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Poppy Denby Investigates #3
The Death Beat
When London Daily Globe editor Rollo Rolandson has to return to New York for three months, he takes his star reporter, Poppy Denby, with him. Poppy is very excited to be working on the world-famous New York Times and looks forward to immersing herself in the arts and entertainment of Manhattan. Instead, she is allocated the death beat--journalese for obituaries--and tied to her desk.
But our intrepid young reporter has a nose for a story, and when a European prince dies in a luxury penthouse apartment, she starts to investigate. She follows a sordid trail involving illegal immigrants, forced labor, eugenics, sexual scandals . . . and an unexpected ghost from her past. From the speakeasies of Greenwich Village to the sweatshops of the Garment District, Poppy Denby seeks justice for the victims of a shameful crime.
But our intrepid young reporter has a nose for a story, and when a European prince dies in a luxury penthouse apartment, she starts to investigate. She follows a sordid trail involving illegal immigrants, forced labor, eugenics, sexual scandals . . . and an unexpected ghost from her past. From the speakeasies of Greenwich Village to the sweatshops of the Garment District, Poppy Denby seeks justice for the victims of a shameful crime.
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2017
141 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 2, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
London Newspaper Arts and Entertainment Editor Poppy is off to New York with her boss Rollo after he gambled away his position at The Daily Globe. They are to spend three months at the New York Times while the editor for the Times takes over at The Daily Globe. Going with them is Poppy’s Aunt Dot and Poppy’s best friend and actress Delilah Marconi.
Travelling in style on RMS Olympic the crossing is fairly plain sailing apart from Poppy having to help out with an emergency surgery on one of the crew members. However, their arrival in New York isn’t quite so straightforward when it looks like someone has it out for the girls before they have even set foot on dry land.
Matters are made worse when it turns out Poppy isn’t going to be covering the arts and entertainment for her stay but she is on the ‘Death Beat’, writing obituaries. But you can’t keep Poppy Denby from smelling a good story, especially one of murder, fake identities, illegal immigration, sex-slaves, and forced labour.
The Death Beat is the third book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series set in the roaring twenties. If you haven’t read any of the series, Poppy is a reporter for The Daily Globe, and whilst her job is to cover the art and entertainment she often finds herself in all kinds of precarious situations as she covers stories that are front-page newsworthy, almost getting herself killed in the process too.
I was eager to see what New York was like in the 1920s as it is a place I adore. I’ve also visited Ellis Island where RMS Olympic stops first on their travels to take off all the passengers who are to go through immigration. It is quite an eerie place these days and I can only imagine it was a scary place for those passengers back in the day, not knowing whether they had travelled on their long journey to the USA only to be sent straight back home when they were within touching distance of their final journey.
The book was entertaining and captivating. It covered some hard-hitting issues which are still relevant in today’s society. Fiona Veitch Smith has certainly done a lot of research as you are transported to New York in a time when people were heading that way to get away from the war raging in Europe and looking for a better life, though that came at a price for some!
It was lovely to see Poppy step put of her comfort zone as well as trying to make sure she enjoyed her three-month stay and make the most of her time in New York, seeing the sights, tasting the American food, etc. There were also some real-life historical figures within the pages, including author Dorothy L. Sayers and actor Rudolph Valentino.
I would say that I am now looking forward to reading book four, but I’ve already read it – I missed this book out, but I can say I have book five and I am looking forward to continuing my journey with Poppy and the gang once again.
London Newspaper Arts and Entertainment Editor Poppy is off to New York with her boss Rollo after he gambled away his position at The Daily Globe. They are to spend three months at the New York Times while the editor for the Times takes over at The Daily Globe. Going with them is Poppy’s Aunt Dot and Poppy’s best friend and actress Delilah Marconi.
Travelling in style on RMS Olympic the crossing is fairly plain sailing apart from Poppy having to help out with an emergency surgery on one of the crew members. However, their arrival in New York isn’t quite so straightforward when it looks like someone has it out for the girls before they have even set foot on dry land.
Matters are made worse when it turns out Poppy isn’t going to be covering the arts and entertainment for her stay but she is on the ‘Death Beat’, writing obituaries. But you can’t keep Poppy Denby from smelling a good story, especially one of murder, fake identities, illegal immigration, sex-slaves, and forced labour.
The Death Beat is the third book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series set in the roaring twenties. If you haven’t read any of the series, Poppy is a reporter for The Daily Globe, and whilst her job is to cover the art and entertainment she often finds herself in all kinds of precarious situations as she covers stories that are front-page newsworthy, almost getting herself killed in the process too.
