The Case of the Missing Maid

Instant USA Today bestseller! The acclaimed author of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award-nominated Devil's Chew Toy delights with the first in a new historical mystery series set in turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago, as America is entering its Progressive Era and Harriet Morrow, a bike-riding, trousers-wearing lesbian, has just begun her new job as the first female detective at the Windy City's Prescott Agency... Instant USA Today bestseller! The acclaimed author of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award-nominated Devil's Chew Toy delights with the first in a new historical mystery series set in turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago, as America is entering its Progressive Era and Harriet Morrow, a bike-riding, trousers-wearing lesbian, has just begun her new job as the first female detective at the Windy City's Prescott Agency... Chicago, 1898. Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. Just twenty-one with a younger brother to support, she seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy-with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure . . . Only an hour into the job, Harriet has an assignment- Discover the whereabouts of a missing maid from one of the most extravagant mansions on Prairie Avenue. Owner Pearl Bartlett has a reputation for sending operatives on wild goose chases around her grand estate, but Harriet believes the stunningly beautiful Agnes Wozniak has indeed vanished under mysterious circumstances-possibly a victim of kidnapping, possibly a victim of something worse . . . With Mr. Prescott pushing a hard deadline, Harriet's burgeoning career depends on working through a labyrinth of eccentric characters and murky motives in a race to discover who made Agnes disappear. When her search leads to Chicago's Polish community and a new friendship in Agnes's charming older sister, Barbara, clues scattered across the city slowly reveal just how much depends on Harriet's inexperienced investigation for answers . . . and the deep danger that awaits once she learns the truth.

About the Author :
Rob Osler writes mysteries with LGBTQ+ main characters. Rob's debut novel, Devil's Chew Toy, was a finalist for the Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity Awards. His first publication, "Analogue," won the Robert L. Fish Award at the Mystery Writers of America Annual Edgar Awards, and he is an Edgar-Award finalist for his short story Miss Direction. He has a philosophy degree from the University of Puget Sound and an MBA from the University of Washington, and previously worked as a brand marketing executive for global agencies and corporations. After living in Chicago and Seattle, Rob resides in California with his long-time partner and a tall grey cat. Visit him at RobOsler.com.

Review :
Praise for The Case of the Missing Maid "The first woman hired by a Chicago detective agency faces one daunting challenge after another in this excellent historical series launch from Osler...With lush historical detail, optimistic but plausible gender politics, and an unforgettable heroine, this series is primed for success.” —Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW "Osler puts a queer 19th-century spin on a familiar tough-gal type.” —Kirkus Reviews "Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry.” —Library Journal “The Case of the Missing Maid moves cleverly through myriad neighborhoods, clandestine drag events, and hidden gay bars. Harriet's life is a tower of secrets. She grapples with her fear of being further ostracized, even fired, if she's exposed as a lesbian. She must also frequently mask her intelligence so she won't be resented by others. Moreover, Osler illustrates how controlling families, human trafficking, and corrupt cops are not just 21st-century concerns in this stellar novel.” —Shelf Awareness “It’s magical how Osler transports us around Chicago, from the large Polish community to queer social spaces to the ritzy homes of Chicago’s elite. Harriet is a wonderful lead character, and Osler brilliantly combines his protagonist’s growth into adulthood and Chicago’s emergence as one of the nation’s largest cities. This book is asking to be the first in a series.” —firstCLUE Review "As she gets closer to the truth of what happened to Wozniak, Morrow must depend on her wits and courage — as well as her newly minted shooting skills — to solve the case." —Washington Post, "5 mystery novels to cozy up with this holiday season" “Osler delivers an innovative, creative, and appealing mystery. For a thoroughly engaging and rewarding reading experience, schedule a few uninterrupted hours for The Case of the Missing Maid, a deftly plotted narrative chockful of mischievous characters and spectacular settings.” —Thomas Grant Bruso, The Press-Republican (Plattsburgh, NY) “With his usual sensitivity and humor, Rob Osler has written a mystery with a lively pace, a fresh and engaging heroine, and finely tuned historical awareness. This book utterly charms. A thoroughly entertaining read!” —Karen Odden, Agatha, Lefty, and Anthony Award nominee and USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector Corrovan Mysteries "Sharp, witty, and exuberant, The Case of the Missing Maid rattles along like Harriet Morrow's trusty bicycle on the cobbles of 1890s Chicago, as she tackles her first job for the Prescott Detective Agency. With Osler's trademark knockabout action scenes and some fascinating side lights on Queer history and the birth of the progressive era, this novel is an absolute treat." —Catriona McPherson, multi-award-winning author of In Place of Fear and the Dandy Gilver Mysteries “Harriet Morrow is an unusual heroine in an interesting era, Chicago of the 1890s. Working her first case as the first female detective with the Prescott Detective Agency, she peddles her trusty bicycle through one scrape after another, confronting prejudice, physical dangers, and her own secrets and doubts. Rob Osler brings vivid detail to Chicago’s Polish neighborhoods and its gay and lesbian underground. Like me, you’ll be rooting for Harriet from the first page to the last.” —Allison Montclair, author of the Sparks and Bainbridge mysteries “In The Case of the Missing Maid, stalwart Harriet Morrow is the first woman detective at The Prescott Agency in 1890s Chicago, ready to pry at secrets even while living with a few of her own. Given one chance to prove herself, Harriet sets out in search of a servant missing from a grand household—but what she might uncover is a fulfilled queer life, free to discover joy, friendship, love, and her own true potential.” —Lori Rader-Day, award-winning author of Death at Greenway “A delightful and progressive progressive-era mystery, filled to the brim with character and excitement. Colorful, clever and fantastically queer.” —Lev AC Rosen, award winning author of Lavender House