Vivian Kelly has finally found a sense of home at The Nightingale, a glittering speakeasy where secrets are left at the door. But when a stranger arrives with ties to a dangerous past, Vivian is forced to confront buried truths to protect the people she loves. As threats close in and old mysteries resurface, she realizes that some secrets don’t stay hidden forever—and this time, everything she’s built is on the line.

This book was such a great mix between mystery/thriller and historical fiction, and of course with an added touch of romance. I enjoyed experiencing the 1920's through Vivian's eyes. Her determination to solve the mystery was compelling and sucked me in as a reader. Her character was also very witty and a little snarky and I enjoyed that way too much. I did not read the previous 3 books, and while I don't think it's needed to enjoy this story to it's fullest, I really wish I would have because I enjoyed this one so much. I will definitely be going back to read them.

The side characters in this story were just as enjoyable to read about as Vivian was. I especially liked Leo and Honor and all that their characters added to the story. The plot was just as good, and the mystery aspect was fun and made this a real pager turner, and the 1920's was portrayed pretty well in the context of the story. I definitely recommend this one!

Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 1/5

Tropes:
LGBTQ+ Rep
Found Family
Family Trauma
Secret Identities
Strong & Bold FMC

Thank you to Minotaur Books, Katharine Schellman, and Netgalley for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.

We are back with Vivian and the gang at the Nightingale. When a man with a reputation for not taking no for an answer comes in asking about Hugh Brown, Vivian and Honor are clueless as to who he's looking for. But Harlan O'Keefe is sure that they know more than they're saying, and he's giving them two days to come clean. Vivian and Honor will have to keep their wits about them with a mobster on their tail, a new bartender with secrets of his own, and an unexpected guest at the Nightingale. When the restaurant that Florence and Danny live over with their baby, Mei, and Danny's family gets broken into, there's no way to know if it's connected to O'Keefe and Hugh Brown or not. But Vivian has to figure it out fast before time's up.

This was just what I would expect from a book in this series. Great characters, wonderful world building, and some red herrings. Pretty much everything that a reader would want is tied up nicely with a bow.

All in all, this is a great ending to the series (although I'm sad to see it go!). If you like a historical fiction story with queer characters and an interesting mystery, definitely read this series.

Thank you to @Minotaur_Books and @NetGallley for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.

Last Dance Before Dawn is the riveting finale in the Nightingale Club mystery series. The stories take place during the 1920's where speakeasys were popular and dangerous. A time in which cops could be easily paid to look the other way, and women were second class citizens no matter what job they had. Even when a woman was a nightclub owner. More importantly it's about the way women were treated, and what they had to hide in order to exist. But there was one woman, Vivian Kelly who was street smart, had a day job as a seamstress, and a secret night job at the Nightingale where she danced with male customers. some of whom were very shady.

Over the years Vivian saw a number of dead bodies. She tried to hide her second job from her beloved hardworking sister Florence. But now, Florence is settled and it's time for Vivian to make some hard choices in her life.

Once again there is trouble brewing at the Nightingale Club. A mystery man from Chicago shows up and begins looking for people. Vivian is frightened as she knows who he is looking for and doesn't know why. One thing is for sure; he has killing on the brain!

So, Vivian goes to her boss and friend Honor, the extremely bright and savvy owner of The Nightingale. She is also intrigued but warns Vivien to stay out of the situation. Vivian thinks Honor knows more than she is saying, but Vivian must think about her sister and niece and keeping them safe.

But of course, she begins to quietly investigate and discovers a shocking story which unfolded a few years ago in Chicago in which people were killed and money was stolen and never recovered. It also has hints of a love story. On top of all that, questions about her parents especially about her father will come to light and be scandalous to both her and her sister.

Last Dance Before Dawn is truly a heart palpitating conclusion to a wonderfully written series about the jazz era and what it was like to live back then as women, some of whom were on the good side of the law and others not so much. It will satisfy the reader with all the unanswered questions, and prove that even back then, women could be strong, smart and cunning.

Thank you #NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #KatharineSchellman #LastDanceBeforeDawn for the advanced copy.

I loved every book in this series. The atmosphere is amazing - I feel transported to the Nightingale and enjoy reading each new mystery.

Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth installment of Katarine Schellman's Nightingale Mysteries series. The Nightingale is a speakeasy during the Jaz age where people go to escape reality with a drink and a dance. Vivian Kelly is the protagonist of this series. She is wise in the ways of the world as she strives to survive. Every night at the Nightingale is a risk due to the sale of illegal liquor, but when a man comes in searching for someone, they realize that the risk has increased. Vivian's friends and family work together to outsmart the stranger and save their home.

