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Lilly Long #3
Murder Will Speak
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dark side of the alluring world of America’s 19th century elite in this gripping series of riveting mysteries…
In 1880s Chicago, Shakespearean actress turned Pinkerton detective Lilly Long must play the part of a soiled dove to find a missing friend . . .
As one of a handful of female operatives employed by legendary crime fighter Allan Pinkerton, Lilly draws on her theatrical training to go undercover in situations inaccessible to male detectives--much to the discomfort of her partner, Cade McShane. Their latest case takes them to the rough and rowdy bordellos that line Hell's Half Acre in Fort Worth, Texas--truly the Wild West. By virtue of her gender, only Lilly can infiltrate the disreputable dens of iniquity that trade in flesh and cater to vices that would make even a Pinkerton blush.
This time the case is deeply personal. Lilly's friend, Nora Nash, who traveled to Fort Worth as a
mail-order bride, has instead been forced into prostitution. After a desperate call for help, Nora has gone missing. To find her, Lilly must revamp herself as a vamp and expose a seamy underworld of unspeakable secrets where anything goes. But she and Cade soon discover firsthand that lives are cheap in Hell's Half Acre--including their own . . .
Praise for Penny Richards and An Untimely Frost
"A strong heroine and the intriguing Pinkertons make this historical mystery a cozy way to spend a weekend. Lilly Long's independence and stubborn spirit will immediately endear her to many readers."
--RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)
"Penny Richards has created a fascinating heroine, a great mystery,
and an exceptional play on history."
--New York Times bestselling author, Heather Graham
In 1880s Chicago, Shakespearean actress turned Pinkerton detective Lilly Long must play the part of a soiled dove to find a missing friend . . .
As one of a handful of female operatives employed by legendary crime fighter Allan Pinkerton, Lilly draws on her theatrical training to go undercover in situations inaccessible to male detectives--much to the discomfort of her partner, Cade McShane. Their latest case takes them to the rough and rowdy bordellos that line Hell's Half Acre in Fort Worth, Texas--truly the Wild West. By virtue of her gender, only Lilly can infiltrate the disreputable dens of iniquity that trade in flesh and cater to vices that would make even a Pinkerton blush.
This time the case is deeply personal. Lilly's friend, Nora Nash, who traveled to Fort Worth as a
mail-order bride, has instead been forced into prostitution. After a desperate call for help, Nora has gone missing. To find her, Lilly must revamp herself as a vamp and expose a seamy underworld of unspeakable secrets where anything goes. But she and Cade soon discover firsthand that lives are cheap in Hell's Half Acre--including their own . . .
Praise for Penny Richards and An Untimely Frost
"A strong heroine and the intriguing Pinkertons make this historical mystery a cozy way to spend a weekend. Lilly Long's independence and stubborn spirit will immediately endear her to many readers."
--RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)
"Penny Richards has created a fascinating heroine, a great mystery,
and an exceptional play on history."
--New York Times bestselling author, Heather Graham
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2018
6 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Penny Richards
71 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2018
Lilly Long is on her third assignment for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. This one is personal. She is answering a plea from a friend who is in great danger. The Hells Half-Acre in Fort Worth is a very dangerous place. The danger here is very real. Again Cade McShane is her partner. There is a lot more backstory about Cade and we meet his sister who helps on this case and some of his other siblings. This case pulls at the heart strings as they work to change a place that is full of corruption . At the end of the case Lilly is having second thoughts about being a detective while Cade is getting more and more comfortable being her partner.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
I enjoyed this series, but I am a romance girl more than a mystery girl and I wanted things between Lilly and Cade to simmer and burst into a full boil. Not the author's fault - totally mine. I recommend reading the series in order and close together.
April 18, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Pinkerton agents Lilly Long and Cade McShane are back in MURDER WILL SPEAK (published April 24, 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation). In the third installment of the Lilly Long Mystery Series, Lilly and Cade travel to Fort Worth, Texas, on a job that is personal to Lilly. One of Lilly’s friends from her acting days recently moved to Texas as a mail-order bride. Instead of getting married and settling into a new life, Nora Nash was forced into prostitution. Nora managed to contact Lilly and ask her to come help her, and the other women and children who are working in the brothels in Hell’s Half Acre. Lilly, Cade, and Cade’s sister Erin (a prostitute in Chicago) arrive too late to save Nora, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to find the personal responsible for Nora’s murder. They also try to unravel the prostitution ring and find the person who is supplying the women and children to the brothels.
MURDER WILL SPEAK is a good follow up to the other two books in the Lilly Long series. Both Lilly’s and Cade’s character development continues to progress, adding more depth to their characters. A lot of Cade’s past is revealed in this novel. As Lilly’s detecting skills improve, she begins to question why she is a Pinkerton. She wants to help people, but seeing the ugly sides of human nature leaves her deeply disturbed. Her moral struggle will keep the reader engaged. But there are certain things about Lilly and her attitude that rubs me the wrong way. Even after nearly getting killed, she still has the attitude that she could never kill someone. It might be a personal thing, but, to me, that just doesn’t seem like the right attitude for someone to have when they are frequently dealing with criminals and killers. Otherwise, the MURDER WILL SPEAK was very enjoyable. The time period is very well captured, and the continuing storyline is intriguing.
Pinkerton agents Lilly Long and Cade McShane are back in MURDER WILL SPEAK (published April 24, 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation). In the third installment of the Lilly Long Mystery Series, Lilly and Cade travel to Fort Worth, Texas, on a job that is personal to Lilly. One of Lilly’s friends from her acting days recently moved to Texas as a mail-order bride. Instead of getting married and settling into a new life, Nora Nash was forced into prostitution. Nora managed to contact Lilly and ask her to come help her, and the other women and children who are working in the brothels in Hell’s Half Acre. Lilly, Cade, and Cade’s sister Erin (a prostitute in Chicago) arrive too late to save Nora, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to find the personal responsible for Nora’s murder. They also try to unravel the prostitution ring and find the person who is supplying the women and children to the brothels.
MURDER WILL SPEAK is a good follow up to the other two books in the Lilly Long series. Both Lilly’s and Cade’s character development continues to progress, adding more depth to their characters. A lot of Cade’s past is revealed in this novel. As Lilly’s detecting skills improve, she begins to question why she is a Pinkerton. She wants to help people, but seeing the ugly sides of human nature leaves her deeply disturbed. Her moral struggle will keep the reader engaged. But there are certain things about Lilly and her attitude that rubs me the wrong way. Even after nearly getting killed, she still has the attitude that she could never kill someone. It might be a personal thing, but, to me, that just doesn’t seem like the right attitude for someone to have when they are frequently dealing with criminals and killers. Otherwise, the MURDER WILL SPEAK was very enjoyable. The time period is very well captured, and the continuing storyline is intriguing.
April 24, 2018
Lilly long, and her fellow Pinkerton Andrew Cadence "Cade" McShane are on a case dealing with prostitution, and children being abused. Receiving a letter from her friend Lenora "Nora" Nash, Lilly is sent to the wild west. Outside of Ft. Worth Texas (In 1881) there is a place called Hell's Half Acre. This parcel of land has many places of business, but is home to some parlors that house women of the evening. I will admit this book was hard to get threw at some points. The subject matter is something that I don't ever like talking about. I admit that I can not fathom why a woman would want or have the need to sell her body. It was this topic that I felt was a little sad for me. The author has used the term dove for these women, and that made it lighter than I was first expecting. This matter of prostitution was handled well. This is a historical mystery, and the contents seemed accurate for the time period featured. The author also brought out the character of Bonnie. Bonnie is a woman who wants out of her current situation. That is a great way to tackle this issue. With madam's like Velvet and ladies like Bonnie, you really get an idea for what it would of been like for these girls of that area at that time. I felt the inclusion of Erin McShane as the character to aid in the cover story of the (new madam) was a great plot device from the imagination of the author. I would think that in a modern scope of the term prostitution would have a slightly different look. This is a tough book to write out all my thoughts. I found myself hoping that it would all turn out okay. Well after the rough and tumble, and guns going off; things wrapped up pleasantly at the end. One thing that leaves me wondering is, will Lilly and Cade form a closer relationship? Will Lilly continue being a Pinkerton?
April 14, 2018
"Most important, could she be surrounded by so many bad things and still live a good and meaningful life? In the end, it boiled down to one simple question: Did the good she accomplished outweigh the bad?"
To me, the above is what really sets this series apart from others of the same genre. In this third installment of the Lilly Long series, we find our Pinkerton heroine only about six months into her new career. Lilly is still learning not only how to physically defend herself, but how to emotionally protect herself. And truthfully, if that's something she really wants to do.
I find it refreshing that the author allows Lilly this moralistic struggle, and allows Lilly to share her struggle with her reluctant, gruff-exterior/soft-centered partner, Cade McShane. Unsurprisingly, Cade has issues of his own regarding his past and his family (which is expanded upon here from the first two books), which makes the introduction of his sister Erin all the more interesting. (I hope we see more from Erin in future books - she has tragically fascinating story).
The mystery is tight and fast-paced, but the author still gives the characters enough room to breathe. Lilly and Cade are allowed to reflect on what they learn about the crimes and how that affects their own lives and choices they make. There's also a tiny bit of hesitant romance, but both characters need to heal from their respective pasts before they can make any decisions moving forward. I look forward to see where they go next!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing the ARC. All opinions are my own.
To me, the above is what really sets this series apart from others of the same genre. In this third installment of the Lilly Long series, we find our Pinkerton heroine only about six months into her new career. Lilly is still learning not only how to physically defend herself, but how to emotionally protect herself. And truthfully, if that's something she really wants to do.
I find it refreshing that the author allows Lilly this moralistic struggle, and allows Lilly to share her struggle with her reluctant, gruff-exterior/soft-centered partner, Cade McShane. Unsurprisingly, Cade has issues of his own regarding his past and his family (which is expanded upon here from the first two books), which makes the introduction of his sister Erin all the more interesting. (I hope we see more from Erin in future books - she has tragically fascinating story).
The mystery is tight and fast-paced, but the author still gives the characters enough room to breathe. Lilly and Cade are allowed to reflect on what they learn about the crimes and how that affects their own lives and choices they make. There's also a tiny bit of hesitant romance, but both characters need to heal from their respective pasts before they can make any decisions moving forward. I look forward to see where they go next!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2018
Murder Will Speak by Penny Richardson is an exciting adventure in the Wild West. The main characters, Lily Long and Cade McShane are fun to follow. There growing interest in each other peaks my curiosity as well as they deadly situations they put themselves into...
Lily seems determined to help women like herself. In doing that she must go undercover to solve the mystery. Yet, this one mystery will take everything she has. Danger, risks, and love are themes found on these pages. Lily likes Cade. Cade is her detective partner. He is just as interested in her as she is in him. Makes for an interesting duo. Lily finds herself in situations that have her rethinking her career as a female detective. If it weren't for her partner Cade, Lily might not fully be the same.
The writer has captured the time period and mannerisms down perfectly. I felt like I was transported in time. Intriguing, fun, and engaging, I enjoyed reading this novel. Overall, I highly recommend Murder Will Speak to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Lily seems determined to help women like herself. In doing that she must go undercover to solve the mystery. Yet, this one mystery will take everything she has. Danger, risks, and love are themes found on these pages. Lily likes Cade. Cade is her detective partner. He is just as interested in her as she is in him. Makes for an interesting duo. Lily finds herself in situations that have her rethinking her career as a female detective. If it weren't for her partner Cade, Lily might not fully be the same.
The writer has captured the time period and mannerisms down perfectly. I felt like I was transported in time. Intriguing, fun, and engaging, I enjoyed reading this novel. Overall, I highly recommend Murder Will Speak to all readers.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
September 22, 2019
When she receives a letter from a friend, Lilly Long and her partner, Cade McShane, is sent west to Texas. On arriving at Hell's Half Acre, they both will have to stay on their toes as they investigate murder and the claims that respectable ladies are forced into prostitution.
