A review by jedore
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart

funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

“If I could give something to Fleurette⁠—if I could give her one silent gift from a mother she didn't know she had⁠—it would be this: the realization that we have to be a part of the world in which we live. We don't scurry away when we're in trouble, or when someone else is. We don't run and hide.”

This is the first book in a delightful historical fiction series set in the early 1900s. The story revolves around Constance Kopp and her sisters, who find themselves in the middle of a serious crime after their buggy is hit by a reckless silk factory owner. As the women (mostly Constance) stand up to him, the situation escalates into a series of threats and intimidation. Based on true events, the book follows Constance as she navigates her way through this ordeal with determination, eventually becoming one of the first female deputy sheriffs in the U.S.

Constance Kopp and her sisters actually existed, and Stewart stumbled upon their story while researching another project. This added authenticity to the book, knowing that the plot was inspired by true events.

The story is both informative historical fiction and tense crime fiction. Even though it's centered around a serious situation, Stewart brings a lighthearted tone to the narrative. It’s not a heavy or dark crime novel—instead, it feels more playful and fun, with plenty of humor and wit. The sisters, especially Constance, are likable, relatable, and have a small-town charm about them.

One sensitive aspect of the story was some subtle anti-Semitism. Stewart doesn’t shy away from addressing these societal issues, but she does so in a way that feels authentic to the setting without overpowering the main narrative. It's a reminder that, despite the humor and lighthearted tone, the Kopp sisters are living in a harsh time. 

While there aren’t any jaw-dropping twists or turns, the story is engaging enough to hold your attention until the end. I’m usually not one for series, but I’m genuinely looking forward to reading more about the Kopp sisters.
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