“Yes.”
Mrs. Mueller said, “He saved that little boy that they kidnapped.” Mrs. Mueller’s children were grown, but she was not yet the grandmother she longed to be. Anything to do with children caught her attention.
“Now, he’d get my vote,” said Bernadette, pointing to the picture of Tyler. “He’s not all talk. He gives the dagoes what they deserve.”
I winced. Dago was not a word I cared for—and I heard it a lot. A series of sensational (or sensationalized) incidents had many in the city feeling under siege from foreign criminals. Our last commissioner, Theodore Bingham, had made the startling claim that 85 percent of the criminals in the city were exotic. Russian Hebrews, he said, had cornered the market in crimes against property, such as burglars, firebugs, and pickpockets. Chinatown was a “plague spot that ought not to be allowed to exist.” But the “Italian malefactor” was by far the greatest threat, and the most notorious of these was a group known as the “Black Hand.” Their crimes were legion. Homes and shops were dynamited by blackmailers. Children kidnapped and held for ransom. Italian families extorted of their earnings. The body parts of those who ran afoul of the gang were strewn in city streets.
In response, Commissioner Bingham and Charles Tyler had created a special “Italian Squad,” headed by Lt. Joseph Petrosino and staffed by other men of Italian extraction, who could go undetected through the Italian neighborhoods of the East Side and Upper Broadway. A string of dramatic arrests brought great acclaim to the squad—and of course, the men responsible for its creation. If there were some who felt Charles Tyler’s war against gangs was a little showy, his cultivation of his own myth a little obvious, it could not be denied that he invested his work with all the considerable energy and wits at his disposal.
But it was the Forti case that had made Charles Tyler a national hero, winning him the hearts of American mothers so definitively that it was said that if women were given the vote, Charles Tyler could stroll right into the White House. The kidnapping of six-year-old Emilio Forti, who disappeared from his own street, had commanded Mr. Tyler’s attentions because, as he told the papers, “I have sons of my own and the thought of their mother’s heartbreak should they be taken from us is unimaginable.”
The Fortis were a well-to-do family. Emilio’s father was a lawyer. Emilio’s mother had first become alarmed when he failed to come home from school that afternoon. When she checked, she was told her son never arrived. That evening, the family had received a letter, demanding payment of $15,000 for the child’s return. The kidnappers warned that if the matter came to the attention of the police, “you will receive the body of your son by parcel post. In pieces.”
Some people observed that there was little reason for Charles Tyler to accompany “his” Sicilians on the Italian Squad, but accompany them he did. When they got a tip as to the whereabouts of the suspected kidnappers, Tyler, in disguise, tailed them from a saloon on Flatbush Avenue to a grocery on Eleventh Street. “I heard a child crying,” Tyler later told reporters. “I banged on the door and demanded entrance. No one answered and so we broke into the room. There I saw a boy, who trembled and said, ‘Please don’t kill me, mister, I’m Emilio.’ I picked the little fellow up and told him I was a policeman and that I was going to take him home to his people.”
The Italian Squad managed to arrest two of the kidnappers; the police implied there were others, but these two were dim enough to get caught. One of them was Dante Moretti, son of the notorious Sirrino Moretti. Speaking with the newspapers, the senior Mr. Moretti, who described himself as a humble merchant, had suggested that as the charges were false the trial would not be in Charles Tyler’s best interest. His reputation, worried Mr. Moretti, could “suffer.” Tyler responded to these threats with characteristic bravado, and a war of words had ensued, much to the delight of the press. I just hoped that the battle would not escalate. At least, not before the wedding.
“Maybe that’s why she’s nervous,” said Bernadette, tossing her head toward Louise’s room. “You’re walking down the aisle, all of a sudden, some guinea jumps out and tries to cut your throat.”
I had seen too much of Louise’s nerves to find this funny. “Miss Louise’s wedding day will be perfect. Even if I have to cut someone’s throat myself.”
Bernadette narrowed her eyes. “And what happens to you after the wedding? What if her mother-in-law decides you’re not good enough for the new Mrs. Tyler? Wants someone who’s worked for royalty and speaks French?”
The question had occurred to me, but I wasn’t going to admit it to Bernadette, who added, “It’s not like you ever got along so well with Miss Charlotte.”
I picked up the tray. “I’m sure when Miss Louise decides, I’ll be the first to know.”
“Future’s uncertain, that’s all I’m saying,” said Bernadette. She nodded to the headline, ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SOULS LOST! “Tomorrow’s promised to no man—or woman either.”
ALSO BY MARIAH FREDERICKS
Young Adult Novels
Season of the Witch
The Girl in the Park
Crunch Time
Head Games
The True Meaning of Cleavage
Praise for A Death of No Importance and the Jane Prescott Series
“Everything you hope for in a novel. Besides being a fascinating mystery written in a wonderfully authentic, feminist voice, A Death of No Importance has such rich historic detail that you feel as if you’ve been transported to early twentieth-century New York. Mariah Fredericks is the best at creating compulsively addictive, fresh, twisty reads.”
—Meg Cabot
“Mariah Fredericks’s A Death of No Importance is told by a young and reticent—but gimlet-eyed—lady’s maid. She’s employed by an Edith Wharton–esque New York City family, but after the murder of a young cad who was engaged to her mistress, she’s drawn into the police investigation. Crossing social class lines and making tart observations, she succeeds at both finding the murderer and keeping secrets. Fredericks has written a taut, suspenseful, and complex murder mystery with gorgeous period detail.”
—Susan Elia MacNeal
“A sharp, engaging, and intimate treat of a historical mystery. Jane Prescott is a smart detective and a keen observer of both the upper crust and the dark underbelly of early twentieth-century New York society.”
