A Poisonous Silence - (A Deadly Twenties Mystery) by Jenny Adams (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for A Poisonous Silence
"Richly detailed descriptions . . . the charming characters and the intricately plotted mystery will have readers ready for the next installment. A great suggestion for fans of Anne Perry, Jacqueline Winspear, Elizabeth Peters, and Rhys Bowen."
--Booklist, starred review

"Socialites and gangsters mix in this riotous mystery."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Adams has created a vivid and exciting world in A Poisonous Silence, a compelling mystery where secrets, romance and poison are commonplace."
--BookPage

"The Jazz Age setting makes this a grand historical mystery."
--Historical Novel Society

"I loved it . . . This is one not to be missed."
--Red Carpet Crash

Praise for A Deadly Endeavor

2025 AGATHA AWARD NOMINEE!

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

"A compelling 'page turner' of a read from start to finish."
--Midwest Book Review

"Adams initiates a complex and layered tableau for the reader . . . A terrific debut."
--Deadly Pleasures

"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 . . . An utter delight."
--Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn

"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

"Adams's first historical mystery reads like anything but a debut . . . A compelling must-read."
--Edith Maxwell, Agatha Award-winning author of Charity's Burden

"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 . . . 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

"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

About the Author

Jenny Adams has always had an overactive imagination. She turned her love of books and stories into a career as a librarian and author of novels for adults. She holds degrees in Medieval Studies and Library Science from The Ohio State University and Drexel University, and currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her family.