To catch a raven

A con artist and a tailor join forces to retrieve a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence in Jenkins's characteristically brilliant finale to the Women Who Dare series (after Wild Rain), which returns to post--Civil War America and introduces a new pair of bold Black protagonists whom readers will love. The Pinkerton Detective Agency recruits New Orleans scammer Raven Moreau and Boston businessman Braxton Steele to aide in its latest investigation, threatening false imprisonment if the unlikely duo fails to comply. These strangers must go undercover as husband-and-wife domestic servants to a former Confederate soldier suspected of the theft. Though both start out harshly judgmental of their preconceived notions of the other, their fake marriage and efforts to crack the case soon lead to deep conversations, mutual understanding, and passion. Meanwhile, in an equally swoonworthy subplot, Raven's mother and Braxton's father, former lovers themselves, rekindle their old romance. As ever, Jenkins makes no bones about the difficulties facing Black Americans during the Reconstruction, but neither does she overemphasize hardship and trauma, keeping the spotlight firmly on Black love, joy, and triumph. The heat between Raven and Braxton is palpable and the twisty mystery keeps the pages flying. Fans will be sad to see the end of this outstanding series. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (Aug.)

*Starred Review* In the last book of her highly popular Women Who Dare series, Jenkins tells a complex, nuanced story of a courageous, enterprising woman from New Orleans who lives by her wits and a wealthy, philanthropic tailor from Boston. They have absolutely nothing in common. Growing up poor, Raven left school at the age of nine to help her mother by doing domestic jobs and the occasional heist. Now she lives among a large chaotic family of grifters. Braxton Steele grew up rich and well-educated and worked on his maternal grandfather's merchant ships, learning his trade. He wants a quiet, uneventful married life of shared values; she wants to be passionately loved. They are yoked together by a racist and ruthless Pinkerton detective who holds Brax's father's dodgy past and the Moreaux clan's dodgy present over their heads to compel Raven and Brax to pose as a married couple to steal back a purloined original copy of the Declaration of Independence from an unscrupulous South Carolina state senator. In the midst of this suspense and intrigue, Raven and Brax discover that there is no joy like the joy of being your own self and finding people who love you for it. Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.

In 1870s New Orleans, Raven Moreaux can abscond with precious jewels and pick any lock set before her, but she can't escape detective Ruth Welch's ultimatum. Raven must pose as domestic help in order to smuggle a historic document from a state senator's home, or she and her family will face prosecution for years of illicit gambits. Braxton Steele is coerced into pretending to be Raven's husband in order to keep her on task. Brax's wealthy Boston upbringing isn't the best preparation for the mission and provides much vexation for Raven, but the burning chemistry between them makes it easy to settle into the role of husband and wife. Raven and Brax will have to overcome Welch's schemes, the racist senator and his wife, and their very different pasts to secure their happily ever after. VERDICT Jenkins's latest title in the "Women Who Dare" series (following Wild Rain) is steeped in an understanding of the social structures of 19th-century Boston and New Orleans, has complex and emotionally intelligent characters, and steamy scenes. Readers craving historical detail and a bold, brave heroine should put this at the top of their check-out list.—Shanel Slater

A con artist and a tailor join forces to retrieve a stolen copy of the Declaration of Independence in Jenkins's characteristically brilliant finale to the Women Who Dare series (after Wild Rain), which returns to post–Civil War America and introduces a new pair of bold Black protagonists whom readers will love. The Pinkerton Detective Agency recruits New Orleans scammer Raven Moreau and Boston businessman Braxton Steele to aide in its latest investigation, threatening false imprisonment if the unlikely duo fails to comply. These strangers must go undercover as husband-and-wife domestic servants to a former Confederate soldier suspected of the theft. Though both start out harshly judgmental of their preconceived notions of the other, their fake marriage and efforts to crack the case soon lead to deep conversations, mutual understanding, and passion. Meanwhile, in an equally swoonworthy subplot, Raven's mother and Braxton's father, former lovers themselves, rekindle their old romance. As ever, Jenkins makes no bones about the difficulties facing Black Americans during the Reconstruction, but neither does she overemphasize hardship and trauma, keeping the spotlight firmly on Black love, joy, and triumph. The heat between Raven and Braxton is palpable and the twisty mystery keeps the pages flying. Fans will be sad to see the end of this outstanding series. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (Aug.)