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Murder on 34th Street: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26From the author of The Girl in the Green Dress comes a delightful and captivating novel about a fictional murder mystery at the iconic Macy's parade leading up to the holidays in historic New York City.
New York, 1932. Grace Verlander is the secret beating heart of Macy’s. She’s the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, the go-to person for keeping everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling store.
It’s not every day you get a letter from Santa Claus, but three days before the Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace arrives at work to find a note from the store Santa Claus in her someone has sent him a death threat. Shocked, Grace promises to look into it and speaks to the store detective about the parade’s security, confident that they’ve found a solution that will keep everyone safe. But on the day of the parade, despite all their precautions, a dead body is found in the holiday section of the store.
Using her wits and deep knowledge of the ways of the place, Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to save the reputation of this iconic store from ruin.
Steeped in glittering glamor and nostalgic wonder, this is a remarkable, unpredictable mystery set in the evocative world of one of New York’s most memorable institutions.
New York, 1932. Grace Verlander is the secret beating heart of Macy’s. She’s the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, the go-to person for keeping everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling store.
It’s not every day you get a letter from Santa Claus, but three days before the Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace arrives at work to find a note from the store Santa Claus in her someone has sent him a death threat. Shocked, Grace promises to look into it and speaks to the store detective about the parade’s security, confident that they’ve found a solution that will keep everyone safe. But on the day of the parade, despite all their precautions, a dead body is found in the holiday section of the store.
Using her wits and deep knowledge of the ways of the place, Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to save the reputation of this iconic store from ruin.
Steeped in glittering glamor and nostalgic wonder, this is a remarkable, unpredictable mystery set in the evocative world of one of New York’s most memorable institutions.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Mariah Fredericks
29 books729 followersMariah Fredericks was born, raised, and still lives in New York City. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history. She is the author of the Jane Prescott mystery series as well as The Lindbergh Nanny, which Nelson DeMille called, "a masterful blending of fact and fiction that is as compelling as it is entertaining." The Wharton Plot, was named one of the best mysteries of 2024 by Library Journal. "An Edith Wharton scholar could read Ms. Frederick’s novel with profit and amusement."—Wall Street Journal. Her next novel, The Girl in the Green Dress, featuring Zelda Fitzgerald and New Yorker writer Morris Markey, is out September 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, for an ARC of Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks.
🌟4.5🌟
I was automatically drawn to this one as soon as I read the title. I LOVE remakes of classics when they're done correctly, and if you're wondering what exactly "done correctly" means, this book is a fantastic example.
Everything is exceptionally well balanced, making for the PERFECT seasonal cozy mystery. I'm one of those people who rages when they see Halloween decorations in July, yet this book had me wanting to bust out my Christmas tree. It brings all the nostalgia of the beloved classic that so many of us love, and once it grabs your attention, it doesn't let go. Definitely a fun read worth checking out.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
🌟4.5🌟
I was automatically drawn to this one as soon as I read the title. I LOVE remakes of classics when they're done correctly, and if you're wondering what exactly "done correctly" means, this book is a fantastic example.
Everything is exceptionally well balanced, making for the PERFECT seasonal cozy mystery. I'm one of those people who rages when they see Halloween decorations in July, yet this book had me wanting to bust out my Christmas tree. It brings all the nostalgia of the beloved classic that so many of us love, and once it grabs your attention, it doesn't let go. Definitely a fun read worth checking out.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, so I figured I’d start my celebrations early this year, with a festive thriller!
Premise - it’s 1932 in NYC and Grace Verlander is Macy’s secret. Whatever needs doing, she gets done. When the store Santa Claus receives a death threat, followed by a death body on one of the floats come parade day, Grace saddles herself with the task of finding the killer and securing justice for both the victim and the store.
I went back and forth on whether or not to request this one. I'm so glad I ended up going for it! I tend to be really picky about historical fiction and it's a miss for me more often than a hit because either (a) the writing style is too flowery for me, or (b) the voice is modern and I like it, but the character is modern, too -- as in 2020s enlightened, picked up and dropped into a bygone era (but without time travel to explain their anachronistic opinions). This definitely had a bit of (b) going on, but it wasn't too over the top and the ✨atmosphere✨ was so immersive I didn't mind.
The story's greatest strength, for me, is how it really feels steeped in lovely, cozy, warm holiday spirit, and how it paints a rich picture (romanticized, as I like it) of a past NYC. It's like a Woody Allen movie without the creepiness. A delight!
The romance was the weakest thread for me, but I'm not much of a romance reader. I think the problem is we get a richly painted, plucky protagonist, but Raymond is a very standard issue Book Boyfriend with no interesting traits or quirks beyond being BIPOC. I wasn't rooting for them or against them, I just wanted their flirtation to take up as little page space as possible.
Fortunately for me, the mystery stayed front and center! Overall, I really enjoyed the listen and would check out another NYC holiday story by this author.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Einstein. She did a delightful job with the read. The audiobook wrapped me up in a cozy, festive hug, and gave me the feeling Hallmark movies used to give me before I burnt out on them.😅 I'm hoping this means I should give Hallmark a second chance. Maybe I've circled around!
Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - it’s 1932 in NYC and Grace Verlander is Macy’s secret. Whatever needs doing, she gets done. When the store Santa Claus receives a death threat, followed by a death body on one of the floats come parade day, Grace saddles herself with the task of finding the killer and securing justice for both the victim and the store.
I went back and forth on whether or not to request this one. I'm so glad I ended up going for it! I tend to be really picky about historical fiction and it's a miss for me more often than a hit because either (a) the writing style is too flowery for me, or (b) the voice is modern and I like it, but the character is modern, too -- as in 2020s enlightened, picked up and dropped into a bygone era (but without time travel to explain their anachronistic opinions). This definitely had a bit of (b) going on, but it wasn't too over the top and the ✨atmosphere✨ was so immersive I didn't mind.
The story's greatest strength, for me, is how it really feels steeped in lovely, cozy, warm holiday spirit, and how it paints a rich picture (romanticized, as I like it) of a past NYC. It's like a Woody Allen movie without the creepiness. A delight!
The romance was the weakest thread for me, but I'm not much of a romance reader. I think the problem is we get a richly painted, plucky protagonist, but Raymond is a very standard issue Book Boyfriend with no interesting traits or quirks beyond being BIPOC. I wasn't rooting for them or against them, I just wanted their flirtation to take up as little page space as possible.
Fortunately for me, the mystery stayed front and center! Overall, I really enjoyed the listen and would check out another NYC holiday story by this author.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Einstein. She did a delightful job with the read. The audiobook wrapped me up in a cozy, festive hug, and gave me the feeling Hallmark movies used to give me before I burnt out on them.😅 I'm hoping this means I should give Hallmark a second chance. Maybe I've circled around!
Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks is a delightful holiday mystery where festive sparkle, sharp sleuthing, and danger meet beneath the lights of an iconic department store. Set in the early twentieth century, the novel blends historical atmosphere, humor, suspense, and seasonal warmth, while the bustling retail setting reveals the era’s social dynamics and the limitations placed on women.
Catherine is a clever, determined heroine whose perspective gives the investigation energy and heart. Fredericks’ accessible prose, vivid period details, and well-drawn supporting cast create an engaging mystery for readers who enjoy spirited heroines and seasonal intrigue with a touch of darkness. For a mystery wrapped in history and tied with a festive bow, Murder on 34th Street is a gift worth unwrapping.
Catherine is a clever, determined heroine whose perspective gives the investigation energy and heart. Fredericks’ accessible prose, vivid period details, and well-drawn supporting cast create an engaging mystery for readers who enjoy spirited heroines and seasonal intrigue with a touch of darkness. For a mystery wrapped in history and tied with a festive bow, Murder on 34th Street is a gift worth unwrapping.
August 31, 2026
Can a book about murder be magical? There was something sweet and whimsical about seeing Macy's behind-the-scenes during the 1932 holidays, with a varied cast of characters and constant action aside from the main murder plot in this book. I loved it from start to finish!
We follow Grace, an assistant in the personnel department, as she checks on staff and puts out fires all around the massive Macy's at Herald Square in Manhattan. The story starts as the company is preparing to put on the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Macy's Santa, usually a staff member in children's shoes, has received a death threat. Luckily. Macy's has it's own crime division and the head member of that team rides the float with Santa...and seems to have been shot in his place. If word gets out that Santa is a target, that will make Macy's a scary place for shoppers during the holiday season. Grace decides to investigate.
There secondary characters of Grace's alcoholic mother, the window designer love interest, and Grace's counterpart at the rival Gimbals store add interesting, emotional layers to the story. While it's wonderful that this is a standalone, I would mind if we saw Grace again!
We follow Grace, an assistant in the personnel department, as she checks on staff and puts out fires all around the massive Macy's at Herald Square in Manhattan. The story starts as the company is preparing to put on the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Macy's Santa, usually a staff member in children's shoes, has received a death threat. Luckily. Macy's has it's own crime division and the head member of that team rides the float with Santa...and seems to have been shot in his place. If word gets out that Santa is a target, that will make Macy's a scary place for shoppers during the holiday season. Grace decides to investigate.
There secondary characters of Grace's alcoholic mother, the window designer love interest, and Grace's counterpart at the rival Gimbals store add interesting, emotional layers to the story. While it's wonderful that this is a standalone, I would mind if we saw Grace again!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story begins with a delightful feeling reminiscing the joys of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1932.
It was fascinating to learn details of the huge store at that time with 8,500 employees. I kept wondering how Grace Verlander, assistant to the head of personnel, was able to remember the names of so many. She rattled off the responsibilities of several in a row making my head spin as she told the story.
The director of the parade was Helen Schonbrun. Yet, Grace managed the employees who played key roles in the parade. When Frank Halsey, received a note threatening his life, she had to be quick with an action plan. He was playing Santa. It turned into a mystery that needed to be solved swiftly and quietly.
While this took place in the early 1930s, it could have been more recent with a single woman working long hours, not eating healthy foods and concerned for her safety. She was certain this threat occurred from someone within the store.
The story was slow in the beginning, crowded with the names of the characters. It was a challenge as she would sometimes refer to employees with their first name and then later their last name. It was hard enough to keep several names straight with their jobs.
It outlined some of management’s responsibilities making me wonder what has actually happened throughout the years with an event this large. It was a predictable plot but fun thinking back upon the Macy’s huge event, the start of the holiday seasons with warmth found in so many hearts.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC with an expected release date of October 6, 2026. The thoughts I share are my own.
It was fascinating to learn details of the huge store at that time with 8,500 employees. I kept wondering how Grace Verlander, assistant to the head of personnel, was able to remember the names of so many. She rattled off the responsibilities of several in a row making my head spin as she told the story.
The director of the parade was Helen Schonbrun. Yet, Grace managed the employees who played key roles in the parade. When Frank Halsey, received a note threatening his life, she had to be quick with an action plan. He was playing Santa. It turned into a mystery that needed to be solved swiftly and quietly.
While this took place in the early 1930s, it could have been more recent with a single woman working long hours, not eating healthy foods and concerned for her safety. She was certain this threat occurred from someone within the store.
The story was slow in the beginning, crowded with the names of the characters. It was a challenge as she would sometimes refer to employees with their first name and then later their last name. It was hard enough to keep several names straight with their jobs.
It outlined some of management’s responsibilities making me wonder what has actually happened throughout the years with an event this large. It was a predictable plot but fun thinking back upon the Macy’s huge event, the start of the holiday seasons with warmth found in so many hearts.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC with an expected release date of October 6, 2026. The thoughts I share are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Remember writing letters to Santa? Hoping you'd been good enough that year to wake up Christmas morning and find your heart's desire under the tree? Well — what if you knew the most famous Santa of them all, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa? And what if someone was writing letters to that Santa… not asking for a single thing, but threatening his life?
That's the setup of Murder on 34th Street, and I was intrigued from the first chapter. New York, 1932, Macy's, and our narrator Grace is the behind-the-scenes glue holding the whole store together. So of course, when Santa gets a death threat three days before the parade, she's the one who ends up quietly playing detective. Watching her stumble into and embrace the role is half the fun.
What really made this story special for me was the world Fredericks builds inside Macy's. She introduces a whole cast of employees across the early chapters, and they feel like real, complicated people — which means the mystery becomes this interesting little study in human nature. There's a thread running through it about the tension between doing your job and being a good friend, and it gives the whole thing more heart than your average whodunit. If you've ever stood in Herald Square or wandered that store yourself, the setting hits a little extra.
It's murder, mystery, and a touch of romance, all wrapped up in Christmas. I'll admit I saw the twist coming… but only at the very last minute. And despite all the murder and mayhem, the ending left me heart-warmed and smiling. A cozy, clever holiday read I'd happily recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
That's the setup of Murder on 34th Street, and I was intrigued from the first chapter. New York, 1932, Macy's, and our narrator Grace is the behind-the-scenes glue holding the whole store together. So of course, when Santa gets a death threat three days before the parade, she's the one who ends up quietly playing detective. Watching her stumble into and embrace the role is half the fun.
What really made this story special for me was the world Fredericks builds inside Macy's. She introduces a whole cast of employees across the early chapters, and they feel like real, complicated people — which means the mystery becomes this interesting little study in human nature. There's a thread running through it about the tension between doing your job and being a good friend, and it gives the whole thing more heart than your average whodunit. If you've ever stood in Herald Square or wandered that store yourself, the setting hits a little extra.
It's murder, mystery, and a touch of romance, all wrapped up in Christmas. I'll admit I saw the twist coming… but only at the very last minute. And despite all the murder and mayhem, the ending left me heart-warmed and smiling. A cozy, clever holiday read I'd happily recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thanks to the publisher, via Edelweiss for an advance e-galley for honest review.
RTC closer to pub.
RTC closer to pub.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks
Murder on 34th Street is my fourth book by Mariah Fredericks and I've enjoyed them all. Macy's was a big part of my family's life and a big part of the life of my husband's family, thanks to the parade and also the stores we all visited. It's 1932, New York, and Grace Verlander is the one who keeps all the workings of Macy's running, meshing, and not combusting, and this is on a normal, not "run up to Christmas" day. Now it's three days before the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and the story starts at a run, with the author setting the stage so well. Grace is being bombarded constantly, from every which way, with problems, questions, demands, everything, and she's practically the only one who can fix things even if doing so means finding the right person to literally fix things when it comes to each problem. I wasn't sure I could keep track of all the people who come Grace's way, at first, but soon found myself feeling very much at home in the midst of all Grace's hectic life and the people she encounters.
