and just like that a Thriller Legend is birthed. Watch out thriller authors because Sara DiVello has entered the chat and is about to break the internet with her debut book. 🎤 💥

How does one weave the TRUTH of a real life murder into fiction without sacrificing or going off course for pure entertainment purposes? I have no freaking idea of course but Sarah managed to do just that. 😱

An actual true life murder of a 1920s broadway woman that took place in NYC that still hasn’t been solved. As a self proclaimed true crime junkie, what more could you ask for? Not one damn thing! 🔪

As a true crime lover, I found the this book to be like quicksand, pulling you deeper until you’re completely submersed down the rabbit hole. 🐇 🕳️

Sarah really did paint the case of Dot King like an exquisite butterfly with intricate details. I’m truly in awe of the research that went into writing this book. Not one detail spared. 🤌🤌

And I just KNEW the ending was gonna leave me feeling a certain kind of way. I didn’t know how, but I knew it. And I was right. I absolutely loved it because to my mind, questions are always more fascinating than answers. 🧐🧐

We all know I that am VERY SELECTIVE to handing out 5 stars. So selective in fact that I can count all the books I have given 5 stars on two hands. Broadway Butterfly is all-consuming and will invade my thoughts for the foreseeable future. 🤯🤯

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was immediately hooked as soon as I started this book. The author plunges you directly into the mystery and you can immediately tell that the author has done extensive and meticulous research about this true crime. DiVello is not so much creating memorable characters as she is fleshing out and giving a voice to very real people. The true star of this book is fearless journalist Julia Harpman who tenaciously pursues her story, to get justice for Dot King.

This book tells the story from 4 different viewpoints - Julia, Ella, Coughlin, and Frances. The short chapters move chronologically through the days, weeks, and months following the murder of Dot. Julia's viewpoint takes up most of the book. Sometimes the book reads like narrative non-fiction, rather than more dramatic historical fiction, but I think that is because of the author's commitment to tell the story as it happened, rather than manufacture drama.

The author does a good job setting the scene and introducing the characters. When needed, she does a good job at making an educated assessment of what their motivations are or what their emotional state may have been. The reader understands jazz age New York and the political machinations driving the investigation of the case. I wanted more, because the disappointing ending comes directly from the truth.

I recommend this book to people who love historical fiction, strong women characters, and mysteries. I received this ebook from NetGalley.

An amazing true crime thriller written as historical fiction that will keep you guessing among the political, wealthy and criminal suspects that all provide coverups! In New York City in 1923 a beautiful infamous flapper has been murdered in her own apartment. The author did extensive research and it shows, be sure to check out the details at the back of the book. There are lots of characters and multiple point of views, but it is well done to keep the reader interested. I especially enjoyed learning about the crime reporter Julia Harpman, who deserves to become better known as a leader for women in the workplace.

I wanted to read this because people were raving about it, I love any book that takes place in historical NYC and I do enjoy a true crime novel - however I didn’t know anything about the story until I jumped into it. Dot King (a gorgeous flapper/dancer/model) is found murdered in her bed next to a giant bottle of chloroform with her furs and jewelry missing from her apartment.

Julia Hartman, the only female crime reporter for the Daily News is determined to find the killer (even if the police close the case due to political pressure). The two main suspects are her abusive criminal boyfriend (who had beaten her when she was alive) and her wealthy and very connected married lover (the son-in-law of one of the richest men in America). Julia, through her investigation finds more than just multiple criminal elements in Dot’s world, she finds corruption within the system making the investigation nearly impossible and the levels seem to lead all the way to the Washington and possibly the White House.

There are multiple POVs throughout the novel which allow the reader a deeper view of the layers of classism, racism and sexism pervasive in 1920's society.

I thought the writing was well done and enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout. Divello was thorough and thoughtful with all the characters and I thought her portrayal of race and gender was done quite well. While obviously since it is an unsolved murder there was nothing she could do to provide closure, I think she covered as much as she could. I may have to look more into President Harding as a result. If you enjoy true crime I do suggest picking this one up and I look forward to her next book.

Four and a quarter stars for me

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to review

✨Netgalley ARC review ✨

Broadway Butterfly by Sara Divello ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publication Date: August 1st, 2023. Available now! Check out amazon, Barnes and noble, etc.

True crime thriller novel based around the real life murder of flapper, Dot King.

It’s the 1920’s and a high profile woman is murdered in her apartment. She so happens to be tied romantically to multiple men. Meanwhile, the district attorney is pushing for answers, so a female reporter takes the mystery into her own hands to find out who murdered the woman. Will they ever find out who murdered Dot King?

I went in blind to this book and I loved it! I love a good true crime novel! I felt like I was experiencing what I was reading because of how the book was written and I appreciate that. There was many points of view and the author did a great job researching. I highly suggest reading this book!

