A Murderous Business
by Cathy Pegau
Pub Date: Sep 16 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Margot Baxter Harriman took the reins of B&H Foods after her father passed. It’s not easy being a business woman in 1912, but she is determined to continue what her grandparents started decades ago, no matter what it takes.

So when Margot finds Mrs. Gilroy, her father’s former assistant, dead in the office with a half-finished note confessing to nebulous misdeeds at B&H, she seeks out help from a very discreet, private investigator to figure out what's going on. Her company, and her good name, are at stake if scandal breaks...and she could lose everything, including her freedom.

Loretta “Rett” Mancini has run her father’s investigation operation since he started becoming increasingly forgetful. When Margot offers her the chance to look into the potential scandal with B&H, she jumps at it.

But the more the two dig in, the more it becomes clear that Margot's company may be too far lost...and someone is willing to kill them both to keep things quiet.

Charming and witty, Cathy Pegau's A Murderous Business is perfect for fans of Lev Ac Rosen, Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer, and the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mysteries by Claudia Gray.

I really enjoyed this mystery, hopefully the first in a series, in which two queer women living and working in New York in the early 20th century, fight through sexism and class differences to get to the bottom of a scandal at Margot's business. Both Margot and Rett, along with the other characters, seem like fully fleshed out, interesting people, and the mystery is satisfying. I would love to read the next installment whenever it comes out!

What fun new characters! Set in 1912 New York City, Margot Harriman inherited B&H Foods from her father and quickly learns that something potentially nefarious is going on with her family's business. Margot stumbles upon a former assistant dead in the office trying to write a letter to her, Based on what was in the partially finished letter, Margot became concerned about a possible scandal within the company. She hires Loretta (Rett) Mancini to investigate the death and the information in the letter to find out how to protect the company Margot's grandparents founded. They learn to trust each other and slowly figure out who was the murderer and who was the person behind the scandal.
I love a good historical mystery. What's even better is it is the first book in a new series! In 1912, it was uncommon to have a woman as the head of a company or as a woman investigator, but not impossible. I'm glad the author chose to create complex female characters in non-traditional roles. As supporting characters, CeeCee and Shiloh are entertaining and I have a feeling they will be further developed into future books. CeeCee is studying medicine and is Rett's roommate. Shiloh is a magician's assistant with particular skills who is developing feelings for Margot. I am looking forward to the next book to find out how Margot and Rett grow as characters and join them on their next mystery journey.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, strong female characters and a touch of humor, I highly recommend this first book in the series! 4.5 stars
#AMurderousBusiness #NetGalley #historicalmystery
Thank you St. Martin's and Minotaur Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

An engaging mystery featuring strong women, one who knows exactly who she and one who is discovering herself through her journey to expose a killer and save the family business. The angle of successful businesswomen and the obstacles they face in a male dominated turn-of-the-century world is particularly appealing.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Margot is taking the reins of the family business after her father passes away. Soon her father's now retired assistance is found dead at the canning business. Why? Who did it? Was it her uncle Hiram? She hires Loretta and her father's investigator business to find out.

This is set in 1912 and I at first it was a little slow moving. It soon picked up the pace. I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. I loved that Margot was set on running things and wanted to find the truth. Back then this was not an easy thing. The LGBTQ aspect was not overplayed and was a minor but important part of the storyline. I liked that.

A solid 4/5 stars.

A Murderous Business is a fitting title for this gripping historical mystery. The B&H Foods cannery was turning a huge profit, but the people tied to it weren’t nearly as fortunate. Some even turned up dead, which made the mystery all the more compelling.

The central question—who is behind it all, and why?—takes shape when a former employee is found dead in someone else’s office. She leaves behind a note that implicates both herself and Margot’s father in shady dealings connected to the company. Margot is determined to uncover the truth, and for that, she turns to Rett—someone who knows how to dig for answers without drawing attention.

The novel features a strong mix of characters, each with their own secrets, which keeps the story engaging. The mystery itself is well-structured, offering just enough twists to keep you guessing without becoming overly complicated.

Set in 1912, the historical context adds a rich layer—especially since women of the era rarely held positions of power. Margot constantly has to prove herself in a world that expects little from women, making her personal journey even more compelling.

Overall, this is a well-written, entertaining mystery. It’s great read for fans of historical mysteries with smart, determined heroines.

An enjoyable, quick read. I'm always glad to see another cozy mystery (as opposed to the many thrillers out there), and the historical setting and the queer characters made this even more entertaining. Things move quickly, and I'm not sure the case "plays fair", but I enjoyed following Margot (and her concerns over being taken seriously as a business owner) and Rett (and her going out on her own as a detective). I'd read more.

