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The Innocents Book Tour

Cover Blurb

"He was the most wanted man in the country, but she wanted him more than anyone else. Pinkerton Detective Abigail MacKay is a master of disguises—and of new crime-solving technology! But she’ll have to move fast to stay a step ahead of Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy. Nat and Jake are the ringleaders of The Innocents, a western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls—and Nat is pretty savvy when it comes to using the new sciences of 1868 in committing his crimes. Charismatic Nat and handsome Jake are on the run, and they’ve always gotten away before—before Abi. The web of criminal activity grows more entangled with each passing day, but Nat, Jake, and Abi are united in their efforts to find a murderer. Once that happens, all bets are off, and Abi will be turning Nat and Jake over to the law. But can she do it?" Review - The Yorkshire Post, "Fast-paced and full of clever writing this book will leave readers wanting more. A tale of adventure, romance, suspense and mystery with a leading lady who is unapologetically clever, originally refreshing and can take the readers on the journey of a lifetime."

Other Titles By the Author

C. A. Asbrey

Author Bio

Chris Asbrey was born in the Far East, one of four children to working class parents. As she’s Scottish it was a portent for a life lived like a gypsy. She has lived and worked all over the world in the Police Service, Civil Service, and private industry, working for the safety and security of the public.

Always a voracious reader, she easily finished three books a week for years. Mysteries were a real love and she consumed the works of writers old and new. The one thing she always wanted to do was to write but never had the confidence or time to do more than dream about it.

She first became interested in the female pioneers in law enforcement when she joined the police herself. History has always held a draw for her and the colourful stories of the older officers piqued her interest, making her look even further back. A life-changing injury meant a change of course into contract law and consumer protection for a department attached to the Home Office.

Her newly-gained disability was a struggle through numerous surgeries, and was an eye-opener in how the world sees disabled people. This led to her volunteering to help other disabled people navigate the complex paperwork and systems required to help them get the support they deserve. That same injury also grounded her long enough to start writing down some of the ideas that had floated in her head for years, but that same delay had enabled her to thoroughly research her subject matter, period, and methodologies used by law enforcement in the nineteenth century.

Early forensics, and scientific breakthroughs in crime detection, have always been of particular interest, along with the spying techniques and gadgets of the time. Historic weaknesses and blind spots in the society and court systems make for an authentic backdrop to her work. Chris has produced magazine and newspaper articles based on consumer law and wrote guides for the Consumer Direct Website. She was Media Trained, by The Rank

Organization, and acted as a consultant to the BBC’s One Show and Watchdog. She has also been interviewed on BBC radio answering questions on consumer law to the public. When she’s not writing, she loves to spend time in her garden, and lives in York with her husband, Malcolm the dog, and two daft cats.

The Book Tour

Day 1 - Favourite Quotes

"Little masked bandit of a raccoon" - a brilliantly descriptive line that captures the look and behaviours of the animal. (Andrew Oyston)

“I’m only a lady in my spare time, and I don’t get a lot of that.” (Eleanor Dixon)

‘Why not? Some of the most successful spies durin’ the war were women. We’re gettin’ everywhere now—pharmacists, doctors, nurses— especially in the West where the rules are more ‘flexible’, shall we say?” (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

“Oh, Mr. Quinn. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you underestimate someone, it only ever makes it easier for them to get one over on you.” (Tim Marshall)

"I mastered both standing and door handles some time ago, so there'll be no need for any special treatment." A typical feisty Abigail statement whenever she encounters sexism, something that occurs very regularly as she works in a man's world - detection ! (Yvonne Marrs)

“Is everyone in this blasted town investigating’ everyone else? How many of you is there now?” (Michelle Marshall)

He eyed them both with weary blue eyes. "And no arguments. Dealin' with you two is like tryin' to make a knot outta fog. We all want the same thing, so why the Sam Hill are you feudin' like hillbillies on on moonshine?" (Kirsty McKay)

Day 2 - Character Summaries

Pearl: A force of nature but one who has a kind heart despite/because of the nature of her business. Despite the hard outer shell, she knows what is right and what is wrong (within the moral code of being a brothel owner), but she has established herself and her business within the societal framework of the time, providing not only what customers want but also looking after her employees. The physical description of the character immediately screams "formidable" and she lives up to that portrayal. She has a healthy cynicism of the "system", knowing as she does how crooked it actually is - and she is in the best place to observe exactly how crooked it is. (Andrew Oyston)

Abigail: The main protagonist, is my type of heroine! She is feisty yet shows a vulnerable side that is endearing. The fact that she has hair that reaches to the back of her knees leaves me envious and full of admiration. (Eleanor Dixon)

Abigail: My favourite character was Abigail, although the Innocents she works with are a delightful pair and help to bring out the best in her (well, maybe not at the beginning of their collaboration). She is a resourceful, professional character who has a whole lot of sass. She is methodical and is one of a kind; a Pinkerton female detective in an era where women are dismissed in roles such as these. She has a past, and while it doesn’t consume her thoughts it makes her human and likable in her moments of vulnerability. She is brave, sometimes overly so, and as a result gets herself in a whole lot of trouble, but thankfully the Innocents save her more than once. Her strength and willingness to see things through are what help her push forward with the case in the most just way possible. She is kind and tries her best to be fair to everyone. It’s interesting seeing her progress from an already strong, resourceful character into a person who delegates a bit more and has to trust a bit more and see that even criminals have another side to them. Her ability to browbeat and disguise herself in a time where that was frowned upon was a definite plus! (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

Abigail: I really enjoyed the central protagonist in Abigail. Her adaptable and intellectual approach to the situations she finds herself in makes for an entertaining read and an easy character to root for. Her role as a female investigator for the Pinkertons is a unique one and makes for a really interesting foundation for the story. (Tim Marshall)

Nat and Jake: Outlaws "The Innocents" Nat and Jake are Uncle and nephew, despite only 8 years between them. Pearl Dubois, lady owner of the town's prestigious brothel is a mother figure to almost everyone she comes across - her "girls", her staff, anyone in need of her help, but her boys Nat and Jake are special. Pearl knows the boys are her only hope when two of her girls, Betsie and Dora "go missing" one night, and the sheriff isn’t interested. Jake has an affinity for Dora, so the request is not dismissed for even a moment, although it is not the sort of work they usually do. Jake and Nat make the best team, and despite being the baddies in the book, the readers don't take a harsh view of them - due to their mentality only rob the rich not the poor. Although they are dangerous train robbers, they don't harm or rob any of the train passengers. As a result, they are above other outlaws. Fantastically created characters! (Yvonne Marrs)

Abigail: Abigail is a wonderful main character! She's a strong, intelligent and creative woman, with both brains and beauty. She shows real grit and determination in achieving her aims and despite getting into difficulties along the way, she doesn't give up. (Michelle Marshall)

A tough choice between the Outlaws Jake and Nat and our main protagonist, Abigail but if I had to choose between them it would be Abigail. I do love the relationship and banter between Jake and Nat and commend the Author in her development of these two characters because despite their rogue natures and penchant for theft, the reader cannot help but like them and wish them well. Which brings me onto the character of Abigail. She is a great female lead, intelligent, resourceful and feisty, especially when holding her own against her male peers. Abigail is fiercely independent and oozes sass, yet she is able to show a vulnerable side to her too which I liked and this made for a well balanced and rounded character. The way in which the Author unites these characters together with their different backgrounds (thieves and law enforcement) to achieve a common purpose was cleverly done, and it is due to how well developed these 3 characters are that makes this partnership completely credible and a highly entertaining read. (Kirsty McKay)

Day 3 - Favourite Excerpts

"Are you sure this is the place?" This line begins a dramatic and very humorous confrontation between The Innocents and a rival gang who had been impersonating them. The banter between the two as the tension in the situation increases is funny, apt and deadpan too. It presents perfectly the overall tone that the author is aiming for with the story in general. (Andrew Oyston)

A dull clang cut the man off mid-sentence, followed by a thump as he tumbled to the floor. Nat swirled around, his eyes lighting with delight at the sight of the woman he was here to see not only wielding a spade, but raising it once more to slice at the robber’s right hand as it reached for the gun which had tumbled from his grasp. (Eleanor Dixon)

“I’m not used to working with others, and when I do, men often need convincing of my abilities. It’s a battle I’ve fought for years, even before I became a Pinkerton.” She glanced from one to the other. “I’ll trust you as long as no one sees I’ve brought back up.” This was so satisfying to see that bit of character arc. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

The knife slipped through the skin, twisting and gouging over and over again until the soft flesh was mushy and yielding to the blade. Abigail MacKay’s mounting anxiety showed in her clenched fists whitening her knuckles to pearl. She frowned at the hirsute man selling baked potatoes from the charcoal oven on the platform. “My train will leave in a minute. Please, stop chopping at it. I need to get back on board before it leaves.” (Tim Marshall)

She glanced between one to the other with something close to maternal pride. "But look at you now, all growed and twice as spicy as a bubblin' pan of chili." This shows the history between Nat, Jake and Pearl. (Yvonne Marrs)

Nat’s dark eyes fixed on the woman leaving the railway station and he grabbed his partner’s arm, dragging him back into the deepening evening shadows of the sidewalk. Jake’s guard went up, scanning the street for danger. “What?” “It’s her. The woman from the train again.” “What woman?” “The Scottish one at Hillside Bend. The one who wouldn’t put her hands up.” His face dimpled into a smile. “The one who sways when she walks and riles when she talks. The one with the potato.” “Remind me to make sure you don't compose any love letters for me.” His uncle frowned, staring across the road. “Yeah, it’s her. What’s she doin’ here? We’ve gotta be well nigh a hundred and fifty miles away from Hillside Bend.” “I suppose she has to be somewhere.” The brown eyes slid sideways and gleamed with venal delight. “She was on her own on the train. I wonder who she’s here to see.” “It ain’t you, Nat. Leave it be.” “She’s different. Spunky and kinda fiery.” “So is a stump broke horse. Stay away (Michelle Marshall )

She huffed in derision. "Well, you have a choice to make don't you? You can have a rest or you can get your cowardly arses over to the stables and hightail it out of here. I'm going to the sheriff's office. I have work to do." "Abi!" Nat's eyes widened. "I've never heard you use language like that before." "You've heard me say that and a lot worse. I just don't generally do it in English." She paused at the door on her way out, "but this time, I want you to understand me clearly enough to decide who I am. Pick a damned side, once and for all." (Kirsty McKay)

Day 4 - Video Interview

Day 5 - Reviews

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. Part mystery/part romance, The Innocents is a genre mix-up that, contrary to my initial opinion, works extremely well. Set during the days of the "Wild West", The Innocents pushes together Abigail MacKay, a female Pinkerton Detective (and yes, that does raise some conflict within the novel), and Nat Quinn, co-leader of The Innocents, a band of robbers who take great care not to kill anyone in their life of crime. With an atmospheric setting, even pacing and some well defined characters, the stage is set for a romantic whodunnit that, in the finest tradition of the latter genre, concludes with a round up of the key suspects. What is most striking about this story is the dialogue - it sparkles off the page and gives many of the characters a great definition and placement within the tale. You can picture the scenes playing out in a movie, and there is an air of believability that permeates throughout. If you are a fan of one genre but not the other, I would heartily recommend giving The Innocents a perusal - it has a wonderful balance that drags you in from a very convincing opening to its dramatic denouement. (Andrew Oyston)

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. The Innocents by C. A. Asbrey presents a compelling story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The novel showcases an intriguing plotline filled with suspense and mystery that will undoubtedly captivate readers. One aspect that I found slightly off-putting was the author’s attempt to infuse a deeply literary tone. While the intention to create a literary atmosphere is commendable, at times it felt forced and overshadowed the natural flow of the story. I personally prefer a more straightforward narrative style that allows the story to shine on its own merits. However, despite this reservation, the plot was well-crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing. The tension between the two main protagonists was palpable! The characters were well-developed and had their own unique qualities, making them relatable and engaging. Overall, The Innocents is a good read, offering a captivating storyline that will undoubtedly entertain fans of mystery and suspense. While the author’s literary ambitions occasionally felt overdone, they do not detract significantly from the quality of the book. I recommend this novel to anyone seeking an engrossing tale. (Eleanor Dixon)

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. Detective Abigail Mackay is a Scottish fire-cracker of a character who starts off the novel with a clear purpose: find The Innocents, a pair of gentlemanly but dastardly criminals who steal from the rich. She meets them sooner than she expects and that beginning is the start of a slow burn that simmers under the surface of the novel the whole way through. Abigail has her share of personality, wit, resourcefulness and bravery. However, she is not invincible, and she soon needs help from the very men she set out to pursue: Jake and Nat Conroy. In addition to the dynamic duo we have a strong supporting cast of characters who feel unique and fleshed out. Everybody had clear motives and a distinctive dialogue. The story moves efficiently through different plot points with a pacing that is satisfactory; not too slow or too fast. The ending brings everything tightly together and is a treat to read. This story blends historical facts with mystery and romance in a seamless way. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. The Innocents is a story about a female investigator working for the Pinkertons in 1868 and her pursuit of The Innocents, a gang of robbers famous for only targeting banks and railroads and not killing or stealing from civilians. It plays out as a combination of a Western, a crime thriller, a mystery, and a romance novel, weaving all of its elements together skillfully around the main character of Abigail and her efforts to prove herself in a profession dominated by men. (Tim Marshall)

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. The Innocents is a 19th Century American tale of a gang of train robbers of the same name, and the lady Pinkerton detective who is chasing them. Two of the gang, Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy are family, but not one that can be traced by any investigator. Undercover in a prestigious brothel, detective Abigail is ideally situated to track them. But! A twist is revealed - a rival gang completes a robbery using their name! Following the gang to their hideout - who used the brothel in their celebrations but broke the rules so are escorted out - Abigail is unsure if she will find the men she is after, but as a law woman, she is doing useful work regardless. A mistake when following them almost leads to her death, until she is rescued by Nat and Jake accidentally. This is just one of the plot twists, as The Innocents once they find the gang of the copycat robbery, hand them over to the sheriff’s office for the correct punishment - and to clear their name. Forced to work with Abigail under a form of a truce when two women known to them are killed, Nat and Jake want justice, accepting Abigail’s help as a payback for her rescue. They work as an odd trio of law persons, with the outlaws able to experience life from the other side! Going their separate ways again, despite Abigail not achieving what she set out to do, she finds she has fallen under the spell of Nat especially. But, in their positions, the lovers cannot ever be compatible. An engaging and gripping story, at times the author tries too hard with long complicated words where simpler ones would do better. Most of the time, it is a brilliant piece of writing, but the poor editing lets it down. (Yvonne Marrs)

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. What an amazing opener to The Innocents series! The story follows women, working in a man's world to make their way and prove themselves. The characters are all beautifully crafted and jump off the page. The dialogue is believable and engaging, and the tension and twists and turns are played perfectly. I can see this story making a wonderful TV series. Are you reading this Netflix? Abigail, at the heart of the story is a memorable protagonist, but all of the characters are engaging. If you're looking for a book to get lost in this summer, you could do a lot worse than pick up The Innocents. (Michelle Marshall)

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars. The Innocents is a great first book and introduction to what proves to be a very promising series. The plot is engaging and moves at a good pace, with very likeable and credible characters. Jake and Nat are endearing and loveable rogues who despite the fact they are outlaws have a good heart and radiate compassion and empathy. The dialogue is well written and brings out each of their personalities in a way readers can fully relate to and find believable. The main protagonist Abigail is an inspiring female lead, proving that women can be equal amongst men despite how some societies may view them. Many will want to emulate Abigail and will love the character for her inner strength, wit, quick thinking and intelligence. I really enjoyed the dynamics of her relationship with Jake and Nat and I also liked that the Author balanced her character out and showed readers a vulnerable side to her too. This is definitely a series that readers will want to add to their personal library collection and will have you automatically reaching for the next book in the series to follow Abigail, Jake and Nat's stories. (Kirsty McKay)