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Lilly Long #2
Though This Be Madness Lib/E
1881, Chicago. Assigned to her second case as a Pinkerton, Lilly still needs to prove herself—both as a novice detective and as a woman in a man’s world. Ordered to once again work with Lilly, Cade needs to redeem himself for conduct unbecoming to a Pinkerton—a grief-driven drunken brawl. As if their forced partnership wasn’t bad enough, the agents must pose as husband and wife servants in the troubled household of a wealthy New Orleans family. An acting challenge if ever there was one…
The elderly matriarch of the Fortenot family is convinced her grandson’s former widow has been unjustly committed to an insane asylum by her second husband. She believes the man is attempting to wrest the family fortune away from his new wife. Soon, behind the beautiful façade of the Fortenot mansion, the detectives uncover secrets, betrayal, voodoo curses—and murder. Even as Lilly and Cade chafe against their roles, they must work together to expose the true villain of this tragedy before the hapless widow faces her final curtain call.
The elderly matriarch of the Fortenot family is convinced her grandson’s former widow has been unjustly committed to an insane asylum by her second husband. She believes the man is attempting to wrest the family fortune away from his new wife. Soon, behind the beautiful façade of the Fortenot mansion, the detectives uncover secrets, betrayal, voodoo curses—and murder. Even as Lilly and Cade chafe against their roles, they must work together to expose the true villain of this tragedy before the hapless widow faces her final curtain call.
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First published April 25, 2017
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About the author
Penny Richards
72 books73 followersPenny Richards also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym of Bay Matthews, and as Sandi Shane with the writer Sandra Canfield.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 11, 2017
This second book in the Lilly Long mysteries suffers a bit of a sophomore slump. Lilly is assigned to her second case but, being that she's still pretty inexperienced as an operative, William Pinkerton, her boss, decides that it would be best for all concerned if she were paired with an experienced partner. This is where Cade McShane comes in. He was introduced in the first book as a formerly fired agent who is back on the payroll on a probationary basis. The case involves investigating whether a doctor in New Orleans falsely committed his wealthy wife to an insane asylum in order to gain control of her inherited wealth. So far, so good. The story hits a significant snag in momentum when, as part of their undercover identities, Lilly and Cade enter into the household service of the wealthy family in question. It's an authorial choice that didn't really work in my opinion. Both Cade and Lilly are kept far too busy doing domestic chores to ever really get much sleuthing done and the story loses too much traction. I still liked the book and plan to read the third book when Cade and Lilly travel to my home state of Texas for their next assignment.
March 3, 2018
Having enjoyed the first book about a Pinkerton detective, Lilly Long, I was delighted to read her further adventures. In this book she goes to New Orleans with a fellow agent and they pretend to be domestic staff as they try to discover why a doctor has had his wife committed to a mental home. The similarity with journalist Nellie Bly won't be lost on many readers, but Lilly doesn't get herself committed. She has a hard enough time because we see all the domestic work of a multi-person household, party and all.
We also explore the personalities of Lilly, her fellow agents and a helpful street lad who pretends to be her brother in law. Good fun and always something happening.
I downloaded an e-ARC through Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
We also explore the personalities of Lilly, her fellow agents and a helpful street lad who pretends to be her brother in law. Good fun and always something happening.
I downloaded an e-ARC through Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
April 25, 2017
Start with a young female rookie Pinkerton agent, add a bit of a loose cannon male agent trying to redeem himself who has been instructed to teach her the ropes of being an agent while hopefully her presence keeps him out of further trouble. It is a partnership neither of them wants. Throw in a precocious 10 year old orphan who knows way more about the ways of the world than a 10 year old should know and hang on for the ride!
Thoroughly enjoyed it! I swear at times I could smell food cooking, beer and hear the sounds of wagon wheels on brick streets along with the soft rich patois of southern Louisiana speech.
Though This Be Madness. Book #2 in Penny Richards Lilly Long, Pinkerton Agent series. The first one was good,.. this one is even better. Set in the 1880's in New Orleans, the location, the details, even the backstory of the history swirling around the characters is lush and believable. And if you are even vaguely familiar with the history of women's rights in this country you will find it deftly woven in to this story of greed, perseverance and justice. And a bit of simmering romance thrown in for spice. I started this book yesterday and finished it this morning. Yes people, it is a big thumbs up of a read!
Thoroughly enjoyed it! I swear at times I could smell food cooking, beer and hear the sounds of wagon wheels on brick streets along with the soft rich patois of southern Louisiana speech.
Though This Be Madness. Book #2 in Penny Richards Lilly Long, Pinkerton Agent series. The first one was good,.. this one is even better. Set in the 1880's in New Orleans, the location, the details, even the backstory of the history swirling around the characters is lush and believable. And if you are even vaguely familiar with the history of women's rights in this country you will find it deftly woven in to this story of greed, perseverance and justice. And a bit of simmering romance thrown in for spice. I started this book yesterday and finished it this morning. Yes people, it is a big thumbs up of a read!
May 2, 2017
Penny Richards has again written a refreshing, easy read story with well developed characters and interesting places.
In her second Pinkerton assignment, former actress, Lilly Long finds herself unwittingly paired with investigator Cade McShane in the guise of husband and wife. Their assignment? To find out why a member of the wealthy New Orleans Fontenot family was committed to an insane asylum by her second husband.
Intrigue, betrayal, voodoo curses and murder will keep you guessing the outcome of this story just as much as you will be wondering the outcome of the impetuous relationship of Long and McShane. Richard's fans will love this second installment of the Lilly Long mysteries and will look forward to the 3rd book, Murder Will Speak!
In her second Pinkerton assignment, former actress, Lilly Long finds herself unwittingly paired with investigator Cade McShane in the guise of husband and wife. Their assignment? To find out why a member of the wealthy New Orleans Fontenot family was committed to an insane asylum by her second husband.
Intrigue, betrayal, voodoo curses and murder will keep you guessing the outcome of this story just as much as you will be wondering the outcome of the impetuous relationship of Long and McShane. Richard's fans will love this second installment of the Lilly Long mysteries and will look forward to the 3rd book, Murder Will Speak!
April 2, 2019
This well-crafted historical mystery is the perfect read. The characters are well drawn, the setting is very good, and the plot is excellent. Lilly Long is a Pinkerton agent, and is assigned to her second case, with another operative, Cade McShane, with whom she is not happy to be working. The two work things out, however, as their case proceeds. They also take on a homeless child who has been following Cade ever since Cade helped in the past. The three of them prove to be a great team when they solve the crimes using all of their individual and collective abilities. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
December 2, 2018
Such a well thought out plot, I didn’t see the twist coming at all.
Once again Penny Richards has done a wonderful job of creating a story that feels real, evokes true emotion, and makes you want more.
Once again Penny Richards has done a wonderful job of creating a story that feels real, evokes true emotion, and makes you want more.
April 15, 2018
THOUGH THIS BE MADNESS, the second novel in the Lilly Long Mystery series, begins almost immediately after AN UNTIMELY FROST leaves off. Pinkerton detective, Lilly Long, has just wrapped up her first investigation for the agency, and she barely has time to breath before she is sent off on an undercover operation in New Orleans along with her new partner. Agent Cade McShane has been working for the Pinkertons for years, and he is less than thrilled to be saddled with a young, inexperienced female agent. Lilly isn’t very happy about the arrangement either – especially since she and Cade will be posing as a married couple while working as servants in the wealthy Fortenot household. Mrs. Fortenot, an elderly widow, believes that her grandson’s widow has been taken in by her new husband and that he has sent her to an insane asylum in an attempt to wrest away the Fortenot family fortune that his wife inherited when her first husband died. It is up to Lilly and Cade to discover what is really going on in the Fortenot family.
Overall, I mostly enjoyed THOUGH THIS BE MADNESS. The case itself is interesting, but, with Lilly and Cade working as servants in the household, it seems like the majority of their time is spent doing household chores instead of investigating. They also have a ten-year-old boy helping them, which seems a little farfetched. Robbie Jenkins’ main role in the novel is to do things that the adults wouldn’t be able to do, but it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that the adults are even allowing a child (no matter how precocious and street smart he is) to help them out. While the plot does drag at times, other sections of the novel make up for it. The case, which seems almost mundane at first, begins to take twists and turns. There is a lot more going on than a nefarious man trying to get his hands on his wife’s former husband’s property and money. The budding romance between Lilly and Cade is intriguing. And Cade’s run-in with Lilly’s ex-husband also adds something to the novel.
Overall, I mostly enjoyed THOUGH THIS BE MADNESS. The case itself is interesting, but, with Lilly and Cade working as servants in the household, it seems like the majority of their time is spent doing household chores instead of investigating. They also have a ten-year-old boy helping them, which seems a little farfetched. Robbie Jenkins’ main role in the novel is to do things that the adults wouldn’t be able to do, but it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that the adults are even allowing a child (no matter how precocious and street smart he is) to help them out. While the plot does drag at times, other sections of the novel make up for it. The case, which seems almost mundane at first, begins to take twists and turns. There is a lot more going on than a nefarious man trying to get his hands on his wife’s former husband’s property and money. The budding romance between Lilly and Cade is intriguing. And Cade’s run-in with Lilly’s ex-husband also adds something to the novel.
May 9, 2020
1.5 stars, rounded up for seemingly good intentions.
I have mixed thoughts about this series so far.
On one hand, the books' main characters seem to subscribe to good principles and most of them are likable to varying degrees.
On the other hand, the author seems to get a lot of pleasure out of subjecting the female characters to horrific acts of violence, brutality and everyday cruelty. TW:
Even though there is enough righteous hatred for the perpetrators emanating from the pages to keep a nuclear power plant running for years, it still did not sit right with me. I felt like the author was following the motto of the main characters - "the ends justify the means", and, like the main character does by the end of the book, I found myself questioning the validity of the maxim.
Compared to the first book, a lot of which was necessary exposition and character introductions, I was hoping for more character development for the main character cast here, but instead we get more of the same reiterated sentiments and author's pontificating on the ubiquitous cruelty of men towards women and the powerlessness of women against it. Although the sentiment might be just and often true, it gets old after so much relentless hammering without any variation or development.
Another problem in this book, which got worse compared to the first book is the pacing - it lagged so badly in the first half and the middle sections that I had trouble getting through it. I finally resorted to non-linear reading - I ended up reading it all, but out of sequence, not from start to finish. Some of the plot devices were also much cruder here than in the first book - convenient coincidences and emerging or long forgotten skills were straining credulity in both book, but here started to grate even more.
Given the negative trajectory, I don't think I'll be checking out other installments in the series or other books from this author.
I have mixed thoughts about this series so far.
On one hand, the books' main characters seem to subscribe to good principles and most of them are likable to varying degrees.
On the other hand, the author seems to get a lot of pleasure out of subjecting the female characters to horrific acts of violence, brutality and everyday cruelty. TW:
Even though there is enough righteous hatred for the perpetrators emanating from the pages to keep a nuclear power plant running for years, it still did not sit right with me. I felt like the author was following the motto of the main characters - "the ends justify the means", and, like the main character does by the end of the book, I found myself questioning the validity of the maxim.
Compared to the first book, a lot of which was necessary exposition and character introductions, I was hoping for more character development for the main character cast here, but instead we get more of the same reiterated sentiments and author's pontificating on the ubiquitous cruelty of men towards women and the powerlessness of women against it. Although the sentiment might be just and often true, it gets old after so much relentless hammering without any variation or development.
Another problem in this book, which got worse compared to the first book is the pacing - it lagged so badly in the first half and the middle sections that I had trouble getting through it. I finally resorted to non-linear reading - I ended up reading it all, but out of sequence, not from start to finish. Some of the plot devices were also much cruder here than in the first book - convenient coincidences and emerging or long forgotten skills were straining credulity in both book, but here started to grate even more.
Given the negative trajectory, I don't think I'll be checking out other installments in the series or other books from this author.
July 1, 2017
*Disclaimer 1 - I received an ARC of this book via a Goodreads giveaway*
** Disclaimer 2 - I have not read the first book in this series**
3.5 stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it was fine that I had not read the first book of the series prior to reading the second book, although I likely would have preferred going in order (I generally do).
The book was not too exciting -- I would say it had mystery, excitement, romance, etc. in doses, which I do not consider a knock, just a matter of preference.
The only thing that irked me somewhat (and why I decided to round down rather than round up) is that while Lilly Long is our main protagonist and we are constantly told that she is spunky and modern and taking care of herself, etc. etc., we get thrown lines like these:
Umm, what? Made all the worse by the fact that these are written in third person omniscient, and that one of the chief goals of the book is to say that Ms. Long cannot be put into that kind of box. Thank goodness there were not too many instances of these.
I also found the issue of to feel like a loose end, although my guess is that this will be left for follow up books in the series. The appearance felt a bit unnecessary though and did not do anything in particular for the story as far as I could tell. Just a gratuitous guest appearance.
On the plus side, I was also surprised to learn, separately but during the time I was reading this, that the William Pinkerton Detective Agency is a real detective agency. I actually would not mind reading some non-fiction on this subject.
** Disclaimer 2 - I have not read the first book in this series**
3.5 stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it was fine that I had not read the first book of the series prior to reading the second book, although I likely would have preferred going in order (I generally do).
The book was not too exciting -- I would say it had mystery, excitement, romance, etc. in doses, which I do not consider a knock, just a matter of preference.
The only thing that irked me somewhat (and why I decided to round down rather than round up) is that while Lilly Long is our main protagonist and we are constantly told that she is spunky and modern and taking care of herself, etc. etc., we get thrown lines like these:
Womanlike, she was torn between anger that William thought she needed coddling and a purely feminine annoyance that Cade had no desire to work with her.
Umm, what? Made all the worse by the fact that these are written in third person omniscient, and that one of the chief goals of the book is to say that Ms. Long cannot be put into that kind of box. Thank goodness there were not too many instances of these.
I also found the issue of to feel like a loose end, although my guess is that this will be left for follow up books in the series. The appearance felt a bit unnecessary though and did not do anything in particular for the story as far as I could tell. Just a gratuitous guest appearance.
On the plus side, I was also surprised to learn, separately but during the time I was reading this, that the William Pinkerton Detective Agency is a real detective agency. I actually would not mind reading some non-fiction on this subject.
October 4, 2021
I think I liked the first book in this series better. This one's plot started off really slow and it wasn't until the end when things picked up. The main character Lilly found she had to work with a partner on her next case. She'd met the partner, Cade she was paired up with before. I don't really care much for their relationship, since it seems like the author is trying to create a relationship that seems like it would work more in a sit-com. Cade and Lilly really don't seem to like one another, but find each other attractive. I can't stand those type of pairing that creators and authors do. To add more to the mix, the author threw in a 10 year old street punk that was friends with Cade. The child ended up following the couple all the way to the riverboat they were traveling on to get to their case in New Orleans. He ended up posing as Cade's younger brother. In the end, it did end up moving the plot along, because since the child wasn't employed by Pinkerton he was more free to work in an unorthodox manner in order to help solve the case. I don't know if I can read the next book, which will involve all three of these characters again.
July 29, 2023
With all the things vying for my attention these days, I've been struggling to start a book and then read all the way through until I finish it without interruptions. So I'm always excited when I come across one that holds my interest. Honestly, I'm a little surprised this series isn't more famous.
Though This Be Madness is fast-paced, and has an interesting mystery, social justice components, and captivating leads. Lilly and Cade are intelligent, prickly with a heart of gold, committed to their jobs, and reluctantly but definitely into one another. They remind me of Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
I liked the writing, and there were no wasted scenes; each furthered the investigation or character development or both. I haven't read book 1 and I seldom pick up earlier books in a series once I've read the later books. But I'll likely pick up book 3 if I find it.
Edt: After a little scrolling of the internet, I figured out why the writing is so tight. The author writes for category romance.
Though This Be Madness is fast-paced, and has an interesting mystery, social justice components, and captivating leads. Lilly and Cade are intelligent, prickly with a heart of gold, committed to their jobs, and reluctantly but definitely into one another. They remind me of Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
I liked the writing, and there were no wasted scenes; each furthered the investigation or character development or both. I haven't read book 1 and I seldom pick up earlier books in a series once I've read the later books. But I'll likely pick up book 3 if I find it.
Edt: After a little scrolling of the internet, I figured out why the writing is so tight. The author writes for category romance.
May 24, 2017
I was captivated by this book from the very beginning! Once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down! Penny Richards has spun quite a web with Though This by Madness, the second book in the Lilly Long Mystery series. The complex characters of Lilly Long and Cade McShane, Pinkerton detective agents, were beautifully woven. Richards is a talented author, making me feel as if I were actually present in these scenes, seeing what they saw, smelling the wonderful Cajun dishes they ate, and experiences all the harrowing moments with Lilly and Cade. This book is so historically accurate, on many social, economic, and personal details Richards includes in this book. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in Richards' Lilly Long Mysteries! (It helps that the first book in this series won the Texas Authors Best Historical Mystery of 2017. What an honor for Penny Richards and Lilly Long!)
June 29, 2017
Lilly Long is off on her second assignment. This time she has an official partner, Cade McShane, who had watched over her during her first case. These two must learn how to work together as they travel to New Orleans for a case filled with secrets, betrayal, voodoo, and murder.
As a sequel, this is a fantastic book. It builds on the first one in a brilliant way, allowing us to see that Lilly still has a lot to learn in her new profession. At times, she does seem too hard on herself, and that was sad to see.
I do wish the narrative had remained with her more, instead of moving to Cade as often as it did. It was necessary for the story to be told, but I want more of Lilly not Cade! As a side character, Cade is not bad, but he just didn't keep my interest in this book.
For readers who enjoy a female detective using her skills to the best of her ability, this is a must read.
The author was kind enough to give me a physical copy of the book for reviewing purposes.
As a sequel, this is a fantastic book. It builds on the first one in a brilliant way, allowing us to see that Lilly still has a lot to learn in her new profession. At times, she does seem too hard on herself, and that was sad to see.
I do wish the narrative had remained with her more, instead of moving to Cade as often as it did. It was necessary for the story to be told, but I want more of Lilly not Cade! As a side character, Cade is not bad, but he just didn't keep my interest in this book.
For readers who enjoy a female detective using her skills to the best of her ability, this is a must read.
The author was kind enough to give me a physical copy of the book for reviewing purposes.
June 3, 2017
It's been a while since I read the first book, but I know I liked it enough to look forward to this one. I was a bit let down. While it's understood that undercover agents can't just go off on their own while they have to act out their roles, it felt too much like everything just unfolded in front of them while Lilly and Cade barely did anything to advance their case. Then suddenly at the end, they had two days off (didn't catch the explanation if there was one) and brought things to a climax and resolution in one fell swoop. It felt like something was missing. But I liked it enough to look forward to the next one. Also look forward to seeing more of Robbie/Jenks. He was everything Lilly/Cade weren't in this mystery.
July 4, 2021
Lilly Long used to be a Shakespearean actor; now she's a Pinkerton detective. Or almost -- kind of a cadet, as she must be accompanied on a case by a seasoned gumshoe. That would be Cade McShane, who is as unimpressed by the idea as Lilly is.
Still, the pair heads off to New Orleans investigating the case of a woman locked up in a madhouse. Is her doctor husband justified or is her first husband's grandmother correct in thinking it's a ploy so the husband can gain control of the family fortune?
A good enough plot (only a little predictable), characters are a tad two-dimensional, but a nice sense of place and time.
Still, the pair heads off to New Orleans investigating the case of a woman locked up in a madhouse. Is her doctor husband justified or is her first husband's grandmother correct in thinking it's a ploy so the husband can gain control of the family fortune?
A good enough plot (only a little predictable), characters are a tad two-dimensional, but a nice sense of place and time.
July 12, 2017
Predictable
I enjoyed the first book because there was no "love interest" per se for the heroine. I felt this aspect made this story very run of the mill. Also, the mystery itself is rather "easy" to guess once the clues are in place. I wouldn't have read this sequel if it was first in the series. I may not read the next one as the plot was predictable and weak, something I felt the first book was not.
I enjoyed the first book because there was no "love interest" per se for the heroine. I felt this aspect made this story very run of the mill. Also, the mystery itself is rather "easy" to guess once the clues are in place. I wouldn't have read this sequel if it was first in the series. I may not read the next one as the plot was predictable and weak, something I felt the first book was not.
October 30, 2020
4.25/5⭐️
Second in series featuring Lilly Long on her second Pinkerton case (murder and a nefarious plot).
As a newbie, she’s teamed up with veteran detective Cade McShane. I enjoyed the intricacies of the story (a bit dark), and the leads’ banter and developing friendship. I also loved the introduction of a young misfit named Robbie.
Will definitely be up for more.
Both first and second covers are seriously gorgeous!
Second in series featuring Lilly Long on her second Pinkerton case (murder and a nefarious plot).
As a newbie, she’s teamed up with veteran detective Cade McShane. I enjoyed the intricacies of the story (a bit dark), and the leads’ banter and developing friendship. I also loved the introduction of a young misfit named Robbie.
Will definitely be up for more.
Both first and second covers are seriously gorgeous!
June 23, 2017
Assigned to her second case as a Pinkerton, Lilly still needs to prove herself to the agency. and herself. Lilly's not sure this will happen now that she finds she's working with another agent, Cade. In this novel Lilly travels to New Orleans and works as husband and wife servants to investigate suspicious activities at the Fortenot home.
May 31, 2021
Enjoyed seeing Lilly, the charming Cade and a street-wise "brother" off on another case. The trio provided a lot of charm and spunk in this new case as they chased down their latest villain, a Victorian desperado aiming to get his claws on the family money. But come now, we want to see what will become of the two Pinkertons in their relationship! A nice, easy read. Looking forward to book three.
September 27, 2022
A little more graphic than a cozy
Book two was just as engrossing as the first one with new characters being introduced. I especially liked the precocious Robbie . I am certain he will figure into others stories. McShane is deliciously manly as well!
Book two was just as engrossing as the first one with new characters being introduced. I especially liked the precocious Robbie . I am certain he will figure into others stories. McShane is deliciously manly as well!
May 8, 2024
Second book in the Lilly Long series, featuring former actress turned Pinkerton Detective in which Lilly and her partner Cade infiltrate the house of a New Orleans doctor who has had his wife committed to an insane asylum.
August 3, 2025
I enjoyed the fact Lilly and Cade work together in Book 2 and that their attraction and feelings are growing. Lilly's father, Pierce, is a gem of a side character. The plot is solid and wrapped up neatly. I'll start Book 3 later today.
March 15, 2017
3.5 stars
This is a readable cozy with an unusual premise. Former actress Lilly Long and her investigative partner Cade McShane are Pinkerton operatives in the 19th century post Civil War U.S. And unlikely and unwilling partners they are. Lilly is promising but inexperienced, and McShane has to atone for an earlier misbehavior, so they are yoked together in this 2nd series entry. Naturally, they are both drawn to and antagonistic to each other. They each carry substantial emotional baggage and stubborn independent natures.
The pair has been sent to discover whether a New Orleans doctor who has his wealthy wife confined to an asylum is a manipulative fortune hunter or a concerned husband. Long and McShane, accompanied by a streetwise 10-year old, pose as a working class Irish couple and gain employment as servants at the family mansion.
Almost immediately it is clear that all is not right in the household. Several sub plots run through the mystery. It felt like a fair amount of modern sensibility had been implausibly inserted here, but it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of this book. A quick and entertaining read.
I was provided with an ARC via Net Galley in return for my honest review.
