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Murder in Manhattan
Inspired by one of the first real-life female columnists at the New Yorker, this enticing historical mystery follows Freddie Archer as she solves crimes while reporting on the glamorous world of the rich and famous in 1920s Manhattan.
Freddie Archer is the epitome of the 1920s flapper, stylish, newly empowered, and always up for a good time. After all, spending her evenings at shows and in speakeasies is her job while writing Gotham Magazine’s popular nightlife column under the pseudonym “A Touch of Rouge.” Fraternizing with artists and bootleggers has Freddie used to the occasional scuffle, but lately her revelry is being followed by murder.
When another acquaintance turns up dead and Freddie spots the same couture-clad woman fleeing the scene, she does just what NYC Detective Sullivan told her not to do. She gives chase, entangling herself in the underworld of brothels, mob bosses, theatre, and high fashion. With a chance at true love, professional respect, and a hand in the next big Groucho Marx production, Freddie must unravel the mystery before the killer closes in on her.
Freddie Archer is the epitome of the 1920s flapper, stylish, newly empowered, and always up for a good time. After all, spending her evenings at shows and in speakeasies is her job while writing Gotham Magazine’s popular nightlife column under the pseudonym “A Touch of Rouge.” Fraternizing with artists and bootleggers has Freddie used to the occasional scuffle, but lately her revelry is being followed by murder.
When another acquaintance turns up dead and Freddie spots the same couture-clad woman fleeing the scene, she does just what NYC Detective Sullivan told her not to do. She gives chase, entangling herself in the underworld of brothels, mob bosses, theatre, and high fashion. With a chance at true love, professional respect, and a hand in the next big Groucho Marx production, Freddie must unravel the mystery before the killer closes in on her.
352 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2025
147 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mulhern
41 books1,684 followersJulie Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
December 22, 2025
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this audiobook since I finished it. I wanted to keep listening to it forever.
Living in the 20s in New York as a woman isn’t easy. Especially when you’re decades ahead of your peers, work despite being an heiress and prioritize your dreams over marriage and children. But Freddie Archer isn’t letting anyone tell her what to do.
She’s tired of men thinking women aren’t capable of writing, thinking for themselves…Or killing. Because it’s the second time she has witnessed a murder while clubbing, and both times she saw the same woman with them.
When detective Sullivan asks for her help to find the mysterious woman, Freddie will find herself in the middle of mafia bosses, illegal trafficking and suspicious men who are following her. Freddie doesn’t know who to trust, but she needs to solve the case, preferably before the assassin realizes she’s onto her.
I have to start admitting I had the time of my life listening to the audiobook while solving sudokus (it’s not the same now that it's over😭😭, I’m very tempted to listen to it again). That means it had a huge impact on my enjoyment of the book, so I don’t really know if it would be as much fun if I had read it instead.
What I know is that the author wrote a marvellous FEMINIST book, where you felt you were there, living in the 20s, surrounded by Freddie’s female friends trying to escape what society asked for them. I loved that they weren’t sweet, caring women. They had a backbone, they were blunt and brave, and they took care and trusted each other. In that period of time, to live freely you had to be that way.
But the best part it’s not that, it’s the indirect way this book is feminist. It’s about the love interest not being there to save her every single time. In books with a romance subplot, even the feminist main characters always end up being saved by the hero. It was proven time and time again that Freddie could save herself, or could be saved by strangers or friends. The love interest was only that: a handsome man to have some cute flirting, but she was the heroine of the book.
While certain aspects were a bit unrealistic, like Freddie being the only one who seemed to be finding clues, it gives the book certain humor that makes the story even more charming. It has action, a good portrayal of what it was like to be a woman back then (a rich one with a good job, but she had to still endure sexism), suspense and a glamorous lifestyle that consisted of fashion, handsome men and parties.
I’d highly recommend it if you want to lose yourself in 1920s Manhattan among the rich as you follow one of the famous ones, Freddie, trying to solve a crime while reporting about the hottest places of the moment. It was seductive, mysterious, feminist and so much fun.
I wish I had an entire series following Freddie so I could binge listen to the audiobooks😭😭
I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley and Hachette Audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Audiobook rating: 5 stars.
Living in the 20s in New York as a woman isn’t easy. Especially when you’re decades ahead of your peers, work despite being an heiress and prioritize your dreams over marriage and children. But Freddie Archer isn’t letting anyone tell her what to do.
She’s tired of men thinking women aren’t capable of writing, thinking for themselves…Or killing. Because it’s the second time she has witnessed a murder while clubbing, and both times she saw the same woman with them.
When detective Sullivan asks for her help to find the mysterious woman, Freddie will find herself in the middle of mafia bosses, illegal trafficking and suspicious men who are following her. Freddie doesn’t know who to trust, but she needs to solve the case, preferably before the assassin realizes she’s onto her.
I have to start admitting I had the time of my life listening to the audiobook while solving sudokus (it’s not the same now that it's over😭😭, I’m very tempted to listen to it again). That means it had a huge impact on my enjoyment of the book, so I don’t really know if it would be as much fun if I had read it instead.
What I know is that the author wrote a marvellous FEMINIST book, where you felt you were there, living in the 20s, surrounded by Freddie’s female friends trying to escape what society asked for them. I loved that they weren’t sweet, caring women. They had a backbone, they were blunt and brave, and they took care and trusted each other. In that period of time, to live freely you had to be that way.
But the best part it’s not that, it’s the indirect way this book is feminist. It’s about the love interest not being there to save her every single time. In books with a romance subplot, even the feminist main characters always end up being saved by the hero. It was proven time and time again that Freddie could save herself, or could be saved by strangers or friends. The love interest was only that: a handsome man to have some cute flirting, but she was the heroine of the book.
While certain aspects were a bit unrealistic, like Freddie being the only one who seemed to be finding clues, it gives the book certain humor that makes the story even more charming. It has action, a good portrayal of what it was like to be a woman back then (a rich one with a good job, but she had to still endure sexism), suspense and a glamorous lifestyle that consisted of fashion, handsome men and parties.
I’d highly recommend it if you want to lose yourself in 1920s Manhattan among the rich as you follow one of the famous ones, Freddie, trying to solve a crime while reporting about the hottest places of the moment. It was seductive, mysterious, feminist and so much fun.
I wish I had an entire series following Freddie so I could binge listen to the audiobooks😭😭
I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley and Hachette Audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Audiobook rating: 5 stars.
December 9, 2025
Murder in Manhattan by Julie Mulhern
Historical mystery. 1920’s.
Freddie Archer is a columnist for Gotham Magazine. She spends her nights in the speakeasies, looking for celebrities, designer dresses, and anything interesting that can go into the newspaper. Spending so much time looking for reportable content, she finds herself looking for a killer with an unexpected protector at her side.
