The Cases Nobody Wanted

O'Shaughnessy Investigations Inc. #1

by A.G. Russo

*Author "I have never used AI in my writing." A.G. Russo

The homefront, summer 1942, Brooklyn, New York. Six months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, America was fighting overseas with the Allies in World War II. Maeve O’Shaughnessy’s fight for survival was different. Her three brothers were shipped out and left her with their new detective agency and fifteen-year-old brother to manage. Before the War, Maeve worked as a secretary. She knew nothing about detective agencies. From the start she struggled to make enough money to feed Jimmy and herself. Vic Marino, a no-nonsense ex-cop, showed up and told her he was going to help her make a go of the agency. Maeve vehemently protested but Vic insisted she had no choice.

Against the backdrop of a war many Americans never wanted, more men were drafted and volunteered to serve every day. Those left behind supported the war effort the best they could. As 1942 wore on sacrifices were necessary for the War, while the losses became real and heartbreaking. Thousands of women took up the cause working outside the home. Yet Maeve found herself trapped in circumstances beyond her control.

Vic’s “deal” to help the detective agency survive came at a cost. He took on responsibility for the detective agency along with an angry naïve woman and her teenage brother. The business was sinking and needed to make money fast. They needed a client. One walked in on Vic’s first day in the office. Mrs. Sullivan implored them for help. Her daughter Lucille, a “beautiful angel,” was brutally murdered in an expensive apartment owned by a rich businessman. The police showed no interest in her violent death. Maeve and Vic had no choice. They took the case nobody wanted.

From the mean streets of Brooklyn to Chinatown to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to the Fulton Fish Market to upstate New York, dealing with thugs, colorful characters, and puzzling clues, O’Shaughnessy Investigations, Inc. pursued the baffling case. A blend of neo-noir mystery and historical fiction. Book 1 0f 3.

Content Please be aware this book contains issues of violence, racism and racial slurs (in the context of the times), sexism, pregnancy and childbirth, and abusive language.
Previously published as O'SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC. Episodes 1-32 on Kindle Vella.

Genres: Contemporary, Drama, Book Club, Novels, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2023

Reviews

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a light story and got an excellent historical fiction featuring well done characters. Well plotted, gripping.
Love it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total Gripping reading!

"O'Shaughnessy Investigations, Inc.- The cases nobody wanted” By A.G Russo is a captivating reading full of Mystery and intrigue.
To be honest, I feel that I absorbed the evolution and the character development of Maeve O’Shaughnessy, she is one of the best characters I’ve seen; she gives intrigue to the story because of the unusual way that she decides to fight to survive. At the beginning, you will find her super mysterious but at the end, you will understand her personality.
Reading this book was totally enjoyable; I found it absolutely gripping. If you are a fan of mystery stories that keep the intrigue from the beginning to the very end, this book is perfect for you! You will love this book!

[Minesh Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is mainly about Maeve O'Shaughnessy, a resilient and determined woman, who shoulders the responsibility of her family's detective agency during her brothers' absence due to the war. She forms an unexpected alliance with Vic Marino, a former police officer with a complex past of his own, the two form a dynamic duo, each with their own demons to battle.
It’s a gripping mystery novel that mixes historical fiction, set in the 1940s, in the heart of wartime Brooklyn. I really enjoyed the portrayal of Maeve as a strong, independent protagonist, reflecting on the wider society of the period when women didn’t work in this kind of role, and the exploration of such themes is handled well, adding depth without overshadowing the primary plot.
I found this book by A.G. Russo to be a refreshing and enjoyable change. The Historical Mystery genre this book belongs to, allows readers to escape the mundane existence they live in and be transported to an era that’s actually not too far in the past but in some ways worlds apart. Well done!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"O'SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC.: The Cases Nobody Wanted" takes readers on a captivating journey through wartime Brooklyn, where Maeve O'Shaughnessy finds herself reluctantly thrust into the world of detective work. What I loved most about this book is the rich historical backdrop of World War II, which adds depth and complexity to the story.
The characters are wonderfully drawn, making them relatable and endearing. The plot is peppered with colorful characters and puzzling clues that keep you engaged from start to finish. This book is a promising beginning to what seems to be an exciting series. It's a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and detective fiction, offering a fresh perspective on wartime America.

[Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping work of historical fiction that transports readers to Brooklyn, New York, in the summer of 1942. The plot excellently developed, follows Maeve O'Shaughnessy, a young lady placed in an unexpected and difficult circumstance, against the backdrop of World War II. I always liked historical novels, and this one in particular is very well done, full of descriptions that managed to take me to the exact place where the action was taking place.

Regarding the plot, it is absolutely compelling and it’s impossible to put it down. The action and mystery scenes are vividly described providing an adrenaline reading experience.

The protagonist is well-drawn and has major character growth throughout the narrative.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeva Oshawnnessy was forced to take over her brothers investigating business when they went off to fight World War II she was barely making ends meet and to make matters worse they sent a guy named Vic Marino who owed them a favor to look over her and her younger brother Jimmy. Meva is not happy about this at all he tells her what to do and looks over her and Jimmy is if he is their parent they do get a case however unfortunately Mrs. Sullivan can only pay $20 but the dead Sullivan girl is someone Meva knows for that and other reasons they take the case. This will involve sweet little Meva in touch with some dangerous people unfortunately the only one they meet up with that leaves bruises are the police. Susan Sullivan was thought to be the peaches and cream of innocent girls but the more they dig the more they know that definitely wasn’t the case but with so many good suspects will they ever find the murderer? I really enjoyed this book although I was surprised to see the police being so brutal to not only Meva but the others in the book but I realize this book is set in the late 30s and early 40s that just makes the narrative historically accurate and that is something that I look for in historical books. I hope this becomes a series. Because I think X cop Vic Marino and Meva have strong chemistry and they would make for interesting books. Can I just say I love Pastor Jacob I didn’t want to end my review without mentioning him because I loved him! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Soochi Sandhiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read! Immensely gripping!

I was engrossed in each sub-plot. The story is set around a different time; we all must have heard about it, but the author has interestingly and intelligently used that to carve the story around it. It is showcased in the World War II era, after the Pearl Harbour incident, and how this war has affected common life. The central character, Maeve O'Shaughnessy, had her world upside down when her three brothers were shipped, and she was left as a lead to a detective agency to which she had no clue. Her struggles to set up a life for herself or for her younger brother were really a misery. She tried to create a better life, and although she knew nothing, she kept trying to get some clients and have monetary benefits. The story progresses to reveal if she has any clients. How did she survive? The author has chosen a past event and drafted a gripping story around it, keeping modern-era facets in mind. I was highly impressed by the writing style. This was my first read by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of it.

[Paul Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been a minute since I did a review, so as a refresher for everyone, please remember that Standard Caveats Apply!

DISCLAIMER: At my request, I received this title for free in exchange for a voluntary and unbiased review.

WARNING: This review may contain mild spoilers.

This novel is an interesting and engaging mystery set in 1942’s Brooklyn, and has all the noir elements, just mixed together differently. You’ve got the antihero, the dame, the MacGuffin, the femme fatale, the city as character, and the murder.

The tone is set almost immediately when we’re introduced to our protagonist Maeve O’Shaughnessy: “When she glanced up she noticed a reflection in the window of a man across the street staring at her. He wore a fedora and had his suit jacket slung over his shoulder. She dropped the coins into her purse and rushed to her office on the next block.”

The following prose is furtive and anxious, building to the introduction of her eventual partner, Vic Marino. Naturally, they hate each other. Maeve’s drafted brothers, and ex-cop Vic had a deal; Vic looks after their detective agency’s interests, along with Maeve and her little brother Jimmy, and the older brothers look after Vic’s drafted brother, who appears to be on spectrum.

