What a delight! Mysteries are not my number-one genre, but you needn't be a mystery fan to love this book. The characters were beautifully fleshed out, of their time with all the prejudices that entails (the story is set in 1912) but relatable to nonetheless. The narrator, Jane, is no supersleuth or genius, not overly quirky in the way of many mystery protagonists; she's simply someone you enjoy spending time with, with a dry sense of humor. The plot zipped along. And six-year-old Mabel is somewhat precocious, she is (thankfully) not cloyingly so; the depiction of her is a true sign of the author's immense skill. I'm really looking forward to reading the first book in this series and to keeping an eye out for future books.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

In 'Death of a New American,' Mariah Fredericks takes on a complex tale of the Gilded Age. When murder intrudes upon the arrangements for a high-society wedding, it entangles lawmen and gangsters, politicians and society matrons. Only a trusted servant with the ability to maneuver both above and below stairs can sort the threads of truth from the fabric of lies, and even then she needs the assistance of a newspaper man she had previously spurned.

While touching on familiar Gilded-Age themes of wealth and class, corruption, political expediency, and ethnic gang wars, this novel manages to be both a compelling mystery and a treatise on womanhood: their domestic and financial subjugation, their fight for the vote, and their private struggles with motherhood that will resonate with modern readers.

historical-figures, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-setting, murder, amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths

Addicted as I am to well researched historicals, this one really makes the grade!
It certainly seems appropriately researched (I'm geeky about checking such things) in areas related to the story line. The characters are all interesting and engaging even the brainless ones. The sleuthing is fascinating with the sort of plot twists and very red herrings. There are a couple of things that I wish I could address, but that would definitely be in spoiler territory.
Bottom line is that it held me captive and I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

It is always a happy day when I get approved for an e-arc on Netgalley, particularly when it is a book I am really looking forward to. Needless to say, I was quite excited to be approved for Mariah Fredericks new book Death of a New American and immediately started reading when I received it.

The second in the series, we return to Jane Prescott’s world right after the sinking of The Titanic. She continues to work for the Benchley family and is now helping Louisa prepare for her upcoming society wedding. But as we know nothing ever goes as planned. Waring parents, a groom with a wandering eye, and murder all conspire to to derail the wedding. Add in a larger then life crime fighting Uncle with a propensity for the spotlight and a relentless reporter and you have the making of a great book.

I found myself enjoying this book even more then the first. The mystery was well done - and the reasoning behind it reflecting the reality of the time. But what really drew me in was Jane. I found myself really liking Jane after reading the first book in the series. She is smart, honest, and humble. Her sleuthing skills are quite sharp and she is always willing to stand up for what is right despite the consequences for doing so. In Death of A New American we get to know her and her thoughts better. What I am eagerly awaiting is how her own life will proceed. She is so busy serving others she has little time for her personal life. I am hopeful

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the review e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.