A Pair of Aces: Reese's Book Club

“Two women from two different worlds – one dedicated to stamping out organized crime in 1930’s New York City, one whose livelihood depends on catering to the illegal appetites of the City’s famous and infamous. The ace writing duo of Benedict and Murray are at the top of their game in this fast-paced and fascinating novel of two underestimated women who risk their lives to bring down New York’s most notorious mobster, Lucky Luciano. A Pair of Aces is a dazzling, page-turning work of historical fiction that crackles with life and suspense.”—Marie Bostwick, New York Times bestselling author of The Book Club for Troublesome Women

“Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray prove once again that they are forces in historical fiction. Together, these two are masterful storytellers.”—Kennedy Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of Score

“These masterful storytellers deliver a deeply satisfying courtroom drama that offers the rare pleasure of seeing justice done. The takedown of Lucky Luciano is exhilarating—but the novel’s true force rests in two formidable women working in the shadows to build the case. With clarity, courage, and remarkable honesty, the authors explore the forces that silence the vulnerable. By giving us a glimpse into the soft heart of the infamous brothel owner Polly Adler, and by centering Eunice Carter—a towering legal mind and overlooked American hero—this novel delivers a powerful punch and a much-needed historical reminder of what can be accomplished with grit and determination. Smart fiction perfect for the times. Just terrific!”—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Madam Secretary

“A thrilling story of power, justice, and remarkable women, expertly written by a duo of masterful authors.”—Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book Society

“Cinematic and riveting!”—Nancy Johnson, bestselling author of The Kindest Lie

“A propulsive, inspiring crime story of two unsung women of history carving spaces for themselves in a violent, patriarchal world that wants them silent and docile. Eunice and Polly are a pair you can’t help but root for, and figures from history I’ll never forget. Set against the dangerous yet glamorous criminal underbelly of 1930s New York, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have masterfully written another must-read for 20th century historical fiction lovers, or anyone who’s had to fight against the odds for justice and respect.”—Erin Crosby-Eckstine, author of the Good Morning America Book Club pick Junie

“Another detailed and dazzling exploration of an unlikely alliance between two women often overlooked by history but whose contributions to real-life events were pivotal… Lively and lasting portraits of two heroic women.”—Booklist

“The plot is engaging, the main characters are brave and relatable, and the pacing is brisk.”—Library Journal

Praise for the novels of Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

“Historical fiction at its best.”—Good Morning America

“The book’s narrative is seamless…I became hooked.”—NPR

“A fascinating story!”—Real Simple

“Benedict and Murray bring their knack for historical fiction to a story of the women’s unlikely alliance and the ways their bond and efforts forged the beginnings of the modern civil rights movement.”—Entertainment Weekly