Step into the fizzy, thrilling world of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, where 1930s Chicago buzzes with mystery, romance, and a dash of danger! Written by Michelle Cox, this captivating blend of historical fiction and detective drama follows Henrietta Von Harmon, a spirited working-class heroine, and Clive Howard, a wealthy inspector with secrets of his own. Their unlikely partnership unravels murders and family dramas against the gritty backdrop of the Great Depression, making every page a delightful escape.
How Henrietta and Inspector Howard Began
Michelle Cox, a lover of all things 1930s, crafted the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series to transport herself—and readers—back to a time of big band music and shadowy underworlds. Inspired by stories from her time working in a Chicago nursing home, Cox spun a tale that began with A Girl Like You in 2016. Her goal? To weave historical authenticity with heart-pounding mysteries and a romance that echoes classics like Pride and Prejudice, but with a Chicago twist.
The Heart of Henrietta and Inspector Howard
The series kicks off with A Girl Like You, where Henrietta, a taxi dancer scraping by to support her siblings, goes undercover for Inspector Clive Howard to solve a murder at a seedy burlesque theater. In A Ring of Truth, their romance deepens as Henrietta grapples with Clive’s hidden wealth and a dangerous theft plot. A Promise Given sees the couple navigating their wedding and a murder mystery at an English castle, while A Child Lost dives into darker territory with a spiritualist and an asylum. Each book blends 1930s slang, vivid Chicago settings, and themes of class divides, resilience, and love conquering all.
Cox’s storytelling shines through her meticulous research and lively prose, painting a world of smoky bars, elegant mansions, and mobster-controlled streets. The series’ strength lies in its characters—Henrietta’s pluck and Clive’s stoic charm make them a dynamic duo, while side characters like Stanley, the lovestruck neighbor, add humor and heart. Fans of historical mysteries and slow-burn romance will find themselves hooked on this intoxicating cocktail of suspense and passion.
Why Henrietta and Inspector Howard Resonates
The Henrietta and Inspector Howard series has carved a niche among fans of historical mysteries, earning praise from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly for its vibrant characters and twisty plots. Its blend of romance and sleuthing appeals to readers who love Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness or classic detective pairs like Nick and Nora Charles. By spotlighting Chicago’s forgotten residents through Cox’s blog, ‘Novel Notes of Local Lore,’ the series also celebrates the unsung stories of the era, making it a love letter to the city’s past.
- Publication Years: 2016–2024
- Number of Books: 8
- Awards: Chanticleer Book Awards, Independent Press Award
Grab A Girl Like You and dive into Henrietta and Inspector Howard’s dazzling world of 1930s Chicago mysteries and romance!