Kate Warne, Pinkerton Detective

by Marissa Moss, April Chu (Illustrator)

Overview

When Kate Warne applied for a job with the Pinkerton Agency, Pinkerton assumed she wanted to cook or clean, but he agreed to try her out as an agent. Assigned to a tough case with high stakes, Warne went undercover and not only found the stolen money, she got almost all of it returned. The Adams Express Case made the reputation of the fledgling Pinkerton Agency, turning it into the biggest, most prestigious detective company in the world. Warne went on to direct an entire women's division of detectives and Pinkerton relied on her for his hardest cases. A history well worth knowing!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781939547330
Publisher:	Creston Books
Publication date:	05/16/2017
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	11.20(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	740L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 11 Years

About the Author

Marissa Moss is the award-winning author-illustrator of more than 75 books, from picture books to middle-grade to graphic novels. She is best known for the Amelia's Notebook series, which has sold millions of copies. She lives in California.

April Chu has won awards for her gorgeous illustrations. She studied architecture and infuses that knowledge of detail and perspective into her art. Her work has been featured in the Society of Illustrator's Original Art show.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Junior Library Guild Selection

Interviews

This book means to introduce an important character in 19th-century history, the first woman detective in the country and to redeem Allan Pinkerton's reputation. Pinkerton and his agency are now chiefly known for violent union-busting tactics, but that wasn't during Allan Pinkerton's lifetime. Rather it was a sharp turn his sons took. Pinkerton himself was a young radical in Scotland, agitating for workers' rights. In fact, he was so successful, the British government considered him a criminal and he had to leave the country or risk arrest. In his new adopted home in Chicago, Pinkerton's house became a busy stop on the Underground Railroad and he was friends with John Brown. He went on to hire people who were generally considered "undesirable," including heavily-accented immigrants and women. He was so impressed with Kate Warne, his first female agent, he put her in charge of a whole women's division.

Editorial Reviews

03/06/2017
In a story infused with mystery, Moss (the Amelia’s Notebook series) introduces Kate Warne, who became the first woman detective in the U.S after being hired by the Pinkerton Agency in 1856. The brunt of the book follows Warne through an early case involving $40,000 in stolen funds, during which she adopted an alias and befriended the wife of the prime suspect. Chu (Ada Bryon Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) amplifies the story’s intrigue in shadowy scenes that capture the unfolding game of cat and mouse, though some readers may find it difficult to track the details of the case. Moss relies on invented dialogue throughout, and the book’s assertion that Warne’s former surname was Carter contradicts the author’s note, which says that her “real name and history are a mystery.” A thorough bibliography is included. Ages 5–13. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Young Kate Warne walks into the Pinkerton Detective Agency equipped only with courage, creativity, and the ability to tell a good story and steps straight into the imagination of her readers. Detailed and humorous illustrations complement a fast-paced biography framed as a mystery. Readers will delight in this accessible portrait of a clever detective who used her courage and conviction to solve crimes and open doors for other enterprising women.

Oakland Library Advisory Commission - Lesley Mandros Bell

This fascinating picture book biography spotlights a woman about whom little is known. In 1856, Kate Warne applied for a job as a detective for the Pinkerton Agency. Thinking she was there to apply for a cleaning or secretarial post, Allan Pinkerton told her that he had no openings in those areas. Good thing she was there for a detective position! She gave him a convincing argument as to why she would be perfect for the job: she could go places male detectives couldn't and befriend ladies for information acquisition! Her first assignment was to identify a money thief and hopefully recover the purloined cash, which she did to Pinkerton's delight. She was put in charge of the women's detective division and mentored subsequent female associates. This is a great 'girl power' resource as well as an interesting history lesson. Moss's enthusiasm for her subject is apparent, and Chu's illustrations, created with pencil on paper, then colored digitally, nicely support the story. The four fonts are appropriate for the historic look and feel. Back matter is comprised of an author's note, bibliography, and brief information about the author and illustrator. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

--Becky Walton, MLIS, Collection Development

News & Reviews for the Youth Librarian - Becky Walton

When Kate Warne applied for a job with the Pinkerton Agency, Allan Pinkerton assumed she wanted to cook or clean, but he agreed to try her out as an agent. Assigned to a tough case with high stakes, Warne went undercover and not only found the stolen money, she got almost all of it returned. The Adams Express Case made the reputation of the fledgling Pinkerton Agency, turning it into the biggest, most prestigious detective company in the world. Warne went on to direct an entire women's division of detectives and Pinkerton relied on her for his hardest cases. This is an aspect of American history well worth knowing and author Marissa Moss's inherently fascinating story is wonderfully enhanced with the illustrations of April Chu. The result is a singularly informative and entertaining picture book that is unreservedly recommended for young readers ages 5 to 13 and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and community library American Biography picture book collections.

Midwest Book Review

Opening Lines: “Kate read the newspaper advertisement for the third time: Wanted: Detective. Must be observant, determined, fearless, and willing to travel. Pinkerton Agency 353 Michigan Ave. Chicago. She had no experience at all, but the job called to her.”
Okay, yes, this is a picture book, but it is a wonderful one. Moss tells the story of Kate Warne, the first woman detective in America. Moss describes how Warne convinced Allan Pinkerton to hire her, even though he had never hired a female agent before. She describes Warne’s first case, a theft of $40,000 from a locked pouch in a safe. Warne took on a disguise, befriended the suspect’s wife and found out where the money was hidden. An extensive author’s note at the end of the book fills in some details including how Warne served in the Secret Service, how she died, and where she is buried.
April Chu’s illustrations do a lot to bring the reader into the dusty sepia-toned world of Chicago in 1856. Moss’s writing engaged the reader in the story, but also makes sure they will be interested in the history of it as well. And extensive author’s note at the end will fill in some of the gaps for the interested reader.
I was going to say that this would be a great picture book for kids interested in history or detectives or law enforcement. But as I think about it, this is the sort of book that might take a kid who doesn’t yet realize they are interested in these areas and start an interest that could make a huge difference. I suppose the book is probably targeted at first through third grade – but I would use it up through middle school and high school as a way of getting students interested in a topic. Check this one out.

Book Commercials - Bill Boerman-Cornell

"With the need for more stories about historical women who overcame the prejudices of the day and had the adventurous life that draws young reader, librarians will want to include this in their collections. Kate shows that reading books does matter and will help you success in the future. This may inspire a few future detectives."
--Anni West LaPrise, Huron School District

"Young readers will love meeting the fascinating Kate Warne in this exciting mystery within a biography. Gorgeous art perfectly captures the intrigue while the fast-paced high profile case will keep readers flying through the pages. Sure to please a wide audience."
--Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library

"Fresh, informative with the 'pop' of a well-crafted STING! Both boys and girls along with their families will be rooting for Kate -- from her coup as first female detective at the Pinkerton Agency to cracking the case with the help of BOOKS. The illustrative style can't be beat."
-- Cynthia Callander, Vero Beach Book Center, Vero Beach, FL

From the Publisher

With the need for more stories about historical women who overcame the prejudices of the day and had the adventurous life that draws young readers, librarians will want to include this in their collections. Kate shows that reading books does matter and will help you succeed in the future. This may inspire a few future detectives."

Huron School District - Anni La Prise

True crime for the middle-grade set!
Not much is known about Kate Warne's early life. We know she needed a job when she answered Alan Pinkerton's newspaper ad for a detective. Dubious at first, Pinkerton hired Warne and put her to work immediately on the Adams Express Case: $40,000 disappeared from four different packages handled by a company that specialized in transporting money and valuables around the country. An arrest was made—but the evidence and the missing money was nowhere to be found, so Warne was sent in to make friends with the suspect's wife. The story chronicles Warne's steps toward solving the puzzling mystery.
April Chu's sepia-toned illustrations work nicely for the era and she sets the mood with Wanted posters on the endpapers. Shifting perspectives, close-ups, and pronounced facial expressions draw the readers' eyes and force them to be as observant as a good detective.

Book List Reader - Cindy Dobrez & Lynn Rutan

Montgomery, Alabama, 1856. The case ? $40,000 stolen. Kate Warne, America's first female detective, solved the Addams Express case and went on to oversee a division of women detectives.

Scholastic Teacher Magazine

Ah, yet another instance of children's books making me smarter (and better at trivia games). KATE WARNE: PINKERTON DETECTIVE by Marissa Moss, illustrated by April Chu (Creston Books, 2017) tells the fascinating story of the first female detective in the United States.

We've all heard of the Pinkerton Detectives, but I'm sure most of us have a visual of men in suits and hats, not a young woman in a corset (Note: this originally read corset and a bustle, but I checked with Marissa Moss and she informed me bustles were not worn at that time. AGAIN, getting smarter through children's lit).

At first, Pinkerton was reluctant to hire her, he did not think it was work that a woman could do. Kate was ready for his objections. "...it's precisely the sort of thing a woman should do... As a woman, I can go places your male agents can't. A criminal may confide in his wife or lady friend. And those women will talk to another woman. Not to a man."

In 1856, the Pinkerton Agency was given The Adams Express Case, in which $40,000 was embezzled or stolen from pouches. The pouches were all locked (numerous times) and no one person had all the keys, so where had the money gone?

There were a couple of suspicions, but no proof, and how to get that proof when no one can find the money?

Well, I"M not going to tell you how it was done, you have to read the book for that!

I WILL tell you that the case could not have been solved without Kate's ideas and undercover work, so, not only was Kate the first female detective, she helped solve the case that made the Pinkerton Agency's stellar reputation.

To add to the depth of this book are the illustrations by April Chu. As a non-artist, I am not quite sure how to describe the page layout, some are in thirds, some are split screen, all draw the reader further into the story. The end papers, filled with wanted posters and early versions of mug shots, get the story started as soon as the book is opened.

Honestly, I cannot recommend this book enough. History, mystery, womenstry (sorry, I was on a roll) it's a fun, challenging (I couldn't figure out the mystery) and informative read.

Life, Literature, Laughter - Sharon Levin

Kate Warne made history by becoming the first female detective in the U.S., and this beautifully illustrated biography offers details of her early career. After impressing Allan Pinkerton with her argument for the importance of women detectives, she's assigned an embezzlement case, and she poses as a society lady to earn the trust of a suspect's wife. With her quick thinking, cool attitude, and superior observation skills, Kate befriends the woman and learns key details about the crime. Thanks to her excellent work on her first case, she eventually heads up Pinkerton's women's division. Chu's full-bleed, antique-toned illustrations have a cinematic flair, which nicely heightens the dramatic tension.

Booklist

The infamous Adams Express case of the 1890s: pouches containing $40,000, locked multiple times with keys owned by different people, were found empty. Who could have taken the money? Put undercover on the case was the most unlikely person: a female detective.

When Kate Warne applied for a job at the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Mr. Pinkerton told her there were currently no cooking or cleaning jobs available. Kate informed him that she didn’t want to cook or clean but was there to fill the vacant position of detective. Since no woman had ever been a detective before, Pinkerton was quite shocked, but after careful consideration, he offered her the job.

This picture book biography is presented as a page-turning mystery, as Kate races to find suspects, gain their trust, and recover the stolen money. This fascinating story is even more exciting as it describes the true, lesser-known history of the first female detective and how her success launched the Pinkerton Detective Agency to worldwide fame.

Provo Library Children's Book Reviews

Kate Warne made history by becoming the first female detective in the U.S., and this beautifully illustrated biography offers details of her early career. After impressing Allan Pinkerton with her argument for the importance of women detectives, she's assigned an embezzlement case, and she poses as a society lady to earn the trust of a suspect's wife. With her quick thinking, cool attitude, and superior observation skills, Kate befriends the woman and learns key details about the crime. Thanks to her excellent work on her first case, she eventually heads up Pinkerton's women's division. Chu's full-bleed, antique-toned illustrations have a cinematic flair, which nicely heightens the dramatic tension.

Booklist

04/01/2017
Gr 1–3—Moss (America's Tea Parties: Not One but Four!) has created another engaging U.S. history volume for children. Moss focuses on the dramatic career of Kate Warne (1833–68), a woman who successfully joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Warne overcame stereotypes and social expectations by becoming the first female detective in the United States. With wit and subterfuge, she played a critical role in bringing to justice Nathan Maroney, who stole $40,000 from an Adams Express Company railroad car. This is an exciting mystery, complete with buried money, clandestine handoffs, and courtroom surprises. The book uses fictionalized yet believable dialogue to move the narrative along. Moss appends an informational page on Warne's life. Because this work deals with complicated concepts, such as embezzlement and deception, adults may have to explain a few points to young readers and listeners. Chu has a gift for smooth shading and creating simple yet expressive facial features. The abundant earth tones are accented by strong reds and blues, a dress or uniform standing out from the background. The attention to period hairstyles and dress is also particularly noteworthy. Pair this latest with Moss's Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero for a dynamic portrait of women in early U.S. history. VERDICT A smart, clever look at a real-life 19th-century female detective—perfect for interactive storytimes with small groups.—Jeffrey Meyer, Mount Pleasant Public Library, IA

School Library Journal

2017-03-06
Moss tackles an important incident in the life of Kate Carter—aka Kate Warne—the first female professional private detective in the United States.Accompanied by Chu's historical-period visuals, Moss begins with Allan Pinkerton's hiring of Kate Warne, an ambitious, adventurous white woman who talks her way into the job, before getting to the nub of this story: Warne's undercover work in disentangling the theft of $40,000 from a courier's secure pouch. The sinuous trap laid by the detectives involved in the case—all Pinkerton men and one Pinkerton woman—is colorful enough to withstand the necessarily telegraphic narrative that Moss employs to fit the story into picture-book format. There is double-dealing and spying and subterfuge, close calls and traps and brain work, melding the story into a thriller and highlighting the talents and qualities that a woman brings to what is misconceived as a man's job. Moss has picked a special moment in time as well as a special woman, spelled out in an author's note: Pinkerton's beginnings marked the turning of detective work to professionals. In Chu's sepia-toned illustrations, Warne wears a determined expression, matched by the scowls of the villains, which recall such great historical yarns as The Great Train Robbery. A cinematic treatment of derring-do and yet another testament to the importance of women in the historical evolution of the United States. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews