Published March 10, 2026-Ballantine-Historical Fiction

Book Summary

New York, 1900. At the dawn of a new century, the city’s streets teem with change: electricity, automobiles, a brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artist’s muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.

But the journey to stardom is not simple or straight. While working as a young shopgirl,  Evelyn is recruited as a studio model, and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity, a “Gibson Girl,” the most sought-after figure and face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks; to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premiere “playboy” of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.

When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared “the Crime of the Century,” she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realizes that—to survive—she will have to write her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life? 
It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her, but her own destiny.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

The face of the fresh century, 1901, New York City.  Evelyn is giving one of her most risqué performances, Salome, at Mrs. Vanderbilt’s with Mrs. Astor and the top of society in attendance. Her dance leaves them shocked and horrified! Such a surprising opening, it begs you to keep reading! Enter the alluring world of men that create, promote, and manipulate Evelyn Talbot, the “It” girl. All of them, maddening!

Travel with Eve from artist’s model to Broadway and Gibson Girl, and on to London, Paris, and Pittsburg. Allison Pataki adds delicious and impeccably researched details of all these settings, sinking readers into Eve’s world of wealth and indulgence.  Her rise to fame, the decadent world she lives in, the evil men and the despicable mother she endures, is absolutely mind boggling. The millionaire rivals for Eve’s attention are involved in “The Crime of the Century,” but America’s Eve writes her own ending – a shocking, roller coaster, heart stopping read.   

Allison Pataki is the multiple New York Times bestselling author of eleven books of historical fiction, children’s books and memoir, including the instant bestseller The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post and the critically acclaimed Finding Margaret Fuller.