Mariah Fredericks’ historical mystery, Murder on 34th Street, could as easily have been called Magic on 34th Street. Fredericks, a New York native and a history major in college, brings 1932 New York City to life with the magic of Macy’s as seen through the eyes of the whip smart assistant to the head of personnel for the store. Grace Verlander’s voice is the voice of a modern woman of the 1930s, struggling through the depression as she takes pride in her job.
Although Grace isn’t responsible for the 9th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, she knows most of the 8,500 people who work in the store, and the ones who will be working the parade. When Harry Gardner, this year’s Santa, informs her he received a threatening note, she asks for as much security as she can get. The crowd can’t see Santa killed during the store’s biggest event. When Grace finds a body on a float, she fears a couple employees who disappeared early during the parade might be involved. It’s time to call in a few favors, and work with the police department. Grace worries an employee could be a killer. When another body is found, Grace knows it goes right back to Macy’s.
Grace Verlander is the perfect voice for Murder on 34th Street. She’s perceptive, shows initiative, and views her job as a career, not just s steppingstone to marriage. Grace’s home life isn’t perfect, but she strives to give the perception that she’s always capable.
There’s a little romance along with humor in the connections between the women behind the scenes who run Macy’s and Gimbels. Fredericks’ book offers the magic of a department store at Christmastime, and the drudgery behind that magic. It’s a historical mystery that represents 1932 New York City with its contrasts of riches and poverty, right along with police corruption and politics, and, of course, murder. Wrap yourself up in the holiday mystery, Murder on 34th Street.
Mariah Fredericks’ website is https://www.mariahfredericksbooks.com/
Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks. Minotaur Books, 2026. 288p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher, through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review.
