OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the first book by Mariah that I have read. Unfortunately, this book didn't hit the mark for me. I actually almost gave it up on two occasions, but I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
It was a slow slogging book with many real-life characters that I didn't like, including most of the characters. I didn't like the writing or writers, the Jazz Era, or much of anything from the 1920s. I'm really at a loss as to why I chose to read this book.
There are many notable characters, but other than the Fitzgeralds, I didn't know who they were. I had to research them all through the Author's Note.
Side note - this is my one hundred book of the year!
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
The writing is good, but so very descriptive. Normally, most writing is not descriptive enough for me, but Mariah is very descriptive. The overly descriptive passages and flashbacks really bogged this book down.
Character development: 3.5 stars
The main characters are Morris Markey (newspaper reporter), Zelda Fitzgerald (yes, her), and Joseph Bowne Elwell (bridge coach).
The secondary characters are writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker, to socialites like Leonora Hughes and Selma Lewisohn.
The tertiary characters include police, attorneys, politicians, neighbors, reporters, editors, service workers, and many others. An enormous cast of characters really slowed this book.
The character development was adequate - it wasn't weak, but it wasn't strong either.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The storyline is the discovery of a body in a locked house (both inside and outside) in 1920s NYC. Then, utter chaos ensues and a new mystery genre is born.
There is also another short timeline in 1950, Virginia, at the beginning and ending of the book.
The location was New York City and the surrounding areas.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
I had no idea how depraved and excessive New York City was in the "Roaring Twenties". Wowza!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous.
Book title: 3.5 stars
The title is a bit misleading.
Recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks
336 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 9/2/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, murder, medical content, gun violence, death, violence, sexual harassment, war, mental health issues, and moderate cursing.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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