Murder, She Reported

Murder, She Reported #1

by Peg Cochran

A Park Avenue princess discovers the dark side of 1930s New York when a debutante ball turns deadly in this gripping historical mystery for readers of Victoria Thompson, Anne Perry, and Rhys Bowen.

Manhattan, 1938. Tired of being trapped in the gilded cage of her family’s expectations, Elizabeth Adams has done what no self-respecting socialite would think to do: She’s gotten herself a job. Although Elizabeth’s dream is to one day see her photographs on the front page of the Daily Trumpet, for now she’s working her way up as the newsroom’s gal Friday.

But fetching coffee isn’t exactly her idea of fun. So when veteran reporter Ralph Kaminsky needs a photographer to fill in for a last-minute assignment, Elizabeth jumps at the chance. At the Waldorf Hotel, Elizabeth is tasked with tracking down the season’s “It girl,” Gloria DeWitt, who will be making her society debut. Working her own connections to New York’s upper crust, Elizabeth manages to land an exclusive interview with Gloria.

Then Gloria’s stepmother is shot dead in a Waldorf bathroom, placing Elizabeth at the scene of a headline-worthy scandal: “Murder of a Society Dame.” Now Elizabeth will have to get the scoop on the killer before her good name gets dragged through the gossip columns—or worse. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2018

About the author

Mystery writing lets Peg indulge her curiosity under the guise of “work” (aka research). She put pen to paper at age seven when she wrote plays and forced her cousins to perform them at Christmas dinner. She switched to mysteries when she discovered the perfect hiding place for a body down the street from her house.

When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books' stats on Amazon.

A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan. She is the author of the Open Book Series (written as Margaret Loudon), the Murder, She Reported series, the Cranberry Cove Series, the Farmer’s Daughter series, the Gourmet De-Lite series, the Lucille series, and the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series (written as Meg London.)

Reviews

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read historical mysteries but since I liked all the books I read by Peg Cochran I decided to give this one a chance....and boy am I glad that I did. I had a great time.

The story is set in the 1930's when it was not socially acceptable that young women from wealthy families work a regular job. Elizabeth Adams doesn't want her life to be restricted to a future husband, children and social events and accepts a low level job at the local newspaper with the plan to work her way up the ladder. She is a very likeable character with little flaws that I think are due to the era.

It was a very well told mystery that reeled my right in and never let me go until the last page. I hope this will be a long lasting series.

I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and the author provided me with an advance copy.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in new series set 1938, Elizabeth Adams accept a job on the Daily Trumpet as a girl Friday. She plans on working her to bring a staff photographer. One day Ralph Kandinsky needed a protractor and tell Elizabeth to go with to photograph Gloria DeWitt's debutante's ball. While taking g pictures Elizabeth is a witness to the murder of Gloria's stepmother. The story takes many turns as Elizabeth began to learn about the lives of persons, not belonging to Society. She must find answers before she is fired from her dream job. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Alibi for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1938 in Manhattan and the country is facing the possibility of war. A woman is not expected to get a job, but that’s exactly what Elizabeth Adams does - much to her parents’ dismay. Elizabeth doesn’t need to work at all since her family is quite well-to-do. Her parents expect her to do nothing more than marry well. Elizabeth has other ideas.

Elizabeth gets a Gal Friday job at one of Manhattan’s newspapers, The Daily Trumpet. She really wants to be a photographer, but she’ll settle for office work. When one of the photographers is out sick, one of the reporters asks Elizabeth to go with him as the photographer. Of course she jumps at the chance.

The story is at the Waldorf Hotel where the season’s debutantes are making their debut. The big society event takes a nasty turn when one of the girls’ step-mother is murdered. Elizabeth finds herself in the middle of the scandal and a major headline story. She’s determined to find the killer before her own life is ruined, not to mention it’s a chance to show off her photographic skills.

This book grabbed me right from the start. It’s an old fashioned mystery with several possible suspects. The author does an excellent job of painting a vivid portrait of 1938 New York at a time when the country is fearing a possible war. I felt as if I was right there with Elizabeth, trying to figure out the mystery.

The characters are perfect for their era and jump right out of the pages. They really come to life. I can easily see this as a TV show or movie. The storyline moved at a nice pace and I read it faster than I normally read a 300 page book.

This is becoming one of my favorite settings - New York in the early 1930’s. There was a teaser for the second book and it looks to be even better than this one. I can’t wait to read it.

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great first in series by Peg Cochran! If you love historical cozies then this one is a must read! Interesting characters, a detailed 1930s NYC setting, and a well planned mystery! I was kept guessing until the very end. Elizabeth "Biz" Adams is one amateur sleuth who will definitely soon become a cozy favorite! I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder, She Reported by Peg Cochran takes us back to 1938 in New York City. Elizabeth “Biz” Adams comes from a well-to-do family, but she is not content to follow in her mother’s footsteps (marriage and hosting charity events). Elizabeth obtained a job as a Gal Friday at the Daily Trumpet, but her goal is to have her photographs appear in the paper. On the night of Gloria DeWitt’s debut ball, reporter Ralph Kaminsky finds himself without a photographer and Elizabeth gets her break. Elizabeth (shortened to Biz by Ralph) goes searching for Gloria so Ralph can get an interview. She finds Gloria crying in the ladies’ room of the Waldorf Astoria over a fight with her stepmother and accidentally snaps a pic. Later in the evening, Gloria stumbles out of another ladies’ room with blood on her dress and her stepmother, Frances is dead inside. Ralph is thrilled at getting the scoop and Elizabeth’s picture of Gloria crying makes the front page (Biz promised not to use that one). Gloria wants Elizabeth to help prove her innocence or she will ruin her socially. Can Elizabeth get the scoop on Frances’ murder or will Kaminsky get an exclusive on her death?

