A New York Lady in Helldorado

by V.C. Williams

A notorious killer changed the life of a young Victorian woman. Sarah Herring, now forgotten, was the first woman to win a case in the US Supreme Court without a man’s help. But the young New York schoolteacher didn’t get there overnight. It took guts.

Arriving in Tombstone in October 1881, Sarah discovers the streets of the Territory’s richest town are not paved in silver but soaked in blood. Finding her purpose here seems crazy. Despite her mother’s schemes, it’s not marriage. But when idealistic, smart Sarah is enlisted by her attorney father to help Wyatt Earp, charged with murder, her perspective begins to change. The horrific news reported by Thomas Sorin, Sarah’s friend and an attractive distraction, makes national headlines while she faces threats from outlaws and Wyatt’s jealous mistress. Wyatt’s shocking honesty opens her mind to her strength and purpose: the law. But her love for Thomas is a surprise. She loves him, too.

Believing in Sarah and her dream, Thomas convinces her to pursue the law while he chases his mining ambitions, delaying marriage. But her father coldly refuses to tutor her, treating her request as a passing fancy. Searching out other options, she finds more closed doors and reluctantly returns to teaching. She feels lost and alone. Yet, when tragedy strikes, Sarah demonstrates that a lady of honor and charm can show the men they might have it wrong.

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2025

About the author

A native Arizonan, I have a pioneer heritage of strong women working alongside their men in Texas and Arizona, killing a rattlesnake as easily as baking a pie. They and others I've encountered have stories to tell. In historical, cozy mystery, or YA time travel, each female protagonist believes that intelligence and determination can't be ignored. I've received excellent reviews from Kirkus and the Historical Fiction Co., won Honorable Mention at the Paris Book Awards, and was a finalist in the 2023 American Writing Awards. I've had reviews in True West and Western Writers Roundup magazines. I am a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Arizona Authors Association, and the Western Writers of America. I love to travel and am fortunate to have visited much of this beautiful country and the world. I publish a travel blog at: https://wanderinwalkers.wordpress.com/

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent historical fiction novel! It tells of the life of Sarah Herring, the first woman to argue a case in the Supreme Court on her own. Sarah was a real person, and I enjoyed reading about her life and learning what led her to want to become a lawyer, as well as all the obstacles she faced in reaching her goal. It was clear that the author did an impressive amount of research and managed to combine information from various historical sources to create this true account of an important (and typically overlooked) woman from the past in a way that was gripping and never boring.

I particularly enjoyed the various courtroom scenes. I liked learning about the court system during the late 1880s and reading the details of actual legal events that took place. I especially liked Sarah's interaction with Wyatt Earp. I liked observing how these historical figures interacted, and seeing Earp's personality come to life.

There is also a sweet (and true) love interest in the form of reporter Thomas. It was good to see more of Sarah's personal life beyond her career and related ambitions.

Sarah is an impressive woman, and one I had never heard of before. I truly appreciate the author taking the time to learn so much about her, and share it with readers in such an interesting way. I look forward to learning more from future books!

[Julia Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New York Lady in Helldorado is a compelling blend of historical fiction, courage, and quiet determination. What makes this novel stand out is its focus on a woman whose strength isn’t loud or flashy, but earned through persistence, intelligence, and moral conviction.

Sarah Herring is a fascinating protagonist. Dropped into the violence and chaos of Tombstone in 1881, she feels both out of place and oddly necessary there. The contrast between her refined upbringing and the brutality of the frontier is handled beautifully. Her involvement with Wyatt Earp and the legal turmoil surrounding him adds tension and historical weight, but the story never loses sight of Sarah’s personal journey.

The emotional core of the novel lies in Sarah’s struggle to claim her place in a world that consistently underestimates her. Her relationship with Thomas Sorin adds warmth and conflict, while her father’s refusal to support her ambitions is quietly heartbreaking.

This is a thoughtful, well researched novel about resilience, purpose, and redefining what strength looks like in a man’s world.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating historical novel based on the life of Sarah Herring, the first female lawyer in Arizona, and the first woman to win a case in the US Supreme Court on her own. In the late 1800s, as a young New York schoolteacher, she traveled to Tombstone, Arizona with her brother to join their parents. Their parents only see marriage and children in her future, but she has aspirations beyond that and a very bright intellect, as well as a strong constitution. Her father, an attorney, has her help prepare Wyatt Earp to testify, inspiring her to want to become an attorney also, but her parents don’t improve. There’s some romance, some danger, and all the excitement and authentic details of the old west. I really enjoyed this well-written book and definitely recommend it. I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.