A solid mystery with an intriguing detective. The "coding" in this book is quite substantial-- we're never actually told the heroine is a lesbian, nor does she have any romantic leanings. Yet her determination to dress as a man and act like a man provide insights to modern readers. Her ability to get to know people, and make connections between behaviors leads her into trouble but also leads to the resolution of the mystery. An interesting, capable woman whose life provides illumination into a particular time and place.

Content Warnings: Misogyny (time-period accurate)

Osler's novel features Harriet "Harry" Morrow, a woman who wishes to be a detective, and her following through on the case that will decide whether or not she stays with the agency. She is given 1 week to resolve a case involving a missing maid, as the title suggests, but along the way she gets to explore the Polish community and Queer community, learning more about different people in the city but also about herself. Harriet is a great, well-rounded character. I love that while we, today, might readily identify her as a butch lesbian, she is more uncertain and simply content with herself as she is. Her decision to wear man's clothes, for example, just "feels right," and that's enough for her. The varied, supporting cast -- both cishet and queer -- were also great.

Some might find the "mystery" aspect of the book weak, but I enjoyed how the narrative combined some expected historical mystery investigation with more character focused story, as well as the specific focuses on historical feminism, LGBTQ+ communities, and immigrant cultures. If Osler writes another book featuring Harriet Morrow, I'll definitely pick it up.

I thought the cover was cute. I think the main character had a lot of depth to her personality and it was showing little by little. I found the book to be a bit slow paced. All in all, it was a good book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I can’t possibly describe this book with anything other than: It. Was. Amazing. From the very first page, the story drew me in with its captivating characters and amazing themes!

The character development is particularly impressive; each character feels real and relatable, with their own struggles and triumphs. I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys, cheering for their successes and feeling their pain. I loved the queer themes in this book; it was one of the first times that I read something like this! The representation felt really authentic and added depth to the characters and their experiences. It was so empowering to see stories that reflect diverse identities, making it relatable and inspiring, especially in that time and setting. Overall, it really opened my eyes to new perspectives and made the reading experience even more enjoyable!

This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted historical novel. I highly recommend it!

Love the cover! I like the premise of this new series but felt the pacing too slow for my taste. Should be a fun cozy series.

An amazing historical mystery. It was filled with interesting characters. A wonderful novel that is funny and has plenty of suspense.

The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler introduces readers to Harriet Morrow, the first female detective at Chicago’s Prescott Agency in 1898. A spirited and determined young woman, Harriet navigates skepticism from her male colleagues as she takes on her first case: the mysterious disappearance of a maid from an opulent mansion.

Osler crafts a captivating historical mystery filled with intriguing characters and the vibrant backdrop of turn-of-the-century Chicago. Harriet's quest for the truth leads her through a maze of secrets and potential danger, all while showcasing her resilience and intelligence. This engaging debut in a new series offers a delightful blend of wit, charm, and suspense.