Thrilled that their playwright friend’s Broadway debut was a rousing success, Nic and Nigel are trying to enjoy the A-list after-party with their pal Harper. Unfortunately, all the champagne and repartee in the world aren’t enough to overlook the churlish behavior of Harper’s theater-critic husband, Dan. Nic is shocked the next morning when she learns that Dan’ been murdered. Nigel thinks the … world may be a better place without him.
Still, Harper is their friend and they’re intent on helping her any way they can. Invigorated by the thrill of the hunt and fortified by a flood of cocktails, catching the killer becomes the Martinis’ top priority…with their behemoth Bullmastiff Skippy along for the ride.
Includes cocktail recipes!
Praise:
“It’s impossible to resist Kiely’s charming trio of husband, wife, and dog. The manner is effervescent and amusing, and the mystery surprisingly good.”–Kirkus Reviews
“In another amusing take-off on the Thin Man series, A Perfect Manhattan Murderfeatures Nic and her husband, Nigel Martini, as witty, drink-loving amateur sleuths in a Broadway murder mystery sure to leave you shaken (with laughter), if not stirred.”–Mystery Scene
“A smart, sassy, sophisticated mystery with snappy dialogue and a fast-moving plot.”–Suspense Magazine
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‘See what I mean about Fletch and the young girls? she asked. ‘It’s ridiculous. Whatever can she be thinking?’
‘I’m going to go with “vague blurry thoughts”,’ I said.
…
‘For some women, power is an aphrodisiac.’
Nigel nodded in agreement. ‘Usually for the ones who can’t spell it.'”
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I love this series – the books are fun and easy to read, with snappy dialogue and an old-school movie feel. That feel extends beyond the obvious Thin Man, Nick-and-Nora (and Asta too!), parallels; the plot lines and characterizations are, even though clearly set in modern times with modern elements, sprinkled with black-and-white sensibilities that I find thoroughly enjoyable.
In this latest installment, Nic and Nigel are back in the world of A-list New York, this time centered around the theater. There’s the de rigeur murder, of course, and the wild and crazy cast of insanely over-the-top-yet-still-delightful suspects that readers of the series have come to expect. Nic remains overly involved in police work despite her retirement; Nigel remains too charming for words; Skippy remains gigantic and unbelievably integrated into Manhattan society. The mystery is never quite as mysterious as it could be. Fans of cozy mystery series will feel right at home with the format of the set-up and reveal. The perp is usually identifiable before said reveal, but there’s always some fun twist or turn thrown in that makes the solution disproportionately entertaining. It is this element, as much as the snarky comments and snide references, that renders the series redolent of the black and white classics from such marvelous big screen pairings as Myrna Loy and William Powell, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, and Cary Grant and anyone… You usually saw the ending coming then, too, but the journey was such a delight you never minded!
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‘You look like I could use a drink.’
‘I get that a lot,’ I replied.
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While I must admit that the second in the series remains my far and away favorite, this one was a delight and I hope that Kiely keeps writing more witty repartee for the fabulous Nic and Nigel…
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
Nic and Nigel Martini are back in Manhattan for the Broadway premier of their friend Patty’s play. While Nic is happy to see Patty and their mutual friend Harper, she is less enthused about seeing Harper’s husband Dan, a Broadway critic who is as boorish in real life as his reviews are harsh. The morning after the play’s premier, Dan is found dead, and the police quickly zero in on Harper as their prime suspect. Nic is certain that her friend is innocent, but can she prove it?
Once again, we are treated to a fantastically fun story. We get to know Dan and meet the suspects before he dies, which means we don’t waste any time diving into questioning suspects. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. The characters are a little on the thin side, but I don’t mind. The quips and banter flies fast here, and I was constantly laughing. This series continues to be a wonderful homage to The Thin Man.