🎧 I alternated between an ecopy and an audiobook narrated by Caroline Hewitt. The performance brings the 1920’s nightlife and lifestyles to life in vivid images. I could feel the oppressive heat of the city and Freddie’s yearning for something new in her repetitive late night lifestyle.
I listened to the audio at a speed of 1.5 and slightly higher to be able to read the ebook at5;3 same time.
The underworld of the 20’s and one willing reporter to drink her nights away to get the best news of the evening. She didn’t expect the depths she’d be dragged into.
Biting commentary of the times with an unsurprising a depth of apathy between the classes. Freddie is on a mission. One drink and column at a time.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
Historical mystery. 1920’s.
Freddie Archer is a columnist for Gotham Magazine. She spends her nights in the speakeasies, looking for celebrities, designer dresses, and anything interesting that can go into the newspaper. Spending so much time looking for reportable content, she finds herself looking for a killer with an unexpected protector at her side.
🎧 I alternated between an ecopy and an audiobook narrated by Caroline Hewitt. The performance brings the 1920’s nightlife and lifestyles to life in vivid images. I could feel the oppressive heat of the city and Freddie’s yearning for something new in her repetitive late night lifestyle.
I listened to the audio at a speed of 1.5 and slightly higher to be able to read the ebook at5;3 same time.
The underworld of the 20’s and one willing reporter to drink her nights away to get the best news of the evening. She didn’t expect the depths she’d be dragged into.
Biting commentary of the times with an unsurprising a depth of apathy between the classes. Freddie is on a mission. One drink and column at a time.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
December 18, 2025
Freddy, the strong main character was snarky and just delightful! I enjoyed escaping into the 1920's speakeasies full of good jazzy music, delicious drinks, bootleggers and mafia crime bosses. I found myself looking up the recipe for a Gin Rickey and I might have to try making one! The mention of different fabrics and fashions just wasn't something that I'm much interested in though, but I understand how well it fit the times and tied into the story. The mention of different celebrities may have caused me to google research and learn a little more about their history, I enjoyed the little historical side adventure as well. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I will look forward to reading more by the author.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2025
Murder in Manhattan is a witty and funny murder mystery, where Freddie is pulled into a world full of drama and glamour in 1920s New York. I liked her character a lot and really enjoyed the overall atmosphere of this book! The struggles of being a young woman at the start of the 20th century had my blood boiling. I know how it was—and how it still is—but nevertheless, it makes me very angry when a woman isn’t acknowledged for her intelligence and wit, and instead is told where her place is by lesser men.
This was a very quick and easy book to listen to or read when you are unsure what to pick up or are in between some heavier reads.
Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 3.5 stars.
This was a very quick and easy book to listen to or read when you are unsure what to pick up or are in between some heavier reads.
Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 3.5 stars.
December 17, 2025
Freddie Archer is a female columnist covering fashion and Manhattan nightlife during Prohibition. The police believe that she is the only person who can provide an accurate description of a mysterious woman implicated in a murder. They ask Freddie to keep them informed if she encounters the woman again, but to keep safely away from the suspect. Freddie of course ignores this warning and plunges into an investigation that involves her with multiple bootleggers and a brothel. She also encounters a lot of men who push her around.
I don’t usually read cozy mysteries, but the 1920s New York setting held my interest. Freddie was certainly plucky, like a Rosalind Russell movie character. Her constant hangovers were something of a cliche. In mysteries set in the 20s or 30s, everyone seems to be drunk all the time. The feminist angle in the book was hammered on pretty heavily. There was also a lot of love/lust at first sight going on in this book. This was a quick read and I enjoyed Caroline Hewitt’s narration of the audiobook. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
I don’t usually read cozy mysteries, but the 1920s New York setting held my interest. Freddie was certainly plucky, like a Rosalind Russell movie character. Her constant hangovers were something of a cliche. In mysteries set in the 20s or 30s, everyone seems to be drunk all the time. The feminist angle in the book was hammered on pretty heavily. There was also a lot of love/lust at first sight going on in this book. This was a quick read and I enjoyed Caroline Hewitt’s narration of the audiobook. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
December 5, 2025
I fell in love with Julie Mulhern’s writing and characters through the Country Club mysteries and so I was excited to read this new historical novel (series?). What a fun ride! Freddie delves into a seedier side of Manhattan’s history, and the story has all the glitz and glamour of Manhattan society and its speakeasies but also explores the gritty, corrupt world of bootlegging. I enjoyed learning more about this era and look forward to more stories with Freddie.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio, and #GrandCentralPublishing for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio, and #GrandCentralPublishing for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Freddie Archer writes a nightlife column for Gotham Magazine in New York, 1925, which means hitting all the hottest restaurants, speakeasies, and wild parties. What makes the job grand is taking her friends, Tallulah Bankhead and Dorothy Parker, along. Murder had never been one of the perks, but when a man mentioned in her column was killed, Detective Sullivan arrived at her office and asked for her help. Freddie had seen the man with a “pretty in a kittenish way” woman, and now the detective needs her to alert him if she sees her again, but not to approach the woman.
Freddie, with her inquisitive reporter nature, decides to go all in on the investigation. Wouldn’t it be the bees’ knees if she could catch the killer? She is soon sipping gin rickeys with Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and asking Groucho Marx for favors. She is drawn to a man who could be trouble. And when the bullets start flying, she picks up some personal protection.
New York can always be interesting and exciting, but now for Freddie, it can be downright dangerous. Will she catch the killer and live to write about it? Or has she submitted her last story?
As a fan of Julie Mulhern Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures, I had to read this book! Fans will immediately recognize Mulhern’s unique writing style as she introduces her characters and sets up a wonderful mystery.
Freddie Archer is a fantastic protagonist. She is fun, fearless, and free to follow the clues wherever they lead. Ms. Mulhern has surrounded Freddie with real 1920s celebrities like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. She is also great friends with Tallulah Bankhead and Dorothy Parker. As soon as Dorothy Parker was mentioned, it harkened my back to J.J. Murphy’s Algonquin Round Table Mysteries of 2011/2012, where Dorothy was the lead sleuth. Freddie teaming up with her and Tallulah was so entertaining. If they didn’t know something, they knew people who did. Freddie made a new powerful friend at a deli, and a man who was a bootlegger, a gangster, and a killer, whom she was happy to see when she needed him. All Mulhern’s characters are well-crafted and have purpose and add to the story.
I loved that we are treated to Freddie composing her columns while she ventures out by herself or with others.
“A night in the city holds untold delights – the jazz band at the Cotton Club, the breeze off the Hudson at a rooftop party . . . The darkness also holds staggering risks. If one is caught in a dangerous situation . . . a bootlegger turf war . . . one should look for a sturdy table under which to hide.”
The Roaring ’20s were quite a wild time, especially for women like Freddie. I enjoyed the author’s detailed descriptions that brought each character to life, along with the New York nightlife and the seedier parts of the city. All the glitz and glamour of Manhattan played side by side with the corruption of bootlegging. The banter between the characters was marvelous and funny in all the right places. You can tell the author heavily researched the time period. From the food to the fashion to the feminism, Mulhern is exceptional.
