So, when you read a book with one thought in mind, and then it turns out to be something completely different, it's hard to give a review. But, here goes. Henrietta is the quintessential beauty who knows it but is still completely innocent. Her father died scandalously, and in order for the large family to survive, Henrietta struggles to find a high enough paying job. But, she finds one, as a taxi dancer, which basically means it's a dance hall where men who do not have that someone special can pay to have a dance partner. All's well, until Mama Leone who watches out for the girls ends up dead. And then, all of the sudden, Henrietta is asked to go to a burlesque establishment as an usherette to ferret out the connection between the death and the gangsters. (usherette is a waitress). And then, the story begins to turn.
Henrietta is now faced with her fellow usherettes who are all vying for each other's attention (I'm trying to make this g-rated for those who are my younger friends, so please feel free to read between the lines). They are nice and protect Henrietta, despite the fact that after 2 meetings with the detective, she is in love with him. And, what is happening to some of the girls, the dancers? Something devious and definitely not expected when introduced to innocent Henrietta struggling to make ends meet.
Not the book we were expecting for the church book club...