Girl in Disguise tells the fictionalized story of Kate Warne who, in real life, was the first female detective ever. Specifically working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency based in Chicago. Kate's cases will take her from the streets of Chicago rooting out bank thieves and disgruntled employees, to a spy for the Union during the Civil War, even going so far as to play a prominent role in thwarting a plot to assassinate President Lincoln before he could be sworn into office. 
 But underneath the intrigue and adventure of being a detective, Kate still has to prove and establish herself constantly within a field seen fit by many for only men. The fact that Kate digs her own niche in the detective community is praise-worthy in its own right, but that she becomes so successful at it and not because of the men she works with but because of her own intelligence and cunning is truly inspiring. 
 I loved hearing about this largely unknown historical figure. I wish there was more actual information out there about her, but I like what Greer Macallister has given Kate Warne with her story. The seeds of truth are in there even though the book is categorized as historical fiction. 
 I think as to be expected given the subject matter, Girl in Disguise moved along at a swift pace. Kate's life was such that often she was required to pack at a moment's notice and be on the move. There was very little down time, and so the story didn't get bogged down with too many slow moments. There were times, however, when Kate would question her life and her choices. The job of a detective required Kate to take on differing personas, and as she stated, often outright lie to people. Create long and detailed histories for the people she had to be in order to find the information she needed to close a case. Kate finds herself actually losing herself. She doesn't know where the real Kate begins at times and / or where the lie ends. She had a rather lonely life, and heartbreaking. Sometimes, as with all of us, it got to be too much, but Kate would never let it get her down for long because in the end, she absolutely loved her job and the good she brought because of it. 
 That's not to say Kate didn't form any meaningful or lasting relationships. Greer Macallister certainly paints the story to include Kate forming bonds with some, albeit not all, of her fellow detectives, and she even goes on to head up the Female Detective leg of the agency. Kate had quite the colorful and rewarding life. For me, the parts the revolved around the Civil War were the most interesting. I liked seeing things from a different side, meaning seeing things from the side of a spy, who is not out on the battlefront but is in just as much danger. 
 Overall, I really enjoyed Girl in Disguise. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction. And if you're someone who, in the past hasn't really liked reading historical fiction, I'd say Girl in Disguise is just the type of story to change your mind. 
 *Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.