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Higgins & Hawke Mystery #4
Death by Dancing
Death’s a jig!
When a brutal dance marathon in the suburbs of Boston in 1932 turns deadly, Dr. Haley Higgins is surprised to discover the deceased is the widow of a man whose body still lay in the cold cabinets of her morgue. She has reasons to believe the man’s death wasn’t natural, and now, with his wife having succumbed to the same symptoms, her convictions of foul play are stronger than ever.
With the help of investigative reporter Samantha Hawke, Haley works to determine which contestants in the dancing contest had means, motive, and opportunity. And most of all, how to keep the killer from striking again.
When a brutal dance marathon in the suburbs of Boston in 1932 turns deadly, Dr. Haley Higgins is surprised to discover the deceased is the widow of a man whose body still lay in the cold cabinets of her morgue. She has reasons to believe the man’s death wasn’t natural, and now, with his wife having succumbed to the same symptoms, her convictions of foul play are stronger than ever.
With the help of investigative reporter Samantha Hawke, Haley works to determine which contestants in the dancing contest had means, motive, and opportunity. And most of all, how to keep the killer from striking again.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2021
118 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
130 books2,343 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 27, 2021
The Marathon
The Dance marathon is here, days of dancing without stopping. A large prize at the end for the lucky couple of winners. Sounds fun and entertaining until the dancers start dropping dead.
Bring Haley the coroner on site and her friend Samantha the reporter with her handsome co worker Johnny Milwaukee. Things turn to a murder investigation when the dead dancers have the same symptoms. Samantha works to find out who is responsible with her co worker and her friend Haley.
There are a lot of suspects but who is desperate enough to murder someone and what secrets will be discovered. Samantha is delighted to work on something other than a fluff story at the paper, but not so happy to work so closely with Johnny.
An interesting and entertaining story, I enjoyed this book, Lee Strauss wrote another fantastic book.
The Dance marathon is here, days of dancing without stopping. A large prize at the end for the lucky couple of winners. Sounds fun and entertaining until the dancers start dropping dead.
Bring Haley the coroner on site and her friend Samantha the reporter with her handsome co worker Johnny Milwaukee. Things turn to a murder investigation when the dead dancers have the same symptoms. Samantha works to find out who is responsible with her co worker and her friend Haley.
There are a lot of suspects but who is desperate enough to murder someone and what secrets will be discovered. Samantha is delighted to work on something other than a fluff story at the paper, but not so happy to work so closely with Johnny.
An interesting and entertaining story, I enjoyed this book, Lee Strauss wrote another fantastic book.
November 19, 2021
It's 1932 in Boston and the Depression has taken it's toll on many Americans. Ms. Strauss has written an intricate murder that depicts the feelings of desperation that many felt during this time with savings gone and jobs no longer available. This story pulled me in from the first page and I didn't put it down until I reached the end.
I've missed Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke and was glad to see them back in a new mystery. These are two smart and independent women who are making it in a male dominated work force. The story is cleverly plotted, the characters are believable and the clues were mixed in with a few red herrings which kept me guessing until the dramatic reveal. Another winner in this series!
I voluntarily read a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I've missed Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke and was glad to see them back in a new mystery. These are two smart and independent women who are making it in a male dominated work force. The story is cleverly plotted, the characters are believable and the clues were mixed in with a few red herrings which kept me guessing until the dramatic reveal. Another winner in this series!
I voluntarily read a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
December 17, 2021
This is the latest book in The Higgins and Hawke Mystery Series set in the 30’s during the Great Depression. The premise of the story involves dance marathons and what people were desperate to do to try to win money, especially as it was very difficult for many people to do so. People were selling their belongings to survive.
The main characters, a woman chief medical officer and a female reporter do not approve but get caught up with a dance marathon while doing their jobs. Two persons who participated appear to be murdered and our main characters are on the case to solve the murders. As usual there are a number of suspects.
The series is well written as are all of Lee Strauss’ books. The main and ongoing characters are believable and relatable. As usual the descriptions help you “see” what is happening. I really appreciate the social themes that are discussed in her books. It adds a depth not found in most cozies.
The main characters, a woman chief medical officer and a female reporter do not approve but get caught up with a dance marathon while doing their jobs. Two persons who participated appear to be murdered and our main characters are on the case to solve the murders. As usual there are a number of suspects.
