Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks

 Murder on 34th Street

Book Summary

From the author of The Girl in the Green Dress comes a delightful and captivating novel about a fictional murder mystery at the iconic Macy's parade leading up to the holidays in historic New York City.

New York, 1932. Grace Verlander is the secret beating heart of Macy’s. She’s the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, the go-to person for keeping everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling store.

It’s not every day you get a letter from Santa Claus, but three days before the Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace arrives at work to find a note from the store Santa Claus in her locker: someone has sent him a death threat. Shocked, Grace promises to look into it and speaks to the store detective about the parade’s security, confident that they’ve found a solution that will keep everyone safe. But on the day of the parade, despite all their precautions, a dead body is found on one of the floats.

Using her wits and deep knowledge of the ways of the place, Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to save the reputation of this iconic store from ruin.

Steeped in glittering glamor and nostalgic wonder, this is a remarkable, unpredictable mystery set in the evocative world of one of New York’s most memorable institutions.

My Thoughts

Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks is a delightful holiday mystery where festive sparkle, sharp sleuthing, and danger meet beneath the lights of an iconic department store. Set in the early twentieth century, the novel blends historical atmosphere, humor, suspense, and seasonal warmth, while the bustling retail setting reveals the era’s social dynamics and the limitations placed on women.

Catherine is a clever, determined heroine whose perspective gives the investigation energy and heart. Fredericks’ accessible prose, vivid period details, and well-drawn supporting cast create an engaging mystery for readers who enjoy spirited heroines and seasonal intrigue with a touch of darkness. For a mystery wrapped in history and tied with a festive bow, Murder on 34th Street is a gift worth unwrapping.

Ready to add a little mystery to your reading list? Murder on 34th Street is available from Amazon, and you can discover Mariah Fredericks’s The Girl in the Green Dress along with her other novels on her Amazon author page.  I’ll be back on Tuesday, October 13, to feature Debbie Macomber’s latest holiday tale, A Date with Santa. Until next week, may your weekend be cozy, cheerful, and filled with plenty of delightful chapters!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.