This is a readable cozy with an unusual premise. Former actress Lilly Long and her investigative partner Cade McShane are Pinkerton operatives in the 19th century post Civil War U.S. And unlikely and unwilling partners they are. Lilly is promising but inexperienced, and McShane has to atone for an earlier misbehavior, so they are yoked together in this 2nd series entry. Naturally, they are both drawn to and antagonistic to each other. They each carry substantial emotional baggage and stubborn independent natures.
The pair has been sent to discover whether a New Orleans doctor who has his wealthy wife confined to an asylum is a manipulative fortune hunter or a concerned husband. Long and McShane, accompanied by a streetwise 10-year old, pose as a working class Irish couple and gain employment as servants at the family mansion.
Almost immediately it is clear that all is not right in the household. Several sub plots run through the mystery. It felt like a fair amount of modern sensibility had been implausibly inserted here, but it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of this book. A quick and entertaining read.
I was provided with an ARC via Net Galley in return for my honest review.
June 4, 2017
Lily is still learning the detecting business. Cade is teaching her things along the way-the most important one being work with your partner. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2023
Enjoyable enough read set in New Orleans. I like the historical settings in this series and the character development. Somehow the mystery seems like it's playing second fiddle to the relationships and the historical aspects. Only three books in the series and I'll definitely read the next one since it's set in Ft. Worth, near where I live.
April 25, 2017
Chicago, early 1800s. One of the Pinkerton agency's only female agents, Lilly is sent to New Orleans to figure out if a young widow from a wealthy family has been unjustly committed to an insane asylum but her new husband. While Lilly is excited to get a new assignment, she isn't so happy to learn that she will not only be partnered with Cade McShane, but that they will have to pose as husband and wife.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was really looking forward to the next installment. Maybe I was expecting too much, or maybe this just wasn't the right book for me at this point in time, but I found this story hard to get into. I found most of the characters hard to like, even Lilly, who seemed to have trouble accepting that she doesn't yet know everything about being an agent and that she and McShane were assigned to work *together, which means sharing information and observations. The family at the heart of the story was also hard to like, and when I don't care about the characters, I generally end up not caring about the book as well. I stuck with this and finished it to find out what was going on, and I'll still look for the next in the series – but maybe not with such high hopes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was really looking forward to the next installment. Maybe I was expecting too much, or maybe this just wasn't the right book for me at this point in time, but I found this story hard to get into. I found most of the characters hard to like, even Lilly, who seemed to have trouble accepting that she doesn't yet know everything about being an agent and that she and McShane were assigned to work *together, which means sharing information and observations. The family at the heart of the story was also hard to like, and when I don't care about the characters, I generally end up not caring about the book as well. I stuck with this and finished it to find out what was going on, and I'll still look for the next in the series – but maybe not with such high hopes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 4, 2017
A Reader's Opinion: This story is an enjoyable escape for those who like a bit of romance and humor mixed in with their mystery.
Read the full review: http://ow.ly/P6b930ayyB4
**Reviewed by Kaylie for Books & Benches**
Read the full review: http://ow.ly/P6b930ayyB4
**Reviewed by Kaylie for Books & Benches**
April 21, 2017
Very enjoyable story line with well developed and interesting characters. Lily Long, former actress, is an operative with the prestigious Pinkerton Detective Agency. History lovers and Mystery gurus alike will fall in love!!! This is the second book in the Lily long series and I highly recommend it!!
April 23, 2017
Thanks Kensington Books and netgalley for this ARC.
Seeing New Orleans thru Lilly's eyes is like reading about it for the first time. Penny Richards has a gift with words that makes this series fresh, forceful, and never quaint. We feel the burn of Lilly's ambition for justice and her maturity in this novel through the partnership thrust upon her.
Seeing New Orleans thru Lilly's eyes is like reading about it for the first time. Penny Richards has a gift with words that makes this series fresh, forceful, and never quaint. We feel the burn of Lilly's ambition for justice and her maturity in this novel through the partnership thrust upon her.
May 1, 2017
First I would like to say I read the first book in this series and loved it so I had high hopes for Though This Be Madness. I was most definitely NOT disappointed. I was glued to this book I did not want to put it down. I recommend it to everyone. I'm just sad it will be next year before I get to read the next Lily Long Mystery.
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