I was eager to see what New York was like in the 1920s as it is a place I adore. I’ve also visited Ellis Island where RMS Olympic stops first on their travels to take off all the passengers who are to go through immigration. It is quite an eerie place these days and I can only imagine it was a scary place for those passengers back in the day, not knowing whether they had travelled on their long journey to the USA only to be sent straight back home when they were within touching distance of their final journey.
The book was entertaining and captivating. It covered some hard-hitting issues which are still relevant in today’s society. Fiona Veitch Smith has certainly done a lot of research as you are transported to New York in a time when people were heading that way to get away from the war raging in Europe and looking for a better life, though that came at a price for some!
It was lovely to see Poppy step put of her comfort zone as well as trying to make sure she enjoyed her three-month stay and make the most of her time in New York, seeing the sights, tasting the American food, etc. There were also some real-life historical figures within the pages, including author Dorothy L. Sayers and actor Rudolph Valentino.
I would say that I am now looking forward to reading book four, but I’ve already read it – I missed this book out, but I can say I have book five and I am looking forward to continuing my journey with Poppy and the gang once again.
March 5, 2021
Poppy is far from happy with her boss Rollo, after he has got into trouble gambling. It ends up with Rollo being replaced at the Daily Globe for three months and being sent to the New York Times. When she learns she is to go with Rollo Poppy's attitude changes. How exciting to see New York. Plus, this break could be just what she needs to sort out her relationship with fellow worker Daniel and determine weather the relationship is destined to go further. Or not. In the end her best friend Delilah Marconi, an actress, and Poppy’s Aunt Dot also end up going on the voyage Poppy gets involved in an event that is later revealed to have implications in crimes. Although she is assigned The Death Beat at the New York Times, writing obituaries, her nose for a story uncovers more than one crime. Could the crimes be related? And what can Poppy and Rollo do to uncover the murderer and bring about justice and help for some illegal and ill used immigrants.
The reader is left waiting for a time for the crimes and mystery to unfold. But since Poppy is an entertaining character and the life on board the ship and in the 1920s with prohibition and speakeasies is well portrayed, it is still entertaining.
I first encountered Poppy in The Jazz Files. She is a very likeable heroine, full of life. Her friend Delilah, boss Rollo and Aunt Dot are all well portrayed too. This is book 3 of a series centred around Poppy. Though I had not read book 2, it didn’t matter as this reads fine as a stand alone. Though I did like the progression in Poppy in this book to book 1. The pace moves along well. Some hard hitting topics are covered, ones sadly still relevant in today’s world.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a historical novel with a spunky, main character and well evoked setting. I am interested now to read more about Poppy and her adventures as a reporter and solver of crimes. An entertaining and recommended read that will please many readers.
The reader is left waiting for a time for the crimes and mystery to unfold. But since Poppy is an entertaining character and the life on board the ship and in the 1920s with prohibition and speakeasies is well portrayed, it is still entertaining.
I first encountered Poppy in The Jazz Files. She is a very likeable heroine, full of life. Her friend Delilah, boss Rollo and Aunt Dot are all well portrayed too. This is book 3 of a series centred around Poppy. Though I had not read book 2, it didn’t matter as this reads fine as a stand alone. Though I did like the progression in Poppy in this book to book 1. The pace moves along well. Some hard hitting topics are covered, ones sadly still relevant in today’s world.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a historical novel with a spunky, main character and well evoked setting. I am interested now to read more about Poppy and her adventures as a reporter and solver of crimes. An entertaining and recommended read that will please many readers.
October 29, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Lion Hudson IP Ltd for a review copy of The Death Beat, the third novel to feature journalist, Poppy Denby in 1920s London.
Due to some ill advised actions The Daily Globe's owner and editor Rollo Rolandson is forced to work in New York for three months. He decides to take Poppy with him and together with her friend, actress Delilah Marconi, they set sail for New York. Trouble is never far from Poppy so it's not long before she and Rollo are investigating a couple of headline grabbing stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Death Beat. This is the first time I've met the resourceful Ms Denby and her colourful friends but it won't be the last. The novel works well as a stand alone although the frequent references to past events made me wish I'd read the series in order for completeness rather than for any lack of understanding. I like the writing style which is easy to read and inviting. It is told in the third person and from two points of view, mostly the privileged vantage point enjoyed by Poppy but also the opposite not enjoyed by Mimi, a recent immigrant and while the style is light and breezy it is obviously well researched with some interesting gems of information and the author does not shy away from the hard topics of the day, like working class conditions, the perils of immigration and eugenics.