Vic is the stereotypical antihero with a code and a victim complex. Maeve is the stubborn, independent wildcat, who is overly petulant. It’s an unusual mix of enough back story to make the main characters feel believable, coupled with a quashed murder investigation that lands in our heroes laps due to a plea from the victim’s mother, active obstruction from police brass and politicians, influence from Irish and Italian gangsters, and a twist at the end that surprised me enough that I re-read several chapters to see if it was foreshadowed. Sure enough, it was! It slipped right past me.

It may seem like too many threads to keep track of, yet they’re introduced in such an organic fashion that the plot expands to contain them without growing out of control. Russo appears to have an effortless and enviable manner to convey a unique noir tone. Unfortunately, there is significant amount of “telling, not showing” interrupting an otherwise well crafted narrative.

I have a love of historical fiction, so I try to take care when commenting. Some historical fiction is squishy; i.e. alternate history (For all Mankind) or historical fantasy (Streets of Fire), and it’s understood, often expected, that liberties will be taken. This work strikes me as a historical fiction of the “Home Timeline” variety, where the characters and actions may be fictional but the time they occur in is accurate.

Here are a couple examples that took me out of the story. First, is reference to FDR’s “Arsenal of Democracy” fireside chat after the attack on Pearl Harbor. That speech occurred almost a year prior, primarily as a response to isolationist sentiments championed by Charles Lindbergh (and yes, I have simplified a very complex series of events for brevity.)

The second, is an offhand reference to cigarette smoking being dangerous to one’s health. Smoking was an integral social convention during this period. It wasn’t until the mid-50’s that public perception become concerned about the link between lung cancer and smoking. I point to cigarette ads from the 40’s and early 50’s that have recommendations from medical doctors as to which brand is best, and the #1 hit of 1947, “Smoke, Smoke, Smoke” by Tex Williams which complains about the cravings and addictive nature of smoking, but also states “… I don’t reckon that it’ll harm your health.”

I believe the content may benefit from the following suggestions:

1. Consider reducing the amount of historical information to avoid long info dumps and maintain reader engagement.
2. Integrate historical backstory into the narrative for a more seamless reading experience.
3. Ensure historical accuracy by fact-checking references to events and social conventions of the time period depicted in the story.
4. Address repetitive character behaviors (ex. Maeve’s arm crossing) and anachronistic language references to enhance authenticity.

Overall, this effort is solid writing and an engaging mystery, with the slight need of an editorial review to further enhance its quality.

FINAL VERDICT: Recommended ‐ 3 out of 5

This review first appeared at Wireless Adventures.

[Jaymie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is sold from the get go as if Maeve is the main character, and my friends in book club and I all assumed we'd be following her POV through the story, but really, you end up following Vic about 80 percent of the time. Even so, the POV never really settles on either one, so the narration feels wishy-washy and unfocused.

We also had an idea that the author did superficial research on Wikipedia and maybe used AI to come up with the historical explanations that stick out throughout the story. We found these paragraphs to be very jarring and not neatly woven in at all, hence the idea about AI usage, though a couple days after that discussion, I figured that probably wasn't the case because of the errors we found throughout the book, particularly in the second half. The book would really benefit from much more editing, plus deeper research, as we found a handful of things in the story that contradict 1940s New York. I know historical fiction can be hard to do if you're not an expert, but . . . the research must be done.

The writing style is also rough. Almost all the characters come with head-to-toe descriptions in the form of paragraph chunks that once again, take away from the story, or the flow of it. Several of them also get back stories, even when unimportant to the plot. For example, and this isn't a spoiler because it doesn't add to the plot, Maeve receives a visit from a sister towards the end of the book. This sister was only mentioned very, very briefly in the first couple of chapters. She has a whole side-story that adds no value, says perhaps two lines of dialogue, and then disappears. Why have her appear at all?

We also get a lot of minute descriptions of characters' actions, which is odd when the settings don't get the same treatment of detail that the characters and their motions do. Most of the time, it felt like the white room effect, and then we have the characters taking new placements or poses as if it's stage directions. I'm not saying we don't need to know any of it, but it stuck out in weird ways at times.

