The Case of the Murdered Muckraker

Harriet Morrow Investigates #2

by Rob Osler

Harriet Morrow, a spunky, bike-riding, independent, lesbian P.I. in turn-of-the-20th century Chicago, is back on the case in this brilliant historical mystery inspired by a real-life Windy City detective – from theacclaimed author of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award-nominated Devil’s Chew Toy. For fans of Lev AC Rosen, Ashley Weaver, and Stephen Spotswood.

Chicago, 1898. In the midst of the Progressive Era, twenty-one-year-old junior detective Harriet Morrow is determined to prove she’s more than a lucky hire as the Prescott Agency’s first woman operative. But her latest challenge—a murder case steeped in scandal—could become a deadly setback . . .

As the Windy City thaws from a harsh winter, Harriet Morrow finds herself doubting her investigative skills when she’s assigned to solve a high-stakes murder case well above her pay grade. And there’s also a catch. Harriet must somehow blend in as an “unremarkable” young woman—one who feels confident in skirts, not men’s clothing—on a quest to infiltrate the immigrant community at the center of the grisly crime . . .

The mystery has more twists and turns than her morning bike commute, with a muckraker found murdered in a southside tenement building after obtaining evidence of a powerful politician’s corruption. While Harriet gains the trust of the tenement’s women residents to gather clues, the undercover mission reveals an innocent mother might have been framed for the crime—and exposes ties to another violent death . . .    

Harriet soon realizes she has few allies as new dangers explode around her. Enlisting the help of Matthew McCabe, her only true confidante at the agency, and growing more protective of her budding relationship with the lovely Barbara Wozniak, Harriet will need to survive rising threats to assert her place in a world that’s quick to dismiss her—and out a killer who’s always one step ahead . . .

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

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Rob Osler is the USA Today Bestselling author of THE CASE OF THE MISSING MAID, book one in the new historical Harriet Morrow Investigates series. Praise for the novel: a Publisher's Weekly STARRED REVIEW, a New York Times "Standout Historical Release," The Washington Post's "Best Novels to Cozy Up With," a Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice, and an Amazon Editor's Pick.

CIRQUE DU SLAY, the follow-up to acclaimed DEVIL'S CHEW TOY is the 2025 Winner of the Anthony and Left Coast Crime Awards for Best Humorous Novel.

Rob's short story, MISS DIRECTION (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Sept/Oct 2023), was a finalist for the 2024 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award, and his short story, ANALOGUE (also EQMM), won the Mystery Writers of America 2022 Robert L Fish Award.

Rob is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Queer Crime Writers. He is a graduate in philosophy from the University of Puget Sound and earned a master's degree in business from the University of Washington's Foster School.
After many years living in Chicago and Seattle, he resides in California with his husband and a tall, gray cat. Discover more at robosler dot com

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

I loved the first book in this series so much, that when I saw there was another one available on NetGalley, I had to request it. I love historical cozy mysteries, and really love seeing more authors writing gay characters in their books. Not sure how much other readers care, but I love it when authors include all the resources they used when writing their books. As a non-fiction reader, I have sometimes looked up and read some of those books and articles.

This is a great, clean cozy mystery for someone looking for their next read. There is absolutely no smut. Definitely would recommend this!

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this a lot! I enjoyed the writing style from the first page and the attention to detail was very well done. I could tell that there was some serious work put into this novel, and that was confirmed when I saw the long list of references that the author used at the end of the novel. I love seeing this kind of research and attention to detail, and providing references for interested readers was a nice touch. This was well rounded and I had a great time reading it.

I liked the mystery and thought that it was well done, which is obviously a HUGE detail considering this was a mystery. I find that mysteries can be hit or miss depending on how the author handles things, and this one was a success. The mystery was *possible* to solve on your own (before the big reveal) which I think is an important detail. It wasn’t the most brilliant mystery/reveal ever but it was satisfying.

I loved the characters, particularly the protagonist. They were well developed and had a clear voice. The interpersonal dynamics within the office and with the other characters was well done; frustrating in a realistic way that seemed genuine to the time period for a woman trying to work in a mans world.

I hope the author keeps this series going. It has a lot of potential and the overarching elements are slooooow going so I think this series would have a lot of staying power. Given that we are only a few weeks/months into the characters journey I think there is a lot left for us to experience!

P.S. For some reason this novel took me FOREVER to read. Same with the first one. Not a complaint or compliment, just a comment.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the digital ARC. I love Harriet. She is sweet, sincere, smart, hard working, and understands and adores wearing “men’s clothes,” even if it’s illegal in late 19th Century Chicago. Here’s hoping her romance with Barbara burns a little stronger in book 3. I know it’s scary stuff for the time period. Also more Pearl, Matthew, and Aubrey. Great secondary characters.

