The Case of the Missing Maid

Harriet Morrow Investigates, Book 1

By: Rob Osler

Narrated by: Nicol Zanzarella

Instant USA Today bestseller!

The acclaimed author of the Anthony, Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award-nominated Devil’s Chew Toy delights with the first in a new historical mystery series set in turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago, as America is entering its Progressive Era and Harriet Morrow, a bike-riding, trousers-wearing lesbian, has just begun her new job as the first female detective at the Windy City's Prescott Agency . . .

Chicago, 1898. Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. Just twenty-one with a younger brother to support, she seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy—with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure . . .

Only an hour into the job, Harriet has an assignment: Discover the whereabouts of a missing maid from one of the most extravagant mansions on Prairie Avenue. Owner Pearl Bartlett has a reputation for sending operatives on wild goose chases around her grand estate, but Harriet believes the stunningly beautiful Agnes Wozniak has indeed vanished under mysterious circumstances—possibly a victim of kidnapping, possibly a victim of something worse . . .

With Mr. Prescott pushing a hard deadline, Harriet's burgeoning career depends on working through a labyrinth of eccentric characters and murky motives in a race to discover who made Agnes disappear. When her search leads to Chicago's Polish community and a new friendship in Agnes's charming older sister, Barbara, clues scattered across the city slowly reveal just how much depends on Harriet's inexperienced investigation for answers . . . and the deep danger that awaits once she learns the truth.

Praise for The Case of the Missing Maid

"The first woman hired by a Chicago detective agency faces one daunting challenge after another in this excellent historical series launch from Osler . . . With lush historical detail, optimistic but plausible gender politics, and an unforgettable heroine, this series is primed for success."—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

"Osler puts a queer 19th-century spin on a familiar tough-gal type."—Kirkus Reviews

"Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry."—Library Journal

©2025 Rob Osler (P)2025 Tantor Media

Fun and Entertaining

Very much enjoyed this light mystery. Harriett and her friends are very likeable and the mystery kept me wondering. Hope to see a second book in this series. Good narration.

Good first book

I liked the characters and the narration was excellent. I would prefer the story focus more on Harriet’s work and less on her sexual preference. Seems everyone in the book is homosexual and the focus was more on that and less on the actual mystery.

Couldn’t put it down

The person that read this book was perfect. Really added to the story with a good narrator I couldn’t wait to hear what would happen. I hope this to become a series

Lively narrated story

I enjoyed this historical work, the characters development, the societal norms of the times, the classist and immigrant status within communities along with their imposed limitations. The underlying queer community across all of these subgroups was done quite well, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.