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Death of a Showman: A Novel (A Jane Prescott Novel, 4) Hardcover – April 13, 2021
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In Mariah Fredericks's Death of a Showman, the fourth in this absorbing series set in Gilded Age New York, lady’s maid Jane Prescott is thrust into the world of show business, where a killer is stalking Broadway.
“A lively upstairs/downstairs mystery.”―New York Times Book Review on A Death of No Importance
It is the summer of 1914 and lady’s maid Jane Prescott is back in New York with the Tylers after a glittering society wedding in Europe. On their return, Jane learns another wedding has taken place. Her old dancing partner, Leo Hirschfeld, has married a chorus girl in his new Broadway musical.
Jane and Louise Tyler are pulled into the sparkling and scandalous world of Broadway, as a star struck Louise invests in Leo's show, and Jane chaperones her at rehearsals. But behind the glittering facade of the theater, there are rivalries, secret romances, and some very dodgy business practices. When the show's abusive producer, Sidney Warburton, is murdered, the list of suspects is long. Was it the comedic star or her gambler boyfriend? The disgruntled costume designer? The beautiful, blond dancer, her jealous husband? Or was it Leo himself, who had more reason than anyone to hate Sidney Warburton?
As the First World war looms in the distance, Jane and tabloid reporter Michael Behan must strip back the masks of these consummate performers before one of them kills again.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherMinotaur Books
- Publication dateApril 13, 2021
- Dimensions6.51 x 1.04 x 9.6 inches
- ISBN-101250210909
- ISBN-13978-1250210906
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more
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Editorial Reviews
Review
One of Broadway Direct's "Top Theatre Books to Read This Summer 2021"
"With a spirited, intelligent heroine; pitch-perfect descriptions of pre–World War I New York; and believable characters, Fredericks’s latest historical mystery is a delight."―Library Journal (Starred)
"Fredericks offers up a cast of original, fully human characters, even the most villainous of whom have backstories that evoke at least a little understanding. Those who think they know where the story is going will be pleasantly surprised. This witty, empathetic foray into the world of Broadway will leave readers eager for Jane’s next adventure."―Publishers Weekly (Starred)
"Fans [will] be satisfied by the upstairs-downstairs world the protagonist inhabits and her understated canniness at crime solving. For fans of the series and of any fiction set in the Gilded Age."―Booklist
"Author Mariah Fredericks has clearly done her research on Gilded Age New York and its colossal theaters, because she creates a real sense of being behind the scenes and behind the curtain. [It’s] all told with understated elegance."―BookPage
"As the book's amiable narrator, Jane is clever, thoughtful and surprisingly streetwise. Lively and arresting."―Shelf Awareness
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Minotaur Books
- Publication date : April 13, 2021
- Edition : 1st
- Language : English
- Print length : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250210909
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250210906
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.51 x 1.04 x 9.6 inches
- Book 4 of 4 : Jane Prescott
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,582,732 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8,131 in Historical Mystery
- #16,341 in Amateur Sleuths
- #22,157 in Women Sleuths (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Mariah Fredericks was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history. She enjoys reading and writing about dead people and how they got that way. She is the author of the Jane Prescott mystery series.
Customer reviews
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2021Format: KindleVerified PurchaseAfter reading Ms. Fredericks’ three previous books, I didn’t think she could surpass herself. She did. The indomitable, intrepid Jane Prescott opens the book with a reminiscence and we’re transported back in time to 1914 New York City. Reacquainting us with earlier characters and introducing many new ones, as always, every person is so well developed that you can almost smell them. While her writing is always peppered with bon mots, wry witticisms and clever ripostes that literally make the reader laugh out loud, this book offers much more. Ms. Fredericks should have been a impresaria on The Great White Way. Her descriptions of behind-the-scenes musical theatre are vivid and exciting, and she seamlessly weaves Broadway lore through a really good murder mystery. Obviously researched down to the last detail, there are historical facts of the era, both domestic and international, that provide a solid foundation for this book. I simply loved “Death of A Showman" and read it in one night. Please let there be more Jane Prescott in the future!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021Format: KindleDeath of a Showman is an amusing, nuanced, surprising tale that takes you back to Manhattan during 1914 and into the life of lady’s maid Jane Prescott who, after spending a year in Europe, returns to find her former dance partner and potential paramour, Leo Hirschfield married and rehearsing a new Broadway musical, a show that ends up with more problems than just money woes when the producer suddenly turns up dead, and everyone behind the curtain seems to have a motive for murder.
The prose is vivid and authentic. The characters are astute, multi-layered, and likeable. And the plot develops nicely and has just the right mix of misdirection, deduction, clues, suspects, mishaps, drama, and murder.
Overall, Death of a Showman is a light, quick, enjoyable tale by Fredericks that I thoroughly enjoyed, and that is without a doubt another satisfying addition to the Jane Prescott series.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2023Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI've really enjoyed reading this series and I hope that #4 is not the last one. There are too many questions left unanswered! If you like historical fiction then you will enjoy this series!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseNot as good as other books by same author
- Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI tore through books 1-4 in less than a week. Love these books- the characters are well developed, the settings exciting, the historical information illuminating, with just the right amount of tension to move the mysteries along at a satisfying pace. These books are a treat.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2021Format: KindleLady's maid Jane Prescott has to chaperone her mistress to observe the preparations and rehearsals of a Broadway show. Not only does she need to deal with observing her former beau with his new questionable wife she also discovers scandal around every corner.
I enjoyed the early 20th century setting and interesting bits of history that were included in the story. Well written characters will have you loving some and disliking others. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2021Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseFrom the touching dedication onward, this is full of heart. A fast, enjoyable read--loved it.
Top reviews from other countries
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alhReviewed in France on May 7, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Et la série continue!
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase4ème de la série. On pourrait se lasser, mais non, même si l’intrigue change peu, les personnages sont toujours suffisamment différents…
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AUDREYReviewed in France on July 2, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Très bien
Format: KindleVerified PurchasePour moi. Le meilleur de la série