Murder, She Reported is a delightful story. I was drawn into the book immediately and I did not wish it to end. Ms. Cochran set the stage for the era with her references to music (Andrew Sisters), books (Gone with the Wind), food, hats, buildings, dances, makeup, clothing, and the slang. It felt like 1938 in bustling Manhattan (great world building). I thought the story to be nicely written with good transitions. Biz Adams is a great character with her intelligence and go-getter attitude. Elizabeth finds herself straddling two worlds. She is a socialite, but she is also a working woman. Her social connections aid her in investigating the crime. Ralph Kaminsky was a fun character. He is a great counterpart to Elizabeth with his rough edges and he has a different outlook from Biz. Murder, She Reported has a steady pace and I enjoyed the authors writing style (conversational). The mystery was complex with misdirection and good clues to aid the reader in solving the whodunit. There are a few items that could have been handled better (reworked). When the mother breaks her leg and needs help (she is quite demanding), the younger daughter takes care of her until she falls ill with pneumonia. The housekeeper/cook tries to cater to the mother’s every whim, but she is soon run ragged. The father does not believe in spending money unnecessarily, but, in this case, a nurse should have been hired. Especially since Elizabeth had polio as a child which left her with a limp and she tires easily (and is in a great deal of pain). There was an incident with another photographer who threatened Elizabeth. As Elizabeth gets more photography work, I thought he would pop up again. Instead, they smile across the newsroom. A little polishing would have made this a five-star novel. I am hoping that this is the first book in a new series starring Biz Adams.

[Paula Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new historical series based after the Crash of 1929. Elizabeth comes from a wealthy family but after college she didn't want to just do what is expected of her. She gets a job at a newspaper, one that is considered a rag. She is a Girl Friday to a columnist which is quite boring. One day one of the reporters needs a camera person and she is the only one there. It becomes a regular thing when the regular camera guy isn't around which is a lot. The reports calls her Biz, says Elizabeth is too big of a name. She kind of likes that she has a nickname. They are at a coming out Ball for one of her friends, Gloria, and her mother inlaw is murdered in the ladies room. There are lots of suspects and speculations. I was surprised by who did it. I enjoyed this book very much, the time period, and the illnesses that they were faced with and how they dealt with them.

[Linda Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Adams is 22, a graduate of Wellesley, and made her Society Debut at the Waldorf. Her cautious father managed to keep the family money largely intact so they haven't suffered as others have in the Great Depression. She also aspires to be a professional photographer and has taken a job at the NY Trumpet. So far, she has been relegated to "girl Friday" duties for the snooty Society Editor. No one at the paper knows about her background and she hasn't told her friends. Her mother is horrified and her distant father, bemused. Things start to change when the scruffy veteran reporter, Kaminsky, asks if she knows how to use a camera. He needs a photographer to cover the coming-out ball for Gloria DeWitt, the "it-girl" debutante of 1938. When a murder takes place at the ball Elizabeth is in the thick of things. Gloria DeWitt is a suspect, and due to an unfortunate photograph Elizabeth took, she threatens to have Elizabeth ostracized in society. Elizabeth may want a different life but is not ready to lose her friends.

Kaminsky likes Elizabeth's photos and attitude, taking her under his wing and even giving her a nickname, "Biz". Biz may have lived in Manhattan all her life, but the story takes her into places she has never seen, from Mulberry Street to the Aqueduct Racecourse, and into seamier areas of the city. She visits long-forgotten establishments like Horn and Hardart, and even tastes her first Italian food, courtesy of handsome police detective, Sal Marino. Biz is naive but approaches everything with an open heart and mind. No doubt her childhood case of polio contributed to her attitude. She escaped with only a slight limp but made friends of all backgrounds during her long hospitalization. Biz knows what is really important in life, making her a very likeable heroine.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Alibi for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Socialite Elizabeth Adams has taken a job as a gal Friday for a newspaper because she doesn't want the typical life of girls of her class. She studied photography at college but is finding herself running errands for other reporters and typing the society reporter's notes. One day a reporter named Kaminsky grabbed her to take some photos at the debut of a young woman who could be the next "It Girl" at the Waldorf Hotel.

Elizabeth first sees Gloria DeWitt in the Lady's Room where she catches her crying. She snaps a picture of her which ends up as front page story when her stepmother Frances is found shot to death. Elizabeth also sees Gloria in a blood-stained dress right after she finds her stepmother. All of a sudden, she and Kaminsky have a much bigger story on their hands.

This historical mystery was also an exploration of New York City in 1938. Sheltered Elizabeth - renamed Biz by Kaminsky - meets people she has never met before including Police Detective Sal Marino. She develops a crush on him which he returns. He introduces her to Italian food which she has never tasted and, at the end of this story, promises her a trip to Chinatown.

