This was an intriguing story. I was hooked at the start, but the middle did seem to slow down a bit. The characters were well developed and I was fascinated by them. Overall, a good book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“The Girl in the Green Dress” is a who-done-it by Mariah Fredericks. This book is set in the 1920s and Ms. Fredericks did a great job writing about that time and capturing the craziness of people remembered today from that time. First there’s F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald - the “roaring twenties” darling couple. Throw in Dorothy Parker and basically you’ve got jazz, quick pointed wit, excess and - well - the rich partied hard back then. Then you also have Morris Markey, a young journalist trying to find a story to make his name one that everyone knows. Morris and Zelda pair up (think like Nick and Nora Charles) to solve the murder of Joe Elwell, a known gambler and womanizer. I found this book a difficult one to get into. Ms. Fredericks did a great job with the time and place and people, but the pacing at times was an issue for me. Combine that with Morris’s absolute hunger for Zelda’s world - and at times it felt like Morris was doing a “race to be first, sources and accuracy be darned” which, for me, is an issue. Do, however, read the author’s note as it gives a bit more information. For me, the attraction of this book was the 1920s and Zelda … but sometimes Zelda’s a bit too much to handle (though I’m sure that was part of her charm). Overall, if you like books set in the roaring 20s with some historical people thrown in for background, this might be a book to pick up.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: September 2, 2025

Started strong but quickly lost my interest. Seemed to slog on without progress, and while Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald were interesting at first, they quickly became irritating. I wasn’t really invested in any of these characters until the author’s note explained that some of the events and side characters were real as well.

Instant favorite. This story sweeps you along into the frenetic post-WWI party scene in New York, where glittering people drink, tell stories and behave outrageously to forget the trauma of the war.

Markey's a newspaper reporter on the edges of society trying to make a name for himself. When his wealthy neighbor is murdered, he uses a passing meeting with F. Scott Fitzgerald to ingratiate himself into his circle, delighting the passionate Zelda with the intrigue of the investigation. As Zelda and Markey get closer, the investigation heats up, forcing them to brush shoulders with some of the most dangerous people in New York.

Zelda's ups and downs are portrayed lovingly through the eyes of Markey, who adores her even while she frustrates him. She's a fascinating, larger-than-life character, determined to wring as much fun from life as possible. As Scott tells Markey at one point, Zelda gets bored, so she's always chasing that next bit of excitement.

While F. Scott Fitzgerald is a character in the book, it also evokes his writing, infusing the story with characters who are yearning and seeking and not necessarily finding, like my favorite of his, Tender is the Night, and of course, The Great Gatsby. This is a murder mystery, but above all else, it's an exploration of what humans do to try to find themselves and their place.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an odd review to write. The thing is, I didn’t love or hate this book at all. The premise is interesting, the read was interesting to a point, but I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it. I even gave it more time than usual before adding it to my DNF pile, but I don’t know; something just wasn’t keeping me there.

This one sounded so good and like a good mix of historical fiction/mystery. Unfortunately, it just wasn't what I was hoping for. The story felt a bit slow and did not keep me interested. I also struggled with the writing style but that was my fault. Overall I just did not connect to the story and struggled with it.

A nice work of historical fiction that mixes in a touch of mystery. There is a lot this book is trying to tackle - mental health, PTSD, society’s views/treatment of women, rich people behaving badly, and the aftermath of war (amongst other things). While I enjoyed the whodunnit aspect, the glimpses into the fictional interactions between Morris Markey and the Fitzgeralds were the highlight of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this arc!

An exciting novel based on the real story of the unsolved deaths of Joseph Elwell and New Yorker writer Morris Markey. The author takes us into the 1920's dramatic lifestyle with a flair of fun, excitement, and murder.

Morris Markey has returned from the war, with no friends, and lots of past memories. He is an ambitious journalist looking for his one big story that will put him on top. A chance meeting with Zelda Fitzgerald and the murder of a gambler named Joseph Elwell might be the start of a new beginning for Morris. Zelda is looking for excitement, Morris is looking for a front-page story and they are both looking for the girl in the green dress. As they join forces, will they find out what really happened to Joseph Elwell?

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.









As they investigate which of Elwell's many lovers - or possibly an enraged husband - would have wanted the dapper society man dead, Zelda sweeps Markey into her New York, the heady, gaudy Jazz Age of excess and abandon, as the lost generation takes its first giddy steps into a decade-long spree. Everyone has come to do something, the more scandalous the better; Zelda is hungry for love and sensation, Markey desperate for success and recognition. As they each follow these ultimately dangerous desires, the pair close in on what really happened that night - and hunt for the elusive girl in the green dress who may hold the truth.

Based on the real story of the unsolved deaths of Joseph Elwell and New Yorker writer Morris Markey, Mariah Fredericks's new novel is a glittering homage to the dawn of the Jazz Age, as well as a deft and searing portrait of the dark side of fame."

I will read anything that has Zelda Fitzgerald as a protagonist. That this is a murder mystery is all the better.

This was a fascinating read. The mystery was intriguing and the descriptions of the period made it easy to imagine being there. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Morris Markey moved to New York City to get his first big story.

He got his story by accidentally seeing a woman in a green and silver dress going into the home of the infamous Joseph Elwell.

The woman in green wasn’t the only woman who routinely entered his home, though.

Why is knowing who entered his home at this time significant?

It's significant because when his housekeeper arrived the next morning, she found Mr. Elwell had been shot in the head .

Morris needed to talk to influential people so he could get information for his story, and he went to Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald's hotel room to ask for help.

Zelda was eager to help with his investigation and story.

Morris and Zelda worked together with a lot of resistance from anyone they interviewed. They changed their stories and denied saying what Morris had quoted them saying.

Did one of the women who frequented Mr. Elwell's home murder him?

Will they ever find the woman in the green dress?

Was Morris in danger? Seems so since that is the opening page of the book.

The ending wrap-up is great as we find out who the murderer is.

I had never heard of Joseph Elwell or Morris Markey, and I looked up more about them.

The mention of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald was fun.

Historical fiction fans will especially enjoy this book because of the meticulous research along with the gorgeous cover. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Author Mariah Fredericks creates the best kind of magic in The Girl in the Green Dress, weaving fact and fiction into a story that will stay with you long after you finish her book. Others here have outlined her intriguing, twisty plot, which is based on an early 20th-century true crime. But what moved me most was Fredericks’ portrayal of her haunting main characters, real-life reporter Morris Markey and troubled Zelda Fitzgerald. Both are outsiders and ambitious to make their mark as they navigate New York City society—Both willing to use and be used by each other to accomplish their goals. But as they clash, come together, and follow clues, they slowly recognize something of themselves in each other. This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read this year, and I hope you’ll give it a try.

I really enjoyed this and after reading the author's notes, I enjoyed it even more. I love how much of it is based on actual events- it made me curious to learn more about the characters. I enjoyed the mystery aspect and the solving of the case. I have done the trolley tour in Asheville, and they take you by the building where Zelda Fitzgerald passed away. I was unfamiliar with her before that, and finding this book has me wanting to know even more. I love the works cited at the end as well. I feel like this is an entertaining and well written book that also allows for curiosity to lead you to know more if you want.

"From the author of The Lindbergh Nanny comes an evocative mystery about the 1920 murder of the gambler Joseph Elwell, featuring New Yorker writer Morris Markey and Zelda Fitzgerald.

New York, 1920.

Zelda Fitzgerald is bored, bored, bored. Although she's newly married to the hottest writer in America, and one half of the literary scene's "it" couple, Zelda is at loose ends while Scott works on his next novel, The Beautiful and the Damned.

Meanwhile, Atlanta journalist Morris Markey has arrived in New York and is lost in every way possible. Recently returned from the war and without connections, he hovers at the edge of the city's revels, unable to hear the secrets that might give him his first big story.

When notorious man-about-town Joseph Elwell is found shot through the head in his swanky townhouse, the fortunes the two southerners collide when they realize they were both among the last to see him alive. Zelda encountered Elwell at the scandalous Midnight Frolic revue on the night of his death, and Markey saw him just hours before with a ravishing mystery woman dressed in green. Markey has his story. Zelda has her next adventure.

As they investigate which of Elwell's many lovers - or possibly an enraged husband - would have wanted the dapper society man dead, Zelda sweeps Markey into her New York, the heady, gaudy Jazz Age of excess and abandon, as the lost generation takes its first giddy steps into a decade-long spree. Everyone has come to do something, the more scandalous the better; Zelda is hungry for love and sensation, Markey desperate for success and recognition. As they each follow these ultimately dangerous desires, the pair close in on what really happened that night - and hunt for the elusive girl in the green dress who may hold the truth.

Based on the real story of the unsolved deaths of Joseph Elwell and New Yorker writer Morris Markey, Mariah Fredericks's new novel is a glittering homage to the dawn of the Jazz Age, as well as a deft and searing portrait of the dark side of fame."

I will read anything that has Zelda Fitzgerald as a protagonist. That this is a murder mystery is all the better.

Title: The Girl in the Green Dress
Author: Mariah Fredericks
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

A wealthy man is shot in the head and dies soon after and the only clue that Morris Markey has to go on is the girl in the green and silver dress he saw going into the townhouse at 2AM. Upon reporting his findings to his newspaper, he finds himself at the Ritz Carlton to talk with F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald about what they knew about the couple from the night before. Then another person near Elwell’s home is killed in the same way and detective work by Markey finds a connection between the two murdered individuals. What follows is an investigation led by Zelda with Markey along for the ride of his life, holding onto a dream of making it big himself.

Takeaways:
1. Zelda Fitzgerald - ahhh to be young and carefree like that! She really jumps off the pages and into your head with her talk, advice, and wild ways.
2. Markey is trying to make himself standout without losing himself in the mystery of the girl in the green dress, trying to track down the killer, keeping up with the extravagant lifestyle the Fitzgeralds expose him to (as well as trying to get his story in each day on what he learns).
3. Make sure to read the author’s notes at the end. Intriguing real life characters brought to life with some writing liberties, hence historical fiction. It also shows again the impact of PTSD from the early 20th century. Crazy to think it would take another almost 80-90 years before the symptoms would have a name and be talked about so people are informed.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on September 2, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram @mariahfredericks @thegirlinthegreendress @stmartinspress

It’s 1920, just a few years after the end of the war, Young Morris Markey has moved to New York and is looking for a story, a big story to make a name for himself as an investigative reporter. When ‘man about town’ Joseph Ellwell was murdered in his own home Markey appears to have been the last person to see him alive. Except for Ellwelll’s companion. The beautiful woman in the money green sparkly dress.

While Markey interviews people familiar with Ellwell, he encounters Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda is bored and wants to help Markey. investigate. Then the fun gets going. Zelda takes the lead and gives Markey an education on how to mix fun with murder.

I really enjoyed Zelda and reading about why they were called the roaring 20’s. This book doesn’t have.a car chase or an evil genius trying to blow up the world. But, does paint a picture of the time and how people lived. It’s a fun story. I hope Zelda and Markey team up again!

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. All the above opinions are my own.

After seeing a girl in a green dress enter his neighbor’s residence (and he was later found), Morris has a new case for the paper and wants the front page, but he needs help with the story. He ends up partnering with Zelda Fitzgerald, and she introduces him to many different people to try to figure out what happened. Not only that, but she shows him a whole new way of life. What happens if he is drawn further into it? Will he still pursue the truth or fall into distraction? I saw quite a few ties to the Great Gatsby, like with how Morris was involved with the parties and lavish lifestyle he’s not used to.

I would give this 3.5 stars. The story was interesting, and the inclusion of the Fitzgeralds was the pull. However, I struggled with the main characters flippant stories that he would publish without truly validating his sources. I understand that Morris Markey is an actual person, but I have a difficult time believing that he would publish stories so haphazardly. I’ll be honest the Fitzgeralds were the attraction for picking up this book, but they truly didn’t add much to the story. The author was able to explore their excesses and extravagances, but it didn’t add from the story. In part, I feel like Zelda and her mercurial behavior was a sort of red herring.

The mystery elements and the unraveling worked, especially in light of the corruption of the twenties. The author definitely weaved a tangled web. Unfortunately, through the illicit affairs and corruption, none of the characters were likable, so it makes it difficult to enjoy the book. Even Morris, the protagonist, had his flaws.

Unfortunately, this one wasn’t the right fit for me, and I set it aside around the 10% mark. I really enjoyed the author’s previous work, so I was surprised to find myself struggling to connect with the characters this time. The writing style felt quite different, and something about the pacing and tone just didn’t click for me personally. That said, the setting—1920s New York City—was richly detailed and immersive, and I could clearly picture the atmosphere of the era. That was the strongest part of the book for me, and it may be enough to pull in other readers even if the characters didn’t quite land for me. I know every reading experience is different, and I’m sure this will resonate more with the right audience. Thanks SO MUCH to the publisher for offering me this review copy!

3.5 stars
RECOMMEND

This book was good, but it was too much. Too many characters, too much description, too much excess, too many unlikeable characters, it was just too much!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7722640802 - posted 7/21/2025
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/28162c6d-33b4-4670-b534-308a37663d79?redirect=true - posted 7/21/2025
booksbydorothea Blog: https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/07/review-girl-in-green-dress-earcebook.html- posted 7/21/2025

This was an interesting historical fiction work that I only realized when I read the author’s note was based on a real unsolved crime. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC. I have always been fascinated with F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and this book really hit that chord.
A journalist Morris Marley and. Zelda Fitzgerald team up to solve a murder which Markey discovers in his neighborhood.
There are a lot of juicy possibilities as they investigate those involved in the man’s life. The seedy side of life in the Jazz Age definitely comes out.
I found that I enjoyed the conversations and relationships between the three, Markey, Zelda and Scott more than the actual plot of the mystery. So many great lines that felt rather monumental. I felt there was a lot of insight into the Fitzgeralds and the society they lived in.
The mystery felt confusing , as it was at the time. The resolution the author arrived at was satisfying however.
This is a well written work of historical fiction that makes me want to delve further in the author’s work. I think readers will enjoy it as I did.
The cover is STUNNING!