Nellie Bly gained so much fan as a reporter in New York during the Guilded Age when she published her article about insane asylums for women. I know when I first read about her all I could think of was ‘what a badass!’. I have since read some historical fiction books that reference her life and works but I have yet to actually read a book about Nellie Bly—fictionalized or otherwise.
When I saw this one come across my desk I thought to myself ‘Yes finally!’. This tantalizing new book brings Nellie Bly to life as an investigastive reporter and trailblazer in a fictionalized recounting of her adventures. Plus it promises to add in some mystery, intriuge and romance and I am so here for this book! I cannot wait to see how this series evolves as this is just the first book in what looks to be a promising series!
Author Maya Rodale is mostly a romance writer so this will be her first foray into historical fiction/mystery but I am absolutely thrilled about this crossover. I haven’t read any of Rodale’s roamnces but I have seen many of them and they all look so juicy. This book about Bly also hints at a romantic piece so I am looking forward to seeing how that translates in the story itself. The book has been getting a ton of positive early reviews all around 4-5 stars! I cannot wait for this one and it’s out now so if you are looking for a new intriguing read I think this is going to be an excellent option!
Summary
Fearless reporter Nellie Bly will stop at nothing to chase down stories that expose injustices against women—even if it comes at the risk of her own life and freedom—in this exciting novel inspired by the true story of one remarkable woman.
In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she’d be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for Women.
For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s, but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Inside, she discovers horrors beyond comprehension. It’s an investigation that could make her career—if she can get out to tell it before two rival reporters scoop her story.
From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a rollicking historical adventure series about the outrageous intrigues and bold flirtations of the most famous female reporter—and a groundbreaking rebel—of New York City’s Gilded Age. (summary from Goodreads)
The Lit Bitch 