So unfortunately, this was hard for my club and me to enjoy. Vic felt like a self-insert because of his ability to get out of any situation and how neatly everything works out for him. Maeve is a rather disappointing female character because she grumbles a lot but does very little to actually stand up for herself. The plot began to feel rushed the closer we got to the end, as if the author was running out of time somehow. And finally, the integral murder didn't feel as important to all the other things going on in this book, and its resolution and surrounding circumstances were kind of a let down. Altogether, it's a fast read though.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5

When the older O'Shaughnessy brothers went off to war, they left their sister, Maeve, in charge of their private detective business. When the brothers saw a poor Italian kid getting picked on in boot camp and was likely not going to make it home alive without a little help, they reached out to the kid's brother, Vic Marino, an ex-cop, and suggested a trade. They'd look after the kid if Vic would look after Maeve, their younger brother Jimmy, and the business.

Maeve isn't too keen on having this no-nonsense, rough-talking ex-cop all up in her business, but she admits that running a P.I. business is beyond her skill set. Vic, on the other hand, knows a lot of people (even in the police department still [the 'ex' not necessarily being his choice]) and knows how to get the information they need and proves invaluable to Maeve. Vic even helps young Jimmy learn how to stand up and be a man.

The case that comes to Maeve (and by extension, Vic) comes from a local, Mrs. Sullivan. Mrs. Sullivan's daughter, Lucille, was brutally murdered in a wealthy businessman's apartment. The police seem to have no interest in solving the violent crime, leaving it up to the agency that takes cases nobody else wanted. But there might be a reason the police don't want to look deeply, which puts Vic, Maeve, and even Jimmy, in danger.

I do have a fondness for historical, noir-style mysteries, which is what drew me to this book in the first place. I am very happy that I found this.

The character are well defined and generally seem to fit right into the 1940's. There are moments that they seem to be a bit more 'modern' but it's subtle and I can't pinpoint anything specific. There was a part of me that thought that Vic, in particular, was almost a stereotype, but I've also spent time in New York and I know that this stereotype still exists.

The plot is well built and author A. G. Russo does well to both present and establish the characters while moving the story forward.

This is not quite 'noir' (think Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe or even Mike Hammer) story that I was expecting. This borders on 'cozy' although Vic is victim to, and provides a bit of violence. And yet somehow, even not being noir, this works. I think it's because we're drawn to these characters. Maeve is so much a product of this era, which includes a strength of character that is often overlooked (think of all the women who went to work during WWII and who looked after families). She stands tall even when she's unsure of herself.

Vic is also a product of the era but his strength of character comes from accepting this 'adopted' family and finding that not everyone is as helpless as he believes.

Jimmy is a bit of a question mark in this book. He makes his presence known and it does give Vic some additional focus, but his role is still undefined. My suspicion is that he'll have a bigger part to play in future books.

And I hope that there are future book (ah, yes, I see some already!) because this was quite an enjoyable read.

Looking for a good book? O'Shaugnessy Investigations,, Inc,: The Cases Nobody Wanted by A.G. Russo is a delightful historical mystery/thriller. Part noir, part cozy this book works.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating a standard-bearer for the feminist movement! A fine historical fiction novel

Author A.G. Russo has now published ten books - OUR WILD AND PRECIOUS LIVES, the short story collections OF DUST AND TIDES and OFF-RAMP TO THE VOID, OFFENBUNKER, ODETTE’S SONG, ONLY OUR DESTINY, ONCE UPON A MURDEROUS DELUSION, DIEGO THE SMELLY DOG, OCELLICON, and now he continues his tradition of opting for titles that begin with the letter ‘O’ with O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS. INC adding The Cases Nobody Wanted in this first volume of a promised series. Having read all of these works, the impression is that they each have a strong potential for adaptation for screenplays, so vivid are the characters and disposition of high suspense. This new novel, a very powerful one, addresses the historical impact of women – before the #MeToo movement!