Biz is also shown trying to balance her life as the socialite her mother wants her to be with her new life working for a newspaper. Biz had polio as a child which has left her with only a slight limp and the fact that it gets worse as she gets tired. In the course of her work, she runs into fellow patient Irene who didn't fare as well and is now using leg braces and crutches to get around. Irene's family didn't fare as well during the Depression as Elizabeth's did either. Irene, now an orphan, is working as a coat check girl at the Waldorf and provides an essential clue.

I liked the historical detail that was part of this mystery. Biz was an interesting character too. I'm hoping that this is only the first adventure for Biz.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, She Reported is the first book in the Murder, She Reported series.

Socialite Elizabeth Adams has recently graduated from Wellesley and has just started her job as a “gal Friday” at the Daily Trumpet with the hope of someday being more than a typist. Then one day reporter, Ralph Kaminsky, grabs a camera and asks if anyone knows how to use it and Elizabeth hesitantly raises her hand. She is told to grab her coat, and that they were headed to The Waldorf for the debut of Gloria DeWitt who was being considered as the next ‘It Girl’. When Kaminsky learned she had a passing acquaintance, he tells her to get some pictures of her and set up an exclusive interview, as he smelled a winning story.

Elizabeth head to the ladies room to think of how to approach Gloria about an interview when she hears someone crying. It turns out to be Gloria who comes out with her makeup smudged and without thinking takes a picture. Elizabeth promises that it will never be published. As the evening progresses Kaminsky is getting anxious about having enough time to get the story written for the next day’s edition and tells Elizabeth to find Gloria. Thinking that Gloria might have gone to the restroom she heads that way. As she is about to open the door, Gloria comes rushing out the door with blood smeared on her beautiful gown. Her mother is in one of the stalls, dead, having been shot. But, soon Gloria will become a person of interest in the killing of her mother. Elizabeth promises to what she can to clear Gloria’s name. But when the picture that Elizabeth promised would never see the light of the day ends up on the front page of the Daily Trumpet, Elizabeth loses her social contacts. Elizabeth and Kaminsky end up doing their own investigation into what happened that sorrowful evening.

This story takes place in the 1930’s when men felt that they were the only ones could that should be writing stories and getting them published. Kaminsky was one of those men but soon learned that Elizabeth, who he started calling Biz, was not only an excellent photographer but had a good head on her shoulder for getting the facts for the story. And Biz didn’t want to tell much about her personal background, fearful that she might not be given an opportunity to prove her worth.

Peg Cochran once provides us with a well-plotted and told story. The characters are excellent and well-developed and were believable. I particularly enjoyed reading the interaction of Biz and Kaminsky. Biz may even have a romantic interest with Sal Marino, who was the investigating detective for the police.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this wonderful new series.

[Tracy Rowan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm afraid I'm going to be the single naysayer in a raft of gushingly positive reviews.  I hated this book.  Not at first, mind you, when I was sure Cochran was a first-time author, whose work suffered all the clunky problems of a newly published writer.  But when I realized she had a dozen titles to her credit, that made me rethink my initial feelings of indulgence.

What do I mean by clunky? When you tell the reader, not only the name of the nail polish but the brand, you've told us exactly nothing. I don't care if it's made by Cutex, let me see the color, frex, "her nail polish was the red of a barely cooked filet mignon,"   If you persistently tell us the name of the songs that are playing, and give us background, frex "they were dancing to Cheek to Cheek, from the Fred Astaire movie, Top Hat" it doesn't validate your historical research, it just thuds.  Fortunately by about halfway through the book, Cochran did manage to stop that particular bad habit.

And she did Elizabeth no favors by having her opine over and over, about how difficult life is for people during the depression when Elizabeth is a rich girl taking a job from someone who might actually need to work. Wanting to be independent is nifty, wanting to earn your living is great, but when you don't need the money, why take the job from someone else?  But then, Elizabeth's mother breaks her leg, and not long after, her sister, who had been nursing their mother, comes down with pneumonia, and poor Elizabeth is run ragged nursing them both plus doing her job, and sleuthing like mad.  They're rich.  Why don't they hire a nurse?  Give the nursing job to someone who needs the money!  It's really infuriating how badly thought out this seems.

Elizabeth isn't much of a character in any event, none of them are.  They're wooden and flat, and cliched.  Don't even get me started on the trite way she uses gay characters!  And the scenes between her and the detective bring the entire narrative to a grinding halt, after which it never really gets any momentum back. I got to the end, the killer was pretty much who I'd guessed it was, and my only thought was, "Well thank goodness I'm finished."

