A sweeping, sensational novel of America’s first “It Girl,” whose dramatic journey to center stage echoes through the decades—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post.
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 was not simple or straight. As a young girl, a grieving Evelyn is forced to take care of her widowed mother and kid brother. While working as a shopgirl, she is recruited as a studio model, and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of her age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity, a “Gibson Girl,” the most sought-after 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.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared “the Crime of the Century,” the sins of the men in her life are blamed on her. In the media frenzy that erupts, Evelyn realizes that—to survive—she will have to take charge of 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 survivor who captured the heart of American society. In Allison Pataki’s talented hands, we see Evelyn find the power to change not only the world around her, but her own destiny.
Praise for IT Girl
“As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it, It Girl is a captivating story of resilience, splendor, and strength. … a real-life Cinderella story, bringing Evelyn’s glamour and grit vividly to life. It’s unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless.”
– Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author
“Unforgettable characters and a page-turning story come to life in Allison Pataki’s latest historical fiction novel, inspired by real events.”
– Woman’s World, “The New Historical Fiction Books Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026”
“(An) irresistible rags-to-riches-to-trauma tale… Evelyn is strong, courageous, and determined. Scintillating with pinpoint period details and told from Evelyn’s perspective, Pataki’s eventful, suspenseful, turn-of-the-twentieth-century novel is an entrancing progression of shocks and adaptations, suffering and liberation.”
– Booklist (Starred Review) ★
“Captivating…Pataki expertly captures turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York City, where anything is possible, especially for the newly-minted Gibson girl. Pataki has fashioned a soaring new tale—I adored it.”
– Marie Benedict, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Personal Librarian
“Pataki…[keeps] the reader intrigued by Evelyn’s slow awakening to reality and the enduring value of female friendship in a male-dominated world. Fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age will enjoy another dip into that world of moneyed elegance.”
– Historical Novel Society
“A scintillating fictionalized tale … of female empowerment and friendship, immaculately researched and beautifully told. In so crafting it, Pataki shines brighter than ever!”
– Pam Jenoff, New York Times Bestselling Author of Last Twilight in Paris
“It Girl is a rapid-fire and deliciously innovative period-piece that shatters the mold and grabs our attention as we sit up and cheer for its freshly indomitable heroine. I loved it!”
– Deborah Goodrich Royce, nationally bestselling author of Reef Road
“Pataki…reimagines the life of famed Gibson Girl Evelyn Nesbit… in this winning tale of how a woman’s beauty transforms her life. Pataki expertly highlights how Evelyn’s naivete is shattered, leading her to rely only on herself …Historical fiction fans will be riveted.”
– Publishers Weekly