To Disguise the Truth: (A Historical Romance and Intrigue set in an 1880s New York City ladies’ detective agency) (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency)

I love Jen Turano's books! They always make me laugh, and To Disguise the Truth fulfilled everything I look for in Turano's books. If you're looking for a mystery that isn't dark or intense, I highly recommend To Disguise the Truth. This book is full of quirky characters that I totally fell in love with, fantastic banter, witty comebacks, and irony in the utmost. My only disappointment was that I wasn't expecting the killer to confess so easily, but in the end, that added to the humor of the entire book. I have not read the first two books in the series, but this did not affect my understanding or enjoyment in the least. Actually it only increased my desire to read the first two.
If you like historicals that make you laugh instead of cry, I highly recommend giving To Disguise the Truth a try.

Eunice Holbrooke is taken by surprise when a man shows up at the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency where she’s a partner. She realizes her past has caught up with her and the disguise she’s hidden under for so long may not save her.
Arthur Livingston feels compelled to seek justice for the family he’s been working with. He’s left with more questions and frustrations from the eccentric agents.
This is such a wonderful book and there are twist and turns at every turn. I highly recommend Jen Turano’s To Disguise the Truth.

Do y'all ever read certain books during certain times of the year because you just know the story will hit a bit better in a particular time. To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano is that kind of read. The time frame, the characters, and the setting all give off a fantastic summer tale for devouring. Always give me a female lead that can take on anything with strength and grace. I thoroughly enjoyed my days immersed in the happenings of the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, you will too. I received a copy for this review and all opinions are my own.

If you ever wondered about a Jen Turano book, in my opinion this is the quintessential example to throw your way.

Witty dialogue. Incredulous situations. Mayhem. A little mystery. Societal notes. So meaningful, but also loads of fun...

So many things to love about this book. The characters are delightful both main and secondary. This book really had Eunice as the star and Arthur, kind of was her back up dancer through the middle. Her story had so many layers to unravel and she rose to the daunting task of becoming an equally strong and sensitive woman. I absolutely loved the God-inclusion the author skillfully weaved in as well at poignant moments.

My absolute favorite part of this book... was the ENTIRE epilogue. I could see it brilliantly played out as a play or scene from a movie. The weaving in and out of characters and dialogue was flawless.

Get back in that she-shed, Jen Turano, and keep pumping out these AMAZING stories!!!

I won this book during a blog giveaway and was not required to post a review.

In 1887, Miss Eunice Holbrooke was considered a rather unconventional young lady. She was wildly independent, practical and very opinionated. She was a very capable businesswoman and could defend herself using her boxing skills. Underneath all of the bravado and confidence was some very real fear and the heart of a romantic. Add to that some charm and vulnerability and we have a character that I loved.

But, what does Arthur think? Arthur thinks there is more to Eunice than meets the eye. As Arthur and Eunice form an alliance of sorts to solve a rather important mystery, they get to know each other. Will they like what they see in each other?

With ample amounts of humor spread throughout, this book was so much fun to read. I really enjoyed when the presumed dead characters, along with trusted friends, showed up in Butte. As they went about solving a years old mystery and covered up murder, it almost felt like we were playing a rather rousing game of CLUE, the board game. So much fun!

Filled with romance, mystery, crimes to solve, very likable characters and humor, this book was an absolute joy to read.

I received complimentary copies of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The vibe of this story was different than To Steal a Heart but I was not disappointed!

THE CHARACTERS:
Eunice. She was something different. I didn’t really realize how interesting of a person she was! Coming from To Steal A Heart, I knew she was something special, but I had no idea how much she was behind those widow’s weeds. Getting to know her personality and her purpose, but also her attitude and determination was very entertaining. I liked her character a lot more than in the first book. (I actually didn’t know there was a second book before To Disguise the Truth until I went to Barnes and Nobles to spend a gift card and found it and bought To Write a Wrong without hesitation.

Oh Arthur Arthur. A stubborn, determined man who frankly was exactly perfect for Eunice’s personality. Their interactions consistently made me laugh and I quite enjoyed it.

Some of my favorite other characters were Vincent and Judith (honestly Judith’s character was… top three XD. I hope so much that the next book is about her)

THE PLOT

Ok the plot for this one was a bit tangled up with itself and following each individual thread was really a lot of fun, if slightly confusing at times. The whole plot with Mrs. Mills was both horrifying and hilarious. And of course the discovery of Eunice’s backstory and everything. It was very fun.

THE CONTENT
Unfortunately it’s been a little while since I read this particular book and I don’t remember specific content that may have been disturbing. I know that the insane asylum was pretty icky but not inappropriate. And I know they talked about having children outside of wedlock, and Mrs. Mill’s husband being unfaithful, as well as a few others. I don’t recall any graphic violence or inappropriate sexual content. I’d like to say that this book was fairly clean.

IN SUMMARY
Oh yes, I will be reading this book again in the near future. The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series is a blast through every chapter and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun story that touches on heavy topics without dragging you into the abyss. And the characters are always so unique and entertaining. XD Four stars for sure!

Thank you to Bethany House and the author for a copy of this book. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own!

I honestly was not sure about this book when I first requested it, but I decided to try it out because I needed a new fiction book to read. The cover really drew me in and the synopsis sealed the deal.

The first chapter absolutely drew me in and convinced me to finish the book. The main character is fantastic. She is strong and smart but needs a little more work on her tact and discreetness in undercover work.

There is a through-line of potential romance and the reader is never quite sure if that will be followed through in this book until the last few chapters. The plotline was really well-written and believable between the female and male main characters.

I honestly would love more stories from this author and with these characters at the investigation agency. The supporting characters offer just a little bit of themselves and leave the reader wanting more and the main characters story leaves the reader ready for the next chapter.

I received this book free from NetGalley and Bethany House free to review and this is my honest review.

Five out of five stars

Jen Turano writes witty mysteries with a twist. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations the main characters get into. This final book in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency finally solves the mystery behind Eunice Holbrook's bizarre efforts to keep herself concealed. I highly recommend reading the earlier books in the series first.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It’s sad to see the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series come to an end. This has been an interesting departure from the traditional Jen Turano books with the mystery thrown in right up front, but it has been well done and enjoyable. I feel like there are many stories still to be told. That said, this series wrap-up is quite thorough and, in that respect, satisfying for readers who have been wondering about their favorite characters all along. If you haven’t read the series, you really need to know the other characters before beginning with this book. While it is enjoyable on its own, you will get a lot more out of it if you know the full cast of what is, essentially, a reunion show for the series wrapped into an elaborate murder mystery.

For those of us who have read the rest of the series, the mystery of Eunice Holbrooke has been much on our minds as she is obviously not who she seems. This book quickly unravels that mystery for us as a man from her past shows up to bring everything tumbling down around her. As the layers of her widow’s weeds are pulled back, a much different person is revealed than the Eunice we have known to date and the excitement begins.

Arthur Livingston, the man from her past, isn’t the dashing hero we would all like him to be, at least not from the start. It is easy to understand why Eunice wouldn’t rush into his arms and, in fact, once rushed away from him. But, in time, he redeems himself as all good heroes do.

Along the way, we get a lesson about the conditions of psychiatric asylums when Eunice hides from Arthur by going undercover on a case, learn about the silver industry, travel west to Montana, visit an artist colony, and see multiple beloved characters fall in love. It’s an enjoyable novel that you can spend time with as you revisit old friends and make new ones. The surprise twist at the end will keep you on your toes and the final wrap-up from this beloved series will make you feel warm inside.

I've loved this entire series and Eunice's story did not disappoint. So many twists and turns and the laugh-out-loud moments! Sad to say good bye to all the Inquiry agents!