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Cloggie Downunder
Excellent historical crime fiction.
Lady Cop Makes Trouble is the second book in the Kopp Sisters series by NYT best-selling American author, Amy Stewart. While she has been a very active Deputy for Sheriff Robert Heath at Hackensack for two months, Constance Kopp learns that her job is not as secure as she had hoped. Two months later, Constance is filling the role of jail matron for the female prisoners while she waits for her badge: as an elected official, Heath has found obtaining approval for employing the first female deputy is challenging.
One of her charges perplexingly admits to murder despite evidence to the contrary. Then a prisoner escapes under Constance’s watch, putting both her job and the Sheriff’s freedom in jeopardy. As her sisters keep themselves busy with their preferred pursuits (carrier pigeons, dressmaking and acting), Constance decides she must track down the escapee herself.
Constance does some excellent detective work and, being a well-built lady, does not eschew chase and tackle when required. In this instalment, Constance and Sheriff Heath prove that they make a very capable team, holding matching ideas about law enforcement and criminal detention, and affording each other respect for their intelligence and abilities.
Stewart’s Historical Notes and Sources are interesting and informative, revealing that Constance Kopp and her sisters were real people, much as described, as are quite a few of the other characters. Many of the events that form the plot also occurred, if not always when stated. Stewart takes the known historical facts and fleshes them out into a marvellous tale.
Stewart effortlessly portrays the characteristics of everyday life of the early twentieth century and clearly demonstrates how different life was over a hundred years ago. The (often humorous) print column headlines to which, in the first book, the sisters continuously drew each other’s attention, or occasionally invented to suit their particular situation, are noticeably absent in this book, but there is still humour in their dialogue. Excellent historical crime fiction that will have readers seeking out the third book, Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions.
Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN)
Love these characters!
I sure hope that Amy Stewart is busy writing away with more Constance Kopp adventures. What a fun, interesting book that is a fantastic follow-up to the first book, "Girl Waits With Gun". The characters are all so interesting and fleshed-out. I look forward to her next in the (hopeful!) series... (No pressure, Ms. Stewart!)
Kathryn B. (Bronx, NY)
Lady Cop Makes Trouble
I found this book a delightful read. Being transported back to pre-woman's lib time added to the flavor of the story. Constance Kopp was certainly "ahead of her time" aspiring to work in a man's world of the early 1900's.
The characters are well-developed and the core of the story is based on actual events. Constance shows dedication to the job, ambition and independence. She exudes confidence but knows when to seek the advice of those wiser than she.
I am inspired to read Amy Stewart's first book in this series, Girl Wants Gun.
Mary B. (St Paul, MN)
Lady Cop Makes Trouble
I enjoyed Girl Waits With Gun and was excited to read Lady Cop. I was not disappointed. Ms Stewart weaves together a very interesting story based on historical events. In the continuation of Constance's story her character continues to develop, as well as those of the other characters. I especially find the author's notes interesting as she writes about some of the actual events that took place in the story. I look forward to the next installment. Great read!!
Maggie P. (Mount Airy, MD)
Constance Returns
Constance Kopp is back in the second installment of Amy Stewart's continuing saga of the Kopp sisters. Once again the reader accompanies Constance as she takes to finding a prisoner who escaped during her watch. Filled with action and adventure, this book is perfect for someone who loves crime novels. Fans of Amy Stewart and Constance Kopp can only hope that this time period in Bergen County afforded Constance lots of opportunities for adventure.
Sarah M. (Kirksville, MO)
A delightful sequel to Gir Waits With Gun
This is a wonderful, character-driven mystery. While new readers can jump right into the adventures of this first (would-be) lady deputy sheriff in turn-of-the-century New Jersey, readers familiar with Girl Waits With Gun will enjoy the glimpses they get of Constance's sisters, the stolid, acerbic Norma and the lovely Fleurette, as well as revel in the growing mutual regard Constance and Sheriff Heath have for each other. As was true for Girl Waits With Gun, part of the fascination of Lady Cop Makes Trouble is the meticulous research the author did into the lives of the real Kopp sisters when writing these books. Lady Cop Makes Trouble would appeal to readers of mysteries and historical fiction and would be an excellent pick for book club discussion. Because of its strong heroines, it would also appeal to YA readers.
Mariana W. (Bolton Landing, NY)
Awesome Book With Real LIfe Female Protagonist
In her second novel, Lady Cop Makes Trouble, Amy Stewart, well-known for her nonfiction, creates an amusing, absorbing novel based on the arguably first real-life Jersey Girl Constance Kopp.
What a romp it is to read the 1916 adventures of Constance Kopp, an actual woman from Northern New Jersey, most notably Bergen County, an unofficial borough of New York City. When the story opens, she is the first woman to receive a salary for solving a previous crime (see Girl Waits With Gun). And she's striving to move up in the ranks of law enforcement. She's unpretentious, but ambitious. She's independent, but family-oriented. She is a strong woman comfortable being a size 20.
It takes a Jersey Girl like Constance to know exactly what she wants... and how to hold on until she gets it, without losing anything. Constance wants her badge and the chance to chase down dangerous criminals in her hometown: joined in the fun by motley residents and relatives. Many are main characters in their own rights, and the various sub plots complex enough to keep readers entertained.
Lady Cop Makes Trouble contains elements of mild suspense, comic relief, and a hint of mystery. It's a well-researched historical novel and pointed social commentary on male privilege. This mystery earns your attention with its pleasing manners, fun and amusing plots. But some dark currents underlie its froth. The novel is one of a kind—friendly with an attitude—like the Jersey Girl it portrays. If you identify with Eve Rossi and V.I. Warshawsky, Phryne Fisher and Maisie Dobbs, you'll find a kindred but unique spirit in Constance Kopp.
Dorothy C. (Bismarck, ND)
Lady Cop Makes Trouble.
I enjoyed reading the second book about Constance Kopp. It was as well written as the first book, Lady Waits With Gun. As I was reading I could just picture all the adventures Constance had gotten herself into. Just think how hard it would be, to be on a foot chase with someone while wearing a long skirt and a hat, but Constance kept her hat on. I would like to see another sequel to this book.Will there will be a love interest for Constance, but maybe she will be too busy fighting crime. I recommend both of these books, by Amy Stewart.