Description (from cover):'Why should Dorothy Parker's friends be the only ones 'making enviable names/ In science, art, and parlor games?' Dorothy can play with the best of them--which she sets out to prove at a New Year's Eve party at the Algonquin Hotel. Since the swanky soiree is happening in the penthouse suite of swashbuckling star Douglas Fairbanks, some derring-do is called for. How about a little game of murder?
Each partygoer draws a card to determine the detective and the murderer. But young Broadway starlet Bibi Bibelot trumps them all when her dead body is found in the bathtub. No one knows who the killer is, but one thing is for sure--they won't be making gin in that bathtub.
When more partiers are put in peril, it becomes clear the game is indeed on, and it's up to Dorothy, surprise guest Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the members of the Round Table to stay alive--and relatively sober--long enough to find the killer...'
My thoughts:
If you've been paying attention to this blog over the last week or so, you will see that I have given the predecessors in this series rave reviews at 5+ stars each. You would think that by the third novel, the series has slowed down so and lost some of its previous glamor. Not so, this one was the best in the series to date. I cannot state how awesome this series is and it gets better with each book. Unfortunately, I am at the end of the series, but I am seriously praying that the author hears my pleas and writes more in this series. I absolutely cannot get enough.
Dorothy Parker is a superb mystery character and her wit and antics are to die for. The mystery in this one was complicated and wasn't easy to figure out. Add one of my favorite authors of all times, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the mix and you have a bona fide good read. J.J. Murphy is a master of historical mysteries and I cannot praise the writing style and the books enough. If you haven't read this author yet, please do so soon. I hardly think you will be disappointed. This book literally had me on edge with all the twists and turns and the return of some favorite characters.
I am actually quite sad that my mystery journey with Dorothy Parker ends here. Hopefully, I won't have to wait long to be reunited with one of my favorite sleuths. If you love the glamor of the 1920's and a quaint and humorous mystery, then this series is right up your alley. I am seriously running out of things to say, other than please do yourself a favor and get to reading this series immediately!
Overall Rating: 5+
Title: A Friendly Game of Murder
Author: J.J. Murphy
Series: Algonquin Round Table Mystery #3
Publisher: Signet
Publication Date: December 31, 2012
Pages: 336
Genre: Historical Mystery
Get It: Amazon; Barnes & Noble
Disclaimer: This book was selected from the library by myself and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
