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The Innocent Mystery Series #1
The Innocents
Pinkerton Detective Abigail MacKay is a master of disguises—and of new crime-solving technology! But she’ll have to move fast to stay a step ahead of Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy.
Nat and Jake are the ringleaders of The Innocents, a western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls—and Nat is pretty savvy when it comes to using the new sciences of 1868 in committing his crimes.
Charismatic Nat and handsome Jake are on the run, and they’ve always gotten away before—before Abi. But when Abi is caught by another band of outlaws during the chase, there’s no other choice for Nat and Jake but to save her life. Abi owes them, and she agrees to help them bring in the murderer of a family friend.
The web of criminal activity grows more entangled with each passing day, but Nat, Jake, and Abi are united in their efforts to find the murderer. Once that happens, all bets are off, and Abi will be turning Nat and Jake over to the law. But can she do it? She finds herself falling for Nat, but is that growing attraction real? Or is he just using her to learn more about the Pinkertons’ methods? Abi always gets her man—but she may have met her match in her “best enemies”—THE INNOCENTS.
Nat and Jake are the ringleaders of The Innocents, a western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls—and Nat is pretty savvy when it comes to using the new sciences of 1868 in committing his crimes.
Charismatic Nat and handsome Jake are on the run, and they’ve always gotten away before—before Abi. But when Abi is caught by another band of outlaws during the chase, there’s no other choice for Nat and Jake but to save her life. Abi owes them, and she agrees to help them bring in the murderer of a family friend.
The web of criminal activity grows more entangled with each passing day, but Nat, Jake, and Abi are united in their efforts to find the murderer. Once that happens, all bets are off, and Abi will be turning Nat and Jake over to the law. But can she do it? She finds herself falling for Nat, but is that growing attraction real? Or is he just using her to learn more about the Pinkertons’ methods? Abi always gets her man—but she may have met her match in her “best enemies”—THE INNOCENTS.
277 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2018
27 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Asbrey
6 books64 followersC.A. Asbrey is a writer of mysteries, and a fan of all things Victorian and obscure. A former member of law enforcement in Scotland, she developed a deep interest in early forensics and detection methods, particularly during the 19th Century, working in the field. This extensive research into early detectives and the tools available to them acted as the foundation for developing the characters in her The Innocents Mystery Series. She likes her mysteries twisty, complex, and intricate; through a fog of history and a touch of light humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 3, 2018
Right from the start of “The Innocents” you know you are in very capable hands. I love a fictional tale that takes it’s cues from true events, as does this story of a young female detective working undercover to track down the infamous folk heroes who politely relieve trains of their cash payrolls. They are handsome and courteous and have never killed or roughed up anyone in the commission of their crimes.
But as the adage goes, excess profits breeds ruinous competition, which in this case takes the form of vicious outlaws who masquerade as the Innocents, but don’t share their ideals when it comes to manners or human life.
The story gets off to a rollicking start as Abigail McKay sets off after the faux Innocents after an up close and person encounter during a train robbery. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I can tell you that this book is full of action and intrigue, and the dialog, customs and events are spirited and authentic. I loved all the sparing and subterfuge and getting a peek into life a hundred and fifty years ago. I’m thrilled that this is just the first book of the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a lot of spirit!
But as the adage goes, excess profits breeds ruinous competition, which in this case takes the form of vicious outlaws who masquerade as the Innocents, but don’t share their ideals when it comes to manners or human life.
The story gets off to a rollicking start as Abigail McKay sets off after the faux Innocents after an up close and person encounter during a train robbery. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I can tell you that this book is full of action and intrigue, and the dialog, customs and events are spirited and authentic. I loved all the sparing and subterfuge and getting a peek into life a hundred and fifty years ago. I’m thrilled that this is just the first book of the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a lot of spirit!
October 23, 2019
Wyoming 1868! Abigail McKay, a very engaging, strongly written woman, Pinkerton detective, (the first), with a penchant for flushing out the ‘innocents’ ( in this case, two outlaws accused of robbing trains and killings). CAAsbrey captures your imagination and holds it. Engaging read with heart, humor, light romance and intrigue. Pay careful attention, though! There are a variety of characters, some true innocents and others have a more nefarious ideology. Hunting down the ‘culprits’ is Abby’s mission,one in which she handles with apparent diligence. If one reads very carefully, largely because of the introduction of so many characters,( who may have been more precisely developed), you can unravel the mystery-it’s there (foreshadowing what will be) along with Abigail! Ms. Asbrey’s skill at creating this page turning tale, is quite masterful-words are precise, vivid images, and nearly flawless editing. I wish the romantic interests had more ‘bite.’ Overall, I look forward to my next read by this talented author!
May 29, 2018
I would’ve liked to have had C. A. Asbrery as a professor in Grad School for a creative writing course in Historical Mystery Fiction. I probably could write a three-page review of this book, but it would be riddled with spoilers. Suffice it to say, that Asbrey uses convincing and superb historical and detective elements to detail and relate the story, a facile read and most enjoyable.
For me, this novel is a wildly entertaining Western romp peppered brilliantly with humor, compassion and human foibles. It showcases the author’s concerted efforts in researching the era in which it is set. A fast read from cover to cover—especially engrossing facts devoted to the female Pinkerton protagonist, Abi, whose personality is at times prickly and at others, smooth as a river stone. Can't wait for the next book in the series to see if the sparks that fly for Abi and Nat will lead to something more tender!
For me, this novel is a wildly entertaining Western romp peppered brilliantly with humor, compassion and human foibles. It showcases the author’s concerted efforts in researching the era in which it is set. A fast read from cover to cover—especially engrossing facts devoted to the female Pinkerton protagonist, Abi, whose personality is at times prickly and at others, smooth as a river stone. Can't wait for the next book in the series to see if the sparks that fly for Abi and Nat will lead to something more tender!
September 12, 2022
As if being a female Pinkerton detective isn’t hard enough. Abigail Mackay has dealt with numerous skeptical local law enforcement officers, potential witnesses who have good reason to trust no authorities, and plenty of criminals who would rather shoot first and rob later, no questions asked. But even her experience hasn’t prepared her for the likes of Jake Conroy and Nat Quinn, two outlaws with hidden depths and a peculiar moral code.
When Abigail is sent by Alan Pinkerton to investigate the train robbing gang of The Innocents, she literally collides with one of the Robin Hood-type outlaws. Naturally though, it’s not them that rob the train she is travelling on; instead it’s a group of murderous bandits who are impersonating The Innocents to ruin their ~good name. But why would a rival gang pretend to be another?
This is only one question Abi has to answer when two prostitutes are murdered, and the real Innocents are conducting an investigation that parallels hers. When Abi is shot and saved by the duo of Nat and Jake, she proposes an unlikely truce while they join forces to take down the murderers before more lives are lost.
The main characters are very engaging. The dynamic between the two outlaws and the female federal agent is charged with electricity and sexual tension. I was almost surprised that Abi didn’t end up in a love triangle, but probably the two males are too honorable for that to happen. Perhaps Abi will be drawn to Nat; that certainly seemed the direction author C. A. Asbrey was going in the final scenes. However, considering this was only the first book in a series who’s to say for sure.
I also was intrigued enough by this story to actually Google female Pinkertons; yes they existed and one in particular helped foil an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln. Yeah for early female role models; I don’t remember any mention of this group in my high school or college history courses.
Overall, this was a very interesting historical fiction/detective/romantic western novel, and well worth checking out. I give this book five stars.
When Abigail is sent by Alan Pinkerton to investigate the train robbing gang of The Innocents, she literally collides with one of the Robin Hood-type outlaws. Naturally though, it’s not them that rob the train she is travelling on; instead it’s a group of murderous bandits who are impersonating The Innocents to ruin their ~good name. But why would a rival gang pretend to be another?
This is only one question Abi has to answer when two prostitutes are murdered, and the real Innocents are conducting an investigation that parallels hers. When Abi is shot and saved by the duo of Nat and Jake, she proposes an unlikely truce while they join forces to take down the murderers before more lives are lost.
The main characters are very engaging. The dynamic between the two outlaws and the female federal agent is charged with electricity and sexual tension. I was almost surprised that Abi didn’t end up in a love triangle, but probably the two males are too honorable for that to happen. Perhaps Abi will be drawn to Nat; that certainly seemed the direction author C. A. Asbrey was going in the final scenes. However, considering this was only the first book in a series who’s to say for sure.