Initially, when The Housemate asked me what I thought, I told her it was a pretty lightweight mystery, but kind of cute.  By the time I finished, it had stopped being cute and was simply lightweight.  Go into it expecting nothing special, and you won't be disappointed.  It's a bit of brain candy.  I should add that I got this free from Net Galley, and my review should tell you that I can't be bought.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder, She Reported by Peg Cochran is a well written debut for a new series. The mystery is engaging but I did catch on to the culprit before the reveal. I loved the time period that the book is set in and enjoyed the cultural, music and movie references scattered throughout the book. I found Elizabeth to be spunky and likable as she was determined to be a newspaper reporter. I admired her determination to live a life more fulfilling than what she has seen in her "socialite world". The plot was well paced with several suspects and the twists and turns that connected all of the clues to lead the reader to the reveal were almost enough to keep guessing. There were a few things that didn't quite add up for me, such as not hiring a nurse for her mother when the family could easily have afforded one and her forgetting about her friend, Irene, when she needed help. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Alibi via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[3 no 7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Murder She Reported” by Peg Cochran takes readers to Manhattan in 1938, and introduces Elizabeth Adams, a socialite in working in the newsroom of the Daily Trumpet. Of course, she has dreams of a better job, so she takes a last-minute assignment and snags an interview with Gloria DeWitt who will be making her society debut At the Waldorf Hotel. A dead body in the Waldorf bathroom, lands Elizabeth in the midst of a scandal, but also gives her the opportunity to grab a front-page story. She needs to find answers before she loses her dream job. Along the way, Elizabeth, “Biz,” meets new people, eats new food, and learns about the lives of people who do not belong to “society.”

This historical mystery explores New York City in 1938, including the difficulty of life in the depression and the contradiction between the poverty-stricken citizens and the working “society” girl.

Murder She Reported has a steady plot with believable characters. However, sometimes the details are so specific and so detailed, without contributing much (nail color, brand) that they slow down the progress.

I received a review copy of “Murder She Reported” from Peg Cochran, Alibi, and NetGalley. It is a casual, enjoyable book without headache-inducing stress or mind-numbing trauma. It is fun and quick to read.

[Kayt18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read

This is truly a fun and entertaining read. A great first book in what promises to be a wonderful series

[Bea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Peg Cochran and I have mixed feelings about it. First, I enjoyed the time in history that was chosen by the author and the fact that it takes place in NYC. I got to revisit a lot of NYC that was similar to the way it was when I was growing up. I liked the idea of the story and in the beginning I was enthralled by Elizabeth, the main character. I couldn’t wait to keep reading!

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way all my good thoughts were rerouted into implausibility! Threads of the plot got left hanging, characters disappeared, people like her detective friend might have played a much bigger role in the book. Yes, some of the characters were great, like Kaminski, but I wanted them filled out more. About halfway through the book I became disappointed in the writing. Too many things went missing and there was quite a bit that became repetitive.

I also discovered that there were too many inconsistencies for my taste, for example:
1. Elizabeth had polio (I did as well) she gets fatigued and her leg drags. That is 100% accurate! But then Elizabeth is constantly exhausted, constantly working and constantly keeping up her busy social schedule! Sorry but that’s absurd. When someone who had polio gets fatigued he/she doesn’t keep going because they can’t! If they push their body too far it will rebel!
2. It seems that Elizabeth rarely eats and is always starving, yet she is running all over town chasing either a story or a murderer. Another no no for a polio survivor.
3. Elizabeth’s mother breaks her leg, her sister has pneumonia, the housekeeper is exhausted and Elizabeth is off again to work. That whole story line disappears until the very end of the book. If the family has that much money, and people don’t have jobs due to the economy, you would think they’d hire someone else to provide for their ill family members. Seriously, who is taking care of them while Elizabeth is off running around, the exhausted housekeeper?
4. Elizabeth carries with her a braid of a girl who she and Irene were in the polio hospital with who didn’t survive. The three girls were very close, yet she leaves Irene to starve and prostitute herself without helping her out? Elizabeth gives her no money, and only takes her out to eat once. This seems callous for a “rich girl” and her destitute “friend” . OK, yes, Elizabeth finally gets her a job designing hats. Of course Irene apparently has this skill but I’m not sure how she learned that skill so quickly?
5. Sullivan, another photographer that gets in Elizabeth's face for taking some photos with Kaminsky is concerned about “his job”. He basically tells Elizabeth to back off. Well, Elizabeth never does, yet for some reason Sullivan never balks again and seems to disappear for the last half of the book.
6. Elizabeth visits a tux rental store and is told by the proprietor that a “real classy looking dame” rented a tux. So, in a room full of decked out
debutantes, the only possible “classy looking dame” is Gloria? Seems a bit preposterous?
I realize that this is just my opinion and I’m grateful that so many other readers think this book is great, it’s just not for me. Suffice it to say we all like different things, including different books! I received a copy of Murder, She Reported through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and Peg Cochran for the opportunity.

[Daniele · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

MURDER, SHE REPORTED by Peg Cochran is a lovely historical cozy mystery set in 1938 New York City. We follow along as young socialite turned newspaper “girl Friday” Elizabeth “Biz” Adams, after getting a break photographing a coming out ball, navigates her way through the various subcultures of NYC of the time to get to the bottom of the murder of her fellow socialite’s mother.

Cochran paints a realistic picture of the era where there is such a huge contrast between the haves and the have nots during the Great Depression. The characters, though a bit clichéd, are well developed and believable. Though initially naïve, Elizabeth possesses a determined spirit and practical nature that helps her to succeed. Seasoned reporter Kaminsky is a nice foil for Elizabeth’s polish. Her society friends are all pretty distasteful and shallow to me, and her childhood friend Irene’s plight is heartbreaking.

