A Murderous Business: A Harriman & Mancini Mystery, Book 1

Harriman & Mancini #1

by Cathy Pegau, uncredited (Narrator)

A sharp, captivating historical mystery about two queer women in turn-of-the-century New York, for fans of Lavender House and A Most Agreeable Murder

There can be a blurry line between what is ethical and what is legal.

Margot Baxter Harriman took the reins of B&H Foods after her father passed. It’s not easy being a business woman in 1912, but she is determined to continue what her grandparents started decades ago, no matter what it takes.

So when Margot finds Mrs. Gilroy, her father’s former assistant, dead in the office with a half-finished note confessing to nebulous misdeeds at B&H, she seeks out help from a very discreet, private investigator to figure out what's going on. Her company, and her good name, are at stake if scandal breaks...and she could lose everything, including her freedom.

Loretta “Rett” Mancini has run her father’s investigation operation since he started becoming increasingly forgetful. When Margot offers her the chance to look into the potential scandal with B&H, she jumps at it.

But the more the two dig in, the more it becomes clear that Margot's company may be too far lost...and someone is willing to kill them both to keep things quiet.

Charming and witty, Cathy Pegau's A Murderous Business is perfect for fans of Lev Ac Rosen, Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer, and the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mysteries by Claudia Gray.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, LGBT, Mystery Thriller, Lesbian

Audible Audio

First published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Murderous Business, by Cathy Pegau, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its 1912 and all is not well with B&H Foods, an employee is found dead, Margot Baxter Harriman is in charge after the passing of her father. Margo hires a private investigator, for information, on the murder and her business. An interesting read.

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a good historical fiction story whenever I need a break from some the other genres that I typically read so much of. Anyone who has read a lot of my reviews, also knows that I like smart, strong, independent, courageous women who aren’t afraid of defending themselves and the people and beliefs they love and live by.

The book summary introduces the FMC’s and the primary storyline of something nefarious going on at Margot’s company, a food cannery business that she inherited from her father a few months earlier. Then her father’s assistant is found dead in the same way her father died. Too coincidental Margot believes and after a cursory review of the ledgers, she hires Loretta “Rett” Mancini, an apprentice (of sorts) in Rett’s father’s PI business. Rett’s father seems to be in the early stages of dementia, making it challenging for Rett in managing the business. Margot hires Rett to help her find out what is going on in her company.

The story flips back and forth between Margot and Rett surrounding their respective investigations and findings of some secretive activity going on in B&H Foods. Margot has planted Rett into her business as an employee in an effort to find out if any of the other employees know about any suspicious activity going on. Margot begins a deeper dive into the company’s operation and records. The women each find leads and suspects that could lead to what happened to Margot’s father and his assistant and why Margot is now in trouble.

What the book summary doesn’t really mention, except for the one word (big clue folks), is the secondary storyline of Margot getting to reveal a part of herself that she has long hidden and tried to bury. For so long, Margot has spent her time learning the family business and now, in her early 30’s, Margo longs for the friendship and companionship that she had back in college. She finds that in Rett and Rett’s companion, CeeCee, and their friend Shiloh, all women who are trying to make a life for themselves in the heteropatriarchy world of 1912 NYC.

It's deep into the second half that Margot and Rett’s separate investigations start to merge and has both Margot and Rett getting into some scary and intense scenes with the suspects and killer. The ending was a lead-in to what looks like the start of another really good series for me; I will definitely read any sequel or new installment revolving around these Margo and Rett.

The character development of Margot and Rett along with one or two of the suspects was well done. I would have really liked to have learned more about CeeCee and Shiloh. The pacing was steady (first half) to fast (second half) and the storylines interesting. The writing was good, and the storylines reflective of the social standards of the time period, especially for women. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #AMurderousBusiness

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: LGBTQ readers and allies, if you love a classic whodunnit mystery, Cathy Pegua’s A Murderous Business should be your next read! Set in 1912, right after the Titanic tragedy, this historical fiction/mystery combines intrigue with empowering female characters. Margot Harriman inherits her late father's canning business, but when his retired assistant is found dead, Margot uncovers a trail of secrets. As a woman in a male-dominated world, Margot faces societal barriers, including the fact that women couldn’t even own bank accounts at the time, but she’s determined to keep the business running.

The mystery deepens when the assistant leaves a note suggesting shady dealings within the company. Margot’s investigation uncovers trust issues, and with shareholders eager to install a man to run things, she secretly hires Mancini and Associates. Along the way, a tender, forbidden lesbian romance begins to blossom, adding a personal layer to the story. Though their relationship is just beginning, it beautifully highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals at the time.

This book is a refreshing, quick read with a captivating plot and strong women doing important work. As someone with two loving moms, I truly appreciated how the romance added depth while also making me reflect on how far we’ve come. It’s a compelling mix of mystery, empowerment, and love—perfect for LGBTQ readers and allies alike!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating start to what I hope will be a series! The setting is 1912 New York, so we're on the other side of the Gilded Age. Margot stepped into a leadership role at her family's food canning business after her father's death. When one of her father's trusted employees is found dead in the office with a letter confessing to wrongdoing, Margot hires an investigator to come into the business as an employee so she can figure out what is happening in her factory.

The investigator Margot hires is Rett, the daughter of a private detective (and former cop). Rett and Margot wind up working together and becoming friends, which leads to Margot getting to experience queer culture in Manhattan. Rett is in a long-term relationship with a nurse, which is a sore spot between her and her father, but her mother is supportive. Margot gets involved with one of Rett's friends, a magician's assistant, who helps them with lock picking.

