What Happens at Nightfall

"Willig has clearly done her research; the world of the fledgling 19th century leaps from the page in sensory detail, emphasizing the casual suffering of women, in particular, and the ever present threat of violence—and childbirth. Hamilton and Burr are not reduced to caricature, but held up with a loving eye on the pride and intransigence that would ultimately lead to their legendary downfalls. Above all, we witness the birth of a young nation’s legal system, and are left, perhaps, feeling better about the course of justice in 1800 than in 2025." — Kirkus Reviews "Willig offers a gripping dramatization of the proceedings as well as a comprehensive historical note that delves into the real-life case, the primary sources, and titles about the sensational trial. A perfect tale for fans of courtroom dramas and for lovers of historical fiction." — Booklist “Filled with vivid details, shocking truths, and two sly, strong women who bring panache and humor to every scene. I’m simply in awe of the masterful, magical way Lauren Willig makes history come alive.” — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace, on Two Wars and a Wedding “A real triumph! In Lauren Willig’s brilliant retelling of one of the most famous murder trials in American history, she brings to poignant life its most forgotten figure — the high-spirited young woman whose killing was used by the trial’s lawyers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, for their own political ends. Willig gives us a masterful portrait of the many perils of being a woman in this country’s earliest years.” — Lynne Olsen, New York Times bestselling author of Empress of the Nile Lauren Willig just keeps getting better. Readers have come to know and love her work for its assiduous research, complex characters and vivid prose, and THE GIRL FROM GREENWICH STREET delivers on all of that and more. This historical whodunnit has it all: a cast of giants coming to life on every page, a haunting leading lady finally pulled from the shadows and footnotes, and a masterful telling of America's first murder trial. No wonder the Manhattan Well Murder was the great scandal of its day and continues to capture imaginations with its elusivity and mystery. Probing, penetrating and utterly engrossing--Willig's latest is a stunner from start to finish. — Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret Fuller "Historical personalities bring this real story to life in a riveting account of the first U.S. murder trial for which there is a transcript. The author of the “Pink Carnation” series leans on that transcript for the trial testimony in a gripping novel that will appeal to true-crime buffs, those interested in Hamilton and Burr, and historical mystery fans." — Library Journal (starred review)