Dancing Through Danger: Exploring the Final Chapter of Katharine Schellman’s Nightingale Series

There’s something irresistibly alluring about slipping into a story that captures both the glitter and grit of the past. In Katharine Schellman’s Nightingale Series, readers are transported to 1920s New York—an era of prohibition, speakeasies, secrets, and shadows. With the release of Last Dance Before Dawn, the final installment in the series, Schellman brings her vivid historical mystery series to a satisfying and emotional close.

I recently had the pleasure of welcoming Katharine back to Book Banter—her third appearance on the show—and our conversation left me both inspired and in awe of the thoughtful work that goes into her fiction. While I encourage you to watch the full interview for all the insights and behind-the-scenes details, I wanted to offer a broader reflection here on what makes this series so resonant, particularly for fans of historical fiction with a strong female lead.

A Setting as Daring as Its Protagonist

At the heart of the Nightingale Series is Vivian Kelly, a seamstress by day and a fearless, quick-witted woman navigating the underworld of a speakeasy by night. Schellman’s choice of setting is no accident: 1920s New York was a city pulsing with change, contradictions, and clandestine culture. It's a world where danger and opportunity walk hand-in-hand, especially for a woman determined to define life on her own terms.

Katharine Schellman’s evocation of the time period feels more than immersive—it feels essential. From the smoky atmosphere of the Nightingale Club to the intricate class and racial tensions of the era, this isn’t just a stage for plot—it’s a living, breathing character in its own right.

Writing a Series With Intentional Growth

What struck me most in our conversation was Schellman’s intentionality—both in how she built the arc of the series and how she shaped Vivian’s evolution. Across four novels, we witness a woman who begins her journey searching for a sense of identity and place, and who ultimately discovers both strength and clarity in herself, even when faced with daunting truths.

For readers who love slow-burn character development, The Nightingale Series is a masterclass in long-form storytelling. There’s a sense of narrative trust between author and reader—Schellman doesn’t rush revelations or force resolutions. She lets them rise naturally, which makes each turning point feel earned.

Mysteries That Challenge Convention

While the Nightingale Series is undeniably a historical mystery, Schellman doesn’t rely on formulaic suspense. Instead, her stories are layered with emotional complexity, feminist undertones, and the kinds of gray-area choices that make for memorable reading. Relationships—whether familial, romantic, or antagonistic—are nuanced and often carry the weight of societal expectations.

This is particularly true in Last Dance Before Dawn, where secrets surface not just in alleyways or behind locked doors, but within family dynamics and personal reckonings. If you enjoy mysteries that make you think as much as they make you turn pages, this one’s for you.

A Dual Legacy: The Lily Adler Series

Although our interview focused on Vivian and her journey, Schellman is also the acclaimed author of the Lily Adler Mysteries, a Regency-era series that offers a different—but equally captivating—historical lens. With Lily, readers get a taste of 19th-century London society through the eyes of a widow with a knack for uncovering the truth, regardless of the risks.

Fans of either series will find something to love in the other. Both feature strong female leads, richly drawn historical settings, and an undercurrent of quiet rebellion. Whether you’re sipping gin in a hidden club or attending a drawing room ball, Schellman’s heroines prove that history belongs as much to the daring as it does to the documented.

What Comes Next?

One of my favorite parts of our Book Banter chat was hearing about what Katharine is working on next. While she remained delightfully mysterious about upcoming projects, she hinted that her love for layered characters and intricate settings will continue to guide her future work. If you’ve followed her journey from Regency England to Jazz Age New York, you know that wherever she takes us next, it’s bound to be compelling.

For the TBR Curious

We also took a moment to swap book recommendations—always a highlight for me. I won’t spoil Katharine’s picks here (watch the video for her top bedside table title!), but if you’re looking to add to your “must read” list, her suggestions are worth jotting down. Her reading tastes reflect her writing style: thoughtful, engaging, and deeply resonant.

Final Thoughts

If you love historical mysteries that blend style with substance and characters with courage, The Nightingale Series deserves a spot on your shelf. And if you’re curious about the craft behind the fiction—how characters take shape, how threads tie together across books, and how history is woven into story—then don’t miss our latest Book Banter interview.

📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube →

Until next time, keep reading stories that challenge, comfort, and transport you.