A Death of No Importance, Mariah Fredericks
A Death of No Importance, Mariah Fredericks
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A Death of No Importance
A Novel

Author: Mariah Fredericks

Narrator: Stephanie Willis

Unabridged: 8 hr 11 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/10/2018


Synopsis

“A Death of No Importance has such rich historic detail that you feel as if you’ve been transported to early twentieth century New York. Mariah Fredericks is the best at creating compulsively addictive, fresh, twisty reads.”—Meg Cabot

Through her exquisite prose, sharp observation and deft plotting, Mariah Fredericks invites listeners into the heart of a changing New York in her remarkable debut adult audiobook.

New York City, 1910. Invisible until she’s needed, Jane Prescott has perfected the art of serving as a ladies’ maid to the city’s upper echelons. When she takes up a position with the Benchley family, dismissed by the city’s elite as “new money”, Jane realizes that while she may not have financial privilege, she has a power they do not—she understands the rules of high society. The Benchleys cause further outrage when their daughter Charlotte becomes engaged to notorious playboy Norrie, the son of the eminent Newsome family.

But when Norrie is found murdered at a party, Jane discovers she is uniquely positioned—she’s a woman no one sees, but who witnesses everything; who possesses no social power, but that of fierce intellect—and therefore has the tools to solve his murder. There are many with grudges to bear: from the family Norrie was supposed to marry into, to the survivors of a tragic accident in a mine owned by the Newsomes, to the rising anarchists who are sick of those born into wealth getting away with anything they want. Jane also knows that in both high society and the city’s underbelly, morals can become cheap in the wrong hands: scandal and violence simmer just beneath the surface—and can break out at any time.

About Mariah Fredericks

MARIAH FREDERICKS was born, raised, and still lives in New York City. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history. She is the author of the Jane Prescott mystery series, which has twice been nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award, as well as several YA novels. She can be reached through her website.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Meg on October 19, 2017

I love mysteries but finding one that really keeps you guessing is difficult these days. This one not only does that, but features a smart heroine who just happens to be living in NYC during one of its most interesting time periods (early 1900s)! The attention to historical detail - down to the flou......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on December 14, 2023

I enjoyed A Death of No Importance. Set in New York City in the early part of the 1900’s, the book follows Jane Prescott, a lady’s maid to a wealthy family trying to ingratiate themselves into New York City high society. Her mistress, Charlotte Benchley, claims she is engaged to a wealthy and sought......more

Goodreads review by Heidi on December 28, 2021

Sadly, this was more of a middle of the road read than I had hoped. A time period I love but not the Upstairs, Downstairs vibe I thought it might have. A little too easy, a little too silly and yet a little too complicated. Maybe it’s a good thing though— the last thing my TBR needs is another serie......more

Goodreads review by Patricia on March 16, 2018

I did not enjoy A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE nearly as much as I anticipated. Not written quite as tightly as I would have liked, the novel concerns a lady's maid named Jane Prescott who is quite observant.......more

Goodreads review by Michelle on October 18, 2019

Can't wait to read the second book......more


Awards

  • Library Journal Best Books of the Year