Capability "Kitty" Weeks is a well-traveled, Swiss-educated young woman, living with her father and housekeeper in 1915 New York. She dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter but right now is stuck working for Mrs. Busby, editor of the Ladies' Page at the New York Sentinel. When a gentleman is murdered at Mrs. Basshor's annual Fourth of July picnic, which Kitty is covering, the young writer gets her chance for a big scoop. No one has much good to say about Hunter Cole, except his young widow, Aimee, a former burlesque dancer. Europe is at war, the United States is trying to remain neutral, and tycoon J.P. Morgan has just survived an assassination attempt. High society is on high alert. VERDICT This lively and well-researched debut introduces a charming historical series and an appealing fish-out-of-water sleuth who seeks independence and a career in an age when most women are bent on getting married, particularly to titled Englishmen. Devotees of Rhys Bowen's mysteries will enjoy making the acquaintance of Miss Weeks.