Santa Claus, in the form of Harry, is a big part of the story and someone is threatening Santa Claus's life. Macy's can't lose Santa Claus and it certainly can't handle all the lost business if the employees and public know that Santa Claus has been threatened so Grace has the store detective assigned to protecting Santa. If I thought the first day of meeting Grace was extremely busy, being with Grace before, during, and after the parade was even busier and I could almost hear the commotion, it is portrayed to us so well. It does help that I've seen the parade on TV for several decades, I've been there via the media, and I've actually ridden my horses in parades, I know the commotion. This day the parade ends with a dead body.
Grace, who is so focused on work and doing right by the people she works with, is horrified that someone has died. I especially like that she thaws to her coworker Raymond, who she's been crushing on a while and who has kept her at a distance for various reasons. Once she lets him in on things she has been holding back from just about everyone, Grace has a sharp witted friend/maybe more man who won't let her hide behind excuses and inability to really ask for help when she needs it. Raymond even makes her face that she can't fix everyone, can't do everything, and doesn't have to do it all alone.
Good thing Grace does have a friend, hopefully more than one friend, because the parade death is just the start of more to come. All the while, Grace is trying to help those who live in her run down building, not the least, her mother, who has to help herself before anyone else can help her. This world seems real, it's not a rosy life, people are struggling in all kinds of ways, and it seems so authentic and accessible to a reader who knows what it is to have Macy's in her life in so many ways. I wouldn't mind a sequel to this story, I would like to see Grace and company again. Getting to read this one with Jayme was fun since we both have had ties to Macy's over the years.
Expected publication October 6, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
Murder on 34th Street is my fourth book by Mariah Fredericks and I've enjoyed them all. Macy's was a big part of my family's life and a big part of the life of my husband's family, thanks to the parade and also the stores we all visited. It's 1932, New York, and Grace Verlander is the one who keeps all the workings of Macy's running, meshing, and not combusting, and this is on a normal, not "run up to Christmas" day. Now it's three days before the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and the story starts at a run, with the author setting the stage so well. Grace is being bombarded constantly, from every which way, with problems, questions, demands, everything, and she's practically the only one who can fix things even if doing so means finding the right person to literally fix things when it comes to each problem. I wasn't sure I could keep track of all the people who come Grace's way, at first, but soon found myself feeling very much at home in the midst of all Grace's hectic life and the people she encounters.
Santa Claus, in the form of Harry, is a big part of the story and someone is threatening Santa Claus's life. Macy's can't lose Santa Claus and it certainly can't handle all the lost business if the employees and public know that Santa Claus has been threatened so Grace has the store detective assigned to protecting Santa. If I thought the first day of meeting Grace was extremely busy, being with Grace before, during, and after the parade was even busier and I could almost hear the commotion, it is portrayed to us so well. It does help that I've seen the parade on TV for several decades, I've been there via the media, and I've actually ridden my horses in parades, I know the commotion. This day the parade ends with a dead body.
Grace, who is so focused on work and doing right by the people she works with, is horrified that someone has died. I especially like that she thaws to her coworker Raymond, who she's been crushing on a while and who has kept her at a distance for various reasons. Once she lets him in on things she has been holding back from just about everyone, Grace has a sharp witted friend/maybe more man who won't let her hide behind excuses and inability to really ask for help when she needs it. Raymond even makes her face that she can't fix everyone, can't do everything, and doesn't have to do it all alone.
Good thing Grace does have a friend, hopefully more than one friend, because the parade death is just the start of more to come. All the while, Grace is trying to help those who live in her run down building, not the least, her mother, who has to help herself before anyone else can help her. This world seems real, it's not a rosy life, people are struggling in all kinds of ways, and it seems so authentic and accessible to a reader who knows what it is to have Macy's in her life in so many ways. I wouldn't mind a sequel to this story, I would like to see Grace and company again. Getting to read this one with Jayme was fun since we both have had ties to Macy's over the years.
Expected publication October 6, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I rather enjoyed this one. Set in the early 1930's, I especially loved the behind the scenes look at the preparation for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Since this was an ARC it did not contain any author's notes but I would love to know how much of what was written about the parade, Santaland and the famous window displays was based on real life. I also loved the various characters who worked at Macy's from the salesclerks to the stockroom boys. They were really a diverse and unusual cast that came from all walks of life. Within this bustling setting, our main character Grace tries to keep everything running smoothly. Which she is very successful at until someone sends Macy's Santa a death threat. Then the unthinkable happens and a dead body is found on Santa's float after the parade. The police don't seem too concerned about investigating and Grace is worried about the store's reputation during the biggest sales period of the year. Can Grace catch a killer before Christmas? The man who was killed was Frank, the head or security. He was on the float to protect Santa. Was he killed by accident or on purpose? Her first suspect is a former employee who was fired six months before for being drunk on the job but it turns out that he has a new job and an alibi. Next she thinks that it might be Stu, a truck driver who suddenly quit, and his mistress Lillian who works at the perfume counter. They both snuck off during the parade and Lillian has called in sick for the past two days. But soon Stu is found shot dead and Grace hits a dead end. She begins to suspect that Frank was the target all along. He used to be an NYPD cop but had to leave because he was corrupt. A commission got tips that he was arresting innocent women for prostitution and threatening to throw them in jail if they didn't pay him to drop the charges. She next suspects Raymond who designed the float and is working on the window displays. She has a crush on him and doesn't want to suspect him but he did have means and opportunity. He was in the police academy before he was fired. Did he rat out Frank and then kill him for ending his career? Nope, Raymond was walking Mrs. Claus to the subway when Frank was killed. So who killed Frank? It was Santa himself. His daughter Vera was one of the women that Frank caught in his scheme and she refused to pay up and ratted him out to the commission but Frank killed her before she could testify against him. Stu saw him kill Frank so he started blackmailing him so Santa killed him too. I'd recommend this one to anyone who enjoys the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as long as they don't mind a murder mystery sprinkled in. It definitely delivers the cozy holiday feels until Santa is arrested for murder!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Christmas in July week continues with this COZY fictional murder mystery which takes place during the iconic 9th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
New York, 1932:
Miss Grace Verlander may just be the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, but she is THE person who keeps everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling department store.
So, when Macy’s “Santa Claus” tells her that someone has sent him a death threat, just days before the event, Grace must scramble for a solution. After speaking with the store detective about the parade’s security, she is hopeful that the problem has been solved, but by the parade’s end, there is a DEAD body.
Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to protect the reputation of the store, owned by the three Strauss brothers who took over when they lost their parents on the Titanic. She loves every inch of the two million square foot store and the 8500 people who work there.
And, she takes pride in her job.
So, she will set out to solve the Crime by speaking to Staff, and putting together the pieces of the puzzle, without missing a beat. She even finds time to flirt a bit with Raymond Di Nunzio, the handsome employee she has her eye on.
This story oozes in NOSTALGIA, from the very first page.
