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A Pair of Aces
A gripping novel about two trailblazing women on opposite sides of the law—a prosecutor and a madam—who team up to bring down notorious Mob boss Lucky Luciano in 1930s New York
Eunice Carter, assistant district attorney for the City of New York and Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor, has her sights set on the one and only Lucky Luciano, head of New York City’s five largest organized crime families. Other prosectors have tried to bring down Lucky, but they’ve all focused on the crime syndicate’s traditional businesses—bootlegging, gambling, loan sharking, and drug dealing—or tax evasion. No one has thought to approach the Mob through its role in prostitution. Until Eunice. But she can’t get Luciano alone.
Polly Adler has worked long and hard to build up her high-class brothel business. Her client list is filled with well-known names, both the famous and the infamous, who all know her booze is top-notch, her music first-rate, her food exquisite, and her girls the best. But Lucky has gone too far, putting her girls in danger, and Polly finally sees the chance to end his reign once and for all.
Together, Eunice and Polly fashion a case utilizing a network of women. Bridging the enormous divide between them and risking their own lives, they assemble evidence bit by bit, under the nose of the man they’re trying to convict. It is this very alliance—of two women from vastly different worlds—that launches the most sensational trial New York City has ever seen.
Eunice Carter, assistant district attorney for the City of New York and Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor, has her sights set on the one and only Lucky Luciano, head of New York City’s five largest organized crime families. Other prosectors have tried to bring down Lucky, but they’ve all focused on the crime syndicate’s traditional businesses—bootlegging, gambling, loan sharking, and drug dealing—or tax evasion. No one has thought to approach the Mob through its role in prostitution. Until Eunice. But she can’t get Luciano alone.
Polly Adler has worked long and hard to build up her high-class brothel business. Her client list is filled with well-known names, both the famous and the infamous, who all know her booze is top-notch, her music first-rate, her food exquisite, and her girls the best. But Lucky has gone too far, putting her girls in danger, and Polly finally sees the chance to end his reign once and for all.
Together, Eunice and Polly fashion a case utilizing a network of women. Bridging the enormous divide between them and risking their own lives, they assemble evidence bit by bit, under the nose of the man they’re trying to convict. It is this very alliance—of two women from vastly different worlds—that launches the most sensational trial New York City has ever seen.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Marie Benedict
22 books14.3k followersMarie Benedict is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Daughter of Egypt, The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian, the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies., and the Reese's Book Club Pick A Pair of Aces. With Courtney Sheinmel, she co-wrote the first in a middle grade historical adventure series, called The Secrets of the Lovelace Academy.
Her books have been translated into thirty languages, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List.
Up next is her March 2, 2027 release, THE WITCH OF WALL STREET, about the richest woman of the Gilded Age, a self-made one with holdings that rivaled those of men like J.P. Morgan -- the brilliant and controversial Hetty Green whose legacy was erased by her fellow tycoons.
Her books have been translated into thirty languages, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List.
Up next is her March 2, 2027 release, THE WITCH OF WALL STREET, about the richest woman of the Gilded Age, a self-made one with holdings that rivaled those of men like J.P. Morgan -- the brilliant and controversial Hetty Green whose legacy was erased by her fellow tycoons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 829 reviews
May 18, 2026
This historical fiction novel was both brilliant and powerful! This is set in New York in the 1930’s and features a diverse cast and plenty of drama! I found this book to be informative, tense, inspiring, emotional, and adventurous. The characters were lovable and well-developed. This book started on the slow side, but really began building up towards the middle, and ended perfectly.
Two completely different women get together and take down a well known mob boss! The elements that this book has are phenomenal. It comes with strong female leads, real history, and a newfound sisterhood! I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction and powerful women! It gave me the movie, Gangster Squad” vibes! Overall, I give this book a 4 star rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, and Berkley Publishing Group for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is set to be published on June 2, 2026!
Two completely different women get together and take down a well known mob boss! The elements that this book has are phenomenal. It comes with strong female leads, real history, and a newfound sisterhood! I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction and powerful women! It gave me the movie, Gangster Squad” vibes! Overall, I give this book a 4 star rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, and Berkley Publishing Group for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is set to be published on June 2, 2026!
July 1, 2026
Just three outlier stars for me - interesting from a historical perspective but slower than I cared for in places - I skimmed some to get to the pay off & didn't feel like I missed much. Honestly, neither of the FMC's held my interest much, but I think that was me, perhaps, as I'm sure other reviewers have loved this one
June 9, 2026
This is a beautifully written, immersive historical fiction novel which is told from the point of view of two engaging female protagonists. The lives of Eunice Carter, an intelligent attorney, and Polly Adler, an enterprising brothel owner, intertwine in a quest to bring down mobster Lucky Luciano and his crime syndicate in 1936 New York. I enjoyed learning about these inspiring women. The authors' notes are interesting and enlightening, and I truly appreciated the added historical context. Robin Miles and Barrie Kreinik do an outstanding job bringing the characters to life.
July 15, 2026
A Pair of Aces is the story of Eunice Carter, the first Black female assistant district attorney in New York State, and Polly Adler, New York city’s most notorious high-society madam, who form an unlikely, off-the-books partnership to bring down mob kingpin Charles "Lucky" Luciano.
The first quarter of this historical novel builds a slow-burn tension that pulls you straight into the grit and glamour of 1930s New York, as both women realize they’re up against the same monster.
Eunice and Polly are two aces in a deck stacked against them, playing their hand at exactly the right moment.
Not gonna lie, the slow investigative buildup in Part One tests patience, but once the raid sequence begins, the momentum rarely lets up.
The narrative tightens into a legal thriller as the trial approaches, and Eunice faces death threats, a fractured marriage, and the constant strain of having her work dismissed by colleagues who can’t see past her skin color nor her gender.
The courtroom drama becomes the stage for everything the two women have risked.
Witness intimidation, political maneuvering, and the sheer audacity of putting a crime boss on trial create a tense, propulsive finale.
A Pair of Aces is a worthwhile read and introduced me to two remarkable women, all but forgotten by history.
June 5, 2026
I wanted to enjoy this SO much more.
I was bored halfway through. Just didn’t push a historical fiction book along the way I wished it did.
There was a serious lack of character development and despite the importance of the two main characters, I didn’t connect with them at all.
While I love Murray’s writing, Marie Benedict is never above a 3.75 star read for me.
I was bored halfway through. Just didn’t push a historical fiction book along the way I wished it did.
There was a serious lack of character development and despite the importance of the two main characters, I didn’t connect with them at all.
While I love Murray’s writing, Marie Benedict is never above a 3.75 star read for me.
June 13, 2026
4.25 Stars
This Book came together so well. It’s set in 1930’s Manhattan. The District Attorney’s Office is determined to bring down mob boss, Lucky Luciano. Enter, Eunice Carter, Manhattan’s first black female prosecutor. She comes up with many different ways to connect with those close to Lucky. She knows prostitution is an area that the mob is heavily involved in. Yet, the male District Attorney’s play this down. She forms an unlikely alliance with Polly Adler, who runs the highest class brothel. As a Madam looking to keep herself and the women who work for her free from Luciano’s pressure to have him oversee her business. Two smart women working together ultimately leads to a nail biting trial, as it has not been possible to entrap Lucky Luciano and many of the higher ups working for him.
I loved that this book highlights the intelligence of two women living very different lives, but both are making changes that are unexpected of them. Since, it’s assumed a woman would not know the best way to handle her business or position, this works to her advantage. This is based on actual history. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is the third collaboration between Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies are the other two books written. Each is a unique look at history and the collaboration adds to the success of the books.
I would recommend A Pair of Aces to anyone interested in a fascinating look at how a case was built against The Mob and all the unconventional ways a woman can change history. It was such an enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I write.
This Book came together so well. It’s set in 1930’s Manhattan. The District Attorney’s Office is determined to bring down mob boss, Lucky Luciano. Enter, Eunice Carter, Manhattan’s first black female prosecutor. She comes up with many different ways to connect with those close to Lucky. She knows prostitution is an area that the mob is heavily involved in. Yet, the male District Attorney’s play this down. She forms an unlikely alliance with Polly Adler, who runs the highest class brothel. As a Madam looking to keep herself and the women who work for her free from Luciano’s pressure to have him oversee her business. Two smart women working together ultimately leads to a nail biting trial, as it has not been possible to entrap Lucky Luciano and many of the higher ups working for him.
I loved that this book highlights the intelligence of two women living very different lives, but both are making changes that are unexpected of them. Since, it’s assumed a woman would not know the best way to handle her business or position, this works to her advantage. This is based on actual history. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is the third collaboration between Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies are the other two books written. Each is a unique look at history and the collaboration adds to the success of the books.
