I really enjoyed this story and the setting was great. I felt for Beth as she worried about her son being taken from her also having to deal with sexism, anti suffragette sentiment while doing her job as a private investigator which mostly was dealing with missing pets till she gets the case to find a missing husband that the police dismissed as him just leaving of his own accord. I look forward to more of this.

It is 1894 Australia and widowed Beth takes on an investigation for a wife whose husband has disappeared. She tells Beth that she thinks she caught a glimpse of him and wants Beth to find him. Clearly, at this time, such a career choice for a woman required a gutsy, clever and very brave person. Beth is all those and the reader will admire her pluck even more as her back story is revealed throughout the book. It turns out not only does she need to find the missing man but she is also banging up against a dog stealing ring and a retail fraud, both of which do not appreciate her enquiries. She also has a “ghost” from her past haunt her who threatens to take away her beloved son.

She does have strong back up from her team and it may include one more, if the nascent romance has a future and that all depends on whether the gentleman’s involvement in the nefarious goings are hands-on or simply he is a bystander. Amidst the chaos of the interconnecting lines, Beth’s confusion is understandable. And it makes for an intriguing story with colourful characters. . Five purrs and two paws up.

This book is so suspenseful that it really pulls you in once you start reading it. I liked how the author built up the tension and made me question who to trust. The characters felt real and it is a bit dark at times, but that just made it more intense. I think anyone who likes thrillers with strong emotions would enjoy this book.

Set in 1894, Bethany has been married to an Afghan who died, so she has returned to Australia with her son and set up a detective agency, although so far they seem only to be asked to find missing pets. Then Lydia Emerson approaches her to find her philandering husband, who has been missing for some while. Beth sets out to find what has happened, meeting prejudice as she is a member of the suffragette movement and keen on women's rights and she wears bloomers to ride her bicycle, which the police and many villagers object to.

There are three cases covered in the book - the missing man, a group stealing dogs to resell and an attempt by her husband's brother to abduct his nephew and return him to the family in Afghanistan. The result is a very readable account of life at that time, as well as some interesting cases to solve.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vivid Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Great atmosphere and a strong lead in Bethany Durrani. The historical setting felt vivid, and the suffrage backdrop added depth. Some plot points were predictable, but the mystery kept me engaged. Not perfect, but definitely enjoyable.

3/5
This one’s a slow burn, but the message? Loud and clear. It’s an empowering read that centers women reclaiming their voice, even in the face of silence. Not the fastest pace, but it definitely made me think.