I actually spent my elementary school years living in NY City, and remember bundling up in my Winter Coat, to walk around the famous building, viewing each of the magical twenty six window holiday displays. Both my grandmother Stephanie and her sister (my great Aunt) Annie proudly worked for Macy’s. We would follow up this tradition drinking a DELICIOUS “egg cream” which is also mentioned in the book.
I really enjoyed this ENGAGING and ENTERTAINING MYSTERY. It doesn’t have crazy twists, but instead relies on a SMART, MODERN woman for the times using her intuition and people skills to solve the crime.
And, it transported me back to my childhood. In fact, I went out and purchased the ingredients for an Egg Cream, which actually doesn’t contain eggs or cream.
Recipe:
Fill a tall glass with COLD whole milk, add chocolate syrup and stir until mixed, then SLOWLY pour in COLD SELTZER water to create a foamy head. Enjoy while it is still frothy and fizzy. TRUST ME, they taste better than they sound.
Try one along with this mystery on October 6, 2026! 😉
A buddy read with Marilyn! Be sure to watch for her review!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
New York, 1932:
Miss Grace Verlander may just be the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, but she is THE person who keeps everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling department store.
So, when Macy’s “Santa Claus” tells her that someone has sent him a death threat, just days before the event, Grace must scramble for a solution. After speaking with the store detective about the parade’s security, she is hopeful that the problem has been solved, but by the parade’s end, there is a DEAD body.
Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to protect the reputation of the store, owned by the three Strauss brothers who took over when they lost their parents on the Titanic. She loves every inch of the two million square foot store and the 8500 people who work there.
And, she takes pride in her job.
So, she will set out to solve the Crime by speaking to Staff, and putting together the pieces of the puzzle, without missing a beat. She even finds time to flirt a bit with Raymond Di Nunzio, the handsome employee she has her eye on.
This story oozes in NOSTALGIA, from the very first page.
I actually spent my elementary school years living in NY City, and remember bundling up in my Winter Coat, to walk around the famous building, viewing each of the magical twenty six window holiday displays. Both my grandmother Stephanie and her sister (my great Aunt) Annie proudly worked for Macy’s. We would follow up this tradition drinking a DELICIOUS “egg cream” which is also mentioned in the book.
I really enjoyed this ENGAGING and ENTERTAINING MYSTERY. It doesn’t have crazy twists, but instead relies on a SMART, MODERN woman for the times using her intuition and people skills to solve the crime.
And, it transported me back to my childhood. In fact, I went out and purchased the ingredients for an Egg Cream, which actually doesn’t contain eggs or cream.
Recipe:
Fill a tall glass with COLD whole milk, add chocolate syrup and stir until mixed, then SLOWLY pour in COLD SELTZER water to create a foamy head. Enjoy while it is still frothy and fizzy. TRUST ME, they taste better than they sound.
Try one along with this mystery on October 6, 2026! 😉
A buddy read with Marilyn! Be sure to watch for her review!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an instant Christmas classic, the kind of book you might reach for every December – if your taste runs to a few dead bodies along with Santa. Set in 1932, the main character, Grace Verlander, is in charge of much of the big Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade, an event that was as big in 1932 as it is now. Problem: someone has threatened Santa Claus, and Grace must do everything she can to keep him safe during the chaos of the parade.
I loved the details of running the big department store, the kind that hardly exists anymore. For a few years after college I worked at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis (Mary Tyler Moore threw her hat in the air in front of Dayton’s), and it was a city unto itself. There were seven floors of magic, which included a bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant, furniture department, and much, much more. While I worked at Dayton’s in the 80’s, the store culture doesn’t sound all that different from the store culture in the 30’s. We certainly had a Santa in residence on the top floor during the month of December.
Grace is run off her feet as she manages employees wanting to be in the parade as well getting the parade started, while satisfied with Santa’s safety. She’s put the head of store security on Santa’s float, dressed as an elf. By the end of the parade, there’s a tragedy, of course, and Grace steps in to nose around as she isn’t happy with the person the police have decided to arrest.
Meanwhile, as readers, we learn more about the store and its employees, including the genius behind the beautiful display windows. He’s a bit prickly but he and Grace are definitely attracted to one another. We also learn Grace’s backstory, which is a school of hard knocks, one she’s raising herself out of through her own hard work. As Grace does some sleuthing and some working, you’re with her every step of the way as she’s so relatable. The stresses of a job which she loves are still stresses that seem real. The stresses of worrying about – everybody – seem real as well.
I loved the details of life in the 30’s, one where Macy’s is helping to provide some Christmas sparkle, if only through a look at the Christmas window displays. This book reminded me a bit of Rhys Bowen’s The Twelve Clues of Christmas, which also included a high body count, but still managed to be a charming Christmas read with a little message of hopefulness to wrap things up. This book was a bit of everything good, like a great Christmas cake: I laughed, I cried, I was surprised, and I loved the main character. Fredericks has created her own bit of holiday sparkle.
I loved the details of running the big department store, the kind that hardly exists anymore. For a few years after college I worked at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis (Mary Tyler Moore threw her hat in the air in front of Dayton’s), and it was a city unto itself. There were seven floors of magic, which included a bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant, furniture department, and much, much more. While I worked at Dayton’s in the 80’s, the store culture doesn’t sound all that different from the store culture in the 30’s. We certainly had a Santa in residence on the top floor during the month of December.
Grace is run off her feet as she manages employees wanting to be in the parade as well getting the parade started, while satisfied with Santa’s safety. She’s put the head of store security on Santa’s float, dressed as an elf. By the end of the parade, there’s a tragedy, of course, and Grace steps in to nose around as she isn’t happy with the person the police have decided to arrest.
Meanwhile, as readers, we learn more about the store and its employees, including the genius behind the beautiful display windows. He’s a bit prickly but he and Grace are definitely attracted to one another. We also learn Grace’s backstory, which is a school of hard knocks, one she’s raising herself out of through her own hard work. As Grace does some sleuthing and some working, you’re with her every step of the way as she’s so relatable. The stresses of a job which she loves are still stresses that seem real. The stresses of worrying about – everybody – seem real as well.
I loved the details of life in the 30’s, one where Macy’s is helping to provide some Christmas sparkle, if only through a look at the Christmas window displays. This book reminded me a bit of Rhys Bowen’s The Twelve Clues of Christmas, which also included a high body count, but still managed to be a charming Christmas read with a little message of hopefulness to wrap things up. This book was a bit of everything good, like a great Christmas cake: I laughed, I cried, I was surprised, and I loved the main character. Fredericks has created her own bit of holiday sparkle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press|Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
There’s something incredibly magical about a mystery set during Christmastime, and Murder on 34th Street certainly captures that cozy holiday atmosphere. Set against the dazzling backdrop of 1930s New York City, with department store windows, snowy streets, and the excitement of the holiday season, the setting was easily my favorite part of this book. It felt cinematic and nostalgic, making it the perfect mystery to curl up with during the colder months.
The story follows a murder investigation that unfolds amidst the festive chaos, blending historical fiction with a classic whodunit. I really appreciated how vividly Mariah Fredericks brought old New York to life. The historical details never felt overwhelming and instead made the world feel rich and immersive.
While the mystery itself kept me interested, I found the pacing a little uneven. The beginning does a great job drawing you in, but the middle slowed down more than I expected, making it feel like the investigation occasionally lost its momentum. Some of the clues also felt a bit too obvious in hindsight, which made the final reveal less surprising than I had hoped.
I also wished I had formed a stronger emotional connection with some of the supporting characters. They each served a purpose in the story, but a little more depth would have made the stakes feel even higher.
That said, this is still a charming historical mystery with plenty of holiday spirit. If you love cozy mysteries, vintage New York settings, Christmas vibes, and slower-paced detective stories, I think you’ll have a great time with this one. It may not have completely wowed me, but it was an enjoyable seasonal read that left me feeling immersed in its festive atmosphere.
🎄❄️ Overall: A cozy historical Christmas mystery filled with nostalgic charm, beautiful atmosphere, and a solid mystery—even if the pacing slows and the twists aren’t quite as shocking as I’d hoped.
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
There’s something incredibly magical about a mystery set during Christmastime, and Murder on 34th Street certainly captures that cozy holiday atmosphere. Set against the dazzling backdrop of 1930s New York City, with department store windows, snowy streets, and the excitement of the holiday season, the setting was easily my favorite part of this book. It felt cinematic and nostalgic, making it the perfect mystery to curl up with during the colder months.
The story follows a murder investigation that unfolds amidst the festive chaos, blending historical fiction with a classic whodunit. I really appreciated how vividly Mariah Fredericks brought old New York to life. The historical details never felt overwhelming and instead made the world feel rich and immersive.
While the mystery itself kept me interested, I found the pacing a little uneven. The beginning does a great job drawing you in, but the middle slowed down more than I expected, making it feel like the investigation occasionally lost its momentum. Some of the clues also felt a bit too obvious in hindsight, which made the final reveal less surprising than I had hoped.
I also wished I had formed a stronger emotional connection with some of the supporting characters. They each served a purpose in the story, but a little more depth would have made the stakes feel even higher.
That said, this is still a charming historical mystery with plenty of holiday spirit. If you love cozy mysteries, vintage New York settings, Christmas vibes, and slower-paced detective stories, I think you’ll have a great time with this one. It may not have completely wowed me, but it was an enjoyable seasonal read that left me feeling immersed in its festive atmosphere.
🎄❄️ Overall: A cozy historical Christmas mystery filled with nostalgic charm, beautiful atmosphere, and a solid mystery—even if the pacing slows and the twists aren’t quite as shocking as I’d hoped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Honestly, if you can make me nostalgic about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in MAY, you’re doing something right.🎈🦃✨
I feel really lucky to have been one of the first readers of Murder on 34th St. by Mariah Fredericks, coming October 6, 2026, because this book absolutely nails that warm, vintage New York holiday atmosphere. Set during the 1933 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the story follows Grace, assistant to Macy’s head of HR… although “assistant” hardly covers it because this woman is basically running half the building behind the scenes. 😂 I really connected with her and kept thinking about how many women in the 1930s were doing enormous amounts of invisible labor while rarely getting the recognition they deserved.
If you love old Manhattan settings, department store nostalgia, cozy mysteries, and behind-the-scenes holiday magic, there’s a lot to enjoy here. 🎄🗽 There are former NYPD officers, a Santa Claus performer, Macy’s employees with secrets, and plenty of suspects floating around the parade preparations. The descriptions of Macy’s itself were honestly one of my favorite parts — the employee entrances, the operations, the parade prep — it all felt incredibly immersive, like the author really did her homework and interviewed people connected to the store’s history.
I will say this leans more historical fiction than pulse-pounding mystery for me. I also think the book occasionally romanticizes the era a bit more than I personally would have liked, especially considering how difficult life was for many people in the 1930s. And because I wasn’t deeply emotionally invested in the murder victim, the mystery itself didn’t fully hook me emotionally. But as a cozy, nostalgic holiday read? It absolutely worked for me. 🎈
⭐️ 3.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
I feel really lucky to have been one of the first readers of Murder on 34th St. by Mariah Fredericks, coming October 6, 2026, because this book absolutely nails that warm, vintage New York holiday atmosphere. Set during the 1933 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the story follows Grace, assistant to Macy’s head of HR… although “assistant” hardly covers it because this woman is basically running half the building behind the scenes. 😂 I really connected with her and kept thinking about how many women in the 1930s were doing enormous amounts of invisible labor while rarely getting the recognition they deserved.
If you love old Manhattan settings, department store nostalgia, cozy mysteries, and behind-the-scenes holiday magic, there’s a lot to enjoy here. 🎄🗽 There are former NYPD officers, a Santa Claus performer, Macy’s employees with secrets, and plenty of suspects floating around the parade preparations. The descriptions of Macy’s itself were honestly one of my favorite parts — the employee entrances, the operations, the parade prep — it all felt incredibly immersive, like the author really did her homework and interviewed people connected to the store’s history.
I will say this leans more historical fiction than pulse-pounding mystery for me. I also think the book occasionally romanticizes the era a bit more than I personally would have liked, especially considering how difficult life was for many people in the 1930s. And because I wasn’t deeply emotionally invested in the murder victim, the mystery itself didn’t fully hook me emotionally. But as a cozy, nostalgic holiday read? It absolutely worked for me. 🎈
⭐️ 3.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Everyone knows the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. This book takes you back to 1932 to a fictional murder case involving this iconic event. Grace, assistant to the head of personnel at Macy's, is in charge of casting for the parade and Santaland. Just before Thanksgiving, she is informed that the store Santa has been sent a death threat. Grace lets Santa know she will look into it and gets the store detective involved. Unfortunately, on the day of the parade, someone is shot and killed during the parade. From there, the mystery deepens. Grace uses all of her powers of observation and deduction to find the killer.
I enjoyed this page turner of a mystery. As Grace investigates potential suspects, there were surprises and twists to the plot I did not see coming. The story also immerses you in this time in NYC with people still recovering from the Crash and just trying to survive. You can see the beauty of the store and feel the expectations of the season. I also enjoyed taking a peak behind the scenes of the enormous Macy's store and some of what it takes to run the store and parade. I loved reading about how Grace took a personal interest in solving the mystery while navigating her friendship with Jenny from accounting and a budding romance with Raymond, window display creator. Grace also has the burden to take care of her alcoholic mother that she happens to live with. Grace finds a satisfactory resolution for all involved and I was pleased with the conclusion of the book.
I would recommend this for readers of historical mysteries. If you want an entertaining winter book, this is it!
#Murderon34thStreet #NetGalley
Thank you Minotaur Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this page turner of a mystery. As Grace investigates potential suspects, there were surprises and twists to the plot I did not see coming. The story also immerses you in this time in NYC with people still recovering from the Crash and just trying to survive. You can see the beauty of the store and feel the expectations of the season. I also enjoyed taking a peak behind the scenes of the enormous Macy's store and some of what it takes to run the store and parade. I loved reading about how Grace took a personal interest in solving the mystery while navigating her friendship with Jenny from accounting and a budding romance with Raymond, window display creator. Grace also has the burden to take care of her alcoholic mother that she happens to live with. Grace finds a satisfactory resolution for all involved and I was pleased with the conclusion of the book.
