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Nightingale Mysteries #4
Last Dance Before Dawn
Last Dance before Dawn is the final book in the luscious, mysterious, and queer Nightingale mystery series by Katharine Schellman, set in 1920s New York.
Vivian Kelly has finally created a home and a family at the glamorous speakeasy known as The Nightingale, where no one cares who you are in the daytime. After all, in the underground world of 1920s New York City, everyone has a secret to keep, and they’re on the Nightingale's dance floor to leave those secrets behind. But sometimes it takes more than a dance to escape your past.
When a stranger from Chicago shows up at The Nightingale looking to settle old scores, Vivian and the Nightingale's owner, the mysterious and alluring Honor Huxley, send him packing. They soon discover, though, that the stranger was just a warning. Slowly, the people who have made The Nightingale their home realize that someone is following them. Hunting them. And that someone won’t stop until they unravel a mystery that’s been cold for years: a missing girl, a boy out for revenge, and a truck full of cash that disappeared in a job gone horribly wrong.
Vivian just wants to protect the people she loves, and she's willing to dig into the dirt of the past to make it happen. But some questions are safer left unanswered, and now that Vivian has built a family for herself, she has more to lose than ever before.
Vivian Kelly has finally created a home and a family at the glamorous speakeasy known as The Nightingale, where no one cares who you are in the daytime. After all, in the underground world of 1920s New York City, everyone has a secret to keep, and they’re on the Nightingale's dance floor to leave those secrets behind. But sometimes it takes more than a dance to escape your past.
When a stranger from Chicago shows up at The Nightingale looking to settle old scores, Vivian and the Nightingale's owner, the mysterious and alluring Honor Huxley, send him packing. They soon discover, though, that the stranger was just a warning. Slowly, the people who have made The Nightingale their home realize that someone is following them. Hunting them. And that someone won’t stop until they unravel a mystery that’s been cold for years: a missing girl, a boy out for revenge, and a truck full of cash that disappeared in a job gone horribly wrong.
Vivian just wants to protect the people she loves, and she's willing to dig into the dirt of the past to make it happen. But some questions are safer left unanswered, and now that Vivian has built a family for herself, she has more to lose than ever before.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 17, 2025
About the author
Katharine Schellman
21 books1,251 followersKatharine Schellman is the author of the Lily Adler Mysteries and the forthcoming Nightingale Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Body in the Garden, was one of Suspense Magazine's Best Books of 2020 and led to her being named one of BookPage's 16 Women to Watch in 2020. Her second novel, Silence in the Library, was praised as "worthy of Rex Stout or Agatha Christie" (Library Journal).
Katharine lives and writes in the mountains of Virginia in the company of her husband, children, and the many houseplants she keeps accidentally murdering. Find her on Instagram as @katharinewrites.
Katharine lives and writes in the mountains of Virginia in the company of her husband, children, and the many houseplants she keeps accidentally murdering. Find her on Instagram as @katharinewrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 15, 2025
Last Dance Before Dawn is the riveting finale in the Nightingale Club mystery series. The stories take place during the 1920's where speakeasys were popular and dangerous. A time in which cops could be easily paid to look the other way, and women were second class citizens no matter what job they had. Even when a woman was a nightclub owner. More importantly it's about the way women were treated, and what they had to hide in order to exist. But there was one woman, Vivian Kelly who was street smart, had a day job as a seamstress, and a secret night job at the Nightingale where she danced with male customers. some of whom were very shady.
Over the years Vivian saw a number of dead bodies. She tried to hide her second job from her beloved hardworking sister Florence. But now, Florence is settled and it's time for Vivian to make some hard choices in her life.
Once again there is trouble brewing at the Nightingale Club. A mystery man from Chicago shows up and begins looking for people. Vivian is frightened as she knows who he is looking for and doesn't know why. One thing is for sure; he has killing on the brain!
So, Vivian goes to her boss and friend Honor, the extremely bright and savvy owner of The Nightingale. She is also intrigued but warns Vivien to stay out of the situation. Vivian thinks Honor knows more than she is saying, but Vivian must think about her sister and niece and keeping them safe.
But of course, she begins to quietly investigate and discovers a shocking story which unfolded a few years ago in Chicago in which people were killed and money was stolen and never recovered. It also has hints of a love story. On top of all that, questions about her parents especially about her father will come to light and be scandalous to both her and her sister.
Last Dance Before Dawn is truly a heart palpitating conclusion to a wonderfully written series about the jazz era and what it was like to live back then as women, some of whom were on the good side of the law and others not so much. It will satisfy the reader with all the unanswered questions, and prove that even back then, women could be strong, smart and cunning.
Thank you #NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #KatharineSchellman #LastDanceBeforeDawn for the advanced copy.
Over the years Vivian saw a number of dead bodies. She tried to hide her second job from her beloved hardworking sister Florence. But now, Florence is settled and it's time for Vivian to make some hard choices in her life.
Once again there is trouble brewing at the Nightingale Club. A mystery man from Chicago shows up and begins looking for people. Vivian is frightened as she knows who he is looking for and doesn't know why. One thing is for sure; he has killing on the brain!
So, Vivian goes to her boss and friend Honor, the extremely bright and savvy owner of The Nightingale. She is also intrigued but warns Vivien to stay out of the situation. Vivian thinks Honor knows more than she is saying, but Vivian must think about her sister and niece and keeping them safe.
But of course, she begins to quietly investigate and discovers a shocking story which unfolded a few years ago in Chicago in which people were killed and money was stolen and never recovered. It also has hints of a love story. On top of all that, questions about her parents especially about her father will come to light and be scandalous to both her and her sister.
Last Dance Before Dawn is truly a heart palpitating conclusion to a wonderfully written series about the jazz era and what it was like to live back then as women, some of whom were on the good side of the law and others not so much. It will satisfy the reader with all the unanswered questions, and prove that even back then, women could be strong, smart and cunning.
Thank you #NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #KatharineSchellman #LastDanceBeforeDawn for the advanced copy.
March 9, 2025
This is not how I envisioned this series would end, and that turned out to be a good thing. This book grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let me go. And I loved getting to imagine each characters future for myself. However, I do not recommend reading this book as a standalone. Not only are the previous books in the series really good, but they’re also necessary to this final books plot. Thanks to Minotaur Books for the ARC.
May 17, 2025
The end of a series can be happy or sad…or both. I loved this conclusion and shed a few happy tears because of the beautiful way tye loose ends came together.
The series-long arc about Vivian and Florence’s father is dealt with. Interestingly and understandably, he ties into the main storyline.
The main story centers The Nightingale speakeasy as some gangsters are hunting a man named “Hugh Brown,” a bootlegger from Chicago. He’s a regular at the club, but none of the staff knows the name. Silence, the Bouncer, is murdered and the staff is on edge. Vivian works with all of her friends separately to figure out who Hugh Brown is…and the reveal is pretty stunning!
There are secondary storylines with Florence and Danny, Honor, Leo, and Bea. A whole lot is packed into a small package here and it’s a fun ride.
Vivian’s love life has been complicated from the beginning as she has drifted between Leo and Honor. I personally had a favorite by the end of the third book and I was excited to see my favorite making plans with Vivian for the future in this one.
I’m sad it’s over, but I know I’ll be rereading this series over and over in the future. Though I was given an ARC, I’ve already ordered my personal copy!
The series-long arc about Vivian and Florence’s father is dealt with. Interestingly and understandably, he ties into the main storyline.
The main story centers The Nightingale speakeasy as some gangsters are hunting a man named “Hugh Brown,” a bootlegger from Chicago. He’s a regular at the club, but none of the staff knows the name. Silence, the Bouncer, is murdered and the staff is on edge. Vivian works with all of her friends separately to figure out who Hugh Brown is…and the reveal is pretty stunning!
There are secondary storylines with Florence and Danny, Honor, Leo, and Bea. A whole lot is packed into a small package here and it’s a fun ride.
Vivian’s love life has been complicated from the beginning as she has drifted between Leo and Honor. I personally had a favorite by the end of the third book and I was excited to see my favorite making plans with Vivian for the future in this one.
I’m sad it’s over, but I know I’ll be rereading this series over and over in the future. Though I was given an ARC, I’ve already ordered my personal copy!
June 20, 2025
# Grateful for the Opportunity to Read This ARC!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this advanced reader copy! I have truly adored this series and have grown more attached to the characters with each installment.
Last Dance Before Dawn* immerses you in the story alongside its characters, with captivating details and unexpected twists that certainly do not disappoint. While I am saddened that the series has reached its conclusion, it wrapped up beautifully! I cherished the storyline, although it felt like it ended all too soon!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this advanced reader copy! I have truly adored this series and have grown more attached to the characters with each installment.
Last Dance Before Dawn* immerses you in the story alongside its characters, with captivating details and unexpected twists that certainly do not disappoint. While I am saddened that the series has reached its conclusion, it wrapped up beautifully! I cherished the storyline, although it felt like it ended all too soon!
May 20, 2025
A nice way to wrap up this series -I definitely think this is my favorite of the 4. Vivian is intimidated early on by a guy looking for someone no one’s ever heard of. As the plot thickens, it seems that everyone at the Nightingale is connected and everyone is just trying to stay alive. Some, however, aren’t successful. Who is buddy buddy with the crime boss and who isn’t is the question you have to ask yourself in this book! Will Viv and Florence get some closure on the family they so desperately seek, and if so, will it be worth the wait?
The plot twist of the series happened in the final chapters of this series and I loved it. Leo was always one of my favorite side characters!
The plot twist of the series happened in the final chapters of this series and I loved it. Leo was always one of my favorite side characters!
June 14, 2025
Location: New York City, NY, USA 🇺🇸
Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I liked this 4th and last book in the series a lot! Vivian really was centre stage in this one as a female main character and I liked that a lot for the last book. Even Honor was more participating this time and I was here for that! She is a great paring for Vivian as female leads and they benefited the story and the end a lot. I like Katherine’s writing and this book was just as good as the last. I like that loose ends get tied and no question is left, at least for me. All in all a very recommendable series if you like the 1920s and historical fiction mysteries.
Characters:
- Vivian: took centre stage this time and it was great. She outsmarts all other characters and I liked that.
- Leo: again acted a sidekick this time and I like that he was part of this story. He is smart and kind.
- Honor: 1920s business woman par excellence - I love how she doesn’t allow to be messed with.
What I liked: that the story got nicely wrapped up in this last book.
What I disliked: nothing much, maybe the ending was a little fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed in this review are my own. (AD-PRODUCT)
Conclusion: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I liked this 4th and last book in the series a lot! Vivian really was centre stage in this one as a female main character and I liked that a lot for the last book. Even Honor was more participating this time and I was here for that! She is a great paring for Vivian as female leads and they benefited the story and the end a lot. I like Katherine’s writing and this book was just as good as the last. I like that loose ends get tied and no question is left, at least for me. All in all a very recommendable series if you like the 1920s and historical fiction mysteries.
Characters:
- Vivian: took centre stage this time and it was great. She outsmarts all other characters and I liked that.
- Leo: again acted a sidekick this time and I like that he was part of this story. He is smart and kind.
- Honor: 1920s business woman par excellence - I love how she doesn’t allow to be messed with.
What I liked: that the story got nicely wrapped up in this last book.
What I disliked: nothing much, maybe the ending was a little fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed in this review are my own. (AD-PRODUCT)
June 22, 2025
This was a great ending to a four book series and one that I’m so happy to have read! I loved the era of 1920s New York City, with its underground speakeasies the diverse characters, and the shadowy figures and bosses lurking around the corners. This is a series you will want to read in order to appreciate the back stories and histories that make up this world. I was hooked from the first book and always looked forward to the next release. Book for wrapped up things in the best way and came to an explosive ending that left me very satisfied and happy with the way things turned out. I will definitely miss these characters and the excitement they bring. I recommend this series highly to those who enjoy good crime fiction with well developed characters that don’t want to get sucked into a lengthy series.
June 9, 2026
Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book in the Nightingale Mystery series and I read all four books in one weekend. A book a day. And I am absolutely heartbroken it is over.
This is the second series I have read by Katharine Schellman and it is the second time I have entered a world she created and never wanted to leave. Her writing is so vivid and immersive that from the first page 2026 simply ceases to exist. The dialogue, the atmosphere, the clothing, the prohibition all place you completely and immediately into the nineteen twenties and keep you there.
The characters are wonderfully complex. They live respectable lives by day and throw every rule off their shoulders by night, dancing and drinking and living freely in an illegal speakeasy while navigating constant danger, raids, blackmail, and the very real question of who can actually be trusted. Vivian is warm and compassionate and endlessly lovable. Bea breathes the essence of life and song. Danny's evolution across the series from bartender to beloved family member is one of my favorite character journeys I have ever read. And Honor, as seemingly heartless as she sometimes appeared, was protecting her people and her nightclub with a fierce and unconditional love.
At its core this series is about found family and self identity. About what happens when the people you can trust become your whole world. And about the long journey of figuring out who you are, what you want, and what you are willing to fight for. Vivian completes that journey in this final book and watching her arrive there was deeply satisfying.
Read the whole series. Start from book one. Clear your weekend. You are going to need it.
This is the second series I have read by Katharine Schellman and it is the second time I have entered a world she created and never wanted to leave. Her writing is so vivid and immersive that from the first page 2026 simply ceases to exist. The dialogue, the atmosphere, the clothing, the prohibition all place you completely and immediately into the nineteen twenties and keep you there.
The characters are wonderfully complex. They live respectable lives by day and throw every rule off their shoulders by night, dancing and drinking and living freely in an illegal speakeasy while navigating constant danger, raids, blackmail, and the very real question of who can actually be trusted. Vivian is warm and compassionate and endlessly lovable. Bea breathes the essence of life and song. Danny's evolution across the series from bartender to beloved family member is one of my favorite character journeys I have ever read. And Honor, as seemingly heartless as she sometimes appeared, was protecting her people and her nightclub with a fierce and unconditional love.
At its core this series is about found family and self identity. About what happens when the people you can trust become your whole world. And about the long journey of figuring out who you are, what you want, and what you are willing to fight for. Vivian completes that journey in this final book and watching her arrive there was deeply satisfying.
Read the whole series. Start from book one. Clear your weekend. You are going to need it.
April 1, 2026
Perfect, no notes, a graceful closure to Vivian’s story and with just the right amount of happy in the ending. Things change, some people never will, but your life is still there to be lived, in the daylight and in a dim club full of music and dancing and someone who watches you and smiles.
May 12, 2026
Nicely circles around to finish the series - ties up all storylines & loose ends in a satisfying way. :)
August 28, 2025
Good story. Nice ending to the series.
February 5, 2026
I savoured every moment, I’m so sad this series has finished! Thank you for writing a book about the jazz age that didn’t feature a privileged aristocrat as the heroine. Loved all the characters and you truly brought that period to life in vivid technicolor. Thank you Ms Schellman truly .