Russo quite successfully transports us back in time to reconsider facts about America during WW II. Quite vividly, his opening lines paint the atmosphere of his story: ‘The home front, summer 1942, Brooklyn, New York. It had been six months since America was drawn into the War in Europe after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had proclaimed it, “…a day that would live in infamy.” He followed that up quickly by telling Americans, “We must be the arsenal of Democracy,” and everyone had to make “sacrifices” for the war effort. Sacrifices? Many Americans initially felt betrayed as FDR had once said, “Your boys are not going to be sent to any foreign wars.” All the while he was secretly preparing for the United States to enter World War II…’ Into this timeframe we meet Maeve O’Shaughnessy – a strong woman whose response to the war’s effects adds to her determination to be a responsible being and she becomes a detective, solving crimes that prior to her entry had been the territory for men only.

Maeve is a solid, strong character, and Russo provides a significant ‘history character’ for the feminist movement (and all readers!) to embrace. Excellent historical fiction and mystery combine to make this a very successful fast paced novel. Highly recommended!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC: The Cases Nobody Wanted” by A.G. Russo is a compelling dive into the gritty underbelly of 1940s Brooklyn, where the homefront battles are as fierce as those overseas. Russo masterfully intertwines the noir detective genre with historical fiction, delivering a narrative that is both evocative and suspenseful.

The protagonist, Maeve O’Shaughnessy, is thrust into the role of detective after her brothers are called to war. With no experience but a fierce determination, Maeve, along with the enigmatic ex-cop Vic Marino, navigates the treacherous waters of a city rife with crime and corruption. The case at the heart of the novel – the murder of a young woman that the police have ignored – becomes a beacon for Maeve and Vic, pulling them deeper into a world where justice is elusive, and survival is not guaranteed.

Russo’s portrayal of Maeve is a standout aspect of the book. She is a symbol of the era’s women, who stepped into roles traditionally held by men and fought their own wars on the homefront. The author does not shy away from the harsh realities of the time, addressing issues of violence, racism, and sexism with a raw honesty that is both jarring and necessary.

The narrative is rich with historical detail, from the bustling docks of the Brooklyn Navy Yard to the vibrant chaos of Chinatown. Russo’s writing transports readers, making them feel the grit of the city streets and the tension that hangs in the air like the thick smoke of a dimly lit speakeasy.

“The Cases Nobody Wanted” is a story of resilience and the relentless pursuit of truth. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to seek justice in the face of adversity and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those on the homefront during one of history’s most tumultuous times.

For lovers of historical mysteries and those fascinated by the strength of the human spirit, “O’SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC” is a must-read. Russo has crafted a world that is as immersive as it is thrilling, and as poignant as it is entertaining.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the heart of 1942's Brooklyn, A.G. Russo introduces readers to the formidable pair, Maeve O'Shaugnessy and Vic Marino, in O'Shaughnessy Investigations Inc: The Cases Nobody Wanted. This duo delves into cases others hesitate to touch, their most challenging being the chilling murder of Lucille Sullivan, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short within the walls of a luxurious apartment.

Though the circumstances surrounding Lucille's death scream for justice, the police show a surprising lack of interest, propelling Maeve and Vic into a whirlwind of danger and intrigue. As they navigate a world rife with thugs and enigmatic figures, the narrative masterfully pieces together an intricate puzzle of suspense and deception.

Russo paints a vivid historical canvas, transporting readers to a Brooklyn gripped by the aftermath of Pearl Harbor's attack and the ongoing upheavals of World War II. With numerous men on battlefronts, women like Maeve find themselves stepping into roles beyond domestic confines. Her journey from a secretary, ensnared in societal expectations, to a fierce detective alongside the pragmatic ex-cop Vic is a testament to resilience and partnership.

One of Russo's strengths is character development, with Maeve emerging as an especially compelling figure. Her tenacity, even in the face of adversity, resonates deeply and adds layers of depth to the narrative.

This neo-noir mystery doesn't shy away from the realities of its era. Themes of violence, racial tensions, sexism, and more are explored with raw authenticity, sometimes employing language and situations reflective of the times.

Engrossing and evocative, O'Shaughnessy Investigations Inc: The Cases Nobody Wanted is a treat for those yearning for a robust mystery novel that both entertains and challenges. Highly recommended for the discerning mystery aficionado.

[Lorna Enslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A G Russo captivates readers in this action-packed wartime story of survival. In 'O'Shaughnessy Investigations Inc': The Cases Nobody Wanted: we are transported to gang-infested Brooklyn, New York, in 1942, where appalling poverty and criminality are the order of the day.

We follow Maeve in her quest for survival as she and her young brother are left to run the detective agency set up by their brothers: now drafted into the war effort. The morally deficient brothers enlist Vic Marino; an ex-cop to assist the siblings. Maeve, who is still suffering the grief of losing her Mother and sister in a car accident, grapples with her newfound responsibilities.

Their first case: the violent death of a young woman, tests their mettle, leading them to reluctantly take on the case that nobody wants, as the cops show no interest.


This riveting book is not for the faint-hearted: the descriptive imagery will fascinate and horrify readers equally. It will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction steeped in fact.O'SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC.: The Cases Nobody Wanted

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The story is set in wartime NYC in the sleazy world of pedophilic priests, dirty cops, and gangsters. Young Maeve reluctantly joins forces with Vic, a rough, streetwise ex-cop. They make an odd pair as they try to solve the murder of a young blonde who got caught up in a shady business. But while Vic works the streets, Maeve’s contribution just seems to be typing up the files and answering the phone. Maeve is often tearful or angry, and comes across as ungrateful, whiny, and judgmental.
Some parts of the story (like the near knife attack or stake-out) are really poorly executed and just don’t work. The writing is stilted in places. And we get one drama after the next, including new characters being introduced even at the end, and who don’t seem to add any purpose for the plot. On the plus, there are some interesting historical tidbits of information, but they unintentionally take the reader out of the story. Having said all that I was able to finish the book.
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS, INC.: The Cases Nobody Wanted by A.G. Russo
Like how this book starts out: he follows her into the building and proceeds to her office. He confronts her that he owes her brothers and he will pay them back by watching the family business and her and her younger brother. This is during the summer of 1942 in Brooklyn, NY. She is a private investigator and they have a case already. Good thing he's an ex cop as he has resources to help them locate the facts about what happened. Learned so much from what he's teaching her, just even about her surroundings, being aware of things, smells, sounds, etc.
Many people from all walks of life are helping them add up the clues for their client. Sometimes their lives are in danger and they are beaten up. Love how the clues add up and they figure out who's the culprit. Like ending and can't wait to read more from this author. Great descriptions and I feel as if I was in room with them at times.
Especially like the priest and the boxing arena and those involved in helping Mauve learn more defensive skills.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest pinion.

[Alejandro Sureda · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Shaughnessy Investigations INC.: The Cases Nobody Wanted by A.G. Russo takes us to a very special time for the country, summer of 1942, after the attack on Pear Harbor, where the entry of the United States into the war forced every able-bodied man to enlist, and be supplanted in their tasks by men of age and women. These events support the introduction of Maeve O'Shaughnessy, who must take charge of her brothers' detective agency in Brooklyn, New York. She is assisted in her task by Vic Marino, a former police officer, and together they must investigate the violent death of a young woman, Lucille, a fact that the police show no interest in solving.
The plot, a noir mystery, in several parts runs through what happens on the battle front and shows the violence of Irish and Italian gangs in the streets, existing racial prejudices, family violence and police corruption during the 40's; events that society took as something natural in that period of time and that they give it a real historical framework although the story is fictitious. The story is well developed and although secondary characters appear that are insubstantial, it generates intrigue and an urgent need to read it.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

O’Shaughnessy Investigations Inc is a novel that takes place mostly in Brooklyn during World War II. The country was in turmoil, and the families of the soldiers who were fighting overseas missed them terribly. They also missed the income they had brought in to support their households. Against this backdrop, we meet Maeve, who is left with the detective agency her three absent brothers had just opened, as well as a precocious fifteen-year-old younger brother with a chip on his shoulder.

