The Hidden Hand: Capitola the Madcap

When we first meet sharp and witty Capitola she is living among beggars and street urchins, and dressed as a boy because a boy can get work and be safe, whereas a girl is left to starve for want of "proper" employment. Unknown to her, Capitola has a very rich elderly guardian who finds her at a providential moment and takes her back to his palatial mansion where she finds herself "decomposing above ground for want of having my blood stirred."

But not to fear. There are bandits, true-loves, evil men, long-lost mothers, and sweet women friends in Capitola's future - not to mention thunder storms, kidnap attempts, and duels. The pace is fast, the action wonderfully unbelievable. This is escape literature at its nineteenth-century best, with a woman at its center who makes you feel strong, daring, and reckless.

Here's what people had to say about the book:

It is really stunning to encounter such a high-spirited and defiantly independent female character in a novel written over 150 years ago, and, more importantly, is allowed to remain so from the first moment we meet her (disguised as a boy on the mean streets of New York City) to when her remarkable story neatly concludes on the last novel's last page.

A fascinating mystery/drama set in the 1800's.

Everyone should read this hidden gem.

Among my daughters' this is a unanimous favorite. Young Capitola is a feisty spitfire of a girl who would rather face danger than avoid it. In many ways, she has the spirit of another orphan girl, but demonstrates her boldness in far more serious, even perilous, situations.

This is by far my favorite book I’ve read to date!Absolutely love the story and characters. It’s fascinating to see how all the character’s backgrounds intertwine with one another. Definitely recommend to anyone and everyone!

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Release date

Audiobook: 7 November 2025