C. A. Asbrey

In the 1870s, Nate Quinn and his uncle, Jake, are leading their criminal gang in a Wyoming train robbery, when Nate sees a young lady who looks like a Pinkerton Detective agent, Abigail MacKay, with whom he and Jake have had a couple of experiences with in the past. The young lady turns out to be Abigail’s sister, who has run away from her wealthy family home to marry a man in San Francisco. Abigail, back in the Pinkerton office, has requested time off to track down his sister, and during her initial document investigation, she has determined that her sister’s beau is a man who has married under different identities a few other wealthy women who mysteriously died shortly after the marriage. Abigail also finds a newspaper article that identifies Madeline being on a train robbed by the Innocents. She decides to head west and connect convertly with Nate and his uncle to help her find and protect her sister, while trying to uncover how the man Madeline is about to marry murdered his past wives. This was a very interestingly complex tale of murder mystery, family drama, and a tricky relationship between law and criminal relationships within a historical Wild West perspective. The complicated characters were interesting in their relationships, and the thrilling twists were very engrossing.… (altro)

Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy are in the process of robbing a bank when they recognise Pinkerton agent Abigail MacKay. They are concerned that she is back on their trail. Meanwhile Abigail, is also on the job, an undercover job. Then everything justs gets worse for them all.
Another really good entertaining murder mystery which grabbed me straightaway. The characters are drawn really well, and the interactions between the three main characters are a delight to read.
Overall I loved the story and look forward to the next in the series.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy… (altro)

Innocent Bystander by C. A. Asbrey is the third book in The Innocent Mystery Series. It did not matter that I have not read the previous books, this book can be read as a standalone. The story is a bit mystery, a bit romance mixed together with a little dose of trouble and it all made for an enjoyable read.
Abigail (Abi) MacKay’s youngest sister Madeleine is basically a spoiled brat and seems to relish getting in trouble. Madeleine’s latest adventure is to run away and marry David Bartholemew a man a number of years her senior. What Madeleine does not know is that her husband’s previous wives have died under questionable circumstances.
Fortunately for Madeleine, Abigail is a Pinkerton agent and she is determined to find her before she is the next victim. She enlists the help of Nat Quinn and Jake Conway from the Innocents gang. A band of outlaws that make their home in Ghost Canyon. She has had dealings with them before and despite being criminals she knows they will help her and they have a plan. Yet, as we all know, even the best laid plan can go awry.
What ensues next is a couple of plot twists and unforeseen incidents that keep the reader engaged. In this, the author has done a good job of hooking the reader early and maintaining their interest throughout without the plot being forced or rushed. Just the right amount of tension has gone a long way here to make a story that feels like it unfolds naturally.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book are the details of life during the second half of the 19th century. Especially how the new scientific discovers of the time were being used not only is everyday life but also by law enforcement. One of the major reasons I enjoy books with a historical setting is to learn about the times and the author surprised me with the amount of information in the story.
The only thing I would have liked more of is character development. In all honestly, I can’t complain too much since I have not read the first two books. I suspect had I read them, I would not be mentioning it. Therefore, feel free to take this comment with a grain of salt.
In a nutshell, this is a well written and researched historical book. I recommend this book for people who like mysteries with a historical setting.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.… (altro)