This 1890 woman sleuth story explores one of the earliest organised franchise hospitality jobs open to women, and one of the earliest crime-solving jobs. Neatly combining waitress and detective is THE HARVEY GIRL. The expanding frontier is sometimes lawless, but it is fast becoming civilised with the railroad tracks. Trouble is, railway carriages of goods are invitations to theft.

The Pinkerton Detective Agency assigns Clare Wright, in her early twenties but a seasoned agent, to assist Fred Harvey. His Arizona restaurant is demanding, and he has got the work down to a fine art. The job is the first place American women wore uniforms, and the catering is making money and friends. His supplies, however, are getting stolen, with entire rail cars of food being hijacked. Recently, a train conductor was killed. This is the final straw for Harvey, who might have accepted a small loss as a business cost. Clare goes undercover to see if she can find any clues.  

Both cowboys and the town’s high society dine at Harvey’s, feasting their eyes on the Harvey Girls. Author Dana Stabenow explores frontier life in which women were scarce, and men carried guns as a matter of course. The rules for the workers are strict - no fraternising, clean uniforms, clean tableware, and the same food in every restaurant. The supply miracles required make Harvey a striking entrepreneur of the day.

Cameos include Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, passing through town and staying with one of the grandees. Clare Wright is stunned and fascinated when she finds Clemens beside her at a party catered by the Harvey Girls. The famous author is in no danger, I’m pleased to say, but death is definitely on the menu for people in the conspiracy.  

I find the emphasis on women’s roles in the frontier both interesting and welcome. Some history is woven through, but only as much as the Pinkertons would have known. THE HARVEY GIRL has the disadvantage of leaving a portion of the case unsolved, so as to lure us into the next story featuring Clare Wright. On the other hand, she’s good company, and the pursuit of justice is always fun. Dana Stabenow is best known for her Kate Shugak mysteries set in modern Alaska. Crime fiction fans who prefer historical mysteries can jump on board this train to 1890 Arizona and all it contains.