I also was intrigued enough by this story to actually Google female Pinkertons; yes they existed and one in particular helped foil an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln. Yeah for early female role models; I don’t remember any mention of this group in my high school or college history courses.
Overall, this was a very interesting historical fiction/detective/romantic western novel, and well worth checking out. I give this book five stars.
March 13, 2019
This is a well written story involving one of the first female Pinkerton Detectives, Abigail MacKay, out to track down "The Innocents", a train robbing group of criminals that...are polite and never harm people. The story moves quickly once "The Innocents" are believed to have shot and killed a railroad employee. Other murders are committed and Abigail decides finding the murderer is more important than nabbing "The Innocents" at this time since a life was taken.
This is where you have to pay attention to the clues the author gives if you want to try and figure out who the killer is and why they killed. The humor comes and goes, but I realized I had a smile on my face as I read this story. Just saying.
The characters created by the author are just as fascinating as is the mystery. I look forward in reading books two and three in this series.
I highly recommend this book.
This is where you have to pay attention to the clues the author gives if you want to try and figure out who the killer is and why they killed. The humor comes and goes, but I realized I had a smile on my face as I read this story. Just saying.
The characters created by the author are just as fascinating as is the mystery. I look forward in reading books two and three in this series.
I highly recommend this book.
December 15, 2018
I found The Innocents, the first book in The Innocents mystery series by talented author C.A. Asbrey, to be a riveting read. Asbrey has created a fascinating character in Abigail MacKay – a Scot in the American Old West and a female Pinkerton detective – who’s a master of disguise and a wealth of knowledge. Although she’s immersed in a world dominated by men, she refuses to be intimidated and uses intellect and wit, courage and conviction to find clues and solve crimes that many seem to miss – especially her supposedly experienced male counterparts. With amazing historical detail, both from a criminology perspective as well as character development, Asbrey made me feel like I was a part of each and every scene. Five Stars for The Innocents, a highly recommended read.
August 22, 2021
Right from the start of “The Innocents” by C. A. Asbrey, you are pulled into the story of Abigail MacKay a female Pinkerton detective in 1868. She was sent to track down the infamous gang The Innocents who politely rob trains. They are handsome and polite, never killing or harming the passengers, but they aren’t the only criminals. It is action-packed and full of bad guys, ladies of the night and murder. Don’t miss it.
April 18, 2019
The Innocents is a western, in the style of those vintage black and white movies – except for the shades of grey where our ‘heroes’ don’t fit the traditional and are even considered ‘criminals’. They’re redeemed by their loyalty to their friends and a sense of fair play in their dealings. Hence their sobriquet, ‘the Innocents’, robbing the soulless big corporations, not the average working man (or woman). The heroine is very non—traditional - an early suffragette (before the term was coined) woman who pushes against the barriers which seek to curtail the success and growth of the female gender. Fate decrees that they should meet and that’s when the fun begins.
The book is scattered with laugh out loud moments and an ending where justice is served. It is complete in itself but leaves the door open for further adventures by the trio. It would be interesting to discover their only just hinted at back stories and how the budding romance pans out. Thanks to ‘Booktasters’ for facilitating this impartial review.
The book is scattered with laugh out loud moments and an ending where justice is served. It is complete in itself but leaves the door open for further adventures by the trio. It would be interesting to discover their only just hinted at back stories and how the budding romance pans out. Thanks to ‘Booktasters’ for facilitating this impartial review.
January 16, 2019
The brilliance of the first line really tells the reader that these books have more to them than meets the eye all the way through. I think it's the best first line I've ever read. Then there's the use of Jane Eyre, as reading material for the main protagonist, cunningly foreshadowing the tension between reason and passion which is about to unfold. Even in the Old West, society retained the buttoned-up elements of Victorian society. There are layers upon layers in these books, and the truth about people is revealed as the books go on. The major literary themes of redemption, chaos and order, loneliness as destructive force, and social change are all on show. Interestingly, book passes the The Bechdel test with flying colours. How often does that happen in a book with romance?
The romance is intense, sensual, dangerous, and cerebral. It's the slow-burn temptation between two people who are attracted to one another in a way which is beyond the mere physical. It's not sex. It's not in-your-face tits and ass. It's a subtle, exciting, and beguiling spark. For women sex starts in the brain, and this book plants all the right seeds. Written in Third Person Limited Multiple Perspective, it's the perfect way to give the reader insight in the buttoned-up 19th century where people didn't talk about every little thing they felt.
The characters and their relationships lift this book way beyond ordinary detective stories. I devoured these books one after another. I could not get enough of the characters, and it's their relationship that forced me on to the next, and then the next. Not the mysteries. I can't wait for more of this world. The writer makes us really invest in these people.
If you want a quick easy read, where everything is spelled out for you, and people leap into bed with one another, these are not the books for you. If you want multi-faceted characters, whom you get to know gradually as real people; their motivations, inspirations, and weaknesses - just like you do in real life - you will love these books. Even minor characters are rounded and flawed, and not in the trite way you often find in romance. People are built from the roots up in such a way that their strengths can also be their greatest weaknesses.
This book is the first from a new writer. She's different, original and funny, and stands out because of it. As so many have also said, these stories are more than mysteries, more than romance, and more than historicals. They bring the period to life with a vivid spark which is only going to grow along with the writer's experience. We are watching a writer develop and evolve. Book one is excellent, book two is superb, but book 3 is absolutely outstanding in it's cleverness, research, and character development.
It's historically accurate, but we can still relate to Abigail's experiences in the 21st century. I certainly can in the world of academia. Abigail subverts those low expectations and uses them for her own ends. She detects in a way which wouldn't even be possible in a modern tale. That cleverness is the point - people now expect things of women which they didn't in the 19th century. It's about the struggle clever women faced in the past when doing real jobs which actually existed. The writer also then turns that subversion on its head, plunging Abigail into a world of criminality where all that matters is ability. Paradoxically the world of criminality has more opportunities for a clever women than her own - and Abigail struggles. The direct comparison adroitly lets the reader compare the 19th century to the 21st without jolting us out of period. Pure genius!
It is extremely well-written in this series. I was also struck by the fact C.A. Asbrey is also a very funny woman. Humour is very hard to capture in books, especially when they also deal with more serious subject matter. This writer nails it.
The romance is intense, sensual, dangerous, and cerebral. It's the slow-burn temptation between two people who are attracted to one another in a way which is beyond the mere physical. It's not sex. It's not in-your-face tits and ass. It's a subtle, exciting, and beguiling spark. For women sex starts in the brain, and this book plants all the right seeds. Written in Third Person Limited Multiple Perspective, it's the perfect way to give the reader insight in the buttoned-up 19th century where people didn't talk about every little thing they felt.
The characters and their relationships lift this book way beyond ordinary detective stories. I devoured these books one after another. I could not get enough of the characters, and it's their relationship that forced me on to the next, and then the next. Not the mysteries. I can't wait for more of this world. The writer makes us really invest in these people.
If you want a quick easy read, where everything is spelled out for you, and people leap into bed with one another, these are not the books for you. If you want multi-faceted characters, whom you get to know gradually as real people; their motivations, inspirations, and weaknesses - just like you do in real life - you will love these books. Even minor characters are rounded and flawed, and not in the trite way you often find in romance. People are built from the roots up in such a way that their strengths can also be their greatest weaknesses.
This book is the first from a new writer. She's different, original and funny, and stands out because of it. As so many have also said, these stories are more than mysteries, more than romance, and more than historicals. They bring the period to life with a vivid spark which is only going to grow along with the writer's experience. We are watching a writer develop and evolve. Book one is excellent, book two is superb, but book 3 is absolutely outstanding in it's cleverness, research, and character development.
It's historically accurate, but we can still relate to Abigail's experiences in the 21st century. I certainly can in the world of academia. Abigail subverts those low expectations and uses them for her own ends. She detects in a way which wouldn't even be possible in a modern tale. That cleverness is the point - people now expect things of women which they didn't in the 19th century. It's about the struggle clever women faced in the past when doing real jobs which actually existed. The writer also then turns that subversion on its head, plunging Abigail into a world of criminality where all that matters is ability. Paradoxically the world of criminality has more opportunities for a clever women than her own - and Abigail struggles. The direct comparison adroitly lets the reader compare the 19th century to the 21st without jolting us out of period. Pure genius!
It is extremely well-written in this series. I was also struck by the fact C.A. Asbrey is also a very funny woman. Humour is very hard to capture in books, especially when they also deal with more serious subject matter. This writer nails it.
September 19, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Innocents
Subtitle: (The Innocent Mystery Series #1)
Author: C.A. Asbrey
Genre: Crime/Thriller/Mystery/Historic Fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is great book I fully enjoyed and couldn’t put down.
Meet Abigail MacKay, a young woman who lost her father and her husband and now wants to make a life for herself. This story plays in the mid-1800’s when women were not expected to have careers. However, Abi is a Pinkerton Detective and hunts for outlaws.
Enter Nat Quinn, leader of “The Innocents” and his uncle Jake Conroy. They are not the train robbers you expect. Instead, they treat the public with respect and kindness and only go after the money.
A lot happens within the book. Will Abi catch Nat and Jake or will they escape the detective?
What I liked about the book:
The many twists and turns, action-packed, humorous, fast-paced.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The care Nat and Jake have for others, Abi included.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The fact the book ended.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book in the series and I just couldn’t stop myself and had to read them all. Loved the entire series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a great book and reminds me of stories from the Wild West.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like mysteries or historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Pinkerton Detective Abigail MacKay is a master of disguises—and of new crime-solving technology! But she’ll have to move fast to stay a step ahead of Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy.
Nat and Jake are the ringleaders of The Innocents, a western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls—and Nat is pretty savvy when it comes to using the new sciences of 1868 in committing his crimes.
Charismatic Nat and handsome Jake are on the run, and they’ve always gotten away before—before Abi. But when Abi is caught by another band of outlaws during the chase, there’s no other choice for Nat and Jake but to save her life. Abi owes them, and she agrees to help them bring in the murderer of a family friend.
The web of criminal activity grows more entangled with each passing day, but Nat, Jake, and Abi are united in their efforts to find the murderer. Once that happens, all bets are off, and Abi will be turning Nat and Jake over to the law. But can she do it? She finds herself falling for Nat, but is that growing attraction real? Or is he just using her to learn more about the Pinkertons’ methods? Abi always gets her man—but she may have met her match in her “best enemies”—THE INNOCENTS.
About the Author:
C.A. Asbrey is a writer of mysteries, and a fan of all things Victorian and obscure. A former member of law enforcement in Scotland, she developed a deep interest in early forensics and detection methods, particularly during the 19th Century, working in the field. This extensive research into early detectives and the tools available to them acted as the foundation for developing the characters in her The Innocents Mystery Series. She likes her mysteries twisty, complex, and intricate; through a fog of history and a touch of light humor.
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Innocents
Subtitle: (The Innocent Mystery Series #1)
Author: C.A. Asbrey
Genre: Crime/Thriller/Mystery/Historic Fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is great book I fully enjoyed and couldn’t put down.
Meet Abigail MacKay, a young woman who lost her father and her husband and now wants to make a life for herself. This story plays in the mid-1800’s when women were not expected to have careers. However, Abi is a Pinkerton Detective and hunts for outlaws.
Enter Nat Quinn, leader of “The Innocents” and his uncle Jake Conroy. They are not the train robbers you expect. Instead, they treat the public with respect and kindness and only go after the money.
A lot happens within the book. Will Abi catch Nat and Jake or will they escape the detective?
What I liked about the book:
The many twists and turns, action-packed, humorous, fast-paced.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The care Nat and Jake have for others, Abi included.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The fact the book ended.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book in the series and I just couldn’t stop myself and had to read them all. Loved the entire series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a great book and reminds me of stories from the Wild West.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like mysteries or historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Pinkerton Detective Abigail MacKay is a master of disguises—and of new crime-solving technology! But she’ll have to move fast to stay a step ahead of Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy.
Nat and Jake are the ringleaders of The Innocents, a western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls—and Nat is pretty savvy when it comes to using the new sciences of 1868 in committing his crimes.
Charismatic Nat and handsome Jake are on the run, and they’ve always gotten away before—before Abi. But when Abi is caught by another band of outlaws during the chase, there’s no other choice for Nat and Jake but to save her life. Abi owes them, and she agrees to help them bring in the murderer of a family friend.
The web of criminal activity grows more entangled with each passing day, but Nat, Jake, and Abi are united in their efforts to find the murderer. Once that happens, all bets are off, and Abi will be turning Nat and Jake over to the law. But can she do it? She finds herself falling for Nat, but is that growing attraction real? Or is he just using her to learn more about the Pinkertons’ methods? Abi always gets her man—but she may have met her match in her “best enemies”—THE INNOCENTS.
About the Author:
C.A. Asbrey is a writer of mysteries, and a fan of all things Victorian and obscure. A former member of law enforcement in Scotland, she developed a deep interest in early forensics and detection methods, particularly during the 19th Century, working in the field. This extensive research into early detectives and the tools available to them acted as the foundation for developing the characters in her The Innocents Mystery Series. She likes her mysteries twisty, complex, and intricate; through a fog of history and a touch of light humor.
January 2, 2019
The Innocents isn’t just a western. It’s a murder mystery, and also a feminist dialogue.
Abigail MacKay is such a wonderful, fearless character. She’s Scottish, smart as a whip and on her own in the American West during the mid 1800s when “nice ladies” didn’t travel alone… unless they were nannies, extremely bad looking or crusty, old widows.
She’s also on a mission to find a group of criminals and bring them in because she’s a Pinkerton detective and a darn good one at that, even if she has to fight for respect every step of the way. “It was only for a bright, blinding instant, and it was disturbing. She had accepted her lot; bidding farewell to motherhood, a position in society, and marriage. It had been exchanged for hard work, a degree of derision, and marginalization, but at least she made a difference to the world.”
When we meet our first set of criminals, what struck me immediately is that the they have manners and seem to have almost a chivalrous nature in their chosen life. A bit of a Robin Hood mentality that I imagine was an important part of the charisma and charm of being part of a gang of train robbers back in the day.
“My name is Nat Quinn,” the stranger said and then indicated the fair man by his side, “and this is Jake Conroy. You’re being held up by The Innocents.”
“We’re outlaws, you numbskull. It’s what we do.” Nat rolled his eyes. “Now keep your eyes on the cabin. I’ll cover Jake.”
Nat and Jake Quinn both were both memorable, rakish characters that made the story what it was. They are a bit loud-mouthed, too good looking for their own sakes and like to show off the fact that they don’t ever steal from locals or kill people, they only target the banks and such. They also have a sidekick named Melvin who only uses the best dynamite to blow things up. (I want to hang out with Melvin for a weekend!)
Perhaps it was inevitable that one of the brothers might set their eye on the incredible Abigail and she reciprocates to a certain extent, but again due to her character being a proper woman in society and both brothers being outlaws puts a bit of a wrench in things from a romantic level. An unlikely friendship occurs between them to solve another more pressing issue, murder. It’s grisly and shocking that the local sheriff seems a bit more worried about who the latest pretty lady is at the saloon, than the “working” women who are coming up dead.
How the answer is found and who is doing what to who becomes a wild goose chase to the finish line.
To comment that the historical research was impeccable would be an understatement. Not only were the clothing, dialogue, class structure and even the setting perfectly rendered, but also the medical and forensic data Abigail collected was true to the times and the technology available.
The local den of iniquity owned by the tough, no-nonsense Pearl was ground zero for all the local gossip and other humanly delights. “The tainted air swirled with the odor of tobacco and cheap perfume with low salty undertones of human sweat. An excellent pianist turned his opaque blind eyes to the ceiling as his talented fingers flashed over the keys. The blue notes mingled with the heady atmosphere in a room where the drink flowed, flesh rippled, and couples snuck off to curtained-off side rooms for less-than-discreet coupling, and in some cases, tripling. A skeletal man gathered impressive gout of phlegm and fired it at the brass spittoon.”
I enjoyed this novel, not only because it was written so well that I literally forgot about life and joined in the chase for the murderer, but also because for a moment I was there in the Wild West and I was brave, smart and fearless like the unstoppable Abigail MacKay.
Abigail MacKay is such a wonderful, fearless character. She’s Scottish, smart as a whip and on her own in the American West during the mid 1800s when “nice ladies” didn’t travel alone… unless they were nannies, extremely bad looking or crusty, old widows.
She’s also on a mission to find a group of criminals and bring them in because she’s a Pinkerton detective and a darn good one at that, even if she has to fight for respect every step of the way. “It was only for a bright, blinding instant, and it was disturbing. She had accepted her lot; bidding farewell to motherhood, a position in society, and marriage. It had been exchanged for hard work, a degree of derision, and marginalization, but at least she made a difference to the world.”
When we meet our first set of criminals, what struck me immediately is that the they have manners and seem to have almost a chivalrous nature in their chosen life. A bit of a Robin Hood mentality that I imagine was an important part of the charisma and charm of being part of a gang of train robbers back in the day.
“My name is Nat Quinn,” the stranger said and then indicated the fair man by his side, “and this is Jake Conroy. You’re being held up by The Innocents.”
“We’re outlaws, you numbskull. It’s what we do.” Nat rolled his eyes. “Now keep your eyes on the cabin. I’ll cover Jake.”
Nat and Jake Quinn both were both memorable, rakish characters that made the story what it was. They are a bit loud-mouthed, too good looking for their own sakes and like to show off the fact that they don’t ever steal from locals or kill people, they only target the banks and such. They also have a sidekick named Melvin who only uses the best dynamite to blow things up. (I want to hang out with Melvin for a weekend!)
Perhaps it was inevitable that one of the brothers might set their eye on the incredible Abigail and she reciprocates to a certain extent, but again due to her character being a proper woman in society and both brothers being outlaws puts a bit of a wrench in things from a romantic level. An unlikely friendship occurs between them to solve another more pressing issue, murder. It’s grisly and shocking that the local sheriff seems a bit more worried about who the latest pretty lady is at the saloon, than the “working” women who are coming up dead.
How the answer is found and who is doing what to who becomes a wild goose chase to the finish line.
To comment that the historical research was impeccable would be an understatement. Not only were the clothing, dialogue, class structure and even the setting perfectly rendered, but also the medical and forensic data Abigail collected was true to the times and the technology available.
The local den of iniquity owned by the tough, no-nonsense Pearl was ground zero for all the local gossip and other humanly delights. “The tainted air swirled with the odor of tobacco and cheap perfume with low salty undertones of human sweat. An excellent pianist turned his opaque blind eyes to the ceiling as his talented fingers flashed over the keys. The blue notes mingled with the heady atmosphere in a room where the drink flowed, flesh rippled, and couples snuck off to curtained-off side rooms for less-than-discreet coupling, and in some cases, tripling. A skeletal man gathered impressive gout of phlegm and fired it at the brass spittoon.”
I enjoyed this novel, not only because it was written so well that I literally forgot about life and joined in the chase for the murderer, but also because for a moment I was there in the Wild West and I was brave, smart and fearless like the unstoppable Abigail MacKay.
February 4, 2019
The best thing about The Innocents is having Abigail Mackay do full justice to her job as an agent at Pinkerton’s (a private detective agency founded in 1850 in the USA – as an Indian woman, I had no idea and had to google that). Set at the very time period of the agency’s founding, no one is prepared to accept that a female has been employed as one of its agents. It is satisfying to read as she skillfully negotiates and persuades her way through hostility, scorn and contempt from scores of men throughout the course of the novel.
The opening scene was gorgeous and set my expectations at a high level but the story took almost mid way to start picking pace & building suspense. We meet The Innocents early on - a gang notorious for train robberies – led by Jake Conroy & Nat Quinn and I must say I was underwhelmed initially. There is one highly entertaining sequence though where they face off with another gang which was a lot of fun. As the story progresses we get to know more about the two men based on their interactions with Abi and by the time we get to the aforementioned half way point, I was reluctantly beginning to like them.
Jake Conroy was my favourite. He serves as a voice of reason through the daredevil plans & pranks of Nat, cautioning and safeguarding his slightly younger nephew and the couple of them make for a balanced pair of gang leaders. Jake’s interactions with Abi are particularly enjoyable.
The very few times Abi allows us a peek underneath the steely surface of her heart, we get moments of such poignancy & depth I was left wanting for more. This, despite knowing close to nothing about her past. I would love to read the unraveling of her character at some point in the series.
The second half of the book focuses entirely on the crime & the unlikely partnering of Abi & the Innocents in trying to solve it. A good amount of surprises and a few red herrings are thrown in while our three leads demonstrate exactly how skilled they are at their jobs. It kept me hooked and the resolution was neat!
This book was different, with little thrills of various emotions and refreshing in the portrayal of its female lead. I’m definitely going in for the rest of the series.
The opening scene was gorgeous and set my expectations at a high level but the story took almost mid way to start picking pace & building suspense. We meet The Innocents early on - a gang notorious for train robberies – led by Jake Conroy & Nat Quinn and I must say I was underwhelmed initially. There is one highly entertaining sequence though where they face off with another gang which was a lot of fun. As the story progresses we get to know more about the two men based on their interactions with Abi and by the time we get to the aforementioned half way point, I was reluctantly beginning to like them.
Jake Conroy was my favourite. He serves as a voice of reason through the daredevil plans & pranks of Nat, cautioning and safeguarding his slightly younger nephew and the couple of them make for a balanced pair of gang leaders. Jake’s interactions with Abi are particularly enjoyable.
The very few times Abi allows us a peek underneath the steely surface of her heart, we get moments of such poignancy & depth I was left wanting for more. This, despite knowing close to nothing about her past. I would love to read the unraveling of her character at some point in the series.
The second half of the book focuses entirely on the crime & the unlikely partnering of Abi & the Innocents in trying to solve it. A good amount of surprises and a few red herrings are thrown in while our three leads demonstrate exactly how skilled they are at their jobs. It kept me hooked and the resolution was neat!
This book was different, with little thrills of various emotions and refreshing in the portrayal of its female lead. I’m definitely going in for the rest of the series.
December 1, 2019
The Innocents is the first of a series of novels featuring female Pinkerton Detective, Abigail MacKay and the self-proclaimed “Innocents,” Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy. It was a delightful read, which bodes well for the rest of the books in the series. Asbrey may be British, but her depiction of the American west in 1868 feels spot on. She’s clearly done her research and the look and feel of Wyoming after the Civil War rings true throughout. The novel is full of danger, evil doers, and delightful characters who must deal with both.
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and the character of Abi MacKay from the outset, in part because I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of Kate Warne in The Pinkertons series on Netflix. Despite the assumptions and prejudices of the time regarding the “place” and the innate physical and intellectual shortcomings of women, Abi proves herself to be the smartest person in the room when it comes to investigating a surprisingly complex murder case. Abi solves the crime by calling upon the “latest” in forensics and a brain that works faster than anyone around her. It’s not a new device, buy I’m a fan a mystery that concludes with the detective gathering all the pertinent characters together in one room to reveal the nuances of the case and point out the murderer—like it’s done in Agatha Christie’s Poirot or the television series, Death in Paradise.
Contrary to some critiques here, I didn’t notice any egregious typos or other errors. And I’m an editor. It’s possible I may have missed some of the language differences between British and American English, because I’ve read a great number of British novels, and I’m familiar with British spelling. Mostly, though, I was so caught up in the story, the characters, and the historical milieu that I raced through the narrative.
Asbey knows her genre and her history well, and she can call upon her personal experience with forensics and law enforcement to make sure details are accurate. But most of all, she’s an excellent writer and heck of a storyteller.
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and the character of Abi MacKay from the outset, in part because I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of Kate Warne in The Pinkertons series on Netflix. Despite the assumptions and prejudices of the time regarding the “place” and the innate physical and intellectual shortcomings of women, Abi proves herself to be the smartest person in the room when it comes to investigating a surprisingly complex murder case. Abi solves the crime by calling upon the “latest” in forensics and a brain that works faster than anyone around her. It’s not a new device, buy I’m a fan a mystery that concludes with the detective gathering all the pertinent characters together in one room to reveal the nuances of the case and point out the murderer—like it’s done in Agatha Christie’s Poirot or the television series, Death in Paradise.
Contrary to some critiques here, I didn’t notice any egregious typos or other errors. And I’m an editor. It’s possible I may have missed some of the language differences between British and American English, because I’ve read a great number of British novels, and I’m familiar with British spelling. Mostly, though, I was so caught up in the story, the characters, and the historical milieu that I raced through the narrative.