Everyone’s favourite flapper, Vivian Kelly is back for one more dance in the final installment in the Nightingale mysteries series, Last Dance Before Dawn!

Just as things start to quiet down at the Nightingale club, a shifty stranger from Chicago appears and is looking to settle a score with someone involved with the club… but they don’t know who he’s looking for!

How many bodies need to turn up before Vivian can uncover the mystery target and send these Chicago gangsters packing ?!?!

This was another fun installment of the series that developed Vivian‘s character in her relationship with club owner Honor Huxley, as well as the other favourite characters from the series, like Vivian, sister and husband Danny ( and their new baby girl!), and series favourite, Leo! I really enjoyed how we not only do we get a mystery, but also an update and a satisfactory sense of maturing of the characters.

I also really appreciated that Vivian and Honor’s relationship was brought out to the forefront and given the attention and deserves, and the satisfactory conclusion that I think all the series readers are hoping for.

I’ve enjoyed the series for book one and I will miss the characters, but I’m happy that Vivian was able to solve one more mystery and now hopefully can enjoy your days mystery free!

I couldn’t wait for this book, and, while I read it a few weeks ago, I’m still sad it is the last of the series. I have truly enjoyed meeting all of the characters and watching them evolve, especially the main character Vivian and her sister. Schellman has served them well, mirroring their struggles and exploration of freedom with the crimes and liberation of 1920s NYC. FInally having the opportunity to meet their fathers, there are of course mixed emotions, and my heart was pulled in all the ways theirs were. Not all characters end up with a happy ending, but the conclusion is satisfying and leaves me feeling as though these girls are, finally, going to be ok.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, Netgalley, and the author Katharine Schellman for early access this exciting conclusion to the Nightingale Mysteries.

This was a fitting end to a series that had some ups and downs for me. I like that we got some resolution on some lingering mysteries from earlier in the series although the end of some of the storylines felt a little rushed.

I love this series - I love the time in history, I love the setting of the speakeasy, I love the characters. This cozy mystery was no different, except that perhaps it was the last installment in the series! I will actually miss these characters going forward, but it was an excellent ride while it lasted.

Last Dance Before Dawn is the last book in Katharine Schellman's terrific 1920's set mystery series set in and around the nightclub known as the Nightingale.

Over 4 books, we've grown to love the crew at the Nightingale - Viv, our protagonist, waitress and sometime sleuth; Honor, the aloof, competent bar owner (and possible love interest for Viv); Bea, Viv's best friend and chanteuse extraordinaire (aka Beatrice Bluebird); Florence, Viv's straight-arrow sister, now navigating motherhood; Danny, charming bartender and Florence's husband; and Leo, all-round mysterious guy, nephew to the police commissioner and one-time love interest for Viv. This bunch are a racially, economically and sexuality mixed group, and they are in many ways each other's chosen family.

This being the final book in a strong series, there are a lot of ends to be tied up. Somehow, Schellman manages that without leaving anything feeling forced. Viv and Florence get some closure around their family history, though it may not be in the form they would have chosen. Viv and Honor and Leo have to figure out if they're a triangle or not. And somehow, people have to figure out who the mysterious Hugh Brown is. I did not figure it out quickly, which I always think is a good sign. As ever, there's an unexpected twist or two in the resolution - again, something I enjoy as a reader.

Schellman always does her homework, and that means that her books genuinely make you feel like you are hanging out with the denizens of a 20's speakeasy in New York. She raises big issues within the stories - poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia - but not ever in a way that feels forced. These are stories of people living their lives as best they can. 4 stars and a tear or two to be leaving the Nightingale for the last time.

# Grateful for the Opportunity to Read This ARC!

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this advanced reader copy! I have truly adored this series and have grown more attached to the characters with each installment.

Last Dance Before Dawn* immerses you in the story alongside its characters, with captivating details and unexpected twists that certainly do not disappoint. While I am saddened that the series has reached its conclusion, it wrapped up beautifully! I cherished the storyline, although it felt like it ended all too soon

Vivian hopes that things will finally calm down at the Nightingale after all the hassle they’ve dealt with. And then a mobster from Chicago comes poking around the club looking for someone. And mysteries from her own past come knocking at her door.

This was gorgeous and just what I wanted from a finale for this series. I really love the lush setting of a 1920s speakeasy, it’s described so well. And the casual diversity of the cast is wonderful. Every character has unique wants and desires. I would have loved to see more of Bea, but I understood this story centered more on Viv and Florence’s relationship. And oh the relationships between everyone. Vivian’s friendships with Bea and Danny, her complicated feelings for both Honor and Leo, Vivian is just trying to do her best for everyone she loves.

The stakes were much higher here and so tense, I could feel my heart racing as we got closer and closer to the climax of the story. But it all resolved satisfactorily. So I guess it’s time for me to dive back into the Lily Adler books, as there’s no more to come from the Nightingale.

My thanks to both NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this arc.

Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book in the Nightingale Mysteries cozy mystery series. Set during the height of the 1920s, it follows working girl Vivian as she works by day as a delivery girl for a dressmaker and by night as a waitress at a speakeasy, and gets herself tangled up in murder mysteries along the way. In this last book, everything neatly ties back to the beginning, answering a few unanswered questions, resolving the love triangle Vivian finds herself in, and bringing in key players from past books. It’s a bittersweet ending, but it’s also lovely to see just how far everyone’s come.

There’s never a dull night at the Nightingale, with new faces always showing up. One in particular catches Vivian’s eye. He doesn’t quite fit in, and it doesn’t help that he’s asking for a Hugh Brown, certain that someone at the Nightingale must know him, because a crime boss from Chicago, Harlan O’Keefe, is looking for him. Of course, no one at the Nightingale knows a Hugh Brown, but that doesn’t stop O’Keefe from taking a strong and deadly stance with the Nightingale’s staff in order to get his guy. So of course Vivian takes it upon herself to both find this Hugh Brown and protect the people she loves most. At the same time, she and her sister Florence make strides in discovering what happened to their late mother’s body and who their father is, and the answer is more tangled up in Vivian’s case than they expect.

There’s a lot going on in this novel, and sometimes it was a little too much. There’s the mystery involving Hugh Brown, the discovery of Vivian and Florence’s father and the effect that has on everything, changes happening within the Nightingale partly because of the current mystery and partly because it’s time, and the cautious dance between Vivian and Honor. This being the last novel in the series, it has a lot to resolve in addition to dealing with an entire mystery, but I did like how it all tied together. It was mostly neat and tidy, and sometimes it felt overly complicated with some parts of the story getting more page time than others. I also felt like things were sped up a little too much, and I felt like I was taking a dive into something that should have taken a few more books to play out. But I did enjoy the way it ended, and I like the feeling that these characters just quietly went back to their daily lives and things are playing out the way they’re supposed to.

I really did like how all the pieces fit together to form a whole. Each plot was linked to everything else, and it’s so deftly done. At the same time, I thought they linked up a little too quickly and a little too conveniently. I was disappointed that all the little clues just seemed to light up in the narrative. It was so easy to pick up on all of them, so I was a bit let down when I figured out all the key pieces before Vivian did. I could even predict what she was going to do next with that information. I’m not sure if it’s just because Vivian’s become this predictable after three books or if the dropped clues were just that glaringly obvious. But it was nice to be able to focus on all the other details because I’d already solved each puzzle.

Though the story often felt a little bloated and predictable, I did enjoy it. There’s a great deal of emotion in this one as everyone’s lives were upended. Vivian feels things very deeply here, and I really liked how it affected her throughout the story. The changing relationship between her and Honor, while I thought it evolved really fast considering their history in a previous book, was really lovely, and I loved how much they allowed themselves to feel, their pull to each other stronger than all the big and small betrayals from the past. Then there’s Florence’s new family, one that’s adopted Vivian as well, and the things they’ll go to protect their own. It’s fierce, and fascinating, and I just loved how much everyone has come together to form a family, whether it’s Florence’s in-laws or the Nightingale’s staff. It’s lovely to see how far they’ve come and how close they are.

Last Dance Before Dawn really took me into the 1920s, and I loved every moment. While the story felt a little too burdened with things and the characters perhaps a touch more emotional than I’m used to, I really loved this world. It felt real to me, and I loved how it balanced the sparkling upper crust and how they took part in the illicit, and how the poorer working classes found their own ways to indulge and forget for a night. I loved seeing the daytime and the nighttime, and the way LGBTQ relationships were viewed back then was really nicely woven in. There’s subtle prejudice, but I liked how the characters rose above it.

As the final book in the series, Last Dance Before Dawn really managed to wrap things up and offer a beautiful future to all the characters. It was nice to see some old faces and meet some new ones. It’s bittersweet, and I sometimes wonder just how much Vivian will manage to stay out of trouble, but it was fantastic to see how each book built towards this conclusion. Vivan has really grown, and it was wonderful to get to know her. This was a fun book, if sometimes a little too stuffed, and I’m sad to say good-bye to everyone, even if I think they all ended up much better off than where they started.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

The final book in this series, this was the first of Schellman's works I've read. And I WILL be going back to read the others!

In Vivian, Schellman has created an intricate character. At times naive and trusting, she's also exceedingly brave and fiercely loyal. As her story unfolds, you are swept away by the obstacles she battles while trying to save The Nightingale and her determination to succeed.

A good read for a quiet afternoon

[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication of the book thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books, with no expectation to review. all comments and opinions are entirely my own and given freely.]

Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book of Katharine Schellman's exciting historical series Nightingale Mysteries. I'm really heartbroken that this is over! It's much better to read the series from the beginning, else you may be a bit confused if you don't know what transpired in previous books. That being said, I unfortunately didn't get to read book three, but I had no trouble following along. This was the best book of the series! I'll miss it, but at least it went out with a bang!

In 1925 in Manhattan, Prohibition is in full swing. Vivian Kelly has made a home and family for herself at the Nightingale speakeasy. Everyone there has secrets to keep, but no one really cares there. They are, after all, looking to leave their secrets and the real world behind. A stranger from Chicago shows up looking to settle old scores, and Honor Huxley, the speakeasy's owner, sends him on his way. However, that stranger was just a warning. People who have made the Nightingale their refuge are being followed and hunted. And it won't end until he solves a mystery that's been cold for many years: a missing girl, a young man out for revenge and a truck full of cash that disappeared when a job went dreadfully sideways. Vivian wants to protect the people she loves, and begins to dig up the past to keep them safe. But will she remain safe if those secrets are revealed? Now that she has a family, she has so much more to lose!

Out of all the ways I saw this series ending, I certainly didn't see any of this coming! Maybe I would have had a clue if I read the previous book? Would I have? Vivian and Florence Kelly were orphans who grew up in an orphanage; they knew their mother had died, but had no idea what had happened to their father. Florence had been doing research on their father. A good amount of the book dealt with that issue; it was tied wonderfully to the storyline of the man who was threatening all who were a part of the Nightingale. Who was this Hugh Brown the stranger and his goons were searching for? This part of the book, when all was revealed, had me totally gobsmacked! I was not expecting THAT! This was such an outstanding series, but it was the characters who had me coming back. Vivian and her sister Florence worked at a dress shop, but at night Vivian served at the Nightingale and filled in when short a bartender. Being there - and dancing, which she so loved - made her the most happy she'd ever been. For the first two books I was not crazy about Honor Huxley. There was attraction between her and Vivian, but I just didn't trust Honor; she would manipulate Vivian. However, I really grew to like her here; maybe it was because she revealed a tender side of herself. I was rooting for another character for Vivian, but I think where that ended up was a good thing. I really liked sister Florence who married Danny Chin, the head bartender and Honor's right-hand man. They just had an adorable baby named Mei. It took me a while to warm up to Florence, but I liked Danny from the first book. I absolutely adored Beatrice (Bea) Henry, aka "Beatrice Bluebird", a Black woman who sang at the club and was Vivian's best friend. My favorite character, however, has always been Leo Green, a bootlegger who I thought was going to have a grand romance with Vivian. I was wrong on that count! New character "Mr. Quinn" was a revelation. And the goons were perfect bad guys you loved to hate. This last book of the series and its characters have made this one of my favorites so far this year. I'm going to miss the Nightingale!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman

Dear Fellow Readers,

Spring is rapidly turning to summer here in Wisconsin. We do not seem to always have Spring. Often it seems to go from winter coats to shorts. This year, we have had more of Springlike weather but still we are going from 60’s to 90’s overnight.
Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman is the fourth in the series of the Nightingale Mysteries. I have reviewed two of the other books (The Last Drop of Hemlock and The Last Note of Warning). I have enjoyed her prior books, and I enjoyed this book also. It is the last book in the series.
In this book, Vivian Kelly is happy with her life at the Nightengale until a man shows up one night looking for someone. Vivian does not recognize the name of the person he is looking for, but the man is sure that she knows the man. She does not think that she has ever heard the name before and is puzzled but very wary. Then the night security guard is killed and the Nightengale family is scared. She receives another threat along with her boss Honor Huxley that they have 48 hours to turn over the mystery man.
At the same time, Vivian and her sister get a lead to find a family member. They go and despite the friendly letter they received, the woman is not friendly at all. She practically shoves them out of the house. They did not understand the change. The woman does tell them that she is their aunt and that their father is dead. Vivian’s sister, Frances, is extremely disappointed and Vivian thinks there is something odd going on. Vivian is right, something very odd is going on.
When all the mysteries merge and affect Vivian’s real and chosen families, she must be on top of her game to get through this situation alive.
I like this series. There are good twists and turns in the plot, and we find out more about the characters in each book. While I did not read the first book, I think that you need to read the other books in order. I hope you enjoy reading this book.
Thanks for reading!

What a wonderful final book in this series set in the jazz age, with prohibition era New York City as its setting. Vivian is drawn into a cold case as she needs to save her family, both found and blood, from losing the place that is home to everyone who needs a place to escape to, even for just a few hours. The characters and the settings are so well rounded I could feel myself in a smokey room with the music soaring, the dancers being swept into the beat, and Viv’s mysterious boss Honor watching it all with her red lipstick. The plot has twists and red herrings, it kept me reading well into the night. While this last book can be read as a standalone please do yourself a tremendous favor and read the series in order so you better know the characters and their history, you won’t regret a minute spent immersed in this world!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy, I recommend all four books to any mystery lover who enjoys history, a highly atmospheric setting and well written plots that will
capture your attention from the start. I can’t wait to see what the author will turn to next.

Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book in Nightingale Mysteries by Katharine Schellman.
This was an exceedingly atmospheric murder mystery and I’m absolutely obsessed with this series!
The mystery was engaging with several twists and turns along the way that kept me wanting more.
A compelling, intriguing and intensely riveting, crime read which I loved, with its rich descriptions and details of the period made this a phenomenal read.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, for this arc.


I’ve enjoyed this series but I thought this book would probably wind it up. Lots of threads that have been wound through the previous three books get tied up so this is definitely not a place for new readers to begin.

There’s a fairly large number of characters in this world, many but not all of whom have been in the first three books. Character traits and relationships have been established. One major thing about leading lady Vivian is that she’s the type who tends to act quickly and at times impulsively. She’s also a loyal friend whether or not another person reciprocates.

The villain is that cold, smirking type who makes sure you know he’s bad news while he holds his power over you. Except no one at the club knows who this fella wants or how to get rid of the villain. Vivian is used to being around troublesome people as no one with soft edges can survive in this tough world. Soon though Vivian is about the only person advocating for the villain’s victim rather than tossing the victim into the lion’s mouth in order to save everyone else. Vivian’s relationship with her female boss has changed over time from distrust to warmer feelings though they still have a lot to work out in this book. A female crime boss who has been in Vivian’s orbit is also someone to be wary of and avoid if you know what’s good for you.

Florence, Vivian’s sister, has been trying to track down any family they might have and has married one of the bartenders at the Nightingale, a Chinese-American whose family has welcomed Vivian as well. Yes, the interracial marriage raises eyebrows and Danny has known his fair share of racism and issues while growing up in NYC. A long time friend of Vivian’s is the black sheep of his family, among whom is the police commissioner, because his mother married a Jew. And all of these people are going to be wrapped up in trying to clear out the villain before anyone else turns up dead.

By this point, I know not to be surprised if Vivian acts quickly and ends up putting herself in danger. Vivian’s got her share of rough edges and survival skills. She can turn her hand to, well maybe not blackmail but she’ll use advantages when she sees them. Still yes, there are times when Vivian’s family, friends, and lovers want to shake her for dashing into situations.

But in the end, it’s usually Vivian who manages to fix things, look out for her friends, or think of a solution to a thorny problem in a way that protects those she cares for while seeing that justice is done. Her seeming recklessness still drives me nuts at times but I have to admit that this isn’t a new trait in her. I guessed some of the secrets and plot twists and had a good idea about others. The series ends with some threads neatly tied off but in ways that make sense given the way the series has been written. There’s a will-she or won’t-she relationship that is left until the end to be decided but in the end, I think most of the characters got what they wanted or deserved and I enjoyed my time at the Nightingale. B

The Roaring Twenties, a secret speakeasy run by a mysterious woman, a seamstress by day and flapper by night, and a dangerous man seeking a mystery man he insists they both should know. This mystery/thriller has a beautiful textured setting with interesting characters and a gripping plot. I highly recommend it!