The plot is not particularly profound but it zips along, holding the interest from start to finish, as Poppy and Rollo push for information using some ingenious methods and some bold faced brass. It is a grand adventure and most impressive in it's readability and fun without descending into farce.
I love Poppy and her motley crew. Surrounded by wealthy friends she comes from a more modest background and does not forget it as she has a well developed social conscience and is prepared to act on it. I'm not sure she would label herself a feminist but she has a coveted job she is determined to keep hold of, not an easy thing to do at the time, and is prepared to make sacrifices for. The point is not laboured but it is obvious that while women take the right to work for granted nowadays it was a much bigger deal in the male dominated 1920s.
The Death Beat is a lighthearted romp though 1920s New York with some serious points to make which I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.
Due to some ill advised actions The Daily Globe's owner and editor Rollo Rolandson is forced to work in New York for three months. He decides to take Poppy with him and together with her friend, actress Delilah Marconi, they set sail for New York. Trouble is never far from Poppy so it's not long before she and Rollo are investigating a couple of headline grabbing stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Death Beat. This is the first time I've met the resourceful Ms Denby and her colourful friends but it won't be the last. The novel works well as a stand alone although the frequent references to past events made me wish I'd read the series in order for completeness rather than for any lack of understanding. I like the writing style which is easy to read and inviting. It is told in the third person and from two points of view, mostly the privileged vantage point enjoyed by Poppy but also the opposite not enjoyed by Mimi, a recent immigrant and while the style is light and breezy it is obviously well researched with some interesting gems of information and the author does not shy away from the hard topics of the day, like working class conditions, the perils of immigration and eugenics.
The plot is not particularly profound but it zips along, holding the interest from start to finish, as Poppy and Rollo push for information using some ingenious methods and some bold faced brass. It is a grand adventure and most impressive in it's readability and fun without descending into farce.
I love Poppy and her motley crew. Surrounded by wealthy friends she comes from a more modest background and does not forget it as she has a well developed social conscience and is prepared to act on it. I'm not sure she would label herself a feminist but she has a coveted job she is determined to keep hold of, not an easy thing to do at the time, and is prepared to make sacrifices for. The point is not laboured but it is obvious that while women take the right to work for granted nowadays it was a much bigger deal in the male dominated 1920s.
The Death Beat is a lighthearted romp though 1920s New York with some serious points to make which I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.
May 4, 2019
The Death Beat by Fiona Veitch Smith is a marvelous cosmopolitan historical novel set in 1921. It is the third book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Once more the reader is enthralled by the bravery of Poppy Denby as she goes to great lengths to solve crimes, fighting the injustices of the day.
The action moves from London to New York via the Olympia, a sister ship of the Titanic. New York of the 1920’s has crime ridden streets with prohibition and unscrupulous men taking advantage of illegal immigrants and desperate young women. The 1920’s saw people fleeing from a war torn Europe to America in search of a better life.
Poppy Denby gets caught up in the murky underworld of seedy producers and political figures as she stumbles on murder, blackmail and rape. There are still people out there determined to shine lights in a dark world.
Once more Fiona Veitch Smith has written an entertaining novel where fiction blends with historical figures, adding an air of familiarity for the reader as we can ‘place’ the action in historical time.
For more about Poppy Denby please go to www.poppydenby.com
This is a cracking series that would make a perfect television series… any producers out there fancying a new project?...
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Once more the reader is enthralled by the bravery of Poppy Denby as she goes to great lengths to solve crimes, fighting the injustices of the day.
The action moves from London to New York via the Olympia, a sister ship of the Titanic. New York of the 1920’s has crime ridden streets with prohibition and unscrupulous men taking advantage of illegal immigrants and desperate young women. The 1920’s saw people fleeing from a war torn Europe to America in search of a better life.
Poppy Denby gets caught up in the murky underworld of seedy producers and political figures as she stumbles on murder, blackmail and rape. There are still people out there determined to shine lights in a dark world.
Once more Fiona Veitch Smith has written an entertaining novel where fiction blends with historical figures, adding an air of familiarity for the reader as we can ‘place’ the action in historical time.
For more about Poppy Denby please go to www.poppydenby.com
This is a cracking series that would make a perfect television series… any producers out there fancying a new project?...
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
February 27, 2019
The Death Beat is the third book in the Poppy Denby historical mystery series by Fiona Veitch Smith. Set in 1921, it brings to life the era very well — flappers, speakeasies, etc. And while Poppy hails from England, this newest adventure takes her to New York with her boss Rollo Rolandson. Poppy finds herself assigned to the unenviable job at the New York Times — the obituary writer. But as always, Poppy finds a much more exciting story to uncover.
I loved the references to the 1920s that Smith weaves throughout The Death Beat. The fashion, the night scene, the slang, all make this novel very authentic. And while the author may have taken a few liberties with dates and places, this fictional look at New York in the Roaring Twenties conveys the spirit of the time. America was struggling with immigration even then, and the mystery involves illegal immigrants that were used and abused. Human trafficking may not have bee a buzz word at the time, but it was a problem even then. Those two things are at the crux of the mystery. Poppy, a thoroughly modern young woman, is determined to uncover all the unsavory business that threatens to harm more disadvantaged women. There are many parallels in that era and what we now are discussing on the national stage, and I enjoyed the unique perspective. Clues are made known to both Poppy and the reader, but I managed to be clue–less about just whodunit. I loved the many surprises.
While many characters from previous books in the series make appearances, The Death Beat can be read as standalone. However, if you like historical mysteries, you may just want to get the three that are currently available — great for binge-reading fun.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I loved the references to the 1920s that Smith weaves throughout The Death Beat. The fashion, the night scene, the slang, all make this novel very authentic. And while the author may have taken a few liberties with dates and places, this fictional look at New York in the Roaring Twenties conveys the spirit of the time. America was struggling with immigration even then, and the mystery involves illegal immigrants that were used and abused. Human trafficking may not have bee a buzz word at the time, but it was a problem even then. Those two things are at the crux of the mystery. Poppy, a thoroughly modern young woman, is determined to uncover all the unsavory business that threatens to harm more disadvantaged women. There are many parallels in that era and what we now are discussing on the national stage, and I enjoyed the unique perspective. Clues are made known to both Poppy and the reader, but I managed to be clue–less about just whodunit. I loved the many surprises.
While many characters from previous books in the series make appearances, The Death Beat can be read as standalone. However, if you like historical mysteries, you may just want to get the three that are currently available — great for binge-reading fun.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
March 26, 2019
Poppy heads to New York and new adventures. This book was every bit as good as the last two and revolves around events actually happening in that time frame, or for that matter, probably happening today as well.
April 28, 2019
A fun cosy mystery with well-written characters and a reasonable plot. The only problem I had was that this is the third book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series - and I hadn't read the previous two - so I didn't fully grasp the relationships between all the characters. That aside, however, it was still a good read.
May 24, 2021
Second Read-Through:
Trying to re-read, but it's hard to do anything other than skim. Anyone else notice that Delilah greatly resembles Lady Diana Mayo? ^^
First Read-Through:
Everything is (mostly) great until the party on Long Island. Then things get weird.
Thoughts going through my head while reading (SPOILERS AHEAD):
I will need some time before attempting the next book because I, like Elizabeth Dorchester, need a break from the gang. Three months might not be enough.
Trying to re-read, but it's hard to do anything other than skim. Anyone else notice that Delilah greatly resembles Lady Diana Mayo? ^^
First Read-Through:
Everything is (mostly) great until the party on Long Island. Then things get weird.
Thoughts going through my head while reading (SPOILERS AHEAD):
I will need some time before attempting the next book because I, like Elizabeth Dorchester, need a break from the gang. Three months might not be enough.
February 11, 2022
The Death Beat by Fiona Veitch Smith
When London Daily Globe editor Rollo Rolandson has to return to New York for three months, he takes his star reporter, Poppy Denby, with him. Poppy is very excited to be working on the world-famous New York Times and looks forward to immersing herself in the arts and entertainment of Manhattan. Instead, she is allocated the death beat--journalese for obituaries--and tied to her desk.
But our intrepid young reporter has a nose for a story, and when a European prince dies in a luxury penthouse apartment, she starts to investigate. She follows a sordid trail involving illegal immigrants, forced labor, eugenics, sexual scandals . . . and an unexpected ghost from her past. From the speakeasies of Greenwich Village to the sweatshops of the Garment District, Poppy Denby seeks justice for the victims of a shameful crime.
I have now read the first three books in this series - I am not sure how I ever managed to stumble upon these books as they are really not the sort of books I would usually choose, however this series is strangely addictive. In this instalment Poppy is visiting New York and it is not long before Poppy is off investigating for her latest story.
I feel that this could be read as a stand-alone but feel that it would be much more enjoyable if you have read the previous two books first. A well-written mystery with great characters.
Rating 4/5
When London Daily Globe editor Rollo Rolandson has to return to New York for three months, he takes his star reporter, Poppy Denby, with him. Poppy is very excited to be working on the world-famous New York Times and looks forward to immersing herself in the arts and entertainment of Manhattan. Instead, she is allocated the death beat--journalese for obituaries--and tied to her desk.
