What do you think?
Rate this book
Wrong Ledger
When a widow's desperate plea uncovers deadly corruption, Chicago's most unlikely detective duo must risk everything to expose a conspiracy that reaches from bank vaults to City Hall.
October 1923. Adelaide Sinclair's husband Walter is dead at his desk, branded an embezzler who stole $75,000 from Merchants & Traders Bank. With the insurance company refusing to pay and her three children facing ruin, she turns to O'Malley Investigations—where nothing is quite what it seems.
Behind the frosted glass door, "secretary" Kit Ashworth is actually the brilliant mind solving cases while her supposed boss, ex-cop Paddy O'Malley, provides the respectable male face their clients expect. Kit's sharp eye for financial fraud tells her Walter Sinclair was no thief—he was murdered for discovering something far more dangerous than embezzlement.
As Kit and Paddy follow the money through Chicago's maze of corrupt aldermen, crooked cops, and compromised banks, they uncover a conspiracy that transforms municipal contracts into private fortunes. But Alderman "Big Tim" Flanagan doesn't just steal from the city—he eliminates anyone who threatens his empire.
With witnesses disappearing, children threatened, and federal agents warned off by political pressure, Kit and Paddy must choose between accepting a devil's bargain that clears Walter's name or pursuing justice that could cost them everything.
In a city where corruption runs deeper than Lake Michigan, two damaged souls forge an unbreakable partnership—and discover that the wrong ledger might be the only right evidence they need.
A thrilling historical mystery where Prohibition-era Chicago's greatest danger isn't bootleggers or gangsters—it's the men who are supposed to uphold the law.
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series and anyone who loves smart, historically authentic mysteries with unconventional detective partnerships.
October 1923. Adelaide Sinclair's husband Walter is dead at his desk, branded an embezzler who stole $75,000 from Merchants & Traders Bank. With the insurance company refusing to pay and her three children facing ruin, she turns to O'Malley Investigations—where nothing is quite what it seems.
Behind the frosted glass door, "secretary" Kit Ashworth is actually the brilliant mind solving cases while her supposed boss, ex-cop Paddy O'Malley, provides the respectable male face their clients expect. Kit's sharp eye for financial fraud tells her Walter Sinclair was no thief—he was murdered for discovering something far more dangerous than embezzlement.
As Kit and Paddy follow the money through Chicago's maze of corrupt aldermen, crooked cops, and compromised banks, they uncover a conspiracy that transforms municipal contracts into private fortunes. But Alderman "Big Tim" Flanagan doesn't just steal from the city—he eliminates anyone who threatens his empire.
With witnesses disappearing, children threatened, and federal agents warned off by political pressure, Kit and Paddy must choose between accepting a devil's bargain that clears Walter's name or pursuing justice that could cost them everything.
In a city where corruption runs deeper than Lake Michigan, two damaged souls forge an unbreakable partnership—and discover that the wrong ledger might be the only right evidence they need.
A thrilling historical mystery where Prohibition-era Chicago's greatest danger isn't bootleggers or gangsters—it's the men who are supposed to uphold the law.
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series and anyone who loves smart, historically authentic mysteries with unconventional detective partnerships.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.