The mystery is complicated, but well-plotted, but I found myself more excited about the friendship between the main characters and their relationships with family members. I really hope this is the start of a series because I'd love to see more of Margot and Rett!

[SuperWendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned at the knee of Sue Grafton and Marcia Muller, so I am a sucker for a quality female private investigator story, and this first book in hopefully a new series by Pegau is a quality, enjoyable start. Both our heroines are incredibly competent without being Teflon People (positively perfect in every way so nothing sticks). They're smart and intuitive without being insufferable know-it-alls. The 1912, New York City setting (the Titanic disaster has just occurred) is well drawn, but the best part? The mystery. Pegau centers the whole thing around the food packaging industry and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. Look, I've read a lot of suspense novels and after a while all the serial killers and violence against women can be a bit much - so to read something not only "different" but well plotted and thought out? Good stuff. I hope this sells enough copies that the publisher is amenable to Book 2 because I want to read it.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margot became the owner of the family business once her father died.

As she was stopping by the office a few days before their canning complex opened for the season, she found one of the employees dead and with an unfinished note addressed to her.

The note hinted at some illegal things that have been happening for a few years.

Margot hid the note so the police wouldn't see it but then hired a private investigator to help figure out what was going on.

And then when she found out and confronted the culprit, he turned up in the river the next morning with a bullet in his head.

What has really been going on all these years?

Despite the murder, A MURDEROUS BUSINESS was an enjoyable read with great characters.

This is the first time I read a book by this author, and I truly enjoyed the book.

I haven’t read cozy mysteries too often, but I think this could be considered a cozy mystery. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, historical fiction mystery novel. It has a likable, intelligent female protagonist, wit, a touch of humor, a diverse group of engaging secondary characters, murder, an intriguing mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed being immersed in New York in 1912, and especially liked the theme of female empowerment. Many thanks to Ms. Pegau, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.

[Jessie Kratzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, however I thought it was a bit slow to begin with. It takes place right after the Titanic sinks in 1912. Margot has a rough go of running her inherited family business. An employee is found dead and the mystery solving begins! The love story is ff and would be difficult for that time period. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: Sept. 16, 2025

“A Murderous Business” by Cathy Pegau is a dual-protagonist mystery novel that centres around a female business owner and a female private investigator, in New York, 1912.

Margot Harriman has been at the reins of B&H Foods since her father passed and, during a time when female business owners were almost non-existent, she manages to keep the company afloat. Until her father’s recently retired assistant is found dead in her old office, with a note partially written to Margot revealing a dangerous secret about the company. Margot enlists the help of private investigator Loretta “Rett” Mancini, in order to find out what is happening at B&H, so that Margot can fix it and hopefully stop further damage. The two women team up to investigate, trying to find a suspect who doesn’t want to be found, before someone else ends up dead.

Margot and Rett are easy to rally behind, being female protagonists who go against society’s expectations, by remaining unmarried, childless and running businesses on their own. Both women are on the LGBTQ spectrum as well, which complicates matters for them as they also must keep their private feelings and desires under wraps to avoid society’s ire and expulsion. The chapters alternate, with one woman narrating at a time, so readers can get to know both protagonists from their own perspectives.

There is a romance component for both women, but it isn’t with each other, which makes their relationship one of friendship and camaraderie, with the common goal of solving the mystery. Their friendship was an absolute breath of fresh air, with no obviously glaring romantic feelings between the pair, which is not always the case in novels of this genre.

Pegau made the mystery of who is behind the ever-growing list of murder victims a page-turning, suspense-fueled guessing game that was engaging and entertaining. There were many suspects, but only a few that really made sense and when the ending came, I can honestly say it surprised me. Pegau was able to not only provide the “who” in this mystery, but also provided sufficient background details, which can sometimes be lacking in other stories like this. I got the “why’s” and “how’s” and Pegau ensured all the connections were clearly drawn and could be easily understood by readers.

Pegau is a new author to me, and I enjoyed her early 20th century female-led murder mystery. Both Margot and Rett are characters I hope to hear more from.

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll open with the statement that I hope A Murderous Business is the start of a new historical mystery series and not a one-off.

Set in 1912 it offers a central cast of lesbian characters: Margot, an heiress fighting to run the family canning business after her father's death; "Rett" (Loretta), an aspiring detective trying to work her way into the detecting end of her aging father's private investigation bureau; , Ceecee, a nurse, studying to become a doctor and partner to Rett; and Shiloh, a magician's assistant who can put her skills to criminal, as well as entertainment, purposes, when that activity seems justified. The ways these women find to live their lives vary from the outrageous (our entertainer) to the stifling (our heiress).

The mystery is built around the consequences of tainted food, an important issue at that time. In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed to establish standards for sites of food production. Margot discovers that something untoward is taking place at the family factory, but the information she's come has is incomplete—she can't ask for help from anyone connected to the cannery because this might threaten her uncertain status as woman trying to direct a business.

Margot turns to Rett for help in uncovering the truth about unofficial and probably unscrupulous practices at the cannery. When Rett, our detective, comes out to her father in the midst of an argument, he throws her out of his bureau. Now Rett really needs to help Margot solve her problem if she wants to continue working as an investigator.

The four women make an interesting, effective team, and I enjoyed being able to spend time with them and to see how they worked to live honestly as their lesbian selves.

If you're looking for an entertaining historical mystery that moves beyond the "straight and narrow," keep an eye out for A Murderous Business. I expect you'll wind up feeling as I do—that more volumes with these characters would be a genuine pleasure.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.

[Yennefer]

looking forward to this like I look forward to that first cup of tea in the day, which is to say, VERY MUCH looking forward to it!

