title that I wanted to read. Nonetheless, it sounded intriguing. I love historical fiction and mysteries, so a book that combines the two genres held a great deal of promise. However, it just wasn’t for me.
There were some wonderful possibilities here. I have never read any historical fiction about this era in America, the 1890’s and westward expansion. The protagonist was a woman I really wanted to love. How could any modern American woman not love a strong and sassy woman in the late 1800s who was a Pinkerton lady, out to catch the outlaw that was robbing people in New Mexico? There was so much promise here.
However, it just did not grab my attention, even though it should have. While I certainly rooted for Claire (the protagonist), I became lost in the rest of the book. There were too many characters, which detracted from Claire, and they were all visceral. It was hard to keep track. The character who I was most interested in seeing Claire interact with was Mark Twain. That was fascinating. Unfortunately, the plethora of characters was just too much for me. At the same time I wanted to hear more about the other Harvey girls because the existence of them in an era where women were more seen and not heard was fascinating. Hence, this novel seemed to have both more of what I didn’t want and less of what I did want. On the other hand, it did make me want to actually do research on the Harvey girls.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Bloomsbury, USA for providing me with advanced copies of this novel. All of the opinions herein are my own.
There were some wonderful possibilities here. I have never read any historical fiction about this era in America, the 1890’s and westward expansion. The protagonist was a woman I really wanted to love. How could any modern American woman not love a strong and sassy woman in the late 1800s who was a Pinkerton lady, out to catch the outlaw that was robbing people in New Mexico? There was so much promise here.
However, it just did not grab my attention, even though it should have. While I certainly rooted for Claire (the protagonist), I became lost in the rest of the book. There were too many characters, which detracted from Claire, and they were all visceral. It was hard to keep track. The character who I was most interested in seeing Claire interact with was Mark Twain. That was fascinating. Unfortunately, the plethora of characters was just too much for me. At the same time I wanted to hear more about the other Harvey girls because the existence of them in an era where women were more seen and not heard was fascinating. Hence, this novel seemed to have both more of what I didn’t want and less of what I did want. On the other hand, it did make me want to actually do research on the Harvey girls.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Bloomsbury, USA for providing me with advanced copies of this novel. All of the opinions herein are my own.
March 6, 2026
Very disappointed in the new book by Dana Stabenow, and I am a Big Fan ! I bought the hard copy, the Kindle, and the audiobook. A mistake. The pace was slow, I couldn’t get invested in Claire, and the hanging ending was the last straw.
March 17, 2026
I've always had a soft spot for Dana Stabenow books. She writes good, cozy mysteries. It's been a long time since I read her Kate Shugak books, and the setting of her new series doesn't quite appeal to me in the same way (Alaska felt like a real character in the way this book can't quite reach) but still she hasn't lost her touch.
March 22, 2026
This favorite author does extreme research for her historical stories. I really enjoy the Eye of Isis series.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/2454...
This book has all the research, but lacks a coherent plot. The central characters are solid, but the literary devices of random quotes in Latin, famous people dropping by, and global politics of the 1890s became tiresome.
I'm not sure if I'll read the next one, which must be published soon, as this is the mystery version of a HFN ending.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/2454...
This book has all the research, but lacks a coherent plot. The central characters are solid, but the literary devices of random quotes in Latin, famous people dropping by, and global politics of the 1890s became tiresome.
I'm not sure if I'll read the next one, which must be published soon, as this is the mystery version of a HFN ending.
March 20, 2026
I've read everything Dana Stabenow has written and have greatly enjoyed her books. The Harvey Girl is no exception. Nifty historical details, independent self sufficient heroine, set in 1890 in the Wild West makes for an entertaining read. Bravo Dana for another wonderful mystery book set in historical times.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been reading mystery and thrillers for a very long time, but author Dana Stabenow never got on my radar for some reason. When I saw this historical mystery (my favorite genre) and found out this was the beginning of a new series, I wanted to get on it from the first. I'm not a big fan of westerns, but I wanted to give this a try. I cannot believe how quickly time passed when I read it; it was one of those books that just catches your attention from the start, and you don't want to put it down until you're through.
In 1890, the New Mexico Territory is a lawless frontier where criminals steal money and just about everything else at the drop of a dime. Everyone wears a six-gun and is ready and willing to shoot it. The new city of Montaña Roja is where Fred Harvey built his latest Harvey House. His growing empire is threatened by the robberies plaguing his newest restaurant. To find the culprits, he needs a skilled detective to go undercover and get answers to questions the law will not ask. The job is assigned to Clare Wright, a young Pinkerton agent. Disguised as one of Harvey's famous hostesses, Clare travels west where she risks being exposed at every step of her investigation. There are only two things she can trust: during this investigation: her instincts and her derringer.
This really was a thrilling and fun story from beginning to end. Clare Wright, who was related to the Pinkerton men, was assigned this job. Who else but a young woman could work at the Harvey House and not stand out? She was smart and knew she could discover who the thieves were, as this wasn't her first rodeo, so to speak. But the New Mexico Territory was different from most of the places she worked in the past; it's certainly not like Chicago! I know waitressing is hard work and I wouldn't want to do it, but I can't believe what the Harvey Girls went through working at the Harvey House with it's extremely rigid rules and good reputation. I'm surprised just how hard those young woman worked! Clare was good at getting into locked rooms and finding personal records. She was bound and determined to find out who was stealing supplies from trains delivering goods, and who killed men working for the railroad by cutting their throats. I loved this intrepid young agent; she was easy to root for. One of the things I really liked about this book is the number of real people who appeared or were mentioned in the book. I was so excited to see Claire talking to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, and Bat Masterson, who always called Clare sweetheart! And of course, there was Fred Harvey and his famous restaurants and hostesses. I enjoyed this story thoroughly, but I do have one complaint. It seems to me that it ended quite abruptly. There was so much action and secrets revealed, but it just...ended. Feels like loose ends to me. At least I have the comfort knowing that Clare Wright will be back again for another investigation!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In 1890, the New Mexico Territory is a lawless frontier where criminals steal money and just about everything else at the drop of a dime. Everyone wears a six-gun and is ready and willing to shoot it. The new city of Montaña Roja is where Fred Harvey built his latest Harvey House. His growing empire is threatened by the robberies plaguing his newest restaurant. To find the culprits, he needs a skilled detective to go undercover and get answers to questions the law will not ask. The job is assigned to Clare Wright, a young Pinkerton agent. Disguised as one of Harvey's famous hostesses, Clare travels west where she risks being exposed at every step of her investigation. There are only two things she can trust: during this investigation: her instincts and her derringer.
