Mariah Fredericks delivers a richly atmospheric historical mystery in The Girl in the Green Dress, weaving fact and fiction into a haunting narrative that pulses with suspense and style. Centered around the real-life murder of gambler Joseph Elwell, the story follows aspiring writer Morris Markey as he navigates New York’s dazzling social elite, driven by ambition and haunted by war. When he crosses paths with the enigmatic Zelda Fitzgerald, the investigation takes on an unpredictable—and often dangerous—life of its own.

Fredericks brings 1920s Manhattan to life with elegance and edge. The characters feel both iconic and deeply human, especially Zelda, whose curiosity and restlessness leap off the page. The locked-room mystery unfolds with precision, keeping the reader guessing as Markey and Zelda dig into Elwell’s shadowy past. As a second murder mirrors the first, the tension tightens, and the novel crescendos toward a shocking, resonant end that connects history, crime, and storytelling itself.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this evocative and sharply written novel in exchange for my review. Lovers of true crime, historical fiction, and old New York will find The Girl in the Green Dress a seductive and satisfying read.

Entertaining historical mystery set in 1920 New York City. A reporter, Morris Markey, gets pulled into the murder of Joseph Elwell. He also becomes friends with Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Morris feels the pull of a good story and has to figure out the circumstances of the murder. He also is pulled into the world of Zelda and her circle of friends which is very different than his normal existence. Zelda opens some doors for him and introduces him to the people who may or may not have something to do with the murder. There are some good twists in the last third of the story which kept me invested to see how everything turns out. The epilogue thirty years later was an fascinating surprise. The author explains her decisions for the people and the facts, real and fictionalized, so the reader gains a better understanding of the story. Once I got past the title, which I would love to hear the story behind that choice, I really enjoyed the mystery and the characters. If you enjoy historical mysteries, I think you will enjoy this one.
#TheGirlintheGreenDress
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had never read one of Mariah Fredericks’ books before, but when I saw that her latest, “The Girl in the Green Dress,” featured Zelda Fitzgerald as an amateur sleuth, I couldn’t resist, being a fan of all things F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s also set in one of my favorite time periods, the post World War I 1920’s, with it’s speakeasies and frenzied partying in reaction to the post war trauma.

The protagonist is Morris Markey, a reporter for a New York newspaper, whose neighbor, Joseph Elwell, is shot and killed shortly after Morris saw him entering his brownstone with a stunning red haired woman wearing a green dress that looked like dollar bills. Markey, with the aid of Zelda Fitzgerald, begins to investigate the murder for newspaper articles he is writing, turning up various suspects and witnesses who he and Zelda interview. Markey, a medic who tended the wounded in ambulances near the front lines in France, suffers from PTSD, which manifests at unforeseen times during the investigation. Zelda helps him navigate these spells.

The book brings to life the Jazz Age with vivid descriptions of the speakeasies, wild parties and hedonistic life styles, including that of the Fitzgerald’s during the era when they lived and partied at the Ritz. As for Zelda, the author captured the essence of her personality through witty dialog, interactions with Markey, and his impressions of her. However, at times it felt like the book got bogged down with interviews of various people, but even there the dialog was sharp and witty, creating fully realized minor characters.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical mysteries that are almost literary in nature with scintillating dialog and vivid descriptions of time and place.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC of "The Girl in the Green Dress," by Mariah Fredericks. If you love historical fiction-- add this one to your TBR list! Based on actual events, this story follows one journalist's quest to solve a string of murders with the help of Zelda Fitzgerald, starting with the murder of Joseph Elwell. Set in the Jazz Age, Fredericks introduces the reader to journalist/main character, Morris Markey and his newly found friends, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The partners in sleuthing discover more than murder as they investigate the numerous characters involved. A well-told story of what might have happened if... Well researched and a great read!

I've enjoyed stories set in the Jazz Age, but I had never heard of Morris Markey, a New Yorker writer. It involves his death and that of a gambler. It's an interesting take on Zelda Fitzgerald as a sleuth. Since this based on a historical event, it shows the tragic and seedy side of fame.