The pace is good, and the mystery interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. There are several suspects along the way and a few twists and turns to keep me guessing for a good portion of the story. There are some instances where trivial bits are thrown in, such as nail polish brand and songs playing in the background, that I assume are supposed to lend period authenticity to the tale but instead disrupt the narrative.

I enjoyed MURDER, SHE REPORTED and recommend it to fans of Cochran’s other series and readers looking for a plucky heroine and interesting historical era.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the period setting, 1938, for so many reasons including the lack of instant communication accessibility and the struggle of women in society being featured.

Elizabeth Adams, 22, graduated Wellesley, had her debut last year, and is definitely not happy with the life of a socialite. She dreams of being a journalist. Taking the job as a lowly Girl Friday typing the Dear Miss Draper column at the Daily Trumpet she is up against society acceptance on both sides of the desk. When reporter Ralph Kaminsky needs a photographer Elizabeth jumps at the chance and races off to the debutante ball of Gloria DeWitt. Elizabeth fits right into this crowd and is able to get photographs that no-one else has access to, including the dead body of Gloria's dead step-mother!
Elizabeth is also a polio survivor who is determined to keep it a secret while keeping up with the demands of her job without letting it handicap her career. "Biz Adams" is exposed to a great array of situations including Det. Marino and Italian food.

I look forward to watching this character blossom as she defies society and tackles a career in a very tough field.

I volunteered to read an ARC from Alibi (Random) through Net Galley.

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1938, Elizabeth Adams lives with her family in an apartment on Park Avenue in Manhattan. Feeling trapped by her family’s expectations, she decides to get a job as a gal Friday for the newspaper, The Daily Trumpet. One day, she hopes to see her photographs gracing the front page, but for now she is stuck typing. When the photographer is unavailable, Elizabeth is tasked with accompanying veteran reporter, Ralph Kaminsky, to interview Gloria DeWitt, a society girl who is making her debut. But, when Gloria’s stepmother is shot dead in the ladies’ room, Elizabeth uses her connections to find out whodunit.
This was a very well-plotted historical mystery. I loved Elizabeth’s passion for independence, even though she was disabled. She didn’t let her disability slow her down. She also showed strength when she took care of her family after they became sick and injured. I liked the romantic aspects of the mystery which lightened the suspense. The one drawback to this novel was the overabundance of descriptions. It took too long to describe something, and left little to the reader’s imagination. I would love to read another book from this series.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! I so loved this book! I read 70% of it in five hours and finished it this morning. I want the next one in the series right now!
Elizabeth is a socialite in New York City in the 1930's who decides to take a job at a newspaper. She is a Gal Friday until she gets her break taking photos of crime scenes. The murder she gets involved in occurs at the Waldorf at a debutante ball.
I love the description used in the settings throughout this book. I felt like I was watching an old movie like The Thin Man series only with words. The author mentions famous landmarks, styles of clothing, and popular books and music of the time period, all to create a realistic you-are-there atmosphere.
I loved the characters who all seemed to have his or her own personality with no stock characters. The plot was intriguing and kept me guessing. I loved the author's breezy style of writing.
This book ended way too soon. I wanted to visit with this world a bit longer. I seriously hope this series continues for years.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did this series backwards, I read book #2 then this one, book #1. So I kind of knew what was going to happen here, but not all of it. Just bits.
This is a great start to what I know is going to be a fab series. Strong lead character, forging her way into the working world and bucking the system that says she must be a lady and must conf0rm to the rules of her world. Like not working outside the home, being a good debutante and finding a good monied husband.
I like how Elizabeth, or Biz as her coworker has nicknamed her, does what it takes to get the job done without lowering her standards. Her life as a newspaper photographer and she has to overcome some obstacles and prove herself. And she does!
There's more than one mystery going on. There's the main one, but the little sidetracks are visible. Characters are very well-drawn and detailed. Little touches puts the reader smack in the late 30's.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The murder investigation was well done with plenty of twists and red herrings. The characters are well drawn and realistic personalities. The historical aspects seem very well researched as evidenced by references to prices, brands, subway lines, and employment issues. I was surprised that there was no mention of FDR having had polio as Elizabeth and another friend bore the residuals of the disease. I had issues with some other stuff, too, but that's because I'm a retired nurse. Basically it was a very good story that kept interest and looks like the beginning of a great new series!
I requested and received a free review copy from the publisher via Netgalley.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely refreshing start to a new series by established cozy author Peg Cochran! In Murder, She Reported, our heroine, Elizabeth "Biz" Adams, is a wealthy society girl in 1930's New York who's decided to pursue a career in the newspaper business. As a gal Friday at the Daily Trumpet, she's suddenly thrust into crime photography when one of the reporters drags her along to a debutante ball to interview the next "It Girl", and the aforementioned girl's stepmother is found shot to death in the ladies room! The descriptions of the period are perfect, and it was really a step back in time - I found myself researching things as I was reading, because it was all so interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it, absolutely recommend it, and really looking forward to the second book!

[Ruthie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, She Reported is a fabulous story. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Elizabeth "Biz" Adams, Gal Friday and impromptu photographer for the Daily Trumpet. At a time (1930s) when a wealthy, high-society woman most certainly did not go out and get a job, Elizabeth does just that. Her determination to exercise her independence is refreshing, but not everything is rosy. I'll leave that teaser right there because I wouldn't want to spoil anything for anyone.

The overall story is so much fun, and I enjoyed all the musical references of the time. Elizabeth had a pampered upbringing, but she's not afraid of hard work, even if that means taking incriminating pictures of a society acquaintance and taking pictures of dead bodies. There's no room for queasiness in the life of a newspaper photographer.

With the help of her mentor at the paper, Kaminsky, Elizabeth embarks on a career where her connections and upbringing are a bonus rather than a hindrence. When someone is murdered, these two don two hats: news reporters and detectives, at a time when flashing a press pass opened doors and provided a front-row seat to all the action, no questions asked.

The characters are quite memorable, even the minor ones, and the plot is both unique and intriguing. For me, the best part of Murder, She Reported is that while Elizabeth comes from money, she is far from perfect. I like that the author has given Elizabeth a lasting limp from Polio, showing that even the wealthy can be devastated by illness. This characterization is real life and believable.

Elizabeth is also caught between two worlds: high society and the working class, allowing her to see the best and the worst of both groups. And a budding attraction to a certain detective who definitely feels the same way adds another fun layer to this story.

The murder mystery is woven throughout, but I must admit that I loved all the photography assignments Kaminsky dragged Elizabeth to because the rapport between these two is delightful. Kaminsky is actually my favorite character!

I hope this will be a series!

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5

In 1938 Manhattan 'Society' it would have been unthinkable that a young woman would go out and get a job, but that's precisely what Elizabeth Adams does. Elizabeth loves taking pictures and she hopes someday to see one of her photos gracing the front page. But it's 1938 and a woman in the newspaper office isn't about to do much more than fetch coffee now and then. Until a veteran reporter needs a photographer and Elizabeth is the only one around. The story...? It's time for Society's big 'coming out' party at the Waldorf.

Ralph, the veteran reporter, is impressed that Elizabeth seems to know all the women at the event and can get in to talk to them (he has no idea that Elizabeth is a Society dame) and he tasks her with getting some good photos and any insider information she can gather up.

When Elizabeth hears crying in a bathroom stall she opens the door and accidentally snaps a photo of a friend, capturing her bleary-eyed and with running make-up. She promises not to publish the picture (though of course we all know what's going to happen). When that woman's mother is later discovered murdered and Elizabeth and Ralph have the scoop, beating all the other papers, Elizabeth's photo makes the front page. Feeling guilty for the breach in promise, Elizabeth vows to help her friend find her mother's killer.

I really enjoy a good historical fiction story and the time period here is very appealing to me.

I like seeing a strong female protagonist - particularly for this time period, though I'd go so far as to say she's not strong enough yet. Elizabeth tends to fall into good luck over and over, rather than taking control on her own.

Author Peg Cochran has clearly done some research. And yet ... Cochran has done some research and shares it such that it doesn't really add to the story. It comes across as filler to make sure we know what era we're in because really this doesn't feel like 1938. We only know it because we're told it with the little research snippets dropped in, and most of those snippets are things that could be found with a quick Google search.

This has some potential and I liked the basic character, but I'd like it much better if she were a stronger female character.

For historical mysteries, I'd still prefer the Jake and Laura series by Michael Murphy also published by Alibi a few years ago.

Looking for a good book? Murder, She Reported, by Peg Cochran, is a simple mystery set in the late 1930's with a female protagonist that is sweet, but not particularly engaging.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, I love a mystery, especially a period piece with a woman breaking barriers and going against the norm. Meet Elizabeth Adams, a socialite turned career gal who is working her way up the ranks in order to one day see her own photographs on the cover of newspapers! Elizabeth gets a big break when she is needed to take pics for a veteran reporter at the last minute. The assignment takes her back to her roots in New York’s social scene. Success and an exclusive look to be on the horizon when there is a fatal shooting and scandal ensues. It’s a great trip to read how Elizabeth Adams reports her way out of this one!

This book sucked me right in and never let go! I can’t wait to read more of this mystery series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, Alibi for the ARC of this book.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What absolute fun! I love historical fiction, mysteries, the era of the ‘30s, and reportage, so MURDER, SHE REPORTED, is right down my literary alley. Especially enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Adams, a Manhattan deb who wants to fly free from society strictures to be a newspaper photographer. She gets more than she dreams off when embroiled in a murder while on assignment for The Daily Trumpet. Penned with wit, humor and style, Murder, She Reported gets my definite, “Yes!”

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#Murder,SheReported #NetGalley

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder, She Reported by Peg Cochran

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Peg Cochran brings to her readers a story that travels back in time to the 1930s newspaper world and takes a look at what it takes for a society girl to find her place in the world of news photography.