This really was a thrilling and fun story from beginning to end. Clare Wright, who was related to the Pinkerton men, was assigned this job. Who else but a young woman could work at the Harvey House and not stand out? She was smart and knew she could discover who the thieves were, as this wasn't her first rodeo, so to speak. But the New Mexico Territory was different from most of the places she worked in the past; it's certainly not like Chicago! I know waitressing is hard work and I wouldn't want to do it, but I can't believe what the Harvey Girls went through working at the Harvey House with it's extremely rigid rules and good reputation. I'm surprised just how hard those young woman worked! Clare was good at getting into locked rooms and finding personal records. She was bound and determined to find out who was stealing supplies from trains delivering goods, and who killed men working for the railroad by cutting their throats. I loved this intrepid young agent; she was easy to root for. One of the things I really liked about this book is the number of real people who appeared or were mentioned in the book. I was so excited to see Claire talking to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, and Bat Masterson, who always called Clare sweetheart! And of course, there was Fred Harvey and his famous restaurants and hostesses. I enjoyed this story thoroughly, but I do have one complaint. It seems to me that it ended quite abruptly. There was so much action and secrets revealed, but it just...ended. Feels like loose ends to me. At least I have the comfort knowing that Clare Wright will be back again for another investigation!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I bought my first book by Dana Stabenow in Denali Park, Alaska. I loved it and still have that book, now autographed. Yes, I've met her. As such, I was prepared to love this one from the git go. So, you can imagine my surprise when, after the first chapter, I was rather lost. I actually pondered putting it aside, figuring it was just me too caught up in real life events to allow myself to be sucked in. Fortunately, I kept reading and was glad I did. While I'm not quite sold on it the way I was on that first book set in Alaska, this one in the Wild West of 1890 did eventually pull me in. I've always been a sucker for a western, bring on those cowboys, but Stabenow's usual wonderful job of setting the story in the gritty, frequently violent, rough and barely civilized mining town of Montana Roja and it's quirky cast of characters was well done. Seriously, I could picture that drunk sheriff ignoring lawlessness and the likes of a killer one day showing up at a dance the next and shyly asking heroine Clare Wright to dance, not to mention delight in well-known names like Bat Masterson and Mark Twain popping up.
As a history major, the historical aspects of the story were great fun. I'd heard of the Harvey Girls although I don't recall where. Reading Clare's daily routine as she worked undercover for the Pinkerton's to solve a murder made me wonder how she could stand up at the end of the day, let alone do any sleuthing. Those women didn't have it easy, that's for sure. Stabenow includes a Cast of Characters upfront, by the way, which I found helpful. I managed to get about halfway through before I finally had to satisfy my curiosity and skip ahead to the acknowledgements and Stabenow's notes on where the idea for the story came from and what was historically based and/or maybe tweaked just a bit. Sorry, Dana. I was impatient. I also took time to do a quick read up on the history of the Harvey Girls to refresh my memory. Worth your time if you're so inclined. Stabenow provides such a strong sense of the time and place that it makes it all the more real. (And, yes, there's a movie staring Judy Garland.)
So what's the mystery, you ask? Who killed the train conductor and what was he maybe or maybe not involved in? The murder is rather quick but, whoa, the murder itself is enough to remind you that you're reading about a lawless era when violence was often violent and quick. In addition, you'll get a great look at how train cars were hooked up, moved, and transferred from one train to the next while also being provided a mind picture of the setting the train travels through. I won't ruin the plot by saying much more but it was intriguing to see Clare working hard all day and dealing with the restrictions put on women of the era.
Bottom line, despite the slow-to-me start, I wound up enjoying this probably new series. Given my assumption Stabenow is setting us up for a continuing series, I was able to overlook the fact that end maybe wasn't tied up for us all nice and pretty, not to mention that this character driven reader chaffed at not knowing more of Clare's background until near the end. Thanks #BloomsburyUSA for giving me this early peek at not just a favorite author (and fellow Alaskan) but letting me hop a virtual time travel machine to drop into an era I've always found fascinating, the still not neat and pretty Wild West. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series.
As a history major, the historical aspects of the story were great fun. I'd heard of the Harvey Girls although I don't recall where. Reading Clare's daily routine as she worked undercover for the Pinkerton's to solve a murder made me wonder how she could stand up at the end of the day, let alone do any sleuthing. Those women didn't have it easy, that's for sure. Stabenow includes a Cast of Characters upfront, by the way, which I found helpful. I managed to get about halfway through before I finally had to satisfy my curiosity and skip ahead to the acknowledgements and Stabenow's notes on where the idea for the story came from and what was historically based and/or maybe tweaked just a bit. Sorry, Dana. I was impatient. I also took time to do a quick read up on the history of the Harvey Girls to refresh my memory. Worth your time if you're so inclined. Stabenow provides such a strong sense of the time and place that it makes it all the more real. (And, yes, there's a movie staring Judy Garland.)
So what's the mystery, you ask? Who killed the train conductor and what was he maybe or maybe not involved in? The murder is rather quick but, whoa, the murder itself is enough to remind you that you're reading about a lawless era when violence was often violent and quick. In addition, you'll get a great look at how train cars were hooked up, moved, and transferred from one train to the next while also being provided a mind picture of the setting the train travels through. I won't ruin the plot by saying much more but it was intriguing to see Clare working hard all day and dealing with the restrictions put on women of the era.
Bottom line, despite the slow-to-me start, I wound up enjoying this probably new series. Given my assumption Stabenow is setting us up for a continuing series, I was able to overlook the fact that end maybe wasn't tied up for us all nice and pretty, not to mention that this character driven reader chaffed at not knowing more of Clare's background until near the end. Thanks #BloomsburyUSA for giving me this early peek at not just a favorite author (and fellow Alaskan) but letting me hop a virtual time travel machine to drop into an era I've always found fascinating, the still not neat and pretty Wild West. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series.
March 5, 2026
1890. The New Mexico Territory is opening up fast. The march of civilisation is not far behind, but for now lawlessness is the name of the frontier game. Entrepreneur Fred Harvey is making the most of the opportunities offered in the Wild West by extending his chain of Harvey House restaurants into New Mexico, but frequent train robberies are threatening his empire. He needs someone to go undercover in his newest restaurant in Montaña Roja to put a stop to the thefts - especially now the culprits have upped their game to include murder.
Young Pinkerton agent Clare Wright is the perfect person for the job. Disguised as one of Harvey's famous hostesses, a Harvey Girl, she heads west to investigate - armed with her notebook and trusty derringer...
I am partial to a mystery set in the good old Wild West, so I was instantly attracted to this exciting novel from Dana Stabenow - especially as it is set in the intriguing Gilded Age (a term taken from a novel by Mark Twain, who makes an entertaining appearance).
Unfurling largely from the perspective of ingenious, kick-ass detective Clare, the story begins with her wrapping-up an investigation in Bienville, Mississippi (via a fascinating prologue about her origins, which becomes relevant later in the story). A meeting with a perplexed Fred Harvey and Clare's Pinkerton employers then sends her out west to New Mexico, for an incognito job that will test her sleuthing skills and her mettle to the max.
Montaña Roja is a revelation for Clare. Awed by the scenery, shocked by the lack of competent law enforcement, and bemused by the shenanigans of the local business mogul and his cronies, she sets to work ferreting out those responsible for the daring railroad raids - even though she is exhausted by the amount of work expected of her as a Harvey Girl. With a little help from some strategically placed hired gun-types (famous faces amongst them), and the steadfast women in Montaña Roja, Clare's investigation produces surprising results that spark a highly enjoyable, fast-paced finale that channels the Wild West vibe to perfection.
Stabenow perfectly balances this gripping adventure on the knife-edge of a new territory teetering between lawlessness and civilisation. Boom town fever, and the spread of the railroad are opening up the west, and she does an excellent job of immersing you in all the contradictions of a town where killings happen openly in the streets, while robber barons build gaudy mansions funded by back-room deals, and ordinary citizens go about their lives. The plot blends western fun with a compelling crime story, and encompasses fascinating political, geographical and historical detail - much of which sent me down rabbit holes, especially about Fred Harvey and Harvey Girls, who I had not heard about before.
I galloped (pun intended) through Clare's atmospheric escapade, and cannot wait for the next instalment of the series!
Young Pinkerton agent Clare Wright is the perfect person for the job. Disguised as one of Harvey's famous hostesses, a Harvey Girl, she heads west to investigate - armed with her notebook and trusty derringer...
I am partial to a mystery set in the good old Wild West, so I was instantly attracted to this exciting novel from Dana Stabenow - especially as it is set in the intriguing Gilded Age (a term taken from a novel by Mark Twain, who makes an entertaining appearance).
Unfurling largely from the perspective of ingenious, kick-ass detective Clare, the story begins with her wrapping-up an investigation in Bienville, Mississippi (via a fascinating prologue about her origins, which becomes relevant later in the story). A meeting with a perplexed Fred Harvey and Clare's Pinkerton employers then sends her out west to New Mexico, for an incognito job that will test her sleuthing skills and her mettle to the max.
Montaña Roja is a revelation for Clare. Awed by the scenery, shocked by the lack of competent law enforcement, and bemused by the shenanigans of the local business mogul and his cronies, she sets to work ferreting out those responsible for the daring railroad raids - even though she is exhausted by the amount of work expected of her as a Harvey Girl. With a little help from some strategically placed hired gun-types (famous faces amongst them), and the steadfast women in Montaña Roja, Clare's investigation produces surprising results that spark a highly enjoyable, fast-paced finale that channels the Wild West vibe to perfection.
Stabenow perfectly balances this gripping adventure on the knife-edge of a new territory teetering between lawlessness and civilisation. Boom town fever, and the spread of the railroad are opening up the west, and she does an excellent job of immersing you in all the contradictions of a town where killings happen openly in the streets, while robber barons build gaudy mansions funded by back-room deals, and ordinary citizens go about their lives. The plot blends western fun with a compelling crime story, and encompasses fascinating political, geographical and historical detail - much of which sent me down rabbit holes, especially about Fred Harvey and Harvey Girls, who I had not heard about before.
I galloped (pun intended) through Clare's atmospheric escapade, and cannot wait for the next instalment of the series!
April 3, 2026
Novel set in 1890 USA
The Harvey Girl by Dana Stabenow features a strong female character – Clare Wright – and is a crime novel in a historical setting of post-Civil-War America. Clare Wright is a private eye, working for the famous Pinkertons detective agency, when she is tasked to work for Mr Fred Harvey. He wants to investigate the train hold-ups and robberies that are plaguing the ATSF railroad route in New Mexico Territory in the 1890s. Harvey owns and runs the eponymous Harvey Houses, a kind of hotel-restaurant chain with branches along the developing rail network. Clare is effectively an orphan, highly educated and brilliant at what she does. She also has a determined character and a mind of her own. She skilfully blends into her surroundings, using disguise and stealth to investigate on behalf of the agency’s clients.
The storyline takes Clare from her initial investigation in Mississippi, which she wraps up swiftly, to the wild west territories beyond the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico Territories. In her adopted role/disguise as a trained Harvey’s employee, she gets to know the hotel’s customers and other characters in the growing frontier town, with the aim of identifying those responsible for the robberies and murder of the train conductor. Her demure persona conceals a woman who is prepared to defend herself and take great risks to catch the culprit or culprits. Clare makes friends among the staff, earns the admiration of the menfolk and eventually the respect of her client. But she has to work out who she can trust and fend off unwanted male attention while conducting her clandestine investigations.
Stabenow’s descriptions contrast the developing township of Montaña Rossa with the ageless mountain and desert scenery surrounding the Rio Grande. There are delightfully detailed accounts of the natural world, as well as the architecture ranging from the adobe housing of the indigenous people to the grand (but somewhat tasteless) mansion of the local tycoon, Mr Gowan. The cast of characters contrasts the strictly regulated female staff of the Harvey House with the male entrepreneurs, cowboys, miners and lawless gunslingers.
The book ends in a suspenseful cliff-hanger, perfectly setting the key characters up for a sequel. One of my favourite parts of the book is the Acknowledgements chapter, where Stabenow explains her extensive research and the significance of several of the real-life characters who appear in the novel, such as Mark Twain. This book is recommended as an easy and enjoyable read and a fascinating insight into an important part of the history of the developing regions that became part of the United States of America.
#ADPR
The Harvey Girl by Dana Stabenow features a strong female character – Clare Wright – and is a crime novel in a historical setting of post-Civil-War America. Clare Wright is a private eye, working for the famous Pinkertons detective agency, when she is tasked to work for Mr Fred Harvey. He wants to investigate the train hold-ups and robberies that are plaguing the ATSF railroad route in New Mexico Territory in the 1890s. Harvey owns and runs the eponymous Harvey Houses, a kind of hotel-restaurant chain with branches along the developing rail network. Clare is effectively an orphan, highly educated and brilliant at what she does. She also has a determined character and a mind of her own. She skilfully blends into her surroundings, using disguise and stealth to investigate on behalf of the agency’s clients.
The storyline takes Clare from her initial investigation in Mississippi, which she wraps up swiftly, to the wild west territories beyond the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico Territories. In her adopted role/disguise as a trained Harvey’s employee, she gets to know the hotel’s customers and other characters in the growing frontier town, with the aim of identifying those responsible for the robberies and murder of the train conductor. Her demure persona conceals a woman who is prepared to defend herself and take great risks to catch the culprit or culprits. Clare makes friends among the staff, earns the admiration of the menfolk and eventually the respect of her client. But she has to work out who she can trust and fend off unwanted male attention while conducting her clandestine investigations.
Stabenow’s descriptions contrast the developing township of Montaña Rossa with the ageless mountain and desert scenery surrounding the Rio Grande. There are delightfully detailed accounts of the natural world, as well as the architecture ranging from the adobe housing of the indigenous people to the grand (but somewhat tasteless) mansion of the local tycoon, Mr Gowan. The cast of characters contrasts the strictly regulated female staff of the Harvey House with the male entrepreneurs, cowboys, miners and lawless gunslingers.
The book ends in a suspenseful cliff-hanger, perfectly setting the key characters up for a sequel. One of my favourite parts of the book is the Acknowledgements chapter, where Stabenow explains her extensive research and the significance of several of the real-life characters who appear in the novel, such as Mark Twain. This book is recommended as an easy and enjoyable read and a fascinating insight into an important part of the history of the developing regions that became part of the United States of America.
#ADPR
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars for an enjoyable historical fiction mystery set in 1890 New Mexico territory. This is book 1 in a promising new series. My wife and I read all of Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series and recommend the series to mystery fans. The author writes mysteries with strong, resourceful women detectives.
Clare Wright is 22 years old and works for the Pinkerton detective agency. She is asked to work undercover as a Harvey Girl at a Fred Harvey restaurant in Montana Roja, New Mexico. There have been a series of train robberies in which entire railroad boxcars of supplies destined for the Fred Harvey restaurants were stolen. Clare accepts the assignment. Fred Harvey and Robert Pinkerton explain that she must undergo the entire rigorous one month training course and work full time as a Harvey Girl, i.e., a waitress at a Harvey restaurant.
She accepts the assignment. The author has Pinkerton also bring in two other people to assist her, Tom Horn, and Bat Masterton, both actual historical figures. Clare does manage to solve the mystery, but not all the culprits are apprehended. Perhaps a lead in to the next book.
I liked the way the author developed the plot, and how she describes the main characters. She even provides a list of characters and their various jobs at the beginning of the book, which I found helpful.
There are no scenes of graphic violence or sex. Also no profanity. There are vivid descriptions of the beautiful southwest scenery.
One quote, describing Clare's outfit on the train ride from Chicago to New Mexico: "She was well aware of what he saw, a young woman in her early twenties with enough money to dress respectably if not fashionably. Her short jacket was serviceable and matched the gored skirt, both made from a light gray wool. The hem of the skirt stopped at her ankles, revealing half boots of what had been good black leather, brave beneath a layer of polish."
Thank You Zoe Giles at Head of Zeus for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#TheHarveyGirl #NetGalley.
Pub Date Mar 05 2026 |
Clare Wright is 22 years old and works for the Pinkerton detective agency. She is asked to work undercover as a Harvey Girl at a Fred Harvey restaurant in Montana Roja, New Mexico. There have been a series of train robberies in which entire railroad boxcars of supplies destined for the Fred Harvey restaurants were stolen. Clare accepts the assignment. Fred Harvey and Robert Pinkerton explain that she must undergo the entire rigorous one month training course and work full time as a Harvey Girl, i.e., a waitress at a Harvey restaurant.
She accepts the assignment. The author has Pinkerton also bring in two other people to assist her, Tom Horn, and Bat Masterton, both actual historical figures. Clare does manage to solve the mystery, but not all the culprits are apprehended. Perhaps a lead in to the next book.
I liked the way the author developed the plot, and how she describes the main characters. She even provides a list of characters and their various jobs at the beginning of the book, which I found helpful.
There are no scenes of graphic violence or sex. Also no profanity. There are vivid descriptions of the beautiful southwest scenery.
One quote, describing Clare's outfit on the train ride from Chicago to New Mexico: "She was well aware of what he saw, a young woman in her early twenties with enough money to dress respectably if not fashionably. Her short jacket was serviceable and matched the gored skirt, both made from a light gray wool. The hem of the skirt stopped at her ankles, revealing half boots of what had been good black leather, brave beneath a layer of polish."
Thank You Zoe Giles at Head of Zeus for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#TheHarveyGirl #NetGalley.
Pub Date Mar 05 2026 |
March 17, 2026
3.25/5 stars
I was excited to read this book because I'm a fan of the Kate Shugak series by this author.
It was interesting to read about the history of the Harvey Girls as I was not familiar with their existence. It was actually fascinating to discover this group of young women who left their homes and traveled (many times far across the US) to become waitresses/hostesses of the Harvey House restaurants. The Harvey Houses' (arguably one of the first franchises in the country) were located advantageously at stops along the US railroad system and were extremely popular with both railroad passengers and local citizens alike.
This story took place in 1890 in the New Mexico Territory, specifically the town of Montana Roja, a lawless and often dangerous place. Fred Harvey (the founder/owner of Harvey House) hires a young Pinkerton detective (Clare Wright) to go undercover and discover who is stealing from his business.
I liked Clare's character...spunky, intelligent, fiercely independent. I also thought the "Wild West" descriptions, both of the landscape and the general mayhem of the area, were well done and vivid in their detail. But somehow, I just didn't connect to this book overall, and I'm not exactly sure why. I found the writing a bit simplistic and not what I had come to expect from this author. I also did not feel as connected to the characters as I had hoped to. Yes, I liked Clare but didn't feel as if I knew her very well. However, having said this, I have a feeling this is the start of a series (as there was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end), and if so, I'm assuming we will learn more about the intrepid Ms. Wright in adventures to come.
Yes, I would probably read the next installment just to see where things might be headed in the story, but for now, I'm just slightly invested.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA / Head of Zeus - an Aries Book for providing the free early arc of The Harvey Girl for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I was excited to read this book because I'm a fan of the Kate Shugak series by this author.
It was interesting to read about the history of the Harvey Girls as I was not familiar with their existence. It was actually fascinating to discover this group of young women who left their homes and traveled (many times far across the US) to become waitresses/hostesses of the Harvey House restaurants. The Harvey Houses' (arguably one of the first franchises in the country) were located advantageously at stops along the US railroad system and were extremely popular with both railroad passengers and local citizens alike.
This story took place in 1890 in the New Mexico Territory, specifically the town of Montana Roja, a lawless and often dangerous place. Fred Harvey (the founder/owner of Harvey House) hires a young Pinkerton detective (Clare Wright) to go undercover and discover who is stealing from his business.
I liked Clare's character...spunky, intelligent, fiercely independent. I also thought the "Wild West" descriptions, both of the landscape and the general mayhem of the area, were well done and vivid in their detail. But somehow, I just didn't connect to this book overall, and I'm not exactly sure why. I found the writing a bit simplistic and not what I had come to expect from this author. I also did not feel as connected to the characters as I had hoped to. Yes, I liked Clare but didn't feel as if I knew her very well. However, having said this, I have a feeling this is the start of a series (as there was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end), and if so, I'm assuming we will learn more about the intrepid Ms. Wright in adventures to come.
Yes, I would probably read the next installment just to see where things might be headed in the story, but for now, I'm just slightly invested.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA / Head of Zeus - an Aries Book for providing the free early arc of The Harvey Girl for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
February 28, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I have enjoyed the books of Dana Stabenow for years now. She has a few mystery series set in Alaska. She has some scifi offerings which I haven't read yet. She has written other books of a historical nature which isn't usually my thing. But a historical mystery is something I do enjoy.
The Harvey Girl is the first in a new series about Claire Wright . Claire is a Pinkerton agent sent undercover to work as a Harvey girl. Harvey has hired the Pinkerton agency to look into train robberies that are stealing his restaurant supplies. Claire is smart, resourceful and skilled. She goes a little too far a few times though.
The Gilded Age is full of robbers, barrons and wealthy crooks. Women are not treated very well. It's what the current administration is trying to recreate.
The daily life and investigations of Claire are interesting enough. The pace moves along well enough. There are the train robberies and murders, along with other oddities to figure out. A broad cast of characters is introduced and the foundation for the world is set. I was always engaged while reading. The author pulls together a lot of real characters and historical facts.
However, while there are plenty of information gathered and definite shady people and other crimes identified, the original train robberies are not really solved. I guess it is fair leaving some plot lines open for the series. The ending did not close off the mysteries clearly, but has Claire continuing to work for Harvey and going to Kansas City offices to investigate further.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I have enjoyed the books of Dana Stabenow for years now. She has a few mystery series set in Alaska. She has some scifi offerings which I haven't read yet. She has written other books of a historical nature which isn't usually my thing. But a historical mystery is something I do enjoy.
The Harvey Girl is the first in a new series about Claire Wright . Claire is a Pinkerton agent sent undercover to work as a Harvey girl. Harvey has hired the Pinkerton agency to look into train robberies that are stealing his restaurant supplies. Claire is smart, resourceful and skilled. She goes a little too far a few times though.
The Gilded Age is full of robbers, barrons and wealthy crooks. Women are not treated very well. It's what the current administration is trying to recreate.
The daily life and investigations of Claire are interesting enough. The pace moves along well enough. There are the train robberies and murders, along with other oddities to figure out. A broad cast of characters is introduced and the foundation for the world is set. I was always engaged while reading. The author pulls together a lot of real characters and historical facts.
However, while there are plenty of information gathered and definite shady people and other crimes identified, the original train robberies are not really solved. I guess it is fair leaving some plot lines open for the series. The ending did not close off the mysteries clearly, but has Claire continuing to work for Harvey and going to Kansas City offices to investigate further.
April 5, 2026
The Harvey Girl follows aspiring detective Clare Wright as she’s sent out to the American Wild West to uncover the responsible parties following a series of train robberies and a rather grisly murder. I love a good mystery book, especially with a female protagonist so this fast-paced introduction to the world of the Pinkerton Detective Agency was such a fun read.
About the Book 📖
Clare Wright wants nothing more than to live a life free of society's constraints, so taking a position with the notorious Pinkertons seems the answer to her dilemma. She can make her own money and isn’t stuck between four walls like most women her age in the 1890s.
When Fred Harvey, the owner of a chain of restaurants spanning the ever-expanding western states of America, needs a woman to go undercover as one of his waitresses Clare is the obvious choice. She’s savvy enough to stay ahead of the criminals she’s pursuing and brave enough to deal with anything thrown her way.
When more people are killed though it becomes clear that there is more to the Harvey robberies than meets the eye and Clare could be in more danger than she first anticipated. With a killer creeping closer and men vying for her attention Clare may have bitten off more than she can chew.
My Thoughts 💭
I loved this introduction to the world of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and the American West! All of the characters are sort of how you’d expect to be classic cowboys to be, they shot first and sobered up later. The women are looking for reliable men, and the men are looking to get rich quickly.
Clare is a very straight-talking woman and more than capable of taking care of herself for the most part. We learn a bit more about her past towards the end of the book which really helps to explain her motivation for wanting to grab hold of her independence.
The mystery is left sort of half resolved leaving it open for further books following Clare and her escapades, and I’m excited to find out what happens next.
About the Book 📖
Clare Wright wants nothing more than to live a life free of society's constraints, so taking a position with the notorious Pinkertons seems the answer to her dilemma. She can make her own money and isn’t stuck between four walls like most women her age in the 1890s.
When Fred Harvey, the owner of a chain of restaurants spanning the ever-expanding western states of America, needs a woman to go undercover as one of his waitresses Clare is the obvious choice. She’s savvy enough to stay ahead of the criminals she’s pursuing and brave enough to deal with anything thrown her way.
When more people are killed though it becomes clear that there is more to the Harvey robberies than meets the eye and Clare could be in more danger than she first anticipated. With a killer creeping closer and men vying for her attention Clare may have bitten off more than she can chew.
My Thoughts 💭
I loved this introduction to the world of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and the American West! All of the characters are sort of how you’d expect to be classic cowboys to be, they shot first and sobered up later. The women are looking for reliable men, and the men are looking to get rich quickly.
Clare is a very straight-talking woman and more than capable of taking care of herself for the most part. We learn a bit more about her past towards the end of the book which really helps to explain her motivation for wanting to grab hold of her independence.
The mystery is left sort of half resolved leaving it open for further books following Clare and her escapades, and I’m excited to find out what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Smart and sassy female detective in the Old West
Train robberies, Pinkerton detectives, and legendary characters add up to a thrilling read! Dana Stabenow’s always superb writing and extensive research are on display in The Harvey Girl. Claire Wright is her newest fascinating heroine. Claire is a young woman with a unique background and whip-smart intelligence. That an actual female detective with the Pinkerton Detective Agency inspired the main character is intriguing. Set in 1890, during the westward expansion and the Gilded Age, it highlights the lawlessness of the Old West. Some fascinating historical figures make appearances in the story.
Claire is assigned to investigate robberies affecting the Harvey House restaurant chain. To do so, she goes undercover as one of the famous Harvey Girls, serving at the Montaña Roja restaurant in the New Mexico territory. The author paints a vivid picture of the turmoil of the frontier town as well as the incredible hard work performed by the Harvey girls. Claire is another of the strong female characters that Stabenow is adept at creating. Claire encounters many potential perpetrators, and she must keep her sharp wits about her to avoid personal harm.
I love how the plot unfolds and that I still have questions at the end. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about the Old West, but the plot masterfully drew me in and kept me riveted to the page. The best books leave you thinking and wondering long after reading the last page. I dare you to read this book and not immediately start researching the Pinkertons and the Harvey Girls. The mix of history and mystery has me hooked and longing for another book in the series. Highly recommended for readers who like their heroines smart and sassy.
Thanks to Head of Zeus - Aries for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
Train robberies, Pinkerton detectives, and legendary characters add up to a thrilling read! Dana Stabenow’s always superb writing and extensive research are on display in The Harvey Girl. Claire Wright is her newest fascinating heroine. Claire is a young woman with a unique background and whip-smart intelligence. That an actual female detective with the Pinkerton Detective Agency inspired the main character is intriguing. Set in 1890, during the westward expansion and the Gilded Age, it highlights the lawlessness of the Old West. Some fascinating historical figures make appearances in the story.
Claire is assigned to investigate robberies affecting the Harvey House restaurant chain. To do so, she goes undercover as one of the famous Harvey Girls, serving at the Montaña Roja restaurant in the New Mexico territory. The author paints a vivid picture of the turmoil of the frontier town as well as the incredible hard work performed by the Harvey girls. Claire is another of the strong female characters that Stabenow is adept at creating. Claire encounters many potential perpetrators, and she must keep her sharp wits about her to avoid personal harm.
I love how the plot unfolds and that I still have questions at the end. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about the Old West, but the plot masterfully drew me in and kept me riveted to the page. The best books leave you thinking and wondering long after reading the last page. I dare you to read this book and not immediately start researching the Pinkertons and the Harvey Girls. The mix of history and mystery has me hooked and longing for another book in the series. Highly recommended for readers who like their heroines smart and sassy.
Thanks to Head of Zeus - Aries for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3 out of 5.
(Unnamed series) 1
When a series of train robberies end in murder, Arizona hotel owner Fred Harvey hires the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The Agency sends their newest agent, twenty-two year old Clare Wright. Well-educated and a master of disguise, she goes undercover as a waitress at the Harvey House restaurant. As she moves through western society, high and low, Clare must be careful not to reveal why she's snooping about.
This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Head of Zeus publishing company, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing. Anticipated publication date is March 5, 2026.
There's a large cast of characters from real life, some well-known, others less recognizable. Perhaps too many reality based ones. For the start to a new series, I'd prefer more focus on the main characters in order to let the reader come to know them. Without a doubt, Stabenow has a way with descriptions of her characters' environment, done in such detail as to make you feel as if you're there. Unfortunately I found her characters themselves to be somewhat flat. For me, it is always the people in a story that sell it to me. I can forgive a weak plot, but weak characters? No.
While an intriguing setting, the uneven pacing was also a problem for me. Then there is the ending, a frankly unnecessary reveal and surprisingly unsatisfying, even to generate a series. My conclusion? The book isn't bad by any means. It is set in an interesting time in the history of a West that was already more myth than reality, not to mention how women survived without the benefit of marriage or close family in the post-war era. It just didn't engage me as much as I had hoped it would.
(Unnamed series) 1
When a series of train robberies end in murder, Arizona hotel owner Fred Harvey hires the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The Agency sends their newest agent, twenty-two year old Clare Wright. Well-educated and a master of disguise, she goes undercover as a waitress at the Harvey House restaurant. As she moves through western society, high and low, Clare must be careful not to reveal why she's snooping about.
This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Head of Zeus publishing company, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing. Anticipated publication date is March 5, 2026.
There's a large cast of characters from real life, some well-known, others less recognizable. Perhaps too many reality based ones. For the start to a new series, I'd prefer more focus on the main characters in order to let the reader come to know them. Without a doubt, Stabenow has a way with descriptions of her characters' environment, done in such detail as to make you feel as if you're there. Unfortunately I found her characters themselves to be somewhat flat. For me, it is always the people in a story that sell it to me. I can forgive a weak plot, but weak characters? No.
While an intriguing setting, the uneven pacing was also a problem for me. Then there is the ending, a frankly unnecessary reveal and surprisingly unsatisfying, even to generate a series. My conclusion? The book isn't bad by any means. It is set in an interesting time in the history of a West that was already more myth than reality, not to mention how women survived without the benefit of marriage or close family in the post-war era. It just didn't engage me as much as I had hoped it would.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had no idea about the history of the Harvey Girls before I read this, but I knew I was a fan of Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak mysteries and other books, so I was excited to read her latest, and I enjoyed it!
Stabenow's books have a strong sense of place, and this one is no different. Set in 1890s New Mexico Territory, the book introduces Clare Wright, a female Pinkerton detective who goes undercover at one of Fred Harvey's restaurants to investigate a string of train robberies. The gritty spirit of the lawless Wild West feels vivid, as does the sense that danger lurks. The historical details are woven in deftly and are really interesting. A few historical figures make appearances, including Mark Twain, who offers some wry commentary.
Clare is quick thinking, strong willed, and resourceful. She disguises herself as one of the famed Harvey House hostesses or a “Harvey Girl." This role demands poise and grace, which she balances with her sharp instincts as a detective. Harvey Girls really existed and lived strict lives with curfews and behavioral expectations. They brought a sense of civility to the frontier and played a role in developing those communities.
Although the story starts a little slower as the world-building is set up, the mystery builds steadily through Clare's observations, deductive skills, and strategies, as well as the rising psychological tension of being found out. Any mistake could be fatal, so the suspense comes from the danger of her cover being blown as much as from the puzzle itself.
This is atmospheric and unique, and it ended in a way that made me think it might be setting up a series, which could be a lot of fun.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Books for the gifted review copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Harvey Girl is a new book by Dana Stabenow.. The Harvey Girl is actually a Pinkerton agent investigating the theft of train cars full of product as well as a murder. Clare was to act as a Harvey girl as her cover, but it was the hardest work she had ever done. She was often on her feet for ten/eleven hours a day. She had nothing but praise for Mr Harvey and what he was trying to do. It was only corrupted by people. One, Mr. Abernathy, the manager of the Montana Roja Harvey House, who used his position to seduce or coerce young woman into behaving inappropriately, was one. He was not above lying, but was he also a thief? Forensic accounting was not Clare’s expertise, but it was clear to her that he had been stealing from the day he arrived. But, was he involved with the train robberies? A variety of characters including another Pinkerton, Bat Masterson; Wash Gowan, the local impresario; and a variety of Harvey girls who may or may not be involved. Clare saw much for Harvey to be proud of but much to be questioned and Mr Harvey seemed to be oblivious to it all.
Clare was an interesting woman. Her mother died hours after her birth and she was sent to an orphanage. She received an excellent education and eventually became a Pinkerton, where she was highly successful. There’s a story there, too. Interesting pieces of history as well as an interesting mystery. None of the local men seemed to be pristine, but the West had different standards than she was used to, being from the East. Excellent read: fun characters and a good mystery.
I was invited to read The Harvey Girl by Aria & Aries. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AriaAndAries #DanaStabenow #TheHarveyGirl
Clare was an interesting woman. Her mother died hours after her birth and she was sent to an orphanage. She received an excellent education and eventually became a Pinkerton, where she was highly successful. There’s a story there, too. Interesting pieces of history as well as an interesting mystery. None of the local men seemed to be pristine, but the West had different standards than she was used to, being from the East. Excellent read: fun characters and a good mystery.
