Snuggle In With a Great Read

I just adore a good book!

Recently I discovered a new series of books...lucky me I discovered the first of the series as well, so no catching up! I was online looking for the next in many of the series I follow, this time a Cozy style mystery series called "Agatha Raisin Mysteries" , but that is not the book I am sharing today...however I suggest you look into the series(you can find more info on my book shelf page); today it is a new to me author... J.J. Murphy. Mr. Murphy has started a series of cozy style mysteries that take place in the roaring 20's and the stars of the series are famous, well known's in the literary world from the past, all are member of the very famous Algonquin Round Table Circle. 

The Alogonquin Round Table Circle...L-R..
Art Samuels, Charles MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Dorthy Parker and Alexander Woollcott.

The round table at the Algonquin Hotel in New York, New York.
You can still visit it today!

The cover that caught my eye and drew me in. 

Now just in case you do not know who Dorthy Parker is, let me share with you the info I found on Wikipedia..... 

Dorothy Parker (August 22, 1893 – June 7, 1967) was an American poet, short story writer, critic and satirist, best known for her wit, wisecracks, and eye for 20th century urban foibles.

From a conflicted and unhappy childhood, Parker rose to acclaim, both for her literary output in such venues as The New Yorker and as a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table. Following the break up of the circle, Parker traveled to Hollywood to pursue screenwriting. Her successes there, including two Academy Award nominations, were curtailed as her involvement in left-wing politics led to a place on the Hollywood blacklist.

Parker went through three marriages (two to the same man) and survived several suicide attempts but grew increasingly dependent on alcohol. Dismissive of her own talents, she deplored her reputation as a "wisecracker." Nevertheless, her literary output and reputation for her sharp wit have endured. *Click on the link to read more about Dorthy as well as the "Circle" HERE

Robert Benchley was Dorthy's partner in sleuthing
in the book.  

So now back to the book itself...after the cover drew me in, I am sure you know why, I read the description and it sounded like it would make a fun read...

"One morning legendary wit Dorothy Parker discovers someone under Manhattan's famed Algonquin Round Table. A little early for a passed out drunk, isn't it? But he's not dead drunk, just dead. When a charming writer from Mississippi named Billy Faulkner becomes a suspect in the murder, Dorothy decides to dabble in a little detective work, enlisting her literary cohorts.

It's up to the Algonquins to outwit the true culprit-preferably before cocktail hour-and before the clever killer turns the tables on them." *from Amazon

I have just finished the book, I hated to see it end, it was indeed a fun read/ride. Not only was it an enjoyable page turner that quite often made me turn the lights off much later than I had planned. The fact that I could also truly envision the characters, having the ability to see their faces, know about their lives and background added a richness right away to the story that often takes reading a few books in a series to obtain. J.J. melds time lines & life situations in a fictional way to fit and enhance his tales, but truly it made no difference to me. The book has also now opened me up to other books that I plan to read. Dorthy Parker's book, and the many books about her and her life are available, Parker's book has never been out of print as a matter of fact. 

While doing the research for this post, I also discovered that there are other mystery books out there that star Dorthy, and they too sound like a fun read.....

How can I resist seeking this series out now?
Click HERE

The day I finished Mr. Murphy's first book, I ordered the second and expect it's arrival in early to mid December, and I can hardly wait!

Book Two.

 In the in between I shall catch up with Agatha Raisin Mysteries as well as pick up the two books mentioned here....I think they shall be perfect for the cold, rainy day's of Winter ahead.

Looking for more info?

You can read all bout the Author, the series, see how to order the book, and join the discussion with the author on his Facebook Fan Page.

Click HERE