—Laura Joh Rowland on A Death of No Importance
“The simmering tensions among New York City’s wealthiest families—the rivalries, lies, and even the criminal acts—come to a boil in A Death of No Importance, and Jane, a highly intelligent young maid, is the one who sees more than she should the night that someone from the smart set is viciously murdered. A suspenseful, moving, sharply observed mystery that illuminates a fascinating time in America’s history, when there was indeed ugliness beneath the beauty of the Gilded Age.”
—Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown
“An engrossing page-turner with an engaging sleuth, an in-depth study of human nature across social lines, and a fearless exploration of Gilded Age New York with its underbelly of poverty, crime, and ruthless politics. I’m loving this series!”
—Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport mysteries, on Death of a New American
“Murder in the ranks of high society provides heady entertainment for the servants who toil in obscurity in A Death of No Importance, a lively upstairs/downstairs mystery by Mariah Fredericks set in New York City in 1910.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“A sparkling mystery … The novel’s voice, plotting, pace, characterization, and historical background are all expertly crafted, while the resolution—which feels both surprising and convincing—will leave readers hungry for more.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on A Death of No Importance
“Jane is an appealing amateur sleuth … With its vivid depiction of contrasting worlds this series debut should appeal to readers of Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Age historical
mysteries.”
—Library Journal (starred review) on A Death of No Importance
“Deftly woven … [An] intricate historical mystery and pointed commentary on human nature.”
—Booklist on A Death of No Importance
“The prewar world of New York City in 1910 comes to life through the colorful social settings and real historical events … [a] debut adult novel with period details and strong characterizations.”
—BookPage on A Death of No Importance
“A deliciously intriguing peek at 1910 New York. A well-plotted mystery with a plucky amateur sleuth—and an ending that could promise more cases for Jane to solve in the future!”
—RT Book Reviews on A Death of No Importance
“A really good read for fans of historical fiction—the character had a great voice that sucked me in immediately.”
—Book Riot on A Death of No Importance
“Through her exquisite prose, sharp observation, and deft plotting, Mariah Fredericks invites us into the heart of a changing New York in her remarkable debut adult novel.”
—Criminal Element on A Death of No Importance
“Told with exquisite details of the city and life among the rich and their hired help. I heartily recommend this book.”
—Historical Novels Review on A Death of No Importance
“A highly engaging read … satisfying.”
—BookBrowse on A Death of No Importance
“Another deftly crafted novel by an author with a genuine flair for originality and a total master of the mystery genre, A Death of No Importance by Mariah Fredericks is certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library mystery/suspense collections.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Extremely difficult to put down and satisfying. This is a wonderful first foray into historical mystery fiction for Ms. Fredericks. I can’t wait to read more.”
—Aunt Agatha’s on A Death of No Importance
“A compelling story of a maid in 1910 New York City. A murder in the Gilded Age circle reverberates in ways no one could have imagined.”
—The Big Thrill on A Death of No Importance
“Honed by years of service to the wealthy, Jane [Prescott] has a talent for staying unnoticed while noticing everything. This appealing series debut is the first adult mystery by the Edgar-nominated young adult author.”
—Stop, You’re Killing Me! on A Death of No Importance
“An intricately plotted story that confronts social issues of the time. Fans of Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Age mysteries may want to try this well-developed book.”
—Lesa’s Book Critiques on A Death of No Importance
“An insightful view into a time, more than a century ago, that shows the huge divide between the haves and the have-nots, a scene that is all too familiar today.”
—Marilyn’s Mystery Reads on A Death of No Importance
“A fun murder mystery with a delightful upstairs/downstairs feel … Ms. Fredericks did her research, and the book brims with tantalizing details of the upper class at a time when their influence was just about to come crashing down.”
—Caroline Bookbinder on A Death of No Importance
“Jane’s thoughtful, clear-eyed, and witty voice leads us into the heart of a gripping, atmospheric murder mystery in Mariah Fredericks’s debut adult novel.” —Luv to Read on A Death of No Importance
“An excellent read that a fan of historical fiction and cozy mysteries would definitely enjoy.”
—Words of Mystery on A Death of No Importance
“You have no idea how happy I was to come upon this gem! A sensational page-turner. I hope this is the first of many books that include marvelous Jane Prescott.”
—Alina’s Reading Corner on A Death of No Importance
About the Author
Mariah Fredericks was born and raised in New York City, where she still lives with her family. She is the author of several YA novels. A Death of No Importance is her first adult novel. Visit her website at MariahFredericksBooks.com, and follow her on Twitter @MariahFrederick, or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
An Introduction from the Author
Epigraphs
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Author Q&A
Discussion Questions
Excerpt: Death of a New American
Also by Mariah Fredericks
Praise for A Death of No Importance and the Jane Prescott Series
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE. Copyright © 2018 by Mariah Fredericks. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.minotaurbooks.com
Cover designed by David Baldeosingh Rotstein
Cover photographs: woman © Shirley Green; New York City © Universal History Archive / Getty Images
The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:
Names: Fredericks, Mariah, author.
Title: A death of no importance / Mariah Fredericks.
Description: First edition. | New York: Minotaur Books, 2018.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017044451 | ISBN 9781250152978 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781250152985 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Murder—Investigation—Fiction. | Upper class—Fiction. | GSAFD: Mystery fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3606.R435 D43 2018 | DDC 813/.6—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017044451
ISBN 978-1-250-30655-5 (Minotaur Signature Edition)
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First Minotaur Signature Edition: March 2019
A Death of No Importance--A Novel Page 26
