In Deadly Fashion

Gilded Age Mystery #10

by Rosemary Simpson

Heiress Prudence MacKenzie and ex-Pinkerton Geoffrey Hunter are about to become more than partners as investigators—they are to be wed at Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan. But a killer has designs on ruining the wedding as well as their lives . . .

IN DEADLY FASHION

AUGUST 1891. Prudence has her heart set on wearing her mother’s wedding gown on the happy day, but she soon discovers the material has deteriorated so badly that it cannot be refurbished. With time running out, she decides to seek out a new American designer, a woman who trained in the House of Worth, the makers of the original dress in Paris, who now has a shop in New York City.

The gown is nearly complete when the expert seamstress overseeing the project is found dead in the studio, with Prudence’s wedding dress slashed to ribbons and scattered over the body. The murder incites a scandal, as client after client deserts the now struggling designer. Now not only must Prudence find the murderer, she must rescue the talented young couturière’s reputation—all while another gown is being hastily sewn.

The police suspect the seamstress’s disgruntled lover. Prudence wonders about other designers competing in the cutthroat world of high fashion. But when additional wedding plans start to go awry, it’s clear there is an elaborate campaign of sabotage and that either Prudence or Geoffrey or both are being targeted.

Once again they must work as a team to expose whoever is determined to ruin their lives—before the future they’ve so long dreamed of is left in tatters . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Rosemary Simpson's What the Dead Leave Behind is set in Gilded Age New York where the Great Blizzard of 1888 brings both disaster and independence to her wealthy and unconventional heroine. Lies that Comfort and Betray is the second in the Gilded Age Mystery series, to be followed by Let the Dead Keep Their Secrets
Rosemary is also the author of two stand-alone historical novels, The Seven Hills of Paradise and Dreams and Shadows.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. Educated in France and the United States, she now lives near Tucson, Arizona.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first by the author but it won't be my last! I was gripped by book 10 in the series, which can be read solo, as heiress and lawyer Prudence MacKenzie and her partner and fiancé ex-Pinkerton Geoffrey Hunter are preparing to be wed. But when her mother's wedding gown, which Prudence had hoped to wear, is too deteriorated to be repaired, she seeks a new designer who creates a nearly finished gown, which is left in tatters over the lead seamstress' body. Oh my! The mystery's twists and turns will keep you rapt as you cheer for the couple to overcome all the chaos and finally wed. Lovers of hist-mysteries and fashion will adore this!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an engaging mystery! I love that we get a POV of the villain, which leaves us trying to figure out why they’re doing what they do. We also got to revisit a whole cast of characters, and enjoyed some long awaited forward momentum amid personal relationships. The whole thing was just really, really good! Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosemary Simpson writes such incredible, layered mysteries that keep you guessing. I am so glad the Gilded Age Mystery series continues!

Our main characters, Prudence Mackenzie and Geoffrey Hunter, are a few weeks away from their wedding, meticulously planned by their assistant, Josiah. Prudence has no time for a trip to Worth’s Parisian salon and has a new designer based in Manhattan creating her gown. When a seamstress is found dead in the atelier’s workroom, with Prudence’s dress shredded around the body, the couple decides to investigate. A necklace left behind has a tie to Geoffrey and we see even more of his past during the investigation.

The story here is complicated in a way that keeps your turning the page. There is also a side plot dealing with introducing Prudence’s designer to society and launching a debutante.

The way Simpson organizes her stories, you get several points of view with seemingly unrelated events that eventually tie together. Villains always get their comeuppance, but we rarely see Prudence and Geoffrey in a denouement. You’d think the lack of a formal confrontation might impact the conclusion of the story, but the ends are always satisfying.

It looks like Prudence and Geoffrey are headed to Ireland! I hope the story continues, though the sleuthing couples being in Ireland will mean the next story might not include the full cast of beloved characters from this series.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence, the daughter of a judge whose family is of The Four Hundred in NYC society is also newly admitted to The Bar in New York state. Geoffrey, a former Pinkerton man is her partner as a Private Investigator (along with their secretary, an ex-NYPD cop, and others). They are to be married shortly and the dress is under construction (that's another story) by the seamstresses in an up-and-coming new fashion house. They come to see the seamstress, but find her bludgeoned to death, the dress slashed, and blood everywhere. Then the investigating begins and is all I hoped for from this marvelous author! Excellent mystery read and a glimpse into early problems of establishing oneself as a fashion designer. Riveting!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected electronic proof copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 28, 2025 *****review #bookbub #goodreads #thestorygraph #librarything
#InDeadlyFashion by #RosemarySimpson #GildedAgeMysteryBk10 @kensingtonbooks #cozymystery #historicalfiction ##goldenagemystery #murderinvestigation #privateinvestigators

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prudence and Geoffrey are busy preparing for their wedding, but someone is very much against it. A new adventure in which our heroes will have more ups and downs than Manzoni's Promessi sposi (betrothed couple), but in the end they will succeed and this novel ends on a high note, again....

