This was a fun, satisfying wrap-up to the Nightingale Mystery Series!

The series is set in the gritty glamour of a Jazz club in 1920’s New York. There is a cast of diverse and memorable characters that keep the story interesting. Throughout the series we have seen that Vivian’s greatest wish is to be wanted. She finds her wish granted in a budding romance and the found family at the Nightingale.

Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth historical mystery featuring the prohibition era jazz club The Nightingale written by Katharine Schellman. Released 17th June 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a well written historical cozy(ish) mystery with an ensemble returning cast of characters and based on a fictitious New York City speakeasy during prohibition. There are a number of gender-fluid, bi-, and otherwise non-traditional presenting characters which was nice to see. The cast is also racially diverse and the story is blissfully without "token" representations. It might not be, strictly speaking, historically accurate, but it was refreshing to read. Other than the kindly wishful anachronistic diverse cast, the book seems to do a good, relatively accurate job with the official/police and political corruption of the time.

Despite being the last book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, and the main mystery is resolved in this volume. Additionally the overarching interrelationships are left in a stable and mostly satisfying denouement. The language is fairly accurate to the period and adds a lot to the read. It should be noted that the characters do develop over the series and there are references to events from the earlier books which will be spoilers if read out of order (nothing super major, but they're there).

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 10 hours, 11 minutes and is well narrated by series narrator Sara Young. She has a warm and rich clear alto voice and does a good job delineating the widely varied accents of a range of characters of all ages and both sexes including elderly and young voices. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.

Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The author’s attention to the era — from the fashion and architecture to the social tensions of the time — added such depth and texture to the story. I felt completely transported, like I was walking the foggy cobblestone streets or sitting in a candlelit parlor trying to piece together the clues right alongside the detective.

Ah, and so it ends. Despite me not wanting this to be the final book. I loved the time frame and Vivian soooooo much.
I very much looked forward to reading this conclusion and have loved every single page in this series. It was fun and emotional and the ending we needed. I wish all series were this perfect.

I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Nightingale mystery series. Vivian has come a long way since first stumbling into the not-so-legal side of the city. It’s been fascinating to follow her adventures living on the edge between respectability and scandal. The stakes were very high in this one. I liked how tidbits from past books found their way into this one.

This is a great series. I love the LGBTQ+ representation in a Roaring Twenties setting. Vivian deals with a lot of high-powered people on a regular basis—from the police commissioner to the owner of the dress shop to criminal masterminds. I love that several of these people are women, especially those involved in NYC’s criminal underbelly. These women are very good at what they do and it’s fascinating to see all their machinations play out.

Note: This is the fourth and final book in the Nightingale mystery series. This story builds off the previous books, so it is best to read them in order. Book 1 is Last Call at the Nightingale.

I have read and enjoyed all the books in this entire series. I really enjoy the story lines and the likability of the characters. I look forward to read other books by this author. I really also enjoy the time period and backdrop in these stories. Thanks NetGalley for the audio E-Arc.

This is the fourth, and final, book in the series that began with Last Call of the Nightingale. The Last Drop of Hemlock and The Last Note of Warning were books two and three.

The novels take place in the 1920s and feature some queer (gay) characters. There is a speakeasy that is important throughout the series. The feel of the nightclub is made very real to readers.

Readers get to know Vivian Kelly who spends much time at the Nightingale. They also spend time with Vivian's relatives.

This time, the nightclub feels very unsafe. The reasons for this may well lie in the past. Will the Nightingale survive (last book in a series so readers may wonder)? Will whatever happened in the past be resolved? How will Vivian fare as the series ends?

Those who enjoyed spending time with Vivian will, no doubt, be sorry to finish this book as they may want more Vivian. She is given a send off of which she is worthy.

Note: It might be best to read the books in order so as to fully appreciate the backstories of the characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book is very different than what I normally read, but the description hooked me and I don’t regard it. It’s a detailed and interesting look at the 1920s, with mysteries, love, family, determination and courage. #LastDanceBeforeDawn #NetGalley

It’s more than a whodunit; it’s a deeply emotional sendoff that ties up every loose thread with care. The resolution of Vivian’s story with her father and the slow-burn tension with Honor Huxley were so deeply satisfying. I laughed, I held my breath, and if I wasn't a total monster that doesn't cry when I read, I would've probably cried. (It takes a lot to make me cry, this is my challenge now, someone has to write something to make me cry... I cried during the Wrath of Khan and Terminator 2... so it's not like I don't do the thing... chop chop) Anywho, this series has been an absolute delight and I can't wait to see what Schellman does next.

The conclusion of a great series. It's wonderful to see how far characters have grown, especially if you go back to the beginning and read all the way through to the end, which I did. Vivien has grown, but so has Honey, Danny, and Bea. My honest feeling after the ending was “I wonder if the author is thinking about following Bea, or Honey AND Vivien, etc.”

The mystery was fine. For an ending it made sense to wrap up the characters and each of their past questions. It does make me want to see how they move past Prohibition and survive in through the Great Depression. I feel like our main characters would continue on as they are, but others like the Wilsons might need to “call in those favors.”

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoyed the mystery in this one I think that this one might just be my favorite of the series. It was sad to see the series end.

Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for the DRC of Last Dance Before Dawn! All opinions in this review are my own.

I am so sad that Last Dance Before Dawn is the concluding book in the Nightingale Mystery series! I am happy that at least Last Dance Before Dawn tied up any of the ongoing plot lines and ended in a satisfying way. I'm excited to see what Katharine Schellman does next!

Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman is the icing on the cake for the fantastic Nightengale series!

A dazzling finale to Vivian's escapades! The story is engaging throughout (although I did call a few of the surprises in advance), and particularly shines in the dynamic between Vivian and Honor.

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!