A National Bestseller A New York Times Editors’ Choice A September 2015 Indie Next Pick A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Book of 2015, Fall/Winter One of USA Today’s “New and Noteworthy” One of New York Post’s “Must-Read” Books One of Cosmopolitan’s “24 Books to Read this Fall” From the New York Times best-selling author of The Drunken Botanist comes an enthralling novel based on the forgotten … Books to Read this Fall”
From the New York Times best-selling author of The Drunken Botanist comes an enthralling novel based on the forgotten true story of one of the nation’s first female deputy sheriffs.
Constance Kopp doesn’t quite fit the mold. She towers over most men, has no interest in marriage or domestic affairs, and has been isolated from the world since a family secret sent her and her sisters into hiding fifteen years ago. One day a belligerent and powerful silk factory owner runs down their buggy, and a dispute over damages turns into a war of bricks, bullets, and threats as he unleashes his gang on their family farm. When the sheriff enlists her help in convicting the men, Constance is forced to confront her past and defend her family — and she does it in a way that few women of 1914 would have dared.
“A smart, romping adventure, featuring some of the most memorable and powerful female characters I’ve seen in print for a long time. I loved every page as I followed the Kopp sisters through a too-good-to-be-true (but mostly true!) tale of violence, courage, stubbornness, and resourcefulness.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
Check out the brand-new Kopp sisters adventure Lady Copy Makes Trouble available now!
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I loved this entire series. This is the first book and it is based on a true story. It is so very different from other police related stories that I have read. The setting is at the beginning of the last century and the main character a woman much ahead of her time. The writing is excellent, the characters understated and endearing. I highly recommend this book and the two that follow.
Historical fiction for people that don’t like historical fiction, this book was so good I wanted to start reviewing it before I finished reading. Based on actual newspaper headlines and actual people, Stewart crafts a backstory and fleshes out characters that are complex, funny, and unique.
It’s hard to single out the aspects that made this so enjoyable. Stewart artfully peppers in backstory in a way that leaves you wanting more. She also builds a believable world without falling prey to endless historical detail exposition. Her treatment of the main character’s physical characteristics is masterful. For once, we don’t have a female character that is immediately described by her body.
I can’t wait to read the next in this series!
A slam-bang start to a wonderful series about the Kopp sisters, centering on Constance Kopp, real-life law-enforcement pioneer. Stewart makes the transition from non-fiction to fiction seamlessly and you’ll love following this colorful crew through these pages and beyond.
The 4 books in this series are based on actual events and people. The stories take place in the early 1900’s in New Jersey.
Constance Kopp is the main character and is one of the nation’s first woman deputy sheriffs.
New Jersey, 1915. A cozy historical mystery based true events – it’s title taken from an actual newspaper headline – and featuring a delightful and unusual heroine who goes toe to toe with local racketeers!
Fascinating book, worth a second read.
Constance Kopp, a Real Life Hero.
I’ll admit, sheepishly, that I wanted to read this book because of the cover and the time period this story takes place in, early 1900’s. I’m a huge fan of the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries series, both the books and the television show. I was hoping this book would be a similar type of read. I was not disappointed! Not only was this story written well, with interesting and believable characters, it turns out this book was based on real people and actual events. I was floored! Truth is truly stranger than fiction. Amy Stewart did a masterful job of cobbling together an enjoyable novel based on extensive research and her own imagination. She made the Kopp sisters come to life again. This is a fantastic cosy mystery sure to delight anyone who enjoys strong female characters. I would heartily recommend this book to any adult, but I think it would also be quite suitable for teens 15 and older. This was a clean read with female characters that are smart, caring, and quick witted. I wish there were more books out there like this one. I can’t wait to read more about the lives of these amazing women. Someone needs to turn this into a television series. Netflix? Amazon? Seriously, someone needs to make this happen.
Historical novels (especially mysteries) are my favorite and this is one of the best I’ve ever read.
I enjoyed this series of three books bas closely on facts. I liked the story. Enjoyable, easy, quick reading. Learn something new.
I can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
I love reading about women of this period and everything that made their lives.
Amy Stewart has become one of my favorite authors. Her fictional series about Constance Kopp is based on the real-life Constance Kopp, one of the country’s first female deputy sheriffs at a time when women couldn’t even vote.
This book combines history (it is based on newspaper articles) and mystery. It is creative and imaginative. The characters seem real, because they are real. It is a great read.
I love this fictionalized new series based on a true character. Great reading!
cozy-mystery, historical-figures, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, humor
I missed this one on a Giveaway, but was able to pick it up on sale later. When I started it, I realized that I had read it when it was hot and new from the public library. Didn’t stop me from rereading it, though.
Well researched history fictionalized to educate the rest of us. Constance was a real trailblazer for women not suited to the constraints ordinarily placed on single women in 1914 in the USA. The tale is told clearly and fluidly of a city woman with business interests who defended herself and her sisters against an influential madman and became one of the first women to be deputized.
I really enjoyed it! Both times!
I now have it in audio as well, and Christina Moore did really fine work as narrator.
An inspiring, brass female heroine who’s not afraid to stand up to anyone who does her or her sisters wrong. Full of adventures that all of them go through to get justice makes for a fun read. Justifiably recommended for all to read.
A fun read
Very well written. Interesting. Kept me on my toes. Liked that there was no profanity or vulgarity. Excellent plot and characters.
This is a fun read about women coping with life in the early 20th century. The book touches on many topical issues, including union-busting, industrial pollution, organized crime and violence against women. These are serious issues, but the tone of the book is light and entertaining.