I was invited to read The Harvey Girl by Aria & Aries. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AriaAndAries #DanaStabenow #TheHarveyGirl
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance copy of this book and I could not wait to dive in. I've read the entire Kate Shugak series, as well as the 2 book Coast Guard Series and the first 2 books of her Eye of Isis Series. Fantastic story telling! Excellent development of strong female characters that are the epitome of Badass!
The Harvey Girl seems to be the beginning of a new series and I am excited and intrigued! Clare Wright is the newest Secret Weapon of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. She's intelligent, she notices details that most people would miss, can handle a gun, and can handle herself in sticky situations. The year is 1890, new states are being added to the Union, and robber barons get richer, and laws do not seem to apply to the rich.
Clare is introduced to Fred Harvey. Trains on the way to Arizona are being robbed, as well as Fred Harvey's Arizona Hotel. Clare goes under cover as a Harvey Girl. The Harvey Girls are the 1st waitresses who serve in America's first hospitality chain on the railroad into Arizona. Long hours, backbreaking work but it gives her the perfect opportunity to observe both the cowboys and the rich to solve both the thefts and murder.
I very much enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see where the next book leads us. There is more to Clare than what has been revealed in this book. I can't wait to hear more about who she is and where she is going.
I've given this book 4 stars but it's actually 4.5 stars in my book. The ending left me wanting more but I will have to wait for the next book!
The Harvey Girl seems to be the beginning of a new series and I am excited and intrigued! Clare Wright is the newest Secret Weapon of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. She's intelligent, she notices details that most people would miss, can handle a gun, and can handle herself in sticky situations. The year is 1890, new states are being added to the Union, and robber barons get richer, and laws do not seem to apply to the rich.
Clare is introduced to Fred Harvey. Trains on the way to Arizona are being robbed, as well as Fred Harvey's Arizona Hotel. Clare goes under cover as a Harvey Girl. The Harvey Girls are the 1st waitresses who serve in America's first hospitality chain on the railroad into Arizona. Long hours, backbreaking work but it gives her the perfect opportunity to observe both the cowboys and the rich to solve both the thefts and murder.
I very much enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see where the next book leads us. There is more to Clare than what has been revealed in this book. I can't wait to hear more about who she is and where she is going.
I've given this book 4 stars but it's actually 4.5 stars in my book. The ending left me wanting more but I will have to wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Bloomsbury, for my advance copy. These opinions are my own:
It's 1890, and Clare Wright is a talented young detective with the Pinkerton agency sent to one the renowned Harvey House hotels in New Mexico to investigate a series of thefts which have culminated in a murder. Clare is operating undercover as one of the Harvey Girls who serve quick order food to passengers at the train stop, and can barely get enough time to take a breath let alone solve a murder. But as the roots of the thefts, murder, and other crimes around town start to intertwine, danger mounts not only for Clare but for the rest of the town...and even for the country.
I absolutely loved this book! I love this new, feminist heroine! She is capable, underestimated, and intelligent. I only wish that she were a little less beautiful, and therefore more relatable ;) Readers are plunged into the mystery from page 1, and it's a gritty, yet historically accurate ride to the finish. I really appreciated how Stabenow brings the past to life through the eyes of someone living in the thick of things, and I found myself searching for more information on events and places, trying to see the real-life inspiration for the book. (Stabenow's blog is a great place to start on the journey, by the way). I love that Clare is living the dream AND fighting the patriarchy, and I really, really hope that there will be more adventures to come.
Triggers: violence, murder, offensive racial nomenclature, misogyny, racism
It's 1890, and Clare Wright is a talented young detective with the Pinkerton agency sent to one the renowned Harvey House hotels in New Mexico to investigate a series of thefts which have culminated in a murder. Clare is operating undercover as one of the Harvey Girls who serve quick order food to passengers at the train stop, and can barely get enough time to take a breath let alone solve a murder. But as the roots of the thefts, murder, and other crimes around town start to intertwine, danger mounts not only for Clare but for the rest of the town...and even for the country.
I absolutely loved this book! I love this new, feminist heroine! She is capable, underestimated, and intelligent. I only wish that she were a little less beautiful, and therefore more relatable ;) Readers are plunged into the mystery from page 1, and it's a gritty, yet historically accurate ride to the finish. I really appreciated how Stabenow brings the past to life through the eyes of someone living in the thick of things, and I found myself searching for more information on events and places, trying to see the real-life inspiration for the book. (Stabenow's blog is a great place to start on the journey, by the way). I love that Clare is living the dream AND fighting the patriarchy, and I really, really hope that there will be more adventures to come.
Triggers: violence, murder, offensive racial nomenclature, misogyny, racism
March 17, 2026
When I was in Santa Fe last year, I picked up a nonfiction book about the Harvey Girls. I was fascinated with the stories about the women who worked in the hotels. I was also interested in Fred Harvey’s whole business model and how it shaped travel and hospitality in the American West. So when I saw there was a historical mystery on Netgalley centered on Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls, I requested it right away.
What I loved: I loved the setting, and I enjoyed spending time in that world. I thought the atmosphere of the early days of Western rail travel was well done, and I liked some of the characters I met along the way.
What could have been better: There were simply too many characters. I think the story would have been stronger if the cast had been smaller and the main characters had been developed more deeply. Instead, the book seemed determined to include every possible historical figure or Wild West reference. When Mark Twain showed up, I had to laugh a little. I just don’t think every interesting person or anecdote from the era needs to appear in the very first book of a series.
My biggest issue, though, was the ending. I felt like the mystery unraveled pretty abruptly, and the solution didn’t feel especially tight or satisfying to me. It also seemed too open-ended, clearly leaving room for more books, but I wished this installment had wrapped up the central mystery more cleanly.
In the end, I thought it was good, but not quite great.
3.25
I received a free advance review copy from the publisher; all opinions are my own.
What I loved: I loved the setting, and I enjoyed spending time in that world. I thought the atmosphere of the early days of Western rail travel was well done, and I liked some of the characters I met along the way.
What could have been better: There were simply too many characters. I think the story would have been stronger if the cast had been smaller and the main characters had been developed more deeply. Instead, the book seemed determined to include every possible historical figure or Wild West reference. When Mark Twain showed up, I had to laugh a little. I just don’t think every interesting person or anecdote from the era needs to appear in the very first book of a series.
My biggest issue, though, was the ending. I felt like the mystery unraveled pretty abruptly, and the solution didn’t feel especially tight or satisfying to me. It also seemed too open-ended, clearly leaving room for more books, but I wished this installment had wrapped up the central mystery more cleanly.
In the end, I thought it was good, but not quite great.
3.25
I received a free advance review copy from the publisher; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fine historical mystery set in 1890 at one of Harvey restaurants where Pinkerton agent, Clare Wright, goes undercover to investigate robberies and murder. This may be first in a series, and if so, I think it will be a smashing one.
Clare is sent to New Mexico territory to go undercover as a Harvey girl. There have been a series of train robberies and Fred Harvey, the owner of the Harvey restaurants, has asked Pinkerton to help. It’s a lawless time but Clare, a strong willed protagonist, is up to the task. She takes on the job of a Harvey girl (and based on this book that is as demanding of not more so than investigating robberies) and uncovers secrets and some interesting connections between some of the characters.
This is a plot-driven novel but Clare’s character is nicely developed. The book is peppered with some of the “who’s who” in America at that time (which I enjoyed). There are some good red herrings but this is a solid and clever mystery - loved the ending.
I loved the history attached to this book. Historically the Harvey chain of restaurants and hotels were set along railroads crossing America (NB: Fred Harvey is credited with creating the first “chain” of restaurants in the US - which actually lasted until 1968). The author’s note at the end gives some fun facts and information - don’t miss that!
I want to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for giving me access to this ARC.
#theharveygirl
#danastabenow
#bloomsburypublishing
Clare is sent to New Mexico territory to go undercover as a Harvey girl. There have been a series of train robberies and Fred Harvey, the owner of the Harvey restaurants, has asked Pinkerton to help. It’s a lawless time but Clare, a strong willed protagonist, is up to the task. She takes on the job of a Harvey girl (and based on this book that is as demanding of not more so than investigating robberies) and uncovers secrets and some interesting connections between some of the characters.
This is a plot-driven novel but Clare’s character is nicely developed. The book is peppered with some of the “who’s who” in America at that time (which I enjoyed). There are some good red herrings but this is a solid and clever mystery - loved the ending.
I loved the history attached to this book. Historically the Harvey chain of restaurants and hotels were set along railroads crossing America (NB: Fred Harvey is credited with creating the first “chain” of restaurants in the US - which actually lasted until 1968). The author’s note at the end gives some fun facts and information - don’t miss that!
I want to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for giving me access to this ARC.
#theharveygirl
#danastabenow
#bloomsburypublishing
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book was good and a lot did happen when Clare, a private detective working for the Pinkerton detective agency, was sent to investigate a string of train robberies and a connected murder in the Wild West of the 1890s posing as a Harvey girl and working in railroad magnate Harvey’s hotel and restaurant, Clare has to act as a waitress whilst looking in to the crimes.
I did like Clare- she was enterprising and brave, despite her young years and it was interesting seeing the Wild West through her eyes.
However there was something lacking and the book did not thrill me in the way it should. Maybe it was the myriad of characters, maybe it was the unsatisfactory ending- perhaps setting up for a follow up book but I didn’t find that “The Harvey Girl” captivated me. I had to force myself to pick it up and was strangely relieved when I finished it.
As I said, the idea behind the book was good and I did persevere and read to the end which meant it did have some positive features such a well researched historical setting . Sadly my conclusion was that it was just not the book for me but others might disagree as all opinions are subjective.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
I did like Clare- she was enterprising and brave, despite her young years and it was interesting seeing the Wild West through her eyes.
However there was something lacking and the book did not thrill me in the way it should. Maybe it was the myriad of characters, maybe it was the unsatisfactory ending- perhaps setting up for a follow up book but I didn’t find that “The Harvey Girl” captivated me. I had to force myself to pick it up and was strangely relieved when I finished it.
As I said, the idea behind the book was good and I did persevere and read to the end which meant it did have some positive features such a well researched historical setting . Sadly my conclusion was that it was just not the book for me but others might disagree as all opinions are subjective.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Gilded Age wild west mystery/historical fiction with a smart, skilled undercover FMC? Yes please!
Private detective Clare Wright has a mission to figure out who’s robbing trains in the 1890 southwest U.S. She goes undercover as a Harvey Girl, a waitress at the famed Harvey Hotel, and gets to her task. The frontier town is wild, to say the least, where no one blinks an eye at shootings in the street and all kinds of craziness is just another day.
I loved how Clare jumped right in, figured out how to blend in and look the part of her cover while always gathering information and looking for clues. And OF COURSE she thinks of everything the men have overlooked and starts narrowing down the field and putting some pieces together. Her confidence and toughness really struck me. The other characters were not particularly developed, but there were some interesting people in the mix. Overall, this was a fun story and I’m 100% on board for the next in the series.
I loved reading the bit at the end about the history of the Harvey Girls and more about the wild west in the 1890s—definitely worth it.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for my advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Private detective Clare Wright has a mission to figure out who’s robbing trains in the 1890 southwest U.S. She goes undercover as a Harvey Girl, a waitress at the famed Harvey Hotel, and gets to her task. The frontier town is wild, to say the least, where no one blinks an eye at shootings in the street and all kinds of craziness is just another day.
I loved how Clare jumped right in, figured out how to blend in and look the part of her cover while always gathering information and looking for clues. And OF COURSE she thinks of everything the men have overlooked and starts narrowing down the field and putting some pieces together. Her confidence and toughness really struck me. The other characters were not particularly developed, but there were some interesting people in the mix. Overall, this was a fun story and I’m 100% on board for the next in the series.
I loved reading the bit at the end about the history of the Harvey Girls and more about the wild west in the 1890s—definitely worth it.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for my advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In her latest book, Stabenow looks to the wild west. Based on the real-life Pinkerton Detective Agency and the restaurants opened by Fred Harvey, this book deftly mixes real people with the fictional characters.
Fred Harvey is not happy when his trains keep getting robbed, but he writes it off as the cost of doing business until one of his conductors is brutally killed during a robbery. He turns to the Pinkerton Detective Agency for help. Clare Wright is assigned to solve the crime, and goes undercover as one of the “Harvey Girls,” the women who serve as waitresses at the Harvey House Restaurants.
Despite being exhausted by the long hours of work at the restaurant, Clare finds time to investigate the murder and the robberies. She is both fascinated and appalled by the lawless town she finds herself in, and the men she encounters.
I really liked the relationship Clare develops with the other Harvey Girls, and her interactions with Bat Masterson (a fellow agent) and Fred Harvey, as well as the various suspects. The characters go beyond Wild West stereotypes and the mystery unfolds as Clare investigates. The ending left open additional books, so hopefully this will turn into Stabenow’s newest series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Fred Harvey is not happy when his trains keep getting robbed, but he writes it off as the cost of doing business until one of his conductors is brutally killed during a robbery. He turns to the Pinkerton Detective Agency for help. Clare Wright is assigned to solve the crime, and goes undercover as one of the “Harvey Girls,” the women who serve as waitresses at the Harvey House Restaurants.
Despite being exhausted by the long hours of work at the restaurant, Clare finds time to investigate the murder and the robberies. She is both fascinated and appalled by the lawless town she finds herself in, and the men she encounters.
I really liked the relationship Clare develops with the other Harvey Girls, and her interactions with Bat Masterson (a fellow agent) and Fred Harvey, as well as the various suspects. The characters go beyond Wild West stereotypes and the mystery unfolds as Clare investigates. The ending left open additional books, so hopefully this will turn into Stabenow’s newest series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
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