Is this the end of the Nic & Nigel Mysteries? There are so many segments of high society (because Nigel is well-connected) that can provide a setting for future stories (such as the art world, the music world, more Hollywood, or high society celebrating the debut of something/someone). I have been waiting for a Book 4, and I’m really tempted to send the author a message. Any updates on this…
Walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards with a bow-tied Bullmastiff draws Nic and Nigel Martini plenty of attention from the press. But that’s nothing compared to the attention they receive at the A-list after party, when Hollywood royalty learn they’ve discovered behind-the-scenes footage from an acclaimed film that left one of its…
Tracy Kiely - Murder with a Twist (Nic & Nigel Mystery #1)
Visiting New York to attend a cousin's birthday gala, Nic and Nigel Martini are looking forward to cocktails with old friends and a pampered stay at the Ritz. But when the birthday girl's gold-digging cad of a husband goes missing, the Martini family worries that the social event of the season may turn into a story for the scandal sheets.
Nigel's condescending aunt begs former detective Nic to find sleazy Leo, despite the fact that it would be better for everyone if he just stayed lost. Trailing a married bachelor with a penchant for trouble isn't pretty; in fact it's downright deadly. Assisted by Nigel and their newly adopted bull mastiff, Nic must tangle with her old underworld connections if she hopes to hunt down the dirtiest Martini.
If you slightly recognize the plot and the protagonists, three words - The Thin Man.
This is an adaptation of the Dashiell Hammett book (or the movie, whichever you're familiar with), and it's an adaptation worth reading. Nicole Landis Martini is a former New York detective who retired early after sustaining an injury. Her husband, Nigel Martini, who has a great fondness for alcohol, is a member of the wealthy Martini family. Nicole, or Nic, is asked to find the worthless husband of Nigel's cousin. Of course, Tracy Kiely also paid homage to Asta in the form of Skippy, a sweet bullmastiff, despite the havoc he causes.
This is a change from all the cozies I've read where the protagonist (usually a female) goes solo detective, and constantly aided and admonished by a future romantic lead. In this case, the story would be incomplete if Nic and Nigel were written as separate entities and not as a combination, though of course, they each have their own quirks as individual characters. Like Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence, Nic and Nigel are more interesting together. They both have wit and humor, and I enjoyed reading how they as a married couple affect the story and their relationships with the people they meet, given that Nic was a detective and Nigel was a wealthy socialite. Nic and Nigel are partners, as a couple and as characters, and this partnership is the heart and soul of the series. With the humor and the trading of banters, this book is lighthearted fare, but with a dash of spirit, like your mixed drinks. Enjoy reading!
