3.5 stars, rounded up

Edith Wharton, novelist, is tired of Manhattan, her publisher and her marriage – not necessarily in that order – so she decides to leave America for a fresh start elsewhere. But when a fellow novelist is killed outside his club, the crime sparks something in Edith and she is curious enough to investigate the murder.

I’ve never read anything by Edith Wharton and knew very little about her before reading this book. It’s obvious that at this point in her life, she was unhappy and let her unhappiness spill over into almost everything she did, to the point that I’m not sure I would have wanted to spend much time with her. She wasn’t above using her name and reputation to open doors, and she showed a great deal of logic during her investigation. I was not able to figure out who the killer was, although I was on the right track regarding the motive.

I have several other books by this author on my to-read shelf and am eager to read one – or more – of them later this year.

The Wharton Plot by Mariah Fredericks follows author Edith Wharton as she investigates the murder of a fellow author. The book is based on a true story which takes place in New York City during the ‘Gilded Age”.

I was so looking forward to Mariah Fredericks next novel after I had read “The Lindbergh Nanny”. However, I feel that ‘The Wharton Plot’ lacked characters that were worth delving into. Frederick’s development of Wharton is very stiff and very unlikeable. The story itself was not compelling and frankly had me questioning why Edith Wharton would even bother getting involved in solving a mystery about a man she met once and didn’t even like. It has her becoming an amateur sleuth while trying to write her next book – which is over due – deciding whether to divorce her husband, and hating New York City. The book is incredibly slow It misses the logic of why Wharton would even be bothered to be involved in this whole escapade. I will say the last quarter of the book picked up but that is a long way to keep a reader interested.

I initially wanted to read this book because I incorrectly assumed that it would delve into the writer and woman. From all accounts she was a fascinating person who was not hemmed in by social norms in her writing and in life. She ultimately divorces her husband and travels the world. Truly I would have been much more interested in a book fitting that description than finding her in a story that just doesn’t work.

I would like to that St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Inspired by the true events of Edith Wharton.
 
The death of David Graham Phillips was not a random incident, his murder was planned. Phillips’ sister asked Edith Wharton for help in publishing his book. When agreeing to this, Edith did not realize that involvement in the famous writer’s unpublished book would expose her to danger. His great novel was supposed to tell the truth, and there were people who did not want this book to be published.
 
Edith Wharton did not warm my heart. She was rich, and I found her arrogant and not caring about others. Her marriage was falling apart, and her writing career was not going well when she found herself in the middle of a murder mystery. I enjoyed reading about life in New York during the Gilded Age. It was a story that would lead the reader through the life of the famous author, her involvement in the crime and end the novel with an unexpected ending.

Thank you to @netgalley and @minotaur_books for this early release of The Wharton Plot by Mariah Fredricks.

This book took me right to that the Gilded Age and New York society.

Edith Wharton is a world famous novelist and stumbles into tracking down a killer. Edith meets David Graham Phillips, another writer, and instantly disliked him. He didn't like her either. So when he is shot in the street, Edith begins a quest to uncover the truth. Since his sister is sure someone wanted to killed him only to stop his controversial book from being printed, Edith is intrigued. She begins to unravel who benefits from his death.
This has all the drama of murder, betrayal, scandal and Edith is quirky, snobby, but lovable character. She's flawed, but you want her to succeed.

This one comes out January 23, 2024, so get your copy!

#crazybooknerd
#netgalley
#thewhartonplot
#mariahfredericks

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 23, 2024
The novelist Edith Wharton is in New York, unable to return to London until the doctor gives her husband, Teddy, a clean bill of health. Desperate for a change, in her location and her marriage, Edith meets the acerbic, arrogant writer David Graham Phillips, whose attitudes on women and their place in society sets Edith’s teeth on edge. Edith is hopeful to never run into the foul man again, until the day he is shot in broad daylight in front of his local Club. Now, Edith finds herself immersed in a very real mystery and if she doesn’t discover who killed the famous author, Edith herself might have a target on her back.
Mariah Fredericks’ “The Lindbergh Nanny” took a true story and turned it on its heels, adding some entertaining and delicious details that kept me engaged from page one. Her new novel, “The Wharton Plot” did exactly the same thing, and I was delighted to be given the chance to enjoy it. Fredericks has a unique ability to craft a delightful story based on true events, setting her apart from other novels of the historical fiction genre.
“Plot” is narrated by Wharton and is set in 1911 New York. Wharton is unhappy with her marriage, taking solace in her romantic partners and her friendship with author, Henry James. As a respected and published author, Wharton is asked to review Phillips’ last novel before publication, where the subject matter is rumoured to be the cause of his untimely death. Not only do readers get a glimpse into the twentieth century publishing world, but the ins and outs of high society, including dinner parties hosted by the Vanderbilt’s, paint a stunning picture of the lifestyle of the uber-wealthy.
Edith Wharton is the first woman to win a Pulitzer for her writing but I know very little about her published works, and I feel like this novel has once again piqued my interest in the literary icon. David Graham Phillips was killed around 1911, although Wharton had nothing to do with the investigation into his death, but the idea of Wharton as an armchair detective was clever and creative. Fredericks’ continues to deliver entertaining stories, and I look forward to her next based-on-a-true-story novel!

Edith Wharton is back in NYC and two days after meeting David Graham Phillips, a pompous ass of an author, she learns that he has been killed (and on her birthday no less). The victim’s sister takes Edith into her confidence to ask her to champion his new novel, believing that it is the reason he was killed. Edith spends the next few weeks learning about Phillips, his life and his work in order to catch his killer. Unfortunately his killer is also chasing Edith.

I love the Gilded Age of NYC (I just read Vanderbilt so I am really in this age right now), I love Wharton’s writing and I enjoyed Frederick’s last novel so I was excited to read this but it just didn’t work for me. First of all, Edith Wharton is 49 in this novel and she was basically described as a 75 year old (papery skin, hollow eyes, saggy body), but besides it was just very slow and not that engrossing for a mystery. There were parts that I did enjoy because, again this is my sweet spot but being that I am the perfect audience for this book I think it unfortunately missed the mark.

3.5

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur for the ARC to review

The Wharton Plot is a captivating and enchanting exploration of the life of Edith Wharton. This meticulously crafted mystery not only transports readers to the opulent world of gilded-age New York but also offers a thought-provoking narrative that remains strikingly relevant even in modern times. Fredericks' extensive research into the hidden past of Edith Wharton and her circle of friends, combined with a fascinating glimpse into the history of book publishing, adds an extra layer of suspense to this enthralling tale.

"The Wharton Plot" by Mariah Fredericks follows author Edith Wharton as she investigates the murder of fellow author David Graham Phillips. After a chance encounter the day before his murder, Wharton becomes entangled and hooked on solving the murder.

Fredericks previously wrote "The Lindbergh Nanny," which follows a similarly true story and embellishes it with fictional elements. I enjoyed her previous book. Unfortunately, "The Wharton Plot" lacked a compelling story and characters. Fredericks depiction of Wharton is very stiff and, ultimately, fairly unlikable. I wasn't convinced why Wharton would become an amateur detective while writing her next book and dealing with her failing marriage.

Although the book itself is relatively short, the book is incredibly slow. The last 1/4 picked up, but given the lack of compelling logic as to why Wharton would involve herself in the murder, it doesn't make up for the lackluster beginning.

I love Wharton's writing, which initially made me want to read this book. She was a fascinating person who broke social norms by writing, divorcing her husband, and traveling the world. I would have been much more interested in a book that explored these facets of her life rather than forcing her into a story that doesn't hold up.

I have no doubt that there's an audience for this book. However, it was not a winner for me.

I love it when a book is about a writer or a publisher. This one had both and it is based on a true story, which is even better! Edith Wharton is older and finding it hard to navigate her marriage to her husband. She has put her writing on the backburner and her publisher, Scribner is on her case about it. She is frustrated with them. She wants her next book to make a huge splash and they need to advertise and get the word out. Like Appleton does for David Graham Phillips. The controversial writer that always wants to make people squirm. He has a new book coming out and that is all anyone is talking about. Edith thinks he is a pompous airbag. When Phillips is shot in the street, all this changes. Leading Edith to want to solve the murder of his death. The murderer even wants her to play his game. The exchange of notes, the yelling behind closed doors. Will she be able to figure out who is behind the smoking gun?

I did have a tough time getting into the book. The characters did not draw me in and capture me for the duration. The descriptions and Edith herself were very entertaining. Thank you to Mariah Fredericks and Minotaur Books for my gifted copy.

Thank you so much for this ARC to review. I absolutely adore historical fiction, but this one was a little slow for me. It took awhile to develop and I wasn't able to connect with the characters. I wanted the plot to push along more quickly, especially because they were trying to solve a murder. It just took awhile to get where it was going. So while I liked the book, it wasn't an all-time favorite. Fans of cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this one a lot!

Can you imagine a time before we had cars all over the street, television, phones... Heck, even before electricity was in every home. Many homes didn't even have indoor plumbing! Maybe that's why I love reading historical fiction from this time period - 1910's. It just makes me think of a time long before I was a twinkly in my parent's eyes.

I will say Edith was meant for 2011 much more than 1911... Back then women didn't take charge of their lives and have careers the way Edith does. Then, as I was sucked into this world and the mystery that began to unravel, I was fascinated that it's inspired by a true story!

This is a book sure not to miss for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or even true crime!

Interesting historical fiction that sent me to google all the people Edith Wharton meets for more information. Based on a true story (to a certain extent), this sees Wharton intrigued by the murder of David Graham Phillips- shot in front of the Princeton Club of all places- possibly because of something in a book he's about to publish. The mystery of the villain takes a back seat (and that was ok by mew) to a fictionalized account of Wharton's life, especially her marriage. Fredericks has a good storytelling style and does well with the Gilded Age atmospherics. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I learned a bit even as I enjoyed the novel.

The Wharton Plot by Mariah Fredericks is a murder mystery. Author Edith Wharton attempts to discover who murdered David Graham Phillips. When Ms. Wharton first meets Mr. Phillips, she immediately dislikes him and his views on woman. When Phillips is murdered on the streets of New York City, however, Ms. Wharton decides to solve the mystery. She learns that Mr. Phillips had been receiving threatening letters and that he had a strange relationship with his sister and other family members. Along the way, we are given insight into Ms. Wharton’s troubled marriage, as well as her relationship with her publisher and other authors. A good mystery, a glimpse into the life of Ms. Wharton and an enjoyable read.

Interesting book from the author of "The Lindberg Nanny", a book that I really enjoyed.

This one follows a true story from the 1920's, when the author Edith Wharton decides to track down a killer.

The author is unhappy with her current situation, her publisher, the book she is writing, and her marriage. Known for her wit and her outspoken opinions, when she is briefly introduced to fellow author David Graham Phillips by her publisher, she immediately dislikes him and his opinions of wealthy women. Shortly after that meeting, he is shot to death outside the Princeton club.

David's sister is convinced he has been killed to stop the publication of his latest book, and asks Edith to investigate the situation. Edith agrees to meet his publisher and read the novel. Curious as to why anyone would want to kill him over a book, Edith becomes involved in trying to solve the crime.

I loved the prose in this novel, the language used and the descriptions of people and places. I have never read any of Wharton's books, and of course, now I am curious! I think MS Fredericks did a wonderful job capturing the essence of the end of the Gilded Age and the city pf New York at that time.

Although I preferred The Lindberg Nanny, this was a good read.

DNF at 23%. I enjoy historical fiction mysteries so I was looking forward to reading this book but unfortunately it was not for me. The story was rambling and I was unable to connect with the characters. Even after the murder, there didn’t seem like there was any urgency to solve the mystery. Unfortunately, this book was not for me.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. (I will not be posting this review on retail sites.)

Edith Wharton takes on an investigation into the shooting death of a fellow author in Mariah Fredericks' latest standalone historical novel.

As always, Fredericks does a great job of setting her characters into long gone time and place. New York City in the early 1900's was a time of great change. Home to a collection of interesting characters, including several famous writers, it provides an interesting setting for the mystery at the heart of this story.

The plot was a bit slow to develop. Much of the early part of the book set the stage by describing Wharton's marriage, her troubles with her publishers, and her love affair. I also wasn't very interested in knowing who killed David Graham Phillips, the very unlikeable victim. But overall, the story had enough interest to keep me reading and I enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Edith Wharton and her life and times.

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

i loved this creative take on historical figure from a prominent time. I felt i was taken to those times and it was fun!

Historical fiction depicting real life novelist Edith Wharton as the main character. It’s the waning years of the Gilded Age and Edith finds herself bored and tired of the New York scene, her publisher and is unhappy in her marriage. She’s ready to move on leaving it all behind. Edith meets fellow novelist David Graham Phillips and there is an immediate and mutual dislike of one another. David Graham Phillips is about to publish a very controversial book that promises to expose secrets about some very well known and influential individuals. However, before the book can be released, Phillips is shot to death in front of the Princeton Club. Edith wonders how a book could possibly drive a person to have the audacity to commit such a bold act and becomes determined to solve the mystery. True events and the author’s imagination inspired the story. This ARC was provided by the Minotaur Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed The Lindbergh Nanny so I was excited to receive this ARC. This book is about a true story of author Edith Wharton and the murder of the author David Graham Phillips in 1911. On a side note, I did not realize Edith Wharton's maiden name was Jones. Why is that important? Her family was why we have the phrase Keeping Up With the Joneses. She was from a very wealthy family in the Gilded Age. As with most wealthy families, they marry other wealthy people and not for love. But back to the book, Edith is having problems in her marriage and she becomes obsessed with solving the murder of this author that she had only met once. She cannot leave New York until her husband sees his doctor so what else is there to do in New York but solve a murder? Edith then starts getting threatening letters just as Mr. Phillips did before he died. Is she being followed? Is someone watching her every move? I enjoyed the mystery and how it all ended. And as with most historical fiction books I read, I then go down a rabbit hole of reading up on Edith Wharton because I really do not know anything about her.

-"Secrets and stories, Walter. What writer would not seek that out?"

-"You were only asked to read a book and say something nice about it. You were not asked to solve the man's murder."

-"One can care for someone-yet still wish to be free of them."

Lovers of Literature will be enchanted by The Wharton Plot, Mariah Fredericks’ well researched novel of Edith Wharton, a renowned American writer and designer. In her writings, Wharton openly shared her insider's knowledge of the upper-class New York aristocracy.

Based on a true story, the book opens with author Edith Wharton temporarily confined in New York City with her ailing husband. I enjoyed hearing her discussions with her publisher and other writers concerning their works in progress. In time, Edith is drawn into the aftermath of the death of a young author who had been at odds with her for years. The reader joins Edith as she follows clues and interviews suspects, all of whom are society’s elite. And between the lines, we learn of the cold state of her marriage and details of her tryst with a lover.

This book contains much about the Gilded Age and the famous people of that time, like Henry James, who were part of Edith’s world. I was drawn to this book because of author Edith Wharton, the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and also the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Yale University.