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Smoke & Mirrors: O'Malley Investigations Book 1
When desperation creates the perfect partnership, murder is just the beginning.
Chicago, 1922. Catherine "Kit" Ashworth has lost everything—her family fortune, her social standing, and her future. When she answers an advertisement for a secretary position with Patrick "Paddy" O'Malley's struggling detective agency, neither expects their arrangement to last beyond the first case.
But Paddy, a guilt-ridden ex-cop battling his demons, needs more than a secretary. And Kit, with her psychology training and intimate knowledge of Chicago's high society, proves to be exactly the partner he never knew he needed.
When wealthy businessman Cornelius Hartwell is found dead in his locked study with a gun in his right hand, the police quickly rule it suicide. But Hartwell's sister-in-law knows better—her brother-in-law was left-handed. She hires O'Malley Investigations to uncover the truth, setting Kit and Paddy on a dangerous path through speakeasies, corruption, and deadly secrets.
As they dig deeper into Hartwell's murder, Kit and Paddy must maintain their carefully constructed he's the detective, she's just the secretary. But in Prohibition-era Chicago, where police are bought, politicians are corrupt, and everyone has something to hide, the truth comes at a deadly price.
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Kerry Greenwood, this atmospheric mystery launches a compelling new series set in the heart of Jazz Age Chicago.
First in the O'Malley Investigations series - each book is a complete mystery perfect for a 2-3 hour read.
Chicago, 1922. Catherine "Kit" Ashworth has lost everything—her family fortune, her social standing, and her future. When she answers an advertisement for a secretary position with Patrick "Paddy" O'Malley's struggling detective agency, neither expects their arrangement to last beyond the first case.
But Paddy, a guilt-ridden ex-cop battling his demons, needs more than a secretary. And Kit, with her psychology training and intimate knowledge of Chicago's high society, proves to be exactly the partner he never knew he needed.
When wealthy businessman Cornelius Hartwell is found dead in his locked study with a gun in his right hand, the police quickly rule it suicide. But Hartwell's sister-in-law knows better—her brother-in-law was left-handed. She hires O'Malley Investigations to uncover the truth, setting Kit and Paddy on a dangerous path through speakeasies, corruption, and deadly secrets.
As they dig deeper into Hartwell's murder, Kit and Paddy must maintain their carefully constructed he's the detective, she's just the secretary. But in Prohibition-era Chicago, where police are bought, politicians are corrupt, and everyone has something to hide, the truth comes at a deadly price.
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Kerry Greenwood, this atmospheric mystery launches a compelling new series set in the heart of Jazz Age Chicago.
First in the O'Malley Investigations series - each book is a complete mystery perfect for a 2-3 hour read.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pelfrey
50 books3 followersBefore becoming an author, Daniel Pelfrey followed many career paths over the years. He’s served in the United States Air Force and worked in government at the TSA as a supervisor at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
From there, he tried his hand at blackjack, as a dealer, Daniel thinks it’s too risky to make a living as a gambler.
Daniel next entertained the idea of becoming a teacher and returned to college. He graduated, but teaching ended not in the cards. A Bachelor of Science in History from Black Hills State University, in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, is how Daniel completed his education. He’ll be the first to say it’s really just a license to B.S. in History.
Daniel has also spent several years in seasonal jobs in places ranging from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to Mammoth Lakes, California, and finally Medora, North Dakota, where he currently lives.
From there, he tried his hand at blackjack, as a dealer, Daniel thinks it’s too risky to make a living as a gambler.
Daniel next entertained the idea of becoming a teacher and returned to college. He graduated, but teaching ended not in the cards. A Bachelor of Science in History from Black Hills State University, in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, is how Daniel completed his education. He’ll be the first to say it’s really just a license to B.S. in History.
Daniel has also spent several years in seasonal jobs in places ranging from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to Mammoth Lakes, California, and finally Medora, North Dakota, where he currently lives.
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