Prudence e Geoffrey sono alle prese con la preparazione del loro matrimonio, ma qualcuno é molto molto contrario. Una nuova avventura nella quale i nostri eroi avranno piú peripezie dei promessi sposi di Manzoni, ma alla fine ce la faranno e anche questo romanzo finisce sul piú bello....

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Rosemary Simpson has written a fascinating book set in Gilded Age New York. Her series is (in my opinion) the finest one set in this era. I absolutely love her work as her writing is polished, intelligent and compelling.

Prudence is getting ready for her upcoming wedding to Geoffrey. Their relationship has developed slowly over the course of the series. Geoffrey’s respect and admiration for Prudence is authentically romantic, and they make the perfect couple.

The book opens with Prudence’s visit to the couturier’s studio for a fitting of her wedding gown. There she discovers the body of the seamstress who was working on dress. The murder is baffling as the manner of death is highly personal, yet Prudence didn’t know the victim outside the couturier’s studio.

Of course, Geoffrey joins Prudence in the investigation, and as more clues are discovered, this murder is indeed personal, but not to Prudence, but to Geoffrey. During the investigation, we learn more about Geoffrey’s fascinating past, which is engrossing because RS gives tiny clues that gradually become clear.

One more thing I love about RS writing is that unlike many mystery writers who propose ridiculous or far-fetched theories about crimes, RS never does that. There are no red herrings here--her characters’ theories and suggestions make total sense. The secondary characters in this series are fascinating. Every character has a back story that is just as interesting as Geoffrey’s and Prudence’s.

So, besides the fascinating writing, the wonderful characters, the Gilded Age setting, the best written mystery, RS adds her own special stamp to her books: Each novel focuses on a location/”world” that exemplifies life in the Gilded Age. In previous books, the setting of each novel focuses on a location that becomes almost a character. Past books have been set in: the theater, China Town, Niagara Falls, etc. This is set in the world of haute couture of the era. I cannot speak highly enough about this book (and all the others in the series), I read it in one day!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#indeadlyfashion #NetGalley

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your Gilded Age mysteries laced with couture and scandal, In Deadly Fashion by Rosemary Simpson is a perfect fit!

In August 1891, Prudence MacKenzie has her heart set on wearing her mother’s wedding gown, but when the fabric literally disintegrates, she turns to a rising American designer trained at the House of Worth. What should be a joyous countdown to her wedding becomes a nightmare when the seamstress working on her new gown is murdered and the shredded remains of Prudence’s dress are found strewn over the body.

Simpson spins this deliciously dramatic setup into a layered mystery. There’s the obvious suspect the seamstress’s lover but also a cutthroat New York fashion world full of rival designers, jealous clients, and whispered sabotage. Prudence and her fiancé Geoffrey once again prove an engaging investigative duo, balancing society’s rigid expectations with their determination to get to the truth. The backdrop of Gilded Age New York’s ateliers and ballrooms adds sparkle and grit in equal measure.

The book moves briskly, combining a who-done-it puzzle with the pleasures of historical detail bustle skirts, gossip columns, and all. It’s not just about finding a killer but also about preserving a reputation and a future; the stakes feel both public and painfully personal.

✨️If you’ve been following Simpson’s series, this entry gives you everything you want: intrigue, social commentary, and the thrill of watching Prudence refuse to be a passive heroine!

⚡️Thank you Kensington Books and Rosemary Simpson for sharing this book with me!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series and have been totally invested from the very first book. This one almost had a feeling of closure to me (there's an exciting plotline that brings back some beloved friends that we haven't seen in a while), but hopefully I'm just reading something into it that's not there.

This particular book centers more on Geoffrey's past and how it's come back to threaten not only him but Prudence as well. As the two prepare for their upcoming wedding in two weeks, things begin to go awry (murders, long-lost but not missed resurrections from the past) and vengeance and jealousy rear their ugly heads.

I like that Simpson's characters are not perfect. They have their troubles and demons and feel more human with them. Her supporting cast are every bit as charismatic and important as her mains, and I always look forward to their inclusion in scenes. She also does villains well, and in this case, there's a real dandy of one.

I'm looking forward to (hopefully) seeing where the next adventure takes our couple (and their friends) as with this ending things are looking to change a bit in the storyline. Bring it on!

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of In Deadly Fashion for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[M Steinbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Deadly Fashion is the latest mystery in the Gilded Age mystery series. In this mystery, Prudence and Geoffrey are getting ready for their long awaited wedding, but of course things don’t run smoothly and there is a murder almost as soon as the book starts. I think I say this with every book in this series, but this one was my favorite in the series so far. The plot was complicated and very cleverly done. The suspense and well plotted story made it almost impossible to put the book down and what an ending! The resolution of the murder(s) and crimes was very well done and the final chapter of the book was just what long-time readers will want to read about Prudence and Geoffrey. I love how much women are helping women in this book and how they wield power where they can in an era where that wasn’t easy. I also liked how the ending of the book seemed to be setting up a possible start of the next book. Please keep writing, Ms. Simpson. Your books are a wonderful escape and a joy to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell hath no fury in this 10th Gilded Age Mystery installment.

Prudence MacKenzie and Geoffrey Hunter, partners in business as well as personal, are planning their wedding … finally! as fans of the series breathe a happy sigh. But when Prudence’s custom designer gown is found in tatters, scattered atop the body of the young seamstress working on it, the two weeks before the wedding become frantic indeed. To further confuse, a vintage, expensive gold necklace is found at the scene of the murder. But not just any gold necklace, as remnants of Geoffrey’s past in post-Civil War North Carolina come into frame. And my, do they come into frame. To say more would be a bit of a spoiler.

All beloved main and supporting characters band together to not only solve the murder, but also deduce who is intent on sabotaging the wedding. And why. Throw in the nuances of Knickerbocker society during the gilded age and the highly competitive world of haute couture fashion and the result is a fast-paced, engaging read.

With a happy ending, especially for fans of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Simpson writes an engaging historical mystery set in New York during the Gilded Age. Prudence and Gregory are finally going to get married. If their wedding plans aren't completely upset. Prudence's gown is destroyed and the seamstress overseeing the sewing is murdered in the studio of a promising new designer. But when other plans also go awry it is obvious someone is targeting either of the couple or both.

It is interesting to find out some history of one of couple that leads to the villain. This mystery doesn't have the tension of the reader not knowing who the culprit is because there are pov from the culprit. But there is plenty of twists and turns and the intertwined story of will the designer be able to save her business because of all the bad press caused by the murder. A happy ending for all, of course with a good twist at the end.

Simpson writes stories with substance and even though this seems to be a frothy one, i.e., dealing with a wedding dress and do they get married or not, there is more to it. This is a series worth reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Heather Moll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone listened to the reviews that we wanted more Geoffrey and Prudence spending time together and solving mysteries. I like how the ensemble cast supports here without stealing the show. My enthusiasm for this series is back.

There were a few out of character moments where Geoffrey acted stupider than was believable, but this was still well-plotted and the pacing was great. I hope this sort of pacing and heavy Geoffrey and Prudence page time is continued. I’m already eager for the next book. If they’re still on their honeymoon, maybe they’ll have to solve that murder on their own.

It was strange that the younger sister was named Nessa and was in a wheelchair. It’s not like Wicked is obscure. And then Alexander Hamilton was mentioned for no reason at all. I’m not a theatre buff, but these distracted me. Maybe there were more musical Easter eggs I missed.

4.5/5 I received and arc from NetGalley

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this gilded era and 1891 personified that. For the rich and aristocratic it was a very comfortable, secure life. For the working classes not so. For women, there were rules and regulations galore. Heiress Prudence Mackenzie was never one to bow down to unnecessary demands and her engagement to ex Pinkerton detective Geoffrey Hunter has taken place and the wedding is in two weeks.

Prudence has taken a chance on a dress salon run by Madame Regina hitherto unknown for her wedding gown, but when her gown is found shredded to bits with blood all over it, alongside the body of one of the seamstresses, it seems the attack is a tad personal. And it is.

Uncovering a story of revenge by the twisted mind of a woman who thought she was scorned is dangerous for both Prudence and Geoffrey. Imprisoned and brutally beaten for an imaginary crime brings violence very close to the couple.

A very interesting story set in a very rich setting this was an excellent read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the tenth Gilded Age mystery featuring attorney Prudence MacKenzie and her ex-Pinkerton partner Geoffrey Hunter. When Prudence goes to shop of her Paris-trained modiste for a fitting for her wedding dress she finds the bloody body of the seamstress who had been making alterations under the shredded remains of the dress. As she and Geoffrey try to find the killer, and protect the reputation of the modiste, we learn more about the modiste's background, and details Prudence had not known about Geoffrey's younger days. There is another murder. Geoffrey is arrested by a corrupt officer from earlier in the series. Several twists and turns include a dead end or two with little connection to the main plot. Familiar characters from earlier books help clear Geoffrey and lead us to the true killer and a somewhat unexpected, but satisfying conclusion.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 10th installment in the series might be one of the better ones as the wedding of Prudence & Geoffrey approaches and the past comes back to haunt them. We've heard bits and pieces of Geoffrey's past growing up in the South but now a former romantic entanglement threatens the wedding and their lives. This threat brings ALL of their friends together to solve the mystery and protect each other. While we get a point of view from various villains in the story, it is not until the end that we find out which one was responsible for the murders. Nothing is going to stop this pair from getting to the altar. I can't wait to see what happens on the honeymoon!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely historical fiction novel is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It is actually my first time reading something by this author so it was an extraordinary experience. We are introduced to Prudence who is a heiress and her fiance Geoffrey a former Pinkerton Agent. They are trying plan their wedding but they seem to be having issues with finding a gown.