After reading the authors book The Lindbergh Nanny, I knew I would be intrigued with this one.
The Jazz Age, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and a murder. I was all in. The author meticulous details of the era and story were spot on. I read in one sitting.
I look forward to her next one. Isn’t this cover stunning?

Set in the glittering yet shadowy world of 1920s New York City, The Girl in the Green Dress is a richly layered historical mystery inspired by true events. When a man is mysteriously murdered behind locked doors, a young journalist—Morris Markey—finds himself pulled into a dangerous web of secrets and high society scandals. Along the way, readers encounter famous figures like Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, adding a fascinating depth to the story. This is not a breezy beach read—it’s a complex, beautifully written novel that immerses you in the glamour, chaos, and moral ambiguity of the Jazz Age. A must-read for fans of literary mysteries and historical fiction with real substance.

This is my honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

Ok first and foremost, I want to say this is a really, really well-written and strong book – the prose felt somehow super straightforward but also pretty complex?? The only reason this wasn’t 5 stars for me is that there’s a flash forward plot that bookends the central plot – and I really wanted to find it satisfying but it just felt a little disjointed and underbaked to me :( all in all, definitely worth a read!

This was such a fun read. The 1920's of literature are clearly captured here! The way the author reeled out the details of the crime, her linking Markey with the Fitzgeralds made this perfection. To be honest, I was disappointed when I read the Author's Note telling me the "truths". BUT this also made me love the book more.

The Girl in the Green Dress is a curious historical fiction account of the murders of a couple of men in New York in the 1920s. The dead men's neighbor, Morris Markey, is an investigative journalist and takes on the task of solving these crimes while cavorting with Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald. The story moves slowly, and Mariah Fredericks introduces a lot of characters. I did get quite bogged down about halfway through, and considered abandoning the book, not knowing anything about, or finding interesting, the dead men's murders or the organization they have both been involved in. I suppose I'm glad I stayed with it, because the ending is disturbing, but fitting. I thoroughly enjoyed Zelda Fitzgerald and her antics, and appreciate how her standing in the literary community, because of Scott's writings, pushed Markey's desperation.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Girl in the Green Dress.

I usually wouldn’t pick up a historical mystery but I’m so glad I did. I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. The mystery here revolves around the real life murder of Joseph Elwell and the reporter Morris Markey who attempts to solve his murder and catch headlines along the way.

Set gorgeously in the Jazz Age, the novel glitters itself with the meticulously researched historical setting and detail. I loved how Morris Markey was brought to life and his encounters with Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. I really felt like I was along for the ride in Morris’ investigation and there was page turning desperation to find out what had really happened that night. The characters are as vibrant and rich as the setting and the writing sings. Historical readers, must not miss. I will be seeking out Ms. Frederick’s other two books.

Thanks to @netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an advanced reading copy.

I slogged through this book and read 50% of it. I truly gave it my best shot but to no avail could I spend one more minute reading it. I don’t even give a fig who killed Joe Elwell! I truly loved The Lindbergh Nanny by Maria Fredericks and I enjoy reading about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald but I could not finish this book. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Oress for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley, #Goodreads..

I have enjoyed other books by Mariah Fredericks and this was no exception. Interesting story, good writing and I did enjoy it.... just not as much as her others. Thanks for the opportunity to read and good luck with the book

While "The Girl in the Green Dress" fits firmly in the mystery genre, I enjoyed it first and foremost as historical fiction, just as I did Mariah Fredericks's Jane Prescott series and "The Wharton Plot." Here, the fictional versions of journalist Morris Mackey, pre his "New Yorker" acclaim, and Zelda Fitzgerald join forces to solve a real-life murder that, unlike in this novel, remains unsolved.

Fredericks excels at setting the time and place, seemingly effortlessly. She also keeps the plot zipping along. The writing is neither terse nor flowery but instead clean, crisp, and insightful. Zelda in particular comes across as mercurial, yes, but also far more thoughtful and insightful than her legend would have it.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks is an absolute gem of a historical mystery that kept me riveted from start to finish. Set in the vibrant 1960s New York City, this book is a masterclass in both atmosphere and character development. The writing is exquisite, bringing to life the gritty streets and the complex, layered characters in a way that feels so immersive.

The story follows Jane, a determined young woman who works as a secretary but finds herself caught up in a web of secrets and danger when a mysterious woman in a striking green dress enters her life. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the suspense and the slow unraveling of the mystery surrounding the woman’s disappearance.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the way Fredericks explored Jane’s growth. She starts off as a quiet, somewhat reserved character, but as the story progresses, she becomes stronger, more courageous, and more willing to take risks for the truth. Her evolution was so rewarding to watch, especially when she bravely confronted the dangerous truths that had been hiding in plain sight.

The twist towards the end, where Jane uncovers the real story behind the woman in the green dress, was brilliantly executed. I won’t give too much away, but I was floored by how everything came together; there were so many moments where I thought I had figured it out, only to be taken in an entirely unexpected direction. The emotional payoff was worth every page.

If you’re a fan of historical mysteries with richly drawn characters, intricate plots, and a strong sense of time and place, The Girl in the Green Dress is an absolute must-read. Mariah Fredericks has written a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It’s a 5-star read in every sense of the word!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Set in 1920s New York, The Girl in the Green Dress follows journalist Morris Markey, who becomes involved in solving the murder of his neighbor, Joseph Elwell, found shot inside his locked home. The night before, Markey spotted Elwell with a beautiful woman in a silver and green dress—possibly the killer. To break into Elwell’s elite social circle, Markey enlists the help of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, who met Elwell the same night. While Scott focuses on his writing, Zelda joins Markey’s investigation.

I enjoyed the mystery and the detailed Jazz Age setting. I'm rating it 3.7 out of 5 because, while it was engaging, some parts felt slow; however, I liked the ending.

In THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS, written by Mariah Fredericks, the Jazz Age takes center stage. Morris Markey, a writer for THE NEW YORKER magazine and the DAILY NEWS, is found dead at his home. An article about the death of Joseph Elwell is found in his typewriter with the question asking if Joseph’s death was the result of suicide or murder. What follows is the story of Morris Markey and the woman in the green dress, a woman he suspects may be the shooter of Joseph Elwell. Who is the woman in the green dress, and what is her story? Is she the person responsible for shooting Mr. Elwell?

I like that this story is based on the real unsolved murder of the gambler, Joseph Ewell. Things become more interesting once Zelda Fitzgerald is brought aboard. Zelda is a lovely addition to the story, and I like the verbal interactions between her and Morris. It is interesting to see F. Scott Fitzgerald and Morris Markey deal with Zelda. This book is a wonderful mix of fiction and non-fiction, and I look forward to reading more books written by Mariah Fredericks. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS.

What an interesting story! I like to read stories based on real events. Morris Markey is a journalist, newly arrived in New York. He is looking for a great story to build his career on. This happens in 1920 with the murder of gambler Joseph Elwell. Even though there are lots of suspects, this crime proves very hard to solve. I also liked the addition of Zelda Fitzgerald as Morris Markey's accomplice in solving the crime. She is always an intriguing character. I enjoyed this book. I like to read mysteries based in this time period. Recommend if you like mysteries based on real people.

This book was such a fun mix of real history and juicy mystery. I couldn’t put it down. The combo of Zelda Fitzgerald, old New York glamour, and a locked-room murder? Yes, please. I loved how the story slowly unraveled through Morris Markey’s eyes, and the atmosphere totally pulled me in. It had just the right amount of suspense, drama, and vintage sparkle. Highly recommend if you like historical whodunits with a twist.

Prefacing this review with the fact that I'm not typically a mystery reader, I gave the novel a 3/5, describing it as a slightly underwhelming and less-polished version of an Agatha Christie story. While the book maintained enough intrigue to finish, the standout elements were the epilogue and the author’s note, which were the most engaging parts.