This was a fun, wonderfully entertaining read that just kept surprising me. I loved the combination of murder mystery and historical fiction. I sometimes find the plotting of murder mysteries to be a stretch, but because this was based on real events and people, I was totally invested in the story. The writing was vivid and descriptive, and I especially enjoyed the way Zelda Fitzgerald was portrayed. I know it's a good book when I find myself researching the characters and events to learn more and that's exactly what I did when I finished The Girl in the Green Dress. And not to judge a book by it's cover, but this one is stunning. I rarely give a murder mystery 5 stars (because of the often unbelievable plots mentioned earlier) but this was a 5 star read for me.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this gem! I loved everything about it—the writing was so smooth and vivid, I felt like I was watching the story unfold right in front of me. The characters, their clothes, their lifestyle… it all felt so real. And that plot twist?! Totally caught me off guard in the best way. Highly recommend picking this one up!

Mariah Fredericks delivers another captivating historical mystery with The Girl in the Green Dress, a richly atmospheric novel that transports readers to the dazzling yet dangerous world of 1920s New York. With her signature blend of fact and fiction, Fredericks crafts a suspenseful tale inspired by the real-life murder of gambler Joseph Elwell, weaving in iconic figures like Zelda Fitzgerald and New Yorker writer Morris Markey.

The novel shines with its vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age—its glamour, its secrets, and its shadows. Zelda Fitzgerald, restless and radiant, is a standout character, bringing both charm and sharp wit to the investigation. Her unlikely partnership with the haunted and ambitious Markey adds emotional depth and narrative tension as they chase the truth behind a locked-room murder and the elusive woman in the green dress.

Fredericks’s prose is elegant and immersive, and her attention to historical detail makes the setting come alive. The mystery unfolds with just the right balance of twists and revelations, keeping readers hooked until the final page.

Fans of historical fiction, true crime, and strong female leads will find The Girl in the Green Dress a compelling and unforgettable read. It’s a glittering homage to the Jazz Age—and a chilling reminder of the secrets that lurk behind even the most glamorous façades.

This book was so immersive. Every detail of Jazz Age New York pulled me in, from the glittering social scenes to the darker undercurrents of a city in flux. I was really impressed by the portrayal of Zelda Fitzgerald. Her character could have easily become a caricature or a cliché as I’ve seen other stories do to her, but Fredericks gives her depth, nuance, and humanity.

The prose was one of my favorite parts of reading this book. It was elegant without being overly showy, and the pacing of the story was strong overall—even if a few sections felt a bit drawn out. I genuinely enjoyed the mystery thread throughout, it was the main storyline, but it felt subtle somehow. Morris was a compelling narrator whose perspective anchored the story well. The ending was satisfying and clever, tying together all the key threads in a way that felt earned.

A richly atmospheric historical mystery that respects its real-life inspirations and delivers a thoughtful, engaging narrative.

The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks is a mystery set in 1920. It has several famous real life characters that the author has incorporated into this fictionalized version of the murders of Joseph Elwell and Writer Morris Markey.
While investigating the murder of Elwell, young newspaper renter Morris Markey meets Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda and Markey try to find the murderer while Scott finishes his new book.
It takes us on a journey through the wild and dangerous world of the rich filled with intrigue lies and corruption.
I loved this book and the author's sad portrayal of Zelda was fantastic

3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed it but it did move a little slow at times. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Zelda and Markey. The mystery aspect was there but felt a little flat to me.

I love the way Mariah Fredericks writes. Her prose sings. And if you are going to write about one of the greatest of all prose stylists, F. Scott Fitzgerald, you’ve got to have game yourself. While Scott and the lovely Zelda are not the main characters in this novel, they certainly inform it in every possible way. The main character is a much lesser-known writer of the time, Morris Markey. Markey, a friend of James Thurber’s and James M. Cain’s, wrote for The New Yorker and wrote extensively (for the purposes of this novel) about the still unsolved murder of James Elwell in 1920, a “swell” found shot through the head in his library. His house happens to be across the street from Markey’s and he is one of the last people to have seen him alive, very early the morning of his death.

When Markey sees the obviously alarmed housekeeper outside his door he decides to “help” and goes inside to get a good look around, while obviously also taking a look at the injured man – meanwhile, he instructs the housekeeper to call an ambulance. The things he finds intrigue him and he begins to write stories about the death, as well as about the mysterious woman in a green dress who was seen with Elwell in front of his home in the early morning hours.

As Markey becomes increasingly obsessed with the girl, he realizes his tangential knowledge of the fabulous Fitzgeralds might be an entree into the world containing the woman in the green dress, and he makes the acquaintance of Scott and Zelda. It almost breaks your heart to have a virtual visit with these two fabulous creatures before unhappiness and early death captured them both. In 1920, they were young, beautiful and famous, Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise having recently been published. It’s almost hard to imagine a time when a writer would garner the attention a movie or music star would garner today, but Fredericks deftly recreates this atmosphere.

The strength of the novel is the beautiful way Fredericks recreates the time period, using Zelda as her muse. The troubled, beautiful, impulsive Zelda is Markey’s guide through high society, and as a reader you get to experience the 1920’s through Zelda’s golden gaze. It seems fragile but lovely, almost like the bubble surrounding the sanity of both Zelda and Markey. Markey suffers from PTSD (he served in the Red Cross during the war) and Zelda of course was famously troubled. Today we might diagnose her as bipolar, but that’s hardly the romantic feel Fredericks is aiming for.

As Zelda and Markey form a little team, peeling away the layers of Elwell’s death, they get closer and closer to the truth. Fredericks has rearranged facts to fit her fictional model, but the essentials are the same, and she frames the story with Markey’s apparent suicide, decades after this story had been told. The way Zelda and Markey interact – their similarly interior lives playing out very differently in action – is the main theme of the book. The way Fredericks as a writer is able to delineate character is her genius. She stays a bit hands off of Scott himself (good decision) but she does portray Zelda at the height of her beauty and fame in an utterly believable way.

Who has not been fascinated by Zelda? She’s a defining figure of the early 20th century and Fredericks takes her on beautifully. I also appreciated the solution to the murder which was unexpected and actually relied on Markey’s skills as a journalist. The novel is haunting, romantic, and ultimately tragic.

The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks is a historical novel that takes place during the Roaring 20s in New York City. The story is about an ambitious writer, Morris Markey, who has just returned from the war and is a reporter for the newspaper. Along with Morris Marky, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald bring interest and excitement to this book. Inspired by real events, the book offers a look into the scandals and secrets of the era’s high society.
Marky fortunately manages to find himself in the company of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald at so many social engagements. Marky is on the street one night with friends and sees Elwell, a popular but not honest man, driving by in his car in the company of a beautiful woman wearing a “green dress.” The next day, Elwell is found dead in his home, with a gunshot to the head. The suspect is unknown. Marky wants this event to be the story that will make him well known. Marky along with the Fitzgerald’s try to find the woman in the green dress hoping she will shed light on who the killer is. They discover that all is not what it appears to be, what with all the multiple scandals and secrets happening in New York. His investigations take him into the dangerous world of the rich, famous, liars and cheats. Zelda brings entertainment to the novel.
I found the story engaging and well-written, and recommend it for fans of descriptive, lively historical fiction Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotour Books for the ARC.

I really enjoyed The Girl in the Green Dress! It’s a historical mystery set in 1940s NYC, and the vibe is full-on vintage glamour—think old-school newsrooms, high society, and a missing woman in a stunning green dress. Loved the atmosphere.

The main character, Kat, is sharp, independent, and easy to root for. She’s got a great mix of grit and heart, and the mystery itself kept me interested without being overly complicated. There are some twists and turns, and while not everything surprised me, it was still really satisfying.

Also, bonus points for a bit of romance that doesn't overshadow the plot. If you're into historical mysteries with a fashionable flair and a strong female lead, definitely give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book for my honest opinion.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Loved this book about the dark side of fame. It was a beautiful setting as it takes place way before my time. Zelda Fitzgerald is bored and Morris Market is looking for his first big story and they have something in common - they were both the last to see a man alive. This book is loaded with scandal, mystery, and thrills as they try to figure out who could be responsible…which leads them to “the girl in the green dress”. I was trying to solve the crime myself while enjoying reading about what Morris and Zelda get into with their own lives. Great title and fantastic mysterious reading.

I went into this book hoping for a fast-paced, engaging read, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. The story moved at a much slower pace than I anticipated, which made it difficult to stay fully invested. Overall, while there were moments of interest, the slow pacing left me wanting more. I think others may enjoy it.

I think this is Frederick''s strongest book yet. As in the The Wharton Plot, the author (and therefore, reader) examines writers and writing in the context of a historical mystery, but The Girl in the Green Dress takes everything to the next level, with a taut mystery, an engaging main character suffering from both shell shock and the need to feel he has meaning in the world.. Class struggles and privilege are a continuing theme in Frederick's work and in this book as well. Most engaging is the tender fictionalized portrayal of Zelda Fitzgerald, so young and thoughtless and vulnerable and intuitive.. Highly recommended.

The author created an excellent mix of historical fiction and mystery. We follow Morris Markey as he reports on and solves the murder of Joseph Elwell. Morris’ friendship with Zelda Fitzgerald helped Morris entered the rich and famous crowd of 1920 New York. Excellent book.

At first blush, this seems like a slow-moving and routine whodunnit with murder(s) followed by a thorough investigation containing multiple plot twists. What her novel lacks in action, however, Fredericks more than makes up for with stunning character development and setting. Furthermore, she engages her readers by balancing fact with fiction. She includes a couple of unsolved real murders along with a fictitious one. Then sets a couple of historical figures, who probably never met in real life, to collaborate in solving the crimes.

The setting is New York in 1920. The roaring twenties are about to commence as America is ready to celebrate the end of the Great War and the waning of the Spanish flu. Fredericks captures a time of partying, jazz, intemperance, carousing and many other excesses. F. Scott Fitzgeral is reveling in his newly discovered fame. He and his exuberant wife, Zelda, are A-list celebrities at all of the parties.

Morris Markey is a young journalist, newly arrived from Atlanta and looking for a story that will bring him fame. He and Zelda team up to solve the murder of Joseph Elwell, a notorious gambler and womanizer. This pair of historical figures provides the novel with some of its more delightful moments reminiscent of many male/female duos of the detective genre—think Hammett’s Nick and Nora Charles. Their relationship is complex and thoroughly engaging. They follow several leads, but none seem to amount to much until Fredericks spices things up by adding to the mix a fictitious murder of a cantankerous neighbor and a late-night gunshot into Markey’s apartment. This victim’s connection to a rogue patriotic group provides a rational alternative theory of the case and a sense of danger that was previously absent from the story. We are provided with a tantalizing solution to Elwell’s murder in the closing pages of the novel, but no one is ever brought to justice for the crime, as was the case in real life. Markey’s own murder several decades later leaves one wondering. Was this a coincidence? Did he actually solve the crime but kept quiet about it at the time and his murder was meant to silence him? We’ll never know, but Frederick’s clever mystery leaves plenty of room for speculation.

Fredericks’ approach to telling this story is to postulate a set of reasonable scenarios and to methodically sift through clues that either support or reject them. Most of Markey and Zelda’s ideas are indeed reasonable. Unfortunately, the solution that Fredericks seems to favor in the end seems rushed and coming from out of nowhere.

This is a slow-paced story with little in the way of action. Clearly, Fredericks prioritizes developing interesting characters, snappy dialogue and atmosphere over mayhem. This may not be up to the level of tension seen in the average thriller, but it is a well-told and intellectually challenging mystery.