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical mystery set in 1912 pairs Margot Baxter Harriman and Loretta "Rett" Mancini. Margot has inherited her father's food canning company and is trying to run it despite the opposition she faces from her male Board of Directors. When she comes upon the body of her father's retired assistant Mrs. Gilroy who died in the middle of writing a note confessing to unnamed offenses, Margot looks for a discrete investigator to find out what is going on.

Rett is her father's assistant in a detective agency. She's assumed more and more responsibility as her father's forgetfulness has increased. When Margot comes to her, she takes the case and decides not to tell her father about it.

They quickly uncover secrets including a safe deposit box filled with cash when they begin their investigations. Only they don't know what crime the deceased Mrs. Gilroy was covering up. They discover some fraud where fake employees claim and are reimbursed for fictitious injuries. But the note said "death" and the fraud scheme has no deaths attached to it.

Then the blackmailing food inspector comes to call. Mrs. Gilroy's death ended his financial windfall and he wants it resumed. Before Margot can decide what to do about the blackmail, the food inspector is found bound and shot in the river. Since Margot was the last to see him and was arguing with him too, the police are interested in her whereabouts at the time of the murder.

Margot's alibi lies in the fact that she had been with Rett, Rett's girlfriend, and a new friend Shiloh with whom Margot spent the night. This is not something a woman in 1912 is eager to share. Scandal could bring down the company she's trying to save just as much as the unnamed crimes Mrs. Gilroy mentioned.

This was an entertaining historical mystery. I like that it is the first book in a new series. Both Margot and Rett are interesting characters trying to make their way in a world that doesn't give single women much room or many choices.

[Rachel Drummond · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – A Modern Mystery with Classic Sherlockian Vibes

*A Murderous Business* feels like stepping into a modern-day Sherlock Holmes mystery, and I was *here for it*. Cathy Pegau masterfully weaves together a sharp-witted protagonist, intricate clues, and an atmosphere brimming with tension and intrigue. From the first page, you can sense that every detail matters, every conversation holds weight, and the mystery is far more complex than it first appears.

What truly sets this book apart is how methodical and observant the protagonist is—analyzing details, reading between the lines, and piecing together a puzzle that keeps both the characters *and* the reader on edge. The deductive reasoning, the suspense, and the slow unraveling of secrets all have that classic Holmesian feel, but with a fresh, modern twist.

The only reason I’m holding back from a full five stars is that some moments felt a bit rushed—certain plot threads could have used just a little more time to develop. But overall, this was an engaging, intelligent mystery that will keep you thinking until the very last page.

If you love classic detective stories with a modern edge, *A Murderous Business* is definitely worth picking up. Can’t wait to see what Cathy Pegau does next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity 💕

[Tcozybookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ {ARC}
(ARC review) — Thank you to author Cathy Pegau and her publisher Minotaur. I received an Advanced Reader Copy for the September 2025 release of A MURDEROUS BUSINESS in exchange for my honest review.

Historical fiction meets whodunit classic detective tale. Based on the early 1900s, shortly after Titanic. I’ve always enjoyed this time period. A murder and a trail of secrets. Felt like female Sherlock Holmes vibes. Meet Margot & Rett!

Mystery, suspense, social barriers in a man dominated world, secrets, romance—was unique, fun and I liked it. This is a slower paced book, but enjoyable.

The one negative and why not slightly higher rating was the ending. Felt rushed and differently paced. All of a sudden 200pgs put into 20. Otherwise, loved the dynamic duo and their journey!

[tillie hellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this!
i don’t normally read historical mysteries with a side of romance (normally the romance is the main dish) so this was a little different than my normal vibe. still very queer which i enjoyed, but more about being a woman in the early 1910s and the canning business, which was super original and interesting! the historical aspects were done super well and i liked the mystery (not one of the best mysteries i’ve ever read but engaging enough). a good time and i will definitely read the next book(s) in this series!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the early 1900's, this story shows the resilience, strength and fortitude of two women working together to solve a nefarious blackmailing crime. Both in charge of their family businesses which was unheard of in the day.

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me some historical fiction especially when it involves a good little mystery. I am amazed when realizing that 100 years ago, life wasn't that much different. I'm probably not explaining this well, but I am always caught off guard and expect that past history should be much different than how people live today. Times may change, but people really don't. It's humbling to realize that way back when, they still had to deal with the same things we grapple with today, yet they seem to do it so much better with a fewer resources and a lot more society pressures. Like $100 was considered a sizable inheritance - and I can blow through $100 with an Amazon log on and a few mouse clicks. Or $.65 was the cost of tea and toast (including a $.15 tip) at a fancy restaurant. And there were many things that women just weren't supposed to do or say, and those who did or said those things were considered trouble. As far as the story goes in this one, there wasn't necessarily a lot of meat, but them bones were sure fun to pick through!!

[Sylvia McIvers · Rating 1 out of 5]

loved the premise of this historical mystery

didn't make it halfway thru

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Will check out more by this author

[Kaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Books Etc.

I’ve been on the hunt for more and more historical mystery books so I was really intrigued when I heard of A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau, which looks to be the first in a new series. I really enjoyed my time reading this book and look forward to the next installment!

One of the things I liked about this book was how it was set in 1912, not during either of the world wars, which is typical of a lot of historical mysteries. Women didn’t have a whole lot of rights at this time so I appreciated seeing two female characters who are breaking conventions in all sorts of ways.

I wouldn’t necessarily say this book is “good” but I was entertained from start to finish. I wasn’t sure who was responsible for the chaos Margot had found herself in and that’s always enjoyable for me when I’m reading a mystery.

Margot was such a hard character to get a read on but she’s a woman who’s trying to run her family’s business at a time when women were expected to stay in the home and pump out babies. She constantly has to put on a mask, a shell, a suit of armor so not really “getting” her made so much sense. Rett was a little easier to read but some of that could also be attributed to her youth. They’re both women I enjoyed spending time with and I really can’t wait to see how their friendship and professional partnership evolves.

If you, like me, enjoy a good historical mystery read, you should find a copy of A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau. I look forward to what comes next for Margot and Rett - and hope I don’t have to wait too long!

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Minotaur Books, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, author & netgalley for this arc!

I genuinely enjoyed this story. I really loved the dynamic between the characters and didn’t guess the who dunnit which is always a plus for me when there’s a little mystery involved. I love a good historical fiction & if you do too, I def recommend!!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about doing what is right instead of what is easy. Not that Margot Baxter Harriman has EVER taken the easy way, even when what is right flies in the face of accepted wisdom. Or at least, the ‘accepted wisdom’ of society that proclaims, frequently, loudly and often in the very voices and faces of the stockholders of B&H Foods, that women should be kept busy at home with their husbands and their children, and absolutely NOT running major corporations.

Not even if they were raised to do just that at their father’s knee. Not even if that woman is the only heir to the grandparents that began the company and the father that made it thrive.

Well, mostly made it thrive, and thereby, as the saying goes, hangs this tale. And possibly a few people’s tails as well – if they were still hanging criminals in New York in 1912, that is.

Mixing metaphors and allusions a bit, something is rotten in the state of B&H Foods, and Margot Baxter Harriman has been kept uninformed of whatever it is since she took the reins of the company when her father died a few months before the story begins.

But of course, because she’s a woman she’s on trial every single day, and she knows it, and she knows if she gives any of the men surrounding her an inch, they’re going to take control of HER company, whether because they think that it’s impossible for a woman to be in charge, or they mistakenly think they need to protect her from the realities of the (business) world because they sincerely care or are just doing it badly.

Or, they have something to hide.

When she comes into the office on a weekend just to pick up some papers, she discovers a tragedy. Her father’s right-hand woman and personal assistant, elderly and retired, is dead. Sitting in the office she left behind months ago, with a half-written note addressed to Margot that reads an awful lot like a confession that the woman never got to finish.

Before she calls the police, Margot pockets the note. Not because she suspects foul play. Or rather, not because she suspects foul play in Mrs. Gilroy’s death. But she does smell something foul, because if the note is to be believed – and she does – someone is cutting corners somewhere at B&H and it’s costing lives. Mrs. Gilroy’s half-finished letter opens a can of worms – and it’s up to Margot to discover just how deeply those worms have burrowed into a company that she has always believed was on the up-and-up.

It’s her company. It’s her name on the door. The buck stops with her – even if Harry Truman won’t be placing that sign on his Presidential desk for another three decades. Margot has to investigate the accusations, but she has to do it without alarming either the newspapers or the men watching her every move like a looming of vultures, just waiting for a vulnerable moment. A moment she is determined not to provide FOR them.

She also doesn’t know who she can trust, either with her company or her confidence. So she turns to someone who has never let her down – her personal chauffeur John Bascom who has nothing at all to do with the business, and asks for a reference to a discreet inquiry agent. Which Bascom delivers – in the person of private investigator Loretta “Rett” Mancini.

Rett needs the job to keep her own father’s legacy – his agency – afloat. And she needs the work because it’s in her blood. Rett and Margot just plain need each other – as friends, as confidantes, to keep each other’s secrets and to have each other’s backs.

Because someone is out to get both of them.

Escape Rating A-: I picked this up for the historical mystery – which was fascinating. Howsomever, I had gotten it into my head that the historical period was the ‘Gilded Age’ and that was most definitely my mistake. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the way that the story of the female owner/executive of B&H Foods was interwoven with the history of ‘Progressive Era’ efforts to regulate food safety. Which doesn’t sound all that riveting (pun intended), but turned out to be as the new rules and regulations – and the underhanded way of getting around them and covering it up – were behind EVERYTHING that happens in the story.

Contaminated food was killing people. Covering up the under-the-table deals that created the contaminated food were also killing people. Sorting out who’s doing what, and who’s being bribed to overlook it, becomes a thorny knot of a puzzle that Margot and Rett are in up to their necks – and it’s terrific watching them figure their way out – one mostly amateur step at a time.

I loved the way that Margot’s situation, as a female business owner in what is very much a man’s world, was explored and explained and occasionally even angsted over just enough and not too much. The way that her stockholders and upper managers all second guess her because she’s a woman, the way that they all, to a man, seem to expect her to fail, felt real and felt like she gave the problem its due – but didn’t take up half the story to chew on.

It was very no nonsense in a way that just worked for me, in that it is what it is, it was what it was, and it needed to be reckoned on and worked around and countered – but that struggle doesn’t take over the story.

What does take over the story – and moves it along at a compelling pace, was Margot’s and Rett’s investigation. They start off not knowing much at all, because Mrs. Gilroy died of heart attack in mid-confession – and she was still keeping secrets as she started that confession. So the story is very much about locating the pieces of the puzzle and then putting the puzzle together without knowing what picture the puzzle is going to represent.

The twists and turns of the mystery are so very twisted because it’s clear at the beginning that neither woman knows nearly enough about what they’re doing. Rett is still learning to be a private detective, while Margot knows significantly more about how to run a business – but significantly less than she thought she did about what is REALLY going on at the business she’s supposed to be in charge of.

