Miss Fortune

Allie Fortune Mystery #1

by Sara Mills

They call her the P.I. Princess. In 1947 Allie Fortune is the only female private investigator in New York City, but she's kept awake at night by a mystery of her own: her fianc disappeared in the war, and no one knows if he's dead or alive. Until Allie finds out, she will have no peace. When there's a knock on her office door at four in the morning, Allie suspects trouble as usual, and Mary Gordon is no exception. Mary claims someone is following her, that her apartment has been ransacked, and that she's been shot at, but she has no idea why any of this is happening. Allie takes the case, and in the process discovers an international mystery that puts her own life in danger. The FBI is working the case as well, and Allie has been partnered up with an attractive, single agent who would be perfect for her under other circumstances -- if only she knew whether her fianc was alive.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery

310 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

SARA MILLS is author of Miss Match and Miss Fortune. She lives with her three children on a ranch in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

The setting, the storyline, and the intrigue made me pick up this book. It was extremely enjoyable, although somewhat predictable. The mystery reminded me of a Nancy Drew one, and I was kind of laughing when the bad guy was telling Allie Fortune EVERYTHING. As if a criminal would talk that freely ;) Anyway, the ending leaves you wanting to read the next one (which I'm glad I have) and I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress with Allie, David, and Jack ;)

There is a couple kisses in the book, but nothing detailed. I could have used a little more spiritual content. It was there a handful of times, but I didn't feel like it entwined itself into Allie's story. If it had, it would have been a lot more powerful!

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“They call her the “P.I. Princess.”
It’s 1947 and Allie Fortune is the only female (and probably the best) private investigator in New York City. Her work is a welcome distraction from her own past, and she’s just been hired on by a client who isn’t telling the whole truth. Mary Gordon’s claims of innocence don’t fit with her ransacked apartment, being shot at, and the two Soviet agents hot on her trail.
Meanwhile, the FBI is working the case because a legendary and mysterious treasure has gone missing...again. The only catch for Allie is her new “partner” Jack, an attractive, single agent who knows how to make her smile. As Allie and Jack chase after the gold, they must contend with the Soviets, who also want the priceless treasure back--after all, they stole it fair and square.”


Series: #1 of the “Allie Fortune Mystery” series.


Spiritual Content- Talks about God, His will, hope & things working out for the good; ‘H’s are capital; Prayers; A couple mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of praying; Mentions of Church, Sunday School & beliefs; Allie is mad at God for what happened to David & stays away from church (she believes that He didn’t answer her prayers and is on her own on.); *Spoiler* God talks to Allie. 90 pages till the end, Allie prays and asks forgiveness. *End of Spoiler*;
*Note: A mention of a man’s book that were like gospel to another man.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, an ‘idiot’, a ‘shut up’ and six ‘stupid’s; Curses are said but not written; Sarcasm; Dead bodies (up to semi-detailed); Blood, murder, pain & guns (up to semi-detailed); Helping a man who was shot (borderline semi-detailed // detailed); Mentions of tobacco & smoking; Mentions of drinking & alcohol.


Sexual Content- a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two borderline semi-detailed // detailed kisses; Dancing (up to semi-detailed); Touches (up to semi-detailed); A man touches Allie’s face; Noticing & Staring; Crushes; A mention of a “working woman” (ie, prostitute); Mentions of propriety & impropriety; Helping a man take off his shirt (he’s injured, there’s blushes, but nothing sexual); Remembering love, falling in love, & the emotions.

-Allie Fortune, age 26
1st person P.O.V. of Allie
Set in 1947 (With 14 flashbacks to ’37-’40)
298 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Okay. I’m impressed.
Recently, I’ve been watching quite a few Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movies, so I’ve definitely been in a mood for mysteries. “Miss Fortune” was much better than all those movies, hahaha! Very well written. This was a very well done novel, and was written in such the great style of the ‘40s and the font made it even better. With that cliffhanger, needless to say, I can’t wait to get my hands on book two!