While I enjoyed the previous books, I found the subject of this one more difficult to enjoy. It seemed darker and there was just something that keeps me from rating this as highly as the first two books. Lilly herself is as enjoyable as ever. She is questioning her choice to become a Pinkerton, alarmed that she has become jaded in her brief career.
Cade and Lilly are joined by Cade's disreputable sister, who has a secret of her own. The plot moves it bursts, moving swiftly, then lagging as time needs to pass. Overall, the writing is good.
For those who have enjoyed Lilly's adventures so far will enjoy this as we learn more about Cade's family.
While I enjoyed the previous books, I found the subject of this one more difficult to enjoy. It seemed darker and there was just something that keeps me from rating this as highly as the first two books. Lilly herself is as enjoyable as ever. She is questioning her choice to become a Pinkerton, alarmed that she has become jaded in her brief career.
Cade and Lilly are joined by Cade's disreputable sister, who has a secret of her own. The plot moves it bursts, moving swiftly, then lagging as time needs to pass. Overall, the writing is good.
For those who have enjoyed Lilly's adventures so far will enjoy this as we learn more about Cade's family.
July 11, 2019
Overall a good read getting deeper into the work of Pinkerton detectives Lilly Long and Cade McShane. I read the first book, but missed the second, so I know I missed a large chunks of interaction between Lily and Cade, but it wasn't essential to reading this book. The subject matter of the case was a disturbing read, which it was meant to be, but it brought the readers the addition (I'm assuming she wasn't in the second book) of Erin, who was an amazing, strong character. I wouldn't call it an "enjoyable" read given the subject matter, but a wonderful cast of characters who grow throughout the book that I'd certainly read more about their adventures.
April 15, 2018
Nicely done historical mystery featuring Lily and Cade- both Pinkertons- and Cade's sister Erin, who I a terrific character in her own right. Lily, newly minted as a Pinkerton, wants to find and rescue her friend Nora, who has gone missing in Fort Worth. What they find is not good, not good at all. I did not read the first two books but I very much enjoyed this one, which opened a window for me into the world of women in the Pinkertons, as well as into female trafficking in the period. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- I'm looking forward to where Lilly goes next.
April 18, 2018
In the 1880s Pinkerton detective Lilly Long of six months standing and her partner Cade McShane are employed to determine what has happened to her friend Nora Nash. Last heard of Nora had traveled to Fort Worth as a mail-order bride but had been forced into prostitution in Hell's Half Acre, an area of the town. They are joined in the enterprise by Cade's sister Erin.
An entertaining read which I mainly enjoyed, and look forward to see how the relationship between Lilly and Cade develop in future books.
Athough the third in the series it can be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book
An entertaining read which I mainly enjoyed, and look forward to see how the relationship between Lilly and Cade develop in future books.
Athough the third in the series it can be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book
July 14, 2018
DNF @ 70%
This is book is far more preach-y than I recall the first one being. Also, there's nothing like a cast full of prostitutes as the foil to really highlight the heroine's pious and perfect Mary Sue-ness.
This is book is far more preach-y than I recall the first one being. Also, there's nothing like a cast full of prostitutes as the foil to really highlight the heroine's pious and perfect Mary Sue-ness.
June 19, 2019
I enjoyed it
I have really enjoyed this series. That Lilly has some doubts after seeing how evil the world can be makes the story even better. The evolution she and Cade have gone through has been great and the places they go aren't always exotic is interesting as well.
I have really enjoyed this series. That Lilly has some doubts after seeing how evil the world can be makes the story even better. The evolution she and Cade have gone through has been great and the places they go aren't always exotic is interesting as well.
May 16, 2022
I picked this book up at the dollar store on accident. I meant to pick up a different one on the shelf and this one was in my bag when I got home. Whatever, I’ll read anything. With that being said, this was an okay mystery. The story was fine but it wasn’t my favorite.
May 11, 2018
Thanks Kensington Books and netgalley for this ARC.
This one was not my favorite in the series. I still enjoyed it but it was a little too far fetched almost.
This one was not my favorite in the series. I still enjoyed it but it was a little too far fetched almost.