Instead of a training montage that often comes into play with newbies and amateurs, what Margot and Rett experience is more of a ‘two-steps forward, one-step back’ investigation, where they try, and sometimes they fail, sometimes they get lucky, and sometimes a thug with a gun drops in to search the place they’re in the middle of searching.

So it’s a bit piecemeal and a fair amount of leaping and hoping the net will appear, but it also becomes a story of friendship and sisterhood and figuring out who to trust. The partnership that develops between Margot and Rett hits some of the same notes – and falls into some of the same investigative traps and pitfalls as both Last Call at the Nightingale and Fortune Favors the Dead – even though those mysteries are set a decade or three in this book’s future. Nevertheless, if you liked either of those, you’ll probably like this and the other way around.

And, like both of the above-mentioned readalikes, this is the first book in a series, the Harriman & Mancini Mysteries. I’m looking forward to the next when it appears – and especially to seeing how their partnership survives their utter inability not to get entirely too involved in each other’s business.

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Plot: The book is set in 1912. Margaret Baxter Harriman is the CEO and heiress that inherited a company after he fathers death. She finds her fathers former assistant dead in the office, holding a note which implicates the company in some sort of wrongdoing. And, she sets her mind to investigating what happened. So, she hires a private investigator, which turns out to be a young woman in place of her father. From there she and Rhett investigate the strange circumstances and what her company has been involved in.

The good: I LOVE LOVE LOVE the time period, which is set shortly after the sinking of the Titanic. I love the period and the references to women being inferior, even just in the casual mentions of trying to run her company without the influence of a man. I love the fact that ALL of the major characters in this book are strong females, even though the book is set in 1912! I love how strong and independent and confident Ms. Harriman is and how good at investigating Rhett is. I also really loved the references, small as they may be, of the differences between 1912 and today. The references to transportation, money, entertainment were period specific and the perfect side note to the investigation.

The bad: I would not say bad exactly, but things that made it hard for me. First, the pace of the book. As with most period books, the pace is slow and consistent throughout. I know this can be hard for some reading the book, because it is not action packed. But, for me it was a peaceful read. Except, the ending felt rushed. The entire climax of the book and ending took place in the last 30 pages. That was a disappointment for me. And, the other sticking point I had was in the romantic relationships. WHY are there so many books like this that I keep picking up??? I felt there was no real purpose in either of the relationships, just as filler perhaps. But, also I felt the book would have been better without the romantic entanglements or even just limiting it to one.

Overall: I really, truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those that enjoy a detective type with a slow build and all female cast, especially if you enjoy books from other time periods.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Cathy Pegau’s A Murderous Business
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

A Murderous Business is a mystery that unfolds like a well-oiled machine, set in 1912 New York where reputations are currency and secrets are a liability. Cathy Pegau has crafted something sharp, clever, and refreshingly grounded in the grit of daily life for women who don’t conform, don’t apologize, and don’t scare easy. This first installment in the Harriman & Mancini Mystery series has everything I want in historical fiction—complicated women, a slow-burning mystery, class tensions, queerness under the radar, and stakes that feel deeply personal without ever veering into melodrama. It reads like a modern cozy with historical teeth.

Margot Baxter Harriman has inherited her late father’s company, B&H Foods, a sizable and respected enterprise in the New York canning world. But with her father gone and the ink barely dry on her new title, she’s already facing what every woman in power knows too well: no one really believes she belongs there. Her board doesn’t trust her. Her name may be on the door, but the real power—the influence, the decision-making, the protection—still feels like it’s being held hostage by the men around her. So when she finds Mrs. Gilroy, her father’s long-retired assistant, dead in an office with an unfinished note hinting at criminal activity within the company, Margot doesn’t just see a body. She sees a threat to everything she’s barely begun to hold onto.

She doesn’t want the police involved. Not just because she’s worried about scandal, but because she knows exactly how it’ll look: a woman in charge of a dying company, wrapped up in shady business and a sudden death. Instead, she hires someone she hopes is both capable and discreet: Loretta “Rett” Mancini, a private investigator quietly running her father’s agency behind the scenes as his memory fades. Rett is used to being underestimated. It’s what gives her an edge. What she doesn’t expect is for her new client to be just as savvy—and just as invested in chasing the truth.

What follows is a layered mystery that balances the logistics of corporate fraud with the moral stakes of legacy and loyalty. Margot and Rett begin to uncover a web of secrets involving fraudulent injury claims, off-the-books payoffs, falsified records, and a trail of intimidation that doesn’t stop with one dead body. The deeper they dig, the more danger they’re in—and the more it becomes clear that B&H Foods isn’t just at risk of a reputation hit. Someone is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried.

This is a mystery that plays fair. The clues are there, the twists unfold in a way that feels earned, and Pegau resists the urge to make things more convoluted than necessary. The pacing is deliberate without dragging. It’s less about whiplash reveals and more about watching these women think, question, and piece things together with care. This isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about what it means to be smart in a world that doesn’t expect you to be. About how you survive when the rules were never made with you in mind.

Both Margot and Rett are written with quiet complexity. Margot is practical, poised, and more emotionally guarded than she wants to admit. She’s also learning that being the boss doesn’t mean being in control, especially when the business she inherited was never as clean as she believed. Rett, by contrast, is a bit scrappier, more experienced in seeing the cracks beneath polished surfaces. She’s also used to navigating systems that weren’t built for her, not just as a woman but as a queer woman, one who has carved out a life that exists mostly in the shadows.