But our intrepid young reporter has a nose for a story, and when a European prince dies in a luxury penthouse apartment, she starts to investigate. She follows a sordid trail involving illegal immigrants, forced labor, eugenics, sexual scandals . . . and an unexpected ghost from her past. From the speakeasies of Greenwich Village to the sweatshops of the Garment District, Poppy Denby seeks justice for the victims of a shameful crime.
I have now read the first three books in this series - I am not sure how I ever managed to stumble upon these books as they are really not the sort of books I would usually choose, however this series is strangely addictive. In this instalment Poppy is visiting New York and it is not long before Poppy is off investigating for her latest story.
I feel that this could be read as a stand-alone but feel that it would be much more enjoyable if you have read the previous two books first. A well-written mystery with great characters.
Rating 4/5
December 14, 2017
3.75 stars
Intrepid reporter Poppy Denby is back, and this time she has exported her unique blend of sassy strength and persistence to America. It's the 1920s and she is on a 3 month assignment to the New York Times. There are a few historical characters who make an appearance, and snippets of actual events that add interest.
It's not long before Poppy is caught up in a double mystery -- a sordid tale of the plights of immigrants, sweatshop labor, and forced prostitution as well as a tycoon's mysterious death in a penthouse. It's up to Poppy and her editor Rollo to find out the real story.
The deeper they dig, the more dirt they find. What is the connection between factory slumlords and a Hollywood studio? And what does a U.S. senator have to do with it? And how about an old enemy of Poppy's who suddenly appears on the scene?
A brash and energetic read with a great setting and interesting characters. Poppy is a volatile mixture of minister's daughter and ardent feminist. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.
Intrepid reporter Poppy Denby is back, and this time she has exported her unique blend of sassy strength and persistence to America. It's the 1920s and she is on a 3 month assignment to the New York Times. There are a few historical characters who make an appearance, and snippets of actual events that add interest.
It's not long before Poppy is caught up in a double mystery -- a sordid tale of the plights of immigrants, sweatshop labor, and forced prostitution as well as a tycoon's mysterious death in a penthouse. It's up to Poppy and her editor Rollo to find out the real story.
The deeper they dig, the more dirt they find. What is the connection between factory slumlords and a Hollywood studio? And what does a U.S. senator have to do with it? And how about an old enemy of Poppy's who suddenly appears on the scene?
A brash and energetic read with a great setting and interesting characters. Poppy is a volatile mixture of minister's daughter and ardent feminist. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.
July 18, 2021
My favourite Poppy Denby adventure so far! As ever, the 1920s flapper scene is wonderfully recreated, and this time we find ourselves in New York. The voyage on the RMS Olympic contrasts the journeys of Poppy and friends travelling in luxury whilst passengers in steerage include Ukrainian refugee Mimi and her intellectually disabled sister Estie. Historical research is worn lightly, but I learnt a lot, not least more detail about the strict US immigration policy and Ellis Island. The plot strand of the desperate situation Mimi finds herself is interwoven skilfully with Poppy's investigation into a murdered aristocrat.
July 12, 2018
The Death Beat is a fantastic historical mystery set in the 1920s. Part of the novel occurs on the boat from Britain to the US, but the bulk of the novel is set in the US. Although The Death Beat is a historical mystery, it brings up issues that are important today, including the treatment of immigrants, human trafficking, the use of immigrants as slave labor, and the sexual abuse of female immigrants. These issues were as much a problem historically as they are today. Fiona Veitch Smith does not preach, immigration and the treatment of women are of central importance in The Death Beat.
When Rollo, The Daily Globe’s owner, gambles away his position, Poppy is furious- until she discovers they will both be going to New York to work their. Poppy’s best friend, Delilah, is going as well, as she has been promised a role in a radio drama and may even go into the movies. Poppy’s aunt and her companion are going as well. Their experiences on board alternate with those of a pair of Ukrainian sisters looking to emigrate to the US. The problem is that Estie, Mimi’s younger sister, is feeble minded and may not be granted admission to the US. Estie’s rejection leads to a harrowing set of circumstances.
A chance encounter with a man from her past, and a suspicious obituary lead Poppy to believe that a murder is being covered up. The more she digs, the more she discovers surprising and unsavory links between powerful politicians, movie makers, and the abuse of immigrants.
The Death Beat is an exciting historical mystery that plunges the reader into a US rife with change -hungry for the labor of immigrants, but often seeing them as less valuable and less “human” than current citizens. It is definitely a historical mystery worth reading.
5 / 5
I received a copy of The Death Beat from the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
When Rollo, The Daily Globe’s owner, gambles away his position, Poppy is furious- until she discovers they will both be going to New York to work their. Poppy’s best friend, Delilah, is going as well, as she has been promised a role in a radio drama and may even go into the movies. Poppy’s aunt and her companion are going as well. Their experiences on board alternate with those of a pair of Ukrainian sisters looking to emigrate to the US. The problem is that Estie, Mimi’s younger sister, is feeble minded and may not be granted admission to the US. Estie’s rejection leads to a harrowing set of circumstances.
A chance encounter with a man from her past, and a suspicious obituary lead Poppy to believe that a murder is being covered up. The more she digs, the more she discovers surprising and unsavory links between powerful politicians, movie makers, and the abuse of immigrants.
The Death Beat is an exciting historical mystery that plunges the reader into a US rife with change -hungry for the labor of immigrants, but often seeing them as less valuable and less “human” than current citizens. It is definitely a historical mystery worth reading.
5 / 5
I received a copy of The Death Beat from the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
August 11, 2018
This is the third in the Poppy Denby mystery series, but it reads perfectly even on its own, since the author takes a great care in filling in the readers with every information necessary from the previous books. In fact, the first half of the book sounds more as an evolution of the overarching story than a story in itself. But then, the characters are nice and the setting is good. Poppy is a spunky main character, a woman doing a man’s job in a men’s world: a journalist. And while her normal column might not be all that exciting, she has an instinct for sensational news and often finds herself in difficult situations. She’s already uncovered a couple of murders, as she will again in this adventure.
There are many threads in this story and only after the midpoint you can see they all converge on one mystery. Some of them, though, end in lose threads, so in a way I got the impression they where there just to beef up the mystery but weren’t really necessary. It is always a shame when this happens because I feel kind of cheated. But the mystery in itself – although maybe a little too convoluted – is indeed interesting. The story is set in the late 1920s, but the author explores an issue that is very relevant to us today: immigration and the way immigrants are treated.
There an overabundance of diversity in the book. Not that I have anything against it - on the contrary - but between the Jewish characters, Poppy’s boss who’s a dwarf, Poppy’s aunt who’s a lesbian on a wheelchair, eugenetics, suffragettes, amputated people and a few other ideas thrown in, I found the ensemble a little too much to be realistic. But aside from this, I found all the characters very interesting and relatable, so I won’t complain too much.
It’s a good story, fun and easy to read.
There are many threads in this story and only after the midpoint you can see they all converge on one mystery. Some of them, though, end in lose threads, so in a way I got the impression they where there just to beef up the mystery but weren’t really necessary. It is always a shame when this happens because I feel kind of cheated. But the mystery in itself – although maybe a little too convoluted – is indeed interesting. The story is set in the late 1920s, but the author explores an issue that is very relevant to us today: immigration and the way immigrants are treated.
There an overabundance of diversity in the book. Not that I have anything against it - on the contrary - but between the Jewish characters, Poppy’s boss who’s a dwarf, Poppy’s aunt who’s a lesbian on a wheelchair, eugenetics, suffragettes, amputated people and a few other ideas thrown in, I found the ensemble a little too much to be realistic. But aside from this, I found all the characters very interesting and relatable, so I won’t complain too much.
It’s a good story, fun and easy to read.
October 10, 2020
The past is about to come back and haunt Poppy!
Well, of the three Poppy Denby Investigates books that I've read I'm pretty sure that The Death Beat is my favorite. It had all of the Roaring Twenties drama and atmosphere, not to mention all of the vices, that any Jazz Age fan could wish for. In short, it's the bees knees. The cat's meow.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the way Fiona Veitch Smith wove threads of fun, and even humor, within the mystery and also the more serious topics. And she does take on some serious stuff like the exploitation of immigrants and sex trafficking. Things that plague our society even today. I've gotta say, though, that if more reporters cared about people, like Poppy does, instead of skirting the truth to help themselves up the career ladder, the world would be a better place.
Anyway, The Death Beat was fun and entertaining to read and I finished it surprisingly quickly. I really enjoyed the switch of a British author's take on New York instead of the usual vice versa. As an American reader I thought Fiona Veitch Smith did a great job with it. Poppy's astonishment, and sometimes confusion, was rather adorable.
