A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: A Murderous Business by Cathy Pegau

After Margot’s father died six months ago, she took over the reins of the family’s large food and canning company, and despite the hardships of being a businesswoman in 1912, she is determined to keep the company running. However, when Margot discovers her father’s former assistant dead in the office after hours, she realizes that the reputation of the company could be called into question should word get out, especially when the letter Mrs. Gilroy was penning implied that people were getting hurt by something going on within the company.

Loretta “Rett” Mancini runs her father’s PI business now that he’s having difficulty with his memory. But as a woman, Rett has to keep up the charade that her father is still in charge if she wants to continue to work. Rett is excited to work for Margot, who understands Rett’s concerns more than most. 

Overall, A Murderous Business is a wonderful and exciting story. The mystery is solid and engrossing. I loved following the pair as they put together the puzzle pieces. The scenes are well developed, including details about how people dress and act, how the buildings and places look, smell, and sound. Each detail helps bring the story to life. 

Then there is the personal development of both main characters. I love how Margot is driven to find out the truth, no matter what, and that her moral code is strong. Rett is smart and doesn’t let her life’s situation bring her down. Both main characters are well-developed, but there is still so much to learn about each. The women are strong and respected, despite the year and time. Margot has wealth that gives her privilege, but she doesn’t abuse it, rather works to help others. Both are women that society would shun should they learn too much about them: Rett in a long-term relationship with another woman and Margot prefers women when she has any dalliances. They find ways to make their lives work within the system without compromising their values.

Narration: The story is shared via the alternating third person POVs of Margot and Rett. Riley performs with a female but not overly feminine voice. It is assured and infused with strength. Riley does a very good job altering dialogue based age and gender, and adding slight NY accents as needed. There aren’t huge differences between the characters of the same gender, but at the same time, it’s always clear who is speaking. Riley does a great job, fitting of the time and characters. 

In the end, A Murderous Business captured my attention, mind, and heart. I loved both main characters, and enjoyed following the engrossing mystery. I cannot wait for another Harriman & Mancini Mystery.

My Ratings
Story: A
Narration: A-

Jen

About the Book:

There can be a blurry line between what is ethical and what is legal.

Margot Baxter Harriman took the reins of B&H Foods after her father passed. It’s not easy being a business woman in 1912, but she is determined to continue what her grandparents started decades ago, no matter what it takes.

So when Margot finds Mrs. Gilroy, her father’s former assistant, dead in the office with a half-finished note confessing to nebulous misdeeds at B&H, she seeks out help from a very discreet, private investigator to figure out what’s going on. Her company, and her good name, are at stake if scandal breaks…and she could lose everything, including her freedom.

Loretta “Rett” Mancini has run her father’s investigation operation since he started becoming increasingly forgetful. When Margot offers her the chance to look into the potential scandal with B&H, she jumps at it.

But the more the two dig in, the more it becomes clear that Margot’s company may be too far lost…and someone is willing to kill them both to keep things quiet.

Author: Cathy Pegau
Narrator: Quinn Riley
Series: Harriman & Mancini Mysteries #1
Genre: Historical Mystery, LGBTQ+
Audiobook Release Date: September 16, 2025
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Length: 7 hours; 21 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.2x