I don’t know when I read a historical mystery as intriguing as Lauren Willig’s The Girl from Greenwich Street.
Just before Christmas in 1789, Elma Sands walked out of her cousin’s boarding house in New York City, and was not seen again. Her cousins thought she was leaving to marry Levi Weeks, a carpenter who boarded there. But, Levi showed up that night, asking about Elma. It wasn’t until January that Elma’s body was found in the Manhattan Well. Handbills circulated and a mob called for the arrest of Levi Weeks, accusing him of killing Elma Sands. After his arrest, Levi’s influential and wealthy brother, Ezra, hired Aaron Burr and another prominent New York attorney to defend Levi. But, politics and jealousy wouldn’t allow Alexander Hamilton to stay out of the trial. He insisted on serving as part of the defense. In the sensational two day trial, Hamilton and Burr compete for the public’s attention while attempting to save Levi Weeks’ life.
Real life personalities bring this story to life in a riveting account of the first murder trial in the U.S. in which there is a recorded transcript. The author of the “Pink Carnation” series leans on that transcript for the trial testimony in a gripping story that will appeal to true crime buffs, those interested in Hamilton and Burr, and historical mystery fans.
Lauren Willig’s website is https://laurenwillig.com/.
The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig. William Morrow, 2025. ISBN 9780063306110 (hardcover), 352p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.
This sounds excellent==I’ll get it! Thanks for the tip.
You’re welcome, Kim!
I like the sound of this one, Lesa. Will see when it will be available at my library. I had almost forgotten about that ‘pink carnation’ series. I know I read the first book, but in looking at my book log I see that one is the only one I read. Thought I read more. Thanks for the reminder though. Hope you have a good week.
Thank you, Kay. Release day is Tuesday, but I don’t know when your library will have it.
“Coming soon” at my library and already four holds placed. the library ordered two copies, so they must expect it to be popular. Since you said it’s intriguing, I’m #5 – thanks
You’re welcome, M.M. I hope you like it!
I have it on my want to read list. I am one of the ones that have this book on hold: six books on order with 9 on the wait list.
I hope you like it, Bonnie!