As you can tell I liked this Poppy Denby Investigates book and I can't wait to find out what happens next with the sometimes crazy newshawks at the Daily Globe. So, don't you be a Rube or a Dumb Dora and miss out on all of the Jazz Age hijinks!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Well, of the three Poppy Denby Investigates books that I've read I'm pretty sure that The Death Beat is my favorite. It had all of the Roaring Twenties drama and atmosphere, not to mention all of the vices, that any Jazz Age fan could wish for. In short, it's the bees knees. The cat's meow.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the way Fiona Veitch Smith wove threads of fun, and even humor, within the mystery and also the more serious topics. And she does take on some serious stuff like the exploitation of immigrants and sex trafficking. Things that plague our society even today. I've gotta say, though, that if more reporters cared about people, like Poppy does, instead of skirting the truth to help themselves up the career ladder, the world would be a better place.
Anyway, The Death Beat was fun and entertaining to read and I finished it surprisingly quickly. I really enjoyed the switch of a British author's take on New York instead of the usual vice versa. As an American reader I thought Fiona Veitch Smith did a great job with it. Poppy's astonishment, and sometimes confusion, was rather adorable.
As you can tell I liked this Poppy Denby Investigates book and I can't wait to find out what happens next with the sometimes crazy newshawks at the Daily Globe. So, don't you be a Rube or a Dumb Dora and miss out on all of the Jazz Age hijinks!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
February 13, 2024
Another great book in the Poppy Denby series from Fiona Veitch Smith.
This time Poppy and her newspaper editor Rollo sail to New York as the result of an ill advised bet. Since Poppy's aunt and actress friend come as well, it's an opportunity to experience life across the pond. In spite of the fact that Poppy's boyfriend, the paper's photographer, doesn't want her to go, Poppy embraces the experience as well as the opportunity to work for The New York Times for the three months of their trip. Assigned to cover the Death Beat, or obituary notices, it's not long before Poppy and her friends are pulled into a murder investigation which overlaps with some concerning discoveries about illegal immigrants, sweat shops, trafficking and prostitution.
I love how the author evokes her settings and her detail regarding fashion in particular. She's done thorough research on the protocols of Ellis Island which are fascinating. I've enjoyed all of her books so far, although once again I found that she tends to finish them in rather a hurry. The conclusion always seems rather abrupt, but a great ride nonetheless.
This time Poppy and her newspaper editor Rollo sail to New York as the result of an ill advised bet. Since Poppy's aunt and actress friend come as well, it's an opportunity to experience life across the pond. In spite of the fact that Poppy's boyfriend, the paper's photographer, doesn't want her to go, Poppy embraces the experience as well as the opportunity to work for The New York Times for the three months of their trip. Assigned to cover the Death Beat, or obituary notices, it's not long before Poppy and her friends are pulled into a murder investigation which overlaps with some concerning discoveries about illegal immigrants, sweat shops, trafficking and prostitution.
I love how the author evokes her settings and her detail regarding fashion in particular. She's done thorough research on the protocols of Ellis Island which are fascinating. I've enjoyed all of her books so far, although once again I found that she tends to finish them in rather a hurry. The conclusion always seems rather abrupt, but a great ride nonetheless.
November 11, 2017
All good historical novels mix their storytelling with interesting insights into a past time and way of life. The third in this series gives us a chance to see New York in the 1920's and the view may be surprising. We may be aware of the energy and innovation, we might have heard of prohibition and the Speakeasy's, and many people will know about Ellis Island and the flood of immigrants that entered the USA through it's gates. But how many knew about the attitudes that many had towards immigration? Or the conditions many immigrants faced? The parallels with modern issues are not emphasised - they don't have to be, they're all too obvious.
But this isn't a social commentary, it's a mystery and and adventure - and it certainly delivers on that, as Poppy Denby unravels a dark and complex story of murder and exploitation.
The historical background adds interest and authenticity, but it's Poppy's own character that drives the plot.
But this isn't a social commentary, it's a mystery and and adventure - and it certainly delivers on that, as Poppy Denby unravels a dark and complex story of murder and exploitation.
The historical background adds interest and authenticity, but it's Poppy's own character that drives the plot.
January 29, 2018
This is the third book in the Poppy Denby investigative reporter series. It's hard not to compare books in a series, especially when I liked the second book as much as I did. This one just didn't have the same level of mystery and fun whodunnit feel from the second. It wasn't until half way through the story the mystery even showed up. The first half was spent describing the style, setting, and social life of the main characters. It made it feel a little trivial. I also felt Poppy's character was not as empowered in this as she was in the second. Again, the focus on style, shoes, and eating (or rather how much she's eating) really threw me off. I'd still read something from this author and wouldn't say this one should be written off. I did appreciate the mystery here was less confusing than the second. I knew what was going on and who all the characters were the entire time. Thank you to Lion Hudson and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
December 2, 2020
I loved this, the third in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, set in the 1920s and early 1930s. This time, investigative journalist Poppy is in New York with her boss, Rollo, accompanied by her good friend, actress Delilah, and her aunt, former suffragette Dot.
She finds herself unravelling a case involving a murder, stolen identity, false claim on a fortune, a possible sex-slave ring, corruption in the film industry, two vulnerable female emigrees from the Russian revolution, and the mystery of who pushed the seaman into the machinery on the ship from Southampton. We meet again the villain Archie Dorchester from Poppy Denby's past.
I love the sparkling narrative pace, the colourful evocation of the era, the accurate description of the fashions of the time, the way the author blends in real people, and above all the delightful and engaging principal characters. Now I move straight on to the next Poppy Denby book!
She finds herself unravelling a case involving a murder, stolen identity, false claim on a fortune, a possible sex-slave ring, corruption in the film industry, two vulnerable female emigrees from the Russian revolution, and the mystery of who pushed the seaman into the machinery on the ship from Southampton. We meet again the villain Archie Dorchester from Poppy Denby's past.
I love the sparkling narrative pace, the colourful evocation of the era, the accurate description of the fashions of the time, the way the author blends in real people, and above all the delightful and engaging principal characters. Now I move straight on to the next Poppy Denby book!
January 6, 2026
New York, January 1921. Poppy Denby is assigned to accompany her boss, Rollo, on a three-month assignment to the New York Times, with Delilah and Aunt Dot along for company. Poppy is assigned to write obituaries for the "death beat" and when she notices that a European prince has recently died, she starts to investigate. Poppy and Rollo are shocked when a dangerous person from their past shows up in connection to the prince's death. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian sisters Poppy met on the ship to New York are entangled in an illegal immigration scheme which relies on forced labor and prostitution. Poppy and Rollo need to uncover these crimes, while Rollo deals with his mother's involvement with the eugenics movement. I especially liked the Author's Note at the end, which expounded on topics covered in the book including immigration and refugees, journalism, sweatshop labor, eugenics, speakeasies, and radio drama broadcasts.
November 11, 2017
Just like the second part of the series, "The Death Beat" is an enjoyable read with a lot of fun characters and wonderful world-building.
Unfortunately, I just didn't think that the mystery this time was quite as well done as in the last installment of the series. The plot is still interesting but just didn't seem as complex and involved as the last part.
I still have to read the first part but I'm definitely looking forward to it and forthcoming novels in the series.
Unfortunately, I just didn't think that the mystery this time was quite as well done as in the last installment of the series. The plot is still interesting but just didn't seem as complex and involved as the last part.
I still have to read the first part but I'm definitely looking forward to it and forthcoming novels in the series.
February 4, 2023
I listen to audiobooks when I go to bed because they help me to turn off my brain and focus on something else, so I do listen to a lot of fluff - or things you don't need to concentrate on too hard. This book was heavy on the "cosy" but very light on the "mystery". It took well over half the book to get to the murder and I found I could skip entire chapters and not really miss anything.
July 17, 2018
I found this to be a good historical cozy mystery with enjoyable, interesting characters and a good plot. I will be looking for more by this author. I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
July 19, 2019
Really liked the Poppy Denny character and the mystery. The supporting characters were well written too.
Bit muddled at times because I started with book 3 of the series but things were explained well for me. Just got book 1 to read.
Bit muddled at times because I started with book 3 of the series but things were explained well for me. Just got book 1 to read.
January 28, 2024
These books are a step up from the typical cozy mystery. The writing is smooth and the dialogue is realistic. I found the mystery challenging. The characters are well formed and act true to their nature.
May 30, 2025
My favorite of this series of audiobooks thus far. The well researched history, the multi-favored mystery, the New York City locale and the unexpected return of a “bad guy from a prior book, added to the action. Well done!
July 16, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series. This one takes Rollo and Poppy to New York for 3 months and Delilah accompanies them. Poppy gets into strife as usual. She is tenacious. It was a great read. Loved the characters and the story. The ending was terrific too. Look forward to the next one.
December 2, 2025
Oh dear, I was so enjoying this book until the pathetic end chapter! Either the end climax needed more detailed information as it unfolded or it needed leaving alone... to try to explain it in a poorly written rushed last chapter was a real let down.
December 12, 2017
A strong 3rd book in the Poppy Denby series. I had trouble with the tons of characters in book 2, but this roster was much more manageable. Book 3 is set in NYC, which is a nice change of scenery.
December 13, 2020
Another great Poppy Denby book. Definitely like it better in the UK but still a great story!
July 20, 2021
The author must like clothes because she spends a lot of time describing what characters are wearing. *roll my eyes*
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