The series is well written as are all of Lee Strauss’ books. The main and ongoing characters are believable and relatable. As usual the descriptions help you “see” what is happening. I really appreciate the social themes that are discussed in her books. It adds a depth not found in most cozies.
February 19, 2024
The characters are appealing and I enjoy the narrator.
December 16, 2021
This series just seems to get better with each new book and Death by Dancing continues that trend. The female protagonists are smart, assertive women who aren't afraid to push the boundaries of what society dictates as their roles. The storyline was interesting and opened a window into what the people of that era were dealing with and how they coped. The mystery was well plotted with several red herrings along the way. A not to be missed read whether you are a series fan or new to this authors books.
A dance marathon turns deadly and Hailey and Sam jump in to investigate.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
A dance marathon turns deadly and Hailey and Sam jump in to investigate.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
November 29, 2021
Another very entertaining and page turning mystery in the Higgins & Hawke series which leaves you guessing until the surprise ending. The setting is depression era Boston where Haley Higgins has become the Chief Medical Examiner and has worked very hard to achieve such a position especially for a woman and her friend Samantha Hawke trying to make her way as an investigative journalist when women in the news business back then only wrote fluff pieces or were gofers they were never given bylines. Because it was depressing times, people would do whatever than can to earn a little money to pay bills or feed their families. This book takes us to the Dance Marathons with a large payoff for the last remaining couple standing. When Haley gets a call from a funeral home that the body they received who dropped dead at the marathon seems unusual, she agreed to look into it. Then when his wife also in the marathon drops dead we have the need for further investigation. Samantha was at the marathon covering it for the paper. Haley was at the venue to see what is going on there when there is another person who dropped dead. Samantha was able to scoop her journalistic nemesis, Johnny Milwaukee since she was in the right place at the right time and friends with Haley. Her boss liked her story but wanted more and put Johnny with Haley as her partner in the story. Aside from the payoff, what is the motive and who are the suspects - there are so many if you look at all the remaining dancers. Will Samantha and Johnny be able to solve the mystery before anyone else dies with Haley's help? This is a fast-paced fun series and I can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 21, 2021
Dr. Haley Higgins has worked hard and paid her dues. Now, even though not all men supported her, she is the Chief Medical Examiner of Boston! She is one very capable woman!
Getting a by-line in the paper is not easy. Its even harder for a woman. Sam (Samantha) Hawke is finally making headway in her desire to do more than fluff pieces for the newspaper. Learning to do investigative journalism takes a lot of time, effort and being alert to everything. But must she take these steps to reach her goals.
The day a local mortician calls Haley about something strange with a body brought to him finds Haley to a dance marathon. Sam’s paper decides a woman’s perspective along with their male reporter, Johnny Milwaukee, will be good for the paper so they are there, too.
Another person dies on the dance floor and it starts Haley and Sam investigating from different perspectives. When another person dies on the dance floor everything about the investigations intensify.
Life gets complicated for everyone at times but for single women, one with a child to support it can get very complicated. And with so many people to investigate it can be exhausting. Can it become dangerous?
This is another good cozy mystery from Lee Strauss you do not want to miss.
Getting a by-line in the paper is not easy. Its even harder for a woman. Sam (Samantha) Hawke is finally making headway in her desire to do more than fluff pieces for the newspaper. Learning to do investigative journalism takes a lot of time, effort and being alert to everything. But must she take these steps to reach her goals.
The day a local mortician calls Haley about something strange with a body brought to him finds Haley to a dance marathon. Sam’s paper decides a woman’s perspective along with their male reporter, Johnny Milwaukee, will be good for the paper so they are there, too.
Another person dies on the dance floor and it starts Haley and Sam investigating from different perspectives. When another person dies on the dance floor everything about the investigations intensify.
Life gets complicated for everyone at times but for single women, one with a child to support it can get very complicated. And with so many people to investigate it can be exhausting. Can it become dangerous?
This is another good cozy mystery from Lee Strauss you do not want to miss.
November 6, 2021
Lee Strauss has crafted another riveting mystery, this time in the Higgins & Hawke series, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early ARC.
The mystery is set within the shocking depression era phenomenon of dance marathons, and it is clear that Strauss has spent many hours researching not only the era itself, but this particular event as well. She brings both to life on the page, depicting the desperation that so many at the time were experiencing, and the callousness of those who took advantage of them. She also includes insight into the plight of women at the time and the struggle any women with aspirations to work in the male dominated work force experienced.
