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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #9
Spotting a Case of Murder
Romance is in the air…and so is murder!
New York 1926
Penelope “Pen” Banks’s neighbor, Mrs. Dorothy Abernathy, has vanished. At first, all indications suggest the lonely widow may have done herself in, despite the lack of a body.
But why didn’t she provide for her beloved Dalmatians, Dot & Dash?
That little wrinkle is enough for Penelope to suspect something more sinister is afoot. With the help of Mrs. Abernathy’s cheerful dog minder, Alice Winterfort, they dig deeper.
Soon enough, Pen learns her neighbor wasn’t quite so lonely after all, and in fact had a rather robust romantic life. With no less than four possible suitors on her plate, there are numerous suspects to choose from.
So, which of her not-so-secret admirers may have killed her?
Spotting a Case of Murder is the ninth book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. A fun romp of a Valentine’s Day historical mystery.
New York 1926
Penelope “Pen” Banks’s neighbor, Mrs. Dorothy Abernathy, has vanished. At first, all indications suggest the lonely widow may have done herself in, despite the lack of a body.
But why didn’t she provide for her beloved Dalmatians, Dot & Dash?
That little wrinkle is enough for Penelope to suspect something more sinister is afoot. With the help of Mrs. Abernathy’s cheerful dog minder, Alice Winterfort, they dig deeper.
Soon enough, Pen learns her neighbor wasn’t quite so lonely after all, and in fact had a rather robust romantic life. With no less than four possible suitors on her plate, there are numerous suspects to choose from.
So, which of her not-so-secret admirers may have killed her?
Spotting a Case of Murder is the ninth book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. A fun romp of a Valentine’s Day historical mystery.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2023
195 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Colette Clark
23 books105 followersColette Clark lives in New York and has always enjoyed learning more about the history of her amazing city. She decided to combine that curiosity and love of learning with her addiction to reading and watching mysteries. Her first series, Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries is the result of those passions. When she’s not writing she can be found doing Sudoku puzzles, drawing, eating tacos, visiting museums dedicated to unusual/weird/wacky things, and, of course, reading mysteries by other great authors.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 27, 2024
They made haste in the brown sedan / They drove to 55 Secret Street / They made love, and by the seventh wave / She knew she had a problem (Glamorous Life – Sheila E.).
Bear with me for a second, but that’s seriously one of my favorite songs. I’m always singing it whenever I find myself picking up one of these books up again. The glamorous life! “Without love, it ain’t much!” Ugh, love music. The way it starts out the way you’d expect, talking about a woman who yearns to live lavish, but subtly evolves its meaning to wanting to find love instead is so great. By the end of the song the character still wants the glamorous life, but the song isn’t about excess anymore, now it’s about human connection, empathy, ...compassion! And those are the things I think of whenever I’m reading a Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries book. Because for as much as they celebrate the 1920’s shine and glamour, with the diverse cast of characters, it always maintains a whole lot of heart that can relate to any time period. See, I think I got there eventually. Otherwise, I just really enjoy Penelope Banks as a main character, as she makes these books a lot of fun to read. Besides, I know that giving your fictional detective a photographic memory would normally seem like cheating, with them seeing through every case like they’re bathing in Windex, but I promise that it never feels contrived or lazy. It helps that Penelope is always using her memory in clever and unique ways, limiting her abilities so it never gets to "superpower" levels. A lot of the times, whenever authors make their characters too skillful, they then need to find ways to “write around” them in order for the story to continue being a story. I think its darling (help, I can't stop talking like the characters!) how Penelope is always just as involved in the human side to the story as an she is an investigator. Anyway, as for this specific installment, I usually don’t try to "win" or “play along” with the mystery when I’m reading mysteries, but this time around I figured it might be kind of fun to give it a try so I could, you know, exercise the brain and all that. I even had a little note sheet and everything! "This guy definitely did it", "Oh, she did it, I know it!" Yeah well… let me tell you, this was hard work! Mrs. Abernathy had so many paramours that I was properly discombobulated by the fourth dude. About half-way through I figured, you know what? I’ll just let Penelope handle this one, She’s got this! At least I could always count on her to be properly bobulated. My failed attempt at being a detective aside, this book really does continue to prove why I always find myself going back to this specific mystery series out of all the rest out there. It’s. Just. That. Good. And hey, each new release never fails to release the same number of endorphins as finding new music! This series is a lovely song, and trust me, I’m not about to pass the aux.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, my dear.”
“When do I ever?”
“Should I answer that?”
Bear with me for a second, but that’s seriously one of my favorite songs. I’m always singing it whenever I find myself picking up one of these books up again. The glamorous life! “Without love, it ain’t much!” Ugh, love music. The way it starts out the way you’d expect, talking about a woman who yearns to live lavish, but subtly evolves its meaning to wanting to find love instead is so great. By the end of the song the character still wants the glamorous life, but the song isn’t about excess anymore, now it’s about human connection, empathy, ...compassion! And those are the things I think of whenever I’m reading a Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries book. Because for as much as they celebrate the 1920’s shine and glamour, with the diverse cast of characters, it always maintains a whole lot of heart that can relate to any time period. See, I think I got there eventually. Otherwise, I just really enjoy Penelope Banks as a main character, as she makes these books a lot of fun to read. Besides, I know that giving your fictional detective a photographic memory would normally seem like cheating, with them seeing through every case like they’re bathing in Windex, but I promise that it never feels contrived or lazy. It helps that Penelope is always using her memory in clever and unique ways, limiting her abilities so it never gets to "superpower" levels. A lot of the times, whenever authors make their characters too skillful, they then need to find ways to “write around” them in order for the story to continue being a story. I think its darling (help, I can't stop talking like the characters!) how Penelope is always just as involved in the human side to the story as an she is an investigator. Anyway, as for this specific installment, I usually don’t try to "win" or “play along” with the mystery when I’m reading mysteries, but this time around I figured it might be kind of fun to give it a try so I could, you know, exercise the brain and all that. I even had a little note sheet and everything! "This guy definitely did it", "Oh, she did it, I know it!" Yeah well… let me tell you, this was hard work! Mrs. Abernathy had so many paramours that I was properly discombobulated by the fourth dude. About half-way through I figured, you know what? I’ll just let Penelope handle this one, She’s got this! At least I could always count on her to be properly bobulated. My failed attempt at being a detective aside, this book really does continue to prove why I always find myself going back to this specific mystery series out of all the rest out there. It’s. Just. That. Good. And hey, each new release never fails to release the same number of endorphins as finding new music! This series is a lovely song, and trust me, I’m not about to pass the aux.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, my dear.”
“When do I ever?”
“Should I answer that?”
March 17, 2023
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Well, and yet another romance is done, lock, stock, and barrel! This time, there's no shortage of suspects to pick from, all of them charming and yet unscrupulous at the same time! Of course, this means that Pen, with a little help from Richard, Jane, and even Benny this time, is on the case!
In terms of this story, it's pretty much the usual Penelope Banks stuff: she remembers everything she sees, she's a bit of a curious busybody, and more than anything she gets things done, all in her own charming way. I think this is just a series that I've gotten extremely comfortable with by now, so there's not much that I really have to review without giving anything specific away.
Two things I am curious about going forward though, including:
1. When Pen and Richard finally will tie the knot--because, yeah, I don't see the use in stalling
2. What Pen's future relationship and "favor" with Mr. Sweeny will entail, as I just see that being the basis of a further book in the series, perhaps even with Pen behind bars for suspicion this time? That'll be quite curious to read through, fingers crossed!
Well, and yet another romance is done, lock, stock, and barrel! This time, there's no shortage of suspects to pick from, all of them charming and yet unscrupulous at the same time! Of course, this means that Pen, with a little help from Richard, Jane, and even Benny this time, is on the case!
In terms of this story, it's pretty much the usual Penelope Banks stuff: she remembers everything she sees, she's a bit of a curious busybody, and more than anything she gets things done, all in her own charming way. I think this is just a series that I've gotten extremely comfortable with by now, so there's not much that I really have to review without giving anything specific away.
Two things I am curious about going forward though, including:
1. When Pen and Richard finally will tie the knot--because, yeah, I don't see the use in stalling
2. What Pen's future relationship and "favor" with Mr. Sweeny will entail, as I just see that being the basis of a further book in the series, perhaps even with Pen behind bars for suspicion this time? That'll be quite curious to read through, fingers crossed!
March 22, 2023
A most perplexing case
When Pen investigates the cause of her neighbor’s dogs incessant barking she is drawn into a rather convoluted missing persons and then murder case. It seems her neighbor was living quite the exciting life. With Pen, Jane, Richard and more friends they uncover so many sordid crimes. Who would think answering the call of some lonely dogs would lead to such varied activities.
This was definitely a head scratcher of a mystery. Seems like every time they uncover a clue it only leads to more questions. Yet in the end justice is served and there’s romance in the air. A fun and entertaining story.
When Pen investigates the cause of her neighbor’s dogs incessant barking she is drawn into a rather convoluted missing persons and then murder case. It seems her neighbor was living quite the exciting life. With Pen, Jane, Richard and more friends they uncover so many sordid crimes. Who would think answering the call of some lonely dogs would lead to such varied activities.
This was definitely a head scratcher of a mystery. Seems like every time they uncover a clue it only leads to more questions. Yet in the end justice is served and there’s romance in the air. A fun and entertaining story.
February 27, 2023
not my favorite
I’ve enjoyed this author’s work in the past. She creates clever and original plots and solutions. This particular book has the clever solutions but it dragged in numerous areas and has a number of word omissions and typos. I will continue to read her work and enjoy her smart mysteries
I’ve enjoyed this author’s work in the past. She creates clever and original plots and solutions. This particular book has the clever solutions but it dragged in numerous areas and has a number of word omissions and typos. I will continue to read her work and enjoy her smart mysteries
April 25, 2023
jewels….. Dalmatians & death…..an intriguing combination
Another mystery & more NYC history. Good heavens….. the energetic social life of a wealthy widow. And…. The intentional deception of most of them. Each book adds more characters to the permanent collection of regulars. This time Alice and Walter. I recommend
Another mystery & more NYC history. Good heavens….. the energetic social life of a wealthy widow. And…. The intentional deception of most of them. Each book adds more characters to the permanent collection of regulars. This time Alice and Walter. I recommend
February 17, 2023
Who done it?
I like the mystery it me guessing who the killer was almost to the end. Loved Pen's friends and her detective boyfriend. Also I like her cats. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery.
I like the mystery it me guessing who the killer was almost to the end. Loved Pen's friends and her detective boyfriend. Also I like her cats. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery.
March 1, 2023
Fun addition to the series
I loved having multiple suspects to try and suds out. Enjoyable 1920’s New York details and atmosphere. Would love to have a mystery where Benny or Lulu get more backstory!
I loved having multiple suspects to try and suds out. Enjoyable 1920’s New York details and atmosphere. Would love to have a mystery where Benny or Lulu get more backstory!
May 12, 2023
Spotting a Case of Murder 📖 book 9
This is a fun historical murder mystery romance novel with intriguing twists and turns in finding clues 🕵️♀️, hunting suspects down and finding secrets and alibis ❣️💃🏻🙀
This is a fun historical murder mystery romance novel with intriguing twists and turns in finding clues 🕵️♀️, hunting suspects down and finding secrets and alibis ❣️💃🏻🙀
July 14, 2023
Love the Pen Bank series!
Another great book! Give's you enough information to tease you. Always some fun history and surprises to keep you Intrigued ! I love the new series by Colette Clark. Keep writting and giving us more of your books! Recommend!!!
Another great book! Give's you enough information to tease you. Always some fun history and surprises to keep you Intrigued ! I love the new series by Colette Clark. Keep writting and giving us more of your books! Recommend!!!
February 15, 2023
A great addition to the series. Liked it a lot. Wish there were more.
October 24, 2024
The Merry Widow
Another wonderful mystery by Colette Clark. This time private investigator, Penelope Banks , finds herself taking care of two Dalmatians when their owner disappears. The owner is Penelope's neighbor, A widow whose life was quite interesting as Penelope discovers when searching for information about where the woman had gone to. A great story, with Benny, Jane, and of course , Richard. Plus, we get to fall in love with Dot and Dash, the two fur babies whose mom had disappeared.
Another wonderful mystery by Colette Clark. This time private investigator, Penelope Banks , finds herself taking care of two Dalmatians when their owner disappears. The owner is Penelope's neighbor, A widow whose life was quite interesting as Penelope discovers when searching for information about where the woman had gone to. A great story, with Benny, Jane, and of course , Richard. Plus, we get to fall in love with Dot and Dash, the two fur babies whose mom had disappeared.
December 14, 2024
This was a fun story over and above the fact a murder was in it. The main and supporting characters are interesting and lovable, the plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed Penelope's neighbor and why. Several men were involved and in looking for answers were implicated. Only one of the men was actually innocent of all things except loving the woman. That doesn't speak well of my gender. I most certainly recommend this book and the rest of the books in this series I have read.
February 18, 2025
Enjoyable
Perhaps more of a 3 1/2 star book rather than 4 star, but no less enjoyable for that. There was no shortage of suspects in this mystery, which was an entertaining and relaxing read. The characters were all vivid, if ever so slightly two-dimensional, and the time period of the 1920s was well-described. It was a lighthearted, quick read.
Perhaps more of a 3 1/2 star book rather than 4 star, but no less enjoyable for that. There was no shortage of suspects in this mystery, which was an entertaining and relaxing read. The characters were all vivid, if ever so slightly two-dimensional, and the time period of the 1920s was well-described. It was a lighthearted, quick read.
May 28, 2023
Dog gone good
Loved the action, and the courting going on. Mixed characters delighted the puzzle of the story. Another superb story thanks.
Loved the action, and the courting going on. Mixed characters delighted the puzzle of the story. Another superb story thanks.
November 4, 2024
An under rated author with an excellent series. I really like Pen.
February 17, 2025
nice book
February 17, 2025
nice book
March 3, 2025
Good period piece. Nice murder mystery with plenty of suspects. Facts from the time period of NYC were gently woven into the plot.
September 30, 2025
Decent entry into the Pen Banks saga, but probably one of the filler ones
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews