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Sunshine, secrets, and swoon-worthy stories—June's featured reads are your perfect summer escape.

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He doesn�t need a woman in his life; she knows he can�t live without her.


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A promise rekindled. A secret revealed. A second chance at the family they never had.


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A cowboy with a second chance. A waitress with a hidden gift. And a small town where love paints a brand-new beginning.


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She�s racing for a prize. He�s dodging romance. Together, they might just cross the finish line to love.


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She steals from the mob for justice. He�s the FBI agent who could take her down�or fall for her instead.


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He�s her only protection. She�s carrying his child. Together, they must outwit a killer before time runs out.


Pinkerton's Secret:

Pinkerton's Secret:, March 2008
by Eric Lerner

Henry Holt and Co.
336 pages
ISBN: 0805082786
EAN: 9780805082784
Hardcover
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"Fascinating, fictionalized memoir of the intriguing man who founded Pinkerton's."

Fresh Fiction Review

Pinkerton's Secret:
Eric Lerner

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted February 13, 2008

Historical | Mystery Historical

In 1856, Alan Pinkerton recounts in his memoir how his 30- year-old detective agency changed directions after making two major decisions. He hired Kate, a woman operative, and aligned the agency with the railroads. It expanded into avenues Alan had not dreamed possible. He and his operatives investigated and stopped attempts on Abraham Lincoln's life, infiltrated a Confederate spy ring, which in turn led to the beginning of the Secret Service. Alan details his participation with the Underground Railroad and his involvement with John Brown. His friendship and admiration of John Brown led to the confrontation Alan had with his wife, which ultimately led to their adversarial relationship; a relationship Alan could not end because of his mixed feelings for the woman he'd loved since she was 14 years old. Alan recalls his admiration for Kate and the excitement of working with her. Their relationship evolved into a love affair spiced with the adventure of solving crimes together. But previous commitments and tragedy marred their love affair. Mr. Lerner has created a vivid fictionalized account of Alan Pinkerton in an engrossing tale. He includes Pinkerton's involvement with historical figures from John Brown to famous Confederate spies. He sprinkles in Pinkerton's personal observations of Abraham Lincoln, giving an interesting analysis of the man. In the end, Lerner portrays Alan's ability to live life on his terms, no matter the cost to himself or others.

Learn more about Pinkerton's Secret:

SUMMARY

This romantic adventure conjures up the passionate life story of the Civil War era's legendary private eye, recounting dramatic exploits and his clandestine love affair with his partner Allan Pinkerton's story opens in Chicago on the eve of the American Civil War. After battling con men, train robbers, and vicious gunmen, Pinkerton senses that change is in the air. Already committed to the abolitionist cause and the Underground Railroad, he allies himself with John Brown's radical antislavery crusade. Upholding the law with one hand, he unapologetically breaks it with the other. Kate Warne joins the Pinkerton Agency-its first female detective- and quickly takes her place as Allan's closest confidante. He asks Kate to join him, and she embraces his cause in all its contradictions and extremes. Comrades-in-arms, their romantic passion becomes the most combustible and irresistible kind, the mutual affirmation of a world of two. Together they save the life of Abraham Lincoln on his inaugural journey to Washington, root out Confederate spies within the Union government, and establish the nation's first Secret Service, sending their agents deep behind enemy lines. Blind to all consequences, the secret lovers learn too late that some battles, no matter how right the cause, cannot be won.


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