One of the book’s strengths is how naturally it weaves in its historical setting. This is not just 1912 in wallpaper. It’s 1912 in power dynamics, in social risks, in whispered relationships and coded language, in the quiet acts of rebellion women had to practice just to keep their heads above water. There are no soapbox speeches, no forced drama. The tension comes from the constraints of the time—and how these characters navigate them. Margot can drive, but she still needs her chauffeur. Rett can tail suspects, but she has to pretend she’s a secretary. They are both constantly negotiating how much they can show of themselves and to whom.

The queer representation is beautifully understated and refreshingly unforced. Neither woman’s identity is treated as a twist or a spectacle. It’s simply part of who they are, handled with subtlety that feels true to the period without erasing the presence of LGBTQ+ lives. Both Margot and Rett have their own romantic ties—Margot with a lock-picking magician’s assistant named Shiloh, and Rett with her long-time partner CeeCee—and these relationships add dimension without hijacking the plot. What makes the story feel particularly resonant is the way these characters find recognition in one another, even before they say it out loud. A shared glance, an understanding, a bit of shorthand between people who know what it means to keep parts of themselves tucked away.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Shiloh, in particular, steals scenes with a mix of street smarts and showmanship. She’s practical, charming, and brings just enough flair to balance out Margot’s composure. The villains here aren’t cartoonish, but recognizable: people who hide behind good reputations and clean ledgers, willing to do damage as long as no one can pin it to them. The moral ambiguity is what makes the stakes feel so high—because Margot and Rett are fighting not just for justice, but for the right to define their own futures.

In the end, A Murderous Business is more than a murder mystery. It’s a portrait of two women pushing back against a system designed to ignore them, sideline them, or use them as scapegoats. It’s about survival, yes, but also about claiming power in small, deliberate ways. Through cleverness, through trust, through quiet resistance. It’s about finding allies in unexpected places, and learning that sometimes the best way to protect what you’ve built is to risk losing it.

I devoured this in one sitting and already want more. Margot and Rett have the kind of dynamic that can carry a long series—one built not on constant conflict or forced tension, but on mutual respect, sharp instincts, and the kind of chemistry that simmers beneath the surface. If you like your mysteries smart, stylish, historically grounded, and just a little bit queer, you’re going to want to make space on your shelf for this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#AMurderousBusiness #CathyPegau #HarrimanAndMancini #HistoricalMystery #QueerHistoricalFiction #SapphicReads #FemaleDetectives #LGBTQBooks #CozyMystery #MysteryBookstagram #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #BookReview #ARCReview #NetGalleyReviewer #1910sFiction #WomenInFiction #BookRecs2025 #NewMysterySeries #SapphicMystery #QueerDetectives #MustReadBooks

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to thank NetGalley and publisher Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this new book – the first in a series with characters Margot Harriman and Loretta (Rett) Mancini.

The timeframe is 1912 when women were expected to have hobbies and be home – not the board room. Margot is the head of a canned vegetable company, B&H Foods, having taken over from her father when he passed away. It suddenly because clear to Margot that something is amiss. She’s getting threatening notes and fears she will lose everything. Someone doesn’t want them to solve the mystery and save the company.

Margot brings in Loretta to help her figure out what’s going on before it’s too late. The two make a great investigative team. The primary female characters in the book are strong, independent women who are not used to simply standing by and letting men tell them what to do. I enjoyed their tenacity and supportive behavior towards one another. The mystery unfolded nicely and kept the reader guessing.

Overall it was a nice, if simplistic, book. The plot isn’t complex and the characters are charming. For fans of cosy mysteries, you will enjoy.

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Rating: 4.25* of five

The Publisher Says: Cathy Pegau's sharp, captivating historical mystery about two women in turn-of-the-century New York solving murder and fighting the heteropatriarchy.

There can be a blurry line between what is ethical and what is legal.

Margot Baxter Harriman took the reins of B&H Foods after her father passed. It’s not easy being a business woman in 1912, but she is determined to continue what her grandparents started decades ago, no matter what it takes.

When Margot finds Mrs. Gilroy, her father’s former assistant, dead in the office with a half-finished note confessing to nebulous misdeeds, she seeks out help from a very discreet, private investigator to figure out what's going on. Her company, and her good name, depends on determining the truth, otherwise she could lose everything, including her freedom.

Loretta “Rett” Mancini has run her father’s investigation operation since he started becoming increasingly forgetful. When Margot offers her the chance to look into the potential scandal with B&H, she jumps at the chance.

But the more the two dig, the more it becomes clear that Margot's company may be too far lost...and her life is at stake.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: Superior iteration of a sleuthing odd couple, platonic edition. The lesbian protagonists are each trying to prove themselves by solving this crime. Rett Mancini's life partner, a nurse called Ceecee, is not terribly filled out as a character, but she isn't backgrounded...her existence is a source of stress between Rett and her private-dick dad. Her mother's not fussed, interestingly, by having an "abnormal" daughter.

Margot inherits her father's food-canning business, and bashes her nose into the harsh reality that she lives in a gilded cage. The canning business is in crisis due to an adulteration scandal. In 1912, that was huge news: next to the Titanic's recent sinking, the still-new Food and Drug Administration (FDA as we know it today) was still rooting out abusive and dangerous practices in the US food chain because of the rampant fraud that led to its founding. Discovering her father's retired right-hand woman dead, inside the office she so recently left, with an unfinished note to Margot that lacks specificity but hints at skulduggery, Margot hires Rett at the moment Papa Mancini chucks her out of the family detective agency for being unnatural.

Margot needs the business to stay open, for practical and ego reasons. Rett needs the spondulix from Margot to live, and wants badly to show her homophobic father he's wrong about her ability to do the work despite being abnormal. Rett summons a common stage entertainer, magicianesque Shiloh, to assist with the details of solving Margot's case. There blooms a lovely fondness between those ladies, as wealthy, sheltered Margot begins her journey out of closet and cage...within limits, I'll wager, that will present problems as Margot is already trying to run the canning business and date a common entertainer on the sly. What could add more spice to a love than that?

Which leads me to explain my rating. This is a good, cozy mystery, set in a time of upheaval and possibility. Some of the very best US institutions were created; some people were freer than ever before; and some were not. My tribe, the queers, were decidedly not included among the social-loosening winners for very long. The excitement of ever-improving quality of life inventions and products was heady. A hefty dose of that comes through in the alternating narration of chapters between Margot and Rett. Unlike most series-starting novels, Author Pegau resists making the central sleuthing duo a couple...thank all those useless gods for that! It felt liberating, and lifted my opinion of a well-written, interestingly placed, but not really surprising story up a notch. Had the main duo been made a romantic couple I'd've rated it a 3.5 and relegated it to a short review to be forgotten.

It took vision for Author Pegau to see how much more good, positive story-developmental material there was in making the couples in her lesbian-demimonde asymmetric in almost every way, but still show how true and heartfelt their interconnectedness is.

Kudos, Author Pegau, and when's the next one coming? Put me on the list, please.

[SmuttySamReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the bustling, rapidly changing world of 1912, where the lines between ethical business practices and legally ambiguous dealings blur, Cathy Pegau introduces us to a captivating new mystery series with "A Murderous Business: A Harriman & Mancini Mystery." This novel deftly combines historical intrigue with a compelling whodunit, all while spotlighting two extraordinary women determined to forge their own paths.

We meet Margot Baxter Harriman, a woman thrust into the cutthroat world of B&H Foods after the unexpected death of her father. Being a businesswoman in 1912 is no small feat, and Margot is fiercely committed to upholding her family's legacy, no matter the obstacles. Her resolve is immediately tested when she discovers Mrs. Gilroy, her father's former assistant, dead in the office, a half-finished note hinting at "nebulous misdeeds" at B&H clutched in her hand. With her company's reputation and her own freedom at stake, Margot knows she needs discreet help.

Enter Loretta "Rett" Mancini, a sharp, resourceful young woman who has been quietly running her father's private investigation operation as his memory fades. When Margot approaches her, Rett seizes the opportunity to prove her capabilities, plunging headfirst into a scandal that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of B&H Foods.

Pegau truly shines in her character development. Margot is intelligent and driven, navigating a male-dominated world with admirable tenacity. Rett is equally compelling, possessing a keen mind and a willingness to operate outside conventional bounds to uncover the truth. Their partnership is the heart of this story – a fascinating dynamic built on mutual respect and a shared pursuit of justice, even when it leads them into dangerous territory.

The historical setting of 1912 is not merely a backdrop; it's an active participant in the story. Pegau skillfully weaves in the societal constraints faced by women, the burgeoning industrial landscape, and the underlying currents of change in early 20th-century New York. You get a real sense of the challenges Margot faces simply by being a woman in charge, and how Rett's unconventional profession makes her both invaluable and vulnerable.

As Margot and Rett dig deeper, they uncover layers of deceit, blackmail, and corporate malfeasance that extend far beyond what either initially imagined. The stakes escalate with every discovery, making it clear that someone is willing to kill to keep these secrets buried. The suspense builds steadily, keeping you guessing about who is behind the murderous business and just how far they'll go.

"A Murderous Business" is more than just a mystery; it's a testament to female strength, resilience, and the pursuit of truth in a time when those qualities were often undervalued. If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong, intelligent protagonists and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then the Harriman & Mancini series is one you won't want to miss. Cathy Pegau has crafted a compelling start to what promises to be an excellent series.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

-Historical mysteries set in the early 20th century.
-Stories with strong, intelligent female leads.
-Intricate plots involving corporate secrets and family legacies.
-A compelling partnership at the heart of the investigation.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – A captivating debut that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next Harriman & Mancini adventure!

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for an advance readers’ copy.

Known for her excellent historical series, The Charlotte Brody Mysteries, Cathy Pegau now moves a few years back from the suffragette-journalist’s time. It is 1912, New York City is a metropolis of international renown, the Titanic has just sunk, and 30-something ‘spinster’ Margo Harriman has recently buried her beloved father, owner of a prosperous food canning company. His only heir, Margot has succeeded him as director. The male shareholders are not pleased, despite the fact that Margot has shadowed and effectively been trained in the role since childhood. She’s also smart, efficient, hard-working, and supported by an intelligent female staff. But she is a woman in a man’s world.

The mystery has to do with the sudden death of Mrs. Gilroy, formerly her father’s secretary, who had retired shortly before his own death. Returning to the Harriman home after a brief trip out of town, on a holiday in which all workers and staff, in factory and household, were off,
Margot found her in strange circumstances: in her father’s private office, slumped over his desk, her hand on top of a note that she had not completed. The note spoke of some vague wrong-doing having to do with defying the recent ‘honest foods’ laws that prohibited the addition of any substance not officially approved in food processing. Because the Harriman firm had prided itself on product purity even before the law, Margot is shocked. She keeps the note from the police, who pronounce Mrs. Gilroy’s death to be due to natural causes, and close the file.

Margot knows the note is a time-bomb. She can’t close the file without finding out if there is any truth to the charge, and who the perpetrators might be. Given her precarious standing before the shareholders, and the cost to the company’s reputation, the risk of not doing so would be devastating. She turns to the Mancini private investigation agency, where Loretta (Rett) Mancini, the owner’s fearless daughter, takes it on in his absence. He is actually ill with dementia, and, like Margot, she is the only hope of keeping the agency alive. Also like Margot, she is a woman in a man’s world.

Although the mystery is well-developed, it takes some time to really get off the ground. Margot is admirable and principled, but sometimes comes across as stuffy and matronly—I guessed her to be much older than she is. Rett is a striking character, but her boundary-stretching is likely more than any woman in her position would have been allowed, especially in her own Italian community.

Yet the author’s depiction of the lives of single working women in the early 20th century, and how they form a sustaining network in the face of social disapproval, is what really stands out in this novel. The special relationship that develops between the sheltered, pampered, Holyoke educated Margot and Rett, the necessarily rougher, tougher, East Side daughter of Italian immigrants, is teased out sensitively. Cathy Pegau succeeds in giving voice to women who have long been barely permitted any place at all in history. I look forward to the next Harriman and Mancini adventure.

[Bok Choy Nomad (Cat-Dan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau

I was intrigued by the summary of this new historical mystery with strong female protagonists claiming their place in their world. The story is told from the perspective of two different women, in terms of background, but strike up an interesting partnership when they begin investigating murder and fraud against the backdrop of 1912 in New York City, USA.

We initially meet Miss Margot Harriman, who has inherited the running of B&H, her family’s food canning business when she stumbles upon the body of the company’s retired administrative assistant at their main offices. Not wanting to draw public attention during a time when her own leadership of the company is under severe scrutiny due to her being a woman, Margot decides to enlist a private investigation firm, Mancini & Associates, to look into things discreetly. She then meets and hires Miss Loretta “Rett” Mancini, who jumps at the opportunity to take on a real case with the proviso that Margot doesn’t interfere with her methods or let her father, Albert Mancini know she has hired Rett. Recognizing Rett’s capabilities and need to prove herself as a woman investigator, Margot readily agrees and the two hatch their plans for Rett to join the B&H factory undercover to begin her sleuthing.

I really like how the author, Cathy Pegau, begins to reveal the backstory and motivations of both Margot and Rett alongside the case that the two women delve into. Despite their disparities in wealth and class, they both recognize a kindredness in the other as a result of their intelligence and need to forge their own paths and choices when it comes to expectations of career and love and sexuality. It’s refreshing to witness Margot rediscover confidence within herself as a businessperson of note as she is invited into Rett’s inner circle that includes Rett’s girlfriend, CeeCee, and discovers her own romance with Rett’s friend, Shiloh, a female magician and performer with street smarts.

In terms of the case, I honestly felt this side lag a bit for me, although I’m still keeping this to 3.5-stars for the author’s excellent historical research. In some ways, I felt there was a bit of an information overload in terms of the various legal policies, food acts, and even the street directions that Margot and Rett took to undertake their investigations. This was balanced out well once the action and urgency began about 60% of the way through the story, but I felt the excessive details took away from my enjoyment of the pacing.

Overall, though, I would recommend this book to fellow armchair detectives, especially if you enjoy ones led by super smart and strong women breaking down barriers in the name of love and justice!

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #AMurderousBusiness

P.S. I am grateful to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of this story for which I am voluntarily writing this honest review.

P.S. 2: If you liked this, then please check out my other book reviews of stories about strong women and their handsome sidekicks!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old school read. That is to say its well structured, well written, well charactered, and to the point. Everything good that comes with the phrase “old school,” in other words. While this is a series debut, it’s far from Ms. Pegau’s first novel – she’s written an assortment of other novels in other genres, including mysteries. This book is set in 1912 New York, with a few references to the sinking of the Titanic, helping the reader with context.

The main character, Margot Harriman, has taken over the family canning and food company, B&H Foods, after her father’s death, and is regarded with some scepticism by her assortment of male board members and company officers. As the book opens, she discovers the body of a loyal former employee in a company office, which is mysterious for many reasons, not least because the woman was retired. On top of that, she’s left a note for Margot, indicating some long-standing nefarious doings at the plant.

Margot doesn’t want to go to traditional law enforcement and drag her family’s name through the mud, so she finds a discreet private investigation firm, now headed by a young woman whose father is sliding into dementia. While she doesn’t make this situation clear to Margot at their first meeting, in subsequent ones, it’s clear the two women share this particular bond. They share another bond as well, the fact that both are gay women operating under the radar in 1912 New York.

I will say this is the second excellent novel I’ve read this year with a gay woman at the center, one who is working in a traditionally make field – in this case two traditionally male fields, business and private detection. (The first was Rob Osler’s The Case of the Missing Maid). Hopefully this is a sign of more characters like Osler’s Harriet and Pegau’s Margot. It’s about time.

The story finds Margot and the investigator, Loretta (Rett for short) unravelling layers of corruption and payoffs at B & H Foods and eventually dealing with a murder as well. Mostly Rett investigates and reports back but Margot can’t keep her nose out of things and ends up at the denouement. Both have a good left hook, which comes in handy once or twice.

The story is brisk and appropriately – but not overly – complicated, and the characters of both Margot and Rett are so appealing I’m hoping this is a start of a long series. This was an unusual mystery setting – the manufacturing universe – and it added some excellent specificity to the story. (For example, how were vegetables prepared for canning in 1912? You’ll find out). I liked that Margot could drive (a fairly unusual skill for the time) but wasn’t comfortable enough with it to want to dispense with her chauffeur. If you enjoy a good story well told, look no further.