#netgalley #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreviewer #goodreads #broadwaybutterfly #dotking #murdermystery #truecrime #bookreview #saradivello

I was drawn to this book because it sounded intriguing: in 1923, a New York woman is found dead and the possible suspects range from a hoodlum to a wealthy Philadelphia businessman. Based on a true story, this historical fiction read is riveting.

When Dot King is found murdered in her apartment by her housekeeper, Ella Bradford, all of her jewels and furs missing, her scandalous lifestyle becomes a gold mine for the newspapers of the time, and pressure is placed on New York homicide detective John Coughlin to solve the murder. What Coughlin quickly finds out is that the politics of the case--going all the way up to President Harding's cabinet--is outweighed by his gut instinct that Dot's gigolo lover is the culprit. Besides getting political pressure to close the case, Coughlin is also held accountable by the only woman on the crime beat, reporter Julia Harpman who is determined that justice be done for Dot.

Told mostly from Harpman's perspective, the book explores the many suspects and their motives as well as Coughlin's reasoning to narrow the field. This is a well-researched book that shines the light on a notoriously corrupt Harding presidency and brings the Roaring Twenties to life through Dot and her lovers and acquaintances. It's a fast-paced and well-written recounting of the murder and its subsequent investigation that kept New York riveted for years. 4.5 stars.

Engaging story that drove me to keep reading and found out what happens next or if any new discoveries. I must have skipped the Author’s Note at the beginning that this was a true story and didn’t find out until the end. Twists and turns and new developments keep me in suspense for the whole read!

Very well written book. Great historical fiction/mystery. . I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I personally love the 1920's. This book was set in the 20's and did not disappoint. The author did a great job drawing me in. I will definitely recommend and read more from her.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for this ARC. I truly enjoyed it!!

Broadway Butterfly is a true crime mystery set in the 1920s.
Dot King is found murdered in Manhattan, 1923. Discovering the truth of her matter takes the reader through the roaring 20's and Broadway.
It also takes the reader into a labyrinth of dirty laundry with a myriad of nasty characters.

I read the book in two days as I found it captivating.

WARNING: it's unpopular opinion time again!!

Right... I didn't expect this to happen to be honest. True crime is my favorite type of non fiction, and add a historical twist and I'm even more intrigued. I loved the sound of the premise of Broadway Butterfly with its 1920s New York setting and the mystery around the murder of Dot King... And I fully expected having a fantastic time reading this story. Sadly, this book ended up being just about as fun as a trip to the dentist instead. I'm not sure if I was in the wrong mood or if this story simply wasn't for me, but the fact is that against expectations Broadway Butterfly and me most definitely didn't get along.

I still love the idea behind Broadway Butterfly, and it shows that the author has researched everything extensively. The 1920s New York setting makes for such a great backdrop for this story, and it was great to see so many historical references incorporated. BUT. I'm not sure how to classify this book. Is it true crime? Is it historical fiction? What was based on true facts and what was altered/invented to fit the story? Somehow not knowing this made me wonder just how authentic this story was and what to believe.

There was also something about the writing style and tone that simply didn't work for me. I can't put my finger on the why and it's probably just a personal reaction, but what I can say is that I found it extremely hard to find the motivation to keep reading and pay attention to what was happening. This was made even worse by the fact that there are multiple POVs, a huge cast of characters and multiple settings in play; the result was a story that I simply couldn't convince myself to invest the time it demanded to try and untangle it all. In fact, I confess that I started skimreading sooner than later, and I wish I had just DNFed it instead... Not even the ending brings any relief, because Dot King's murder is never solved.

Broadway Butterfly is filled with sordid details, crime, corruption, infidelity, politics and other less pleasant topics. I don't mind a story going dark and twisted, but somehow there was something off about the way the different elements were incorporated into the plot. As a result, its intended effect fell rather flat, and I honestly didn't care what was happening or what happened to any of the characters in play. This lack of connection and struggle with the writing and plot made it very hard to pretend I wanted to know what happened next... Like I said, I ended up skimreading quite a lot of this story, and that is never a good sign.

I know that most people do seem to love this story, so I seem to be the outlier here... But just in case you struggle with Broadway Butterfly as well: you are not alone. I guess this just wasn't the book for me despite my interest in historical true crime. Whatever this story is, I wouldn't call it a thriller though.

Broadway Butterfly is a well researched novelization of Dot King’s murder investigation in 1923. There are four points of view: Ella Bradford (Dot’s maid), John Coughlin (NYPD detective), Julia Harpman (news reporter), and Frances (socialite).
This book is being marketed as a thriller but the pacing is a little too leisurely. It’s more like true crime that’s been written as a novel to avoid those pesky footnotes and citations. I loved that the author had a little paragraph or two after the story to give an update on each of the main characters. She also had more information and pictures on her website as well as some videos touring one of the settings (or what’s left of it I should say.)