I would recommend this for readers of historical mysteries. If you want an entertaining winter book, this is it!
#Murderon34thStreet #NetGalley
Thank you Minotaur Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cozy historical murder mystery from Mariah Fredricks - The Girl in the Green Dress - featuring a 1932 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade filled with back scenes of what it takes to make that happen (I’m already anticipating the floats and balloons.)
In 1932 the Macy’s Parade was in its ninth year. Before the parade begins, Grace Verlander, assistant to the head of personnel, receives an urgent note from Harry Gardner, “the gentle soul” playing Santa in the parade. When Grace learns the note is a death threat for him, she consults the head of security who agrees to ride the Santa float to look for threats. When the parade ends, a body is found and Grace feels compelled to find out who’s targeting employees and trying to ruin Macy’s reputation. Suspects and twists abound and the ending was a real surprise for me!
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery read - perfect for the upcoming holidays too. As usual Fredericks’s heroine is plucky, spirited and smart. The historical setting is glitzy and detailed - it’s too bad we’ve moved to online shopping due to COVID; while there are retail stores still committed to wonderful Christmas window displays, I miss them around where I live, so I was especially glad to imagine them in reading this book. And, the book had been researched well so you get atmospheric flavor of the 30s.
Readers who enjoy seasonal mysteries especially those set in historical times should not pass this one up. It’s a comfortable and exciting read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting me access to this ARC.
In 1932 the Macy’s Parade was in its ninth year. Before the parade begins, Grace Verlander, assistant to the head of personnel, receives an urgent note from Harry Gardner, “the gentle soul” playing Santa in the parade. When Grace learns the note is a death threat for him, she consults the head of security who agrees to ride the Santa float to look for threats. When the parade ends, a body is found and Grace feels compelled to find out who’s targeting employees and trying to ruin Macy’s reputation. Suspects and twists abound and the ending was a real surprise for me!
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery read - perfect for the upcoming holidays too. As usual Fredericks’s heroine is plucky, spirited and smart. The historical setting is glitzy and detailed - it’s too bad we’ve moved to online shopping due to COVID; while there are retail stores still committed to wonderful Christmas window displays, I miss them around where I live, so I was especially glad to imagine them in reading this book. And, the book had been researched well so you get atmospheric flavor of the 30s.
Readers who enjoy seasonal mysteries especially those set in historical times should not pass this one up. It’s a comfortable and exciting read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's all hands on deck as Macy's prepares for the 1932 Thanksgiving Parade. Of course the annual guest of honor is old St. Nick himself. If only he hadn't just received a death threat. To whom should he report this concern? Well, Grace Verlander, of course - the assistant to the head of personnel. If you want something taken care of, get Grace on it. Grace pulls out all the stops to protect the dear old Kris Kringle. Was that a gunshot just heard or was it another inflatable catching on a nearby sharp object? And then there's the blood. It's holiday shopping season and it's critical to "manage" the narrative. Grace is on the case, much to the NYPD's chagrin. Can she track down the perpetrator and save the Christmas shopping season for her company? Only time will tell.
Ms. Fredericks has written a delightful historical cozy mystery, full of heart and lots of red herrings. The writing is good and the characters fairly well developed and charming. There are quite a few possible perpetrators and one by one, they're all sorted. The historic detail threads its way throughout the story which adds to its charm. All in all, this was a most enjoyable read.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: October 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-1250367549
Ms. Fredericks has written a delightful historical cozy mystery, full of heart and lots of red herrings. The writing is good and the characters fairly well developed and charming. There are quite a few possible perpetrators and one by one, they're all sorted. The historic detail threads its way throughout the story which adds to its charm. All in all, this was a most enjoyable read.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: October 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-1250367549
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
This historical mystery was something a bit different. It was set in 1932 in New York City, a time period often overlooked and overshadowed by world war novels.
Main character Grace Verlander is nicely nuanced. She is an assistant to some of the bigwigs at Macy's Department Store and is one of a few people who actually made sure that the huge enterprise thrived. She is a problem fixer and a liaison between the workers and management.
It's the busiest time of the year at Macy's -- the Thanksgiving Day Parade, an incredibly complex event to stage, is just about to happen and Christmas season is just around the corner -- the major time period for the store to earn money.
Grace is called in when the employee playing Santa receives a death threat, which presents unspeakable problems. Grace has to try and keep Santa safe and provide security, work with security, but not freak out any parade attendees or employees. And then a clearly related murder happens during the parade.
The mystery is a good one, and cleverly plotted. But Grace's personality and her life and the people in the store and their interactions are the real meat. There is a romance possibility but Grace is pretty prickly. The novel gives a good flavor of the era and the world of retail.
This was an entertaining read with some great historical detail. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This historical mystery was something a bit different. It was set in 1932 in New York City, a time period often overlooked and overshadowed by world war novels.
Main character Grace Verlander is nicely nuanced. She is an assistant to some of the bigwigs at Macy's Department Store and is one of a few people who actually made sure that the huge enterprise thrived. She is a problem fixer and a liaison between the workers and management.
It's the busiest time of the year at Macy's -- the Thanksgiving Day Parade, an incredibly complex event to stage, is just about to happen and Christmas season is just around the corner -- the major time period for the store to earn money.
Grace is called in when the employee playing Santa receives a death threat, which presents unspeakable problems. Grace has to try and keep Santa safe and provide security, work with security, but not freak out any parade attendees or employees. And then a clearly related murder happens during the parade.
The mystery is a good one, and cleverly plotted. But Grace's personality and her life and the people in the store and their interactions are the real meat. There is a romance possibility but Grace is pretty prickly. The novel gives a good flavor of the era and the world of retail.
This was an entertaining read with some great historical detail. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a charming holiday cozy mystery!
Set in New York in 1932, the story follows Grace Verlander, the woman who keeps everything running behind the scenes at Macy's. Just days before the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace receives a note from the store's Santa Claus saying he's been sent a death threat. Despite taking precautions, a body is discovered, and Grace sets out to uncover the killer before the store's reputation is destroyed.
The setting was easily my favorite part of the book. I could almost picture myself walking through Macy's in 1932. The descriptions brought the store and the holiday displays to life without ever slowing the story down. The nostalgia of the era, combined with seeing how hard women worked behind the scenes with so little recognition, added another layer to the story that I really appreciated.
I'm always happy to pick up a cozy mystery set during the Christmas season, and this one didn't disappoint. The mystery kept me engaged, while the touch of romance added just the right amount of sweetness without taking over the plot.
Overall, this was a wonderful blend of cozy mystery and historical fiction with plenty of holiday charm. If you're looking for a festive mystery to curl up with during the Christmas season, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the book.
Set in New York in 1932, the story follows Grace Verlander, the woman who keeps everything running behind the scenes at Macy's. Just days before the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace receives a note from the store's Santa Claus saying he's been sent a death threat. Despite taking precautions, a body is discovered, and Grace sets out to uncover the killer before the store's reputation is destroyed.
The setting was easily my favorite part of the book. I could almost picture myself walking through Macy's in 1932. The descriptions brought the store and the holiday displays to life without ever slowing the story down. The nostalgia of the era, combined with seeing how hard women worked behind the scenes with so little recognition, added another layer to the story that I really appreciated.
