Girl Waits with Gun

By: Amy Stewart

Narrated by: Christina Moore

In 1914 collisions between motor cars and horse-drawn carriages are an everyday occurrence on the streets of Paterson, New Jersey. But when an out-of-control driver smashes into a buggy driven by Constance, Norma, and Fleurette Kopp, their lives change forever. Constance, the oldest, demands payment for the damages but quickly realizes that she is dealing with a madman - Henry Kaufman, a silk manufacturer with a drinking problem and a dangerous group of associates.

Soon the Kopp home is under siege. The sisters face threats of arson, kidnapping, and white slavery. Bricks come flying through their windows, and shots are fired at their house late at night. Even the sheriff can't solve the case on his own. He issues revolvers to the Kopp sisters, posts guards at their house, and enlists Constance's help in catching Kaufman. In the process Constance finds herself pulled into an underworld of abused factory workers, missing children, and dirty dealings.

Her attempts to help another woman in trouble forces her to confront her own past and imagine a different future for herself and her sisters. Before the collision, she was just a bored 35-year-old woman living at home with her sisters in the New Jersey countryside, stuck in a life she didn't want but couldn't escape. But the minute Constance is issued a gun, she finds her calling.

Set against the backdrop of the famous Paterson Silk Strike and based on actual events, Girl Waits with Gun is the first in a series of novels based on the real life adventures of Constance, Norma, and Fleurette Kopp. Drawing on extensive research into newspaper reports, courthouse files, genealogical archives, and letters, this intriguing story remains true to the historical record.

©2015 Amy Stewart (P)2015 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Christina Moore is simply spectacular narrating Amy Stewart's story of one of the country's first female deputies.... Stewart is telling a fascinating story, and Moore makes listening an immersive experience." (AudioFile)

Enjoyable History Novel About Sheltered Women

I enjoyed this historical novel very much. The story was interesting from the beginning and there was no lag during the entire story. Amy Stewart did a great job of building the different characters of the three sheltered Kopp sisters living together in the country. As with all sisters that are so different yet love each other, they are a hoot and I smiled or laughed several times during their interactions with each other. The sisters encounter a very distressing event in their lives and the men involved make it much worse than it should have been. My favorite character, Sheriff Heath, was the right person in the right place to protect them while efforts for justice move forward.

Who would love this book? People who love "lightweight" history with good characters and descriptions of life in 1914-15 in Paterson & Hackensack, NJ. It sounds like a YA story at times. If you have listened to several "intense" stories, this is a good transition before your next strong listen. The narrator did a good job with all the different voices, especially the sisters. I will look for more books from Amy Stewart.

Original and charming

What a delightful and unusual book with strong female characters at the center of a believable story. I hope this is but the beginning of a series that I will support avidly.

Better than I expected

This was better than I was expecting. I like mystery/detective stories and while this wasn't quite that, it had enough back story and secrets to keep me entertained. I like being taken to a different place and time when listening to stories and this did that. I wish it had been longer but I see there is a second installment so that will do.

Test tier 3

I will try this review again in order to try what the issue may be in order to assist this customer.

Very Enjoyable

Any additional comments?

I wasn't sure I would like this, but once I started it I was so pleased and found it hard to put down. I love the characters and the historic details about Patterson, New Jersey and the place of women. I have already purchased the second book and can't wait to listen. The reader is perfect for this story.

A pleasant surprise!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved this book, what a refreshing change of pace! I am so happy for the daily deals, I have found a few gems that I otherwise wouldn't have seen. This was the case with this book, and I can't wait to start the second book!

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are fantastic, I laughed a lot!

What about Christina Moore’s performance did you like?

I think she did a good job, occasionally I got lost as to which character she was portraying as the differences in voice weren't as prominent for me.

loved it

loved it! great story and characters. plan to listen to more of this series of the 3 sisters.

New territory

New and interesting territory for me but about two hours too long. I found myself waiting for it to end but will give the second book a try. It's shorter.

Great Story of Courage

I love that this is loosely based on a true story. It is not easy standing up for yourself especially when others rely on you. How far can one person be pushed to continue to stand and not be pushed? Read and find out.

Fun read, likable protagonists.

I won't re-listen to it but I enjoyed the first time through. The reader is excellent.