Mariah Fredericks's The Girl in the Green Dress is a historical mystery set in 1920 New York, revolving around the unsolved murder of gambler Joseph Elwell and featuring real-life figures Zelda Fitzgerald and journalist Morris Markey. The novel captures the atmosphere of the era. It explores themes of fame, desire, and the dark underbelly of the era.

The book's strengths lie in its depiction of the Roaring Twenties and the premise of intertwining fictional investigation with historical events. Fredericks skillfully immerses readers in the period's social scene, and the characters of Zelda and Markey provide engaging perspectives as they navigate the mystery and their internal struggles.

However, the novel sometimes struggles with pacing and depth. While the setting and characters are well-drawn, the mystery itself can feel somewhat predictable and lacks the complexity that might elevate it beyond a standard historical murder mystery. Some readers may find that the plot does not fully satisfy the promise of its setup, and the ending leaves a few threads less explored than desired.

Overall, The Girl in the Green Dress is a moderately enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction and mysteries, offering a glimpse into 1920s New York but falling short of being a standout in the genre. I would rate it three stars for its atmosphere and character work, balanced by a somewhat conventional narrative. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy for me to review.

A stylish, fast-moving mystery set in Jazz Age New York, with Zelda Fitzgerald as a sharp and restless amateur sleuth. The plot draws from real-life unsolved murders, but the heart of the book is in the dynamic between Zelda and Morris Markey, a struggling journalist pulled into her orbit. I loved the vivid detail of the era, the commentary on fame and image, and the fact that the central mystery stayed grounded even as it spun through high society. I did not know much about Zelda and now want to know more and more!

Based on a true story of two unsolved mysteries during the early Jazz Age. Zelda Fitzgerald is the main character. Great story.

3.5 stars. Not as good as The Wharton Plot. I found this one to be a bit too long with too many passages of the MC fighting his war demons. Both the MC and Zelda Fitzgerald suffer from depression and panic attacks or PTSD and while I do believe that it is important to accurately highlight mental health challenges in novels I felt that this one spent a little too much time on it and it grew to be repetitive and dragged down the plot. I was surprised to learn in the author's note that most of the characters are based on real life people and that the murder of Joseph Elwell was based on a true event, although the real crime was never solved. So I enjoyed that there was an actual historical basis for the novel.

First, look at that cover!

I read The Lindbergh Nanny and loved it. So I knew I needed this one.

Jazz Age. Scott and Zelda. Crazy celebrity behavior. A murder. All of this and much more.

The details were spot on and there were so many unexpected funny moments as well.

Always fun!

Netgalley/ St. Martin’s September 02,2025

The Girl in the Green Dress is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920's and based on an unsolved murder. Mariah Fredericks does a great job of taking real people and a real murder and interweaving them together.

Joseph Elwell is a gambler and a ladies man, known for having multiple lovers both of the single and married kind. He is discovered dead one morning by his housekeeper who lets out a loud scream. Morris Markey is a journalist from Atlanta who recently moved to New York and is trying to making it as a writer in the city. He lives across the street from Mr. Elwell's house and come running to help when he hears the screams of the house keeper. He uses this offer for help as a way to weasel his way into the home to try and catch a break on the story before anyone else. The only real lead that Markey has is that he had seen Elwell outside his home the night before around 2 with a beautiful woman in a green dress. Markey learns that one of the last people to see Mr. Elwell alive, besides himself, was Zelda Fitzgerald at a scandalous club known as the Midnight Frolic.

This leads the two of them to work together to try and find who it was that murdered Mr. Elwell and why. Each with their own ideas as to whom it was and why. Zelda uses her social status to get them into places Markey wouldn't normally be able to access easily on his own and takes him to places he never dreamed of being a part.

This novel was a great mystery that had all the twists and turns you would expect from such a story. Just when you think they are closing in on solving the case it takes a hard turn in another direction. The fact that Mariah Fredericks was able to take historical figures and an unsolved murder and weaving them together to a satisfying conclusion is amazing. Great read for anyone who loves a good mystery and some history.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

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