But the book is more than social commentary, which is inserted into the story line in such a way as to be unobtrusive. The murders of dancers themselves is intriguing, the suspects are plentiful, and the efforts of our two heroines in solving the crime keep us turning the pages. It was great to get back to seeing the two women stretch their wings.
Once again, Strauss has written a compelling story that keeps us guessing to the end.
The mystery is set within the shocking depression era phenomenon of dance marathons, and it is clear that Strauss has spent many hours researching not only the era itself, but this particular event as well. She brings both to life on the page, depicting the desperation that so many at the time were experiencing, and the callousness of those who took advantage of them. She also includes insight into the plight of women at the time and the struggle any women with aspirations to work in the male dominated work force experienced.
But the book is more than social commentary, which is inserted into the story line in such a way as to be unobtrusive. The murders of dancers themselves is intriguing, the suspects are plentiful, and the efforts of our two heroines in solving the crime keep us turning the pages. It was great to get back to seeing the two women stretch their wings.
Once again, Strauss has written a compelling story that keeps us guessing to the end.
November 24, 2021
During the height of the depression, people went to great lengths just to survive. The background event of this novel is marathon dancing, where the winning couple took home $1,000--a fortune in the 30's. We find Haley Higgins getting settled into her new position as Chief Medical Examiner, and Sam Hawke still in her position at the Boston newspaper, but with her own desk in the male dominated newsroom.
The dancers start to drop like flies, but from exhaustion not from death. Until, first one dancer falls down and doesn't get up, and then a second. Sam gets her byline, and Haley gets the body (s).
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure from the pen of Ms Strauss. The plot is first rate. However it is in the details of the era, city, gender expectations, and friendships that takes the plot and makes it into the gripping story that it is. I certainly hope that we can read more about this duo soon!
The dancers start to drop like flies, but from exhaustion not from death. Until, first one dancer falls down and doesn't get up, and then a second. Sam gets her byline, and Haley gets the body (s).
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure from the pen of Ms Strauss. The plot is first rate. However it is in the details of the era, city, gender expectations, and friendships that takes the plot and makes it into the gripping story that it is. I certainly hope that we can read more about this duo soon!
December 1, 2021
Although I have read many of Lee Strauss’s books and have found them very interesting and enjoyable reads, this is the first book in the Higgins and Hawke Mystery series I have read. What I love about this book is its historical accuracy about how life was during the Great Depression. I never even knew anything like these dance marathons existed, and I can’t imagine what it must have been like to participate.
Another thing I loved about this book is the way the characters of Hayley Higgins and Samantha Hawke avoid the stereotype of typical women’s roles. Hayley is the Chief Medical Examiner and Samantha is the only female reporter in a pool full of men. She is also a single mom due to the death of her husband. These women work together to solve the mystery of the murders that occurred during the dance marathon.
Strauss has a way of creating intriguing characters and suspenseful situations. Reading one of her books always has me waiting for the next one.
Another thing I loved about this book is the way the characters of Hayley Higgins and Samantha Hawke avoid the stereotype of typical women’s roles. Hayley is the Chief Medical Examiner and Samantha is the only female reporter in a pool full of men. She is also a single mom due to the death of her husband. These women work together to solve the mystery of the murders that occurred during the dance marathon.
Strauss has a way of creating intriguing characters and suspenseful situations. Reading one of her books always has me waiting for the next one.
November 26, 2021
Do you feel like dancing? Welcome back to the fun loving 1930’s with Haley and Sam. This series is so fun and demonstrative of strong female lead characters. It is refreshing to see females portrayed in a positive light and holding prominent positions in society during an era that this would be quite difficult. However, Lee Strauss is able to effectively make you feel that this was the norm.
The crime fighting dynamics between Haley and Sam are so strong that you know they are going to solve the case! Honestly, this book kept me guessing until the end as to who the killer was! I love that Lee Strauss uses such subtle nuances to make you think it could be multiple people. Isn’t that the fun in a great mystery? I don’t want to guess in the first five minutes. If you haven’t already done so pick up a book by this amazing author.
The crime fighting dynamics between Haley and Sam are so strong that you know they are going to solve the case! Honestly, this book kept me guessing until the end as to who the killer was! I love that Lee Strauss uses such subtle nuances to make you think it could be multiple people. Isn’t that the fun in a great mystery? I don’t want to guess in the first five minutes. If you haven’t already done so pick up a book by this amazing author.
January 14, 2022
(Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book! The following opinion is of my own wording.)
Death by Dancing: a 1930s Cozy Murder Mystery, (A Higgins and Hawke Mystery, book 4)
by: Lee Strauss
Cozy mysteries are some of my favorites to read and this was no exception! Lee Strauss has become another one of my favorite authors and this story was a page turner! I was intrigued by the dance marathon topic and I loved Higgins and Hawke's personalities and how they worked together to help the law enforcement figure out the cases, along with all of the twists with figuring out who the real murderer was! A newspaper writer and a hospital morgue doctor in the 1930s! I loved this and am ready for another one!
Death by Dancing: a 1930s Cozy Murder Mystery, (A Higgins and Hawke Mystery, book 4)
by: Lee Strauss
Cozy mysteries are some of my favorites to read and this was no exception! Lee Strauss has become another one of my favorite authors and this story was a page turner! I was intrigued by the dance marathon topic and I loved Higgins and Hawke's personalities and how they worked together to help the law enforcement figure out the cases, along with all of the twists with figuring out who the real murderer was! A newspaper writer and a hospital morgue doctor in the 1930s! I loved this and am ready for another one!
November 27, 2021
The long awaited book four with the Haley Higgins and Samantha Hawke characters does not disappoint. Set in the 1930's, America is experiencing the depression era. Most people are out of work, out of money and there's not much food to go around. Haley Higgins is the local M.E. and therefore is financially better off than most. Samantha Hawke is working at a newspaper desperately trying to break into the men's club by writing about substantial news items instead of flower arrangements. These two friends now share an apartment along with Samantha's daughter.
If you like reading about history and women of strength with a bit of creative thinking this book is for you.
If you like reading about history and women of strength with a bit of creative thinking this book is for you.
November 18, 2021
This is a story of two women who have careers in the 1930's. Both are competent and driven. When a body shows up smelling of carrots, followed by another of a participant of a dance marathon, they both attack the mystery from their own areas if expertise.
This is a well written mystery, that also reflects the desperation of the average person living in the depression of the 1930's. I loved the history woven into this mystery.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
This is a well written mystery, that also reflects the desperation of the average person living in the depression of the 1930's. I loved the history woven into this mystery.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
December 1, 2021
I loved the book. I think this is the best book so far in the Higgins and Hawke mysteries. Sam and Haley have a tough time finding the killer and the story kept me guessing till the end. The book has suspense, excitement and a good mystery, everything I want in a book. I love Strauss' period mysteries and the way she pulls in the relevant happenings of the time into her stories. It makes it so much more interesting.
May 17, 2022
Fourth Installment of a Delightful 1930s Mystery Series
Marathon dancing was a well-known and grueling way of attempting to make money as well as 15 minutes of fame during the Great Depression. It was also a grueling way to die. Possibly more than a few individuals thought it could be a "good" way of covering up murder! However, even before 21st century forensics, such nefarious types do not consider anyone like a team of Higgins and Hawke!
Marathon dancing was a well-known and grueling way of attempting to make money as well as 15 minutes of fame during the Great Depression. It was also a grueling way to die. Possibly more than a few individuals thought it could be a "good" way of covering up murder! However, even before 21st century forensics, such nefarious types do not consider anyone like a team of Higgins and Hawke!
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed this! Even though I jumped into the series 4 books in, the author did a nice job catching me up on the heroines’ past relationships and adventures without it feeling forced. Their jobs were interesting and added some texture to the story, and the murder setting felt unique. The suspects all had solid motives, and the clues were dropped at a steady, satisfying pace. There’s also a small touch of romance that fit naturally with the tone. Overall, a solid read.
December 1, 2021
Good read!
Strauss does not disappoint, again! Times were tough, money tight and folks shared with neighbors during the depression. This book captures the era spot on as people found entertainment they could afford and dance competitions were perfect.....either watch or participate. This is page turning and gives (well, to me) an unexpected finale!
Strauss does not disappoint, again! Times were tough, money tight and folks shared with neighbors during the depression. This book captures the era spot on as people found entertainment they could afford and dance competitions were perfect.....either watch or participate. This is page turning and gives (well, to me) an unexpected finale!
December 9, 2021
Serendipity, serendipity. ...
Great characters and storyline, but the constant use of the word "Serendipity " almost had me stop reading. The overuse of the word without ever using any other "Big Words" makes one feel that the author just learned her first.
Other than that, a nice read. Actually the whole series was pretty good. Just no more serendipity please.
Great characters and storyline, but the constant use of the word "Serendipity " almost had me stop reading. The overuse of the word without ever using any other "Big Words" makes one feel that the author just learned her first.
Other than that, a nice read. Actually the whole series was pretty good. Just no more serendipity please.
December 12, 2021
A delightful story, with characters who are so well portrayed that by the end of the story they are like personal acquaintances.
Lee Strauss captures the feel and spirit of the times to perfection. The clever plot with requisite red herrings and suspects galore from which to choose kept me turning the pages until the very end.
Read as an ARC and this review is voluntary.
Lee Strauss captures the feel and spirit of the times to perfection. The clever plot with requisite red herrings and suspects galore from which to choose kept me turning the pages until the very end.
Read as an ARC and this review is voluntary.
April 17, 2025
A captivating series of mysteries in the 30’s highlighting how the depression had effected the society
I would recommend it for the mystery was not easily solved and the killer a surprise. I liked it also for it not only highlighted the struggles that facts society after the depression; but women’s struggles to break into fields dominated by men.
I would recommend it for the mystery was not easily solved and the killer a surprise. I liked it also for it not only highlighted the struggles that facts society after the depression; but women’s struggles to break into fields dominated by men.
December 2, 2021
Interesting scenario. Dance marathon. Haley has some personal opportunities in this story. There are some tense moments in this book. I liked the characters. I liked the setting. I thought the mystery was well plotted. I liked this story better than some of the previous ones.
December 2, 2021
Hailey Higgins is now Chief Medical Examiner in Boston. Samantha Hawke is a reporter for the Boston newspaper. They friends and flatmates. During a dance marathon there are two suspicious deaths, and Hailey and Sam investigate.
December 2, 2021
It is another winner for Lee Strausz
What a great book by Lee Strauss starring Haley Higgins (a close of Ging e r Gold, and Samantha (Sam) Hawke. A finely written story of the dance marathons.
What a great book by Lee Strauss starring Haley Higgins (a close of Ging e r Gold, and Samantha (Sam) Hawke. A finely written story of the dance marathons.
December 3, 2021
More than just a Two step.
Higgins and Hawke waltz into the world of the dance endurance contests. Sam is sent to get the scoop on the contestants, while Hailey works on finding out what caused a dancing contestant to die .
Higgins and Hawke waltz into the world of the dance endurance contests. Sam is sent to get the scoop on the contestants, while Hailey works on finding out what caused a dancing contestant to die .
December 4, 2021
Fun
I enjoy Lee Strauss and her books, but Ginger Gold is still my favorite, the two extensions off of that originally series, keeps you occupied until a new Lady Gold, is published. Fun story, fun characters and of course a very clean Murder!!
I enjoy Lee Strauss and her books, but Ginger Gold is still my favorite, the two extensions off of that originally series, keeps you occupied until a new Lady Gold, is published. Fun story, fun characters and of course a very clean Murder!!
December 10, 2021
Death by Dancing
Who doesn't love dancing and it's all the more exciting when there is a dance marathon with a big prize at the end.
Lee Strauss has written another absolutely brilliant mystery not to be missed.
Who doesn't love dancing and it's all the more exciting when there is a dance marathon with a big prize at the end.
Lee Strauss has written another absolutely brilliant mystery not to be missed.
December 12, 2021
I missed reading about Haley and Sam and this is a great addition to the series. When you think dancing can be fun, before you know it there are two deaths and more mysteries around each corner. Enjoy!!
December 12, 2021
A good read!
Great Depression dance contest goes wrong…strong intelligent reporter and pathologist work to find the killer. This author never disappoints. Highly recommend this series.
Great Depression dance contest goes wrong…strong intelligent reporter and pathologist work to find the killer. This author never disappoints. Highly recommend this series.
December 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book, just like all the rest of Lee Strauss' books. I especially enjoyed learning about the dance marathons that took place in the 1920's and 1930's. Such a fascinating look into how desperate times created such an extreme competitions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews