I am a fan of the Jane Prescott mystery series, and this is a solid installment to the series! The characters are very likable. The story was very fast-paced! The mystery was also very well-crafted and it kept me guessing! Thus, I recommend this for fans of the Kitty Weeks mysteries, the Gilded Age mysteries, and the Grace Michelle mysteries!

I must preface this review by saying that I have not read the previous books in the series. That's not necessarily a prerequisite, though, as this story can stand alone. I wish I had some more of the backstory, however. Well written, strong characters. Interesting look at the traditional roles of men and women and how those are affected by nontraditional jobs, such as the theater.

This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Death Of A Showman by Mariah Fredricks

In this book, set in the Gilded Age of New York, lady’s maid, Jane Prescott , is thrust into the world of show business, where a killer is stalking Broadway.
I enjoyed this book about early Broadway and what goes on behind and around the stage. Very interesting characters. Well-written. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

This fun and well-written cozy historical mystery by Mariah Fredericks takes us right to the heart
of Broadway. This is the fourth book in the Jane Prescott series. It can be read as a standalone, but
events from previous books are discussed in this story, so reading the first three books would be beneficial. In 1914 New York City, Jane Prescott, lady's maid to Louise Tyler, is back in New York after a trip to Europe. Louise has invested in a Broadway Show and Jane begins accompanying her to
events and rehearsals as a chaperone. Leo Hirschfeld, Jane's romance from the previous summer,
has written this Broadway musical. 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. 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. Jane is perfectly imperfect, and stumbles frequently
into mishaps and mayhem, taking us along for the ride. The mystery is multi-faceted and compelling,
and the characters all shine. Historical people, places, and events from Gilded Age New
York are shown in vivid detail.

This was an enjoyable read from start to finish. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from Minotaur Books for review in Historical Novels Review Magazine. My opinions are my own.

This book was ok. It held my interest off and on. This is the first book I have read by this author. I hope to find another by her.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Book four of the Jane Prescott series. Where have I been? I didn't realize this until I had finished the book. I found the first part difficult to get into and this is why. Nonetheless, it works as a standalone but probably much better as book four.
Wonderfully witty and beautifully presents the gilded age in New York. Twists and turns that keep you guessing. Great murder mystery. Loved the characters.

I don’t know if Mariah Fredericks’ Death of a Showman is that much better than the other three Jane Prescott mysteries or if it’s my passion for Broadway that makes this one shine. She excels at the behind-the-scenes machinations of a Broadway musical. And, Fredericks’ amateur sleuth, a lady’s maid, is the perfect investigator in Gilded Age New York, an astute observer of human nature.

Jane spent a summer dancing and romancing with Leo Herschfeld, an aspiring Broadway songwriter who swore he’d never marry. When she returns from lengthy travels throughout Europe with her employers, William and Louise Tyler, they reluctantly show her the headlines about Leo’s first Broadway show, and his marriage to a chorus girl. Those headlines provide no indication that Jane and Louise will spent the next months involved in the musical’s production, and in a murder investigation.

When Leo shows up at the Tylers’, he’s looking for Louise, not Jane. He wants an investor in the show, a patron. And, Louise, who is still searching for a purpose in life other than society and business dinners, latches on to the show as a life raft. William is reluctant, but it’s Louise’s money. He insists, though, that Jane accompany Louise to every rehearsal at the new Sidney Theater.

While Jane finds jobs to do behind the scenes, she’s aware of the tension as the cast prepares for “Two Loves Have I.” There’s romantic tension, business tension. The producer, Sidney Warburton, can be hateful and rude to everyone. He’s murdered at a restaurant, with the entire cast, along with Louise Tyler and Jane, in attendance. It turns out there’s a long list of possible suspects. If one of them is arrested, will the show actually go on?

While anyone who loves Broadway will appreciate all the backstage details in Death of a Showman, you should really read earlier books in the series. There are glimpses of Jane’s longtime best friend, Anna, an anarchist. Readers should know how Jane became friends with reporter Michael Behan. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt to know about the relationship between Leo and Jane.

Fredericks excels at the atmosphere of the period. While the Broadway details are sometimes glamorous, sometimes tawdry, that setting is set against the backdrop of 1914 as the world heads into war. Each headline prepares the reader for what’s coming, although the people in the book are so preoccupied that they don’t pay enough attention. Jane does feel a little uneasy, but the truth takes a while to reveal itself, both in the murder investigation, and in the world’s arena.

Readers of the series will remember that Fredericks gives us short glimpses of Jane’s future in the opening of the books, and a brief epilogue. This time, the epilogue shows I had it wrong all the time. I never saw that coming. Bravo!

Gilded age New York comes to life once again as Jane Prescott, lady's maid to the rich and newly married Louise Tyler, arrives back after an elegant wedding in Europe. After a visit from an old friend seeking backers for his new Broadway, Louise is instantly drawn to the idea and Jane, who serves as Louise's escort is thrust into the world of Broadway. In an effort to avoid an old flame who has recently married a woman who is cast in the show, Jane puts her skills to use backstage and quickly learns that there she has much to learn about the inner workings of running a show. She also sees firsthand that theater is a teeming pool of jealousy and deceit, a place where tensions simmer and secrets hide. When the producer of the play, Sidney Warburton is murdered one evening, tensions start mounting and the show soon falls into chaos. Jane can't resist the pull of investigating and finds that many members of the cast have good reason to wish Sidney dead, including her former beau, Leo.

Death of a Showman is the fourth in a series of historical mysteries featuring lady's maid Jane Prescott who serves Louise Tyler, a shy newly married member of the rich Benchley family. Jane is kind but outspoken and incredibly independent given the times, all qualities that aid her in solving murders. This story centers around the world of theater in 1914 New York, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into Broadway at the time. Jealousy, stiff competition, and lack of funding all plague the world of performing arts, a situation that still holds true in current times. The mystery was intriguing and draws you in from the very beginning. It is always fascinating to watch Jane at work seeking out motives and connections between suspects, skills that seem to come so naturally to her. Set just before the start of World War I, there are plenty of fascinating bits of history and issues relevant to the time interwoven into the narrative, adding depth and richness to the mystery. The characters in this story are a lively bunch, with plenty to love and loathe in equal measure. I highly recommend this series to fans of historical fiction and mysteries however those new to the series can read and fully enjoy the delightful Death of a Showman as a standalone.

This is the 4th in a series by Mariah Frederick's. I had not read the other books so it took some time to get to know all the characters. I like historical mysteries and I liked this. This story takes place at the turn of the century New York. Just back from a European trip, ladies maid Jane Prescott is drawn into the investigation of the murder of Sidney Warburton. Sidney is a very disagreeable producer of a Broadway show. He often argued with and was abusive to the cast and director. Jane’s employer is an investor in the production so Jane decides to work with Michael Behan, a reporter to help solve the crime and to keep her employers name out of the papers. Although the characters were well developed, they were a bit shallow and were not very likable. The author has a verbose writing style that made this a little cumbersome. I liked it but will probably not read the previous books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jane Prescott returns in this fourth in series from Mariah Fredericks. Jane manages yet again to find herself involved in murder and mayhem, this time on the set of a new Broadway musical. Jane has a knack for complicated relationships with men as well, and Leo Hirschfield and Michael Behan work with her to find the killer of the show’s producer Sidney Warburton.

Gilded Age New York is the star of this entertaining historical novel.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This installment of the Jane Prescott mystery series takes readers to the creation of a Broadway musical in 1914. Jane is such a conflicted heroine, and I feel her frustration. When all is said and done, Jane wants to do what’s right, often times at her own expense. There was a nice plot point that I genuinely did not see coming, and I really appreciated that. The author uses the prologue and epilogue of each book to show Jane in her later years, and this is usually the most difficult mystery to unravel. I look forward to delving more into Jane’s history (and Michael’s and Louise’s and Leo’s...).

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My favorite mystery genre is historical and the Gilded Age best of all. Mariah Fredericks has earned a permanent spot on my must be read list. Her series character, Jane Prescott is wonderful and after reading the previous mysteries I'm going to say this is my favorite. Given how much I enjoy this series I may change that opinion when the next book is published.
Jane is Lady's Maid to Louise and both have developed over the four books. Now, on their return from Europe, Louise is drawn into the theater world and invests in Leo's production. As Jane and Leo have history, Jane isn't so sure about this turn of events. But it's the theater and a whole new world for them. One thing that is familiar - investigating a murder. The list of suspects is huge as it is obvious that few, if any, people liked Sidney Warburton, the producer. The reader is immersed in the life backstage and I was hooked from the very start. With a solid mystery, a wonderful setting and great recurring characters, I read into the wee hours and hated to read the last page.
If you are new to this series, it works fine as a stand alone. Fans of historical mysteries set in the Gilded Age are in for a treat with this entire series.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 4.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

This is the 4th in a series by Mariah Frederick's. I love historical mysteries and this series is one of the best. Ms. Fredericks takes us to turn of the century New York. Just back from a trip to the continent Jane Prescott is drawn into the investigation of the death of SidneyWarburton the unlikable producer of a Broadway show. Warburton was abusive and the list of suspects is long. Jane and reporter Michael Behan hurry to solve the crime. Well developed and multifaceted characters add to the enjoyment of this book. It is a totally enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Death of a Showman is the fourth glittering book in the Jane Prescott series by Mariah Fredericks. I've read books two and three and loved them both; that being said, this one is by far my favorite! Set in Gilded Age New York in 1914, the world balances on the edge of war, adding depth to a story of an extremely entertaining mystery containing much wit. This mystery stands alone, but you will enjoy it even more if you are a bit familiar with the leading characters.

Lady's maid Jane Prescott has just returned with Louise and William Tyler from a nine-month visit to Europe where they attended a society wedding. She finds out that her dear friend and dancing partner Leo Hirschfeld is getting ready for his first Broadway musical...oh, and he got married to a chorus girl while Jane was gone. Considering there were some feelings between Jane and Leo, she's not exactly thrilled. Louise decides to invest in Leo's show, and William insists that Jane chaperone her. Broadway is a whole new world to them, filled with affairs, bitter rivalries and secrets. When Sidney Warburton, the show's hateful producer, ends up being murdered, there is no shortage of suspects, chief among them Leo. Can Jane and tabloid reporter Michael Behan figure out who the killer is, before they strike once again?

This was such a fun mystery! The performers and the people who worked at the theater were such an entertaining bunch, especially the lead dancers who were married, the comedy star and Leo's new wife Violet, whose claim to fame is slowly walking down stairs while dressed provacatively. Sidney was a terrible and unlikable man, and you can totally understand the entire cast wanting to kill him. It was good to see Jane and Leo reunited, despite the chasm that has deepened since Leo swore he'd never married. (When Jane reminded Leo of that, his response was, "I forgot"!) I also loved Jane's relationship with reporter Michael Behan. I can't quite figure out how they really feel about each other, especially since he is married and his wife is expecting. He refers to his unborn child as Tib, short for The Infant Behan. I loved the letters they wrote back and forth while Jane was in Europe; they are incredibly witty and were a favorite part of the story. I enjoyed seeing Louise mature as a wife and backer of the show and her relationship with William. All of these characters are memorable, but of course Jane stands above them all. I have a feeling there's more in store for Jane besides being a lady's maid. I can't wait to see where life takes her!

Special shout out to the cover artist for the beautiful artwork.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
After finding out this was the fourth installment in a series, I was hesitant to read it because I had not read the previous stories. The cover just kept calling my name so I gave it a try. I really enjoyed it, and I could read it as a stand along. I do intend to read the other books in this series.
This is a lively, fun mystery set in Gilded Age New York. Lady's maid, Jane Prescott, becomes involved with a Broadway show. The abusive producer, Sidney Warburton, is murdered in the bathroom at a fancy dinner. This is the story of how Jane figures out who killed him and why. There is a lot of things going on behind the scenes-romance, trickery and some things are just not what they seem. Highly recommend if you like mysteries set in the Gilded Age.

I love this vibrant, lively, insanely readable series, a series that takes unexpected turns with its characters but still hews to the traditional norms of historical mystery fiction. The first book in the series, A Death of No Importance, was a fabulous origin story, where ladies’ maid Jane Prescott takes on the nouveau riche Benchley family in the first decade of the twentieth century. The books are set in New York City and the Benchley girls are viewed as rich upstarts, and Jane’s special charge, Louise, is shy and gauche and seems to fit in nowhere.

Louise finds her prince, however, an equally shy but old money member of New York society, William Tyler. This is the fourth book in the series, and Louise and William have returned from an extended trip to Europe when they are visited by an old friend of Jane’s – Leo Hirschfield. He’s putting on a Broadway show and wants backers. Louise is drawn like a moth to a flame and William insists that Jane accompany her to the theater, as a chaperone amongst the wild denizens of backstage Broadway.

Louise’s infatuation with the theater proves to be a bit of a divide for the devoted couple. Jane is uncomfortable as Leo, whom she had become very fond of in the last book (Death of an American Beauty), turns out to be married to a voluptuous chorus girl, who of course has a part in the show. Jane is quickly put to work backstage (as a bonus avoiding Leo), and she gets to know not only the ins and outs of running a show, but the ins and outs of the various jealousies and tensions that are coursing through the theater.

When the producer, an exceedingly unpleasant man named Sidney Warburton, is murdered when the company is out as a sumptuous dinner one evening, the show starts to fall apart as tensions are laid bare. The suspect pool appears to contain many members of the company, including Leo.

Jane’s smarts as a detective and as a human being are paired with a gift for observation and an ability to discern motives and connections in the people around her. This book to me was one of the more traditional so far in Frederick’s strong series, but it’s set apart by several things. One is the relationship between Jane and Leo. As readers, we know the relationship continues into old age, but it’s not clear exactly how that happens. It’s a central mystery of the series and Fredericks is very skillfully drawing this thread through the books.

One of the other things that sets the books apart is the look it takes at women’s lives. There’s no judgment, no anachronisms, but Fredericks finds as much interest in Jane’s place as a lady’s maid as she does in Mrs. Tyler unexpectedly finding an interest for herself – the theater. She looks backstage at the actors, the costumer, and the quiet woman who functions as the stage manager. There are all kinds of choices in this life, Fredericks seems to be saying, and none of them should be dismissed or disregarded.

Ultimately, the solution to the murder lies in character, and the traits Jane uncovers as she questions folks backstage could only have been discovered by her, with her combination of intelligence and access. The solution is satisfying. Then, like any narrative genius, one who leaves her readers wanting more, Fredericks ends the book with the outbreak of WWI and another question in the air about Leo and Jane’s relationship. Greedily, I am already ready for book five.

https://auntagathas.com/aa/2021/04/08/mariah-fredericks-death-of-a-showman/

Louise and William Tyler have returned from Europe (to Louise's relief) after her sister's wedding, and lady's maid Jane Prescott is relieved to get back to normal life. But the first thing she learns upon returning is that songwriter Leo Hirschfeld, who she'd come to love during the previous summer, but who told her he'd never be married, has wed a chorus girl. But she'll have to see Leo a lot more than she planned, since he convinces Louise to be a "Broadway angel" for his new musical, produced by the great empresario Sidney Warburton. Warburton is certainly no angel, and both Jane and Louise get an education as they negotiate rehearsals where there's cast in-fighting, personality conflicts, multiple script changes, and arguments galore.

And then Warburton is shot, and there's no end of suspects, including Leo, the older actress whose lover Warburton barred from the set, the aging dance couple, and even drunken Roland Harney, the dipsomaniac performer with the little dog (you may see in Harney echoes of W.C. Fields). In the meantime, history goes on behind the scenes: Archduke Francis Ferdinand has been assassinated, and the bloody Ludlow massacre in Colorado has Jane's best friend, anarchist and activist Anna, enraged.

The main plot of the book reminds me of a similar Perry Mason episode about a discontented acting troupe, except it takes place in Jane Prescott's universe at the time when ragtime was capturing the America's imagination. It's a glimpse into early 20th century life backstage, in which people who didn't quite fit into regular society found a home in theater society—but also the story of how some of these people were exploited. While I didn't find some aspects of the plot as compelling as in the previous three books, the theatre setting was intriguing and seeing Leo again was a treat.

Who murdered the loathsome Sidney Warburton? It's 1914 and Jane Prescott, lady's maid to Louise Tyler, once again finds herself investigating a murder. Her old partner Leo married one of the women in play Warburton was producing and which Louise invested in so she's got more than the usual interest in solving the crime. Her friend Michael, a reporter, is a big help in interviewing the various players backstage, among other things. Cozy readers (and this is sort of a historical cozy) know that multiple people hated the victim and that there will be red herrings. I'm not usually a fan of theater based mysteries but Fredericks does an especially nice job with the details of the Broadway in 1914. I'm a fan of Jane, who has matured over the books, but know that this one will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read and I'm looking forward to the next installment!