April 10, 2021
Review
the book is a page turner and keeps you engaged tolast word. I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!!! Enjoy!!!
the book is a page turner and keeps you engaged tolast word. I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!!! Enjoy!!!
October 16, 2022
Yet another riveting mystery with many layers and three dimensional characters.
April 24, 2018
Lilly's friend, Nora, gives up the theater and moves to Fort Worth, Texas, as a mail-order bride. Unfortunately, that's not what she found when she got to Texas, so she sends a letter to the Pinkerton Agency, begging Lilly for help. When Lilly, Cade and Cade's sister, Erin, arrive in Fort Worth, they find things to be more grim and depressing than they had expected in Hell's Half Acre. They are determined to find out who is behind all of the dangerous, illegal activities and bring that person to justice before their time runs out.
I have enjoyed the previous two books in this series, but I found this one to be even harder to put down. While I won't say that I would want to visit Fort Worth in this time period, I will say that the author painted a vivid picture of what the town must have been like – and much of it made me shudder. I would like to get to know some of the townspeople, but not many of them. Lilly, still a relatively new agent, has grown tremendously since the series started, but she still has a long way to go. And I liked learning more about Cade and his family, even though much of what the reader learns in this book is heartbreaking. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it is released.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I have enjoyed the previous two books in this series, but I found this one to be even harder to put down. While I won't say that I would want to visit Fort Worth in this time period, I will say that the author painted a vivid picture of what the town must have been like – and much of it made me shudder. I would like to get to know some of the townspeople, but not many of them. Lilly, still a relatively new agent, has grown tremendously since the series started, but she still has a long way to go. And I liked learning more about Cade and his family, even though much of what the reader learns in this book is heartbreaking. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it is released.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 31, 2018
It's a really enjoyable read, I loved the setting and the mystery that was set in the story. The characters were great and I had a great time reading this.
July 20, 2018
"Most important, could she be surrounded by so many bad things and still live a good and meaningful life? In the end, it boiled down to one simple question: Did the good she accomplished outweigh the bad?"
To me, the above is what really sets this series apart from others of the same genre. In this third installment of the Lilly Long series, we find our Pinkerton heroine only about six months into her new career. Lilly is still learning not only how to physically defend herself, but how to emotionally protect herself. And truthfully, if that's something she really wants to do.
I find it refreshing that the author allows Lilly this moralistic struggle, and allows Lilly to share her struggle with her reluctant, gruff-exterior/soft-centered partner, Cade McShane. Unsurprisingly, Cade has issues of his own regarding his past and his family (which is expanded upon here from the first two books), which makes the introduction of his sister Erin all the more interesting. (I hope we see more from Erin in future books - she has tragically fascinating story).
The mystery is tight and fast-paced, but the author still gives the characters enough room to breathe. Lilly and Cade are allowed to reflect on what they learn about the crimes and how that affects their own lives and choices they make. There's also a tiny bit of hesitant romance, but both characters need to heal from their respective pasts before they can make any decisions moving forward. I look forward to see where they go next!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing the ARC. All opinions are my own.
To me, the above is what really sets this series apart from others of the same genre. In this third installment of the Lilly Long series, we find our Pinkerton heroine only about six months into her new career. Lilly is still learning not only how to physically defend herself, but how to emotionally protect herself. And truthfully, if that's something she really wants to do.
I find it refreshing that the author allows Lilly this moralistic struggle, and allows Lilly to share her struggle with her reluctant, gruff-exterior/soft-centered partner, Cade McShane. Unsurprisingly, Cade has issues of his own regarding his past and his family (which is expanded upon here from the first two books), which makes the introduction of his sister Erin all the more interesting. (I hope we see more from Erin in future books - she has tragically fascinating story).
The mystery is tight and fast-paced, but the author still gives the characters enough room to breathe. Lilly and Cade are allowed to reflect on what they learn about the crimes and how that affects their own lives and choices they make. There's also a tiny bit of hesitant romance, but both characters need to heal from their respective pasts before they can make any decisions moving forward. I look forward to see where they go next!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews