Against Odds Illustrated edition

The story takes place at the end of the nineteenth century at the World's Fair in Chicago. Carl Masters is one of a legion of secret service men - employed to keep the multitudes safe, and be on the watch for the Criminal gangs drawn to the fair. As soon as he arrives Masters is drawn into the first of several mysteries - which eventually weave together. At the heart of the story is June Jenrys, who appears to have been targeted by a strange young woman - but for what purpose? She and her Quaker aunt are befriended by Masters as he sets about discovering the truth about the small brunette who keeps throwing herself in Miss Jenrys's way. There is also a Jewel robbery, some counterfeiting, a kidnapping and a disappearance for Masters to sink his teeth in (Goodreads, Ali, 2012).