[Brigit (Cosy.horror.corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable, quirky and suspenseful crime thriller, with some great characters and great queer representation. I found the main protagonist Harriet very likeable. The plot was pleasantly balanced with intelligent banter, occasional comedic relief, historical human rights themes, and atmospheric mystery against a backdrop of late 19th century urban Chicago.

Would recommend to anyone that enjoys an old-fashioned but fast-paced mystery with some progressive and uplifting tones.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advanced readers copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When the will is ready, the feet are light." (Proverb)

Picture this: The City With the Broad Shoulders (Chicago) in the Progressive Era (1880's - 1920's) with insurmountable obstacles left and right. Pack a bag of resilience. Ya gonna need it.

Meet Harriet Morrow. Harriet is not your everyday character within everyday books. She lost both parents recently and is the sole support system for her sixteen year old brother, Aubrey. At twenty-one, Harriet has the weight of the world on her own shoulders. She also marches to the beat of a different drum and prefers to wear men's attire. It also helps greatly with her mode of transportation. Harriet pedals her dependable bike around the city's muddy pot holes and mounds of horse doodoo.

Now add to this the fact that Harriet has been hired as the only woman operative in the Prescott Detective Agency. Harriet has to prove herself on a daily basis with a minimum of training in a maximum job. (Harriet is actually based on a true female detective of the era.) She's given a new case in which a journalist has been murdered. No matter the odds, our gal doesn't let failure overtake her.

That Progressive Era in Chicago is deeply encased in recent immigrants, workers' rights, and a political machine that dominates everything within the city. It's also within the timespan of the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in which seven police officers and four citizens were killed when a bomb was thrown by an anarchist. This is the timeframe in which Harriet operates.

That journalist who was murdered was found stabbed to death in one of the dark hallways of a tenement building. The recent immigrants stay locked in their cramped apartments. No one seems to have seen anything. It's up to Harriet to peel back the layers of fear in order to reveal what exactly occurred that night. And when she does, Harriet will unravel something more knotted and more complex than she ever could have imagined.

The Case of the Murdered Muckraker can be read as a standalone thanks to Rob Osler filling in the background information precisely. But I'd encourage you to pick up the first installment, The Case of the Missing Maid, in order to get a better feel for these characters. Harriet is a rare gem.

Rob Osler has done incredible research which enhances his placement of Chicago within this time period. Read his Author's Notes. Osler does a spot-on job of portraying the plight of these earlier immigrants and the support afforded them at Jane Addam's Hull House. Osler also sets the tone for the queer population and their continuing uphill battle for acceptance. I am so impressed by Rob Osler and my hope is that this is just the beginning of a wonderful friendship between ol' Harriet and ourselves. Bravo, Rob Osler, just bravo.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Kensington Books and to the talented Rob Osler for the opportunity.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written historical tale about a young woman working as a detective in an agency at the turn of the 20th century in Chicago. She also has to be very careful with her appearance because of her preference for men's clothing and women's company. The problem is with the local laws regarding either type of cross dressing, even if it is for an undercover assignment. She has an older widowed friend who keeps her supplied with the husband's clothing and such, a younger brother disinclined to find employment or help around the house (parents died four years ago), a gay male coworker who is a good friend, and a girlfriend of her own.

Harriet's boss assigns her to investigate the murder of a journalist as the police weren't interested in the truth but have rather railroaded a woman with four young children and an absent drunkard of a husband. The boss feels that Harriet will do a better job of infiltrating those living in the tenements and the orphanages where the children were taken in an effort to find the evidence that the journalist had obtained. She also uses an opportunity to infiltrate the local subversives who had been watched by the murdered journalist and learns to use a derringer.
It is a good historical representation of some of the issues of the day and does provide significant references and documentation of historical facts. Excellent character development and world building, sneaky plot twists, and a real whiplash twist at the end!

