Murder Me Now

Murder Me Now follows New York City theater critic and amateur sleuth Mitch Tobin during the city's jazz age. When a Broadway chorus girl is murdered after a performance, Tobin begins investigating connections between the victim and the theater world. The investigation moves through 1920s New York's entertainment scene, from Broadway theaters to speakeasies and jazz clubs. Tobin must navigate both the glamorous public face of show business and its shadowy underworld while pursuing leads about the chorus girl's death. The story interweaves elements of mystery, historical fiction, and romance as Tobin races to identify the killer before another victim is claimed. The vibrant setting of prohibition-era Manhattan serves as more than just a backdrop, with real historical figures and locations woven into the narrative. This mystery novel explores themes of ambition, deception, and the stark contrasts between public personas and private lives in the competitive world of 1920s theater. The social dynamics and cultural shifts of the era provide context for examining human nature and justice.

Readers find Murder Me Now delivers a strong sense of place in 1920s New York City and accurate historical details about the speakeasy era, though some feel the mystery plot develops slowly. Readers appreciated: - Authentic portrayal of 1920s Greenwich Village art scene - Complex female protagonist Smith Wilton - Period details about Prohibition and jazz clubs Common criticisms: - Plot takes time to build momentum - Too many secondary characters to track - Some historical exposition feels heavy-handed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "The historical atmosphere carries the story more than the actual mystery." Another commented: "Strong on setting and character but the pacing drags in the middle sections." Most recommend it for historical fiction fans interested in the era rather than readers seeking a fast-paced mystery.

Death of a Circus by Chandra Prasad A murder investigation unfolds against the backdrop of a 1920s traveling circus, blending historical detail with complex relationships among performers.

In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes A post-World War II noir follows a serial killer in Los Angeles through a psychological exploration of violence and masculinity.

The Cabaret Girl by Marthe Jocelyn Set in 1920s Montreal, a murder mystery revolves around a young female performer who becomes entangled in the dark side of nightclub life.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See Two sisters navigate murder, betrayal, and cultural upheaval in 1930s Shanghai's entertainment district.

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell A police precinct typist in Prohibition-era New York becomes drawn into murder and deception through her relationship with a mysterious coworker.

🔍 Set in 1920s New York City's theater district, the novel authentically captures the vibrant atmosphere of the Jazz Age and Broadway's golden era. 🎭 Author Annette Meyers drew from her real-life experience as a Broadway theater manager to create detailed, realistic backstage scenes and industry dynamics. 👯 The book's protagonist, Olivia Brown, was inspired by Texas Guinan, a famous real-life speakeasy hostess who was known as "The Queen of the Night Clubs" during Prohibition. 📚 This book is part of the Smith and Wetzon mystery series, which Meyers wrote under her full name, while she penned other works under the pseudonym Maan Meyers. 🗽 The novel explores the complex social dynamics of 1920s New York, including the intersection of high society, theater people, and gangsters during the Prohibition era.