When a film star is poisoned in Prohibition-era Philadelphia, private investigator Edie Shippen is on the case in the second Deadly Twenties mystery, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Rhys Bowen.

Philadelphia, 1921. Edie Shippen has officially started her new career as a private investigator…even though she has yet to book a client. When she runs into an old friend, the film actress Ava Sylvester, Edie is delighted at the chance to rekindle their relationship. But when Ava’s co-star and new husband, Duncan, dies suddenly, all signs point to Ava. Edie’s first official case begins in earnest, desperately trying to clear her friend’s name.

Gilbert Lawless has carved out a peaceful existence as a coroner’s assistant. The last thing he wants is to jeopardize his position by involving himself with Edie Shippen. But when the body count racks up, Gilbert finds himself drawn into Edie’s investigation on the set of Philadelphia’s most famous film studio, where everyone seems to have something to hide.

As the cameras roll, Edie and Gilbert race to catch a poisoner before one of them ends up being the next body in the morgue.

With a glittering Roaring Twenties backdrop, Jenny Adams sets the stage for the second charming book in the series for fans of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Dead Dead Girls.

praise for a deadly endeavor

“Sparkling prose, deft plotting, a vivid setting, and a captivating mystery are brilliant feathers in A Deadly Endeavor‘s stylish cap, but the charming, complex characters elevate it to a bona fide knockout. Adams has crafted real gems in the heartbroken yet irrepressible duo of Edie Shippen and Gilbert Lawless, whose chemistry crackles like fireworks. This book is an utter delight.”
—Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn

“Expect plenty of surprises in a period tale in which love conquers all societal differences.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Readers who enjoy a good Upstairs, Downstairs– or Downton Abbey-styled drama should try this.”
—Booklist

“A stellar debut mystery! With complex and engaging characters, a suspenseful mystery, and vivid descriptions of life in Jazz Age Philadelphia, A Deadly Endeavor is a dazzling delight. I hope to see a lot more of Edie and Gil!”
—Ashley Weaver, author of the Electra McDonnell series

“With charming, fully fleshed characters that leap off the page, Adams creates an enticing world of high society and intrigue, interwoven with a deadly intent. A masterful whodunnit, flavored with period detail and a sprinkle of romance.”
—Jennifer Ryan, bestselling author of The Kitchen Front

“Daring. Delightful. Dangerous. A Deadly Endeavor is atmospheric and gorgeous. Jenny Adams weaves beautiful human characters and an incredible mystery, culminating in an impeccable whodunit.”
—Nekesa Afia, author of the Harlem Renaissance series

“Adams has created a beautiful, messy, utterly believable world that is so very satisfying to sink into–a shell-shocked country where everyone is dancing as fast as they can in the hopes they can convince themselves they’re not falling to pieces. You’ll end up dancing right along with her pair of fractured heroes, as invested in their desperate attempt to rebuild themselves as you are in finding the killer. It’s a glittery, Jazz Age cocktail of gin and champagne and blood that feels startlingly modern in the best of ways.”
—Stephen Spotswood, author of the Pentecost & Parker series

“Jenny Adams’s first historical mystery reads like anything but a debut. After Adams throws together war-damaged Gilbert Lawless, now working as a coroner’s assistant in 1921 Philadelphia, with forlorn society girl Edie Shippen looking for meaning in her life, this story unfolds in well-drawn scenes that keep the reader awake and madly turning pages. The pair fight against a deluded villain for their families, for the disappearing young women in their overlapping circles, and for each other. A Deadly Endeavor, a compelling must-read, is the definition of the bee’s knees.”
—Edith Maxwell, Agatha Award-winning author of Charity’s Burden

“Jenny Adams wraps a compelling mystery and achingly real characters in the glamor, grit, and nuances of the 1920’s.”
—Kate Khavari, author of the Saffron Everleigh mysteries

“A Deadly Endeavour is a delicious cocktail of Jazz Age thrills, serial murder, and rich people behaving badly. Toss in the sexy alliance between a traumatized World War I doctor and a burgeoning flapper, and I ask—what’s not to love?”
—Kimberly G. Giarratano, author of Death of a Dancing Queen and Devil in Profile

“Spirited . . . [A] blend of dark thriller and silver-spoon cozy.”
—Publishers Weekly