Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them. 

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

Goodreads Summary

If you're looking for both a sweet romance and intriguing mystery then this book is perfect for you!  Miranda Hunt is a sort of Nancy Drew; she assumes an identity to try to capture a culprit at Last Chance Ranch.  Of course, Miranda is not the only detective on the case.  Jeremy Taggert is hot on the trail and also interested in Miranda.  As their investigations begin to intertwine, the two start to form both an uneasy alliance and a relationship-even though Miranda still suspects Jeremy (at least a little bit) as being her culprit.




Miranda's character is richly described and easy to enjoy.  I loved her fun nature and high intellect.  I also loved how the author made the "Phantom" easy to hate.  He was an interesting villain; her certainly gave plenty of people the run-around.  I did like Jeremy.  Though Miranda did not really need a hero, I liked that he was there to support and challenge her.  Who doesn't enjoy a challenge?  I loved how the author delved into the dialogue and tradition that one might expect with a book titled "gunpowder tea."  This book is recommended to adult readers.

4 Stars


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