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie Fortune's life is hanging in limbo. David, the only man she ever loved, disappeared in the war. Two years later, still haunted by regrets, Allie is unable to move forward with her life until the mystery of David's disappearance is laid to rest. She's spent years honing her skills as an investigator, building a solid reputation, acquiring contacts, and calling in every favor imaginable in ultimately fruitless attempts to discover David's fate. When Mary Gordon walks through her office door, claiming she's being stalked, little does Allie realize that Mary's duplicity will draw her into a web of deceit and danger that may just give her the opportunity to make peace with her past - but only if she can survive the threats coalescing around her client's dangerous secret.

Miss Fortune is the perfect "marriage" of two of my obsessions - World War II era history and classic film. Allie's adventures pay particular homage to film noir classics like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon. She's a female version of the "hard-boiled" detective type made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the aforementioned films as well as other detectives who populated 1940s film classics like Laura (and Dana Andrews's unforgettable detective). It's a rare thing to encounter a novel that makes me feel like I'm watching an absorbing film unfold, but Mills has achieved that feat with her debut here. The pages of Miss Fortune drip with atmosphere, and Allie's voice - a combination of smarts, sarcasm, and a touch of world-weariness - is utterly captivating. I appreciated the lack of "preachiness" to the story. The spiritual thread is subtly introduced as Allie gradually comes to realize self-reliance is hindering her life at the expense of protecting her heart. Mills includes tantalizing glimpses of Allie's history with David - just enough to tease the reader into wanting more (prequel, anyone? ). My one quibble with this book is that we don't get to know Jack well enough (however, my fingers are crossed that this will be remedied with the sequel, Miss Match, due to release March 2009 - the story blurb looks promising!). The characterizations, pacing, and dialogue in the novel all seamlessly work together to transport the reader into Allie's world of danger and intrigue. Personally I can't wait to make another trip with the sequel.

[Stephany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book was good. So, so, SO GOOD! I think the only thing that disappointed me was the ending! Talk about leaving a girl on the edge of her seat!

The story was set in 1947 and I don't read too many books set in this time period so it was so interesting to read! The story was about Allie Fortune, a P.I. who helps the FBI with a case involving Helen of Troy's gold. Allie teams up with Jack to solve the case and they form an adorable pair.

It was not a romance novel - although I desperately wanted it to be! - since Allie is still searching for her first love, David, whom left for the war and she hasn't heard from him since. (Last she heard he was MIA.) In exchange for Allie's help on the case, Jack agrees to get her information on him.

The book is FULL of action and Sara Mills write some good action scenes. Many authors seem to fall short in this, but this book had my attention from the get-go. (I read it in less than 2 days!)

There are mentions of Christianity, but the author doesn't put a lot of focus on that subject so I don't know if I should classify it as Christian fiction or not. There is just one scene focused on Allie's faith and two passing mentions of it in the book.

Great read, though, and the ending - AH! I must buy the second book TODAY!! :)

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sort of duped.

I thought it was going to be a good old fashioned crime mystery with the possibility of some romance thrown in.

Instead I got a woman who can't give up on a ghost, a man who has the same problem and evidently they would both like to explore the possibility of being together.

Still it was a good book...until I got to too many passages about God and faith and religion. It felt odd and fumbled (and though I'm biased against reading books like that, I would have been okay if it hadn't just been thrown in there) I was all for Allie being a recovering catholic, it made sense and it was character appropriate for all of the things that she had been through and seen. I think her sudden change was a bit heavy handed and just didn't seem natural.

The book itself had a mediocre plot but the characters were pretty interesting. It reminded me of Alice Kimberly meets a 1940's film. It's a decent read if you like a mystery that's darker than a cozy and much lighter than a Reichs.

[Cathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore the idea of a noir-ish female PI tale set in the 40's, and the tone is well-crafted. Unfortunately, the actual mystery is a little thin, and the frequent flashback interruptions are manipulative. The sparks of faith awakening, too, seem pasted in without real basis, which is both distracting and disappointing. All considered, though, I'll be interested in what's to come for Allie Fortune.

[Mary Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun read, but I couldn’t help but feel that it was not the most well- developed mystery or book I’ve read before. There were holes in the book that made it slightly off, for me. I thought the friendship between Allie and Jack was a good part of the story, but the continued flashbacks were a bit contrived. The plot was engaging enough, but I wasn’t on the edge of my seat as to what would happen next. All in all, I found this to be entertaining, and I might even read the next one; however, I know it, too, ends with a cliffhanger, just like this one, and there’s no book to follow it.
I’d give this 3 and a 1/2 stars.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shades of the Maltese Falcon drift through this tribute to the 1940’s detective novel. Instead of a tough private investigator who runs with fast women and drives a faster car, readers contend with the “Princess P.I., a savvy socialite who has earned a reputation for being one of the best in the business.
At first the cliche phrases and situations were off-putting, that is until I accepted them as pastiche.
A solid plot worthy of a Bogart film, intrigue and humor, and a double storyline create a fast-paced read and an anticipation for the second book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! Nothing amazing, but it was enjoyable. The pacing was consistent, there was drama, excitement, and the two stories intertwined nicely. Simple easy to jump into the story and there was nothing that was too emotionally draining - perfect light read on a winters night (would make a great beach/vacation read!).

Interesting ✔️
Historical ✔️
Mystery ✔️
Clean ✔️
Wins all in my book 😊

[Lori Voshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I am really fond of the WWII/postwar era, this book was fun for me. I enjoyed the fact that the main character, Allie Fortune, was not your typical, traditional woman, but a Private Investigator. This gave it a sort of film noir feel, which I also enjoyed.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lover of all things historical fiction. This one was intriguing because she is a female PI right after the war. It left me wanting to read the next one so that is always an indicator of a good book to me

[Nike Chillemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic who-dun-it, how could I not be intrigued? The author went for the suggestion of a noir-mystery writing style, ala Dashiell Hammett, didn’t over-do it, but also sometimes missed it. Miss Fortune by Sara Mills, set in 1947, and sporting a female private detective is a novel truly the author’s own, in a fresh, intriguing voice.

Murder mysteries are right up my alley and this one is a fun read. The fast-paced story supplies plenty of twists sure to keep any mystery reader turning pages.

Allie Fortune is the only female private eye in post war New York City and her male counter parts have dubbed her the P.I. Princess. She’s an insomniac, haunted by her past, who often sleeps on the sofa in her office. Of course, when a there’s a knock on her office door at four o’clock in the morning, it can only turn into big trouble.

Mary Gordon, a small nondescript woman, barges in. Allie agrees to help Mary, but with huge unvoiced reservations, as Mary’s story doesn’t quite add up.

Later, at her socialite parents’ house, for the usual Wednesday night dinner, Allie’s mother tries to set her up with yet another eligible bachelor. This one just happens to be handsome FBI agent Jack O’Connor. Allie is not interested in meeting a new man as she still pines for David, a soldier gone missing in the war.

Who does it turn out Jack is after? Mary Gordon. It seems Mary, something of the accomplished scam artist, is in cahoots with her conniving husband who used his army tour of duty in Europe to steal gold from a museum. It’s reputed this collection of ancient gold pieces once belonged to Helen of Troy. Now not only the Soviets are after Mary and her spouse, but also two vicious East German operatives. The author’s depiction of the relentless Communist German spies is spot on. East Germany was known for its agents’ extreme disregard for human life. If I have one nit picking problem with the book it’s that although Jack is under tremendous pressure and often exhausted, his appearance at times is a tad too rumpled. FBI agents of that era were impeccable in their attire.

Since Allie is already inside the case, Jack brings her into the FBI’s investigation. Allie agrees to partner with him, but only if Jack will use his FBI resources to help her find David. Jack agrees, but it’s obvious he has feelings for Allie. Allie’s pain over David has put her at odds with the Lord, however when she does encounter God once again, she does so fully.

