I was initially drawn to this book by the beautiful cover as well as the concept of a girl who grows up in a prison and goes on to work as a private investigator. I liked how Cora is introduced to us as a strong female lead who is determined to follow the career of her dreams despite women's roles in the 1930's still being mostly domestic. 

<i>"Opportunities like the one she had hinted at on the telephone were rare. At least for a woman like Cora, trying to sow a name for herself owned solely by men."</i>

<i>"It's unusual, to find a woman willing to do a job of this nature."</i>

After this and the introduction of several more characters, the story slows down and becomes hard to follow. It becomes less about the mystery and more about the characters themselves, their mundane tasks and shallow conversations. The author does a great job at detailing the glamour of 1930's however, the world building feels endless and exhausting when there are no striking events or real action happening. The flashbacks were the most intriguing parts and added a lot of depth to the story.

Overall, the book was enjoyable enough but if there was a sequel I don't think I'd be interested in reading it. 

Favorite Quotes:

“Redemption isn’t possible without the truth.”

"What a private investigator I am, drinking stolen booze with the most wanted con in the country."

"Your own security? Good God, woman, do you actually think I'd try to kill you?"
"I think in your wildest fantasies you already do."

"Gotta believe there's something happening in the dark, that we just can't see yet. Something better coming.”