Edward Kent had been receiving threatening notes for several weeks telling him to go back from where he came: England. He had a detective look into the matter, to no avail. When the threats escalated to horse theft, Edward, spurred on by his housekeeper Mrs. Harvey, asks the Pinkertons for help. Maggy Worthing has been a Pinkerton agent for the past six years. Her boss tells her that if she solves the Kent mystery, he will recommend her for a promotion. Edward is shocked that the Pinkerton is a young woman, but he challenges her to find a new clue by the end of the day. Within minutes, Maggy has found two possible suspects. Edward is not too thrilled that Maggy will pose as his fake fiancée, but when she smiles at him Edward finds himself rather agreeable to the charade.

I loved the idea of a female detective in a story set in 1898 Sheridan, Wyoming. What is even better is that the story is based on historical facts, as Pinkerton did employ female detectives at that time. Stacy Henrie's respect for historical accuracy is but one of the reasons I enjoy her novels so much. The proof is in those important details, such as Buffalo Bill Cody having been part owner of the Sheridan Inn mentioned in THE RANCHER'S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT. The fake fiancé angle was ideal to solve the mystery. The romance bloomed amid respect, friendship, teamwork, and trust. Maggy is such a radiant presence, and Edward is a hero worthy of her. He lets her do her job without interfering. I also very much appreciated how both their pasts mattered to the plot.

Things get nastier as the story progresses. Stacy Henrie's sharp observations on reprehensible male behavior are put to good use when someone goes out of control and lives are put at risk. While THE RANCHER'S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT is somewhat light on the inspirational side, I surprised myself by tearing up when Maggy finds God again. The scene is very simple in and of itself, but so effectively written that the message is conveyed most impressively and convincingly. Stacy Henrie possesses the enviable talent of being able to tailor her writing style to the type of story at hand. In THE RANCHER'S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT, I got an impression of open spaces and of clear blue skies. There is an airiness that permeates the whole story, in spite of darker underlying themes. THE RANCHER'S TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENT'S ending is absolutely brilliant. It was not precisely what I was expecting, yet it was exactly what I was hoping for. Stacy Henrie hasn't failed me yet, and I don't think that day will ever come!

Book Summary

The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female! Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit. And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.

Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?