Along with former cop Vic Marino, Maeve tries to run the detective agency. She has some early missteps but proves better at it than she might have imagined. This novel is vivid, energetic, and often surprising in its character development. The rampant corruption in New York at this time is fascinating, and it’s easy to get behind Maeve and to want to see her succeed. Some readers might be reminded of the excellent TV show The Alienist.

[Valerria · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Shaunghnessy Investigations, Inc. by A.G. Russo is about Maeve O'Shaunghnessy. With her brothers off fighting in the war, she takes over their detective agency and is as surprised as anyone that she's actually quite good at it. 
Maeve is a character you can’t help but root for, she is sassy and smart and she kept me turning the pages with eagerness. The story has a blend of mystery that takes us on a journey through a fascinating period in history with a protagonist who's charming and determined. It’s the kind of book you read under the covers with a flashlight, not because you're scared, but because you just don't want to put it down.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a really good historical mystery that has a side of sass and a dash of “I didn’t know that,” . Just remember, like any good detective story, it’s all about enjoying the journey, even if you occasionally get lost in the alleys of historical anecdotes.

[Rajnish Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 1940s in the centre of wartime Brooklyn, this riveting mystery book also includes historical fiction. The way main character, Maeve was presented as a strong, independent lead character made me smile. It also made me recall the larger culture when women weren't employed in such roles. The portrayal of these themes adds depth without detracting from the main story.
Maeve O'Shaughnessy, a strong and committed woman who takes over her family's detective service while her brothers are away in the war, is the novel's main protagonist. She unexpectedly teams up with Vic Marino, a former police officer with a tangled surrounding of his own; the two become an impressive team, each facing personal demons.
This A.G. Russo book was an enjoyable and relaxing change for me. Readers can escape their everyday lives and travel to a time that is, in some ways, entirely distinct from now by engaging the historical mystery genre to which this novel belongs.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Shaughnessy Investigations Inc: The Cases Nobody Wanted is a mystery and investigation novel written by A.G. Russo. In this intriguing book, the main characters, Maeve O'Shaugnessy and Vic Marino, investigate strange or difficult-to-solve cases. The last case they come across arouses their interest immediately when they see the lack of response from the police and, in this way, they become fully involved in the investigation of the murder of Lucille Sullivan. What these two interesting protagonists do not know is that they will enter a dangerous world of betrayals, mystery and suspense from which it will be very difficult for them to escape. This masterfully written book transports readers to the typical world of crime novels and keeps them on the edge of their seat until the last page. I highly recommend this book.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel by A.G. Russo is a fantastic blend of historical fiction and mystery set in New York in the 1940s, during the Second World War. The story follows protagonist Maeve O’Shaughnessy efforts to support her family with a struggling detective agency at a time when women faced not only the challenge of surviving during a difficult time in history but also prejudice and sexism. The novel paints a believable and painful picture of America during WWII. The protagonists are well-drawn and will pull you into their story of survival against the bitter backdrop of war and America's societal problems. This book is a great choice for those who love to absorb a bit of real history along with absorbing and engrossing fiction. Highly recommended.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is fantastic!

O'Shaughnessy Investigations, INC.: The Cases Nobody Wanted is a very attractive novel written by A.G. Russo. The story develops in the context of The World War II, where Maeve O’Shaughnessy is left alone and in charge of the detective agency and her fifteen-year-old brother to take care of.
I was completely captured by the book. It is a fascinating historical novel with a compelling plot. I loved it because each detail is perfect. Not only are the main characters and main story well developed, but also the historical context and the supporting stories are carefully worked up and are a great contribution.
When I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! It is a must read for fans of this genre!

