Author Description

Please note this was previously published as The Girl Puzzle. Discover the extraordinary story of Nellie Bly, a pioneering woman seeking change in nineteenth century New York. ‘A story of grit and perseverance that will appeal to readers interested in the history of women in journalism.’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Grounded in historical research, brought to life by a novelist’s imagination, here is Nellie Bly in all her fascinating complexity.’ Matthew Goodman, author of Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World ‘Everything a historical novel should be — illuminating, intriguing and intelligent.’ Olga Wojtas, author of Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Golden Samovar 1887 New York. Nellie Bly is a struggling journalist, desperate to write for a newspaper. So, when a job opportunity is presented to her at The New York World, she can’t let it pass by. Her assignment: fake madness to get herself admitted to Blackwell’s Island Lunatic Asylum and expose the neglect and abuse of the patients. But when she experiences first-hand the brutal conditions, she is confronted by the memories of her traumatic childhood. The only thing keeping her sane is her friendship with Dr. Ingram. Thirty years later, Nellie is widowed, determined to forget the past and on a mission to help the city’s orphans. But her new secretary is eager to know more about those ten days in the asylum. As she delves further into Nellie’s memories, she is left questioning if there was more to Nellie’s story. Did she tell the whole truth or is there something she wishes to keep buried? The Puzzle of Nellie Bly is a historical fiction drawing from the true events of Nellie Bly. Perfect for fans of Emilia Hart, Kate Morton, Kristin Hannah, Philippa Gregory and Heather Morris. PRAISE FOR THE PUZZLE OF NELLIE BLY: ‘The author is almost as courageous as her main