Dru’s Short Musing:
When her brother is falsely accused of murder, Grace puts on her investigator cap and begins to unravel the evidence being used to frame her brother.

This drama was nicely executed with a crisp and comfortable writing style that made it easy to follow along with what the author intended. The author did a great job in staging this multi-plot mystery that kept me intrigued throughout as I didn’t know what was going to happen next. With a small suspect pool, the reader must cycle through all the details presented and it is the information that is uncovered that had me immersed in all that was happening on the page. Grace was up against prejudices from all fronts, but her determination propelled her to keep fighting no matter what obstacles were placed in her way, even going undercover, a job she is not prepared for which showed her gumption to set things right. There were a few red herrings and when I thought I had figured it out, the author pulled a switch, one I did not see coming.

In branching out to read historical mysteries this book resonated with me as both the visuals and the narrative told me this was the 1940s, but the whole point of the story was focused on the nonstop action and the dialogue that pulled it together and made the story come alive because I was able to see everything, like dealing with family dynamics, the subway rides, walking to buildings in Harlem, working at the supper club, the long drive to Long Island, all interspersed in how well this story was being told.

Overall, MORE THAN YOU KNOW was an enjoyable read and I liked seeing 1940s New York City through Grace’s eyes.

Genre: Historical Mystery
Release: February 17, 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link

Book Synopsis:
A bold, clever Brooklyn girl risks everything to save someone she loves, and avenge a tragic murder.

New York City– Spring, 1947: The dark clouds of WWII have scattered and America revels in the sunshine of a new era. Heroes have returned to marry their sweethearts, and the best jobs must go to them. Or so Grace Russo is told. But the typing pool doesn’t suit this Brooklyn girl.

Working for Harry Shaw is not her first choice either, but she persuades the skeptical private detective to give her a chance. Very soon after, her brother Joe, a troubled vet and jazz musician, is charged with the murder of a beautiful, Black night club singer, Lana Delmar.

Despite a truck load of evidence against him, Grace knows Joe is innocent and she helps Harry dig for the truth. When her boss suddenly disappears, she pursues the evidence on her own and finds herself at a glamorous supper club, The Starlight Room. A glittering but dangerous world where no one can be trusted, and every smile hides secrets.

Her wits sharpened and courage tested, Grace is determined to unveil the elusive killer and win justice for Joe and Lana.

Even when her stubborn heart marks her as the next victim.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the author.