August 31, 2025
This final book in The Nightingale Mysteries series was indeed a thriller. New characters were added and known characters were present. The history of this jazz age period continued to unfold. The conclusion was somewhat evident, even before the end. However there was a twist at the end that surprised me. I love Schellman's writing style. The dialogue and vocabulary brings the jazz age to life. If you want to read this series, it is my opinion that it is important to begin with #1.
January 22, 2026
Oh, I am so happy and so sad that I read this book. Happy because the writing is so atmospheric and I adore these characters. Sad because it is the last in this 4-book series and I didn’t want it to end.
Vivian Kelly has come at a crossroads in this book. She and her sister are about to meet someone who can tell them about their parents. Also Vivian and Honor decide what they will do about their distrustful attraction to each other. A gangster is also threatening the very existence of the Nightingale speakeasy if he doesn’t get some information that no one at the Nightingale seems to know.
If you haven’t heard of this series, please try it. It takes place during the “Roaring ‘20’s”. The characters will steal your heart and the writing is wonderful.
Vivian Kelly has come at a crossroads in this book. She and her sister are about to meet someone who can tell them about their parents. Also Vivian and Honor decide what they will do about their distrustful attraction to each other. A gangster is also threatening the very existence of the Nightingale speakeasy if he doesn’t get some information that no one at the Nightingale seems to know.
If you haven’t heard of this series, please try it. It takes place during the “Roaring ‘20’s”. The characters will steal your heart and the writing is wonderful.
January 4, 2026
4.5⭐️ Everyone’s favourite flapper, Vivian Kelly is back for one more dance in the final installment in the Nightingale mysteries series, Last Dance Before Dawn!
Just as things start to quiet down at the Nightingale club, a shifty stranger from Chicago appears and is looking to settle a score with someone involved with the club… but they don’t know who he’s looking for!
How many bodies need to turn up before Vivian can uncover the mystery target and send these Chicago gangsters packing ?!?!
This was another fun installment of the series that developed Vivian‘s character in her relationship with club owner Honor Huxley, as well as the other favourite characters from the series, like Vivian, sister and husband Danny ( and their new baby girl!), and series favourite, Leo! I really enjoyed how we not only do we get a mystery, but also an update and a satisfactory sense of maturing of the characters.
I also really appreciated that Vivian and Honor’s relationship was brought out to the forefront and given the attention and deserves, and the satisfactory conclusion that I think all the series readers are hoping for.
I’ve enjoyed the series for book one and I will miss the characters, but I’m happy that Vivian was able to solve one more mystery and now hopefully can enjoy your days mystery free!
Just as things start to quiet down at the Nightingale club, a shifty stranger from Chicago appears and is looking to settle a score with someone involved with the club… but they don’t know who he’s looking for!
How many bodies need to turn up before Vivian can uncover the mystery target and send these Chicago gangsters packing ?!?!
This was another fun installment of the series that developed Vivian‘s character in her relationship with club owner Honor Huxley, as well as the other favourite characters from the series, like Vivian, sister and husband Danny ( and their new baby girl!), and series favourite, Leo! I really enjoyed how we not only do we get a mystery, but also an update and a satisfactory sense of maturing of the characters.
I also really appreciated that Vivian and Honor’s relationship was brought out to the forefront and given the attention and deserves, and the satisfactory conclusion that I think all the series readers are hoping for.
I’ve enjoyed the series for book one and I will miss the characters, but I’m happy that Vivian was able to solve one more mystery and now hopefully can enjoy your days mystery free!
June 19, 2025
Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book in the Nightingale Mysteries cozy mystery series. Set during the height of the 1920s, it follows working girl Vivian as she works by day as a delivery girl for a dressmaker and by night as a waitress at a speakeasy, and gets herself tangled up in murder mysteries along the way. In this last book, everything neatly ties back to the beginning, answering a few unanswered questions, resolving the love triangle Vivian finds herself in, and bringing in key players from past books. It’s a bittersweet ending, but it’s also lovely to see just how far everyone’s come.
There’s never a dull night at the Nightingale, with new faces always showing up. One in particular catches Vivian’s eye. He doesn’t quite fit in, and it doesn’t help that he’s asking for a Hugh Brown, certain that someone at the Nightingale must know him, because a crime boss from Chicago, Harlan O’Keefe, is looking for him. Of course, no one at the Nightingale knows a Hugh Brown, but that doesn’t stop O’Keefe from taking a strong and deadly stance with the Nightingale’s staff in order to get his guy. So of course Vivian takes it upon herself to both find this Hugh Brown and protect the people she loves most. At the same time, she and her sister Florence make strides in discovering what happened to their late mother’s body and who their father is, and the answer is more tangled up in Vivian’s case than they expect.
There’s a lot going on in this novel, and sometimes it was a little too much. There’s the mystery involving Hugh Brown, the discovery of Vivian and Florence’s father and the effect that has on everything, changes happening within the Nightingale partly because of the current mystery and partly because it’s time, and the cautious dance between Vivian and Honor. This being the last novel in the series, it has a lot to resolve in addition to dealing with an entire mystery, but I did like how it all tied together. It was mostly neat and tidy, and sometimes it felt overly complicated with some parts of the story getting more page time than others. I also felt like things were sped up a little too much, and I felt like I was taking a dive into something that should have taken a few more books to play out. But I did enjoy the way it ended, and I like the feeling that these characters just quietly went back to their daily lives and things are playing out the way they’re supposed to.
I really did like how all the pieces fit together to form a whole. Each plot was linked to everything else, and it’s so deftly done. At the same time, I thought they linked up a little too quickly and a little too conveniently. I was disappointed that all the little clues just seemed to light up in the narrative. It was so easy to pick up on all of them, so I was a bit let down when I figured out all the key pieces before Vivian did. I could even predict what she was going to do next with that information. I’m not sure if it’s just because Vivian’s become this predictable after three books or if the dropped clues were just that glaringly obvious. But it was nice to be able to focus on all the other details because I’d already solved each puzzle.
Though the story often felt a little bloated and predictable, I did enjoy it. There’s a great deal of emotion in this one as everyone’s lives were upended. Vivian feels things very deeply here, and I really liked how it affected her throughout the story. The changing relationship between her and Honor, while I thought it evolved really fast considering their history in a previous book, was really lovely, and I loved how much they allowed themselves to feel, their pull to each other stronger than all the big and small betrayals from the past. Then there’s Florence’s new family, one that’s adopted Vivian as well, and the things they’ll go to protect their own. It’s fierce, and fascinating, and I just loved how much everyone has come together to form a family, whether it’s Florence’s in-laws or the Nightingale’s staff. It’s lovely to see how far they’ve come and how close they are.
Last Dance Before Dawn really took me into the 1920s, and I loved every moment. While the story felt a little too burdened with things and the characters perhaps a touch more emotional than I’m used to, I really loved this world. It felt real to me, and I loved how it balanced the sparkling upper crust and how they took part in the illicit, and how the poorer working classes found their own ways to indulge and forget for a night. I loved seeing the daytime and the nighttime, and the way LGBTQ relationships were viewed back then was really nicely woven in. There’s subtle prejudice, but I liked how the characters rose above it.
As the final book in the series, Last Dance Before Dawn really managed to wrap things up and offer a beautiful future to all the characters. It was nice to see some old faces and meet some new ones. It’s bittersweet, and I sometimes wonder just how much Vivian will manage to stay out of trouble, but it was fantastic to see how each book built towards this conclusion. Vivan has really grown, and it was wonderful to get to know her. This was a fun book, if sometimes a little too stuffed, and I’m sad to say good-bye to everyone, even if I think they all ended up much better off than where they started.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
There’s never a dull night at the Nightingale, with new faces always showing up. One in particular catches Vivian’s eye. He doesn’t quite fit in, and it doesn’t help that he’s asking for a Hugh Brown, certain that someone at the Nightingale must know him, because a crime boss from Chicago, Harlan O’Keefe, is looking for him. Of course, no one at the Nightingale knows a Hugh Brown, but that doesn’t stop O’Keefe from taking a strong and deadly stance with the Nightingale’s staff in order to get his guy. So of course Vivian takes it upon herself to both find this Hugh Brown and protect the people she loves most. At the same time, she and her sister Florence make strides in discovering what happened to their late mother’s body and who their father is, and the answer is more tangled up in Vivian’s case than they expect.
There’s a lot going on in this novel, and sometimes it was a little too much. There’s the mystery involving Hugh Brown, the discovery of Vivian and Florence’s father and the effect that has on everything, changes happening within the Nightingale partly because of the current mystery and partly because it’s time, and the cautious dance between Vivian and Honor. This being the last novel in the series, it has a lot to resolve in addition to dealing with an entire mystery, but I did like how it all tied together. It was mostly neat and tidy, and sometimes it felt overly complicated with some parts of the story getting more page time than others. I also felt like things were sped up a little too much, and I felt like I was taking a dive into something that should have taken a few more books to play out. But I did enjoy the way it ended, and I like the feeling that these characters just quietly went back to their daily lives and things are playing out the way they’re supposed to.
I really did like how all the pieces fit together to form a whole. Each plot was linked to everything else, and it’s so deftly done. At the same time, I thought they linked up a little too quickly and a little too conveniently. I was disappointed that all the little clues just seemed to light up in the narrative. It was so easy to pick up on all of them, so I was a bit let down when I figured out all the key pieces before Vivian did. I could even predict what she was going to do next with that information. I’m not sure if it’s just because Vivian’s become this predictable after three books or if the dropped clues were just that glaringly obvious. But it was nice to be able to focus on all the other details because I’d already solved each puzzle.
Though the story often felt a little bloated and predictable, I did enjoy it. There’s a great deal of emotion in this one as everyone’s lives were upended. Vivian feels things very deeply here, and I really liked how it affected her throughout the story. The changing relationship between her and Honor, while I thought it evolved really fast considering their history in a previous book, was really lovely, and I loved how much they allowed themselves to feel, their pull to each other stronger than all the big and small betrayals from the past. Then there’s Florence’s new family, one that’s adopted Vivian as well, and the things they’ll go to protect their own. It’s fierce, and fascinating, and I just loved how much everyone has come together to form a family, whether it’s Florence’s in-laws or the Nightingale’s staff. It’s lovely to see how far they’ve come and how close they are.
Last Dance Before Dawn really took me into the 1920s, and I loved every moment. While the story felt a little too burdened with things and the characters perhaps a touch more emotional than I’m used to, I really loved this world. It felt real to me, and I loved how it balanced the sparkling upper crust and how they took part in the illicit, and how the poorer working classes found their own ways to indulge and forget for a night. I loved seeing the daytime and the nighttime, and the way LGBTQ relationships were viewed back then was really nicely woven in. There’s subtle prejudice, but I liked how the characters rose above it.
As the final book in the series, Last Dance Before Dawn really managed to wrap things up and offer a beautiful future to all the characters. It was nice to see some old faces and meet some new ones. It’s bittersweet, and I sometimes wonder just how much Vivian will manage to stay out of trouble, but it was fantastic to see how each book built towards this conclusion. Vivan has really grown, and it was wonderful to get to know her. This was a fun book, if sometimes a little too stuffed, and I’m sad to say good-bye to everyone, even if I think they all ended up much better off than where they started.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 30, 2026
it didn't keep me hooked. I read halfway through the book and still had no clue what the mystery was.
June 18, 2025
Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book of Katharine Schellman's exciting historical series Nightingale Mysteries. I'm really heartbroken that this is over! It's much better to read the series from the beginning, else you may be a bit confused if you don't know what transpired in previous books. That being said, I unfortunately didn't get to read book three, but I had no trouble following along. This was the best book of the series! I'll miss it, but at least it went out with a bang!
In 1925 in Manhattan, Prohibition is in full swing. Vivian Kelly has made a home and family for herself at the Nightingale speakeasy. Everyone there has secrets to keep, but no one really cares there. They are, after all, looking to leave their secrets and the real world behind. A stranger from Chicago shows up looking to settle old scores, and Honor Huxley, the speakeasy's owner, sends him on his way. However, that stranger was just a warning. People who have made the Nightingale their refuge are being followed and hunted. And it won't end until he solves a mystery that's been cold for many years: a missing girl, a young man out for revenge and a truck full of cash that disappeared when a job went dreadfully sideways. Vivian wants to protect the people she loves, and begins to dig up the past to keep them safe. But will she remain safe if those secrets are revealed? Now that she has a family, she has so much more to lose!
Out of all the ways I saw this series ending, I certainly didn't see any of this coming! Maybe I would have had a clue if I read the previous book? Would I have? Vivian and Florence Kelly were orphans who grew up in an orphanage; they knew their mother had died, but had no idea what had happened to their father. Florence had been doing research on their father. A good amount of the book dealt with that issue; it was tied wonderfully to the storyline of the man who was threatening all who were a part of the Nightingale. Who was this Hugh Brown the stranger and his goons were searching for? This part of the book, when all was revealed, had me totally gobsmacked! I was not expecting THAT! This was such an outstanding series, but it was the characters who had me coming back. Vivian and her sister Florence worked at a dress shop, but at night Vivian served at the Nightingale and filled in when short a bartender. Being there - and dancing, which she so loved - made her the most happy she'd ever been. For the first two books I was not crazy about Honor Huxley. There was attraction between her and Vivian, but I just didn't trust Honor; she would manipulate Vivian. However, I really grew to like her here; maybe it was because she revealed a tender side of herself. I was rooting for another character for Vivian, but I think where that ended up was a good thing. I really liked sister Florence who married Danny Chin, the head bartender and Honor's right-hand man. They just had an adorable baby named Mei. It took me a while to warm up to Florence, but I liked Danny from the first book. I absolutely adored Beatrice (Bea) Henry, aka "Beatrice Bluebird", a Black woman who sang at the club and was Vivian's best friend. My favorite character, however, has always been Leo Green, a bootlegger who I thought was going to have a grand romance with Vivian. I was wrong on that count! New character "Mr. Quinn" was a revelation. And the goons were perfect bad guys you loved to hate. This last book of the series and its characters have made this one of my favorites so far this year. I'm going to miss the Nightingale!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In 1925 in Manhattan, Prohibition is in full swing. Vivian Kelly has made a home and family for herself at the Nightingale speakeasy. Everyone there has secrets to keep, but no one really cares there. They are, after all, looking to leave their secrets and the real world behind. A stranger from Chicago shows up looking to settle old scores, and Honor Huxley, the speakeasy's owner, sends him on his way. However, that stranger was just a warning. People who have made the Nightingale their refuge are being followed and hunted. And it won't end until he solves a mystery that's been cold for many years: a missing girl, a young man out for revenge and a truck full of cash that disappeared when a job went dreadfully sideways. Vivian wants to protect the people she loves, and begins to dig up the past to keep them safe. But will she remain safe if those secrets are revealed? Now that she has a family, she has so much more to lose!
Out of all the ways I saw this series ending, I certainly didn't see any of this coming! Maybe I would have had a clue if I read the previous book? Would I have? Vivian and Florence Kelly were orphans who grew up in an orphanage; they knew their mother had died, but had no idea what had happened to their father. Florence had been doing research on their father. A good amount of the book dealt with that issue; it was tied wonderfully to the storyline of the man who was threatening all who were a part of the Nightingale. Who was this Hugh Brown the stranger and his goons were searching for? This part of the book, when all was revealed, had me totally gobsmacked! I was not expecting THAT! This was such an outstanding series, but it was the characters who had me coming back. Vivian and her sister Florence worked at a dress shop, but at night Vivian served at the Nightingale and filled in when short a bartender. Being there - and dancing, which she so loved - made her the most happy she'd ever been. For the first two books I was not crazy about Honor Huxley. There was attraction between her and Vivian, but I just didn't trust Honor; she would manipulate Vivian. However, I really grew to like her here; maybe it was because she revealed a tender side of herself. I was rooting for another character for Vivian, but I think where that ended up was a good thing. I really liked sister Florence who married Danny Chin, the head bartender and Honor's right-hand man. They just had an adorable baby named Mei. It took me a while to warm up to Florence, but I liked Danny from the first book. I absolutely adored Beatrice (Bea) Henry, aka "Beatrice Bluebird", a Black woman who sang at the club and was Vivian's best friend. My favorite character, however, has always been Leo Green, a bootlegger who I thought was going to have a grand romance with Vivian. I was wrong on that count! New character "Mr. Quinn" was a revelation. And the goons were perfect bad guys you loved to hate. This last book of the series and its characters have made this one of my favorites so far this year. I'm going to miss the Nightingale!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
June 12, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s for an ARC of this novel to read and review.
When you find a book series you love, it’s very hard to come to terms with the fact that you are reading its final installment. You’re not prepared to concede that you’ll never again read about new developments in the lives and loves of your favourite characters. That’s especially true when the characters are so well-written, and their lives and loves so well-drawn. This is the case for Katherine Schellman’s cast at the Nightingale, a smoky, music-filled speakeasy in Jazz Age New York City.
In this final outing for Vivian Kelly, the female lead, much has changed, including Vivi herself. She is still tight with her older sister Florence, now happily married to bartender Danny, with a beautiful baby girl, and living above his family’s Chinese restaurant. For the orphaned Kelly girls, the warmhearted Chin family is as much of a family as they’ve ever had. Their mother had left their father abruptly when Florence was a toddler and Vivian not yet born. When she died shortly after giving birth, they were raised in the local Catholic orphanage, trained as seamstresses, and let into the world to fend for themselves as teenagers. No one knew what had become of their father.
That longing to know follows them through the previous three novels and they manage to get to the truth in this one. Their father, by a strange twist in circumstances, is not only closer than they thought, but also unwittingly involved in some of the same channels. The situation gets dangerously close to ‘be careful what you wish for.’
Getting into further detail regarding those circumstances would reveal too much of the main mystery, which, in the way of serials, never strays far from the Nightingale and its beautiful, and shrewd owner, Honor Huxley. A ruthless Chicago mobster will stop at nothing to find a mystery man known as Hugh Brown who once worked for him. He suspects Honor knows him, but she won’t cooperate. Her own faithful men and their families are threatened, including that of Bea, known as Bluebird, their enormously talented singer. Vivian is also threatened, and Danny and Florence fear for their lives and their baby’s.
The pressure on Honor intensifies as men disappear or are found brutally killed. Then they use someone especially important to her as leverage. Her relationship with Vivian has also evolved, pivoting from attraction through distrust and back, through the earlier books. It continues, frustratingly, much the same way here until Vivian makes a decision that precipitates both loss and gain, the closing of some opportunities and the stirrings of others.
Once again, the author does a lovely job with the historical setting, especially concerning the Nightingale, which is ‘home’ to so many of the city’s outsiders. Although the Nightingale was exactly the kind of place where ‘acting out’ and dropping masks could comfortably happen, in an atmosphere of illicit booze, tobacco smoke, the latest and most daring music and fashion, much of what went on there was confined to its crowded floors and tables. That included the love between women, and between couples of different cultures and races. The tensions are very real.
Of course, even a clever author can’t fix those tensions without denying history. Schellman doesn’t try to glide over the hatreds that keep them going, and how they constrain even attempts to bridge the gaps. What she does really well is to show that, for those who choose love over glory or even safety, there is hope. The ending was done in an intelligent and ultimately believable fashion, but many of us wish the Nightingale saga could just go on.
When you find a book series you love, it’s very hard to come to terms with the fact that you are reading its final installment. You’re not prepared to concede that you’ll never again read about new developments in the lives and loves of your favourite characters. That’s especially true when the characters are so well-written, and their lives and loves so well-drawn. This is the case for Katherine Schellman’s cast at the Nightingale, a smoky, music-filled speakeasy in Jazz Age New York City.
In this final outing for Vivian Kelly, the female lead, much has changed, including Vivi herself. She is still tight with her older sister Florence, now happily married to bartender Danny, with a beautiful baby girl, and living above his family’s Chinese restaurant. For the orphaned Kelly girls, the warmhearted Chin family is as much of a family as they’ve ever had. Their mother had left their father abruptly when Florence was a toddler and Vivian not yet born. When she died shortly after giving birth, they were raised in the local Catholic orphanage, trained as seamstresses, and let into the world to fend for themselves as teenagers. No one knew what had become of their father.
That longing to know follows them through the previous three novels and they manage to get to the truth in this one. Their father, by a strange twist in circumstances, is not only closer than they thought, but also unwittingly involved in some of the same channels. The situation gets dangerously close to ‘be careful what you wish for.’
Getting into further detail regarding those circumstances would reveal too much of the main mystery, which, in the way of serials, never strays far from the Nightingale and its beautiful, and shrewd owner, Honor Huxley. A ruthless Chicago mobster will stop at nothing to find a mystery man known as Hugh Brown who once worked for him. He suspects Honor knows him, but she won’t cooperate. Her own faithful men and their families are threatened, including that of Bea, known as Bluebird, their enormously talented singer. Vivian is also threatened, and Danny and Florence fear for their lives and their baby’s.
The pressure on Honor intensifies as men disappear or are found brutally killed. Then they use someone especially important to her as leverage. Her relationship with Vivian has also evolved, pivoting from attraction through distrust and back, through the earlier books. It continues, frustratingly, much the same way here until Vivian makes a decision that precipitates both loss and gain, the closing of some opportunities and the stirrings of others.
Once again, the author does a lovely job with the historical setting, especially concerning the Nightingale, which is ‘home’ to so many of the city’s outsiders. Although the Nightingale was exactly the kind of place where ‘acting out’ and dropping masks could comfortably happen, in an atmosphere of illicit booze, tobacco smoke, the latest and most daring music and fashion, much of what went on there was confined to its crowded floors and tables. That included the love between women, and between couples of different cultures and races. The tensions are very real.
Of course, even a clever author can’t fix those tensions without denying history. Schellman doesn’t try to glide over the hatreds that keep them going, and how they constrain even attempts to bridge the gaps. What she does really well is to show that, for those who choose love over glory or even safety, there is hope. The ending was done in an intelligent and ultimately believable fashion, but many of us wish the Nightingale saga could just go on.
June 7, 2025
United States Publication: June 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
It's nearing the end of 1925, and Vivian is finally feeling safe after almost landing in prison for the rest of her life six months ago. Since discovering the real culprit and breaking things off with Leo, she's become an Aunt and continued to make plans for her future. She's unsure if her future will unfold as a delivery girl for the dressmakers, but she's certain to find a way to ensure her future includes the Nightingale. The club, both the physical building and its patrons and coworkers, is like family. When a thug dressed up as Fifth Avenue money comes into the Nightingale looking for Hugh Brown, Vivian and her co-workers can honestly say they have no idea who that is. But he doesn't believe them and decides the staff and owner of the Nightingale need the squeeze put on them in order to cough up what they know about Hugh Brown. Except nobody has ever heard of Hugh Brown. With a two-day deadline to hand over Hugh Brown to this thug, Vivian and Honor feel the pressure of finding this Brown character, getting his side of the story, and then deciding what to do. Meanwhile, Flo and Viv's efforts to locate anyone who knew their mother have finally yielded some results, and their meeting with their deceased father's sister, Ruth, is a peculiar and unsettling interaction that leads to a surprising revelation. The clock ticks down on the two-day deadline, and Flo and Viv grapple with the revelation of newly discovered family, the future becomes uncertain, and Vivian knows that unless someone does something drastic, the fight for a future will be for naught.
A great final book in an excellent series. Schellman wrapped up several proverbial loose threads with this title, giving Vivian and her sister a way to move forward regarding their past, present, and future, restoring happiness to Leo - who was nursing a twice-broken heart, allowing the Bluebird to glimpse a future where she coould spread her figurative wings through her singing, and giving Honor a partner in life and business. I devoured this final title, truly did not put it down until it was finished. I have zero complaints with it. I really enjoyed the arc Schellman took Vivian through in these four books. I loved how she tackled some taboo topics for the 1920s and brought historical accuracy to them, without allowing them to be hidden under the guise of political correctness. Historical fiction is historically (pun most definitely intended) hard for me to grasp and enjoy, but Schellman succeeded in capturing and maintaining my interest and attention for a series set in the mid-1920s. I loved it. It was clear that she had done her research and brought it to life to the best of her ability, and, in my opinion, she was incredibly successful. I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
It's nearing the end of 1925, and Vivian is finally feeling safe after almost landing in prison for the rest of her life six months ago. Since discovering the real culprit and breaking things off with Leo, she's become an Aunt and continued to make plans for her future. She's unsure if her future will unfold as a delivery girl for the dressmakers, but she's certain to find a way to ensure her future includes the Nightingale. The club, both the physical building and its patrons and coworkers, is like family. When a thug dressed up as Fifth Avenue money comes into the Nightingale looking for Hugh Brown, Vivian and her co-workers can honestly say they have no idea who that is. But he doesn't believe them and decides the staff and owner of the Nightingale need the squeeze put on them in order to cough up what they know about Hugh Brown. Except nobody has ever heard of Hugh Brown. With a two-day deadline to hand over Hugh Brown to this thug, Vivian and Honor feel the pressure of finding this Brown character, getting his side of the story, and then deciding what to do. Meanwhile, Flo and Viv's efforts to locate anyone who knew their mother have finally yielded some results, and their meeting with their deceased father's sister, Ruth, is a peculiar and unsettling interaction that leads to a surprising revelation. The clock ticks down on the two-day deadline, and Flo and Viv grapple with the revelation of newly discovered family, the future becomes uncertain, and Vivian knows that unless someone does something drastic, the fight for a future will be for naught.
A great final book in an excellent series. Schellman wrapped up several proverbial loose threads with this title, giving Vivian and her sister a way to move forward regarding their past, present, and future, restoring happiness to Leo - who was nursing a twice-broken heart, allowing the Bluebird to glimpse a future where she coould spread her figurative wings through her singing, and giving Honor a partner in life and business. I devoured this final title, truly did not put it down until it was finished. I have zero complaints with it. I really enjoyed the arc Schellman took Vivian through in these four books. I loved how she tackled some taboo topics for the 1920s and brought historical accuracy to them, without allowing them to be hidden under the guise of political correctness. Historical fiction is historically (pun most definitely intended) hard for me to grasp and enjoy, but Schellman succeeded in capturing and maintaining my interest and attention for a series set in the mid-1920s. I loved it. It was clear that she had done her research and brought it to life to the best of her ability, and, in my opinion, she was incredibly successful. I highly recommend this series.
September 23, 2025
Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman is a fantastic read.
Will Vivian learn to trust before it is too late?
Vivian Kelly
Our sleuth and main character is Vivian Kelly. Now that her sister is married off and has a baby, Vivian is somewhat lost and lonely. She just isn't feeling the thrill of life like she was. Vivian misses Florence, even though they don't live that far away from each other. It must be hard when the only family you have ever known grows up and makes their own family.
Vivian has so much growth in this story. She truly finds her own happiness, yet also experiences so much heartache. I was so thrilled that she found her happiness and her place in the world. The choices that she makes won't be easy either, but at least she knows what she wants and isn't afraid this time to go for it.
The heartache that Vivian and Florence go through is horrible. Yet it sounds like the two of them are resilient and are moving forward.
The Mystery
Mr. O'Keefe is back in town, and he isn't messing around. He wants Hugh Brown, but no one really knows who Hugh is. O'Keefe doesn't care, and they had better find this man or else. One of their friends was killed. Then they find their father is in town, but it isn't the happy reunion that the girls hoped for. I have to say that I felt so sorry for Vivi and Flo. They want a family so bad, but they need to look at the one that has already chosen them.
Five Stars
My rating for Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman is five stars. This is the last installment in the series, and I couldn't be happier with the ending. The author brings so much authenticity to this series. I could run around the Nightengale at night with the lights off and still know my way. This is such a fabulous series, please check it out, Pal. I think you will love the descriptions, characters, and mysteries that Ms. Schellman came up with.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
September 14, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth historical mystery featuring the prohibition era jazz club The Nightingale written by Katharine Schellman. Released 17th June 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a well written historical cozy(ish) mystery with an ensemble returning cast of characters and based on a fictitious New York City speakeasy during prohibition. There are a number of gender-fluid, bi-, and otherwise non-traditional presenting characters which was nice to see. The cast is also racially diverse and the story is blissfully without "token" representations. It might not be, strictly speaking, historically accurate, but it was refreshing to read. Other than the kindly wishful anachronistic diverse cast, the book seems to do a good, relatively accurate job with the official/police and political corruption of the time.
Despite being the last book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, and the main mystery is resolved in this volume. Additionally the overarching interrelationships are left in a stable and mostly satisfying denouement. The language is fairly accurate to the period and adds a lot to the read. It should be noted that the characters do develop over the series and there are references to events from the earlier books which will be spoilers if read out of order (nothing super major, but they're there).
The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 10 hours, 11 minutes and is well narrated by series narrator Sara Young. She has a warm and rich clear alto voice and does a good job delineating the widely varied accents of a range of characters of all ages and both sexes including elderly and young voices. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth historical mystery featuring the prohibition era jazz club The Nightingale written by Katharine Schellman. Released 17th June 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a well written historical cozy(ish) mystery with an ensemble returning cast of characters and based on a fictitious New York City speakeasy during prohibition. There are a number of gender-fluid, bi-, and otherwise non-traditional presenting characters which was nice to see. The cast is also racially diverse and the story is blissfully without "token" representations. It might not be, strictly speaking, historically accurate, but it was refreshing to read. Other than the kindly wishful anachronistic diverse cast, the book seems to do a good, relatively accurate job with the official/police and political corruption of the time.
Despite being the last book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone, and the main mystery is resolved in this volume. Additionally the overarching interrelationships are left in a stable and mostly satisfying denouement. The language is fairly accurate to the period and adds a lot to the read. It should be noted that the characters do develop over the series and there are references to events from the earlier books which will be spoilers if read out of order (nothing super major, but they're there).
The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 10 hours, 11 minutes and is well narrated by series narrator Sara Young. She has a warm and rich clear alto voice and does a good job delineating the widely varied accents of a range of characters of all ages and both sexes including elderly and young voices. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 23, 2025
5/5 stars: This is the fourth entry in Schellman's Nightingale Mysteries series which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Historical Mystery that takes place in New York 1925 and follows an underground speakeasy and dance hall waitress and dress shop assistant who turns sleuth after a stranger from Chicago shows up at the club looking to settle old scores. With more to lose than ever before, she'll find herself digging into the dirt of the past – a missing girl, a boy out for revenge and a truck full of cash that disappeared in a job gone horribly wrong – and she'll have to work fast to protect the people she loves. With plenty of twists and turns, Schellman has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Smart and witty, Schellman's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Vivian (Viv) and her friends and family. She's a tough and tenacious woman determined to live her life as she wants. And I have to say I appreciate Viv's struggle to choose between her romantic interests, Leo and Honor, and applaud her for following her heart. It's also evident Schellman pays attention to the historical details with plenty of research. I love the exploration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ lifestyle and the struggles minorities faced, including interracial marriage, (Viv's sister Florence is married to a Chinese man). With tact and sensitivity, Schellman touches on some tough topics; so take care and CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Last Call at the Nightingale. This is a great finale to an awesome series; highly recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
June 11, 2026
This book takes place at the Nightingale in the 1920s. The Nightingale was owned by Honor Huxley and back then, women-owned businesses certainly weren’t what they are today. To gain entrance, the light would shine in the dark recess of an alleyway. Seems strange in today’s times. Along with the Nightingale came secret meetings, secret relationships, some good and some bad.
Beatrice (or Bluebird) was the singer and the way the author described her voice made me almost be able to hear her singing. She was Vivian’s best friend only secondary to Florence, Vivian’s sister, who was married to Danny, and they had a little girl who was named after Vivian and Florence’s mother. Vivian and Florence had a very troubled childhood between their mother and her doings and their father disappearing. It’s no wonder they took solace in one another. Florence married Danny, which made Vivian have to deal with some emotions of longing, jealousy, and a bit of grief in not having her sister to herself.
Vivian and Honor also had a relationship that was unheard of back then, which made them very relatable as characters, at least to me.
Vivian, Honor, and Florence are three women who each have their own inner strength for various reasons, which is something I admired about their characters. Vivian was one to head straight on into trouble, no matter the outcome, until she found the answers she was looking for. Florence, too … she did something that was totally out of character for her and left the two sisters shaking. Not to mention the good guys, the bad guys, and the final truths that no one expected.
It was an interesting read for sure … about how things were back in that time period. I do think it would be beneficial to read this series in order, this being book four, to get a better sense of the characters and the rest of the story that led them down this path. I did like the connection of Florence, the sister, and Nightingale, the name of Honor’s establishment.
Beatrice (or Bluebird) was the singer and the way the author described her voice made me almost be able to hear her singing. She was Vivian’s best friend only secondary to Florence, Vivian’s sister, who was married to Danny, and they had a little girl who was named after Vivian and Florence’s mother. Vivian and Florence had a very troubled childhood between their mother and her doings and their father disappearing. It’s no wonder they took solace in one another. Florence married Danny, which made Vivian have to deal with some emotions of longing, jealousy, and a bit of grief in not having her sister to herself.
Vivian and Honor also had a relationship that was unheard of back then, which made them very relatable as characters, at least to me.
Vivian, Honor, and Florence are three women who each have their own inner strength for various reasons, which is something I admired about their characters. Vivian was one to head straight on into trouble, no matter the outcome, until she found the answers she was looking for. Florence, too … she did something that was totally out of character for her and left the two sisters shaking. Not to mention the good guys, the bad guys, and the final truths that no one expected.
It was an interesting read for sure … about how things were back in that time period. I do think it would be beneficial to read this series in order, this being book four, to get a better sense of the characters and the rest of the story that led them down this path. I did like the connection of Florence, the sister, and Nightingale, the name of Honor’s establishment.
June 24, 2025
Last Dance Before Dawn is the last book in Katharine Schellman's terrific 1920's set mystery series set in and around the nightclub known as the Nightingale.
Over 4 books, we've grown to love the crew at the Nightingale - Viv, our protagonist, waitress and sometime sleuth; Honor, the aloof, competent bar owner (and possible love interest for Viv); Bea, Viv's best friend and chanteuse extraordinaire (aka Beatrice Bluebird); Florence, Viv's straight-arrow sister, now navigating motherhood; Danny, charming bartender and Florence's husband; and Leo, all-round mysterious guy, nephew to the police commissioner and one-time love interest for Viv. This bunch are a racially, economically and sexuality mixed group, and they are in many ways each other's chosen family.
This being the final book in a strong series, there are a lot of ends to be tied up. Somehow, Schellman manages that without leaving anything feeling forced. Viv and Florence get some closure around their family history, though it may not be in the form they would have chosen. Viv and Honor and Leo have to figure out if they're a triangle or not. And somehow, people have to figure out who the mysterious Hugh Brown is. I did not figure it out quickly, which I always think is a good sign. As ever, there's an unexpected twist or two in the resolution - again, something I enjoy as a reader.
Schellman always does her homework, and that means that her books genuinely make you feel like you are hanging out with the denizens of a 20's speakeasy in New York. She raises big issues within the stories - poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia - but not ever in a way that feels forced. These are stories of people living their lives as best they can. 4 stars and a tear or two to be leaving the Nightingale for the last time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the e-arc.
Over 4 books, we've grown to love the crew at the Nightingale - Viv, our protagonist, waitress and sometime sleuth; Honor, the aloof, competent bar owner (and possible love interest for Viv); Bea, Viv's best friend and chanteuse extraordinaire (aka Beatrice Bluebird); Florence, Viv's straight-arrow sister, now navigating motherhood; Danny, charming bartender and Florence's husband; and Leo, all-round mysterious guy, nephew to the police commissioner and one-time love interest for Viv. This bunch are a racially, economically and sexuality mixed group, and they are in many ways each other's chosen family.
This being the final book in a strong series, there are a lot of ends to be tied up. Somehow, Schellman manages that without leaving anything feeling forced. Viv and Florence get some closure around their family history, though it may not be in the form they would have chosen. Viv and Honor and Leo have to figure out if they're a triangle or not. And somehow, people have to figure out who the mysterious Hugh Brown is. I did not figure it out quickly, which I always think is a good sign. As ever, there's an unexpected twist or two in the resolution - again, something I enjoy as a reader.
Schellman always does her homework, and that means that her books genuinely make you feel like you are hanging out with the denizens of a 20's speakeasy in New York. She raises big issues within the stories - poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia - but not ever in a way that feels forced. These are stories of people living their lives as best they can. 4 stars and a tear or two to be leaving the Nightingale for the last time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the e-arc.
May 26, 2026
I've been enjoying this series, but I think the author's kinda run out of ideas. This was unfortunately my least favorite of the four books by far.
This is the fourth and apparently final installment of the "Nightingale" series, featuring feisty flapper Vivian Kelly, an orphan living in Manhattan during the Roaring Twenties. The same familiar characters are all in tow: Vivian's sister Florence, who is married to fellow Nightingale employee Danny, whose family runs a Chinese restaurant, and their newborn baby daughter, the mysterious Leo, who comes in and out of Vivian's life, and her enigmatic employer Honor Huxley, the owner/operator of the Nightingale speakeasy.
As I've noted before, this is one of my favorite periods in American history, and is also set in one of my favorite places, but this was my least favorite in the series. Honestly, it really drags for the first half of the book. Some shady characters show up at the speakeasy, and there's a murder, and a break-in at Danny's family's restaurant, then Leo makes an appearance... but the plot definitely drags in a way it hasn't in the prior offerings.
It's almost as if the author is trying to get it to novel-length and has to resort to "filler" in a way she hasn't had to previously. Just not much happens in at least the first half, and when it does, it's predicable and uninteresting. There are too many sub-plots, and they don't all wrap up satisfactorily in the end. I would still recommended for fans of "light" noir novels, but it was a real disappointment if this is indeed the last in the series, because I was hoping for so much more.
This is the fourth and apparently final installment of the "Nightingale" series, featuring feisty flapper Vivian Kelly, an orphan living in Manhattan during the Roaring Twenties. The same familiar characters are all in tow: Vivian's sister Florence, who is married to fellow Nightingale employee Danny, whose family runs a Chinese restaurant, and their newborn baby daughter, the mysterious Leo, who comes in and out of Vivian's life, and her enigmatic employer Honor Huxley, the owner/operator of the Nightingale speakeasy.
As I've noted before, this is one of my favorite periods in American history, and is also set in one of my favorite places, but this was my least favorite in the series. Honestly, it really drags for the first half of the book. Some shady characters show up at the speakeasy, and there's a murder, and a break-in at Danny's family's restaurant, then Leo makes an appearance... but the plot definitely drags in a way it hasn't in the prior offerings.
It's almost as if the author is trying to get it to novel-length and has to resort to "filler" in a way she hasn't had to previously. Just not much happens in at least the first half, and when it does, it's predicable and uninteresting. There are too many sub-plots, and they don't all wrap up satisfactorily in the end. I would still recommended for fans of "light" noir novels, but it was a real disappointment if this is indeed the last in the series, because I was hoping for so much more.
June 12, 2025
This is the 4th and last book in a rich and captivating series set in Jazz Age NYC. The Nightingale is a popular speakeasy whose owner, Honor Huxley and staff have formed their own “found family”. The central character is Vivian…a young woman who loves to dance and the jazz music that allows her to escape the crime, poverty, racism and corruption that surrounds her everyday life. As orphans, Viv and her older sister Florence have long for information about their parents and are thrilled when they receive a letter from a woman who they learn is their Aunt. Through her, they finally meet their long lost father, Clyde Quinn who turns out to have unfatherly interest in Vivian and her friend Leo Green. A gangster, Quinn’s boss is the ruthless and murderous crime lord O’Keefe. The O’Keefe gang has returned to NYC from Chicago in search of revenge against a guy named Brown, who is secretly, Leo Green. Quinn uses his connection to the girls to appease his boss in finding Brown. A “rat” at the Nightingale has told O’Keefe that Brown has been seen there…thus setting up a murderous confrontation between O’Keefe and Quinn with Vivian and Honor. There are subplots about a number of other character and they all fit seamlessly together to bring emotional and satisfying endings to all their stories. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.
July 29, 2025
Vivian Kelly has finally found a sense of home at The Nightingale, a glittering speakeasy where secrets are left at the door. But when a stranger arrives with ties to a dangerous past, Vivian is forced to confront buried truths to protect the people she loves. As threats close in and old mysteries resurface, she realizes that some secrets don’t stay hidden forever—and this time, everything she’s built is on the line.
This book was such a great mix between mystery/thriller and historical fiction, and of course with an added touch of romance. I enjoyed experiencing the 1920's through Vivian's eyes. Her determination to solve the mystery was compelling and sucked me in as a reader. Her character was also very witty and a little snarky and I enjoyed that way too much. I did not read the previous 3 books, and while I don't think it's needed to enjoy this story to it's fullest, I really wish I would have because I enjoyed this one so much. I will definitely be going back to read them.
The side characters in this story were just as enjoyable to read about as Vivian was. I especially liked Leo and Honor and all that their characters added to the story. The plot was just as good, and the mystery aspect was fun and made this a real pager turner, and the 1920's was portrayed pretty well in the context of the story. I definitely recommend this one!
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
LGBTQ+ Rep
Found Family
Family Trauma
Secret Identities
Strong & Bold FMC
Thank you to Minotaur Books, Katharine Schellman, and Netgalley for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This book was such a great mix between mystery/thriller and historical fiction, and of course with an added touch of romance. I enjoyed experiencing the 1920's through Vivian's eyes. Her determination to solve the mystery was compelling and sucked me in as a reader. Her character was also very witty and a little snarky and I enjoyed that way too much. I did not read the previous 3 books, and while I don't think it's needed to enjoy this story to it's fullest, I really wish I would have because I enjoyed this one so much. I will definitely be going back to read them.
The side characters in this story were just as enjoyable to read about as Vivian was. I especially liked Leo and Honor and all that their characters added to the story. The plot was just as good, and the mystery aspect was fun and made this a real pager turner, and the 1920's was portrayed pretty well in the context of the story. I definitely recommend this one!
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
LGBTQ+ Rep
Found Family
Family Trauma
Secret Identities
Strong & Bold FMC
Thank you to Minotaur Books, Katharine Schellman, and Netgalley for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.
June 6, 2026
Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman is a mystery written by the author about 1920's and New York City. There are 4 books in the series including this one. You can read this book as a standalone, however you should read more than one of these including this mentioned book. Also this is the ending to the Nightingale series by the author, so it helps to read the entire series and not just this book;) Honor is Vivian's boss and a woman who owns a nightclub at the time, which would be really unique. Vivian is our FMC who is working at the Nightingale club, who investigates crimes in her 'spare time'. She is investigating Hugh Brown who is a regular at the club. And one of the bouncers is murdered! Vivian has been in a love triangle for the last few books between Honor and also Leo, and this book wraps that whole triangle up and we finally see who Vivian picks! And the Vivian father story line is also finally brought to a head! This was a great wrap up to the series and I think y'all should read the books if you like a mystery series during the 1920s and with women as the main leads in the book:)
June 8, 2026
This historical mystery is an engaging character and relationship driven one. It is firmly set in the prohibition era and well describes the time. There is a prominent speakeasy dance hall, the kind of place where people know your name but do not care about your history. There are heartless mobsters. There are policemen on the take. There are loyal employees and there are rats. There is also a surprise passionate romance.
While this is not the first book in this series, it is the first I have read. There are references to earlier events but I felt it read well on its own. I really liked the dance hall owner, Honor, a tough woman in a tough world. Yet she has a heart ready to embrace love. I also liked the relationship tension experienced by the characters. Will Quinn be loyal to his mob boss or to his own family? Will Danny be loyal to the Nightingale or to his new daughter? I wish there were more in the series to enjoy, but this is the final one.
An enjoyable historical mystery, I recommend it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.
While this is not the first book in this series, it is the first I have read. There are references to earlier events but I felt it read well on its own. I really liked the dance hall owner, Honor, a tough woman in a tough world. Yet she has a heart ready to embrace love. I also liked the relationship tension experienced by the characters. Will Quinn be loyal to his mob boss or to his own family? Will Danny be loyal to the Nightingale or to his new daughter? I wish there were more in the series to enjoy, but this is the final one.
An enjoyable historical mystery, I recommend it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.
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