As the bodies start to pile up, Freddie is surrounded by mobsters and bootleggers, and elite celebs as she tries to know who she can trust to help her get to the truth. With a variety of twists and turns, Freddie finds herself in dangerous situations, but she never gives up. She even comes up with a plan, but can she convince the cops that it will work?
Escape into Prohibition-era New York and be prepared to fall hard for Freddie Archer! Murder in Manhattan is a fast-paced, sockdolager mystery with strong female characters. Mulhern is a great storyteller who can combine thriller elements with humor and a touch of romance, treating readers to a story you will want to share with everyone you know. I loved everything about this story. Oh, please, please, please, tell me this book is the start of a series! I need more Freddie Archer. You will find this book on my Best Reads List for 2025.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Freddie Archer writes a nightlife column for Gotham Magazine in New York, 1925, which means hitting all the hottest restaurants, speakeasies, and wild parties. What makes the job grand is taking her friends, Tallulah Bankhead and Dorothy Parker, along. Murder had never been one of the perks, but when a man mentioned in her column was killed, Detective Sullivan arrived at her office and asked for her help. Freddie had seen the man with a “pretty in a kittenish way” woman, and now the detective needs her to alert him if she sees her again, but not to approach the woman.
Freddie, with her inquisitive reporter nature, decides to go all in on the investigation. Wouldn’t it be the bees’ knees if she could catch the killer? She is soon sipping gin rickeys with Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and asking Groucho Marx for favors. She is drawn to a man who could be trouble. And when the bullets start flying, she picks up some personal protection.
New York can always be interesting and exciting, but now for Freddie, it can be downright dangerous. Will she catch the killer and live to write about it? Or has she submitted her last story?
As a fan of Julie Mulhern Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures, I had to read this book! Fans will immediately recognize Mulhern’s unique writing style as she introduces her characters and sets up a wonderful mystery.
Freddie Archer is a fantastic protagonist. She is fun, fearless, and free to follow the clues wherever they lead. Ms. Mulhern has surrounded Freddie with real 1920s celebrities like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. She is also great friends with Tallulah Bankhead and Dorothy Parker. As soon as Dorothy Parker was mentioned, it harkened my back to J.J. Murphy’s Algonquin Round Table Mysteries of 2011/2012, where Dorothy was the lead sleuth. Freddie teaming up with her and Tallulah was so entertaining. If they didn’t know something, they knew people who did. Freddie made a new powerful friend at a deli, and a man who was a bootlegger, a gangster, and a killer, whom she was happy to see when she needed him. All Mulhern’s characters are well-crafted and have purpose and add to the story.
I loved that we are treated to Freddie composing her columns while she ventures out by herself or with others.
“A night in the city holds untold delights – the jazz band at the Cotton Club, the breeze off the Hudson at a rooftop party . . . The darkness also holds staggering risks. If one is caught in a dangerous situation . . . a bootlegger turf war . . . one should look for a sturdy table under which to hide.”
The Roaring ’20s were quite a wild time, especially for women like Freddie. I enjoyed the author’s detailed descriptions that brought each character to life, along with the New York nightlife and the seedier parts of the city. All the glitz and glamour of Manhattan played side by side with the corruption of bootlegging. The banter between the characters was marvelous and funny in all the right places. You can tell the author heavily researched the time period. From the food to the fashion to the feminism, Mulhern is exceptional.
As the bodies start to pile up, Freddie is surrounded by mobsters and bootleggers, and elite celebs as she tries to know who she can trust to help her get to the truth. With a variety of twists and turns, Freddie finds herself in dangerous situations, but she never gives up. She even comes up with a plan, but can she convince the cops that it will work?
Escape into Prohibition-era New York and be prepared to fall hard for Freddie Archer! Murder in Manhattan is a fast-paced, sockdolager mystery with strong female characters. Mulhern is a great storyteller who can combine thriller elements with humor and a touch of romance, treating readers to a story you will want to share with everyone you know. I loved everything about this story. Oh, please, please, please, tell me this book is the start of a series! I need more Freddie Archer. You will find this book on my Best Reads List for 2025.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
December 3, 2025
This was such a fun, quick, and captivating mystery! I devoured this in less than 24 hours with a combo of audiobook and the e-book.
You are immediately transported to the 1920s with Freddie as she frequents speakeasies and fabulous parties, shops with top designers, and hangs out with Manhattan’s elite. When a man featured in her popular magazine column turns up dead, she finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. Surrounded by bootleggers and mobsters, Freddie will do whatever she can to uncover who is behind the murders.
I loved everything about this book. It was the perfect combination of mystery, romance, and drama. Freddie was such a strong female lead and I absolutely adored her. I loved all the side characters as well and banter between everyone. The narrator did an incredible job with the story and I would recommend the audiobook or the physical book! They were both great. This was my first Julie Mulhern story but it won’t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Hachette Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You are immediately transported to the 1920s with Freddie as she frequents speakeasies and fabulous parties, shops with top designers, and hangs out with Manhattan’s elite. When a man featured in her popular magazine column turns up dead, she finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. Surrounded by bootleggers and mobsters, Freddie will do whatever she can to uncover who is behind the murders.
I loved everything about this book. It was the perfect combination of mystery, romance, and drama. Freddie was such a strong female lead and I absolutely adored her. I loved all the side characters as well and banter between everyone. The narrator did an incredible job with the story and I would recommend the audiobook or the physical book! They were both great. This was my first Julie Mulhern story but it won’t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Hachette Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2025
3.5/5
Thank you so much to Forever for the eARC of this book!
I have always enjoyed reading stories that take place in the 1920's, and this one was a murder mystery surrounding the world of glamorous speakeasies in NYC.
We get to meet Freddie (our wonderful FMC), who is a fashion and lifestyle journalist for a magazine. Freddie gets to go to all of the fancy new clubs and restaurants, and even gets to have private fashion showings so she can write about them for her readers. Everything is fun until she's somehow connected to a murder and is asked to provide information in the ongoing investigation.
This book was a whodunnit that kept me guessing right until the very end.
Thank you so much to Forever for the eARC of this book!
I have always enjoyed reading stories that take place in the 1920's, and this one was a murder mystery surrounding the world of glamorous speakeasies in NYC.
We get to meet Freddie (our wonderful FMC), who is a fashion and lifestyle journalist for a magazine. Freddie gets to go to all of the fancy new clubs and restaurants, and even gets to have private fashion showings so she can write about them for her readers. Everything is fun until she's somehow connected to a murder and is asked to provide information in the ongoing investigation.
This book was a whodunnit that kept me guessing right until the very end.
December 1, 2025
This was a fun read for my Thanksgiving break. I loved the backdrop and Mulhern's deft description of the era. The characters were fun, particularly Freddie and the cadre of mobsters she encountered. I would have liked a little more development of some of the background characters, though, some of whom wound up seeming extraneous (John, for example; what was he there for?). Because the narrative jumped around a bit, it was hard to define a timeline for the events taking place (all the same summer, but was it a matter of days? Weeks? Months?). And the end felt like a race to the finish that left some loose ends untied, but perhaps that was intentional.
The end of this book seems to tee up future adventures for Freddie, and if Mulhern writes more books about her I will definitely read them.
Many thanks to the publisher for receiving an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest assessment.
The end of this book seems to tee up future adventures for Freddie, and if Mulhern writes more books about her I will definitely read them.
Many thanks to the publisher for receiving an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest assessment.
November 22, 2025
A wonderful histfic mystery set in 1920s Manhattan, with atmosphere galore and a gutsy FMC you'll cheer for. Hope this is book one in a series, as I loved this gripping tale!
November 12, 2025
Super fun Prohibition era mystery. Took me a bit to get through bc I only had a PDF of the ARC, and I hate reading on my computer. But I think in print or on audio, Freddie’s adventures will fly by!
January 30, 2026
4.5⭐
What a delightful mystery! Julie Mulhern, taking a step away from her iconic series set in the country club set in Kansas City during the 1970s, introduces us to Freddie Archer, a column writer in NYC during the 1920s. Her columns focus on fashion and nightlife in the city with fresh eyes and what we now would call snark.. Loosely based on Lois Long and peopled with the cream of the literary set such as Dorothy Parker, Ring Lardner, Alexander Wolcott and the husband and wife duo of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Full of bootleggers, fashion and speakeasies, it's an immensely enjoyable story you don't want to end. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
What a delightful mystery! Julie Mulhern, taking a step away from her iconic series set in the country club set in Kansas City during the 1970s, introduces us to Freddie Archer, a column writer in NYC during the 1920s. Her columns focus on fashion and nightlife in the city with fresh eyes and what we now would call snark.. Loosely based on Lois Long and peopled with the cream of the literary set such as Dorothy Parker, Ring Lardner, Alexander Wolcott and the husband and wife duo of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Full of bootleggers, fashion and speakeasies, it's an immensely enjoyable story you don't want to end. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
January 29, 2026
I loved this cozy murder mystery! This gave such fun historical New York City vibes. You felt like you were there, living in NYC in the 1920's, running around with Freddie, visiting speakeasies, running into crime bosses. Caroline Hewitt did an amazing job with the narration. Her voice fit Freddie and the era so well. I love that Freddie is also based on a real columnist from the 1920's that Julie Mulhern came across.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC
November 16, 2025
Julie Mulhern is a best-selling author for a reason. "Murder in Manhattan" is a captivating chick-lit murder mystery set in the glamour of Prohibition-era New York. Mulhern's writing is evocative; I could almost taste the gin rickeys as I read, immersed in the speakeasy atmosphere while trying to solve the murder. I truly enjoyed this story. Freddie, the protagonist, is a resilient and spirited character, and I was completely drawn to her. The book also highlights strong feminist themes, giving women a powerful voice in the narrative. I sincerely hope we see more of Freddie in future works. This is a remarkable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and the author Julie Mulhern for this ARC. The book is on sale on December 9, 2025 and you definitely want to get it then.
#JulieMulhern #BestSellingAuthor #MurderInManhattan #ChickLit #MysteryNovel #ProhibitionEra #NewYork #SpeakeasyVibes #BookLover #MysteryReader #FeministThemes #StrongFemaleCharacters #Fiction #BookRecommendation #MustRead #HistoricalMystery #FemaleProtagonist #Suspense #CrimeFiction #ReadingTime
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and the author Julie Mulhern for this ARC. The book is on sale on December 9, 2025 and you definitely want to get it then.
#JulieMulhern #BestSellingAuthor #MurderInManhattan #ChickLit #MysteryNovel #ProhibitionEra #NewYork #SpeakeasyVibes #BookLover #MysteryReader #FeministThemes #StrongFemaleCharacters #Fiction #BookRecommendation #MustRead #HistoricalMystery #FemaleProtagonist #Suspense #CrimeFiction #ReadingTime
February 11, 2026
Freddy Archer lives in 1920s Manhattan, and as a writer for a fashion magazine, she goes to many parties, speakeasies, and viewings for new fashion designs. She's from a wealthy family, but is determined to make it on her own in New York City.
When a man mentioned in one of her pieces turns up murdered, Freddie gets a visit from police detective Mike Sullivan, who asks her to keep an eye out for the woman who was seen dining with the dead man.
Freddie's intrigued, and begins looking for the woman as she hangs out with friend Dorothy Parker, goes to various parties, and does her best to dodge her ex-fiancé. She also meets an attractive man who may be a bootlegger. But, she's a modern woman and can not only dress divinely and hand in her articles on time, but also handle increasingly weird and dangerous situations, including sleuthing and chatting with mafia bosses.
Breezy in tone, to match the attitude and Freddie's writing style in Gotham Magazine. She moves through life, easily interacting with different types of people, but she's no pushover. She, and her coterie of female friends, are tough, smart, and independent.
The mystery was interesting, particularly with the way Freddie keeps seeing the woman at the scenes of crimes, and the number of people Freddie meets before solving the murders.
I really enjoyed this, and went back and forth between the book and the audio, narrated by Caroline Hewitt, who perfectly epitomizes Freddie and the tone of the novel. It's post-war, and people are still recovering from their experiences, and whether upper class or not, everyone seems to be after a good time, or trying to move up.
I hope there are more Freddie Archer stories coming; this was a hoot!
Thank you to Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and to Hachette Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
When a man mentioned in one of her pieces turns up murdered, Freddie gets a visit from police detective Mike Sullivan, who asks her to keep an eye out for the woman who was seen dining with the dead man.
Freddie's intrigued, and begins looking for the woman as she hangs out with friend Dorothy Parker, goes to various parties, and does her best to dodge her ex-fiancé. She also meets an attractive man who may be a bootlegger. But, she's a modern woman and can not only dress divinely and hand in her articles on time, but also handle increasingly weird and dangerous situations, including sleuthing and chatting with mafia bosses.
Breezy in tone, to match the attitude and Freddie's writing style in Gotham Magazine. She moves through life, easily interacting with different types of people, but she's no pushover. She, and her coterie of female friends, are tough, smart, and independent.
The mystery was interesting, particularly with the way Freddie keeps seeing the woman at the scenes of crimes, and the number of people Freddie meets before solving the murders.
I really enjoyed this, and went back and forth between the book and the audio, narrated by Caroline Hewitt, who perfectly epitomizes Freddie and the tone of the novel. It's post-war, and people are still recovering from their experiences, and whether upper class or not, everyone seems to be after a good time, or trying to move up.
I hope there are more Freddie Archer stories coming; this was a hoot!
Thank you to Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and to Hachette Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
January 19, 2026
def a little repetitive in writing at some point, but a cute little take on detective noir
December 3, 2025
I'm not really a mystery reader, but occasionally I will dip into the genre—especially if it's a historical mystery with romance. Historical mystery gets to explore time periods we don't often see in historical romance, and that was the case with Murder in Manhattan. Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
It's 1925 in the middle of Prohibition and the Roaring '20s. Freddie Archer is an heiress and columnist at Gotham magazine, writing about nightlife and fashion in New York City as she gallivants around the city with her two best friends (and real-life people) Dorothy Parker and Tallulah Bankhead. She mentions a man in one of her columns who ends up murdered later that night, which earns her a visit from a New York City detective. He asks Freddie about the woman the murdered man was with that night. Freddie can provide a description, and the detective asks her to let him know if she runs into this woman while she's on the town. Freddie begins spending time with a bootlegger named Brandt Abrams, and as she’s out with him, his friends begin dropping like flies—and every time, that woman is there. Despite the police detective calling her off and the danger Freddie faces, she can't leave it alone and begins investigating these murders herself.
This book was an absolute delight. I found Freddie to be a charming narrator and entry point to this world. She is based on a real-life columnist named Lois Long, who wrote for The New Yorker and blazed a trail for female writers. Freddie comes from a very privileged background and doesn't need to work, but her status and ability to mix and mingle with New York's elite give her the cachet to write her column. She knows everyone worth knowing and can afford the very best, so she has access to the glitz and glamour that make her column a bestseller for Gotham.
One thing I don't often see in romances set in the 1920s is any mention of the extreme trauma endured in the previous decade. In the lead-up to the ’20s, there was a global war and a global pandemic, both of which seriously impacted young people. One reason the Spanish Influenza pandemic was so tragic was that it targeted young adults, who were also the primary members of the military in WWI. This book doesn't dig deeply into the pandemic itself, but Freddie lost her brother in the war and Brandt served, and we see the impact of that loss and trauma on both characters, which I found compelling.
Freddie is a woman in a man's world and has to deal with the rampant misogyny of the 1920s in every facet of her professional and personal life. She broke off an engagement to a man who expected her to give up her career and life in the city to raise his children in Connecticut; she deals with her mother's expectation that she marry a Yale man and give up her wild lifestyle; and she encounters men at basically every turn telling her she shouldn't worry her pretty little head about these murders since the men are on the scene. Brandt was a breath of fresh air for Freddie because he doesn't try to stifle her or tell her she can't handle something. I also really loved the mob boss we meet in the book because he immediately saw the value in Freddie.
I don't know if this is going to be the start of a new series from Julie Mulhern or not, but I hope this is not the last we see of Freddie. Her world was so interesting, and I want more from her relationship with Brandt. 4 stars.
It's 1925 in the middle of Prohibition and the Roaring '20s. Freddie Archer is an heiress and columnist at Gotham magazine, writing about nightlife and fashion in New York City as she gallivants around the city with her two best friends (and real-life people) Dorothy Parker and Tallulah Bankhead. She mentions a man in one of her columns who ends up murdered later that night, which earns her a visit from a New York City detective. He asks Freddie about the woman the murdered man was with that night. Freddie can provide a description, and the detective asks her to let him know if she runs into this woman while she's on the town. Freddie begins spending time with a bootlegger named Brandt Abrams, and as she’s out with him, his friends begin dropping like flies—and every time, that woman is there. Despite the police detective calling her off and the danger Freddie faces, she can't leave it alone and begins investigating these murders herself.
This book was an absolute delight. I found Freddie to be a charming narrator and entry point to this world. She is based on a real-life columnist named Lois Long, who wrote for The New Yorker and blazed a trail for female writers. Freddie comes from a very privileged background and doesn't need to work, but her status and ability to mix and mingle with New York's elite give her the cachet to write her column. She knows everyone worth knowing and can afford the very best, so she has access to the glitz and glamour that make her column a bestseller for Gotham.
One thing I don't often see in romances set in the 1920s is any mention of the extreme trauma endured in the previous decade. In the lead-up to the ’20s, there was a global war and a global pandemic, both of which seriously impacted young people. One reason the Spanish Influenza pandemic was so tragic was that it targeted young adults, who were also the primary members of the military in WWI. This book doesn't dig deeply into the pandemic itself, but Freddie lost her brother in the war and Brandt served, and we see the impact of that loss and trauma on both characters, which I found compelling.
Freddie is a woman in a man's world and has to deal with the rampant misogyny of the 1920s in every facet of her professional and personal life. She broke off an engagement to a man who expected her to give up her career and life in the city to raise his children in Connecticut; she deals with her mother's expectation that she marry a Yale man and give up her wild lifestyle; and she encounters men at basically every turn telling her she shouldn't worry her pretty little head about these murders since the men are on the scene. Brandt was a breath of fresh air for Freddie because he doesn't try to stifle her or tell her she can't handle something. I also really loved the mob boss we meet in the book because he immediately saw the value in Freddie.
I don't know if this is going to be the start of a new series from Julie Mulhern or not, but I hope this is not the last we see of Freddie. Her world was so interesting, and I want more from her relationship with Brandt. 4 stars.
December 9, 2025
I had so much fun reading this one! We follow Freddie Archer, a nightlife and fashion columnist for Gotham Magazine in 1920s NYC who stumbles into a murder investigation for a bootlegger after including him in her column one day. Freddie is so fun and witty. She spends most of her nights dancing and carousing at different speakeasies with her friends Dotty and Tallulah and her days working on the magazine and dealing with her editor, Gus, and assistant, Annie. Although her life seems like a fun party time, she is also dealing with a lot of personal things, which I appreciate. She gets entangled, in multiple ways, with the murders of some bootleggers around town and is warned by Detective Sullivan to stay away, but she might be the only one who can solve it.
I really like the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries series, and this book felt a lot like that. Freddie is also very competent, capable, and independent. I will say her friends did kind of irritate me at times as I felt like they were being a little harsh and rude. There is a little romance happening, but it doesn't overpower the story, but I also didn't really care about it. There does seem to be a hint at maybe some kind of love triangle (not including her stupid ex Nick), which I don't know how to feel about. I might be down since the current romance isn't really solidified.
If you like the Miss Fisher show (like I do) or you are intrigued by a murder mystery set in the 1920s in NYC, I think you should check this out! It's not overly cozy, but it also isn't very hardboiled either. It was just well crafted and interesting.
*Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own :)*
I really like the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries series, and this book felt a lot like that. Freddie is also very competent, capable, and independent. I will say her friends did kind of irritate me at times as I felt like they were being a little harsh and rude. There is a little romance happening, but it doesn't overpower the story, but I also didn't really care about it. There does seem to be a hint at maybe some kind of love triangle (not including her stupid ex Nick), which I don't know how to feel about. I might be down since the current romance isn't really solidified.
If you like the Miss Fisher show (like I do) or you are intrigued by a murder mystery set in the 1920s in NYC, I think you should check this out! It's not overly cozy, but it also isn't very hardboiled either. It was just well crafted and interesting.
*Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own :)*
January 9, 2026
Murder mystery in the 1920s!
Honestly I just really liked Freddie Archer and the narration of things turned out in this book. It’s definitely one of those slightly comical and slightly campy books that’s better to listen to than read. The secondary characters are well done, Tululah Banks, Brant Abrams, even Legs McDoyle. Remembering their names to write this review made them fleshed out really well. The plot was neatly done and well tailored to really putting NYC into your mind.
My only gripe is why must the female main character be physically or sexually assaulted like 3x before half way through? There’s one or two more instances later in the book but it was just pointless for there to be that many in a short span of the book. Yes, it’s a super misogynistic time and men are high handed, like yes, I understand but just putting the fmc through that in a short period of time was kinda meh.
Honestly I just really liked Freddie Archer and the narration of things turned out in this book. It’s definitely one of those slightly comical and slightly campy books that’s better to listen to than read. The secondary characters are well done, Tululah Banks, Brant Abrams, even Legs McDoyle. Remembering their names to write this review made them fleshed out really well. The plot was neatly done and well tailored to really putting NYC into your mind.
My only gripe is why must the female main character be physically or sexually assaulted like 3x before half way through? There’s one or two more instances later in the book but it was just pointless for there to be that many in a short span of the book. Yes, it’s a super misogynistic time and men are high handed, like yes, I understand but just putting the fmc through that in a short period of time was kinda meh.
December 9, 2025
I was absolutely thrilled to read Murder in Manhattan as an ARC (thank you NetGalley and thanks to the author and the publisher) and I have to say, I enjoyed every single minute of it!
The premise drew me in immediately: 1920s Manhattan, a setting inspired by a real-life New Yorker columnists, a strong female character with plenty of brains, wit, and humor—and a growing body count. This was a fun, stylish, and incredibly entertaining read that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
The main character, Freddie Archer, is essentially living the influencer lifestyle of the Jazz Age. As a nightlife columnist for Gotham Magazine, she's sipping gin rickeys with Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, casting Broadway shows with Groucho Marx, and chronicling the glamorous lives of the rich and famous.
Freddie is definitely too clever for her own good. When a man mentioned in her column is murdered, she naturally throws herself into an investigation she was expressly told to avoid. She manages to get into—and out of—some truly impossible situations. With so much going on, it could have been easy to lose the plot, but the book is wonderfully written and paced. I was desperate to know where the storyline was headed next.
The story strikes the perfect balance, with the right amount of humor, wit, romance, and deadly intrigue. It was an absolute delight to read, and I highly recommend it!
The premise drew me in immediately: 1920s Manhattan, a setting inspired by a real-life New Yorker columnists, a strong female character with plenty of brains, wit, and humor—and a growing body count. This was a fun, stylish, and incredibly entertaining read that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
The main character, Freddie Archer, is essentially living the influencer lifestyle of the Jazz Age. As a nightlife columnist for Gotham Magazine, she's sipping gin rickeys with Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, casting Broadway shows with Groucho Marx, and chronicling the glamorous lives of the rich and famous.
Freddie is definitely too clever for her own good. When a man mentioned in her column is murdered, she naturally throws herself into an investigation she was expressly told to avoid. She manages to get into—and out of—some truly impossible situations. With so much going on, it could have been easy to lose the plot, but the book is wonderfully written and paced. I was desperate to know where the storyline was headed next.
The story strikes the perfect balance, with the right amount of humor, wit, romance, and deadly intrigue. It was an absolute delight to read, and I highly recommend it!
December 8, 2025
“Murder in Manhattan” was a quick and cozy period piece with an interesting premise. Freddie, an independent female writer living right in the middle of America’s prohibition era has all the things about her I like in my historical fiction female main characters. However, I found that most if not all of the characters in this book otherwise lacked a lot of depth, and were very clearly just supporting characters in the life of the main character. Additionally, there were so many supporting characters they tended to just blur together for me. Despite this, I did enjoy having this audiobook on in the background while I worked.
The historical details and mentions of famous stars from the time. It had just the right level of historical tie-ins and I enjoyed it every time I noticed a real-life star. I would definitely listen to future installments of Freddie’s story. The narrator, Caroline Hewitt, was the perfect pick for this quick little murder mystery. Her story telling showed off all the wittier parts of Freddie’s personality without loosing the plot: it wasn’t overdone.
If you like: a witty FMC, cozy mystery, bootleggers and crime in a 20’s city setting, and quick reads, you’ll eat this story up.
So delighted and thankful to Netgally, Julie Mulhern, and Hachette Audio for providing me an advanced listeners copy of Murder in Manhattan in exchange for my honest review of this book !!
The historical details and mentions of famous stars from the time. It had just the right level of historical tie-ins and I enjoyed it every time I noticed a real-life star. I would definitely listen to future installments of Freddie’s story. The narrator, Caroline Hewitt, was the perfect pick for this quick little murder mystery. Her story telling showed off all the wittier parts of Freddie’s personality without loosing the plot: it wasn’t overdone.
If you like: a witty FMC, cozy mystery, bootleggers and crime in a 20’s city setting, and quick reads, you’ll eat this story up.
So delighted and thankful to Netgally, Julie Mulhern, and Hachette Audio for providing me an advanced listeners copy of Murder in Manhattan in exchange for my honest review of this book !!
December 16, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of reading and listening to the audiobook of Murder in Manhattan. I have to start by saying that the narrator was fantastic! I really enjoyed her voice, as well as her character choices and inflection, which added so much to the story.
I loved the 1920s setting and really appreciated how Freddie prioritized her own success and happiness during a time period when women rarely could. I also loved the mystery and was kept on my toes right up until the very final reveal!
Thank you for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
I loved the 1920s setting and really appreciated how Freddie prioritized her own success and happiness during a time period when women rarely could. I also loved the mystery and was kept on my toes right up until the very final reveal!
Thank you for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
December 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio and Julie Mulhern for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
The roaring 20s in New York City- prohibition lead to bootlegging lead to MURDER. Lots of murder. Add a little intrigue and romance- with never knowing who our FMC can trust- it's an enjoyable period piece!
Characters 8
Atmosphere/Setting 9
Writing Style 7
Plot 7
Intrigue 8
Logic/Relationships 7
Enjoyment 8
Average Score: 7.714285714
CAWPILE rating method used. All credit to creator Book Roast on YouTube!
Does the title make sense to the story? Sure
The roaring 20s in New York City- prohibition lead to bootlegging lead to MURDER. Lots of murder. Add a little intrigue and romance- with never knowing who our FMC can trust- it's an enjoyable period piece!
Characters 8
Atmosphere/Setting 9
Writing Style 7
Plot 7
Intrigue 8
Logic/Relationships 7
Enjoyment 8
Average Score: 7.714285714
CAWPILE rating method used. All credit to creator Book Roast on YouTube!
Does the title make sense to the story? Sure
January 23, 2026
Such a delightful read, about a plucky NYC gal in the 1930s, a columnist who writes about fashion and city life, who finds herself drawn into solving a whodunit because she witnesses a murder at a speakeasy. And one of the most fun parts of the story is she's friends with the likes of Dorothy Parker and Tallulah Bankhead, and runs into people like Groucho Marx and NYC crime boss Arnold Rothstein. And on top of all this, the story was exciting, I couldn't put it down! A well-deserved 5 stars!
December 19, 2025
I love Julie Mulhern's Country Club series and I was really excited to see her take on a new decade. Happily, I was not disappointed! We've got a good set up for possible romances and I think the character is well integrated into the "known" parts of New York in the 20s. Really excited to see more in this world!
**Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, however the copy I read was the one that I purchased.**
**Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, however the copy I read was the one that I purchased.**
December 8, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'Murder in Manhattan' is a historical mystery by Julie Mulhern, and it follows Freddie, a columnist and society girl who finds herself investigating a series of murders.
First of all, the author does a great job creating the perfect 20s atmosphere, with all the glam, champagne, extravagance, and also the underlying depression. Freddie is an excellent narrator, bubbly, witty, and fun. Her story was probably the best part of the book, and I found myself more intrigued about her life, her friends, and her romances than the mystery.
The latter, moreover, was interesting and it had many twists and thrilling moments. But, the ending was not well handled. The culprit didn't give an 'aha' moment in the end, as they weren't really tied up with the mystery's clues.
In addition, the story surely needed another chapter so that the conclusion would be smoother and all loose ends solved, as that last chapter didn't vibe well with the rest of the plot, which was nicely paced up until then.
Finally, the audiobook was narrated excellently and the production was enjoyable.
'Murder in Manhattan' is a historical mystery by Julie Mulhern, and it follows Freddie, a columnist and society girl who finds herself investigating a series of murders.
First of all, the author does a great job creating the perfect 20s atmosphere, with all the glam, champagne, extravagance, and also the underlying depression. Freddie is an excellent narrator, bubbly, witty, and fun. Her story was probably the best part of the book, and I found myself more intrigued about her life, her friends, and her romances than the mystery.
The latter, moreover, was interesting and it had many twists and thrilling moments. But, the ending was not well handled. The culprit didn't give an 'aha' moment in the end, as they weren't really tied up with the mystery's clues.
In addition, the story surely needed another chapter so that the conclusion would be smoother and all loose ends solved, as that last chapter didn't vibe well with the rest of the plot, which was nicely paced up until then.
Finally, the audiobook was narrated excellently and the production was enjoyable.
March 19, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free digital copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of those times when the book was technically good, but I found little enjoyment in listening to it. For one, to call Murder in Manhattan a mystery is too generous: there are a string of somewhat implausible murders that our leading lady, Freddie, is coincidentally present for, but there’s none of the sleuthing or misdirection that one would expect in a mystery novel. Instead, the case is solved based on the slimmest of conjecture (and an even slimmer motive), that Freddie unwisely announces straight to the culprit’s face. If anything, it felt like the author had gotten bored with the murder “mystery” and just wanted to be done with it as quickly and easily as possible.
What Murder in Manhattan really is is a period piece. Specifically, an escapist period piece. Mulhern has clearly done her research, and she expertly captures the vibe of 1920s NYC, right down to the clothing and oppressive humidity. Freddie embodies the uptown independent woman of this era: she’s a columnist at a glitzy magazine where she reviews nightclubs and Broadway shows, frequents the best speakeasies the city has to offer, pals around with the likes of the Fitzgeralds and the Marx brothers, and has a string of equally empowered friends and besotted men eager to tie her down. She also comes from old money, has a fabulous wardrobe, and is rebelling against her parents’ wishes to see her wed to an Ivy League grad to instead pursue a career. Freddie often ruminates on the sexism and double standards she faces as a careerwoman—not to mention all the unwanted advances she bats off from lecherous men—which will ring true for the many women who have struggled to get ahead in the workplace over the decades. That said, after a while I couldn’t help but roll my eyes a little at Freddie’s first world problems. Misogyny blows, but you can only feel so sorry for someone this privileged. (Mulhern also tries to insert a bit of clumsy social commentary about how Prohibition was tied to nativism, ignoring—or perhaps not realizing—its basis as an anti-domestic violence initiative).
Murder in Manhattan never crosses the line into nihilism, but all the affairs, crime, and loose living will likely turn off readers who aren’t quite entranced by the life and times of the bourgeoisie. But for anyone looking for a bit of escapism, there are far worse ways to waste an afternoon than by following around a plucky young flapper with a handful of relatable problems and far more good fortune than she realizes.
This was one of those times when the book was technically good, but I found little enjoyment in listening to it. For one, to call Murder in Manhattan a mystery is too generous: there are a string of somewhat implausible murders that our leading lady, Freddie, is coincidentally present for, but there’s none of the sleuthing or misdirection that one would expect in a mystery novel. Instead, the case is solved based on the slimmest of conjecture (and an even slimmer motive), that Freddie unwisely announces straight to the culprit’s face. If anything, it felt like the author had gotten bored with the murder “mystery” and just wanted to be done with it as quickly and easily as possible.
What Murder in Manhattan really is is a period piece. Specifically, an escapist period piece. Mulhern has clearly done her research, and she expertly captures the vibe of 1920s NYC, right down to the clothing and oppressive humidity. Freddie embodies the uptown independent woman of this era: she’s a columnist at a glitzy magazine where she reviews nightclubs and Broadway shows, frequents the best speakeasies the city has to offer, pals around with the likes of the Fitzgeralds and the Marx brothers, and has a string of equally empowered friends and besotted men eager to tie her down. She also comes from old money, has a fabulous wardrobe, and is rebelling against her parents’ wishes to see her wed to an Ivy League grad to instead pursue a career. Freddie often ruminates on the sexism and double standards she faces as a careerwoman—not to mention all the unwanted advances she bats off from lecherous men—which will ring true for the many women who have struggled to get ahead in the workplace over the decades. That said, after a while I couldn’t help but roll my eyes a little at Freddie’s first world problems. Misogyny blows, but you can only feel so sorry for someone this privileged. (Mulhern also tries to insert a bit of clumsy social commentary about how Prohibition was tied to nativism, ignoring—or perhaps not realizing—its basis as an anti-domestic violence initiative).
Murder in Manhattan never crosses the line into nihilism, but all the affairs, crime, and loose living will likely turn off readers who aren’t quite entranced by the life and times of the bourgeoisie. But for anyone looking for a bit of escapism, there are far worse ways to waste an afternoon than by following around a plucky young flapper with a handful of relatable problems and far more good fortune than she realizes.