They are in luck when they find a designer who creates a lovely gown. However, their luck turns sour when the seamstress is found dead and the gown is in tatters. It soon becomes a journey of seeking justice for the deceased. Overall this was an exciting novel.

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence MacKenzie and Geoffrey Hunter are counting the days until they will finally marry. Prudence has chosen a “new” fashion designer for her wedding dress, but when the seamstress is murdered and the dress destroyed, the investigation takes center stage. When secrets from Geoffrey’s past come to light, who is the real target? The story entertaining, told from various points of view, including the investigators, the fashion industry artisans, the police, and other secondary characters. An interesting mystery rich in historical detail, with lots of twists and turns that kept me reading to the end.
I received a free copy via NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Cri · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is the best book in the series, it has it all: mysteries, intrigues, murders and deranged people.

Just when I thought all was going according to schedule for Prudence and Geoffrey, a murder disrupts their plans.

I loved how several of the characters we came to know show up in this book and how they all rally to help Prudence and Geoffrey.

As usual the book is beautifully written and engaging.

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found the historical setting of 1891, Gilded Age New York interesting, I found the mystery somewhat unsatisfactory. While Prudence MacKenzie and her fiancé Josiah Gregory as well as their many friends who assist them do slowly untangle the mystery, readers know much more than they do and will have figured out the guilty parties much sooner than the investigators. Plus, I did not enjoy the somewhat surprising denouement. This will probably appeal more to readers whose taste in mysteries leans more to suspense than mine does.

Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are unknown numbers of people bearing grudges and they all seem focused on the wedding of the season, Prudence and Geoffrey's. Ghosts from the past, dangerous rivalries, jealous enmity, all contributing to pre-wedding chaos. Karma intervenes in a fabulous well-deserved fashion!

[Paula]

I cannot tell if this is the end of the series or if there's more to come. Either way, Prudence hasn't faced a nutjob as vile as this baddie since book one! I binge-listened to this in (mostly) one day.

[Daphne Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns

One of my favorite series with a lot of twists and turns. Every time I think I know who and what happened it twists again although the ending the was great. This series just keeps getting better and better. Looking forward to the next book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed this tenth book in the Gilded Age mystery series. Prudence & Geoffrey are slated to marry but his former romantic interest from when he lived in the south is eager to ensure that doesn’t happen. Murder and mystery along the way make for another engaging read in this series.

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I enjoy about this excellent historical mystery is the deep dive in every book about various topics. In this volume, it was American couture. Very interesting and entertaining.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

interezting, unique, and twisty murder mystery. the characters felt pretty realistic to the time if sometimes irksome, and all the twists were fantastic. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Sherry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all these books.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosemary Simpson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for In Deadly Fashion coming out October 28, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this author. This is a fun series. I love the characters and setting. The plot and mystery were fun. I would definitely check out more books by this author!

[Randee Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prudence MacKenzie is preparing for her society wedding ex-Pinkerton Geoffrey Hunter when her nearly complete wedding gown is destroyed and the seamstress who’d worked so hard on it is murdered. The wedding dress can be remade, but Prudence and Geoffrey are convinced the seamstress was targeted specifically because she was working on the wedding gown. The police are content to believe the seamstress’s mysterious boyfriend murdered her before leaving New York City. While Prudence focuses on learning more about the seamstress and helping the designer save her fledgling career, Geoffrey seeks out the person he believes is responsible for the murder. Many years ago, before leaving his home in South Carolina, Geoffrey was expected to marry the young woman who lived on a neighboring plantation. When Geoffrey failed to propose, the woman was forced to marry someone else. Now widowed, she is determined to prevent the wedding, remove Prudence from the picture, and finally marry Geoffrey.

IN DEADLY FASHION was an intriguing read up until the end. The plot moved quickly, and most of the various plots and subplots came together by the end. There were some secondary characters and subplots that did not really add much to the story. Why does the designer need an unknown society girl to wear her gowns and sing her praises when Prudence could do it much more effectively? It also seemed unlikely that Geoffrey and his former flame were both living in New York City and had no idea that the other was there. Sure, it’s a big city and there was no social media in the 1890s, but both are in contact with Geoffrey’s cousin. You’d think the cousin would have mentioned something…The big denouement when the guilty parties are revealed came as a letdown since neither Prudence nor Geoffrey were there to witness it. But Prudence and Geoffrey are finally married. It’s about time. I’m looking forward to their first case as a married couple.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.