I'm always happy to pick up a cozy mystery set during the Christmas season, and this one didn't disappoint. The mystery kept me engaged, while the touch of romance added just the right amount of sweetness without taking over the plot.
Overall, this was a wonderful blend of cozy mystery and historical fiction with plenty of holiday charm. If you're looking for a festive mystery to curl up with during the Christmas season, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There's something undeniably charming about a murder mystery set behind the scenes of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Murder on 34th Street completely transported me to 1930s New York. The historical setting was easily my favorite part of the book. I loved getting a glimpse into the inner workings of Macy's and everything that went into preparing for the parade. The atmosphere was so vivid that I could picture every scene.
Grace was a great main character. She was intelligent, resourceful, and easy to root for as she balanced the endless demands of her job while trying to solve a murder. I also appreciated that the mystery relied more on good detective work and character interactions than over-the-top twists.
While I really enjoyed the story, the middle dragged a little for me, and I started to piece together the culprit before the reveal. I was hoping for a bit more of a surprise at the end, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5.
Overall, this was an engaging blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery with a wonderfully immersive setting. Whether you pick it up in the middle of summer like I did or save it for the holiday season, it's an entertaining mystery that's well worth reading.
Grace was a great main character. She was intelligent, resourceful, and easy to root for as she balanced the endless demands of her job while trying to solve a murder. I also appreciated that the mystery relied more on good detective work and character interactions than over-the-top twists.
While I really enjoyed the story, the middle dragged a little for me, and I started to piece together the culprit before the reveal. I was hoping for a bit more of a surprise at the end, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5.
Overall, this was an engaging blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery with a wonderfully immersive setting. Whether you pick it up in the middle of summer like I did or save it for the holiday season, it's an entertaining mystery that's well worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reading “Murder on 34th Street” was like traveling back in time. The author did a wonderful job of creating early 1930’s New York City during the holiday season. The protagonist of the story is Grace Verlander, an administrator at Macy’s who works at a frenetic pace to keep the store running smoothly. Grace is the go-to person when there is a problem, and she works fastidiously when the store’s Santa receives a threatening letter. With the help of the handsome window display designer, Raymond, she is determined to solve the mysteries surrounding the crimes that take place.
I loved the romance featured in the book. It was clean and slow burning. I also loved reminiscing about the holidays and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. My family looked forward to it every Thanksgiving. I wasn’t fond of the actual mystery. The revelation of the killer was a surprise, but the story and motives behind the crimes were convoluted. It was like a spider web with each strand branching out to another and each connection becoming more tenuous. And so many characters (four) changing their names made it difficult to keep up with the story. The mystery, while engaging, strained credulity.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Both and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the romance featured in the book. It was clean and slow burning. I also loved reminiscing about the holidays and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. My family looked forward to it every Thanksgiving. I wasn’t fond of the actual mystery. The revelation of the killer was a surprise, but the story and motives behind the crimes were convoluted. It was like a spider web with each strand branching out to another and each connection becoming more tenuous. And so many characters (four) changing their names made it difficult to keep up with the story. The mystery, while engaging, strained credulity.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Both and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grace Verlander is a no-nonsense HR assistant who keeps things running smoothly at the Macy's flagship store in 1930's New York City. It's time for the annual Thanksgiving parade, and someone has sent an anonymous threat to the store Santa. Grace is determined to keep him safe, but things take an unfortunate turn when the precautions she takes to safeguard Santa go awry.
I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters are interesting and well-written, and there is plenty of snappy dialogue. As Grace attempts to find out who would possibly want to threaten Santa, she learns more about her co-workers and the things that motivate them. Her relationship with one co-worker in particular develops into a real friendship (with the potential for something more) and provides a touching moment near the end of the book. Of course, Grace unravels the mystery in the end, although the solution is not the one she expected (me neither).
I highly recommend this one - perfect for cozy mystery fans who enjoy a historical element. Bonus points for fans of the Macy's Parade. I'm hoping to read more of Grace's adventures in the future.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy. 4.5 stars rounded to 5
I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters are interesting and well-written, and there is plenty of snappy dialogue. As Grace attempts to find out who would possibly want to threaten Santa, she learns more about her co-workers and the things that motivate them. Her relationship with one co-worker in particular develops into a real friendship (with the potential for something more) and provides a touching moment near the end of the book. Of course, Grace unravels the mystery in the end, although the solution is not the one she expected (me neither).
I highly recommend this one - perfect for cozy mystery fans who enjoy a historical element. Bonus points for fans of the Macy's Parade. I'm hoping to read more of Grace's adventures in the future.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy. 4.5 stars rounded to 5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading Mariah Frederick’s previous novel, “The Girl in the Green Dress,” which vividly captured the essence of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age era, I was looking forward to reading her latest, “Murder on 34th Street.” In her newest novel, the author once again captures the spirit of its time, in this case Depression era New York City, specifically Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The main character is Grace Verlander, the Assistant to the Head of Personnel, who sets out to discover who threatened “Santa Claus” and who subsequently murdered a Macy’s employee in the middle of the Thanksgiving Day parade. While doing so, she encounters an interesting cast of characters. From the wise cracking protagonist, scintillating dialog and the descriptions of the hardships of the era, the author brings to life her characters and the times in which they lived.
I highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction mysteries with a touch of humor and an engaging protagonist. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
The main character is Grace Verlander, the Assistant to the Head of Personnel, who sets out to discover who threatened “Santa Claus” and who subsequently murdered a Macy’s employee in the middle of the Thanksgiving Day parade. While doing so, she encounters an interesting cast of characters. From the wise cracking protagonist, scintillating dialog and the descriptions of the hardships of the era, the author brings to life her characters and the times in which they lived.
I highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction mysteries with a touch of humor and an engaging protagonist. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If it’s possible to have murder meet nostalgia, this book accomplishes it.
I initially picked this book up for the title. Miracle on 34th Street is one of favorite Christmas movies and I watch it every year. I wasn’t disappointed.
Grace Verlander, who works in Personnel at Macy’s, arrives at work a few days before the annual Christmas parade to discover someone has sent Santa Claus a death threat. She works with store security and endeavors to keep the parade safe. And while Santa Claus does survive, someone else is killed. From there, Grace takes it upon herself to bring the guilty person to justice.
This is a wonderful book. Having watched the movie annually since I was kid, there is nostalgic feel to returning to behind the scenes at the parade. This is despite the fact that the movie is post WW2 and a romance, whereas the book is a Depression era and a mystery. And as Grace felt responsible for allowing this to happen, her obsession to direct the investigation drives much of the story while creating ongoing tension with the police.
I recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
I initially picked this book up for the title. Miracle on 34th Street is one of favorite Christmas movies and I watch it every year. I wasn’t disappointed.
Grace Verlander, who works in Personnel at Macy’s, arrives at work a few days before the annual Christmas parade to discover someone has sent Santa Claus a death threat. She works with store security and endeavors to keep the parade safe. And while Santa Claus does survive, someone else is killed. From there, Grace takes it upon herself to bring the guilty person to justice.
This is a wonderful book. Having watched the movie annually since I was kid, there is nostalgic feel to returning to behind the scenes at the parade. This is despite the fact that the movie is post WW2 and a romance, whereas the book is a Depression era and a mystery. And as Grace felt responsible for allowing this to happen, her obsession to direct the investigation drives much of the story while creating ongoing tension with the police.
I recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t read historical fiction very often because so much of it makes me sad, so I was excited that this was not going to be one of those. The backdrop of Macys in the 30s with the parade and Christmastime was just so fun to be immersed in. I loved Grace and all the characters were so well done. As for the mystery, I suspected everyone and I was surprised by the killer! This is one where the author made sure that every detail mattered, and I really like that. I also liked that there was a little romance, but that wasn’t the entire plot. They had great chemistry!
My only two “issues” were the pacing of the plot (which could be slow at times) and the “doorman” who I thought was included for a reason (as everything else in the novel seemed to be so carefully added), but then ??? I didn’t really understand the reason for what happened with him and it just made me sad.
Overall, a fun nostalgic cozy holiday mystery with a little romance thrown in.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
My only two “issues” were the pacing of the plot (which could be slow at times) and the “doorman” who I thought was included for a reason (as everything else in the novel seemed to be so carefully added), but then ??? I didn’t really understand the reason for what happened with him and it just made me sad.
Overall, a fun nostalgic cozy holiday mystery with a little romance thrown in.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
I was lucky to read an advance copy of this book and recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, mysteries and the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Set in 1930's NYC, Macy's assistant personnel director, Grace Verlander, is charged with protecting Santa after he receives a threatening letter. What follows is a murder during the Parade that Grace must investigate, then she finds possible connections to a cold case and another murder before finally figuring out who is responsible. The depiction of 1930's New York and a diverse and colorful cast of characters are wonderful, and the setting of Santa's float in the Macy's Parade and in the store with long lines of children waiting for their turns in Santa's lap are perfect. I especially loved the undercover protection detail for Santa - Grace as an elf, the set designer as a toy soldier and a police detective as a reindeer. While the book is a standalone, it would be a wonderful start to a series of mysteries set in Macy's during different holidays.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've never watched the Macy's parade, but this gave me an idea of what it once was and why it has lasted so long. This is the first book I've read by Mariah Fredericks outside of her Jane Prescott series. It was definitely lighter and cozier than I anticipated. It was fun to see the behind-the-scenes of Macy's department store and the creation of window displays, the coordination of all the various departments, and the number of staff needed. Grace has to keep everything running despite an assortment of problems, including a murder, a possible romance, suspected friends, and challenges at home. Many characters are not what they seem, and Grace has to balance her job with HR and decide whether she wants friendships (or more) with them. I definitely want to go read Fredericks' other books now as I love a bit of history with my cozy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
New York at December during the Great Depression is buzzing with life, Christmas cheer and… threats against Santa?? A mysterious person is threatening to off Santa in this Christmas themed mystery. Will Grace Verlander be able to solve the mystery in time to save Santa?
I really appreciated the mystery that clouded this book. Although I was able to guess immediately who was behind the plot, I still enjoyed watching it unfold throughout the book!
Some criticism: I personally didn’t care for the switching of first name and last names. It could be hard to follow at times. However, I do not read a lot of historical fiction novels, so I’m not sure if this is a normal “thing” consistent with the genre. I also felt the chemistry between Grace and Raymond was a bit forced and unnatural.
Overall, I really enjoyed the mystery in this book and recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction!
I really appreciated the mystery that clouded this book. Although I was able to guess immediately who was behind the plot, I still enjoyed watching it unfold throughout the book!
Some criticism: I personally didn’t care for the switching of first name and last names. It could be hard to follow at times. However, I do not read a lot of historical fiction novels, so I’m not sure if this is a normal “thing” consistent with the genre. I also felt the chemistry between Grace and Raymond was a bit forced and unnatural.
Overall, I really enjoyed the mystery in this book and recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction!
September 3, 2026
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Murder on 34th Street” is by Mariah Fredericks. I had a really difficult time getting into this book, but I know that it’s me (yes, I was the problem). One of my favorite movies is “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) and in my head, I kept having the characters of that movie taking part in this book. To be honest, the book does the nostalgia thing rather well, but - again - I kept comparing the writing to the movie (and my own visits to that Macy’s store in December). Yes, it’s me, honestly. Putting all that aside, I found the name changing to be a bit … difficult to follow at times. I also wasn’t too impressed by the reason for the murder (I figured out who it was but the reason for why felt a bit too convoluted). I think one would call this a cozy murder mystery. While I really liked Grace, overall I felt this was an okay read.
“Murder on 34th Street” is by Mariah Fredericks. I had a really difficult time getting into this book, but I know that it’s me (yes, I was the problem). One of my favorite movies is “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) and in my head, I kept having the characters of that movie taking part in this book. To be honest, the book does the nostalgia thing rather well, but - again - I kept comparing the writing to the movie (and my own visits to that Macy’s store in December). Yes, it’s me, honestly. Putting all that aside, I found the name changing to be a bit … difficult to follow at times. I also wasn’t too impressed by the reason for the murder (I figured out who it was but the reason for why felt a bit too convoluted). I think one would call this a cozy murder mystery. While I really liked Grace, overall I felt this was an okay read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
New York’s historic and nostalgic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade provides the perfect backdrop for this cozy murder mystery!
Grace is an enjoyable and lovable female protagonist, with witty banter and just enough romantic tension with another Macy’s employee , Robert, to keep things interesting. She’s inquisitive 🧐, determined, and surprisingly convincing as an amateur sleuth. Her HR experience gives her a different perspective than someone simply working in the secretarial pool, and I bought into her detective instincts.
I kept turning the pages as the clues unfolded, eager to discover the ultimate “who did it.”
The narration of Stephanie Einstein was good and complemented the story well.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ALC. Murder mystery enthusiasts should enjoy this easy, entertaining read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: October 2, 2026
Review Date: September 20, 2026
#Murderon34thStreet #historicalfiction #mystery #thriller
Grace is an enjoyable and lovable female protagonist, with witty banter and just enough romantic tension with another Macy’s employee , Robert, to keep things interesting. She’s inquisitive 🧐, determined, and surprisingly convincing as an amateur sleuth. Her HR experience gives her a different perspective than someone simply working in the secretarial pool, and I bought into her detective instincts.
I kept turning the pages as the clues unfolded, eager to discover the ultimate “who did it.”
The narration of Stephanie Einstein was good and complemented the story well.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ALC. Murder mystery enthusiasts should enjoy this easy, entertaining read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: October 2, 2026
Review Date: September 20, 2026
#Murderon34thStreet #historicalfiction #mystery #thriller
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love, love this author’s writing. She creates a world of evocative descriptions and characters so witty they become aspirational. Hardworking Grace works in personnel at Macy’s, and murder intrudes on her already busy holiday season. She gets drawn in in a very believable and not at all contrived way, and her strong characters really drive the emotion of the story. The mystery is very well done, with all the pieces woven in seamlessly. There is romance on top of the mayhem, again in a way that suggests feelings rather than describing them. The author has an amazing knack for drawing you in to her historical settings, giving them a real lived-in feeling. Please treat yourself and read it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
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