A fun story in this new series. The plot is interesting amid murder in the Wild West. A female undercover agent is an interesting main character. The premise leaves room for more stories b

It has been a minute since I read any of Dana Stabenow’s work. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to rediscover her.
This was SO good.
A historical mystery with a strong (yet believable) female protagonist, set in the Old West-during the Gilded Age.
Yes, Please!
The characters, setting, and plot were meticulously constructed-but it is the historical context that really makes this one shine. Ms. Stabenow has a gift for the historical novel.
Could not recommend more highly.
Read this one.

As a huge fan of Dana's Kate Shugak series I was excited to read this. It did not disappoint, well, maybe a little... it ended too soon. I hope there will be another.
The story is intriguing and the characters engaging. I'm a fan of the old west and this story hit the spot.

I will start by saying I love everything this talented Author write , most particularly her Kate Shugak series
so this new series became my next must read .

Clare Wright is a young Pinkerton Agent whose new assignment takes her outside the big cities
into the wild west and the new railroads .
Someone is high jacking rail cars but in the latest incident a rail car employee has been brutally
murdered - was he an innocent man or was he involved in the crime ?
Clare is given training to be a Harvey girl - an employee of an speciality eating house
catering to the rail travellers . Only the owner knows who she really is and why she is there -
to use her position to listen in to the customers and use her wits to determine just who and
what is happening out here in in the wild west where even the Law is suspect .

This book sets the series up well for future books - although I thought her age (early 20s) was a little young
to be dealing with such powerful men in a lawless setting . But the character development
was good , even introducing well known characters such as Mark Twain into the storyline
with great success
I look forward to the next in the series and to see where it takes Clare in both her professional and personal life

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Historical fiction, which takes place in the New Mexico territory in 1890 a lawless area wear all carry a pistol. Clare Wright, a young Pinkerton agent is sent to investigate entrepreneur Fred Harvey’s, Harvey House restaurant which is targeted by robbers. Meanwhile Clare becomes a Harvey’s House hostesses to keep her identity secret and herself alive.

The Harvey Girl tells the story of Clare Wright, a Pinkerton agent in 1890. She goes undercover as a Harvey Girl in Montana Rojas in the New Mexico territory to investigate a series of train robberies. Harvey Girls are the young women hired by Fred Harvey to work at his restaurants that were connected to train depots. Clare is trying to investigate, but also works long hours waiting tables. As train robberies have been a common problem for all train lines, Clare doesn't know who she can trust. Sprinkled with real life characters, including Bat Masterson, The Harvey Girl is a glimpse into the untamed towns of the West.

I have read all of Dana Stabenow's mystery novels set in Alaska, and was excited to learn this historical mystery. I can definitely reccommend this title!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A really enjoyable murder mystery set in the Wild West at the time of the flourishing railways. The sense of place was great with Pinkerton detectives, shoot outs, brothels and Harvey Houses which fed the railway passengers. The mystery was almost secondary to the setting but I loved Clare, a strong, independent woman private investigator, and I look forward to more in this series.

The Harvey Girl by Dana Stabenow


A great historical book of a time in history I knew nothing about .
It takes place in New Mexico in 1890 where you carry a gun to protect yourself
.Our protagonist is Clare Wright, an agent is sent to investigate entrepreneur Fred Harvey’
His restaurant is targeted by robbers.
Clare becomes a hostesses and goes undercover in a bid to find out what is happening .

Smart and sassy female detective in the Old West

Train robberies, Pinkerton detectives, and legendary characters add up to a thrilling read! Dana Stabenow’s always superb writing and extensive research are on display in The Harvey Girl. Claire Wright is her newest fascinating heroine. Claire is a young woman with a unique background and whip-smart intelligence. That an actual female detective with the Pinkerton Detective Agency inspired the main character is intriguing. Set in 1890, during the westward expansion and the Gilded Age, it highlights the lawlessness of the Old West. Some fascinating historical figures make appearances in the story.

Claire is assigned to investigate robberies affecting the Harvey House restaurant chain. To do so, she goes undercover as one of the famous Harvey Girls, serving at the Montaña Roja restaurant in the New Mexico territory. The author paints a vivid picture of the turmoil of the frontier town as well as the incredible hard work performed by the Harvey girls. Claire is another of the strong female characters that Stabenow is adept at creating. Claire encounters many potential perpetrators, and she must keep her sharp wits about her to avoid personal harm.

I love how the plot unfolds and that I still have questions at the end. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about the Old West, but the plot masterfully drew me in and kept me riveted to the page. The best books leave you thinking and wondering long after reading the last page. I dare you to read this book and not immediately start researching the Pinkertons and the Harvey Girls. The mix of history and mystery has me hooked and longing for another book in the series. Highly recommended for readers who like their heroines smart and sassy.

Thanks to Head of Zeus - Aries for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.