I absolutely loved this book! Set in NYC in the 1920’s and based on the true events of the unsolved Dot King case, DiVello transports her readers back in time with a story that’s as immersive as it is captivating. I knew nothing about this case before I started and felt as if I was truly living through these events, and chasing down leads in this complex case. I absolutely loved it!

I was really excited about this book, the cover art alone drew me in (totally judged a book by its cover!) Overall it was just ok for me. It felt too long and there were points where I was losing interest because of this. I didn’t really feel invested in any of the characters for much of the story. I did start to get into it more toward the end but then was totally disappointed when there was really no conclusion! I did not know prior to reading that it was based on a true story. I did like all of the additional information that the author linked at the end, she clearly did her research and then some. Her passion for this project is commendable if nothing else. And as many have said, this felt more like a historical fiction book rather than a thriller.

I was so excited to read Broadway Butterfly by Sara DiVello since I first heard about it! The author's research really shows in this telling of the murder of Dot King who was murdered in 1923 in New York City. It's a true story about a case that has never been solved. A lot of the story is told through Julia Harpman who was a reporter when women weren't really part of this field at all. She did not want to give up on finding justice for Dot. Her maid Ella is one of the only people that really knows all of Dot's secrets. Detective John Coughlin has two suspects but the corruption in his own department makes solving this case impossible. I thought I had it figured out but then new information points you in another direction. I can't wait to see what Sara DiVello writes about next!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

It’s a murder mystery that takes place in 1920’s Manhattan and, like “The Great Gatsby,” revels in the excesses of the Jazz Age. Flappers, Tycoons, Broadway gigolos and lowlifes, “High Society” types, a crusading female reporter, crooked politicians at the highest levels of government, a loyal African American ladies' maid, and tough, ham-fisted NYPD detectives all combine to make this a work Damon Runyon might have envied (although it doesn’t attempt to copy him or his colorful language).

Someone has murdered model and Broadway “It Girl” Dot King in her bed in the apartment where her “sugar daddy” was keeping her. Was it the sugar daddy himself? Or her violent lover who beat her whenever she refused to do his bidding? Or was it maybe someone else – someone having something to do with the immense sums of cash Dot had been depositing into her bank accounts?

Author Sara DiVello has given us a well-written, well-researched story, based on an actual case, that takes us from New York City to Philadelphia to Palm Beach and back. Her characters are compelling. Her treatment of some of the social issues of the time, including racism and sexism, call to mind issues we still face today. Readers who enjoy tales of the “Roaring Twenties” should find much to enjoy here.

"Broadway Butterfly" is not the kind of book I would usually select, but It was amazing! The story Draws inspiration from a real crime in 1923, the book masterfully unravels and makes for an immersive reading experience. The characters are complex and well developed which ensures that readers remain invested, while the true crime undertones lend a haunting mystery. It's a must-read for enthusiasts of unsolved mysteries and true crime, blending historical events with compelling storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Broadway Butterfly" and cant wait to read more from this author. 4 stars!

I truly enjoyed the book. It was well written, easy to follow. I really got into the story when the investigation got a bit deeper.
I like to put faces to characters if they are real, and I think pictures of all of them would have accentuated their small bios at the end of the book.
The book being based on an unsolved case leave me wanting more, even if I know the killer wasn't found.
I raccomand the book to anyone that loves true crime. It read like a murder podcast.

This book is listed as a Mystery Thryiller and True Crime. Unfortunately, it came off more as True Crime. While I usually like True Crime, this one was repetitive and boring. It lacked tension for being a thriller and it lacked resolution. I didn't find myself caring about any of the characters.

Based on a true crime and drenched in 1920s atmosphere, BROADWAY BUTTERFLY is an impressive, provocative read. Sara DiVello excels at immersing readers in the story of Jazz Age Broadway actress Dot King, whose mysterious death had implications far beyond Manhattan. Told through multiple points of view, including those of reporter Julia Harpman - who covered the case - and Dot King's maid Ella Bradford, this book is both a riveting thriller and a masterful exploration of a notorious unsolved homicide case.

Ooh this was excellent! I seen so many great reviews for this so of course I needed to see what it was all about. I mean a true crime historical mystery that's based on a real unsolved murder case, and taking place in NYC during the roaring 20s?! 🙌🏼 YES please!! Loved it from page one.

Dot King is a scandalous flapper girl and is found dead in her Manhattan apartment. There's chloroform next to her body, a fortune in jewels missing, and her room is a disaster. There are many suspects it could be. Crime reporter Julia Harpman wants to solve this case even when law enforcement has swept it under the rug!

I can tell the author put a lot of research into this book. The time period was fascinating to read about and I was captivated. This one was steady paced and really enjoyable. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Out now!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon.

A good book based on a true story from the 1920s. The story kept me engrossed in the lives and goings on of the characters. I was glad to read the true accounts of the people at the very end of the book.

I don't think I've ever read a book like this before where a true crime is presented in a narrative, fictionalized format, so that was interesting. Sara DiVello obviously spent a lot of time and resources researching this case, so I applaud her for that. She showed just how much the city messed up the case from the beginning and the levels of corruption that were involved. Since the case was never solved though, there is no real resolution to the book, so that was a little frustrating.

I loved the whole 1920's New York setting of this, and Julia was definitely my favorite character. It was so cool to learn about this real life woman who worked as a journalist on the crime beat at that time and how she didn't let being the only female stop her from succeeding at her job.

I was so excited to read this book. Agent Carter is one of my all time favorite shows - I love a good show/movie/book set during the 1920-1940s, especially ones with female protagonists. However, this book was a slog to get through and while expecting it to end on a twist, it ended on an ultimately disappointing note (there will be no true answers to this crime). The characters don't land for me - genuinely they were more interesting to read about in the authors note at the end. Frances is mopey, Julia is only defined really by her doggedness, Coughlin is a hard-boiled cutout of a detective, Dot is supposed to be captivating but ultimately is flat. Some of the lines for Julia and Coughlin had me rolling my eyes (along the lines of repeated "he always gets his man" or "she was a newspaperman and would fight for this story"). So much potential but ended up like a forgettable Law & Order episode where there is no conviction or real punch to the story.

🦋 Broadway Butterfly - Sara DiVello

I’m torn here. 3.5/4 ⭐️ Woah. This one was quite the ride. I felt hopeful, frustrated, annoyed, and proud. This one has a lot of characters to keep track of, but seamlessly worked together. I am always interested in true crime stories, this one was no different, and I was fascinated over finding out this is a true story and still unsolved! 100 years later!

Based on a true unsolved murder - Dot King, a scandalous flapper in 1923, is found dead in her apartment, chloroform next to her bed, and missing jewels. Dot’s murder takes the world by storm and brings in lovers, haters, and justice seekers. Julia Harpman, a crime seeking journalist navigating a male dominant industry; John Coughlin, an NYPD detective on the case; and Ella Bradford, the victim’s maid. The investigation and search for justice will expose secrets, show gaps in economic classes, and challenge what’s right and wrong.

I love a good true crime case. I love historical fiction especially when it teaches me about a story I didn’t know. Parts of this book were extremely frustrating even today, 100 years later, when you’ve seen and heard some of the crime that still happens. At times, this one felt long. Because of the story and characters, it felt a little repetitive and dragged out BUT this story is still unsolved.

Without giving too much away, Julia was my favorite character. She’s strong, she has fight. Women are who we are today because of women like Julia. Big time props to all the research a story like this deserves and requires to get ALL of the history correct. I am thankful that Devillo added a little “what happened next” about each character at the very end. Sara is our Julia and this is her way of keeping Dot King’s memory and story alive and for that, I thank her. I definitely recommend if you’re historical fiction or true crime fan!

What a story! I must admit, I was a little hesitant to pick this arc to read. But once I started it, I was immediately pulled in. There are so many layers to this novel, so many potential suspects, and all with relatively the same motive: keeping their secrets secret. The author's note at the end is most appreciated, as it gives a bit more tangibility to the various people in the book. I fully intend to buy this and read it again, as it was just that good. Kudos to author Sara DiVello.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Thomas & Mercer for this arc, which I voluntarily reviewed.

This book is the true crime murder of a flapper in the roaring twenties. She knew criminals, the ultra rich, and had an abusive boyfriend. Who killed her? Sara was the mistress of a rich man and her boyfriend wanted to blackmail him. Did her rich lover kill her or was it the abusive boyfriend. Money and power is definitely a character in this book. Could the rich interfere with the law to stay out of the limelight. What an interesting story. It is a story of the contrast between rich and poor.

The book also has a female crime reporter on the case. She was one of the first female crime reporters. Will her stories help solve the case or will it go unsolved. I really enjoyed reading this book. Can this happen still today? It will make you wonder. If you like historical fiction or true crime stories you will enjoy this book.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #SaraDiVello, and #Thomas&Mercer for a copy of this book.
#BroadwayButterfly

Sara DiVello delves into the glitzy yet enigmatic world of 1920s New York in "Broadway Butterfly," a mesmerizing true-crime novel that unfurls against the backdrop of power, politics, and hidden truths. This riveting tale is based on one of the era's most infamous unsolved murders, a captivating blend of history and fiction that casts a spotlight on a city pulsating with intrigue and scandal.

Set in the midst of the Roaring Twenties, the story centers on the shocking murder of the scandalous flapper Dot King. Her lifeless body is discovered in her Midtown apartment, surrounded by an air of mystery and a swirl of unanswered questions. As the city grapples with the scandal, a cast of characters is drawn into the web of secrets and conspiracies that shroud the case in darkness.

At the heart of the narrative are three individuals whose lives intersect in the pursuit of justice. Julia Harpman, a tenacious crime reporter at the Daily News, navigates the treacherous waters of a male-dominated industry as she strives to uncover the truth behind Dot's murder. Detective John D. Coughlin, a righteous officer in the NYPD, battles against pervasive city corruption that threatens to derail his quest for answers. Ella Bradford, Dot's Harlem maid and closest confidante, holds the key to unraveling the layers of deception.

DiVello skillfully weaves a tapestry of characters, each with their own motives and agendas, that spans from the glittering lights of Broadway to its shadowy underbelly. From a politically connected socialite to a bootlegger from Atlantic City, a gigolo lover, a sultry Broadway dancer, and a secretive sugar daddy, the ensemble cast adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.

As Julia embarks on her quest for justice, the plot twists and turns, leading readers on a suspenseful journey through a city alive with secrets. DiVello's vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era, evoking the atmosphere of a city teeming with hidden desires and cloaked motives. The pacing is meticulous, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency and intrigue.

"Broadway Butterfly" explores the boundaries between fact and fiction, weaving historical details with imaginative storytelling. DiVello expertly captures the essence of the era, capturing both its allure and its undercurrents of danger. The mystery at the core of the novel is a tantalizing puzzle, with revelations that are as shocking as they are unexpected.

A MUST READ!

A dramatized version of the true crime which happened 100 years ago in 1923 murder of Dot King , a NewYork city Flapper dancer — I enjoyed this book a lot and once I got about 30% into the book — I became very invested in the characters — I enjoyed hearing the POV of Julia, Frances and Ella. I loved Julias` tenacity in trying to connect the dots of information that might lead to catching the murderer. — She was definitely my favourite character —I had a hard time putting down the book wanting to know how the drama would play out— knowing even now —that the murder has never truly been solved. The writing in the book I found enjoyable and I would be interested in reading other works by this author- she does well at writing the many POV in the novel and threading everything together. Full of conspiracy theories, corruption at the highest levels, and cover ups - absolutely a thrilling page turner. Though I read the book — I think it would make an amazing full cast audiobook with the different POV. Highly Recommended read if you like novels based off true crime.

I was interested in the cover design and the description.

This was a sophisticated 1920s true crime thriller set in 1920s New York. It was a page turner - I found myself turning pages quite quickly, and I cared about what happened to the characters. I liked Julia as a protagonist too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

When a model is found dead in her NYC apartment, and foul play is the motive, an investigation into her murder begins. Suspects include a flashy gigilo and her older, married boyfriend who wants to remain anonymous. Gutsy reporter, Julia, is determined to investigate and report on the case of the murdered Broadway Butterfly, but ultimately puts herself in danger as she has a man's role in the world!

What a fantastic historical fiction/true crime story! You can tell so much research was done for this book!!

Justice for Sale?

“Ok, fine – it’s about the story. But it’s also about social class, and right from wrong, and the fact that justice shouldn’t be for sale.”

So observes Julia Harpman, a New York Daily News reporter and one of main narrators, midway through Sara DiVello’s 2023 real crime recreation, “Broadway Butterfly”, about a now century-old unsolved, or unresolved, homicide.

1923 mid-Manhattan: during the peak of the Jazz Age with fast living, bootleg booze, and all that – well, you know what – a mild manner, dedicated maid, Ella Radford, arrives for work at the West 57th Street apartment of Dot King to find her 28-year-old employer quite dead with clear signs of a brutal assault.

As the worlds of Ella and Dot collapse, the curtains are pulled back on the shady doings of many lives crossing paths in efforts to uncover and conceal what really happened. The intrigue, sometimes revealed and other times hinted at, ranges across the social and political spectrum.

From humble lives of working-class black servants to white middle class police, forensic coroners to reporters vying for front page stories to the uber rich with political affiliations reaching into the White House, this historical fiction moves in the white spaces among the lives of actual people, events and preserved records.

The lengthy narrative moves in a tug-of-war development in short chapters shifting among several perspectives, all real people with brief profiles in the postscript:

• Julia Harpman, newspaper reporter and wife of editorialist, Westbrook Pegler
• Ella Bradford, Dot King’s maid
• NYPD Inspector John D. Coughlin
• Frances Stotesbury Mitchell, socialite wife of John Kearney Mitchell III and daughter of E.T. Stotesbury, prominent investment banker, owner of his Whitemarsh estate outside of Philadelphia and involved with the second-term reelection planning for US President Warren D. Harding

Several other figures of the era add depth to the story: Arnold Rothstein (1919 Black Sox World Series Scandal), Nucky Johnson of Atlantic City (“Boardwalk Empire”), Daily News editor Philip Payne, and the elusive Aurelia Fischer Dreyfus who may have fingered the real murderer but unexpectedly fell to her death before speaking.

As a confidential informant says at one point: “Sure, it’s New York and 1923, but might just as well be some feudal kingdom in the Dark Ages. Money wins out. Rich beats poor. A murderer goes free. Just another day in New York City.”

If you liked the grittiness of “The Naked City” (1958 – 1963 TV series) combined with the neo-noir intrigue of “Chinatown” (1974 film) …pounce.