Girl Waits with Gun (Kopp Sisters, #1) in Retro Chapter Chicks

May 20, 2017 Candi rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, book-i-own, mystery-crime

"When I allowed myself to think about the brevity of the time ahead of me, and the futility of spending any more of it on cooking and mending and gardening, it frightened me so much that I almost couldn’t breathe."

Constance Kopp is a woman ahead of her time. She may be living rather peacefully with her sisters on a farm in New Jersey just outside of the big city of New York, but that doesn’t mean she’s quite satisfied with her domestic life. Oh, she loves her sisters well enough – the often cant "When I allowed myself to think about the brevity of the time ahead of me, and the futility of spending any more of it on cooking and mending and gardening, it frightened me so much that I almost couldn’t breathe."

Constance Kopp is a woman ahead of her time. She may be living rather peacefully with her sisters on a farm in New Jersey just outside of the big city of New York, but that doesn’t mean she’s quite satisfied with her domestic life. Oh, she loves her sisters well enough – the often cantankerous Norma and the beautiful and slightly spoiled Fleurette. However, something is missing from her life, perhaps some excitement and fulfillment. Those elusive elements are hard to come by for a woman of the early 1900s. When Constance and her two sisters make the unfortunate acquaintance of Henry Kaufman, owner of Kaufman’s Silk Dyeing Company, life will become anything but dull. When her family is threatened, Constance won’t stand by and watch. She needs more than just help from the local sheriff, though; she needs a gun and a quick lesson in how to shoot it! "My sisters and I have no one but each other, and if anyone should take up a handgun in their defense, I will be the one to do it."

What follows is a really fun adventure of sorts, based on real people and true events. I seriously enjoyed this book! Constance is strong and witty and there is much to admire about her. Norma and Fleurette have quirky personalities that make them thoroughly entertaining as well. Sheriff Heath… now here’s a guy that recognizes the value of a competent woman. His interactions with Constance are priceless. Girl Waits with Gun may not be a literary masterpiece, but it is far from being a light read. There are some great historical bits, and it provides an interesting glimpse at the life of women, in particular single women, in early twentieth century America. There are some twists and turns in the story that keep it completely engaging throughout. The fact that Constance Kopp truly existed is intriguing enough to make me want to learn more about her life. I plan to read the second in the series to see what shenanigans she might get herself mixed up in next!
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Oct 21, 2017 Tasha rated it liked it

Shelves: audio-reads

3.5

A fun story based on a real woman, which makes this a more interesting read. I enjoyed the set up of how she gets installed on her next venture for the next in the series. I also enjoyed the bits of real history that gets inserted in the pages. I'll be reading the next one to see where this goes. I have a feeling that will be a stronger (better) read than this one. I loved the cover and and going to collect these books for that alone!

Second read: I listened to this one this second time around ...more

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May 11, 2019 Book Concierge rated it really liked it

Shelves: library, concierge, strong-women, audio, historical-fiction, family, sisters, new-jersey

Book on CD read by Christina Moore.

Based on the true story of one of America’s first female detectives, Stewart gives us a wonderfully atmospheric historical crime novel set in 1914-1915, and with a great cast of characters.

Of course, the Kopp sisters are front and center. Constance is the eldest, and exceedingly tall; she is pragmatic and sensible, hard working and determined to keep the family farm, though everyone else, including their older brother, wonders how “three girls can manage alon Book on CD read by Christina Moore.

Based on the true story of one of America’s first female detectives, Stewart gives us a wonderfully atmospheric historical crime novel set in 1914-1915, and with a great cast of characters.

Of course, the Kopp sisters are front and center. Constance is the eldest, and exceedingly tall; she is pragmatic and sensible, hard working and determined to keep the family farm, though everyone else, including their older brother, wonders how “three girls can manage alone out there.” Norma is the prickliest of the three; she prefers to stay away from town, tending to the animals on the farm, especially her carrier pigeons. And yet, she is equally devoted to her sisters, and especially to helping Constance as they try to protect their baby sister. Fleurette is that baby – now a young lady in her teens, and eager to go out into the world and experience all it has to offer.

Their nemesis is the rich and powerful owner of the local silk factory: Henry Kaufman, who runs his automobile into the Kopp’s buggy. The sisters demand payment for the damages he caused, which sets off an escalating war of intimidation, revenge and recrimination. Eventually, Constance goes to file a formal complaint, and this introduces her to Sheriff Robert Heath.

I loved Heath. He was principled, ethical, conscientious and straightforward. He never sugarcoated the possibilities and did his best to make certain the Kopp sisters were equipped to handle things on their own. Despite the obvious corruption in the system, and the power held in the hands of the factory owners, he persisted in seeking justice and punishing the wrongdoers, regardless of their wealth.

A side plot involving a factory worker whose child has been abducted, gives Constance a additional chance to prove her abilities as a detective. It also allows Stewart to give the reader a greater sense of the history of the time and the conditions faced by factory workers.

Christina Moore does a marvelous job narrating the audiobook. I particularly liked the way she acted Fleurette; she gave her an excited, breathy delivery that really made me believe this was a 16-year-old girl, long sheltered (isolated) on a family farm and eager to experiences the world.

Brava to the Kopp sisters, Ms Stewart and narrator Moore. I’ll keep reading this series. ...more

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Jan 11, 2016 Kris (My Novelesque Life) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, family-drama, mystery, historical-fiction, america, elibrary, history, women, fiction, 1910s

RATING: 4 STARS

Based on a true story about the three Kopp sisters. The three sisters are unmarried as they are into their own interests, driving their brother crazy with worry. Eldest sister, Constance has a secret that middle sister, Norma agrees to keep if it keeps everything the way it is now. Florette, the youngest wants to learn to drive, dance and act. One day, the three drive into the city and are run into by a wealthy silk owner. Not ones to back down, the sisters continue with the lawsu ...more

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