The Detective's Assistant

by Kate Hannigan

The incredible tale of America's first ever female detective and her spirited niece!Eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives on her aunt's doorstep lugging a heavy sack of sorrows. If her Aunt Kate rejects her, it's the miserable Home for the Friendless.Luckily, canny Nell makes herself indispensable to Aunt Kate and not just by helping out with household chores. For Aunt Kate is the first-ever female detective employed by the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency, and Nell has a knack for the kind of close listening and bold action that made Pinkerton detectives famous in Civil Warera America. With huge, nation-changing events simmering in the background, Nell uses skills new and old to uncover truths about her past and solve mysteries in the present.Based on the extraordinary true story of Kate Warne, this fast-paced adventure recounts feats of daring and danger including saving the life of Abraham Lincoln!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Middle Grade, Historical, Adventure, Childrens, Fiction

Audiobook

First published April 7, 2015

Reviews

[Lovely Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️





My Favourite quote from the book: “Family means taking the ones we’re stuck with and choosing to love them anyway”

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle-grade fiction book that is a great way to introduce younger folks to real-life heroine Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton detective. The book follows Kate's (fictional) orphan niece Nell Warne, a spunky and clever 11-yr-old who, over the course of the next two years, proves to be a valuable help to her Aunt Kate in solving some important cases and doing some important spy work.

The cases in this book are all based on real ones that Kate Warne really was instrumental in solving. Thieves and scoundrels make up the first few baddies that Kate and Nell take down, but the climax of the book revolves around The Baltimore Incident, Kate Warne's real-life discovery of a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln on his way to take the oath of office. And if that doesn't sound like a thrilling and exciting climax for a book, I don't know what does!

This book also touches on the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad, and I thought it did a great job of showing why people had such strong opinions about slavery without getting preachy. Better than so many adult books I have read, actually!

[Katie Hanna]

I have the oddest feeling I've read this book, but when I look at the cover I'm sure I haven't. But how many books about Kate Warne's niece can there possibly be out there??

[Margaret]

There are any number of reasons a book ends up on your to-be-read stack. In the case of one of my most recently read titles, a middle grade novel, it was first a reference made on social media about the illustrator creating the artwork for the dust jacket and interior images. This particular illustrator, John Hendrix, is respected for his signature depictions of history. His interpretations and details direct our attention to the most fascinating aspects.

When mystery, history, Chicago, and two spirited female characters are words used to describe the story, the intrigue heightened.


A copy, ordered in February, of The Detective's Assistant (Little, Brown And Company, April 7, 2015) written by Kate Hannigan arrived shortly after the release. Weeks went by with the cover and promise of a marvelous tale calling to me. I finally ordered another copy in audio format so every time I drove my car, I could follow the adventures of the characters. (At this point I have to admit, I did, more than once, sit in my driveway and garage unable to stop listening.)

My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Lesley Burnap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story of an orphan finding refuge (and employment) w/ her last living relative. Not quite the story I thought I was going to read...this was more exciting & intense! With mysteries to unravel, including the biggest one about her uncle's death, 13 year old Nell learns the ins and outs of being a female detective by helping her "Aunt Kitty" solve several cases. I would recommend to some 3rds & older.

Also, I need to do some investigating of my own & learn more about Nell's "aunt", who was based on real-life, 19th century female detective, Kate Warne.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was okay. It was cool that it was based on a true story's about spying. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in true story's.

[Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it because it was back then and everyone was once real but Nell. There was a lot of action which I really liked because those are my favorite types of genres. And I loved how they were in different places and wrote letters to each other.

[Sandi Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little romp through some historical moments with a tween and her pickled onion aunt. Fun story for that age group but also just an escape read for adults in their lives that they can enjoy together.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really more like a 3.5, as the plot/ characters are very strong, but the "mysteries" / cyphers themselves are incredibly weak. There is not enough challenge (rearranging letters?), and there is certainly some stretch to credulity that adults would put children at risk, as they do here, for the sake of "justice." But perhaps that is what is meant to be questioned: do the ends justify the means?

To that end, I am also struck by the cruelty of continuing to use the child for solving cases, all while threatening to remove her to an "orphan asylum." Given that Nell is an unexpected arrival, I suppose there is some room for Aunt Kate to be discombobulated and unsure of wanting this child around. And adults often give kids mixed signals, so why should this be different? Here, the adult characters physically endanger and psychologically terrorize Nell. I was a little frustrated that this was not named, as it felt irresponsible. I suppose that is a contemporary criticism, given that children were working in factories, losing limbs and burning to death, at this time in history.

In any case, I appreciated the historic context of the novel and that it presented the relationship (aunt/ niece) that is a new one to me in YA fiction.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick witted orphan, Nell, helps her Aunt Kate, a Pinkerton Detective solve cases and capture evil doers. Based on the real female detective, Kate Warne, this is well researched historical fiction that tells a compelling story set in Baltimore and Philadelphia at the time of Lincoln's election. The story thread about the Underground Railroad as well as the mention of the Booth brothers add much to the historical backdrop to Nell's adventures as well as give a thoughtful foreshadowing of events to come.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

11-year-old Cornelia Warne of Chemung County, New York has been unceremoniously dumped on her Aunt Kitty in Chicago. Cornelia, now the only living member of her family, really wants to stay with her aunt (by marriage ) but Aunt Kitty (she prefers Kate) seems to dislike Cornelia. Ever since the night Cornelia's Daddy shot his brother, Kitty's husband, Kitty has had no contact with the Warne family and wants nothing to do with raising a child. She would prefer to dump Cornelia, now renamed Nell, on some asylum or home for the friendless. Nell is determined to stay with Aunt Kitty and sets out to discover exactly what happened that night. After attempts to rehome Nell fail (which may or may not have something to do with Nell withholding the mail), Aunt Kitty has no choice but to take Nell on an adventure. Aunt Kitty has a secret life as a Pinkerton detective! She's the first female detective and determined to prove women make just as good if not better detectives than men. Nell is eager to help but her enthusiasm and impetuosity sometimes get in the way. How can she convince her aunt to let her be a detective if Aunt Kitty persists on thinking Nell a nuisance?

This story had so much potential. I wanted to love it because it features my favorite elements: a strong female character and a spunky tween orphan girl. However, the execution was a little lacking for me. The set up took a really really long time. If I hadn't read the dust jacket blurb I would have given up. You would never know Mrs. Kate Warne was a Pinkerton detective until chapter 5 which is too long in an audio book. The plot becomes episodic after that and only tied together by Nell's private investigation. The first three cases were solved too easily (the source material may be to blame or maybe criminals were stupid in the antebellum period?) and the third, most important job, was a bit confusing since Nell doesn't puzzle it out until late. I, as an adult and historian of this time period, I knew the story behind this part of the novel. Knowing the story makes it a bit less suspenseful. I did like the subplot about Jemma's daddy and trying to puzzle out the ciphers and clues the girls leave each other.

There are really only two major characters in this novel. Nell is a spunky, tomboyish orphan. She's not so much a tomboy as a farm girl. She was forced out of childhood at a young age and by 10 she was running the family farm on her own. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to survive. Nell has plenty of grit and determination. She has a good heart and having her actually want to stay with Aunt Kitty makes a nice change from unhappy orphans. Nell misses her family and clings to the only relative she has. Aunt Kitty aka "The Pickled Onion" is strong willed to put it mildly! She also unfairly blames Nell for the sins of her father. Everytime Kitty looks at Nell she sees Cornelius, the man who killed her beloved husband. Kate's single-mindedness and determination make her a good detective but sometimes she fails to see the larger picture, especially the human side of things like Nell is just a little girl longing to be loved and in need of a loving home. The two women don't exactly see eye to eye but everytime Nell tries to please her aunt she seems to fail. Yes there are times when she deserves Kate's displeasure but Kate never seems to remember Nell is only young and she hasn't been trained as an official detective. Kate is not quick to forgive and that makes her difficult to like. I was expecting her story would force her to make a choice between doing what it legally right or what is morally right but that never came to be. It's only said she and her husband didn't know what Nell's daddy was doing that night.

Minor characters are also few. Nell's best friend Jemma lives far away in Canada but the friends communicate through letters. Jemma too misses her daddy "The Maple Tree" who is far away. I guessed her secrets right from the very beginning. It's 1859 and anyone with knowledge of what was happening will know but it's a fun guessing game to figure out where The Maple Tree is and what he's doing for those who don't know. Nell seems surprisingly ignorant of what happened for someone who reads the newspaper. Mr. Webster is another detective and a fun and funny man. He seems like he could serve as an uncle to Nell. Mrs. Wigginbottom, the landlady is awful. She runs a third rate boarding house and puts in a minimum of effort. Her size implies she has had ample food to eat in her life but doesn't share it with her boarders. She can't shop, climb stairs easily or cook a decent meal. Mrs. Wigginbottom is all about money. If her boarder wants better service or extra services (like keeping an orphaned niece), her boarder has to pay. A variety of criminal types and assorted family members pass through Nell's life but none is worse than Flora Maroney. A suspect's child, Flora is a spoiled little tyrant and bully of the worst sort. She's cruel to our heroine and to animals! She deserves a spanking and a one way ticket to a girl's finishing school! I wouldn't put it past her to grow up to be a criminal. She certainly has the cunning to commit crimes.

As for the audio, the reader's voice is pleasing but she really really got all the accents wrong. Nell has a country twang- almost southern and she's from upstate New York! Jemma sounds like she's from the south yet her family has been farming in Chemung County as long as the Warnes. Jemma's mother apparently comes from Georgia but Jemma has never lived there and shouldn't sound like she does. Mr. Pinkerton was Scottish and the narrator does an Irish accent for him. Otherwise I think she does a fine job of reading this book. I like her spunky tween girl voice a lot and would listen to more spunky tween girl books read by this narrator.

[Rebecca Petruck]

This is an empowering tale of a young teen and her aunt, inspired by the real Kate Warne, Pinkerton's first female detective, in the tumultuous days leading up to President Lincoln's inauguration. Hannigan deftly weaves in interesting facts about America's history when it was still young enough to have only 33 states! I loved spying those unique details, and the crafty adventures of sleuthing kept the action high and fun.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent middle grade historical fiction; great audio. Based on the real life Kate Warne, the first female detective at Pinkerton, with the added bonus of a fictional niece who is a master of disguise and detection. Plot lines tie to 1860s -- abolition, the Lincoln presidency and an assassination attempt (the "Baltimore Plot ").

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble with this book and debated between giving it two, and even sometimes one stars and four stars. So, I settled on a generous three.

On the one hand, I enjoyed the stories and adventures of the characters. I appreciated the setting in the mid-late 1800s in the U.S., an interesting time in their history. I also enjoyed that the author highlighted a character (Kate Warne) who was based on a real, intelligent, kick-ass woman who is worth noting. The addition of Nell and another female character added dimension to the book and the inclusion and highlighting of interesting female characters is a much-needed addition to the dearth of literature of this type for young people, and really often even older people. Finally, I also enjoyed that there was a series of smaller mysteries - both those for Pinkerton and those in the lives of Nell, Kate, Jemma, and their families - to solve, rather than one over-arching one through the book; I found that keep the book moving along and engaged my interest well.

On on the other hand, I had some difficulties with Nell. She never seemed to act her age, with her age being difficult to know. At the start of the book she is said to have experienced ten summer, quickly stating for herself that it had been eleven, meaning she was a best 12 years old, though the blurb does say 11. Later in the book she repeatedly says she is '13 or there about.' Eleven is different enough from thirteen that 'there about' seems to not apply. The book does not read as if two years have passed, so I do not know where the extra two years have come from. Either way, Nell did not behave as a 10, 12, or even 13 year old. Much of the time she acts as if she is in her mid-t0-late teens, even at one time noting that 16 year olds mistook her for one of them - and the way she is often portrayed her behaviours seemed more inline with this age group. On the other hand, she often behaved in much younger ways, throwing temper tantrums when upset at her aunt, and creating so-called ciphers in her letters that even much younger children could solve (I mean really, people are not supposed to know that 'Mrs. Ippy' means Mississippi?, seriously?!?).

Additionally, I have to ask how a supposed 11-13 year old girl passed, repeatedly, for a full-grown man. Even if she were tall (and there was no indication of that until the end of the book and even then only after she was wearing heels - and she was wearing boots in her disguises. I have difficulty seeing how she would have passed as a man - I would not have bought it if an 11-13 year old boy had done it, so why would I buy it if a girl had?

Getting back to the inconsistencies in Nell's ages (and yes, it was ages rather than age) and timelines, the book has timeline problems in other areas, where the impression is left that Nell's father had died and her friend Jemma had left the country within weeks or at most months but then these events are spoken of in terms of 'many years'. It was as if Hannigan did not care to keep track of her own timelines.

Finally, where I really wanted to give two and even one stars, was Kate's treatment of Nell. The constant blaming of Nell for the actions of Nell's father, the conditional non-love she showed Nell, the placing a so-called 11 year old in perilous situations, and the constant threats to send her to an orphan asylum essentially amounted to emotional and psychological abuse. I supposed in those days children were treated differently and such considerations were likely not part of the culture for children. However, this book was written well into the 21st Century and we do consider the physical, mental, and emotional health of children. I would argue we do not give nearly enough consideration and care about childhood abuse even today. But, Kate's treatment of Nell was presented uncritically in the book, further normalizing the idea that it is OK to abuse children in this way. It is wrong to send this message to young readers, even tacitly. Actually, it is wrong to tacitly send this message to any reader.

On a related note, I was really creeped out that full-grown man was regularly flirting with Nell, who was supposedly 10-13 years old (yuck!) and that everyone treated his behaviour as if it were normal. Again, perhaps that was normal for the times? (I do not know), but it is not normal for these times and to write it that way, Hannigan is again normalizing such disgusting behaviour to today's young readers and in a world of rape culture, today's young readers can really do without that - I know this older reader could have done without it.

So, the book gets a generous three stars because the overall storylines and setting were enjoyable. But, on many levels deserved only one or two stars because of the timeline inconsistencies, the unbelievability of Nell's actions vs. supposed age, and especially the normalizing of abuse and creepy behaviours toward a child.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this one as an audiobook and the narrator did a really great with it! I loved the voice she used for Nelle and for all the different characters.

The story was very fun, fast-paced, and entertaining. Nelle is a loveable main character with all her sassiness, stubbornness, and cleverness. Her interactions with her aunt were very interesting to read.

I've been reading a lot more about Kate Warne (the first female detective) recently and I thought having a story told from the perspective of a fictional niece really provided a fresh and enlightening view of her. Her traits (both good and bad) are seen in a different light when we see her through a lonely child's eyes.

At times I thought things felt a little contrived to be able to fit Nelle into an important role in Kate's cases, but overall I really enjoyed seeing Nelle as a detective's assistant.

[Jennefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of orphan, Cornelia (Nell) and her aunt Kitty. Based on the true story of Kate Warne the first female detective who worked with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Historical fiction, mystery, adventure and fun to listen to in the audio book version. It made me want to learn more about Kate Warne, although I found her to be unlikeable throughout most of the story. She was just pretty harsh to her niece throughout even though it is clear that it is her way of protecting her niece from her own dangerous job as a detective. When you look up images of Kate Warne you will find photos of her dressed as a Confederate soldier spy and cowboy! This story is written from the prospective of the recently orphaned niece Nell, with letters interspersed between her and her friend who helps Nell piece together the story of her father's death. Interesting story - I definitely recommend it.

[Brittany Gillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is to middle-grade fiction what great historical fiction like Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale is for adult fiction. So well researched, and yet so entertaining. Weaving facts in a way that makes learning history fun for kids: female detectives, pre-civil war culture, the Underground Railroad, and Abraham Lincoln - all reported from a kids point-of-view. A great read for child and adult alike.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fictional account of the first female detective employed by Pinkerton. The narrator was excellent. Highly recommended for middle grade or tweens readers that like historical fiction or adventure.

[Pristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

childhood classic mmmm

[Ashleigh Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun and so well done. I have not been on much of a historical fiction kick recently but this was such a fun jaunt back into the genre! Based off of the incredibly cool lives of detectives Pinkerton and Kate Warne - this book weaves together fiction and fat and social issues of the time in an informational and exciting way. Highly recommend!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book about family, history, and the power and courage of young women. Plus ciphers!

[Rhonda D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battle of the books 2025

Kid rating five stars, my rating 3.5.

Based on an historical person, the first female detective.

[Jennifer Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this aloud with Ainsley. We both really liked it and were surprised by the author's note at the end!

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of fictional characters and historic facts, with interesting idea on the Pinkerton Dectectives and the underground railway. enjoyed the whole book.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I lost interest fairly early on and never fully recovered.

[Vanessa Linares · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book “The Detective’s Assistant” by Kate Hannihan is a good book but this book didn’t really caught my attention Because I love books that have exciting moments popping out, out of nowhere so you have to discover and find what’s happening, but my favorite thing about this book is that it’s about adventures. But other than that I would recommend this book.

[Nanci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction about an interesting woman detective in the 1800's. The "assistant" is fictional . The historical notes at the end are worth reading and very interesting! Well researched. I enjoyed this and will recommend it to elementary school readers.

[Ben Langhinrichs · Rating 5 out of 5]

When eleven year old Nell Warne is dropped off at her Aunt Kitty's door not long before the Civil War, she is not wanted and not welcome. Kate thinks she has no use for the girl, but Nell's indomitable spirit, clever mind and dare devil attitude soon prove to her aunt that there is more to the girl than meets the eye, as Nell helps with some of the dangerous and tricky cases her aunt has to solve. Because Kate Warne is a detective with Pinkertons, and they are called to solve jewel heists and murders, and even to protect Abraham Lincoln as he makes his way through a sharply divided land to his inauguration.

In a very clever juxtaposition underlying the story of Nell and Kate is the story we learn through letters between Nell and Jemma, a friend whose family has fled to Canada. Though they have always been free blacks, the roving bounty hunters have little respect for the law. Nell and Jemma practice ciphers and code words to prevent anyone who intercepts the letters from finding out details about Jemma's family and the people who help slaves escape to the North. We gradually learn how the underground railroad and the abolitionist movement are intricately involved with Nell's story, and in the end seal the increasing affection between Nell and her Aunt Kate while helping her faraway friend.

In short, the book is delightful. Nell is a terrific combination of smart and careless, take-charge and nervous. She has trouble with her spelling, embarrasses her Aunt and herself, and doesn't always (often) do as she is told. I think girls of today will love her spunk and courage while laughing at how she makes the same mistakes (and decisions) they do.

Re-posted from my original review on the My Comfy Chair blog.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1859 and eleven-year-old Cornelia Warne, now an orphan, arrives in Chicago to stay with her only living relative--her estranged Aunt Kitty, who is not happy to see her husband's niece. Aunt Kitty believes Cornelia's father killed his brother (her husband).

Cornelia dies everything she can to try to win over her aunt by helping out in the boarding house and soon Aunt Kitty comes to rely on Cornelia (now Nell) too in the detective business she's involved in. Nell wears disguises and even watches over an obnoxious little girl so Aunt Kitty can do her spy work. Nell gets into the detective mode with her letter writing in code to a childhood friend who was whisked to Canada on the Underground Railroad; and their communication leads Nell to learn the truth about what happened with her father and uncle.

The largest case Aunt Kitty and Nell work on involves protecting the president elect--Abraham Lincoln from being assassinated in Baltimore as he travels through the city on a train.

This story had everything--mystery, history, adventure, humor, great language, and even a touch of biography because there really was a female detective, Kate Warne who worked for the Pinkerton Detective Agency in the 1860s.

The language and humor reminded me of A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck.

Nell writes

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to rate this 3.5 stars. I absolutely loved how Kate Hannigan tied this novel to actual historical facts and she did a great job explaining it in the "Author's Note" at the end of the novel. Her use of ciphers throughout the text added a complexity to the story which was great. The only downside which turned me off was the constant bickering between Nell and her Aunt Kate throughout the book. This made it difficult for me to identify with them and slowed the pace of the book for me. Overall I liked it and recommend it. I am looking forward to similar books from Kate Hannigan in the future!