“Maybe it was time to land straight in the middle of the adventure…” Hamish DeLuca has spent most of his life trying to hide the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times — including during his first real court case as a new lawyer. Determined to rise above his father’s expectations, Hamish runs away to Boston where his cousin, Luca Valari, is opening a fashionable nightclub in … in Scollay Square. When he meets his cousin’s “right hand man” Reggie, Hamish wonders if his dreams for a more normal life might be at hand.
Regina “Reggie” Van Buren, heir to a New Haven fortune, has fled fine china, small talk, and the man her parents expect her to marry. Determined to make a life as the self-sufficient city girl she’s seen in her favorite Jean Arthur and Katharine Hepburn pictures, Reggie runs away to Boston, where she finds an easy secretarial job with the suave Luca Valari. But as she and Hamish work together in Luca’s glittering world, they discover a darker side to the smashing Flamingo nightclub.
When a corpse is discovered at the Flamingo, Reggie and Hamish quickly learn there is a vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots in 1937 Boston–and that there’s an underworld that feeds on them both. As Hamish is forced to choose between his conscience and loyalty to his beloved cousin, the unlikely sleuthing duo work to expose a murder before the darkness destroys everything they’ve worked to build.
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Murder at the Flamingo is the first novel I’ve read by Rachel McMillan and, boy, am I glad I read this book. What a fun ride! Reading this novel is like stepping into a 1930s RKO masterpiece. I enjoyed everything about this book: the sense of nostalgia, the many references to classic films and actors/actresses I adore, the setting and how it becomes a main character in its own right, many fabulous characters who endeared themselves to my heart almost immediately, and a tremendously engaging plot! Murder at the Flamingo is a definite #MustRead!
Hamish DeLuca is my new most-favorite hero!!! I know what the word charming means now that I have met Hamish DeLuca! He may be one of the most authentic and realistic characters EVER crafted. From his very real battle with a nervous condition to his innate misunderstanding of who he truly is as a man, Hamish is the real deal. He is genuinely intelligent, considerate, and handsome. Hamish is a leading man who sees himself as the supporting actor because he believes his flaws are just too big to see past. Honestly, this is a good thing because it allows Hamish to be the hero every girl really swoons for: he’s masculine (no doubt about it!) but he’s also intuitive to a gal’s feelings; he’s intelligent and capable but he’s not cocky; and, he’s protective but not condescendingly so. Here’s an example of Hamish’s excellence, and an action that makes me a little weak in the knees — Hamish and Reggie are sitting down on some stairs in the Flamingo when some not-so-good characters come into the club. They walk over to Hamish and Reggie. Hamish immediately stands in a way that keeps Reggie behind him. He does this to protect her from the criminal-type element coming their way. He doesn’t make this move because he thinks Reggie is a helpless woman. No, he does it because it’s his instinct to protect his dear friend. I absolutely LOVE when a man naturally wants to protect a woman or child. To me, it’s a man acting exactly as God intended men to behave. And this is exactly what Hamish DeLuca is — a man who acts as God desires.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and intrigue, the cast of uniquely crafted characters, the subtle romance (that I hope will flourish in the future), and the respectful discussion on real human issues: mental health, poverty, crime, the beauty of a location, the nature of change, etc, that I found in this novel. Murder at the Flamingo is a fantastic story that I wholeheartedly recommend.
I purchased a copy of this novel in paperback form from Amazon on July 17, 2018, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What a great start to this series! The prose caught me up immediately, and it wasn’t long before I fell hoplessly in love with Hamish de Luca, a character who’s vunerable and courageous in equal measure. He’s also the perfect yin to Reggie’s yang, or maybe that goes the other way around, but together they are a delight and make each other stronger and more confident. I also loved the setting. I don’t know Boston other than what I’ve read about it, but there are just enough recognizable landmarks to ground the reader, while the sensory details of the different neighborhoods will make readers almost believe they were there. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Favorite Quotes:
Sometimes stories are in the people whose life’s pages no one thinks of turning…
Reggie didn’t have the privilege of choice when it came to finding gainful employment. Economic times had fallen hard for those with numerous skills she didn’t possess.
She almost missed having someone to rush home and apply red lipstick for. Someone to turn in front of a mirror and adjust her skirt for. Someone she would watch the clock to be fashionably late for…
They both knew Luca had a past. Heck, anyone seeing that suave Valentino gait would know Luca Valari had a past. And probably a present.
There are layers and layers of crime here. You’d think it was a chocolate cake.
“He’s too good looking to be sinister,” Nate reassured with a wink at Hamish. “Besides, he doesn’t have the right mustache.”
Hamish couldn’t help but follow Reggie with his eyes. He hadn’t known fabric could cling like that. The material of her dress knew what it was doing…
My Review:
It took me several chapters to ease into this tale and acclimate to the writer’s style. This was a slowly developing story with tons of details that filled my head and initially appeared merely observational yet gradually most of these ancillary tidbits dovetailed into a finely woven tapestry. This was a thoughtful and insightful read that included, gangsters, mystery, a bit of pining romance, family drama, humor, Bostonian history, and one character’s interest in the newly created Superman comics.
Murder at the Flamingo kicked off a new series and was my first time reading the talented scribblings of Rachel McMillian. Ms. McMillian has a unique writing style and provided a complicated and intriguing plot populated with distinctive, intriguingly flawed, and complex characters. Her writing was highly descriptive calling forth sharp visuals that included not only the sounds and sights but also set the emotional tone for each scene. What I struggled the most with was the lack of communication between the characters as they all seemed so secretive and furtive, as such, the majority of the book consisted of the observations and inner musings of the highly captivating two main protagonists who aspired to be Nick and Nora from The Thin Man movies, although, unfortunately, they were lacking the adorable Asta.
Ok, there were some things I really liked about this book (like the fun references to Myrna Loy William Powell and the Thin Man movies). The characters were interesting, and the author was clearly very familiar with the time period and setting, which I appreciated.
That said, I felt like she spent too much time exploring the setting for a murder mystery. The story moved too slowly, with too many scenes where nothing really “happened” and the characters just wandered around admiring the scenery. There were a LOT of words used up describing the city of Boston, which wouldn’t have been so bad at the beginning, as the scene was being set, but became progressively less interesting to me as the story went on. And this was in odd contrast to the mystery itself, which I felt like she used to FEW words on. And by that I mean that even at the end of the story when everything had supposedly been explained, I was still confused by several details and unclear on what exactly the bad guys were doing, what their motivation was for hounding Luca, and why and how a certain character gets shot at the end.
Fewer descriptions of the Boston streets and more explanation of the actual climax and solving of the mystery would have made me happier.
I really wanted to like this book, the premise just sounded so good but unfortunately I just found the writing style too confusing and unclear. In her attempt to create mystery Rachel McMillan has overdone it to the point that even though I’ve finished the book I’m still not entirely sure what happened. And I have to say that I’ve never been more disappointed with a book ending! There is a sequel to this book though so hopefully in that one I’ll get the ending that I really wanted in the first. The saving grace in this book is the main character, Hamish DeLuca, I loved him so much! The fact that he saw himself as a Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) was both endearing and heartbreaking. I found that I was rooting for him throughout the story, which was I was sad he didn’t get his ending that I wanted.
I loved this story as it delved into life during the 1930’s! You can’t go wrong with this clean murder mystery!
This is one of those books that instantly takes you back in time. I found the characters unique and loveable, and the plot kept me guessing at every turn.
I adored this story! From the main characters to each of the secondary characters, from the setting to the time period, from the romance to the mystery, this story was intriguing in every way! I really enjoyed all the different relationships between the different characters as well. Parental, familial, friendship, romantic, and business…each relationship was interesting and unique. I think Ms. McMillian did a beautiful job in her writing the different aspects of her fantastic book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rachel McMillan and I adore Sherlock Holmes. That was our connection, so of course, when I heard she was writing a series on women like Sherlock Holmes characters I jumped at the chance to read them. Boy, am I glad that I did. It was a great introduction to the 1910’s Toronto. So now, I am familiar with McMillan’s writing, so I knew what I would be expecting. A mystery to drag the plot along with characters who come to life as much for me as they have done for McMillan. With the introduction to her new series Murder at the Flamingo, I dived right into the world of 1930’s Boston with Hamish and Reggie.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel was McMillan’s ability to bring Boston to life. As soon as Hamish jumped off the transportation into Boston, McMillan allowed me to see Boston through Hamish’s eyes. It reminded me of J. K. Rowling’s introduction to the world of magic through Harry Potter’s eyes. A trait of an awesome writer. McMillan allowed me to see the towering buildings and smell the world of Boston.
As for Hamish and Reggie, I really liked Hamish. McMillan stayed true to his flaws and allowed him to see the better in others, including his cousin, Lucas. Hamish definitely had the seek for justice gene from his parents, who are part of the main couple in the Herringford and Watts Mysteries series. Similarly, Reggie is a character who left her cushy wealthy life and decided to seek her own independence. I enjoyed how she didn’t go crawling back to her parents after a couple of days and kept a journal of things she accomplished on her own.
The plot. The number one reason I enjoy a story. With McMillan’s previous three novels and three novellas, she had the mystery element occurred right away, which most mysteries and suspense do, BUT McMillan does not do that in Murder at the Flamingo. The story was half over before we found the dead body. I don’t know why it took so long to get to the mystery element. I believe McMillan could have had the murder occur right after Hamish arrived in Boston, and I could have observed Hamish and Reggie as they tried to help Lucas open the Flamingo night club. Even though the mystery took awhile to rev up, I did enjoy the story and really enjoyed watching Hamish and Reggie solve who killed the person.
Overall, a Murder at the Flamingo is a fascinating view of Boston’s nightlife in the 1930’s. It matches what I know about the history of the time period. Hamish and Reggie are a wonderful pair of people to work together to solve the mystery. I still wish the dead body appeared much earlier in the novel.
With family loyalty, betrayal, and trying to climb the ladder of success, A Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan is a wonderful deeply layered historical novel that will entrance fans of McMillan’s previous writings or fans of historical mysteries. I can’t wait to read the second installment in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
This is a read if you want to know how the well to do or not lived/&partied in this time period.
This was different from most books I read. I don’t love the 1930s, nightclubs and heavy alcohol drinkers. All of these things and more are found in this novel. It took me a while to get through the 337 pages because it wasn’t inspiring my interest or curiosity but I’m not a quitter. The murder was almost a side note to the whole plot. There seems to be some shady things going on with thugs carrying walking sticks, guns and attitudes. The bad guys always showed up when you least expected them.
But I loved the two main characters, Hamish and Reggie. They were both running away from their upbringing and birth towns. They found each other in Boston and banned together as friends to try and figure out the mysteries surrounding them. Hamish was running from his anxiety and panic disorder and Reggie was running from her society upbringing. Both were wounded souls in their own way and total opposites but drawn to each other in their need to discover the truth about Hamish’s cousin Luca. This wasn’t my “cup of tea” but give it a try anyway and see where you stand among the characters and historical Boston.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Fiction Guild but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a really good mystery. It brings a lot to the table in the writing and how we look at things from that time period. When you bring family, ambition and money together things can happen and when you owe the wrong kind of people that can be just as bad. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery,
Murder at the Flamingo is a dynamite beginning to McMillan’s newest series. Both a coming-of-age tale and a twisty case of whodunit, readers will fall in love with her delightfully complicated characters. 1937 Boston leaps to life in vivid detail, while the author’s portrayal of anxiety and panic disorder is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I cannot wait to read Hamish and Reggie’s next adventure.
I really enjoyed this book and the time period it was set in. I don’t know why but I felt like I was transported back to a time where clubs were fun and the music was swinging. The people were having a great time and happy times were on everyone’s minds. Not everyone was happy though. Hamish suffers from anxiety and it comes up at the most uncomfortable moments in his life. When Hamish makes a decision to move to Boston, his life will never be the same. Does Hamish remember that you can’t run away from your problems?
Reggie Van Buren is also on a quest to start a new life and Hamish and Reggie’s lives will collide into a mystery that will take them to the seedy side of club life. What better way to open a club than to have a murder take place on opening day. The place is in chaos and Hamish and Reggie team up to solve the case.