The 1930s were a prolific time for movies, society and jobs that helped create a whole new level of acceptable when it came to the role of women. World War I and the Depression were in the rearview mirror and everyone was finding a new place to belong. Women were slowly making their way into the work force beyond housekeeping and secretarial work and discovering how to thrive in a formerly all-male world. Peg Cochran gives her readers a chance to enter this new world with her latest story and I, for one, enjoyed it immensely. She begins her story with one Elizabeth Adams, a young society woman who is determined to make a difference in the world. Having survived Polio as a child, Elizabeth knows there are no guarantees in this life, so she is stepping out of the safety of her 5th Avenue home and going to work as a gal Friday for the Daily Trumpet. She is hoping to work as either a reporter or a news photographer but has only so far been allowed to type out copy print for the society column writer. Finally, her chance comes one evening when all the other reporters and photographers are out chasing a story. Ralph Kaminsky is a rough and tough reporter who does whatever it takes to get his story. When he requires a photographer to go with him to the debut of "It Girl" Gloria DeWitt, Elizabeth seizes her chance. But the debut will bring more than just a story about the latest popular debutante when Gloria DeWitt's stepmother is found dead in the upstairs retiring room. Kaminsky is determined to get to the bottom of the story and quickly learns that "Biz", as he christens Elizabeth, is the one to find out everything he needs to know from the society folks. Elizabeth enjoys being the reporter's new favorite photographer and appreciates his kind looking out for her when they are out on a story. She is also determined to find out what happened to Frances DeWitt and agrees to investigate with Kaminsky to help find the culprit. As they dive into the lives of those closest to the DeWitts, lots of ugly details come to light and more people will lose their lives before the case is solved. Along the way, Elizabeth also comes into contact with Detective Sal Marino, a handsome man who works hard at the cases he's handed. Marino works most of the murder cases for the borough and Elizabeth has a chance to watch him work each case with compassion and respect towards the deceased. When he asks her to lunch after they meet up at a crime scene, Elizabeth readily agrees. Marino introduces her to the world of Italian food and regales her with stories about growing up Italian. His interest in her is unexpected but most welcome as Elizabeth is glad to have found a real man rather than the boys she's been around so far during her adult life. Kaminsky and Elizabeth work together but separate from Marino to solve the DeWitt case but it will take all of them to figure out the real culprit behind all the violence. This story was so fun to read given both the subject and the time period in which it takes place. I love the 1930s and all that it brought to our country and it was fun to read a story of a young woman from that era. Ms. Cochran carefully crafted her story to keep it light on the gruesome and heavy on the drama and I believe this worked to make the story better. The cases and the people that Elizabeth interacted with seemed very real and drew me in with their development. I was also pleasantly surprise at the bit of romance Ms. Cochran included without letting it overtake the main story. My only two issues with the story are minor in consideration: First, I wish the story had been a little longer to give more time to develop the DeWitt case deeper. It was a little shallow but I understand this had to be the case as the story is shorter in total length. And as this book is more focused on the news photography side of things it is also understandable that Elizabeth wouldn't be too deeply involved in a case. The second issue I had was the unnecessary cuss words included. They were not so many that they really detracted from the story but as the frequency of them was low it would have worked just as well, I believe, if they had been left out altogether. But these minor issues did not really lessen my enjoyment of the story and I am very much looking forward to the next story: Murder, She Discovered. Ms. Cochran has done well with her short series thus far and I believe she will continue given her excellent writing and the dry wit she weaves into her stories. I will certainly recommend this book to others as a fun story to read, although I will warn them of the language so it is read by older readers rather than younger.

I received this E-Book free of charge from Random House Publishing/Alibi in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

[Randee Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

MURDER, SHE REPORTED by Peg Cochran is the first in a new historical mystery series set in the late 1930s New York City. The novel is due to be published on July 31st 2018 by Alibi.

Searching for more purpose in her life than that of a socialite, Elizabeth Adams takes a job as a gal Friday at the Daily Trumpet. Her dream of one day becoming a staff photographer slowly begins to come true when one of the reporters, Ralph Kaminsky, takes her along to take photos of this season’s debutantes at their coming out ball. While at the ball, this season’s It Girl’s stepmother is murdered in the bathroom. Between doing her job, taking care of her family, and having a bit of a social life, Elizabeth and Kaminsky conduct their own investigation into Mrs. DeWitt’s murder.

MURDER, SHE REPORTED started out as an interesting, light-weight mystery novel. Elizabeth Adams is a bit naïve when it comes to the real world – she was brought up as a sheltered socialite – but she begins to spread her wings as the novel progresses and she finds herself in situations that no socialite would typically find herself in. She also encounters people from all walks of life. As a young woman, Elizabeth is also fighting to make her way in a man’s world. Unfortunately, her reporter friend makes things a bit easy for her considering he chooses to take her along as his photographer almost every time he gets called out to a story. While I found the novel interesting, I wasn’t blown away by the mystery aspect. The suspect pool seemed fairly small considering the murder took place at a party with a large number of attendees. Elizabeth settles on a narrow suspect list, and never seems to consider that any of the other guest could possibly have a motive. Storylines and characters from the first half of the novel disappeared or were given no conclusion. Early in the novel, one of the staff photographers threatens to get Elizabeth fired after he feels that she stole his job by taking photographs at the debutante ball. Despite the fact that Elizabeth continues to take photographs for other stories, the other photographer never follows through on his threat. In fact, he almost completely disappears and is seen only one more time when he smiles at Elizabeth from across the newsroom. I found it baffling that this angry photographer was suddenly showing approval towards Elizabeth. The scene that lost me was when Elizabeth finds out that her oldest friend is working as a prostitute, but, instead of helping the other woman, Elizabeth runs off to have lunch with the attractive detective that she conveniently keeps running in to. Also, the descriptions got a tad heavy-handed at times. I felt like I was being told things rather than shown.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Adams is a young lady from a wealthy family in New York City. She has graduated from college and done something her family does not understand. She is working on a daily newspaper. She is a “girl Friday” for the society columnist, but she is soon drafted into being a photographer for one of the best reporters on the paper.