I would recommend A Pair of Aces to anyone interested in a fascinating look at how a case was built against The Mob and all the unconventional ways a woman can change history. It was such an enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I write.
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February 9, 2026What could a madam and a Black female lawyer in the 1930s have in common?
Putting abusive, corrupt gangster kingpins behind bars. (Relevant to today, sadly, so very relevant.)
Meticulously researched and absorbingly written. The authors take their time building the world as well as the characters, so that the reader really gets into their well-worn shoes. It can get grim at times, but it's very well done, avoiding the merely salacious detail and keeping the eye on the prize: women who work for agency, and attain the goal. In spite of the fallout in a men's world.
A very gripping read.
Putting abusive, corrupt gangster kingpins behind bars. (Relevant to today, sadly, so very relevant.)
Meticulously researched and absorbingly written. The authors take their time building the world as well as the characters, so that the reader really gets into their well-worn shoes. It can get grim at times, but it's very well done, avoiding the merely salacious detail and keeping the eye on the prize: women who work for agency, and attain the goal. In spite of the fallout in a men's world.
A very gripping read.
June 14, 2026
A Russian Jewish immigrant turned Madam and the first black female assistant district attorney in 1930s NYC pair up to fight the mob. A story about this unlikely and interesting duo should have been captivating, but alas, it was lacking.
Five stars for bringing these women's names and stories alive. I was absolutely enamored with the story of Eunice Carter. Can you even imagine being a black female assistant district attorney in the 1930s??? The work she put in, the discrimination she faced, the strength and courage she must have summoned each and every day – what an amazing, powerful woman! To be as decorated and accomplished as she and then not be able to have lunch with your coworkers at a local tavern become segregation was still alive and well. Boggles the mind.
Two stars for the writing. It reads like a textbook with lots of facts awkwardly and unnaturally inserted into the story. I have read a lot of phenomenal historical fiction that was able to integrate the drama of the story and facts about the time, place, and people flawlessly, but this was not one of them. I was disappointed and had to struggle through some of it just to finish.
Five stars for bringing these women's names and stories alive. I was absolutely enamored with the story of Eunice Carter. Can you even imagine being a black female assistant district attorney in the 1930s??? The work she put in, the discrimination she faced, the strength and courage she must have summoned each and every day – what an amazing, powerful woman! To be as decorated and accomplished as she and then not be able to have lunch with your coworkers at a local tavern become segregation was still alive and well. Boggles the mind.
Two stars for the writing. It reads like a textbook with lots of facts awkwardly and unnaturally inserted into the story. I have read a lot of phenomenal historical fiction that was able to integrate the drama of the story and facts about the time, place, and people flawlessly, but this was not one of them. I was disappointed and had to struggle through some of it just to finish.
June 6, 2026
4.5
The duo of Benedict and Murray as writers of historical fiction are two for two in my world. The Personal Librarian was one of my favorite books of the last few years and this new one that I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of, did not disappoint. They have a knack for telling biographical stories with incredible depth and description that makes you feel like you know the characters intimately.
In this case, they recount the two women who took down one the most notorious New York gangsters of the era, Lucky Luciano, at a time when women were primarily relegated to background roles.
I turned a lot of people on to The Personal Librarian and I will recommend this book to those same people with equal enthusiasm!
The duo of Benedict and Murray as writers of historical fiction are two for two in my world. The Personal Librarian was one of my favorite books of the last few years and this new one that I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of, did not disappoint. They have a knack for telling biographical stories with incredible depth and description that makes you feel like you know the characters intimately.
In this case, they recount the two women who took down one the most notorious New York gangsters of the era, Lucky Luciano, at a time when women were primarily relegated to background roles.
I turned a lot of people on to The Personal Librarian and I will recommend this book to those same people with equal enthusiasm!
June 4, 2026
Great historical fiction based on a true story. Starring a madam, a mob boss and a Black female prosecutor in the 1930s this propulsive story will keep you entertained and in suspense. Great character development and an intriguing premise. A story of two unlikely, strong women who respected each other enough to become allies working towards a common goal. "A Pair of Aces". We could learn a lot from their example about reaching across the aisle and befriending those different from us.
The audiobook performance by Robbie Miles and Barrie Kreinik is exceptional. They bring the characters and their personalities along with the tension to life.
Many thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧
The audiobook performance by Robbie Miles and Barrie Kreinik is exceptional. They bring the characters and their personalities along with the tension to life.
Many thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧
May 2, 2026
Pub date - 6/23/26
Author - Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Publisher - Berkley
Rating - 3⭐️
There’s more than one way to take down organized crime.
A Pair of Aces takes off from the start and doesn’t stop until it’s over. I really enjoyed the mystery and atmosphere of this novel. The writing is well done - precise and calculated.
I especially liked watching the friendship that developed between Eunice and Polly as this is the basis of the story. It was an unlikely covert friendship, but at the same time necessary, even risky. That careful dance of trust was portrayed perfectly. Going up against the mob is a particularly difficult thing to do on your own. Watching their friendship flourish through the most difficult circumstances showed determination and trust.
I recommend this to all those who want an easy read that’s not hard to follow. Clean, historical mob fiction.
Author - Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Publisher - Berkley
Rating - 3⭐️
There’s more than one way to take down organized crime.
A Pair of Aces takes off from the start and doesn’t stop until it’s over. I really enjoyed the mystery and atmosphere of this novel. The writing is well done - precise and calculated.
I especially liked watching the friendship that developed between Eunice and Polly as this is the basis of the story. It was an unlikely covert friendship, but at the same time necessary, even risky. That careful dance of trust was portrayed perfectly. Going up against the mob is a particularly difficult thing to do on your own. Watching their friendship flourish through the most difficult circumstances showed determination and trust.
I recommend this to all those who want an easy read that’s not hard to follow. Clean, historical mob fiction.
June 1, 2026
4.5 stars.
Another excellent historical fiction novel by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray!
Based on real historical figures, this tells the story of an unlikely alliance between Eunice Carter, the first Black female prosecutor in Manhattan, and Polly Adler, a madam of a brothel, who came together to help bring down a notorious Mob boss running, among other things, a prostitution ring in New York in the 1930s.
As with their previous collaborations, the writing was so smooth and seamless and it read as if the novel was penned by a single author, which is impressive as the story unfolded from the alternating perspectives of Eunice and Polly. The setting and period details seemed authentic and clearly based on extensive research. I went down the google rabbit hole while reading this book.
I liked the parallels of the two women’s lives, both fighting to forge their own path in a society controlled by men and with clear roles based on race and gender. Both on opposite sides of the law and from different backgrounds (one from a loving, activist Black family, the other a Russian Jewish immigrant sent by her father to the US when she was twelve to earn money for the family back home), but both imbued with courage and determination. Both women were so interesting to read about.
I was absorbed by this novel throughout. I liked that the story had a mix of the personal lives of Eunice and Polly, the unfolding of how the two worked together to find the evidence for the case, and that it included courtroom scenes.
Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this compelling read by this dynamic writing duo. I will read anything these authors put out!
Thanks to Berkley for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Another excellent historical fiction novel by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray!
Based on real historical figures, this tells the story of an unlikely alliance between Eunice Carter, the first Black female prosecutor in Manhattan, and Polly Adler, a madam of a brothel, who came together to help bring down a notorious Mob boss running, among other things, a prostitution ring in New York in the 1930s.
As with their previous collaborations, the writing was so smooth and seamless and it read as if the novel was penned by a single author, which is impressive as the story unfolded from the alternating perspectives of Eunice and Polly. The setting and period details seemed authentic and clearly based on extensive research. I went down the google rabbit hole while reading this book.
I liked the parallels of the two women’s lives, both fighting to forge their own path in a society controlled by men and with clear roles based on race and gender. Both on opposite sides of the law and from different backgrounds (one from a loving, activist Black family, the other a Russian Jewish immigrant sent by her father to the US when she was twelve to earn money for the family back home), but both imbued with courage and determination. Both women were so interesting to read about.
I was absorbed by this novel throughout. I liked that the story had a mix of the personal lives of Eunice and Polly, the unfolding of how the two worked together to find the evidence for the case, and that it included courtroom scenes.
Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this compelling read by this dynamic writing duo. I will read anything these authors put out!
Thanks to Berkley for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is an engrossing historical fiction novel featuring two trailblazing women who come together to bring down a notorious mob boss in the 1930’s. Based on an incredible true story, the novel is told from the alternating points of view of a black assistant district attorney and a Jewish immigrant madam from Russia. The two women are strikingly different, but have both had to overcome obstacles to get to the top of their respective fields. Eunice had to overcome racism and sexism, and Polly had to overcome poverty, antisemitism, and sexism. “All our stories are hard, but in very different ways.”
I love a story that highlights important but overlooked women in history. This story quickly grabbed my attention and was hard to put down. I was caught up in the growing suspense in the back half of the novel as the women’s proximity to danger increases. The authors left enough room for character development and a clear sense of what they were risking to help put away the mob boss. It was refreshing to see the women consistently written as brave and willing to take risks. I just wish my copy came with an author’s note! I highly recommend this entertaining and well written historical fiction novel. I hope that after choosing this for her June book club, Reese Witherspoon will adapt it! 4/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest rescue review. All opinions are my own
I love a story that highlights important but overlooked women in history. This story quickly grabbed my attention and was hard to put down. I was caught up in the growing suspense in the back half of the novel as the women’s proximity to danger increases. The authors left enough room for character development and a clear sense of what they were risking to help put away the mob boss. It was refreshing to see the women consistently written as brave and willing to take risks. I just wish my copy came with an author’s note! I highly recommend this entertaining and well written historical fiction novel. I hope that after choosing this for her June book club, Reese Witherspoon will adapt it! 4/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest rescue review. All opinions are my own
July 8, 2026
What a brilliant and powerful book! It's the story of two completely different women in the 1930s and how the unlikely pair help take down mob boss Lucky Luciano. This part of US History was lost to me--so it was captivating to watching the two perspectives of this story, an African American female prosecutor, and the famous madame Polly Adler. I was on the edge of my seat at moments, wondering how the trial would play out and worried for the safety of these women. A great historical fiction read--especially after listening to the authors' notes about the truth in the writing.
June 28, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you to @berkleypub + @prhaudio for the finished book + audiobook ♡
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DaIeEwckQhb/
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Loved learning about two women largely lost to time and history. I knew I would enjoy this after reading Harlem Rhapsody last year.
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Maybe you’ve heard of Lucky Luciano, Italian American mob boss. Or Thomas Dewey, the District Attorney who took him down on prostitution racket charges.
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Behind this is the little known invisible Eunice Carter, first black woman district attorney in the state of NY, and the woman responsible for building the case against Lucky that allowed charges to stick.
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Also interesting is a look at one of the head Madams (brothel owner), Polly Adler, Russian-Jewish immigrant who aspired to run a different kind of establishment.
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A very unlikely partnership, never really a friendship, but a relationship that ended in mutual respect nonetheless. Great storytelling from a powerful author pair, another veritable pair of aces.
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The dual authors’ notes added dimension to flesh out where fact and fiction stitch together. Believe you me, I was immediately googling more about these two following the book. This is why I love historical fiction.
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▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 I listened to this on audio and both narrators was excellent, Robin Miles is a favorite and Barrie Kreinik as Polly perfects the Russian accent. Audio is the way to go!
Thank you to @berkleypub + @prhaudio for the finished book + audiobook ♡
.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaIeEwckQhb/
.
Loved learning about two women largely lost to time and history. I knew I would enjoy this after reading Harlem Rhapsody last year.
.
Maybe you’ve heard of Lucky Luciano, Italian American mob boss. Or Thomas Dewey, the District Attorney who took him down on prostitution racket charges.
.
Behind this is the little known invisible Eunice Carter, first black woman district attorney in the state of NY, and the woman responsible for building the case against Lucky that allowed charges to stick.
.
Also interesting is a look at one of the head Madams (brothel owner), Polly Adler, Russian-Jewish immigrant who aspired to run a different kind of establishment.
.
A very unlikely partnership, never really a friendship, but a relationship that ended in mutual respect nonetheless. Great storytelling from a powerful author pair, another veritable pair of aces.
.
The dual authors’ notes added dimension to flesh out where fact and fiction stitch together. Believe you me, I was immediately googling more about these two following the book. This is why I love historical fiction.
.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 I listened to this on audio and both narrators was excellent, Robin Miles is a favorite and Barrie Kreinik as Polly perfects the Russian accent. Audio is the way to go!
June 25, 2026
A beautiful intermarriage of historical fiction about a Black woman lawyer and a white Russian immigrant brothel owner who is one of the city's preeminent madams. This was a fascinating, layered story about how these two women's lives intertwined as they each became involved in one of the city's biggest crime bosses. Great on audio and highly recommended especially for fans of books like The queen of thieves series by Beezy Marsh!!
May 25, 2026
This book is wonderful. It is historical fiction at its best. I literally flew through it in one day. Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have written a story about two incredible women that you will not forget.
This book tells the story of two women: Eunice Carter and Polly Adler. They could not be from two more different worlds. Eunice is Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor. She is an assistant district attorney for the city of New York. Polly runs one of the city’s high-end brothels. But they share a common goal: to take down notorious crime boss Lucky Luciano.
These women are simply incredible. Their meetings were my favorite parts of this book. Their backgrounds are so different, yet they were able to see each other so clearly. This books explores their family histories, their personal struggles, and what it truly meant to be a woman in a man’s world during this time. I spent a lot of time using Google while reading this book to learn more about them.
This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. Watching their story unfold was fascinating and inspiring.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this phenomenal book. It is out on June 2nd. Preorder it now.
This book tells the story of two women: Eunice Carter and Polly Adler. They could not be from two more different worlds. Eunice is Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor. She is an assistant district attorney for the city of New York. Polly runs one of the city’s high-end brothels. But they share a common goal: to take down notorious crime boss Lucky Luciano.
These women are simply incredible. Their meetings were my favorite parts of this book. Their backgrounds are so different, yet they were able to see each other so clearly. This books explores their family histories, their personal struggles, and what it truly meant to be a woman in a man’s world during this time. I spent a lot of time using Google while reading this book to learn more about them.
This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. Watching their story unfold was fascinating and inspiring.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this phenomenal book. It is out on June 2nd. Preorder it now.
June 18, 2026
The latest novel from Marie Benedict didn’t hold much weight with me. While the underlying premise of women uniting against a notorious mob boss was enticing, the execution fell flat.
The narrative acknowledges that a 1936 legal strategy was brilliantly complex for its time—especially without modern tools like DNA or cell phone tracking—but the courtroom drama completely lacked tension. The defense simply didn't try hard enough, making the prosecution's victory feel too easy.
Given that this is historical fiction, the author missed a prime opportunity to inject flavor and color into the plot. They could have leaned into the historical reality of the mob's signature tactics, like violently threatening Polly or intimidating witnesses.
Without that critical layer of suspense, the story loses its punch. If the author was hesitant to invent that necessary tension, they would have been better off writing a straight non-fiction biography and sticking strictly to the truth.
The narrative acknowledges that a 1936 legal strategy was brilliantly complex for its time—especially without modern tools like DNA or cell phone tracking—but the courtroom drama completely lacked tension. The defense simply didn't try hard enough, making the prosecution's victory feel too easy.
Given that this is historical fiction, the author missed a prime opportunity to inject flavor and color into the plot. They could have leaned into the historical reality of the mob's signature tactics, like violently threatening Polly or intimidating witnesses.
Without that critical layer of suspense, the story loses its punch. If the author was hesitant to invent that necessary tension, they would have been better off writing a straight non-fiction biography and sticking strictly to the truth.
June 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this book a lot! I also appreciated, considering the subject matter, they kept this pretty PG. they really could have been more graphic in many ways and they weren’t.
January 25, 2026
Eunice Carter, the only woman on a special team of prosecutors, and Polly Adler, the most well-known madam in NYC, come together to help bring a notorious mob boss, Lucky Luciano, to justice. And did I mention that Eunice is a black woman and Polly is a Jewish immigrant from Russia? These two women form the unlikeliest of alliances to restore harmony back to 1930’s NYC. The story goes back & forth between the two women, and we also learn of all their struggles in life & in their chosen professions. Polly Adler never set out to be a prostitution madam, but through circumstances out of her control, as well as for her girls, we learn how these women end up in this predicament. I was so totally enraptured by this book. And if I must say, I find the authors of this book a true “Pair of Aces.” I will read anything these two women put out.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Berkley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
May 22, 2026
Marie Benedict is a favorite author of mine. This novel hits two of may favorite genres - historical fiction and women’s fiction. The book is about an unlikely pair of women who work together behind the scenes to indict a criminal. One is an assistant district attorney, and the other is a well-known madam. This happened in 1936 and was interesting to me because the criminal found a hiding place in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I do not want to tip my hand about the Pair of Aces and what happened with the investigation and court case.
Thanks to Net Galley, the authors and the publisher for the advanced ebook for my honest opinion. I recommend this book and am looking forward to its release in June because I really like reading the authors’ notes about their research in writing a historical fiction novel.
Thanks to Net Galley, the authors and the publisher for the advanced ebook for my honest opinion. I recommend this book and am looking forward to its release in June because I really like reading the authors’ notes about their research in writing a historical fiction novel.
July 1, 2026
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRHAudio for my gifted copies!
It's 1930s NYC, and bringing down the mob is no easy feat... but when two formidable women -- a Russian Jewish immigrant madam and Manhattan's first Black assistant district attorney -- join forces, nothing can stand in their way!!
Oh, how I love when these two authors write together! 🥹 I've read everything they've written, and I've loved every single one. A Pair of Aces is no exception!!
First things first: I could NOT put this down! I found myself thinking about this story and these characters whenever I wasn't reading or listening, eager to jump back in and see what happened next! And if that's not the sign of a good book, I don't know what is!
This richly drawn historical fiction novel is action-packed and filled with such fascinating historical detail... Much of which is based on real people and events (though as we read in the authors' notes, they took some liberties). The main characters are both so compelling and well crafted... i couldn't help but root for them every step of the way! And each main character shines just as bright as her counterpart... there was no favorite here from me!
I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to read a novel having to do with brothels and the exploitation of women/girls in the Epstein era... especially given the fact that these IRL brothels often trafficked and abused women and girls. And while none of the women here were depicted as underage or specifically trafficked, there was a lot of respect and compassion surrounding them and sex work in general. The authors clearly took great care to ensure the blame rested where it ought to, and not in the laps of women who were doing what they could to survive in a 1930s world that afforded them very little opportunities.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining, informative, and utterly compelling novel that highlighted the power of women working together toward a common goal... lots of lessons we can take from this book and apply them to our current times.🩷
🎧 The audio was absolutely spectacular!!! Robin Miles and Barrie Kreinik are two of the best in the audiobook world and their talents are on full display here!! Both women have an uncanny ability to switch between voices and accents...I was in awe the entire time. If you're thinking of picking this up, you can't go wrong with either format!
It's 1930s NYC, and bringing down the mob is no easy feat... but when two formidable women -- a Russian Jewish immigrant madam and Manhattan's first Black assistant district attorney -- join forces, nothing can stand in their way!!
Oh, how I love when these two authors write together! 🥹 I've read everything they've written, and I've loved every single one. A Pair of Aces is no exception!!
First things first: I could NOT put this down! I found myself thinking about this story and these characters whenever I wasn't reading or listening, eager to jump back in and see what happened next! And if that's not the sign of a good book, I don't know what is!
This richly drawn historical fiction novel is action-packed and filled with such fascinating historical detail... Much of which is based on real people and events (though as we read in the authors' notes, they took some liberties). The main characters are both so compelling and well crafted... i couldn't help but root for them every step of the way! And each main character shines just as bright as her counterpart... there was no favorite here from me!
I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to read a novel having to do with brothels and the exploitation of women/girls in the Epstein era... especially given the fact that these IRL brothels often trafficked and abused women and girls. And while none of the women here were depicted as underage or specifically trafficked, there was a lot of respect and compassion surrounding them and sex work in general. The authors clearly took great care to ensure the blame rested where it ought to, and not in the laps of women who were doing what they could to survive in a 1930s world that afforded them very little opportunities.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining, informative, and utterly compelling novel that highlighted the power of women working together toward a common goal... lots of lessons we can take from this book and apply them to our current times.🩷
🎧 The audio was absolutely spectacular!!! Robin Miles and Barrie Kreinik are two of the best in the audiobook world and their talents are on full display here!! Both women have an uncanny ability to switch between voices and accents...I was in awe the entire time. If you're thinking of picking this up, you can't go wrong with either format!
June 24, 2026
Another wonderful collaborative effort from Benedict and Murray. A fascinating story about an African American prosecutor and a white high class Madam who come together to bring down Mob Boss Lucky Luciano in the 1930’s. The woman are real life figures as is the trial. Other parts of the story are fiction but the research is impeccable. The writing keeps you engaged as you wait to find out how this story ends. Recommend. Also-Thank you to Bookreporter.com. I was lucky enough to win this book in one of their contests.
July 14, 2026
4.25. I enjoyed this so much. From the opening to the end I was captivated by the story! I grew appreciation for the unlikely connection between the two ladies! And I’ll say that this book was almost Perfect. A few parts of the story I felt could have been more detailed. I started to say to myself “wait give me more” in certain parts. I would definitely have loved more of an update of things at the end with the personal lives of the ladies. But over all good great read. I would recommend. If you love historical fiction, this one is a must read!
