An Algonquin Round Table Mystery, No 2
J J Murphy
Signet
December 6, 2011 /ISBN: 0451235320
Mystery
Amazon
Reviewed
by Brenda Weeaks
If you aren't
aware of the Infamous Round Table members, who lunched daily at
the Algonquin Hotel from 1919 through 1929, then you might want
to run an internet search before you start this series
Doing
so will certainly put you in the mind set of that era before you
open the cover. And if you do - trust me - you'll want to stay there
long after this Algonquin mystery is over.
You Might
as Well Die has underrated artist Ernie MacGuffin committing
suicide. Before Ernie jumps off the Brooklyn Bridge, he personally
delivers his suicide note to Vanity Fair columnist Dorothy Parker.
Unfortunately she waits to open it. Dorothy and fellow columnist
Robert Benchley tried to out run a Speakeasy owner's wife and son
to save Ernie,but all they find is a painting and a pair of shoes
on the Bridge. The two decide to find out what drove Ernie to suicide,
which leads them into a mystery that includes more than one death
and more than one chasing scene
The crazy Taxi
ride to the bridge sets the pace for the mystery, which is fast,
wild, and downright humorous. The characters, dialogue, and atmosphere
come right off the Black and White screen
I love it. Murphy
has Parker's humor down pat. The constant reappearance of the other
Round Table (Vicious Circle) characters liven up the storyline and
help readers relive a bit of history (with some added flair). Houdini
makes a few slap-dash appearances as does Harpo Marx. At the end
of the book, Murphy lets readers know what is historically accurate
and what isn't but who cares; it's an entertaining, unforgettable
ride.
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