A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

The description of this novel had me intrigued from the beginning: "A novel of Hamilton, Burr and America's first murder trial". It was all that and a whole lot more.

Elma Sands has never quite felt like she belonged in her cousin's Quaker Manhattan home. She can't wait to escape the restrictive environment and it seems all her plans are falling into place, when just before Christmas 1799, she disappears to only later be found dead in a nearby well.

Hamilton and Burr jump in to defend the man accused of her murder and their investigations seem to only reveal more questions. Who killed Elma Sands and what was their motive? Who can be trusted to tell the truth and who might not be telling all that they know?

I couldn't believe this was based on a real life story and after reading the author's note at the end, I was even more intrigued. I appreciated how true to the facts the story was, while keeping my interest throughout. Reading historical fiction set in this time period was refreshing and I enjoyed this suspenseful book.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a slow, slow burn that may not really be worth your time. Hamilton has found popularity thanks to the musical, but if you're looking for similarities, look elsewhere.

I was super interested in this topic. Although I ended up feeling like I wanted to read nonfiction instead. The author did a great job in making me want to learn more, though.

I had a difficult time reading this; the language was very different, and it flipped back and forth and wasn't consistent. I think it would have been easier for me on audio vs. print.

This was such a compelling book. A fictionalized account of "the woman in the well" which is a true crime committed in New York in 1799 and widely noted as the first Murder trial of the United States. Defended by both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, this account not only explores all of the different issues that arose during the murder, investigations, trial and aftereffects for each of the main players of the historical record but also the political games between Hamilton and Burr. As usual, the highlight of what's been done and how can we do it better push and pull between Burr and Hamilton was visible but also the thought process and diplomacy, or lack thereof, influenced the trial. However, at it's heart was Elma Sands, the murdered woman. The ability to make a full woman from the hearsay of other people is a beautiful feature.

To me, this book was just okay. It felt too long and I didn't really get enough emotions towards a murdered girl. I do know that it is based on real events, it just kept going on.

In 1799 New York City, a young woman is killed, and everyone assumes it is her would-be groom. When he goes to trial, he is defended by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.

I liked this book, especially the premise and the plotline, but I didn't love it as much as I wanted to. The true case plot was engaging, and I liked hearing about life and the court system in colonial NY. I was interested in the little call outs to the musical Hamilton, mostly in what the two men thought about each other and their personality traits. I hated the old English speech of the murdered girl's Quaker family- lots of the word 'Thee', etc. It would have been fine if it wasn't used so much and the wording was completely different that the rest of the book's language. It really stuck out and took me out of the story.

I did enjoy the surprises in who else might have killed her along the way, but I wondered if those things were true or completely fictional and that was never addressed (at least in the version I had). Overall, Hamilton fans might like this one but be ready for a book that is more historical fiction about colonial New York rather than a legal mystery or courtroom thriller.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

My girls love the musical Alexander Hamilton so it didn’t take much to convince me to read this one. This was an enjoyable slow burn historical fiction murder mystery based on a true story. Courtroom dramas are my cup of tea! The amount of research that went into this book seems overwhelming but author Lauren Willig did a fantastic job of sharing a comprehensive historical note on how she came to tell this story and all her sources. This is my second book by the author and so far The Girl from Greenwich Street is my favorite!

This is unlike anything I've ever read! The character development is done perfectly. If you enjoy historical mysteries then I think you would enjoy this! Special Thank You to Lauren Willing, William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

At once fascinating and propulsive! All the stars to Lauren Willig’s The Girl from Greenwich Street! Willig’s historical novels are among my favorites, and I believe this is her best yet. As with the best historical fiction, this novel is clearly brilliantly researched, transporting the reader to early 19th century New York. Yet Willig employs historical facts only in service to the ever so intriguing tale. The characters are similarly ever so well developed. And the pacing, plotting and drama!

Props to Willig as well for the superb author’s note.

Highly entertaining and highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

Review will be posted on 3/28/25

Elma Sands is living at her cousin's boardinghouse in New York City. One night in December, she leaves and doesn't return. Her cousins know she had a relationship with a fellow boarder, Levi Weeks, and they thought they had plans to be married. However, Levi doesn't know where Elma is and once her body shows up in the Manhattan well weeks later, all fingers point to Levi. Levi's brother, Ezra, is wealthy and hires an excellent attorney to defend his brother. Enter stage left: Aaron Burr. Due to politics and the sensation around this case (perhaps some jealousy, too?) Alexander Hamilton insists he helps with the defense of Levi as well. This trial became a sensation in New York City with a lot of attention as this was the first US murder trial. Fans of true crime, historical mysteries, and Alexandar Hamilton will savor The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig.

What makes The Girl from Greenwich Street so compelling is the fact that this book is based on the first US murder trial that has a transcript of the court case. Willig's story is based heavily on this and truly brings these real people to life. I really enjoy true crime stories and the fact that this one included such famous names as Burr and Hamilton only added to my enjoyment. Willig, a lawyer herself, was able to capture the courtroom expertly. Lastly, I was really captivated by the whole case and thoroughly enjoyed Willig's author's note at the end of the novel. The note demonstrates how much research she put into this and fills in any gaps. So, if you are a fan of historical mysteries, look no further!

I don't read a lot of historical fiction anymore, but I always make an exception for Lauren Willig. She has a talent for bringing events to life, and her fictionalized account of the 1799 murder of Elma Sands is absolutely riveting. I felt like I was watching from the courtroom gallery as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr defend Levi Weeks. Even after 225 years, this case is still fascinating. It's clear that Lauren has meticulously researched the case, added her own flair, and what comes out is a must read not only for historical fiction lovers, but also fans of true crime and well-crafted thrillers. Also, do not miss the author's notes. They made me love The Girl from Greenwich Street even more.

I found this account of a murder trial in 1800 quite fascinating, especially since it involved Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Interesting to see how things have changed over the last two centuries. Lauren Willig did a lot of research and explains in her authors note that this is largely based on an actual trial and also lets you know what is fiction. I always enjoy her books!

As a fan of true crime this book was everything I love in a book. It masterfully infused a mystery with historical fiction along with a true story. The writing was seamless and the plot developed effortlessly!

This historical novel is about the first murder trial in the brand new United States of America, in 1800 NYC, where the defendant was represented by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Indeed, if you’re a fan of the musical Hamilton, the trial is in the song Non-Stop! After a first chapter from the perspective of the soon to be murder victim, a young woman living in her cousin’s boarding house, the book shifts between 5 perspectives - Hamilton, Burr, the prosecutor, and two sisters who are the murder victim’s cousins. The book covers the aftermath of the murder and preparations for trial, and then the trial itself.

I am a huge Lauren Willig fan, so it took me a moment to get used to this one - it’s different from most of her other books in its many perspectives, more focus on male POVs, and lack of romance usually present in her books. But once I wrapped my head around that, it was a great mystery that kept me eagerly turning pages! I also truly appreciate the care Willig puts into her historical notes - in a book based on real life, I always want to know what parts are true and what parts are not, and she always does a fabulous job of really delving into that and explaining and even adding more context.

'The Girl from Greenwich Street' by Lauren Willig is based on a real trial which took place in 1800. Fans of 'Hamilton' and American history buffs will enjoy Willig's telling of the investigation and trial which lead to notorious rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr working together to defend a man accused of murder.

The story is told from multiple perspectives, so at any given time, the reader is privy to much more information than investigators are. I enjoyed Willig's commentary on parentage and gender in 1800. And, because I'm a nerd like that, I really appreciated the Author's Note where Willig expands further on the context of this story.

Thank you to Lauren Willig and William Morrow for the ARC of 'The Girl from Greenwich Street' in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fascinating, well researched historical fiction, based on a shocking murder and trial that occurred in New York City in 1800. Elma Sands leaves her home to meet with someone she hopes to marry. and disappears. Her body is later found in the Manhattan Well. Theories abound in the area regarding what happened to Elma, and a young man is arrested. Representation at his trial includes the attorneys Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. The attorney for the prosecution is a young lawyer in one of his first major trials. The book starts slowly, as Lauren Willig sets the stage and introduces the many characters who were part of Elma's life and the investigation and trial to obtain justice for her. The pace of the book intensifies, as the lawyers for both sides investigate what may have happened, interview those who knew both Elma as well as the accused, and proceed with the trial. I marveled at the way trials, juries, and investigations were handled in that time period. The book also highlights the plight of women at that time, as well as the opinion of society on those who were born out of wedlock, and how both affected the investigation and the trial. The glimpse into both the lives and the business relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr was also very interesting. I enjoyed the author notes at the end, and the additional information on the characters. Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

The Girl from Greenwich Street is a historical fiction that is centered about the nation’s first murder trial. So it has that true crime/legal aspect to it, but set in 1799/1800. The tagline is what grabbed my attention first as it was a part of history I was familiar with, “A novel of Hamilton, Burr, and America’s first murder trial.”

I have read this author once before and I’m not sure if her writing style just isn’t for me, but I didn’t love this one. It felt very sloggy to get into in the beginning. Not sure if it’s just because of the context of this story or if it’s the writing style. I did like how we get to see so much of all of the character’s involved and the historical aspects of it all. We really get into the character’s lives at the time while they’re also involved in aspects of the murder trial. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr have to work together on the case (one-time friends, but mostly political rivals), Elma (the murder victim), Levi (the accused), Quakers, etc! I think if you enjoy legal/crime in your historical fiction, you might enjoy this new release.

I received an ARC from the publisher, all thoughts in the review are my own.

Readers often enjoy imagining casting certain actors and actresses in a movie version of a favorable book. From a different angle, I’d like to imagine having the opportunity to read the plot of “The Girl from Greenwich Street” and then matching it to potential authors. In my opinion, Lauren Willig is a top ranked choice to create the story.

Willig, who is a historian (well versed in the social and political norms the early 19th century with her “Pink Carnation” series set during the Napoleonic Wars era), lawyer, AND talented author, proves that she is the perfect match for this narrative. She explores the ground breaking first murder trial with realistic detail and action as well as her characteristic wit.

Yes, fans of the musical “Hamilton” may be tempted to break into song when Hamilton or Burr enter the courtroom or gather for a meeting. However, the overarching takeaway of America’s early legal practices and the treatment of women is treated with respectful care.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morris Books for the opportunity to read the ARC of this publication. I also purchased the audiobook (narrated by Jane Oppenheimer) and rate it 5 stars as well.