## A Gripping Gilded Age Murder Mystery with a Literary Twist: A Review of "The Wharton Plot" by Mariah Fredericks

Mariah Fredericks' "The Wharton Plot" is a captivating historical mystery that throws the spotlight on the legendary Edith Wharton. Set against the fading grandeur of New York's Gilded Age, the novel follows Wharton at a crossroads in her life, yearning to escape a loveless marriage and seeking inspiration for her writing. Enter the shocking murder of fellow author David Graham Phillips, an event that throws Wharton's carefully laid plans into disarray.

Intrigued by the whispers of a conspiracy and spurred on by Phillips's spirited sister, Wharton dives headfirst into the investigation. Fredericks masterfully brings Wharton to life, capturing her sharp wit, keen observations of society, and burgeoning detective skills. The novel delves into the hidden corners of the Gilded Age, exposing the web of secrets and scandals that the wealthy tried so desperately to conceal.

"The Wharton Plot" is more than just a murder mystery; it's a love letter to literature and the power of storytelling. Fredericks seamlessly weaves Wharton's real-life experiences into the narrative, creating a fictional world that feels both opulent and dangerous. The suspense builds steadily, keeping you guessing until the very last page.

Here are some of the novel's highlights:

* **A unique protagonist:** Edith Wharton is a complex and fascinating character, a refreshing change from the typical historical mystery detective.
* **Vivid setting:** The Gilded Age is brought to life in all its glittering glory and dark underbelly.
* **Intriguing plot:** The murder mystery is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
* **Love of literature:** The novel celebrates the power of the written word and the enduring legacy of great authors.

If you're looking for a historical mystery with a strong female lead, a touch of literary intrigue, and a captivating glimpse into the Gilded Age, then "The Wharton Plot" is a must-read.

**Highly recommend for fans of historical mysteries, literary fiction, and strong female characters.**

I love historical mysteries. THE WHARTON PLOT is set in 1911 NYC and features Edith Wharton, famed novelist. Edith has come to a crossroads in her later years, with both her marriage and publisher. She can feel some changes on the horizon. Before she can do anything too drastic, she meets fellow writer David Graham Phillips, who has published books on controversial topics regarding women and society. David is shot to death in broad daylight on the streets of New York. Edith is witness to the killing and when David's sister comes to her for help, she decides to look into the murder herself. It was so interesting finding out that this book was based on a true story.

I was aware of Edith Wharton but wasn't very knowledgeable about her private life. I was expecting the murder mystery to be a bigger part of the plot but it was an entertaining read regardless. I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys Gilded Age fiction or books based on true people and stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Did you guys know that Edith Wharton helped solve a murder back in her day? I didn’t! This book follows that historically accurate story while throwing in the author’s own dialogue and small plot details.

While this story is quite interesting, I do believe that I liked Frederick’s novel The Lindbergh Nanny a smidge more. I enjoy a good historical fiction and this one delivers, but there were a couple of slow spots for me. Overall, a solid read though and I enjoyed it!

I love my historical mystery heroines a little ornery and Edith fit perfectly in that mode. Although I'd read Wharton, I knew very little about her personal life so this was a nice opportunity to learn more.

I really like this one! I've read Wharton's novels but knew very little about her personal life. Prior knowledge was absolutely not necessary - there was just enough detail to remind you that she was in fact THAT Edith Wharton but otherwise it read like a fun historical mystery novel.

In this emotionally charged novel, New York Times bestselling author Tracey Garvis Graves takes readers on a transformative journey where two lost souls find unexpected courage to love again.

The year is 1911, and New York City pulses with energy and secrets. Edith Wharton, bone-tired of Manhattan, stands at a crossroads. Her marriage and her writing career hang in the balance. When dashing novelist David Graham Phillips is shot to death outside the Princeton Club, Edith’s life takes an unexpected turn.

Edith met Phillips only once, sharing mutual distaste over tea. Phillips’s sister believes he was killed to prevent the publication of his next book—a tome promising to expose hidden secrets. Curious and intrigued, Edith dives into the mystery. What kind of book could drive someone to murder?

Inspired by a true story, “The Wharton Plot” follows Edith Wharton’s relentless pursuit of truth. As the Gilded Age fades, Edith becomes obsessed with solving the crime, navigating fame, love, and danger.

Fredericks weaves a taut tale, capturing the essence of an era. Edith’s resilience and determination shine through, making her a compelling protagonist. The novel immerses readers in a world where literary intrigue collides with deadly secrets.

In summary, “The Wharton Plot” is a captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery. Fredericks skillfully resurrects Edith Wharton, inviting us to walk alongside her as she unravels a web of deception. A must-read for fans of literary intrigue!

I could not get into this book. It dragged at times. The main character wasn’t likable, which made it hard for the reader to root for her.

The Wharton Plot by Mariah Fredericks
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Edith Wharton is a writer in 1911 New York. After having a bit of a ruffled meeting with a fellow author named David Graham Phillips, he is murdered in the street the next day. Edith falls into attempting to piece together David’s murder, which seems fo revolve around his book he just finished.
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What I liked:
-I loved the mystery. A murdered writer, his last novel, threatening letters, all of these sucked me into this story.
-I liked that our heroine was a mature woman. Edith was not a little 20-something amazingly solving a murder. She was a mature woman who really thought about motives and asked questions and wasn’t afraid to consult with others to get a different view.
-The ending surprised me!
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Wharton Plot is a historical mystery set in the late Gilded Age, as renowned novelist Edith Wharton tracks down a killer. This was a beautifully written novel, amde even better by being based on a true story. The author even did a great job tying in some of Edith's publications into the story, which now makes me want to go read those when I have time! This book did an excellent job of showcasing the time period, as well as Edith herself. It almost perfectly balanced the mystery aspect as well with the counter of Edith's personal problems. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

3.8 stars
Fredericks did a commendable job of portraying the Gilded Age, Manhattan and that nothing is more intriguing to an author (Edith Wharton) than the murder of an arrogant fellow author.
Edith is tough, she is outspoken and at times unlikeable, but darn it all she was real! She describes the murdered Phillips as 'exactly the sort of person to inspire jealousy. He practically insisted on it'. But you also see her vulnerable side, and her needs that are not fulfilled within her marriage. She is ahead of her times in being aware that independence is her strongest ally.
The unravelling of this murder mystery is entertaining and seldom boring but it does take a while. Have patience, the characters are lively and multi faceted, and I am glad I had a chance to read it.

Thank you #NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my review.

Brought to 1911, readers explore life in New York City through the life of Edith Wharton the famous author. However, another New York author, David Graham Phillips, has recently been murdered, and Edith is on the case. Connecting threatening notes, the rivalries between authors and among publishing houses, book release schedules, and a questionable novel by Phillips, Edith explores her stomping grounds of New York City’s publishing industry to discover Phillips’ murderer. Readers also get a taste of Edith’s internal monologue and her struggling marriage with a chronically ill husband, but Edith is not a sympathetic figure. Cool and calculating, Edith’s passions are writing (but only what she wants, not what will sell) and solving this murder. The characters are somewhat complex, and the murderer is hiding among the pages of the book. Edith, understandably, is very complex and has a lot to say and do in this novel; it really is her world and the rest of the characters are living in it. New York City is a character unto itself, and the literary world is the main setting, and Fredericks really does an incredible job bringing these two settings to life in this interesting historical fiction novel starring one of the great female writers of the twentieth century.

This is another Historical Fiction that was very well written, Historical Fiction is a genre I normally don't read. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author! I would definitely recommend this book.

I love historical fiction especially focused on women but it was hard for me to commit to this book. Sorry. I just couldn’t care for the characters or their story. It was very dry. So I decided to set it aside at this time. Thank you to #netgalley for this early copy to read.

This made Edith Wharton very unlikable. Whether she was truly like this or not, I don't find the need to learn more about her after reading this.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

New York City. 1911. The Gilded Age. Edith Wharton is an author and meets fellow author David Graham Phillips and instantly dislikes him. The next day Mr. Phillips is murdered in broad daylight. Edith is drawn into the mystery and tries to find the killer as well as help make sure his latest book is published. His sister is certain the controversial book is the reason he was shot.

I loved the previous book The Lindbergh Nanny by this author but this one was a little disappointing for me. I do love books set in the Gilded Age as well as a good who done it so I was hopeful. Edith just threw out wild allegations about who killed Graham and then was proved wrong so she accused someone else. It was interesting that is was based on a true story and I love historical fiction. It was just too slow moving and honestly a little boring for me. I have seen good reviews and feel like I might be an outlier however:)

The Wharton Plot by Mariah Fredericks is the story of Elizabeth Wharton in 1911 and is a famous novelist and she is tired of Manhattan. She is in a loveless marriage. She wants to leave America and start fresh in Europe. David Graham Phillips, who is a known for his controversial ideas and notions about women and their place is society is shot dead outside of The Princeton Club. Edith met him once and she did not like him. While trying to get out of New York, her husband is waiting to get cleared by his doctor but he is stuck in Massachusetts and David’s sister is convinced someone shoot him because of his writings. His next book to be published is controversial and is set to tell secrets about the well to do New Yorkers. Nobody wants this book published. Edith’s curiosity gets the better of her and while she is delayed, starts down the rabbit hole of David Graham Phillips. She becomes obsessed with solving the crime and entangled with his family and his enemies. I really do like historical fiction and this book didn’t disappoint. It was well written and enjoyable. This was a four star read for me. I want to thank Netgalley and the author for my copy, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.

The Wharton Plot is a murder-mystery with its protagonist a successful female writer from the early 1900’s. Based on a true story, it takes place in 1911. The reader is taken back to a time when men were powerful, and women were pretty much considered second class. Even women such as Edith Wharton whose writings were well received and was extremely opinionated was constantly downplayed as being weak. With so many important messages about women throughout the book, let’s not forget this is quite an entertaining mystery with a very interesting list of suspects. 

Novelist David Graham Phillips, notoriously known for his sharp tongue and overt opinions on everything is shot dead outside the Princeton Club in New York City one morning. With few witnesses present, the killer was able to run away. The writing community is in shock, as was Edith Wharton herself. She had just met him recently and had immediately disliked him. 

At first, Edith is not really interested in the killing as she has had enough of New York City as well as her husband for that matter and wants to escape. But with her publisher eager for her to turn in her next, very late book, she’s stuck in this new emerging city.

But when Phillips’ sister goes to Edith insisting his death was caused by his new book which was being released and he had been getting threatening notes, including the morning of the murder, well her interest is certainly piqued. As she agrees to look into the situation, she finds herself immersed in reading Phillips’ new book coming out, talking to his friends and colleagues as well as a few shady characters really to no avail. But suddenly all that changes as Edith herself begins to receive threatening notes which don’t really make any sense. Now it’s up to her to try and put the pieces of this puzzle together because it seems she herself is in danger!

The Wharton Plot is an interesting jaunt into feminist history with a woman ahead of her time with very strong opinions and a creative problem-solving mind and a mystery which pulls the reader in and never lets them go.

Thank you #NetGalley # MinotaurBooks #MariahFredericks #TheWhartonPlot for the advanced copy.

This story is based on a true story. We glimpse into Edith Wharton's life, but then the fiction weaves in seamlessly. She's approaching 50 and at a turning point in multiple aspects of her life. The murder of a fellow author (she barely knows) thrusts her into the plot of this book.

I was quite excited to read this book but I had trouble getting entranced by it. I picked it up and put it down several times.

I finally gave up before I could reach 100 pages. I was about 70 pages in.

The writing was great and the story was there but it couldn't hold my interest but that is just me. This could be great for others.

I couldn't get into this book. The character didn't captivate me. I couldn't get past the first 100 pages, and I tried multiple times.