A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau, I would consider a queer cozy mystery. While mystery is a genre I almost never read, this book's cover art and its synopsis drew me in. I almost never read queer literature (even though I belong to the queer community), simply because these books tend to be overly complicated, poorly written and even worse, poorly edited, and tend to have such an overabundance of queer sex. What I applaud Pegau on, is that she wrote this so tastefully.

The storyline was compelling. It featured a mysterious adventure that any queer member can relate to if they were ever in the closet. It alludes to the shame and stigma of being queer in an era well before gay marriage was even being remotely considered. A time when same-sex partners referred to their significant other as "roommate" whenever mentioned publically, and some still do currently. But moving away even from the queer aspect of the story, it's main story is thrilling, a page-turner if you will.

At parts, I had to do my own research to confirm if things were historically accurate or fictionalized. Cathy certainly did her work, while also unknowingly educating me on various historical moments that I wasn't aware of in our American timeline.

I truly did enjoy this well written novel, and if more mystery novels wrote to this caliber, I would be more inclined to read them regularly.

Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley for my e-ARC/DRC, and to Cathy Pegau for sending me an unexpextedly autographed physical ARC with some extra surprise swag items. I have no doubt this 5* read will do well in stores and sales!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau, out 9/16/25. This is the first book in the Harriman & Manicini Mysteries, a new historical mystery series.

The story follows businesswoman and heiress Margot Baxter Harriman and Private Investigator Loretta "Rett" Manicini as they meet and work together to solve the suspicious death of a Harriman family friend at Margot’s company.

This was a quick, enjoyable historical mystery. I really appreciated the early 1910s setting and how it explored the challenges Margot and Rett face—not only as women in male-dominated fields but also as lesbians during a time when being out was dangerous. The mystery itself was well-paced, and I liked how all the pieces came together.

What didn’t quite work for me was the emotional connection—I didn’t fully connect with Margot or Rett, even though I found them both interesting and inspiring.

I rated this 3.5 stars and think it’s a solid start to a queer historical mystery series. If you're into series like Evander Mills or Veronica Speedwell, this might be one to keep on your radar.

in the steps of cozy mystery, this was a delight to read. The quiet romance, murders that need solving, an heiress who needs to prove her worth, a sleuth who is deemed of the 'weaker' sex- all of this makes a heck of a novel. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment.


Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read this!

I was hooked by the second chapter and thoroughly enjoyed this book! A fun twist on the mystery genre. I look forward to hanging out with Margot Harriman and Rett Mancini again in the future!

In the bustling, rapidly changing world of 1912, where the lines between ethical business practices and legally ambiguous dealings blur, Cathy Pegau introduces us to a captivating new mystery series with "A Murderous Business: A Harriman & Mancini Mystery." This novel deftly combines historical intrigue with a compelling whodunit, all while spotlighting two extraordinary women determined to forge their own paths.

We meet Margot Baxter Harriman, a woman thrust into the cutthroat world of B&H Foods after the unexpected death of her father. Being a businesswoman in 1912 is no small feat, and Margot is fiercely committed to upholding her family's legacy, no matter the obstacles. Her resolve is immediately tested when she discovers Mrs. Gilroy, her father's former assistant, dead in the office, a half-finished note hinting at "nebulous misdeeds" at B&H clutched in her hand. With her company's reputation and her own freedom at stake, Margot knows she needs discreet help.

Enter Loretta "Rett" Mancini, a sharp, resourceful young woman who has been quietly running her father's private investigation operation as his memory fades. When Margot approaches her, Rett seizes the opportunity to prove her capabilities, plunging headfirst into a scandal that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of B&H Foods.

Pegau truly shines in her character development. Margot is intelligent and driven, navigating a male-dominated world with admirable tenacity. Rett is equally compelling, possessing a keen mind and a willingness to operate outside conventional bounds to uncover the truth. Their partnership is the heart of this story – a fascinating dynamic built on mutual respect and a shared pursuit of justice, even when it leads them into dangerous territory.

The historical setting of 1912 is not merely a backdrop; it's an active participant in the story. Pegau skillfully weaves in the societal constraints faced by women, the burgeoning industrial landscape, and the underlying currents of change in early 20th-century New York. You get a real sense of the challenges Margot faces simply by being a woman in charge, and how Rett's unconventional profession makes her both invaluable and vulnerable.

