The Heart of an Agent
Second in Lyons’ Adirondack Pinkerton series and set in 1892, the book begins with Lily Handland turning in her resignation as a Pinkerton agent. Her last assignment had her working undercover as a saloon girl in Heartston, New York. The deception is at odds with her faith-based life, and she’s ready to put down roots in the small town and invest her money in a business in which she can be proud. Banker Seamus Goodwin suggests the Murphy Great Camp. Owner Owen Murphy has let it fall into disrepair since losing his young wife two years ago.
This is a gentle, slight tale whose outcome is easily predicted. Of course, Owen and Lily fall in love, and of course Owen feels betrayed when he learns of Lily’s past, and of course their story ends happily. The story’s very sweetness works against it, however, as there’s no suspense in an inevitable ending, and consequently, little investment on the reader’s part. Lyons has a light touch with the inspirational aspect. Owen and Lily’s faith and that of their friends are woven into the story without being the main thrust of it.