December 8, 2025
Thank you so much for Forever for the gifted physical ARC!
4.25 stars.
This book was such a fun read and it was right up my alley: a murder mystery thriller, artfully woven into a romance in a fabulous historical fiction setting, with a healthy side of feminism. It's giving strong similar vibes to Mimi Matthews' Rules for Ruin, as well as Bellamy Rose's Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder, where you have a strong FMC who won't let a man keep her down while solving a crime. And unlike some historical fiction, this story is written in a more modern tone, making it oh-so-easy to slip into the story.
Set in 1920s NYC (my favorite time period AND city to read about), Murder in Manhattan follows our gal, Freddie, a columnist for The Gotham, as she works to solve a series of crimes that conveniently seems to occur in her vicinity, despite being told off by the detective in charge that this is no place for a woman. Except Freddie's got connections *all over* the place - from the upper crust of society to the underbelly of the city - and knows how to dig up the good dirt on a story. She quickly makes connections that the police are unable to, thanks to her unique perspective, and it was so entertaining to read as she runs rings around these men-in-charge, finding clues in fashion and society that are overlooked by the men, and ultimately it's her different perspective that allows her to solve the murders can catch the killer.
And amongst all of this, we have a closed-door romance, where Freddie works to get over a previous heartbreak and fall for someone new, who accepts her exactly as she is, which helps to counterbalance the darker twists and turns of the murders.
It's light, fun, thrilling, with a lot of wit and cleverness on Freddie's part, and you absolute cannot help but cheer for her throughout the course of the book as she works to solve the crimes at hand, despite the odds stacked against her. This story is full of life and lovely emotion and I was absolutely cackling at some of Freddie's retorts and antics aimed at the less-progressive characters.
I think the ONLY thing I disliked about this book was how it ended - which was FAR too soon! I need more on what happens with Freddie and Brandt (and that date she's got on Saturday!). Maybe we will get a book 2, centered around Annie and Sullivan, perchance?
4.25 stars.
This book was such a fun read and it was right up my alley: a murder mystery thriller, artfully woven into a romance in a fabulous historical fiction setting, with a healthy side of feminism. It's giving strong similar vibes to Mimi Matthews' Rules for Ruin, as well as Bellamy Rose's Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder, where you have a strong FMC who won't let a man keep her down while solving a crime. And unlike some historical fiction, this story is written in a more modern tone, making it oh-so-easy to slip into the story.
Set in 1920s NYC (my favorite time period AND city to read about), Murder in Manhattan follows our gal, Freddie, a columnist for The Gotham, as she works to solve a series of crimes that conveniently seems to occur in her vicinity, despite being told off by the detective in charge that this is no place for a woman. Except Freddie's got connections *all over* the place - from the upper crust of society to the underbelly of the city - and knows how to dig up the good dirt on a story. She quickly makes connections that the police are unable to, thanks to her unique perspective, and it was so entertaining to read as she runs rings around these men-in-charge, finding clues in fashion and society that are overlooked by the men, and ultimately it's her different perspective that allows her to solve the murders can catch the killer.
And amongst all of this, we have a closed-door romance, where Freddie works to get over a previous heartbreak and fall for someone new, who accepts her exactly as she is, which helps to counterbalance the darker twists and turns of the murders.
It's light, fun, thrilling, with a lot of wit and cleverness on Freddie's part, and you absolute cannot help but cheer for her throughout the course of the book as she works to solve the crimes at hand, despite the odds stacked against her. This story is full of life and lovely emotion and I was absolutely cackling at some of Freddie's retorts and antics aimed at the less-progressive characters.
I think the ONLY thing I disliked about this book was how it ended - which was FAR too soon! I need more on what happens with Freddie and Brandt (and that date she's got on Saturday!). Maybe we will get a book 2, centered around Annie and Sullivan, perchance?
December 5, 2025
Murder in Manhattan is a glamorous mystery set in 1925 New York City. With flappers, bootleggers, gangsters, and of course murder, Julie Mulhern creates an original plot that kept me turning pages long after bedtime.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Columnist Freddie Archer writes Touch of Rouge, New York’s glamorous take on fashion, night clubs, and high society. When a police detective visits her to ask about a dead man who was featured in her column, she’s intrigued. And then she spots the victim’s date at another murder scene, and she can’t help but follow her. Freddie finds herself in the midst of a bootlegger’s battle, with handsome importer Brandt Abrams catching her attention too. While gangsters are impressed with her moxie, her boss and her family tell her that a lady shouldn’t get involved in such dangerous situations. Can she figure out who the murderer is before it’s too late?
This story’s characters, both fictional and real, are entertaining and the 1920s setting is almost like an additional character. With lunch at the Algonquin with Dorothy Parker, and cameos from the likes of Groucho Marx, the author blends fact and fiction with ease. The Jewish representation is well done, and fits with the era. Even the descriptions of NYC’s sweltering heat before air conditioning made me sweat in my living room.
I’m on the record as being a huge fan of a romance/mystery combination; this book is in the more mystery than romance category. It appears that this book is the start of a series though, so with some of the world building out of the way, maybe the romance subplot will pick up a bit in the next installment.
I enjoyed reading Murder in Manhattan. And, really, why aren’t more mysteries and romances set in the roaring 1920s? The glamorous setting, with bootleggers and flappers, writers and actors, is fabulous. It’s the perfect backdrop for columnist Freddie Archer, and I’m hoping we get to see more of her in future adventures.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Columnist Freddie Archer writes Touch of Rouge, New York’s glamorous take on fashion, night clubs, and high society. When a police detective visits her to ask about a dead man who was featured in her column, she’s intrigued. And then she spots the victim’s date at another murder scene, and she can’t help but follow her. Freddie finds herself in the midst of a bootlegger’s battle, with handsome importer Brandt Abrams catching her attention too. While gangsters are impressed with her moxie, her boss and her family tell her that a lady shouldn’t get involved in such dangerous situations. Can she figure out who the murderer is before it’s too late?
This story’s characters, both fictional and real, are entertaining and the 1920s setting is almost like an additional character. With lunch at the Algonquin with Dorothy Parker, and cameos from the likes of Groucho Marx, the author blends fact and fiction with ease. The Jewish representation is well done, and fits with the era. Even the descriptions of NYC’s sweltering heat before air conditioning made me sweat in my living room.
I’m on the record as being a huge fan of a romance/mystery combination; this book is in the more mystery than romance category. It appears that this book is the start of a series though, so with some of the world building out of the way, maybe the romance subplot will pick up a bit in the next installment.
I enjoyed reading Murder in Manhattan. And, really, why aren’t more mysteries and romances set in the roaring 1920s? The glamorous setting, with bootleggers and flappers, writers and actors, is fabulous. It’s the perfect backdrop for columnist Freddie Archer, and I’m hoping we get to see more of her in future adventures.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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