The Unstoppable Eliza Haycraft

by Diana Dempsey

Longlisted, Shelf Unbound, Best Indie Book 2023

“Beautifully written, compulsively readable… ” So says Indie Reader of The Unstoppable Eliza Haycraft – the riveting novel about a legendary woman in antebellum Missouri who allowed neither men nor society’s conventions to keep her from cutting her own remarkable path.

The year is 1844. On a May midnight, Eliza Haycraft flings herself into a canoe to escape a husband who beats her and a life that does the same. She is penniless and illiterate. Yet a decade later, sex and secrets will make her the wealthiest woman in St. Louis, a frontier boom town at the western edge of a restless nation.

With only herself to rely on, Eliza becomes a prostitute and madam, then a property owner and puller of strings. She tangles with a vindictive rival and a governor who will become a Civil War turncoat. Scarred by experience, she finds true love but dares not admit it even to herself.

And when civil war looms, Eliza faces a devastating whether to risk her own life for the survival of everything—and everyone—she holds dear.

Inspired by a true story, set in a tumultuous era too like our own, The Unstoppable Eliza Haycraft is historical fiction at its sweeping with richly drawn characters, a shattering love story, and an extraordinary heroine you will remember long after the last page is turned…

INCLUDED IN ALL BONUS CONTENT FOR BOOK CLUBS ... Suggested Questions for Discussion, Author Note with additional details on characters and events, and Bibliography for further reading.

Genres: Book Club, Fiction

530 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2023

About the author

Author of the Beauty Queen Mysteries, Diana Dempsey never competed in beauty pageants herself but she did the next best thing: she worked in TV news. After a dozen years of war zones and 3 a.m. wake-up calls, she packed up her mic and her Emmy and morphed into a writer of fast and fun romantic fiction.

Diana’s novels have been called “almost impossible to put down” (Romance Reviews Today), “skillfully plotted and filled with realistic detail” (Library Journal), and “spicy, sexy, and sultry” (Booklist). Her first novel, FALLING STAR, was nominated for a RITA award for Best First Book by the Romance Writers of America.

To find out about Diana’s titles, and to contact her:

Visit her website at DianaDempsey.com
Join her on Facebook at Diana Dempsey Books
Follow her on Twitter at Diana_Dempsey

Reviews

[Tex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictionalized story of a brave woman in Missouri the time surrounding the Civil War. The woman was a surprising business owner.
It was the extreme number of words for sex worker that was fascinating as the descriptions of war preparations and military actions numbed my senses and I lost the track for a bit while they were being described.

[Brodie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Haycraft escapes an abusive husband in Missouri’s river country with only the clothes on her back. She travels to New Orleans and then to St. Louis where she must survive on her wits and good looks. Eliza turns to the oldest profession and ultimately becomes a powerful, land-owning Madam in antebellum St. Louis. Eliza, an actual historical figure, was illiterate, leaving neither a diary nor letters, giving Author Dempsey a lot of room to imagine her rise to notoriety beyond the bare facts of newspaper accounts and entries at the Recorder of Deeds. Historical research brings alive St. Louis’ Great Fire of 1849, immigrant-driven tensions, mainly German and Irish, and the city’s divisive struggles with the institution of slavery. Eliza’s first person account portrays her as savvy and courageous, and confident in her decisions, like when she elects to stay after her first night in the ‘bawdy house’ rather than to struggle and battle starvation: “For I feel the same as ever and I will do the same things again when called upon and there it is.” Female characters are central to Eliza’s story, some rivals and some in her inner-circle, and they are well-drawn. As she rises in the bawdy trade, Eliza’s character is painted with good business sense—father gave her a ‘head for numbers’—and philanthropic sensibilities. While a lengthy read, the writing moves along the story at a nice clip with well-developed scene after scene, and presents Eliza’s poignant reflections on various contemporary topics, like the horrors of slavery and her inner conflict about remaining neutral on the question for the sake of business appearances. A very enjoyable historical novel rooted in a rags-to-riches tale from a relatively unknown corner of St. Louis history.

I wrote the above review and it was published in the February 2024 edition of the HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW. Space is somewhat limited in HNR and I would like to say a few more things about this terrific book. To me, this story is the best kind of historical fiction. Ms. Dempsey found a little known historical nugget and turned it into a compelling book. As I got into it, I realized it was not only a great read, but if I might say, bold. A quite sympathetic protagonist in the world's oldest profession! Highly recommended!