[Guy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is very film noir, but I never had images of Bogy and Bacall. This is grittier and more realistic. The story really transports the reader back to WWII New York.
Vic has made a deal with Maeve’s brothers to protect her in exchange for them protecting his brother overseas. Vic is Italian, while Maeve is Irish. Two cultures diametrically opposed top each other during that time period.
There are non-requited love interests, pulled apart by there war. The reader keeps hoping for a connection between Vic and Maeve. You’ll just have to read to see if it occurs as I won’t post a spoiler.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s easily a 6 out of 5 stars. I’d cut my arms off to have written such a masterpiece.
GET THIS BOOK AND READ IT.
I can’t say much more about it.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin with, the cover of this book caught my attention powerfully and I knew immediately that I was going to enjoy immersing myself in its contents. I found the typography chosen, as well as the style of the woman on it, absolutely fascinating.
As regards the story, it has plenty of action and intrigue and it’s hard to put the book down while the mystery is developing throughout the chapters.
While I did enjoy the previously mentioned aspects of this book and the attempts of survival of wartime, the narrative did not come through in the end for me; simply because at certain points it’s a bit stilted and I had to stop reading to review some previous pages to understand where that was coming from. Anyway, this in no way deprived me of devouring such a captivating story.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How did I end up with these characters?"

A G Russo gives us a murder mystery detective novel where there are crooked cops, and the crime families run the city. We find our leads, Maeve and Vic, on the brink of losing the detective agency until a case slides down their table, a murder in one of the rich apartments part of town. The book gives you Dick Tracy vibes; Vic, the male protagonist is strong and dependable; being an ex-cop has its perks, and Maeve, which is such a noir kind of name, is a damsel in distress but intelligent enough to run and save a detective agency. There are several bloody scenes, but none that any murder mystery fan could handle. The author wrote several exciting characters that fit the 1942's Brooklyn.

[Rocio · Rating 5 out of 5]

"O'Shaughnessy" by A.G. Russo, set in 1940s New York amidst the backdrop of World War II, struck me as incredibly exciting. The way the author, through their narrative, manages to immerse you in the setting, captivated me from the start. The characters are so well-developed and dynamic that they felt almost real to me, and are, from my perspective, one of the novel's strongest points. They drew me into the story and kept me interested on every page. The combination of mystery, crime, and historical context is what I liked most and found captivating about this novel. With its immersive and easy-to-follow narrative, it is undoubtedly a story immersed in a world of intrigue and suspense that I highly recommend you read!

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of gritty, dark investigative story you usually only find in the true crime genre, as most fictional writers could not generate this much depth to a story. AG Russo sets the stage, describing the dilemna Maeve finds herself in when her older brothers start a business then leave in support of the war. This business is the only resource Maeve has to support herself and her younger brother. She partners with Vic because her choices are few and accepting his help is the easiest one. But from that point, Maeve and Vic throw their best efforts into an investigation that will take them to places they'd never thought and meet people they will learn are struggling as much as they. I've read a few Vella books, but none of them had the feel of an era that Russo displays here.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just blows my mind

“O'SHAUGHNESSY INVESTIGATIONS INC. The Cases Nobody Wanted” by Russo is just impressive to read. I personally love books that are based on some historical context. That way, you get to learn so much more than you would with any other kind of book. In this case, you get so many insights of what it meant to be a woman in America during world war number two. It just blows my mind how resilient people were back then. Not only did Maeve have herself to financially support, but also her little brother. And all of that in the midst of a war and a lot of emotional damage. I admire her strength and can only recommend this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a historical novel to read after watching a documentary about Pearl Harbor and found this tremendous novel.
There are a lot of things I enjoyed about this read; one of them is having a woman and the main character living in the detective mystery scenarios, this made it even better. It has a very intriguing and well-developed plot.
Also, author A. G. Russo touches very sensitive and important topics that were happening back then, such as justice, violence, sexism and more. Very captivating to see how those intertwine with the story itself.