Death of a Showman (A Jane Prescott Novel 4)
This fun, well-written cozy historical mystery, the fourth in the Jane Prescott series, takes us right to the heart of Broadway. It can be read as a standalone, but events from previous books are discussed, so reading the first three books would be beneficial.
In 1914 New York City, Jane, lady’s maid to the wealthy Louise Tyler, is back in New York after a trip to Europe. Louise has invested in a Broadway musical, and Jane begins accompanying her to events and rehearsals as a chaperone. Leo Hirschfeld, Jane’s romance from the previous summer, has written the musical, as it happens. He has also made some choices that are hard for Jane to accept. Then a well-known producer is killed in a bathroom of the famous Rector’s restaurant, and tabloid reporter Michael Behan is on the case. Will Jane help him find the killer?
Mariah Fredericks takes us on a sometimes hilarious journey into the world of Broadway and the elite circles of 1914 New York City. The author’s wry humor will keep you chuckling as we uncover more secrets and clues, and we learn that especially in show business, things aren’t always as they seem. Jane is an engaging protagonist. Her shrewd mind, adventurous spirit, and clever wit will definitely keep the reader entertained. She’s perfectly imperfect and stumbles frequently into mishaps and mayhem, taking us along for the ride. The mystery is multifaceted and compelling, and the characters all shine. Historical people, places, and events from Gilded Age New York are shown in vivid detail.
This is an enjoyable read from start to finish. Highly recommended.
