Book Review: "Love in Disguise"

When I discovered the book "Love in Disguise" was about a young woman who used her theatrical skills to become a Pinkerton detective in the 1880's and travel West to investigate some silver mines in a small town that have had their silver shipments hijacked, I laughed and knew I had to give it a try.

This book was a first read for me by the author Carol Cox, and now I want to read some of her other books. Here's the book description:

When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.

Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is about to lose his business after the theft of several bullion shipments--until hope arrives in the unlikely form of Lavinia Stewart, who offers to invest in Steven's mine. In his wildest dreams, Steven never expected to be rescued by an inquisitive gray-haired widow...or to fall head over heels for Lavinia's captivating niece, Jessie.

But then the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Will she be forced to reveal her true identity before the criminals are caught? What will Steven do when he discovers the woman he loves doesn't exist?

If you enjoy historical fiction, mystery, humor, and romance, you might want to give this book a try. It's definitely a different plot, and one that kept me laughing and turning the pages, while also trying to figure out who the culprit was! Ellie's character, and in this book, characters, just kept me grinning as she acted out her different roles, trying to keep each person straight, balance out friendships with the townspeople, and of course battle her own heart regarding the mine owner Steven, who doesn't even know who she really is!

Just writing this review is side-tracking me while I remember various parts of the book. So yep, it's a good read and I recommend it! Have fun!

* I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for an honest review. This review is completely my own, and all the opinions expressed in it are mine and not Bethany House!