I requested and received a temporary uncorrected review galley from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Pub Date Jan 27, 2026 #preorder
#TheCaseoftheMurderedMuckraker @roboslerwriter #HarrietMorrowInvestigatesBk2 @Netgalley
@kensingtonbooks @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial ***** Review #thestorygraph #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #bookshop_org_ca #chicago #lgbtqia #privateinvestigators #rivalry #secrets #lies #undercover #friendship #crossdressing #ethnics #witty #historicalnovel

[Kim McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet is finally coming to terms with who she wants to be and how she wants to live. She is wearing men's suits, going to clubs where she can be herself with her new girlfriend and ride her bike all over Chicago while working cases as the agency's first female detective. This would not be a problem in present day but at the turn of the century being queer and dressing in men's clothes was illegal. Harriet is eager to prove herself with this new case even though she was chosen because as a woman she can blend in better at the settlement house where immigrant families will feel comfortable opening up to her. While investigating the murder of a journalist and wrongful imprisonment of a single mother, Harriet is up to her bike wheels in danger from corrupt politicians and an anarchist group. Journey through the gritty streets and booming downtown where dangers lurks in the shadows as much as city hall. This series shows a side of Chicago not usually talked about and the difficulties and dangers of being different. Harriet is a tough as nails detective but also shows vulnerability and compassion. This historical mystery series straddles the line between cozy and noir. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to see another book in this series because I enjoyed the first one so much. Harriet is such an interesting character for the times she is living in as a lesbian who can't be open about it AND the first woman in a detective agency who always needs to prove herself to others. I found myself respecting her boss (Mr. Prescott) more in this book as he showed concern for her welfare on more than one occasion, but also was not afraid to put her in challenging situations and support her in her choices if they were effective in solving the crimes. It was nice to get a glimpse of his home life near the end of the book and hear the exchanges between him and her friend Pearl.

Despite having to solve multiple murders, Harriet has to sort out her feelings for Barbara and navigate her role as a sister/guardian to her brother. I love her relationship with Matthew and how he became her friend, confidant and support for her and her brother. These books have intriguing side characters that help to build out the characters' world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book. I can't wait for the next one!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are times during a cold spell in winter or a sunny moment in summer when you just want to settle in and enjoy a read. When looking for that, a cozy mystery such as this one is an excellent choice.

Harriet “Harry” Morrow is on her second case with the Prescott Detective Agency investigating the murder of a journalist at one of Chicago’s tenement houses. It appears the journalist had some incriminating evidence against one of the city’s alderman. As Harry explore, we get a glimpse into what a gay woman must endure in late 19th C Chicago. Harry would prefer to wear men’s clothes, but that’s illegal. Nonetheless, Harry is able in investigate and solve the murder.

Harry’s a great character. She’s tough, clever and forthright but very savvy on how to investigate. I think she’s prevail for more adventures because who doesn’t like a woman who can hold her own in a man’s world.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Press for allowing me access to this ARC.

[Cari Zuckerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers will be delighted to rejoin Harriet Morrow on her second case for the Prescott detective agency. Harriet is tasked with finding the killer of a journalist who had supposedly unearthed some powerful secrets. The case takes Harriet to the tenement houses of early 1900s Chicago and puts her toe to toe with corrupt alderman and radical political groups.

I was happy to return to the world of Harriet Morrow, her friends Matthew and Pearl, her brother Aubrey and her crush, Barbara. Quick paced and full of details of early 1900s Chicago, this book also explores queer life in that time and place. Harriet is an unforgettable protagonist and following her as she grows as a detective is a lot of fun. I'll be sure to continue following this series!

[Jess Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series because it is so unique. Harriet is a smart, dedicated, and no-nonsense lesbian PI. I love that this series addresses being part of the LGBTQ+ community at the turn of the century and the difficulties of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

The characters are lovable and believable. Harriet isn’t a bumbling amateur but a clever, capable, and rational sleuth. This story had so many different events, and it was fun to figure out how it all tied together.

Overall, and enjoyable read! It’s so wonderful to follow Harriet as she continues to become more confident and comfortable in expressing her true self. Thank you to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing for an ARC.

[Carolyn Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest this book didn't catch my attention i felt like i started to skim it to get through it. the main character just always seemed clueless and then did things that made no sense when it came to her job. i didn't really understand how someone that seems so incompetent was a detective. The case wasn't that interesting there wasn't much character development or connections.

[Laura Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this novel.

I am rating this 3.5 stars, rounded up. It had a great mystery with a strong female MC. This is perfect for readers who want a mystery with a sapphic romance in the background. I love the era this story is set in, along with the urban Chicago setting. I certainly will be watching for more books involving Harriet Morrow.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting from beginning to end! A good cozy mystery!!!!!

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun and effective murder mystery with some fantastic vibes and impressively good plotting. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Venneh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first by this author that I've read, and I'd like to note that I'll be going and finding the first book after writing this review. The core mystery here is really well done, and I like our detective/main character. There's a bit of awkwardness in the writing style, because you can tell when the author is switching to telling us about the historical facts he knows and it makes the story stop and start in fits at times. I'm at least interested in the first book in this series after reading it, which is a good sign!

[David Oliveira]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author to be honoured and receiving this arc.

I DNF this book, meaning that I will not be reading at this moment of my life but eventually read in another time.