Broadway Butterfly: The real life unsolved murder of Dot King. Who killed her and why?

Broadway Butterfly by Sara DiVello is a true crime fictional account of a 1920s unsolved murder. New York during the Roaring Twenties was in full swing where power, politics, and secrets often bury the truth. On morning in 1923, scandalous flapper Dot King is found dead in her Midtown apartment. A bottle of chloroform is discovered near her body as well as thousands of dollars in jewels and high end items are missing. The news of her death makes headlines as it swirls stories of secret lovers, illegal activities and blackmail. Sprinkle in the upper crust of New York society, political connections as Julia Harpmann, a Daily News crime reporter, is hot on the case while navigating a male-dominated industry. John D. Coughlin, the righteous NYPD detective, who struggles against politics and corruption that sought to bury the truth. Ella Bradford, the victim’s Harlem maid and closest confidant who holds her deepest, darkest secrets. Will the murderer be found or will the powers that be bury it along with the victim? 

I never heard about Dot King and her horrifying death until I came across Broadway Butterfly. While described as a thriller, Broadway Butterfly is more a true crime historical fiction as the author did great research on the case and the individuals involved in investigating the crime as well as those trying to hide the truth. Ms. DiVello brings to life the real individuals who were involved with the case and the affect the case had on their lives. It is a good story about all levels of New York society of the 1920s. From the millionaires to showgirls, to the politicians and gangsters. The murder of Dot King remains unsolved to this day. Broadway Butterfly circulates the theory of the crime at the time as well as the theories that have developed since. Overall, I was interested in the story and while I knew the crime is officially unsolved, I still hoped for some type of resolution for Miss King. If you enjoy true crime stories with a historical fiction vibe, I recommend Broadway Butterfly. 

Broadway Butterfly is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Starring Adele Astaire: the glitz, the glamour and a life behind the scenes

Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight is a story of glitz, glam and a rags to riches story. Adele Astaire was a glamorous star, dancing with her brother, Fred, with fans from New York to London. While she hobnobs with royalty and the celebrities of the day, she truly dreams of a loving husband and children. When she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her dream may come true but is she ready to pay the cost? Violet Wood is a determined young dancer who dreamed of the London stage. Her dream comes true when she befriends Adele, becoming a star herself, she soon realizes that the road to fame is never easy. Adele and Violet, two women with unquenchable spirit, their lives intertwined as they witness the world around them change, they must ask if fame is really worth it? 

Starring Adele Astaire takes readers from the fast-paced world of the roaring 20s, from New York to London and beyond to the horrors and sacrifice of wartime. While I was more familiar with Fred Astaire and did not know he had a sister, I was intrigued by this fictionalized account of her story. I enjoyed the look into the theater life at the time. I enjoyed seeing the historical figures which Adele would have interacted with and her life away from the stage. Adele’s life is contrasted with Violet’s as Violet tries to find her way into the theater world and leave her old life behind. Overall, I enjoyed Starring Adele Astaire. Throughout my time reading, I would stop and google Adele and Fred, amazed that I never knew about Adele and enjoyed learning about her. I recommend Starring Adele Astaire.  

Starring Adele Astaire is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook