Publisher: Berkley Publishing, April 26, 2022

Format: ebook

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Fearless reporter Nellie Bly will stop at nothing to chase down stories that expose injustices against women—even if it comes at the risk of her own life and freedom—in this exciting novel inspired by the true story of one remarkable woman.

In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she’d be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for Women.

For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s, but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Inside, she discovers horrors beyond comprehension. It’s an investigation that could make her career—if she can get out to tell it before two rival reporters scoop her story.

From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a rollicking historical adventure series about the outrageous intrigues and bold flirtations of the most famous female reporter—and a groundbreaking rebel—of New York City’s Gilded Age.

My Review:

Thank you Berkley Books for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: Gilded Age historical fiction.
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Nellie comes to New York to try to find a job as a reporter in the big apple. This is unsuccessful as no one is willing to hire a female reporter, so Nellie proposes a plan to get put in an institution for women to show the horrible conditions of the place.
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Nellie was a really fun character and I loved how she was willing to go above and beyond to chase her dreams. Was interesting to read about the conditions of the institutions for women and how women’s health was not taken seriously.
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CW: sexism, misogyny, institutionalization, women not being taken seriously in health care.