Book Review: Gunpowder Tea

Author: Margaret Brownley
Publication Date: October 8, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

Suspicion ain’t proof unless you’re married.

An undercover agent is only as good as his (or her) disguise.

Anyone poking around in another’s history could well end up riddled with bullet holes.

The only person to get into trouble for following a good example is a counterfeiter.

This is the third book and final book in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series. Margaret Brownley is an author that delivers every time with endearing characters and cozy, comfortable settings. This story follows Miranda Hunt as she goes undercover, working for Pinkerton Detective Agency, posing as Annie Beckman and tries to solve the case of the Phantom, a thief who has been robbing trains and banks near Last Chance Ranch. This particular assignment will provide Miranda with the opportunity to prove herself as a top detective in the agency! Jeremy Taggart is the only wrench in her plans. She doesn’t realize that Jeremy is working the same case as her, and by the time it is all said and done they both end up suspecting each other! Can they learn to work together or will they continue to bump heads?

This is my second novel involving the Pinkerton Agency, and specifically a Pinkerton female. Miranda has lived her whole life trying to prove to her father her worth. He was once a Pinkerton detective, but died on a case years ago. Once she receives this job, she feels like her life has finally started. Her determination is striking and unforgettable. She literally lets nothing get in her way. I loved seeing Jeremy added to the equation because I got to see a different side of her after that. A female in charge is always the way to go if you want to win my heart! Miranda is an excellent character, who might be just as strong-willed as me!

The mystery of the Phantom intrigued me, and honestly I loved how much mystery and adventure were incorporated into this story. This is not just a love story, and that makes it all the more fun. Brownley has a knack for embracing all literary elements: mystery, setting, motivations of characters, and makes them work together for the greater good of the story. Her depictions of the Last Chance Ranch are cozy and inviting, just like with some many of her other stories as well!

***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Thomas Nelson Books in exchange for my honest review***