Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

Back Cover:

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can't-put-down read. 

Review:

Love in Disguise was a great book. It blends mystery, romance and the Wild West into a very entertaining read.

I really enjoyed the character of Ellie and her many alter-egos. Ellie’s problem of keeping up her two facades characters in order was quite humorous to read. I think this book is so enjoyable because the idea of having an alter-ego is so attractive. Don’t we all sometimes wish we were someone else who was more self-confident, more popular, more outgoing?

Ellie’s quick and forward thinking was definitely her best attribute, using it to “connect the dots” and solve the mystery.

The story line was pretty good. It played out somewhat like a Wild West tv show or movie, but had enough twists to keep it enjoyable and keep me on my toes.

The setting was also great. I recently have been on a Wild West kick, so reading the general store, the saloons, and the rest of the town come to life was really fun.

Steven and Ellie’s whirlwind romance was a bit far-fetched, but still appealed to my romantic chic-lit side.

Love in Disguise was a fun book to read. I believe Carol Cox did an excellent job with this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.