Asbey knows her genre and her history well, and she can call upon her personal experience with forensics and law enforcement to make sure details are accurate. But most of all, she’s an excellent writer and heck of a storyteller.
June 3, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. "The Innocents" is a well written historical mystery based in the 1800's and located in the wild west. The characters are extremely well developed. From the very beginning, you can't help but like Abigail MacKay. She's idealistic, intelligent, bold. She's a master of disguises and criminal science - such as it was at that time. She is a Pinkerton detective - an extraordinary accomplishment for a young lady in the 1800's. Her mission: find and bring in the Innocents. The Innocents are train robbers - but an unusual bunch of train robbers! They don't rob innocent passengers; they rob the payroll the trains are carrying for banks and railroads. They are known wide and far but not feared as they treat all innocents - the passengers - with kindness and respect only shooting in self-defense.
An uncle/nephew team - Jake Conroy and Nat Quinn, leads the Innocents. Abi meets Nat and Jake right before boarding a train they will rob. Nat is intelligent, educated and charming. Jake is the muscle - equally intelligent, Jake is rough on the outside but has a tender, compassionate center. Unfortunately, another group has been robbing trains and killing people all under the name of the Innocents. Abi knows the Innocents don't kill so her investigation changes to a search for the imposters. Abi, Nat and Jake team up to bring the imposters to justice and find who was behind setting them up for a crime that would see them hung. In the process they uncover other murders, kidnapping - all of which is masterfully woven together as all the crimes are investigated.
This is an artfully crafted story written to bring the characters to life and allows the reader to visualize the setting, feel the apprehension in tense moments. You'll laugh and you'll be left guessing until the end when the entire web of crimes comes together. You'll also wonder what is next for Abi, Nat and Jake!
An uncle/nephew team - Jake Conroy and Nat Quinn, leads the Innocents. Abi meets Nat and Jake right before boarding a train they will rob. Nat is intelligent, educated and charming. Jake is the muscle - equally intelligent, Jake is rough on the outside but has a tender, compassionate center. Unfortunately, another group has been robbing trains and killing people all under the name of the Innocents. Abi knows the Innocents don't kill so her investigation changes to a search for the imposters. Abi, Nat and Jake team up to bring the imposters to justice and find who was behind setting them up for a crime that would see them hung. In the process they uncover other murders, kidnapping - all of which is masterfully woven together as all the crimes are investigated.
This is an artfully crafted story written to bring the characters to life and allows the reader to visualize the setting, feel the apprehension in tense moments. You'll laugh and you'll be left guessing until the end when the entire web of crimes comes together. You'll also wonder what is next for Abi, Nat and Jake!
June 17, 2019
First i received the book with no cover on e book i read the book in one night could not put it down,The story is based i the 1800 and the owner of the trains in west coast are getting robbed
the group who robbed them usually leave the people on the train alone but now you got the innocent as they were call and then Pinkerton agency sent one of the agent out to see what happen ,
That were i come in i am a women and no one new i am a Pinkerton agent and trying to find out the robbery's i am on one the train and they get robbed but they harnessed the people on the train and that not the innocent they are bad they killed the man and then rough up the people on the train i am going to find out why
You see i try to tell the sheriff and he does not believe me ok that all right i show them i can do my job you see i have many disguise and they will talk they kid napped me and try to get me to talk that was the bad innocents i m going to find out why give them bad name ,
Now a couple lady of the night come up missing and then i am going to find out why i am chamber maid and i ask around what happen you see the innocents the real one found the body's and now i am going see the people who killed them and why the ones who did it will pay for the mrders and then the robbers
You see i got my men and women who done robbery and then the murders it my job
the group who robbed them usually leave the people on the train alone but now you got the innocent as they were call and then Pinkerton agency sent one of the agent out to see what happen ,
That were i come in i am a women and no one new i am a Pinkerton agent and trying to find out the robbery's i am on one the train and they get robbed but they harnessed the people on the train and that not the innocent they are bad they killed the man and then rough up the people on the train i am going to find out why
You see i try to tell the sheriff and he does not believe me ok that all right i show them i can do my job you see i have many disguise and they will talk they kid napped me and try to get me to talk that was the bad innocents i m going to find out why give them bad name ,
Now a couple lady of the night come up missing and then i am going to find out why i am chamber maid and i ask around what happen you see the innocents the real one found the body's and now i am going see the people who killed them and why the ones who did it will pay for the mrders and then the robbers
You see i got my men and women who done robbery and then the murders it my job
August 21, 2019
Wyoming 1868 is no place for a woman. Here, it’s the law of the gun, where thieves and murderers are getting away with their nefarious acts due to the incompetence of the lawmen who either turn a blind eye or hold out a hand for their “cut”.
Enter Abigail MacKay, one of the first female Pinkerton Detectives, who has been sent out to help bring in The Innocents, a criminal duo who specialise in robbing trains of the payrolls they’re carrying. Jake Conroy and Nat Quinn are the suave duo who have been given the “Innocents” tag due to their politeness and gentlemanly manner with the public. Abi also states that she has been trained by Kate Warne, who in reality was the first female Pinkerton. Taking this into account, together with the background of wonderful author C. A. Asbrey, this series is, to me, a homage to Kate Warne and all the fantastic female detectives.
Circumstances dictate that the three join forces in a temporary truce to bring to justice the murderer of two women.
Abi is strong willed Scottish lady and a thorough professional but can she ignore her attraction to Nat? Her talents even surprise the two partners and a bond is formed between the three, though even that is strained at times as there is a battle of wills between Abi and the two lads.
I loved the setting, the characters and the wonderful dialogue and interplay between
them that adds so much to the story.
A brilliant first book in this series that is well deserving of a five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating for the sheer enjoyment of this fast paced western murder mystery. The next two books in the series are an absolute definite must.
Enter Abigail MacKay, one of the first female Pinkerton Detectives, who has been sent out to help bring in The Innocents, a criminal duo who specialise in robbing trains of the payrolls they’re carrying. Jake Conroy and Nat Quinn are the suave duo who have been given the “Innocents” tag due to their politeness and gentlemanly manner with the public. Abi also states that she has been trained by Kate Warne, who in reality was the first female Pinkerton. Taking this into account, together with the background of wonderful author C. A. Asbrey, this series is, to me, a homage to Kate Warne and all the fantastic female detectives.
Circumstances dictate that the three join forces in a temporary truce to bring to justice the murderer of two women.
Abi is strong willed Scottish lady and a thorough professional but can she ignore her attraction to Nat? Her talents even surprise the two partners and a bond is formed between the three, though even that is strained at times as there is a battle of wills between Abi and the two lads.
I loved the setting, the characters and the wonderful dialogue and interplay between
them that adds so much to the story.
A brilliant first book in this series that is well deserving of a five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating for the sheer enjoyment of this fast paced western murder mystery. The next two books in the series are an absolute definite must.
December 2, 2021
This is my first read by C. A. Asbrey and I'm glad I picked this one up. What attracted me was the idea of a female Pinkerton agent, not well believed in 1800s Wyoming. Abi explains it well - nobody expects a woman to be an agent and they let their guard down. She's also a wizard at disguises. As Nat and Jake try to figure her out, they don't always recognize her.
Abi took on this role after her husband was killed and she was left alone. She needed a goal and taking down the Innocents gang leaders, Nat and Jake, is her current goal. Only there's something between Nat and Abi, even as she holds to the line. She has her honor to consider.
Aside from the old west setting, what makes this a great read is the characters. Abi, the independent woman in a time when women were not independent, who manages to slip into situations easily and begins to question her assumption that she would remain alone for the rest of her life. Nat and Jake are quite the pair, with Jake not very trusting and Nat the charmer - and the challenger. Yet, both are gentleman and protective of women. They manage to unite to find the killer of two women and ensure that other such ladies do not get lured to their death thanks to Abi's ingenuity.
If you like mystery set in history, twists to the plot, and loyalty among friends, you'll like this one. It's well-written with a touch of humor and potential for romance. This is the first in The Innocents series, and a quick glance at the next few is enticing.
Abi took on this role after her husband was killed and she was left alone. She needed a goal and taking down the Innocents gang leaders, Nat and Jake, is her current goal. Only there's something between Nat and Abi, even as she holds to the line. She has her honor to consider.
Aside from the old west setting, what makes this a great read is the characters. Abi, the independent woman in a time when women were not independent, who manages to slip into situations easily and begins to question her assumption that she would remain alone for the rest of her life. Nat and Jake are quite the pair, with Jake not very trusting and Nat the charmer - and the challenger. Yet, both are gentleman and protective of women. They manage to unite to find the killer of two women and ensure that other such ladies do not get lured to their death thanks to Abi's ingenuity.
If you like mystery set in history, twists to the plot, and loyalty among friends, you'll like this one. It's well-written with a touch of humor and potential for romance. This is the first in The Innocents series, and a quick glance at the next few is enticing.
August 24, 2018
The Innocents by C.A. Asbrey
Wow, wow! When I started this book, I had no idea what to expect, other than I knew it was set in the past, in America and involved two outlaws and a Pinkerton female detective. What can I say? I loved it.
I read a lot of books of varying degrees of readability and excellence and particularly love crime investigations. This is a crime investigation with a difference, quite a few differences in fact. It is beautifully written, with characters that become real in the mind without any difficulty. I became immediately involved as soon as I started reading and there was plenty going on to keep the interest. Abigail is headstrong and likes to work in her own way and the men can’t deal with that – neither those on the wrong side of the law or the right side. A master of disguise, Abi is able to dupe people into talking to her. Nat and Jake have their own ways. Somehow, they had to work together to find the killer of two women when the sheriff didn’t want to know because the two dead were high-class prostitutes.
Nat and Jake are astounded at Abi’s ability to work out the crime but more than that, their admiration of her grows.
This book arises many emotions in the reader, which I always think is the sign of a good book. There are tense moments, some giggly ones and the over-riding tingle of the latent attraction between Abi and Nat and the regret at their parting at the end of the book, tinged with amusement. A triumph of a book, I can’t wait to read the next one.
Wow, wow! When I started this book, I had no idea what to expect, other than I knew it was set in the past, in America and involved two outlaws and a Pinkerton female detective. What can I say? I loved it.
I read a lot of books of varying degrees of readability and excellence and particularly love crime investigations. This is a crime investigation with a difference, quite a few differences in fact. It is beautifully written, with characters that become real in the mind without any difficulty. I became immediately involved as soon as I started reading and there was plenty going on to keep the interest. Abigail is headstrong and likes to work in her own way and the men can’t deal with that – neither those on the wrong side of the law or the right side. A master of disguise, Abi is able to dupe people into talking to her. Nat and Jake have their own ways. Somehow, they had to work together to find the killer of two women when the sheriff didn’t want to know because the two dead were high-class prostitutes.
Nat and Jake are astounded at Abi’s ability to work out the crime but more than that, their admiration of her grows.
This book arises many emotions in the reader, which I always think is the sign of a good book. There are tense moments, some giggly ones and the over-riding tingle of the latent attraction between Abi and Nat and the regret at their parting at the end of the book, tinged with amusement. A triumph of a book, I can’t wait to read the next one.
Read
October 10, 2018As a true bookworm, I am always looking for something new - and to my delight, discovered The Innocents by C. A. Asbrey.
This was a true find - a fast-paced mystery set in the Old West with a young woman Pinkerton detective - yes! the forward thinking Agency really did employ women as detectives.
A truly delightful read set in the post-Civil War era of the American West, our heroine, Abigail MacKay, is clever, brave strong-willed, determined and just plain smart - and who must overcome derision and disrespect simply because she is a woman.
She teams up with the charming gentlemen outlaws Nat and Jake (who very much reminded me of a TV show I enjoyed as a child "Alias Smith and Jones") a pair of outlaws who rob only the railroad's cash, treating the train's passengers respectfully and courteously - and allowing them to keep their personal possessions and money.
Abigail joins forces with Jake, and Nat and they set out to clear Jake’s and Nat’s names as killers as well as get justice for murdered 'working girls' - jobs in which the local law has no interest.
The book is full of humor, dread, fear, sadness, laughter, twists and turns - and the hint of romance.
This is a delightfully compelling read - I could not put it down - and I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series!
This was a true find - a fast-paced mystery set in the Old West with a young woman Pinkerton detective - yes! the forward thinking Agency really did employ women as detectives.
A truly delightful read set in the post-Civil War era of the American West, our heroine, Abigail MacKay, is clever, brave strong-willed, determined and just plain smart - and who must overcome derision and disrespect simply because she is a woman.
She teams up with the charming gentlemen outlaws Nat and Jake (who very much reminded me of a TV show I enjoyed as a child "Alias Smith and Jones") a pair of outlaws who rob only the railroad's cash, treating the train's passengers respectfully and courteously - and allowing them to keep their personal possessions and money.
Abigail joins forces with Jake, and Nat and they set out to clear Jake’s and Nat’s names as killers as well as get justice for murdered 'working girls' - jobs in which the local law has no interest.
The book is full of humor, dread, fear, sadness, laughter, twists and turns - and the hint of romance.
This is a delightfully compelling read - I could not put it down - and I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series!
August 13, 2018
~ The Innocents - your not - so common "Who dunnit?" story. ~
Fast - paced and wonderfully detailed to the smallest bit, Ms. Asbrey's delicious mystery novel has made me feel the thrill of being taken into a roller coaster ride of emotions as the story of the three cunning characters fly out of the pages and into my senses.
With a witty dialogue and a gripping storyline to keep anyone on the edge, the author has succesfully caught my attention. Uncle and nephew Nat and Jake will surely be loved by anyone. No other so - called thief could possibly possess their awesome mix of charm, wit, and dangerous aura. Abigail, the perfect model of women empowerment of the story's era, on the other hand, is not your typical heroine. In fact, she's so far to the common "damsel - in - distress", that if you consider her as one, you would probably be dumbfounded to the amount of skills she would happily show you, just like how Nat and Jake were the moment she unraveled her true self.
Put those three together, along with a mind - bending murder case, a pinch of good old romance, and a healthy dash of wondrous danger, and you'll have one heck of an enjoyable ride that will leave you longing for more of Abi and The Innocents. Kudos to Ms. Asbrey!
Fast - paced and wonderfully detailed to the smallest bit, Ms. Asbrey's delicious mystery novel has made me feel the thrill of being taken into a roller coaster ride of emotions as the story of the three cunning characters fly out of the pages and into my senses.
With a witty dialogue and a gripping storyline to keep anyone on the edge, the author has succesfully caught my attention. Uncle and nephew Nat and Jake will surely be loved by anyone. No other so - called thief could possibly possess their awesome mix of charm, wit, and dangerous aura. Abigail, the perfect model of women empowerment of the story's era, on the other hand, is not your typical heroine. In fact, she's so far to the common "damsel - in - distress", that if you consider her as one, you would probably be dumbfounded to the amount of skills she would happily show you, just like how Nat and Jake were the moment she unraveled her true self.
Put those three together, along with a mind - bending murder case, a pinch of good old romance, and a healthy dash of wondrous danger, and you'll have one heck of an enjoyable ride that will leave you longing for more of Abi and The Innocents. Kudos to Ms. Asbrey!
September 14, 2018
A. Great. Book.
When I started read this book, I'd already fall in love with the main characters and the time setting in this novel. I really fond of a strong woman character that is independent, genius and most important is not only rely on man to defend/save her but she can defend/save herself, just like Abigail, the female main character. Whereas for the time setting, I really loves to read a novel where the time setting was set in 18th century because it is something historical and interesting for me as we can't get back to the century to experience the life in it. But, the author had described the time setting precisely and I felt like I was traveled to the 18th century when I read this book.
Abigail is a Pinkerton agent that was assigned to bring down 'The Innocents', a Western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls. The Innocents gang were lead by the charismatic Nat Quinn and handsome Jake Conroy. They were from opposite sides to each other but a crime had took place where the three of them need to work together to solved it. During the time, Abigail had slowly falling in love with Nat. In the end, will she be able to bring down the gang? To find out, you definitely need to read this book. It is definitely worth to read.
When I started read this book, I'd already fall in love with the main characters and the time setting in this novel. I really fond of a strong woman character that is independent, genius and most important is not only rely on man to defend/save her but she can defend/save herself, just like Abigail, the female main character. Whereas for the time setting, I really loves to read a novel where the time setting was set in 18th century because it is something historical and interesting for me as we can't get back to the century to experience the life in it. But, the author had described the time setting precisely and I felt like I was traveled to the 18th century when I read this book.
Abigail is a Pinkerton agent that was assigned to bring down 'The Innocents', a Western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls. The Innocents gang were lead by the charismatic Nat Quinn and handsome Jake Conroy. They were from opposite sides to each other but a crime had took place where the three of them need to work together to solved it. During the time, Abigail had slowly falling in love with Nat. In the end, will she be able to bring down the gang? To find out, you definitely need to read this book. It is definitely worth to read.
February 17, 2020
I wasn't quite sure what this book was about but I am very glad I took a chance on it!
The Innocents are a gang of train robbers--but they never harm any of the passengers. Of course the train owners were not too happy with them and called on the Pinkerton Agency to help. The head of the agency decided to send one of his female agents which as I am sure you will intuit--was not taken too well by any of the males anywhere!! Abigail was riding the trains hoping to find them and her train was held up by a gang that said they were the Innocents. They were not and when one of the conductors was shot--Abigail knew it wasn't them.
She kept bumping into a really good looking guy--but it took her to be kidnapped by the bad guys for her to finally figure out who they were. Trust was in short supply on both sides. When two women went missing-Abigail decided she was going to find them--so did the guys--she was quite inventive!
Meanwhile the guys were trying to find the fake group who were calling themselves the Innocents--
Would they find the women--and who was behind the using of the name? You will cringe at some parts and laugh at others as Abigail proves that women can certainly be spies and get the job done!!
The Innocents are a gang of train robbers--but they never harm any of the passengers. Of course the train owners were not too happy with them and called on the Pinkerton Agency to help. The head of the agency decided to send one of his female agents which as I am sure you will intuit--was not taken too well by any of the males anywhere!! Abigail was riding the trains hoping to find them and her train was held up by a gang that said they were the Innocents. They were not and when one of the conductors was shot--Abigail knew it wasn't them.
She kept bumping into a really good looking guy--but it took her to be kidnapped by the bad guys for her to finally figure out who they were. Trust was in short supply on both sides. When two women went missing-Abigail decided she was going to find them--so did the guys--she was quite inventive!
Meanwhile the guys were trying to find the fake group who were calling themselves the Innocents--
Would they find the women--and who was behind the using of the name? You will cringe at some parts and laugh at others as Abigail proves that women can certainly be spies and get the job done!!
January 11, 2022
A character-oriented story, 'The Innocents' by C.A. Asbrey is fast-paced and interesting in the beginning but then it converts into a murder mystery and slows down due to miniscule details. Abigail is a Pinkerton agent who has been given the responsibility of capturing ‘The Innocents,’ the notorious train robbers but she falls into the trap of fake Innocents gang. The story changes its track from this point; Abigail’s loses her focus and starts investigating the murders of two women. The plot also dwells on the judgmental attitude of men and society toward women.
I am in awe of Asbrey’s perceptive skill of character crafting in this book. Abi is a multi-dimensional personality, much ahead of her times, with intellect sharper than her rivals, exuding confidence beyond the imagination of Nat and Jake who develop a soft corner for her despite the situation in which they are placed. Their relationship and co-operation in unraveling the mysteries that shroud the murders of Dora and Bessie is outstanding. This book goes much beyond a detective’s story due to its characterization.
This is the first book in the series and inspires you to more reading but can be read as stand alone book. I look forward to more!
I am in awe of Asbrey’s perceptive skill of character crafting in this book. Abi is a multi-dimensional personality, much ahead of her times, with intellect sharper than her rivals, exuding confidence beyond the imagination of Nat and Jake who develop a soft corner for her despite the situation in which they are placed. Their relationship and co-operation in unraveling the mysteries that shroud the murders of Dora and Bessie is outstanding. This book goes much beyond a detective’s story due to its characterization.
This is the first book in the series and inspires you to more reading but can be read as stand alone book. I look forward to more!
June 12, 2022
The Innocents combines elements from historical fiction, mystery, and romance to create an engrossing story that entertains. From beautiful descriptions to amusing dialogue, Asbrey has created a mystery series that is sure to grab the reader’s attention and hold it until the very end.
Asbrey is skilled at describing the setting and the characters with unique word choices. Phrases such as “caustic sun” and “impenetrable scars” leave the reader with vivid images. In addition, her dialogue, especially between Abi and Nat, is witty, historically accurate, and often quite humorous. I found myself smiling while reading multiple interactions between the two. This added a fun element to what is ultimately a tale surrounding a double murder.
Also, Asbrey keeps the reader guessing right up until the very end with this mystery. She adds in just enough characters to ensure the reader won’t easily determine who is responsible for the crimes. In the end, Abi uses the most cutting-edge technology available in 1868 to establish motive, solve the mystery, and guarantee that justice is served.
I look forward to continuing the cat and mouse game between Detective MacKay and The Innocents!
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes!
Asbrey is skilled at describing the setting and the characters with unique word choices. Phrases such as “caustic sun” and “impenetrable scars” leave the reader with vivid images. In addition, her dialogue, especially between Abi and Nat, is witty, historically accurate, and often quite humorous. I found myself smiling while reading multiple interactions between the two. This added a fun element to what is ultimately a tale surrounding a double murder.
Also, Asbrey keeps the reader guessing right up until the very end with this mystery. She adds in just enough characters to ensure the reader won’t easily determine who is responsible for the crimes. In the end, Abi uses the most cutting-edge technology available in 1868 to establish motive, solve the mystery, and guarantee that justice is served.
I look forward to continuing the cat and mouse game between Detective MacKay and The Innocents!
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes!
April 30, 2018
An unusually courteous pair of bandits, nicknamed The Innocents because of their behavior, has been robbing trains, and Abigail MacKay has been assigned to hunt them down.
Abigail is a Pinkerton detective, schooled in the art of disguise and the science of investigation. Despite her knowledge and experience, she is captured by a gang of thugs who have been masquerading as the Innocents, and is rescued by Jake and Nat, the very men she has been sent to capture.
To repay the Innocents for her rescue, she sets aside her primary assignment in order to assist them in finding and capturing the killers of two local women.
Author C.A. Asbrey has set the historical scene with great skill. It is clear she has done her homework on the state of the science and art of criminal investigation in the era of the old west, and on the attitude of local law enforcement toward the prospect of a female detective. Abigail’s actions and behavior toward Jake and Nat feel real, and completely understandable in the context of the story.
The writing is smooth and the plot has enough twists to keep a mystery lover happy. I enjoyed The Innocents and look forward to reading Asbrey’s next book.
Abigail is a Pinkerton detective, schooled in the art of disguise and the science of investigation. Despite her knowledge and experience, she is captured by a gang of thugs who have been masquerading as the Innocents, and is rescued by Jake and Nat, the very men she has been sent to capture.
To repay the Innocents for her rescue, she sets aside her primary assignment in order to assist them in finding and capturing the killers of two local women.
Author C.A. Asbrey has set the historical scene with great skill. It is clear she has done her homework on the state of the science and art of criminal investigation in the era of the old west, and on the attitude of local law enforcement toward the prospect of a female detective. Abigail’s actions and behavior toward Jake and Nat feel real, and completely understandable in the context of the story.
The writing is smooth and the plot has enough twists to keep a mystery lover happy. I enjoyed The Innocents and look forward to reading Asbrey’s next book.
August 27, 2022
An Authentic Taste of 1860s America…
The first female Pinkerton Detective, Abigail MacKay is an expert in disguise, a genius in up-to-date nineteenth century forensic investigation, and, very attractive. Abi is belittled by belligerent lawmen who believe that law enforcement is a man-only occupation. In their tough world, there is no place for a whimsical member of the fairer sex, no matter how clever or sharp talking they may be. She must prove herself with every step she takes.
Nathaniel Quinn and Jake Conroy, are robbers of a different sort. Strong, handsome, and polite, they maintain a degree of honour during their heists. They only ever rob railways, and never murder during the process.
Suddenly their modus operandi appears to change. Have they become killers—or is someone attempting to set them up? They seem invincible, but Pinkerton believes Abigail can bring them in.
Remote homesteads, harbouring the wild. No-go lawless townships, brothel madams, and quick-draw gunslingers, colour the novel perfectly, giving an authentic taste of 1860s America.
A highly recommended five-star historical thriller with plenty of action. Loved it!
The first female Pinkerton Detective, Abigail MacKay is an expert in disguise, a genius in up-to-date nineteenth century forensic investigation, and, very attractive. Abi is belittled by belligerent lawmen who believe that law enforcement is a man-only occupation. In their tough world, there is no place for a whimsical member of the fairer sex, no matter how clever or sharp talking they may be. She must prove herself with every step she takes.
Nathaniel Quinn and Jake Conroy, are robbers of a different sort. Strong, handsome, and polite, they maintain a degree of honour during their heists. They only ever rob railways, and never murder during the process.
Suddenly their modus operandi appears to change. Have they become killers—or is someone attempting to set them up? They seem invincible, but Pinkerton believes Abigail can bring them in.
Remote homesteads, harbouring the wild. No-go lawless townships, brothel madams, and quick-draw gunslingers, colour the novel perfectly, giving an authentic taste of 1860s America.
A highly recommended five-star historical thriller with plenty of action. Loved it!
April 3, 2018
If you're looking for a mystery to twist your mind, awesome dialogue that makes you legit laugh out loud, and characters to fall in love with… Look no further!!
The Innocents, the debut novel by C. A. Asbrey, fully delivers!
From the first page I was immediately captured and drawn deep into the story. My curiosity on who and what and how and when ensured that I remained tightly intrigued and invested. As it were, having to close the pages and be present in real life was difficult to accomplish. So... it didn't happen often. Ha! And even after the last page was complete I was diving back in to re-experience some of my favorite scenes.
Abi is quite the leading lady, with her wits, her strength, her passion, and her vulnerability. I'm not afraid to admit that I want to adopt some of the same tricks and traits that make her her. Especially that hair pin...
Nat. (happy sigh) Nat’s sense of honor, compassion, and humor endeared him to me. And whoever said being smart isn’t sexy? They haven’t encountered Nat. The way that man adored and pursued the challenge of being around Abi and taking on what he did had me melting… even through the few rough moments. He sure knows how to use his mind and turn up the charm and… never mind. If I say too much more I'll ruin it. Just trust me.
Jake. The muscle. Haha. Oh, Jake! His claim to loyalty, family, and his soft under the gruff scary exterior won my heart over. He had his own unique charm about him that made him the perfect partner to Nat, and one of the most adored characters in the story.
I loved how the words flowed off the page, weaving the world around me and bringing all the characters to life. I was laughing as much as I was sifting through all the clues to determine what was happening and who was going to do what next.
The Innocents is a delightfully unique story that will appeal to all readers. Whether you love a western or a mystery, with just a dash of heat thrown in, this will most definitely satisfy.
I was delighted to discover that it’s the first book in a series and that Abi, Nat, and Jake’s story is not over yet. I am most anxious to get the next book in my hands to see what journey C. A. Asbrey takes me (and you!) on next!
The Innocents, the debut novel by C. A. Asbrey, fully delivers!
From the first page I was immediately captured and drawn deep into the story. My curiosity on who and what and how and when ensured that I remained tightly intrigued and invested. As it were, having to close the pages and be present in real life was difficult to accomplish. So... it didn't happen often. Ha! And even after the last page was complete I was diving back in to re-experience some of my favorite scenes.
Abi is quite the leading lady, with her wits, her strength, her passion, and her vulnerability. I'm not afraid to admit that I want to adopt some of the same tricks and traits that make her her. Especially that hair pin...
Nat. (happy sigh) Nat’s sense of honor, compassion, and humor endeared him to me. And whoever said being smart isn’t sexy? They haven’t encountered Nat. The way that man adored and pursued the challenge of being around Abi and taking on what he did had me melting… even through the few rough moments. He sure knows how to use his mind and turn up the charm and… never mind. If I say too much more I'll ruin it. Just trust me.
Jake. The muscle. Haha. Oh, Jake! His claim to loyalty, family, and his soft under the gruff scary exterior won my heart over. He had his own unique charm about him that made him the perfect partner to Nat, and one of the most adored characters in the story.
I loved how the words flowed off the page, weaving the world around me and bringing all the characters to life. I was laughing as much as I was sifting through all the clues to determine what was happening and who was going to do what next.
The Innocents is a delightfully unique story that will appeal to all readers. Whether you love a western or a mystery, with just a dash of heat thrown in, this will most definitely satisfy.
I was delighted to discover that it’s the first book in a series and that Abi, Nat, and Jake’s story is not over yet. I am most anxious to get the next book in my hands to see what journey C. A. Asbrey takes me (and you!) on next!
January 9, 2019
Abigail MacKay, female Pinkerton detective, is out to arrest the infamous Innocents, train robbers in the Wild West of 1868.
Little does she know what fate has in store for her. Enter Nat & Jake, the very law-breakers she is after. Through twists & turns, murder & mystery, the trio must overcome their suspicions and work together. The book has comedy, drama, and a little sexual tension, but most of all a storyline that keeps you turning page after page. I love that so many suspicious characters keep us guessing until the very end. Abi to the rescue as she ties the mystery all together with a neat bow.
Now the time has come to end their partnership. Will Abi be able to arrest her friends for their past crimes? Nat thinks he has bought himself & Jake some time to make their escape, but has he? Time and the next book will tell.
The author gives us subtle clues to past events in the lives of Abi, Nat, and Jake that caused them to guard their hearts so closely. I have a feeling we will learn more in future books of this series. I can’t wait!
Little does she know what fate has in store for her. Enter Nat & Jake, the very law-breakers she is after. Through twists & turns, murder & mystery, the trio must overcome their suspicions and work together. The book has comedy, drama, and a little sexual tension, but most of all a storyline that keeps you turning page after page. I love that so many suspicious characters keep us guessing until the very end. Abi to the rescue as she ties the mystery all together with a neat bow.
Now the time has come to end their partnership. Will Abi be able to arrest her friends for their past crimes? Nat thinks he has bought himself & Jake some time to make their escape, but has he? Time and the next book will tell.
The author gives us subtle clues to past events in the lives of Abi, Nat, and Jake that caused them to guard their hearts so closely. I have a feeling we will learn more in future books of this series. I can’t wait!
September 26, 2020
This isn't the normal setting for my preferred historical mystery books as the book takes place in the U.S. in the late 1860s, but I couldn't resist the premise of a female Pinkerton detective. Abigail McKay is one of the few female detectives working for the Pinkerton Agency as a result of a tragic backstory (the details of which are unclear). She is tasked with tracking down a notorious gang called the Innocents. Along the way, she encounters discrimination, murderers, prostitutes, and a whole host of interesting characters, not least of which are the gang members that constitute the Innocents. A romance is hinted at but is presumably left to subsequent books in the series.
I really liked Abi--the author depicts her as human and has her struggling with anger at not being taken seriously and struggling with grief and tragedy. The rest of the cast of characters are colorful and the historical detail rendered effortlessly.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next one in the series, but I need to stop discovering new mystery series that are well-written and fun! :)
I really liked Abi--the author depicts her as human and has her struggling with anger at not being taken seriously and struggling with grief and tragedy. The rest of the cast of characters are colorful and the historical detail rendered effortlessly.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next one in the series, but I need to stop discovering new mystery series that are well-written and fun! :)
January 26, 2019
I loved this story from the beginning. Abigail is on the trail of Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy, the leaders of The Innocents, a gang that robs from the rich and not from the poor. She bumps into them right away, and a roller-coaster ride of sparring quips, subtle innuendo and humorous one-liners begins!
The story keeps you hooked right from the start, with fake Innocents, the buxom Pearl who runs the local high-class brothel, and various other quirky characters who all fit into the story by the end.
Well written, with lighthearted touches and more serious moments, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about forensics of the time and the steps they were making in catching criminals by using clues from their victims. Abigail is a wonderful character with a mysterious past, which I hope we'll find out more about in the next books, while Nat and Jake are more complex than they seem.
I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read the next two in the series!
The story keeps you hooked right from the start, with fake Innocents, the buxom Pearl who runs the local high-class brothel, and various other quirky characters who all fit into the story by the end.
Well written, with lighthearted touches and more serious moments, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about forensics of the time and the steps they were making in catching criminals by using clues from their victims. Abigail is a wonderful character with a mysterious past, which I hope we'll find out more about in the next books, while Nat and Jake are more complex than they seem.
I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read the next two in the series!
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