One of the best Mystery/Thriller that I have ever read.

Based on a True Crime from the 1920s.

I loved all the plot and twists in this book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and or the author for giving me a chance to read this book. I can't wait to see what else this author writes in the future.

This book has all of the things I love! Unsolved true crime, New York City setting, and a 1920’s time period. If you are a fan of true crime or historical fiction, you are going to want to read this book. This book takes place in NYC during the 1920s. It is based on one of the most notorious unsolved murders of the era where power, politics and secrets all come into play to keep the truth hidden.

Broadway Butterfly: A Thriller
By: Sara DiVello
5🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

DiVello nailed her debut novel. She researched this topic for years based on an unsolved murder in Manhattan in 1923.
🦋
Dot King a well-known was a flapper who was found dead in her apartment. She had a lot of her jewelry missing and chloroform on her nightstand. Is this a set up? So many motives.
🦋
This novel kept my interest with the vivid details of the time period and her writing. Filled with corruption, scandals, greed and much more.
🦋
I have followed Sara’s podcast and interviews for years and her personality and questions always draw fellow authors in for amazing conversations.
🦋
Congratulations Sara! So excited to received a signed copy from Murder by the Books. Thank you Stephanie at @mbc_books for this advanced novel. Since I have two copies I will drop one off at a Little Free Library.
#broadwaybutterfly, #saradivello, #thomasandmercer, #mbc_books, #arc, #murderbythebook, #bookreview, #bookstagram , #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50

Broadway Butterfly" by Sara DiVello takes us back to the 1920s in New York City. This riveting true-crime novel unravels one of the most notorious unsolved murders of the era—the death of scandalous flapper Dot King, whose murder shakes the city and ignites a web of secrets and intrigue.

At the heart of the story is Julia Harpman, a tenacious female crime reporter, navigating a male-dominated industry as she pursues the truth. As Julia delves into the case, she uncovers a world of secrets, corruption, and prejudice.

The book provides a vivid glimpse of life a century ago, from New York City to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. With engaging characters and a well-researched backdrop, the novel offers a thrilling mix of true crime, history, and mystery.

"Broadway Butterfly" is a period piece, a whodunit, and an eye-opening exposé, making it a thrilling and enlightening read for fans of true crime and historical fiction alike.

This was such an atmospheric read! Loved the old New York setting, I felt like I was right in the middle of the story and you could tell the author researched the topic well. A different kind of thriller than I usually read but I enjoyed it all the same!

I finished last night and my gosh I did not want it to end! I love a New York setting and 1920s New York is one of the best. Dot King is a flapper that is found dead in her bed with a bottle of chloroform and a fortune of jewels missing. She is found by her Harlem maid, Ella Bradford, who also happens to be her closest confidante, and from there we are engulfed in the city’s underbelly that is as corrupt as they come. NYPD detective John D. Coughlin is trying to solve the case while dealing with several bumps in the road, one of them being reporter Julia Harpman, who is proving to be quite successful herself at knowing details the public does not yet know.

This had me hooked from the beginning, I loved the characters, especially Julia, who was set on finding out what happened to Dot no matter what. As we know, this was not a normal profession for a woman during that time, and I found her so fascinating. She was also key in revealing how rampant and intertwined the corruption was, from the lowest criminals to the powerful, and how risky it could be to try and expose it.

This was very well done, thorough, and I loved all of the POV’s, it really provided great insight into that time period. I loved this one so much, and I cannot recommend it enough, if you have not added this to your TBR, please do so now!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.

"Broadway Butterfly" might be someone's next favorite book, but it is not my cup of tea. It did not keep my interest and the writing style is poorly done.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

You can definitely tell a lot of research went into this. Thank you DiVello for this story. I thought it was well written and kept my attention for the most part. The story of King is heartbreaking and I'm glad that it is still in the mind/hearts of others.

This book played out in my head like an old time black and white crime drama on the silver screen while I read it, and I loved every minute. It is based on an actual true crime in NYC in the 1920s that remains unsolved.

1920s New York was so atmospheric in this book. You felt you were there. You can tell this author put in a lot of time researching the actual case. This story was so well done and you can tell it is a labor of love.

Dot King, aka the Broadway Butterfly, is a twentysomething flapper living on her own in a NYC apartment. Her maid, Ella, shows up for work one morning and finds Dot dead in her bed, a giant bottle of chloroform on the bed beside her.

There are multiple POV - Ella, Julia Harpman, a female crime reporter, and John Coughlin, the lead detective on the case. There were a couple of suspects, and this case went deep in mafia-type interactions, politics, coverups, police corruption, "sugar daddies", race, among other things.

Julia was my favorite character. She was fighting hard to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry.

Lots of secrets and lies, and as said above, this one remains unsolved. But I definitely have my opinions!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Sara DiVello for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.