Kaminski is a crime reporter. He introduces “Biz” to life and death situations. He calls her Biz because he likes to give nicknames to his fellow reporters. Liz overcomes the nausea that goes with some of those situations, to take terrific pictures. But, she also has a rush of adrenaline from the excitement. He has introduced her to a part of life that is completely new to her.

One of the first places they go is a deb ball. Gloria is the year's It Girl and she is having her come out at this grand event. It happens that Liz knows her, after all this is a part of her history and her life. Gloria agrees to Liz getting a good picture as well as Kaminski doing an interview. He believes that there is always a story somewhere in there.

He is right. Gloria's step-mother is shot during the party. Liz is drawn into the hunt for the murderer. Gloria is the number one suspect in the murder.

Kaminski knows the ins and outs of crime. Between the two of them, they investigate very well. It does not hurt that she meets a detective, Marino, who is attractive and attracted to her. She looks forward to each encounter with the detective.

The dialog and situations are definitely from another time and place. In the news room there are typewriters clacking away. There is no instant anything. Kaminski and Liz take a subway, a cab or walk to crime scenes. Ms Cochran has created an atmosphere of a time and place when life was difficult for most people.

This is a terrific mystery.

I liked Liz and Kaminski as a team. She is intelligent and quick to learn from a pro like Kaminski.

There were things which I did not like. I felt that Liz's mother getting injured and becoming so thoughtless to everyone seemed to be thrown in for no particular reason. Unless we were supposed to see how inconsiderate the upper classes are. I think the descriptions of traveling in 1930's New York City at times became too wordy. But, it certainly added to the texture of the story.

Overall it is a very good book. The mystery was well plotted. And the various secondary stories added a great deal of depth to the story.

I liked this a lot. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXTRA! EXTRA! read all about. The season's "it girl" accused of killing her stepmother. That's exactly how I see the headlines in the paper that Elizabeth works for. Elizabeth is a go getter and loves working at the Daily Trumpet. When she gets a chance to be the photographer for a story she is beyond excited. What she didn't see coming was the picture that puts suspicion on Gloria, the "it girl" of the season.
The author has painted a great picture of the 1930s with references like Girl Friday and the mention of Ponds cold cream. I can remember my grandmother having a jar of Ponds sitting on her night table. I loved to smell it and tryh it on. Elizabeth is very smart and hopes to crack the case with her subtle questions and photographs. Her boss is a real hoot. He encourages Elizabeth and uses her skills to help get great stories for the paper.
Elizabeth is asked to help prove Gloria innocent. Can she dig up the truth before someone is killed? The setting of the story is my favorite part. I just love the time period and how easy going Elizabeth is. She comes from a wealthy family, but doesn't really let on about her background. Elizabeth's family is somewhat off putting. Her mother is a snob and her father is a tightwad, but they still try to encourage Elizabeth in her adventures. I loved the clues throughout the story that could almost be missed if you aren't paying attention. This is my new go to author for mysteries that take readers back to a time where women really had to prove they could do things men did. The story is well written with a cast of characters that at times seem to have their own agenda. The ending is really good and i was surprised at a it of the story line. I didn't figure out who the killer was, but i was pleased with the ending. I look forward to more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Blog Tours. The review is my own opinion.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book before publication. My opinions are my own.

Peg Cochran is a favorite author of mine so I was thrilled to read this new historical mystery. The author certainly did her research of the time and has gifted her readers with this authentic realistic depiction of the time period. The great depression is not a easy subject to write of with authenticity and the author wrote a excellent depiction of the time., the culture of NYC and the hardships people faced. It was a fascinating view of a society woman stepping out of her comfort zone to become a career woman in a time where women with careers were frowned upon in society.

This book is set in 1938 New York City. We meet a young socialite turned newspaper “girl Friday” Elizabeth “Biz” Adams. She wishes to be a career photographer and has a lucky break that propels her career. She works her way navigating through the different hardships of NYC of the time for professional women to find out more about a murder of her fellow socialite’s mother which she is determined to solve on her own.

Cochran writes very realistically about the period during the Great Depression. The characters all add to the story with depth and interest to the reader. Elizabeth is a determined practical person that helps her to succeed. Navigating a man's world and during the depression she never gives up and I like that quality of determination in her as a protagonist of her time period.
The well crafted mystery kept me interested. There are several suspects along the way as the sleuth grew in detail . The ending surprised this avid mystery reader. I look forward to the next in series with great anticipation.
I enjoyed MURDER, SHE REPORTED and highly recommend it for al mystery readers looking for a savvy smart protagonist and interesting historical era. Very well done to the author. Thank you for the ARC.