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.

The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

William Morrow
Pub Date: 3-4-25

Thank you @netgalley, @williammorrowbooks, and @laurenwillig for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Hamilton, Burr, a murder, a trial - and lingering questions more than 200 years later. Who was responsible for the death of Elma Sands? I found the Historical Note fascinating and will likely start with this before doing a re-read of the novel.

"It had been nearly two weeks since he had chosen to interest himself in Levi Weeks’s affairs, two weeks in which good intentions had bowed beneath the weight of obligation. What with planning a military academy, sorting out the shape of hats for his soldiers, berating James McHenry by letter, and plotting Burr’s political downfall, there had been very little time to hunt down witnesses to establish the innocence of Levi Weeks."

"Hamilton was useful— in his way. When he wasn’t carried away by the charms of his own voice."

"Hamilton always spoke as though his conclusions were the only conclusions and all other possibilities delusions."

This book was a bit slow to get into. 2025
Great history but not written for the 2025 reader. Of course people used different words and speech in 1800 but the author is writing for the present day audience and should attempt to make the dialogue easier to read. Got quite bogged down to the point where you skip over parts of it.

This book didn’t have the power I wanted to see from a novel this historic. I struggled to get into the plot and the characters feel flat and too one sided.

First, thank you to William Morrow via Netgalley for the ARC. This book was inspired by court trial of Levi Weeks for the murder trial if Emma Sands n NYC during the 1800s. I love Lauren Willig but this books of hers did both woo me as much as the others. Have to admit, the modern convenience of technology certainly made a difference in a court trial compared to how things are done back in the days! The research is remarkably impressive on this one.

This is a historical fiction book based on the trial of Levi Weeks who has been accused of murdering Elma Sands. It is New York in the 1800s. There are many historical figures in this story- Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr (as the defense attorneys), and many more. This case was unknown to me. I found it fascinating that the author used the transcript from the actual trial in writing the story.
The questions that arise in the trial center around whether Elma took her own life? Was she involved with multiple men, or was it a jealous lover? The story is told through 5 POV's- Hamilton, Burr, the prosecutor, and the victims 2 cousins. There is a lot of information given, and the beginning drags a bit- but stay with it because it gains traction! I truly enjoyed this book!!!
And I really learned a lot about the judicial system at the time (glad we have evolved a bit!).
I highly recommend this book to readers that like history in their stories, a good mystery, and the possibility of doing your own detecting!
I also loved the author's notes at the end- this led me down a rabbit hole as I began looking up all the figures involved! If you decide to read this, please read the author's notes as they detail how the story evolved!!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

A Historical Fiction Mystery based on a true story, The Girl from Greenwich Street tells of a famous murder trial in the year 1800. Elma Sounds is found dead in the Manhattan Well. It's up for debate as to whether she's been murdered or if it was suicide. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr are on one side together to prove that carpenter Levi Weeks, who has been charged with her murder, didn't do it.

I really wanted to like this more than I did. I found myself putting it down quite frequently, because it didn't hold my attention. Everything felt very dragged out and all throughout, the book suffers from a lot of telling vs showing. I guess if you're familiar with the trial, you would know why that is. I wasn't familiar with this case/trial prior to reading, so I think I was expecting more from the story. I didn't find myself particularly attached to any of the characters, except maybe Hamilton. But that's probably because in my head Hamilton = Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Miranda is a national treasure.

If I never have to read a book with Quaker plain speech in it again, it'll be too soon. No really, those parts were painful to me.

Recommended for those who like mysteries, historical fiction, trials, and don't mind more tell than show.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I have been SO excited to post this book review ahead of its release next month on March 4th. This was a historical retelling of a famous 1800 trial, in which a young woman was found murdered and dumped in a well in Manhattan. One review referred to it as “Law & Order: 1800,” and that description could not be more apt. I loved the multiple viewpoints, and especially the tense rivalry between defense attorneys Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (especially given what we know about how their relationship ended). I found that the book rang as really accurate: though I don’t profess to be a historian, the extensive notes at the end of the book really are a testament to how much work @laurenwillig put into this story. Keep your eyes peeled for this one - an absolutely fantastic blending of historical fiction and police procedural that will definitely keep you hooked until the end!! Thanks so much to Lauren Willig, @williammorrowbooks , and @netgalley for my free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!


SYNOPSIS: Elma Sands slips out of her cousin’s boardinghouse one cold winter evening in December of 1799, and isn’t seen again until her body is discovered at the bottom of the Manhattan Well. The streets are calling for the head of her presumed suitor Levi Weeks, but his wealthy builder brother Ezra has a few favors to call in. Aaron Burr could really use some good press to help him win the 1800 election, and shrewdly agrees to represent Levi. Political rival and Major General Alexander Hamilton sees right through Burr’s supposed good will, and immediately joins Levi’s defense team to counteract Burr’s bid for power. Hamilton, however, soon becomes convinced of Levi’s innocence, and ramps up his defense in earnest. But can Hamilton and Burr set aside their hatred to save Levi, find the killer, and avenge Elma? Or is mutual destruction the only thing on the horizon?

Just before Christmas 1799, Elma Sands slips out of her Quaker cousin’s boarding house—and doesn’t come home. No one knows what happened to her until her body appears in the Manhattan Well. Her family insists they know who killed her. Handbills circulate around the city accusing a carpenter named Levi Weeks of seducing and murdering Elma. Levi’s wealthy brother calls in a special favor, asking Aaron Burr to defend Levi. Aaron Burr’s legal practice can’t finance both his expensive tastes and his ambition to win the 1800 New York elections. If he were to defend Levi it would be a double win: a hefty fee plus a chance to grab headlines. Alexander Hamilton has his own political aspirations; he isn’t going to let Burr monopolize the public’s attention. If Burr is defending Levi Weeks, then Hamilton will too. As the trial and the election draw near, Burr and Hamilton race against time to save a man’s life—and destroy each other.

This book was fascinating. It is part murder mystery, part thriller, part true crime. I had never heard of this murder case before, so I had to do a deep dive on the internet and read everything I could find on the subject. I have had a fascination with Alexander Hamilton ever since the Hamilton musical came to Disney, where we watched it over and over. The animosity and competitiveness between Burr & Hamilton was highlighted in the musical and it was prevalent in this as well. I did, at least already know the backstory of why they had such animosity towards each other. If you love historical fiction, then you should definitely check this out.

There were parts of this book that I LOVED and parts of this book that just did not work for me. I loved the history - Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr - sign me up! The murder mystery, true crime, history, it was all done incredibly well. Based on a true story of a young woman who was found murdered. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr are working together to keep the man her family is convinced killed her from the gallows. I did not love the language used, I felt that although important and factual, actually detracted from the storyline. I also found that there were too many opinions and characters, that at times were hard to keep track of. I thought that the characters were incredible, well developed, described and realistic. I thought that although some parts were slow, the pacing of the book was overall really well done. If you are interested in history and true crime - this is a great one.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.