I love the pairing of these two characters and they reminded me of a duo set to conquer the world. I loved the description of Boston and thought the author did a great job of taking us back to the 1930s in style. Her writing intrigues me and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next in the book. There are a few slow parts that made me almost give up on the story. I’m happy to say that the book shined at the end and I look forward to the next in this new series.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
Do you want to experience the life of Boston in 1937: from the poor to the lavish lifestyle of the rich? This book captures time and place so well that you can hear the bands playing and see the dancers in their satins and tuxedos . This is a portrait of some things not being on the up and up and an unlikely duo of two people trying to find themselves away from home. They team up to solve a murder mystery and along the way establish relationships with characters you either love or hate. I appreciated the way the author handled the subject of panic attacks and how it humanized Hamish. This is my first read by this author and I found it entertaining and interesting. I loved the historical aspect of Boston. I look forward to more adventures with this sleuthing couple.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
A delightful read for those who love the glamour of the 1930s. This book is an ode to Boston and a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a journey of self-growth wrapped inside an intriguing mystery. Who’s the villain? There are many good culprits. But the hero is never in question. Hamesh DeLuca is a hero to love, the question is whether Reggie can see him that way.
4.5 stars
“You are only as strong as the moment that finds you braver than you have ever been.”
Not many people would consider Hamish DeLuca to be brave; brilliant, introverted, unpredictably anxious maybe, but not brave. Or perhaps he just needed the opportunity. For when Hamish shrugs off an embarrassing debut into his legal career, and travels from Toronto, Canada to the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts to visit his extravagant cousin Luca, he discovers that courage often needs just the right partner. After all, nothing will test one’s heroism like solving a murder and no one fits Hamish quite like the dazzling Regina “Reggie” Van Buren.
Escaping her claustrophobic life as an heiress, while dodging an unwanted suitor, Reggie Van Buren decides that life in Boston is just what she needs. Accepting a secretarial position with the enigmatic new owner of the hottest club in town, she fields the most curious phone calls from Chicago and tries to pretend that everything leading up to the Flamingo’s grand opening is above board. Besides, her boss’s cousin would never step across any illegal lines; Hamish DeLuca is just as determined as she is to understand Luca’s diverse set of business partners. If only a murder had not been thrown into the mix, they could have enjoyed the Flamingo’s smashing debut, while making many more of their own memories on the dance floor.
Above all, “Murder at the Flamingo” a story to be savored and enjoyed; written by an author with an uncanny ability to write just the right words, creating a unique pair of charismatic characters who will undoubtedly capture your heart with their perfectly imperfect partnership and keen determination to “breathe” and “hope” towards the future. “Spira. Spera.”
While I did enjoy the very descriptive narrative about Boston’s sights and sounds, I simply did not connect very well with this story. While I found it interesting to find that one of the main characters suffered from an anxiety/panic disorder, I never really felt that invested in any of the characters. The plot line was a bit muddled for me, and the murder from the title didn’t occur until 56% into the story. And to be honest, I was never really clear on whether it was an intentional or accidental death. It may have just been me, but I found the writing a bit confusing and stilted at times in its flow.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing the free ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
Wow, fellow readers. Just wow. There is so much I loved about Murder at the Flamingo, so get ready for some gushing about Rachel McMillan’s newest book.
First, there’s Boston. Seeing the city through Hamish’s eyes and learning some of the history from Nick had me ready to plan a vacation right then and there. McMillan did her research and wove it into this story so well the city came to life.
Then there’s the relationships. Luca and Hamish—cousins who are more like brothers. Hamish and his father. Reggie and Hamish. Nick and well, everybody. I just wasn’t ready to leave any of these characters (at least we have more books in this series to spend more time with this group).
And Hamish, dear, sweet Hamish. The man is kind-hearted and intelligent, yet his attacks can paralyze him at times. While I (thankfully) have not personally experienced anxiety attacks, McMillan seamlessly put me into Hamish’s mind during these episodes, I felt like I got a front row seat to what happens in the heads of those who struggle with this.
I thoroughly enjoyed McMillan’s Herringford and Watts series, but Murder at the Flamingo has lifted to an entirely new level. Entertaining, engaging and astounding (in the best kind of way), you don’t want to miss this book.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.