“A page turning story, based on fact, about how it was to be an NYPD cop and a woman several decades ago: frightening, exciting, rewarding, as well as insulting, demoralizing and surreal, all at the same time. Policewoman Marie Carrara is the ultimate survivor.”—Joseph Wambaugh

From the New York Times Bestselling author of Blue Bloods comes a fast-paced novel about the inner workings of the NYPD, and the early days of women on the force. “

It’s The Bronx, 1958. The Policewomen's Bureau isn’t respected within the Department, even when it handles cases the men can’t solve. Marie Carrara is a young police matron who wants to move beyond the grim routine of guarding female prisoners to become one of the few female detectives in the NYPD.

Though she is a shy and naive, from a sheltered, immigrant background, Marie dives into the strange and terrifying world of big-city undercover work without hesitation, using her genuine innocence to deceive degenerates and drug dealers into thinking that she’s an easy target.

As she begins to create tougher undercover characters, she discovers that they might be able to inspire her in her off-duty life as well. Despite the violence of her job, the sexism she faces daily, and a rocky-at-best marriage waiting for her at home, Marie is determined to make a name for herself within the NYPD and be the role model her young daughter deserves.

With the support of Marie Cirile, the real-life inspiration for Marie Carrara, Edward Conlon adapts the true events of her memoir into a thrilling drama, a book only a best-selling author and decorated Bronx detective could have written.