Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River - (A Girl Friday Mystery) by Emily J Edwards (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Viviana Valentine--Girl Friday turned partner to New York's top investigator, Tommy Fortuna--is drawn into a sordid new case when Buster Beacon, a wealthy man of science, beckons them to a party at his mansion north of the city. There, Buster entertains blue-blooded friends as well as investors keen to make a dollar on the many advancements made in his home laboratory, but he's been hearing strange noises in the night coming from his expansive estate, and he doesn't know who to trust. Once Viviana and Tommy arrive, the party is snowed in. And suddenly, there is a dead body and nowhere to hide. Who killed the disguised federal agent in their midst? And how have details from the top-secret lab become public?"--

Book Synopsis

Author Emily J. Edwards takes Viviana Valentine to new heights--and new lows--in this "firecracker of a series" (Allison Epstein), perfect for fans of Ashley Weaver and Rhys Bowen.

1950, New York. Viviana Valentine-Girl Friday turned partner to New York's top investigator, Tommy Fortuna-is drawn into a sordid new case when Buster Beacon, a wealthy man of science, beckons them to a party at his mansion north of the city. There, Buster entertains blue-blooded friends as well as investors keen to make a dollar on the many advancements made in his home laboratory, but he's been hearing strange noises in the night coming from his expansive estate, and he doesn't know who to trust.

Once Viviana and Tommy arrive, the party is snowed in. And suddenly, there is a dead body and nowhere to hide. Who killed the disguised federal agent in their midst? And how have details from the top-secret lab become public? Once chomping at the bit to be brought into this mysterious life, Viviana wonders if she's ready for the risks that come with the territory--risks that rise treacherously high as the killer targets the next victim.

Set in the gritty, noir world of 1950 New York City, Emily J. Edwards's Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River packs all the elements mystery fans love: an irresistibly clever protagonist, a posh cast of heroes and villains, and a murder case that could defy even the most seasoned investigator.

Review Quotes

Praise for Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River:
"Clever and witty . . . [With] some of the snappiest narration and dialogue in modern whodunits."
--Bookpage

"An outstanding example of an intricate simmering plot that turns into a full rolling boil--and readers won't be disappointed."
--Wonder Women Sixty

"Emily Edwards stuns with Vivana Valentine Goes Up The River. Viv continues to be marvellously charming, and the second installment in the Girl Friday mysteries brings intrigue and new interesting characters. Edwards once again flaunts her expert research skills, making the '50's vibrant and alive. On the whole, Up The River is a gorgeous mystery that will leave readers wanting more."
--Nekesa Afia, author of Dead Dead Girls and Harlem Sunset

"[A] captivating historical mystery series."
--Gumshoe Reviews

"A solid, fun follow-up to the first novel."
--Red Carpet Crash

"Readers cannot help but love this series."
--Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Praise for Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man
"[A] sprightly debut . . . Edwards writes with flair."
--The New York Times

"A snappy valentine to a bygone era . . . [with] a raft of twists and complications."
--Kirkus Reviews

"A solid debut . . . For fans of hardboiled PIs with hearts of gold."
--Library Journal

"Edwards nails the tone, with dialogue and milieu evocative of classic noir."
--Bookpage

"[An] old-fashioned New York gumshoe detective novel, but brought up to date and given a very feminine spin . . . A pleasure to read."
--Historical Novel Society

"It's the steamy NYC summer of 1950, and Viviana's boss is awol, there are unpaid bills, a tricky case, and an unconscious galoot on the office floor. She steps over the broken glass, touches up her lipstick and gets to work. A delightful PI romp that takes you back to when men were men, and girls wore strappy espadrilles and the perfect sundress and didn't take crap from anyone. Viviana Valentine is a keeper. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!"
--Iona Whishaw, award-winning and bestselling author of the Lane Winslow series

"Edwards' clever, highly enjoyable debut is a love letter to the old-school private eye, starring a street-smart secretary who finds herself suddenly tasked with solving the cases of New York's rich and famous. With a stellar cast of supporting characters and a 1950s setting that drips with life, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man unfolds a fun, twisty mystery before sticking the landing for a satisfying final reveal. This firecracker of a series opener will leave readers ready for more Viv!"
--Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman

About the Author

Emily J. Edwards earned her degree in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and took the long road to becoming an author, working for over a decade as a wine and spirits journalist, radio producer, and podcaster. She currently resides in Connecticut with her husband, and several quadrupeds.