Title: Calico Spy (Undercover Ladies #3)
Author: Margaret Brownley
Pages: 320
Year: 2016
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
This is the third book in the Undercover Ladies series and introduces the Pinkerton Detective Katie Madison. She is on her first case that deals with murder. She has apprehended robbers, thieves and other criminals with great success, but never a murderer. She is sent to Calico, Kansas after two women are killed. They work as Harvey Girls as waitresses. Katie is sent in undercover as a waitress. Well, she has no waitressing experience, which makes for some sticky situations for her. Katie begins to see Branch as more than a partner in crime solving, but what kind of future might they have together?
Sheriff Branch Whitman doesn’t like Pinkerton agents or their operating methods, but he has no idea that Katie is really an agent. He has tried to solve the two murders on his own, but doesn’t have a clue as to the identity of the murderer. He soon learns Katie’s real identity and they agree to work together to solve the crimes. He has been guarding his heart ever since the unexpected death of his wife in a tornado, but Katie has been able to sneak into his heart.
This story was average for me. It started out slow and took some time to introduce all the characters. The identity of the murderer was predictable. I guess I was looking for a little more tension and suspense in the story. However, I did like how the Harvey Girls banded together to help along the romance of Miss Thatcher. Katie was great in her dealings with young Andy. I also appreciated the faith element in the forefront of Branch’s and Katie’s daily lives, learning to trust the Lord no matter what.
My rating is 3-1/2 stars.
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The Calico Spy by Margaret Brownley is the third book in the Undercover Ladies series. Katie Madison (her undercover name) is a Pinkerton Agent. Her latest assignment is to go undercover as a Harvey Girl in Calico, Kansas (it is 1880) to find out who murdered two Harvey Girls. Katie is always successful at her assignments and believes this one will be no different (even though it is her first murder case and she has never been a waitress before).

Sheriff Branch Whitman is puzzled by the two murders. How did the killer get the women outside the Harvey House? It is supposedly locked up tight at lights out. Why were these two women killed? Can Branch find the killer before he strikes again? The last thing Branch wants is a Pinkerton Agent in his town. He cannot stand them (they are usually very unscrupulous). Branch is hoping to dissuade the man and send him packing. Branch was not expecting a woman! Can Branch and Katie work together to solve the case?

The Calico Spy was just a delight to read. I normally do not read westerns, but I thought I would give this book a chance since it contained a mystery. I am so glad that I did. The novel is well-written with enjoyable characters. I just zipped through this book. It will have you laughing out loud. The Calico Spy is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read alone (as I did). The Calico Spy has mystery, humor, and a little romance. All great traits for a very good book. The mystery is simple and extremely easy to solve (but that did not bother me).

I received a complimentary copy of The Calico Spy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )