Fresh Fiction Blog | Kathleen Y'Barbo | Legend of the Lady Detective

When I set out to write a heroine equal to the task of catching the charming villain Will Tucker in SADIE'S SECRETS, there was no doubt Sadie Callum, the well-bred Louisiana-born daughter of sugar cane planter, would be a Pinkerton agent. After all, what other nineteenth century organization allowed women not only to populate their ranks well before they could vote, but also made great use of their unique talents?

Early on, Alan Pinkerton respected the ability of a woman to go where a man might not be allowed. Thus, he made sure that he always had a few well-trained ladies in his employ for those difficult cases where a feminine touch was needed.

Pinkerton agents—both male and female--were well trained and well paid. Their expertise in surveillance was beyond comparison. Allan Pinkerton was an early proponent of using female agents, determining that often it was the lady who was least suspected of being a detective.

One famous lady Pinkerton was the widow, Kate Warne, thought to be the clean-shaven person standing behind Mr. Pinkerton in the photograph from the Library of Congress archives. Kate Warne, a woman who it is claimed walked into the Pinkerton offices seeking a secretarial job only to leave as a detective, is one of the more memorable Pinkertons, and definitely the first female agent.

Among Mrs. Warne's many accomplishments was the detection of a plot against President-elect Abraham Lincoln. Not only did she learn of the plot, but she also saved the president's life by helping to smuggle him into Washington DC for his inauguration disguised as her invalid brother. Later, during the Civil War, it has been alleged that Mrs. Warne was quite adept at fitting in on both sides of the lines and brought back valuable intelligence to the Pinkerton offices. Quite the accomplishment considering women were not yet accepted as valuable members of any other crime fighting organization.

And although Sadie Callum is only a fictional detective, I believe Alan Pinkerton would heartily approve of her methods of bringing Will Tucker to justice once and for all. Take a peek at SADIE'S SECRET, the third book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, and find out just how she manages such a feat.

About Kathleen Y'Barbo

Bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of forty-five novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified family law paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader's Choice Award and several Top Picks by Romantic Times magazine. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and a former member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, she is currently a proud military wife and an expatriate Texan cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies from north of the Red River. To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Comment to win all three books in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series

Flora's Wish
The Secret Lives Of Will Tucker
#1.0
February 2013

Millie's Treasure
The Secret Lives Of Will Tucker
#2.0
August 2013

Sadie's Secret
The Secret Lives Of Will Tucker
#3.0
February 2014

Comments

I love reading books like this, because they bring History back to life!! As soon as I hear the name Pinkerton, my ears immediately perk up, because I remember that he had quite the reputation back in his day!! It was wonderful to read a little more about his background, and this book is definately on my TBR list, as well as the other books of yours!! I'm so glad that you chose this topic to write about!! I love the covers, too!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:22am January 17, 2014)

What a wonderful-sounding story. I would LOVE to win - but even if I don't I will have to get this one to read. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:19am January 17, 2014)

Sounds terrific! Will look for them in the book store!
(May Pau 10:21am January 17, 2014)

These book are my kind of read. Appreciate the giveaway.
I have to add I have to cheer for TCU now that my
granddaugher goes there but as a West Texan (who lives
elsewhere) any Texas team is on my list.
(Leona Olson 10:24am January 17, 2014)

I really like the idea of a lady Pinkerton detective. I don't think I've ever heard that there were any. Hooray for Mr Pinkerton for be so progressive!
(Sandy Fielder 2:59pm January 17, 2014)

I've always thought the Pinkerton Agents where interesting.
(Theresa Norris 3:57pm January 17, 2014)

The unique idea of a Lady Pinkerton detective is fascinating
and wonderful. What wonderful books.
(Sharon Berger 4:03pm January 17, 2014)

I love Southern historical fiction....your book fits the bill!
(Susan Coster 4:06pm January 17, 2014)

I love historical fiction. Would love to read these. Thanks
for the chance and Congrats on the books!
(Vicki Hancock 4:08pm January 17, 2014)

I think it's great that women were Pinkerton Agents. This would be an interesting series.
(Lori Yost 4:11pm January 17, 2014)

OMG, this sounds like such a great read...going on my TBR list for sure. thanks for the giveaway!
(Barbara Studer 4:26pm January 17, 2014)

I love your covers and the lovely ladies on them. What clothes! You must have
done a lot of research. Congratulations! I can't wait to read all of them.
(Sandra Spilecki 5:10pm January 17, 2014)

I love female characters that hold positions that are usually considered male in their times.
(Sue Farrell 5:12pm January 17, 2014)

Sounds fascinating! I would love to win a copy!!
(Betty Hamilton 6:01pm January 17, 2014)

Throw my name in the hat to win a copy of your newest book.
The series sounds great.
(Rosemary Simm 6:24pm January 17, 2014)

Wow, Congrats on your 3 new books: FLORA'S WISH, MILLIE'S
TREASURE AND SADIE'S SECRET in THE SECRET LIVES OF WILL
TUCKER SERIES. I love the pretty book covers too with the
pretty dresses. I would love to win and read your fascinating
books in the New Year 2014. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 7:19pm January 17, 2014)

I love to read and always carry a book around with me. I would love the opportunity to read your books, they look very interesting!! Thank you for this chance!!
(Carol Oddy 7:28pm January 17, 2014)

Cannot wait to read Flora's Wish, Millie's Treasure and Sadie's Secret. Love the covers too. Hope I win.
(Mary Branham 8:17pm January 17, 2014)

I never knew Pinkerton agents could be women. How fascinating! I always learn new things when I read historical books.
(Marcy Shuler 8:37pm January 17, 2014)

I have always liked lady detective stories. Looks like an interesting read. Thanks for the chance to win.
[email protected]
(Amy Kincade 9:18pm January 17, 2014)

I love lady detectives! This is a fabulous offer to get the
three books!
(Diane Sallans 9:23pm January 17, 2014)

That is one thing I like about Pinkerton. He saw things ahead of his time and has use his resources quite well. Women were considered weak but Pinkerton saw it differently.
(Kai Wong 9:35pm January 17, 2014)

I never realized there were female Pinkerton agents. I find this exciting! I thought at that time, women were pretty much left to either secretarial, housekeeping and related duties, or prostitution.
(Michelle Willms 9:42pm January 17, 2014)

I adore historical fiction that is based on real history! I do think that Mr. Pinkerton isn't given enough credit for realizing women could do some things better than men -- especially since so many people don't know that he employed women as more than secretaries.
(Glenda Martillotti 12:02pm January 18, 2014)

I love to read historical romances. I'm looking forward to this one too! Thanks
(Bonnie Capuano 8:48am January 18, 2014)

Very informative little snippet about lady Pinkerton Kate Warne... I never knew the Pinkertons employed women... Would love to win this contest.. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Sonja Warmath 9:02am January 18, 2014)

I like the idea of adventure, mystery and romance. Thanks for the excerpt.
(Annette Naish 11:26am January 18, 2014)

These stories sound fascinating! I love strong women in
books!
(Maria Proctor 12:15pm January 18, 2014)

I love detective stories and excited to read these. The covers are lovely!
(Barbara Wells 1:11pm January 18, 2014)

i love the detective stories i would love to read this
(Denise Smith 1:33pm January 18, 2014)

What an interesting post. I didn't know that there were female Pinkerton agents.
(Maureen Emmons 2:24pm January 18, 2014)

I love these kind of books where the women are strong and they have somewhat of a historical back grround.
(Gayle Pace 2:26pm January 18, 2014)

Sounds like a very interesting series! Thanks for the
information on lady Pinkerton agents and for the giveaway.
(Lis K 2:35pm January 18, 2014)

These books look so good! I love historic fiction...and lady detectives are always fun! Thanks for the chance to win.
(Vennie Martinisi 3:28pm January 18, 2014)

Your books sound delightful; I will look for them in the bookstore.
(Nancy Wolfe 4:10pm January 18, 2014)

The thought of there being lady deceives even before women got the vote
sounds intriguing.
(Chris Coulson 5:18pm January 18, 2014)

I really enjoy reading her books!!! I hope I win!!!
(Janet Oliver 7:40pm January 18, 2014)

I've read other books featuring Pinkerton agents that I really liked and other books by Kathleen so these books look especially interesting to me. It's a winning combination! I'd very much enjoy winning this set of books. Thanks for the chance.
(Pam Kellogg 7:59pm January 18, 2014)

I loved this series from the beginning of the first page! I can't wait to read the next book.
(Emily Graham 9:08pm January 18, 2014)

How fun! Lady detective in the Pinkerton's! Just the concept sounds intriguing!
(Marcia Berbeza 9:25pm January 18, 2014)

I read Millie's Treasure and reviewed it on my blog. It was fantastic! I SO look forward to reading the other books in this series!
(Wanda Barefoot 9:26pm January 18, 2014)

What an exciting giveaway. I would love these books as great writers
always write great books. Thank you for the opportunity to be a winner.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
(Melanie Backus 11:28pm January 18, 2014)

This sounds like a wonderful series of books. I really enjoy reading historical fiction.
(Kathy Morrison 11:54pm January 18, 2014)

Love the story line of Sadie's Secrets, and would love to read all three of the books in The Secret Lives of Will Tuckers series! I, just recently, found out about the use of females at Pinkerton's - the book sounds SO exciting!

I haven't read any of Kathleen's books, and would love to become acquainted with her writing! Thanks for the opportunity to win 3 of her books!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
(Bonnie Roof 12:24pm January 19, 2014)

This book sounds very interesting. Would love to win it.
(Linda Hall 2:44am January 19, 2014)

Sounds like a great read. The Pinkerton agency has always been interesting and a female agent is awesome. Thanks
(Pam Howell 8:15am January 19, 2014)

I see a number of readers agree with me. This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Anna Speed 12:33pm January 19, 2014)

Historic fiction is on genre I love! It's truly an escape into a whole different world and sometimes even a happier escape. I love the cover art on these books as well. Thank you for the giveaway.
(Vennie Martinisi 3:06pm January 19, 2014)

Sadie's Secret sounds like a great historical mystery that I would enjoy reading along with the other two previous books, as I haven't read any of the books you've written. We've had so much snow on a daily basis, so I don't get out much and love to stay in, keep warm and read, read, read!
(Linda Luinstra 4:36pm January 19, 2014)

WHOOP! I love Kathleen Y'Barbo and would love to win all three books in this wonderful series!
(Britney Adams 3:30am January 20, 2014)

This is great, would love a chance to read them.
(Carol Edwards 10:56am January 20, 2014)

Thank you all so much for the comments! You guys made me blush!!

I agree that the cover for this one is just adorable. I think it's my favorite
cover of the series. I love writing about the Pinkertons, but writing a lady
Pinkerton was so much fun!

I feel so bad for you with all that snow, Linda! We've had a few inches here,
but nothing like yours!
(Kathleen Y'Barbo 6:19pm January 21, 2014)

I love the way your books keep the reader constantly guess what will happen next. These books look like they will do just the same and I cannot wait for them to come to Australia. I love hearing about history through novels, and I love the way you twist it into your stories.
(Melinda Tew 5:48am January 22, 2014)

What a fantastic series! I didn't know that Pinkerton employed women as agents. I love historical fiction and have added these books to my wishlist. Thanks for sharing the interesting post.
(Bonnie H 10:03pm January 25, 2014)

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