As Margot and Rett dig deeper, they uncover layers of deceit, blackmail, and corporate malfeasance that extend far beyond what either initially imagined. The stakes escalate with every discovery, making it clear that someone is willing to kill to keep these secrets buried. The suspense builds steadily, keeping you guessing about who is behind the murderous business and just how far they'll go.

"A Murderous Business" is more than just a mystery; it's a testament to female strength, resilience, and the pursuit of truth in a time when those qualities were often undervalued. If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong, intelligent protagonists and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then the Harriman & Mancini series is one you won't want to miss. Cathy Pegau has crafted a compelling start to what promises to be an excellent series.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

-Historical mysteries set in the early 20th century.
-Stories with strong, intelligent female leads.
-Intricate plots involving corporate secrets and family legacies.
-A compelling partnership at the heart of the investigation.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – A captivating debut that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next Harriman & Mancini adventure!

Absolutely fantastic book. Loved every second of it. Easy five star. Will be recommending to my Facebook book group!

I love me some historical fiction especially when it involves a good little mystery. I am amazed when realizing that 100 years ago, life wasn't that much different. I'm probably not explaining this well, but I am always caught off guard and expect that past history should be much different than how people live today. Times may change, but people really don't. It's humbling to realize that way back when, they still had to deal with the same things we grapple with today, yet they seem to do it so much better with a fewer resources and a lot more society pressures. Like $100 was considered a sizable inheritance - and I can blow through $100 with an Amazon log on and a few mouse clicks. Or $.65 was the cost of tea and toast (including a $.15 tip) at a fancy restaurant. And there were many things that women just weren't supposed to do or say, and those who did or said those things were considered trouble. As far as the story goes in this one, there wasn't necessarily a lot of meat, but them bones were sure fun to pick through!!

A Murderous Business is very much a traditional mystery, though since it takes place in 1912, it is a historical mystery. It takes a little bit of reading to figure out when exactly in the past it is set, and the news of the Titanic sinking is the giveaway. There’s a little bit of danger that the heroines face, but the mystery, while interesting and plausible, doesn’t feature many twists the reader wouldn’t expect. Margot is a woman that has taken over the family company after the death of her father. Already facing the problem of not being taken seriously because of her gender, Margot faces an unexpected problem when she goes into the office to pick up paperwork and finds her father’s former (and retired) assistant dead in the middle of writing a confession letter that says people are being hurt. Margot hires Rett to investigate and find out what this means. During the process the pair discover multiple things were going on behind closed doors that could end up endangering the company’s future. This was interesting and quick to read, and in some regards it was nice to read a mystery that seems to follow logical reasoning. I may enjoy mysteries with a twist more, but some get so complicated that they stop making sense. This won’t blow anyone away, but it’s a nice cozy mystery read. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story and its strong female characters. I felt the romance part was unnecessary. I would definitely love to read another Rett case.

I'm not a big mystery reader but I have read Pegau before and decided to request a copy of this ARC.

I was not disappointed. Pegau easily blends the elements of a murder plot with a burgeoning friendship between the two main characters Margot Harriman and Rett Mancini. Take all of this and wrap it up in an early 20th century New York setting and you have a satisfying story.

Aside from the main plot itself, I enjoyed how Pegau wove little bits of history into the story--from things like the aftermath of the Titanic disaster, profanity laws, and challenges facing queer people at this time--without getting distracted by honing in too hard by any of these details. It was skillful world building.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mintotaur Books for an advanced copy of this book.

Cathy Pegau’s A Murderous Business is a Historical mystery set in 1912 New York, where Margot Baxter Harriman finds herself at the center of both a family legacy and a tangled web of deceit. As the newly inherited owner of B & H Foods, Margot faces skepticism about a woman running the business, but her challenges soon extend beyond societal expectations. When her father’s former assistant turns up dead, leaving behind a half-written note hinting at his employer’s misdeeds, Margot enlists the help of discreet private investigator Rett Mancini to uncover the truth and protect her company’s reputation.

The story is fast-paced, weaving mystery and intrigue with a strong emphasis on female empowerment. Margot and Rett make a formidable duo as they uncover secrets and betrayals. While the resolution comes quickly, leaving room for more complexity, the novel remains engaging and satisfying. Overall, A Murderous Business delivers an entertaining and enjoyable read with a refreshing focus on strong female leads. The historical setting adds richness to the mystery, making it an excellent pick for those who enjoy a quick but immersive historical crime novel.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotuar Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it just didn’t click with me, and I couldn’t make it through to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A woman who inherits her father's company finds his assistant dead with a note confessing to misdeeds. She hires a woman investigator to help figure out what is happening at her company.