Brodie Curtis

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although her gravesite remains unmarked, Eliza Haycraft will be forever immortalized in Diana Dempsey’s The Unstoppable Eliza Haycraft. This sweeping historical fiction novel tells the tale of one of St. Louis’ most famous, and infamous, citizens. Eliza's life is forever altered when she throws herself into a canoe on the Mississippi River to escape an abusive husband,
setting her on a journey from penniless runaway to one of the wealthiest and most scandalous citizens of 19th century St. Louis.

Thanks to her meticulous research and excellent storytelling, Ms. Demsey paints a perfect picture of the characters and setting. The mix of real and fictional characters allowed her to bring the reader into Eliza’s story. Although there are a lot of characters and descriptions of historical events, it is very readable. In fact, it’s very hard to put down! I highly recommend this novel for all who love history, romance, and stories about strong women making their mark.

[Bonnie L Marincek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing, Historical Book

This book drew me in from the beginning until the very end. The main character, Eliza Haycraft, came to life as such an interesting, independent woman in the1800's who lived such an incredible life. The trials that she faces as a prostitute, then Madam never discouraged this very determined girl & woman. She has no family or friends when she arrives in the big city, St. Louis after leaving her small town and escaping her abusive husband. The Madam where she works is an ambitious, haughty person who cares only about how much money she can make. But Eliza is determined to provide for herself and make some kind of life

[Eileen Joyce-Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story of a true rags-to-riches harlot in 1800s Missouri at the start of the Civil War. I enjoyed the story, but found the reading tough going since it was written in the style used during that period. I would have preferred it if the writing had been in modern English usage, with only the dialogue in 1800s English.

I also write historical fiction, but I use more reader friendly narration. I realize the story is told in first person, and that makes it difficult to switch from older usage to modern usage, but it would make the reading easier. I realize some people will not agree with me, but that's my opinion.

[Debra Aubuchon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give it 4 1/2 stars. Eliza Haycraft is a real woman that lived in the 1800’s. As a young woman, she got married to a man who beat her. Even though she was penniless and illiterate, she refused to live such a life so escaped in a canoe by herself down the Missouri River. She was befriended by a man on a steamship and traveled to New Orleans and eventually St Louis. She had a strong business sense and without another way to earn money, she became a prostitute and ultimately a madam of several houses. It’s so interesting about all the St Louis facts and history around the civil war time. Really great read!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Diana Dempsey paints a compelling picture of an intelligent yet illiterate woman navigating a world dependent on men. Seamlessly blending real and fictional characters, Dempsey immerses readers in Eliza's journey, making it difficult to put down. Her poetic license adds vivid imagery and excitement, while rich world-building transports readers to the antebellum era, mirroring contemporary societal challenges. This novel is a must-read for history, romance, and strong female protagonist enthusiasts alike.

[Kate Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable story! Dempsey vividly evokes the pre-Civil War world inhabited by women, a man's world in so many ways! You'll feel St. Louis as a booming town along that mighty river torn by loyalties to both the South and North. Dempsey's underdog heroine refuses to be limited by her gender, her lack of education, and by the only profession open to her. She knows her flawed world well, but has a heart always for friends and for those in need and a daring willingness to always look forward.

[Julia Brogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and interesting

I live in St. Louis, familiar with the areas mentioned and have family buried at Bellefontaine. This book has provided insight about my hometown I would not have taken the time to learn. I am now intrigued to look more closely at the areas described in the book as well as look for the burial sites mentioned.

The best part, Eliza survived in a man's world doing what she needed to survive, surpassing expectations and gave back to her community. I hope someday she has a headstone placed at her graveside.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana Dempsey’s deep research uncovers a gem in Eliza Haycraft’s story and her engaging writing polishes it to shine as brightly as Eliza’s spirit. Blending fact with fiction, the novel features rich characters and a compelling narrative that showcases Eliza’s resilience. It’s a powerful and dramatic read for fans of historical fiction and for every single woman who is tired of being underestimated.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! Excellent historical novel about a Missouri woman who came to be a madam of such fame and fortune that she is buried in Belafontaine Cemetery in StLouis -- no small feat. I enjoyed the history and loved the characters in this highly readable story.

[Anne Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Wow what a powerhouse woman from the 1800’s living in Missouri. Her story was inspiring and full of factual historical events in St. Louis. Well written. I’m Going to read more Diana Dempsey books.

[Jo Anna Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loves the tenaciously of Eliza and the fact that after her first few hiccups, she keeps persisting without a man AND is still generous with the unfortunate.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this page-turner of a novel by Diana Dempsey that is so beautifully written and based on a true story.

[Cynthia C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first half more than the second.

[Marianne (Mazziebee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this on my trip to St. Louis. Entertaining.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5

[Jennifer Meiring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, probably a 2.5.