The flashback scenes where Allie recalls times spent with her first love were flawlessly done and gripping. The night David saved her from an attacker in Central Park. Then there’s the night he was shot and she tended to his massive wound. And finally, the day he left for the war without ever knowing she loved him. I wanted to find David’s whereabouts as much as Allie did.

Although it pains him, at the end, Jack, an honorable Christian man, brings Allie a file containing information explaining what happened to David. I won’t be a spoiler and tell what was in that file, but I hope the next book in the series continues with the lives of these three intriguing characters.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Miss Fortune" is an enjoyable historical mystery/suspense novel set in 1947 in New York City. It was fast-paced and had a clever mystery that kept me guessing until the end. In general, the world-building was very good and the historical detail was nicely mixed into the action. The characters were fun and interesting though they didn't quite strike me as realistic. Also, one of Allie's (and Jack's) actions at the end didn't make a lot of sense and was never really explained. It seemed done solely so the bad guy could explain everything he'd done. It was a funny scene, though.

About a third of the book was flash-backs to how she met her now-missing boyfriend and showed why she's so attached to him. Despite this background, I was a little irritated by Allie's inability to love anyone except her missing boyfriend--though her feeling of guilt did make it somewhat more realistic.

There was a major historical mistake that was critical to the story (though I doubt most readers will care). Allie was in a car that crashed at high speed, and she should have died...except she had a seat belt on. But seat belts weren't invented yet.

Most of the novel had no religious content. Allie rejected God because He let her boyfriend disappear from her life. However, after encountering a Christian woman who'd just lost her son to murder, Allie started thinking about praying again and about what the woman had (briefly) said about God. I'm not sure if non-Christians would be bothered by this content or not.

There was no sex, and I don't recall any bad language. The mystery was a good one, and I'd recommend this novel as enjoyable, clean reading.

[Cheryl- Bookish Thoughts and Writing Plots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Fortune is a female private eye in 1947 New York City. Her reputation as one of the best has earned her the nickname "P.I. Princess" from her counterparts. But as good as she is, she can't find the answer to the question that haunts her life--what has happened to her fiance, David Rubeneski? Listed as "missing" in WWII, she doesn't know if he is dead or alive. So she keeps busy with cases, not knowing if she is to grieve or rejoice over David's fate.

Her new partner may hold a clue to David. Jack O'Conner is a special agent with the FBI and now, Allie's partner. Mary Gordon, Allie's newest client, has attracted attention from the FBI. Mary has also become a person of interest to East German and Russian spies. She is suspected to be a member of a ring that has stolen part of an ancient treasure. She is unaware of the value of her stolen goods; but others are not and will do whatever it takes to get what she has.

Sara Mills' first novel is a well-written book. The characters are well-developed and play out a plot line that moves along quickly, but not too fast. Secondary plots are also well-developed, with some good hooks to draw a reader into the second novel of the series--a book I plan on reading.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Fortune by Sara Mills is the first in a series based on Allie Fortune, private detective. I have to say that I've always loved this genre of detective stories. You know, the Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett kind of stuff. This is like that, only instead of Bogie being the detective, you've got Bacall.

The novel takes place in New York City a couple of years after World War II. Just like all the books in this type of genre, there is a knock at the door, a shaken client, and a case to solve. But what I liked about this series is that I really fell for Allie Fortune. She wasn't a P.I. Princess, even though that was her nickname. Instead, her character is level headed and quite human.

The reason why I'm going to keep reading this series is that Allie has her own personal mystery to solve. I don't want to tell you any spoilers but there is an interesting little love triangle and a couple of mysterious disappearances which are going to make me pick up the next novel, Miss Match.

Judging by this first book, the series isn't a gritty, dirty detective series that, say, Alan Furst may write, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

"They call her the "P.I. Princess." It's 1947 and Allie Fortune is the only female (and probably the best) private investigator in New York City. Her work is a welcome distraction from her own past, and she's just been hired on by a client who isn't telling the whole truth. Mary Gordon's claims of innocence don't fit with her ransacked apartment, being shot at, and the two Soviet agents hot on her trail." An entertaining story set in post WWII New York. I think the author could have used that to her advantage a bit more. It was weird in the scenes where Allie couldn't contact Jack. What did we do before cell phones?! I didn't realize it was a Christian novel until about half way through. There was no mention of a belief or disbelief in God until then. A character mentions (in passing) after a tragedy that God will help her through the pain. Then no mention whatsoever for a few more chapters then WHAM! Allie has an instant about face. I thought that was kinda strange.

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun - mystery and romance set in 1947. Allie Fortune is the only female (and perhaps the best) private investigator in New York City. One night Mary Gordon stumbles into her office, says she is being followed and hires Allie to figure out who is after her. Soviets, FBI, Helen of Troy's gold, innocence or guilt. It's up to Allie to figure it all out... I had a great time working through the mystery with her. What a fun read! I look forward to the next book in the Allie Fortune Mystery series - Sara Mills has a winner on her hands. **** (4 stars) for sending me into my own film noir mystery!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allie Fortune, the only woman private investigator in 1947 New York, is minding her own business and still looking for David, the man she loves, who was reported MIA. When she gets a chance to work with the FBI, she agrees--but only if the Bureau uses its resources to find out what happened to David. Meanwhile, she's working with a handsome agent, Jack, who has a sad love story of his own. Could she fall for Jack if she knew, once and for all, that David is dead?

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book throughly and had a hard time putting it down as Allie and Jack were held at gun point, kidnapped, conned and more. However I am feeling extremely tired just thinking of the little sleep Allie got through out the whole book...how she does it I'll never know! Can't wait to read book 2!

[Lucy Janowiecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like watching Humphrey Bogart movies, this book will interest you just because of its flavor. It had plenty of action too, with Soviet spies, East German spies, and the FBI. A touch of romance and a strong female P.I. looking for ancient treasure make it complete. Squeaky clean, but totally interesting.

[Myersorchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a christian fiction book. if you like "the maltese falcon" you'll like this. the girl p.i. in the 40's is a reach and i really felt the "christian" part was just thrown in to justify the publisher, but i also read it in an afternoon listening to big band music. it's going to my mom.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you like adventure and intrigue with just a slight hint of romance, you will love this book too. Mills does an absolutely wonderful job with the mystery. It was a really fun time period too - the 1950's.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more from the only woman PI in 1948, but still liked the premise. The flashbacks were just as much of a mystery as the one she had been hired to solve. Perhaps the second book will pick up.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot going for it as far as frivolous detective stories go and I would have given it 4 stars - if it wasn't for the weird God/ religious story that seeped in to the character's plot line. I really could have done without it.

[Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! What a good plot! The mystery was well written, and the twists and turns were great. I also love how Sara went back in clips to show how Allie met David. I can't wait for the next book!!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters but the book as a whole was fairly simple. The same vocabulary was used throughout and therefore became repetitive. As for the mystery, everything was explained as soon as it happened. There was very little "mystery" left for the reader to solve with the characters.

[Kendall Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just too good to be true! Excellent writing, engaging characters with a plot that keeps the reader riveted to the page. I never wanted these books to end!! We need more......PLEASE......

[Erin Estes · Rating 2 out of 5]

at its best, it was kinda cool and thrilling! at its worst, it was like reading wattpad 😐 also this is the most forgettable book i have ever read i just finished it and i barely remember what happened

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

1947, heiress, PI Princess, lost love with not conclusion! Frigging brilliant and highly readable. Chic lit + Noir = LOVE!

[Stephanie Humphreys · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a fun premise, a female P.I. in the 1940's but I found a lot of the story cliche. Still a light fun read.