July 6, 2026
I have always liked this writing team's books, and the unusual topic made this experience even better than usual. So intrigued I'm hunting up two of their OOP sources--wish me luck.
July 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this. I only wish there was an epilogue. I wanted a last chapter on mama, Jr and Lisle.
June 11, 2026
I don’t have a lot to say about this book except it was sort of OK
July 2, 2026
A Pair of Aces is the latest historical fiction from author duo Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. I love when these authors write together and when they write separately so this one as definitely on my radar!
This historical fiction takes place in 1935/36 in New York City and follows real-life people. We follow Polly Adler, the most infamous madame in NY, and Eunice Carter, one of the first female Black attorneys in NY and the first Black prosecutor in the U.S. Their stories intertwine in this book as they work together on a case to take down mobster Lucky Luciano. I loved both of the author’s notes at the end and about which parts were real and fictionalized for this book. The history of it all was so fascinating! The book pulled me in immediately to each of their stories, the story maybe slowed down in the middle a bit for me (there were a few times I thought the story was wrapped up but it would pick back up again), but then grabbed my attention again in the end! All in all, a solid one and interesting part of history!
This historical fiction takes place in 1935/36 in New York City and follows real-life people. We follow Polly Adler, the most infamous madame in NY, and Eunice Carter, one of the first female Black attorneys in NY and the first Black prosecutor in the U.S. Their stories intertwine in this book as they work together on a case to take down mobster Lucky Luciano. I loved both of the author’s notes at the end and about which parts were real and fictionalized for this book. The history of it all was so fascinating! The book pulled me in immediately to each of their stories, the story maybe slowed down in the middle a bit for me (there were a few times I thought the story was wrapped up but it would pick back up again), but then grabbed my attention again in the end! All in all, a solid one and interesting part of history!
June 19, 2026
In 1930s New York City, assistant district attorney Eunice Carter is a trailblazer as the first Black female prosecutor in the city. The DA's office where she works has been focused on their investigation of mob boss Lucky Luciano for his crime syndicate's traditional businesses of bootlegging, gambling, loan sharking and drug dealing but without success. Eunice has an idea to pursue a conviction for his role in the city's prostitution business but to do so she will need help from an insider.
Polly Adler runs a high-class brothel business in the city with a client list that includes prominent men both famous and infamous but when Lucky Luciano's actions put her girls in danger, Polly knows she has to do something. These two women from vastly different worlds risk their own lives as they work together building a case that will put Luciano behind bars.
Inspired by a true story, this historical fiction novel by the authors of The Personal Librarian is an enjoyable pageturner. It's well-researched and well-written with a very compelling story and I was completely invested in following Eunice and Polly as they built the case against Luciano and his associates. As a lawyer, I particularly enjoyed learning about Eunice who was an intelligent and hard-working women making her mark in the legal field at a time when the odds were completely stacked against her.
I enjoy reading historical fiction that introduces me to real people or historical events and always appreciate an author's note like what's included here outlining what is true and what has been imagined or were liberties have been taken with the facts for the sake of the story. In this case both women are real and the story of Eunice's involvement in the Luciano case is true but there's no evidence that Polly Adler worked with her in any capacity.
Polly Adler runs a high-class brothel business in the city with a client list that includes prominent men both famous and infamous but when Lucky Luciano's actions put her girls in danger, Polly knows she has to do something. These two women from vastly different worlds risk their own lives as they work together building a case that will put Luciano behind bars.
Inspired by a true story, this historical fiction novel by the authors of The Personal Librarian is an enjoyable pageturner. It's well-researched and well-written with a very compelling story and I was completely invested in following Eunice and Polly as they built the case against Luciano and his associates. As a lawyer, I particularly enjoyed learning about Eunice who was an intelligent and hard-working women making her mark in the legal field at a time when the odds were completely stacked against her.
I enjoy reading historical fiction that introduces me to real people or historical events and always appreciate an author's note like what's included here outlining what is true and what has been imagined or were liberties have been taken with the facts for the sake of the story. In this case both women are real and the story of Eunice's involvement in the Luciano case is true but there's no evidence that Polly Adler worked with her in any capacity.
April 17, 2026
really strong 4!! i loved both characters and how they worked together when no one would have thought. also loved the whole premise around prostitution and mobs in the 1930s. i felt like the ending dragged a bit which is why it wasn’t quite a 5 star
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