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Algonquin Round Table #3
A Friendly Game of Murder
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--as 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 be detective, murderer, or victim. 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...
Each partygoer draws a card to be detective, murderer, or victim. 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...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 31, 2012
9 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Murphy
11 books90 followersWhen not writing the Algonquin Round Table Mysteries, J.J. Murphy is an award-winning health care writer and very busy parent of twin daughters in suburban Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 25, 2012
Well, I wrote it, so of course I liked it!
March 6, 2013
Need an intelligent guffaw? Feeling down but a lighthearted romp among screwball writers in the 1920’s would cure you? Try the third book in J.J. Murphy’s Dorothy Parker series, A Friendly Game of Murder. Murphy enjoys incorporating a famous visitor into each of his books—this time Sir Arthur Conan Doyle offers some Sherlockian help when a Broadway starlet, Bibi Bibelot, turns up dead after entertaining a New Year’s Eve party by climbing naked into a bathtub of champagne. From both the victim’s name and pose, you get a taste for Murphy’s sense of humor. Imbibe the fun.
Dorothy Parker, poet and satirist, and her fellow Algonquin Round Table companions, a group of New York City writers, critics, actors and wits, were famous for their biting wisecracks and wordplay. Murphy continues this tradition in his mysteries. As a sample, on the trail of clues, Robert Benchley and Parker engage in this fictitious interplay:
“Look, footprints.” Benchley pointed out the window. “Footprints in the snow, on the roof! What do you make of that?”
“Someone took the road less traveled by?” she said.
Don’t look for biographically real moments in Parker’s life or anyone else’s. The setting is first rate and the details of life in the Algonquin have all the historical accuracy you could desire, but as Murphy says in his Author’s Note: “Dorothy Parker reportedly said, ‘I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn’t true.’ Following her advice, this book is almost entirely a work of fiction, even though it is populated with many real people. The members of the Algonquin Round Table never seemed to let the truth get in the way of telling a good story—and I hope you won’t let it get in the way of enjoying this one.”
Dorothy Parker, poet and satirist, and her fellow Algonquin Round Table companions, a group of New York City writers, critics, actors and wits, were famous for their biting wisecracks and wordplay. Murphy continues this tradition in his mysteries. As a sample, on the trail of clues, Robert Benchley and Parker engage in this fictitious interplay:
“Look, footprints.” Benchley pointed out the window. “Footprints in the snow, on the roof! What do you make of that?”
“Someone took the road less traveled by?” she said.
Don’t look for biographically real moments in Parker’s life or anyone else’s. The setting is first rate and the details of life in the Algonquin have all the historical accuracy you could desire, but as Murphy says in his Author’s Note: “Dorothy Parker reportedly said, ‘I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn’t true.’ Following her advice, this book is almost entirely a work of fiction, even though it is populated with many real people. The members of the Algonquin Round Table never seemed to let the truth get in the way of telling a good story—and I hope you won’t let it get in the way of enjoying this one.”
June 23, 2013
Mr. Murphy, you've done it again! I am NEVER disappointed when I read a Round Table Mystery. I laughed out loud. I felt my heart race. I got the creepy crawlies from the drama and danger. Absolutely awesome. Please, for Heaven's sake, write 2 at a time! I have gladly skipped nap times as a mother to a newborn just to finish this book. I couldn't put it down. Fantastic! I recommend it to anyone that likes a Roaring 20s mystery.
April 3, 2013
To my everlasting regret, I was not fortunate enough to be in NYC in the 1920's. So this series helps fill the void. It's also contributing to my already big crush on Robert Benchley. I would have been swooning along with Dorothy.
March 31, 2013
I loved this book! This series gets better and better. It was so exciting. Felt like you were racing right along with Dorothy up and down the elevator finding the clues. I like old movies so I knew Douglas, Mary, and Harpo. Reading this series, I keep googling the people to learn more about them. I want to go check out the Algonquin hotel. Can not wait until the next one.
September 11, 2017
3.5 stars. A great closed room (hotel) book! This was a fun mystery set at the Algonquin on a snowy New Year's Eve. Lots of fun and snappy wit as Dorothy Parker and the rest of the round table play detective.
January 19, 2017
I liked this, but I can't honestly say I loved it.
I do love the history of the Vicious Circle, and the sarcasm and sniping of the members was certainly on good display in this book. I love Dorothy Parker, and she was absolutely and completely well reflected here. I did love her and always will!
Wollcott, on the other hand, was beyond irritating in this story. I believe that was intentional, but it annoyed me beyond reason. I wanted to punch him in the face desperately for 3/4's of the book and by the end I wanted to scream every time he was in a scene.
I also felt that the plot and the solution to the murder was a little convoluted and that it took a bit too long to be resolved. I started to lose focus during the last 50 pages or so and had to really work to get to the end. The eventual ending WAS a cool solution to the murder though, so points to the author for that. I just felt like the story could have been wrapped up a bit more efficiently is all.
Still I do love these characters - except for Wollcott! - and the sense of place in this series is a lot of fun.
I do love the history of the Vicious Circle, and the sarcasm and sniping of the members was certainly on good display in this book. I love Dorothy Parker, and she was absolutely and completely well reflected here. I did love her and always will!
Wollcott, on the other hand, was beyond irritating in this story. I believe that was intentional, but it annoyed me beyond reason. I wanted to punch him in the face desperately for 3/4's of the book and by the end I wanted to scream every time he was in a scene.
I also felt that the plot and the solution to the murder was a little convoluted and that it took a bit too long to be resolved. I started to lose focus during the last 50 pages or so and had to really work to get to the end. The eventual ending WAS a cool solution to the murder though, so points to the author for that. I just felt like the story could have been wrapped up a bit more efficiently is all.
Still I do love these characters - except for Wollcott! - and the sense of place in this series is a lot of fun.
February 22, 2016
This was a very enjoyable read in this series. I would go as far and say, it was probably my favorite story so far. I liked the idea of having the game of murder play a big part in the story. I remember reading in Harpo Marx's book, he talked about the game and how, his best friend Alexander Woollcott, would really get into the fun of playing it whenever he could. So, while reading the story here, I could really see Alexander's enjoyment in trying to solve the real murder before anyone else could.
The mystery of the book, I felt could have come from an Agatha Christie story with a bit of Sherlock Holmes mixed in. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, made a good addition for the story here. I really enjoyed his involvement with Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley.
I hope, there will be more of these stories in the future soon. I have come, to really enjoy these stories. They make you feel, your stepping back in time, and experiencing a wonderful and hilarious time in history.
The mystery of the book, I felt could have come from an Agatha Christie story with a bit of Sherlock Holmes mixed in. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, made a good addition for the story here. I really enjoyed his involvement with Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley.
I hope, there will be more of these stories in the future soon. I have come, to really enjoy these stories. They make you feel, your stepping back in time, and experiencing a wonderful and hilarious time in history.
June 13, 2016
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
December 19, 2013
Not as good as the first two, because I don't like all of the angsty relationship stuff between Dorothy and Benchley. It never happened, so I don't see why it needed to be included in these books. As for the mystery portion, this one was actually less predictable than the first two, which made me quite happy. And how can one dislike ANY historical fiction where a primary character is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? It's a mystery story...with the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Heaven!
February 7, 2017
Un roman pimpant, léger, vintage & absolument charmant. Des personnages plus vrais que nature. Une intrigue survoltée. Une ambiance exquise. Une mise en scène tout feu tout flamme, avec du rythme, du souffle, de l'éclat et des bulles.
Une lecture réjouissante ! J'ai tout aimé.
Avis détaillé sur le blog
Une lecture réjouissante ! J'ai tout aimé.
Avis détaillé sur le blog
October 25, 2015
The final installment (so far? please write more!) of the Algonquin Round Table Mysteries, A Friendly Game of Murder continues to be full of witticisms and puns. I gave it 5 stars for the end. Just the right mix of heartache and...rightness.
Plus, Sir Arthur Con Doyle.
Plus, Sir Arthur Con Doyle.
February 16, 2013
Dorothy Parker makes a great detective, in this case solving the murder of a Bibi Biolet who dies in a bathtub. Add Sir Author Conan Doyle to the story and you have a fun story set on New Year's Eve
March 25, 2013
The Algonquin is having their big New Year's Eve Party. Up in the penthouse Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford are giving the party of the season. Down in the lobby Dorothy is waiting for Benchley to arrive so that perhaps she might have the midnight kiss she has dreamed of. Though things go a little south when the hotel is put under quarantine... they can party, but they can't leave. Which is not a problem so long as the booze holds out. When the new Broadway sensation Bibi Bibelot decides to make a bit of a spectacle, in nothing but her birthday suit and some bubbly, tensions become high, and heated for many of the young bucks. When Bibi turns up dead, things get worse. But with her wit and her friends by her side, Dorothy knows she can solve this mystery before the quarantine is lifted, it doesn't hurt that she has the creator of Sherlock Holmes on hand to help her. Of course she does have to figure out how to kill Woollcott before the night is out... sadly that crime is only in fun, being a "friendly game of murder."
There is nothing better then the perfect book at the perfect time. This book was such a book. I have, in recent years, come to love snuggling down for New Year's with a nice book or movie, preferably with a cat nearby. This past year I got to snuggle down and read about characters who have become dear friends while they celebrated their New Year's... albeit fictionally and nearing on a hundred years ago. But still, I can't think of a more perfect New Year's Eve, so kudos to the publishers for coinciding the release date with the story. I'm a die hard book geek and this made my day.
I loved that J.J. really upped the game in this book. In the previous two installments, the characters have been boozing it up and running hither and yon and being who knows where, and, while always a great read, all that tooing-and-frooing can be a little tiring. So having them locked in the Algonquin was a nice respite from all that rushing about greater Manhattan. Yet, this means we are now working within that greatest of detective tropes, the locked room mystery. Does J.J. settle there? No! He one-ups that and makes the murder a locked room in a locked room, the Agatha Christie fan in me did a double squeal of joy, followed by a polite throat clearing in the manner of Poirot. There is also the method of murder being not apparently obvious, so the suspect is not obvious, therefore the how comes before the who. I'm just giddy now.
As for the "guest stars" who wouldn't be over the moon with Arthur Conan Doyle becoming a reluctant sleuth? I love how Dorothy tries to draw him into their world of fun and games, but the stoic Doyle with his walrus moustache tries to stay apart from the rabble... an endeavour that is bound to fail when Dorothy's involved! Yet nothing warmed the cockles of my heart more then Doyle being all blustery and Woolcott being all blustery and having at each other... the denouement of their butting heads is hilarious. Then there is the game of "murder." I think it's spiffing that J.J. used a game that the members of the Round Table actually played and was able to use this as a framing device for the novel, as well as a wonderful title.
While no one can beat the witty banter and the amusing scenarios that happen when Parker and Benchley are around; I defy someone to find a scene in a recent book as funny as Robert Benchley trying to work the Algonquin Hotel's telephone switchboard, not only are there a lot of crossed wires, but a lot of information gained that is pertinent to the case; I was grateful for "the lovebirds" being apart for the midnight hour. I'm still not sure how I feel about their romance. They are indeed star crossed lovers, but I think that in order to maintain the light air of this series that they must always, alas, remain flirty friends.
On a final note, seriously, can someone tell me when Philately got so big in mysteries? Is it down to Flavia De Luce? Or was it a trend I never noticed till then... because really people, it's everywhere lately.
There is nothing better then the perfect book at the perfect time. This book was such a book. I have, in recent years, come to love snuggling down for New Year's with a nice book or movie, preferably with a cat nearby. This past year I got to snuggle down and read about characters who have become dear friends while they celebrated their New Year's... albeit fictionally and nearing on a hundred years ago. But still, I can't think of a more perfect New Year's Eve, so kudos to the publishers for coinciding the release date with the story. I'm a die hard book geek and this made my day.
I loved that J.J. really upped the game in this book. In the previous two installments, the characters have been boozing it up and running hither and yon and being who knows where, and, while always a great read, all that tooing-and-frooing can be a little tiring. So having them locked in the Algonquin was a nice respite from all that rushing about greater Manhattan. Yet, this means we are now working within that greatest of detective tropes, the locked room mystery. Does J.J. settle there? No! He one-ups that and makes the murder a locked room in a locked room, the Agatha Christie fan in me did a double squeal of joy, followed by a polite throat clearing in the manner of Poirot. There is also the method of murder being not apparently obvious, so the suspect is not obvious, therefore the how comes before the who. I'm just giddy now.
As for the "guest stars" who wouldn't be over the moon with Arthur Conan Doyle becoming a reluctant sleuth? I love how Dorothy tries to draw him into their world of fun and games, but the stoic Doyle with his walrus moustache tries to stay apart from the rabble... an endeavour that is bound to fail when Dorothy's involved! Yet nothing warmed the cockles of my heart more then Doyle being all blustery and Woolcott being all blustery and having at each other... the denouement of their butting heads is hilarious. Then there is the game of "murder." I think it's spiffing that J.J. used a game that the members of the Round Table actually played and was able to use this as a framing device for the novel, as well as a wonderful title.
While no one can beat the witty banter and the amusing scenarios that happen when Parker and Benchley are around; I defy someone to find a scene in a recent book as funny as Robert Benchley trying to work the Algonquin Hotel's telephone switchboard, not only are there a lot of crossed wires, but a lot of information gained that is pertinent to the case; I was grateful for "the lovebirds" being apart for the midnight hour. I'm still not sure how I feel about their romance. They are indeed star crossed lovers, but I think that in order to maintain the light air of this series that they must always, alas, remain flirty friends.
On a final note, seriously, can someone tell me when Philately got so big in mysteries? Is it down to Flavia De Luce? Or was it a trend I never noticed till then... because really people, it's everywhere lately.
December 14, 2012
A Friendly Game Of Murder is the third book in the An Algonquin Round Table Mystery series.
I'll admit that when I started the first book it took me a little while to appreciate all the one liners and double meanings that go on, for the most part, between Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley. This series will give you a chuckle or laugh on just about every page.
It's New Years Eve at the Algonquin Hotel and Alexander Woollcott is trying to get everyone interested in the game of Murder that they usually play. Before they can get started Dr. Hurst, a guest, announces that there is a case of smallpox at the Algonquin and the hotel is put under quarantine. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford then invite all the guest to their penthouse to party hearty until the end of the quarantine. As the party is beginning to get underway, Bibi Bibelot, sheds her silver fox coat and doesn't have stitch on. She heads for the bathroom and order for champagne to be brought so she could take a bath and invited everyone to watch. The one thing she did have on was a silver locket, which Dorothy saw Dr. Hurst hand to Fairbanks when they first got to the penthouse. Then Dorothy hears a heated argument between Dr. Hurst and Bibi. Soon after Dorothy goes to check on Bibi and finds her dead in the bathtub with no real apparent injuries. And it is a locked room mystery, as the door is locked and a bath towel is up against the door on the inside. It is also a locked hotel mystery, too. And the "valuable" silver locket is missing also.
With the help of friends from "The Table", Woollcott thinks of him self as a detective, but this time they Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to help. Dorothy adoringly calls him Artie. Only Dorothy would do that.
If you are looking for a lot of quick one liners and a few come backs, this the series to check out. Never a dull moment when you are sitting around the Algonquin Round Table.
One example of the humor: Dorothy and Benchley are riding in the elevator with Sir Arthur and Benchley asks Dorothy what school she attended, she quips back--Elementary, my dear Benchley, Elementary.
Love the humor in this series and certainly looking forward to the next book.
I'll admit that when I started the first book it took me a little while to appreciate all the one liners and double meanings that go on, for the most part, between Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley. This series will give you a chuckle or laugh on just about every page.
It's New Years Eve at the Algonquin Hotel and Alexander Woollcott is trying to get everyone interested in the game of Murder that they usually play. Before they can get started Dr. Hurst, a guest, announces that there is a case of smallpox at the Algonquin and the hotel is put under quarantine. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford then invite all the guest to their penthouse to party hearty until the end of the quarantine. As the party is beginning to get underway, Bibi Bibelot, sheds her silver fox coat and doesn't have stitch on. She heads for the bathroom and order for champagne to be brought so she could take a bath and invited everyone to watch. The one thing she did have on was a silver locket, which Dorothy saw Dr. Hurst hand to Fairbanks when they first got to the penthouse. Then Dorothy hears a heated argument between Dr. Hurst and Bibi. Soon after Dorothy goes to check on Bibi and finds her dead in the bathtub with no real apparent injuries. And it is a locked room mystery, as the door is locked and a bath towel is up against the door on the inside. It is also a locked hotel mystery, too. And the "valuable" silver locket is missing also.
With the help of friends from "The Table", Woollcott thinks of him self as a detective, but this time they Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to help. Dorothy adoringly calls him Artie. Only Dorothy would do that.
If you are looking for a lot of quick one liners and a few come backs, this the series to check out. Never a dull moment when you are sitting around the Algonquin Round Table.
One example of the humor: Dorothy and Benchley are riding in the elevator with Sir Arthur and Benchley asks Dorothy what school she attended, she quips back--Elementary, my dear Benchley, Elementary.
Love the humor in this series and certainly looking forward to the next book.
January 16, 2016
How about a little friendly game of murder?
Dorothy and her friends gather at the Algonquin Hotel on New Year’s Eve for a swanky soiree hosted by movie stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. Mary’s nose gets a little out of joint when young Broadway starlet Bibi Bibelot becomes the star of her party with her antics. But when Bibi is found later dead in the bathtub Mary is not the only suspect. No one knows who the killer is, but one thing everyone is sure of — they won’t be making any gin in that bathtub.
When even the Round Table members end up in peril, it is clear the game is afoot. Dorothy enlists the help of surprise guest Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to join the group and help track down the killer. It should be Elementary right!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I love, Love, LOVE this series and this one is my favorite so far!!! The Algonquin under quarantine! The cat and mouse chase around the hotel was priceless! Benchley running the switchboard had me in tears with laughter! The nuns at the party, oh my word!!
J.J. Murphy has gift of getting into these characters heads and coming up with these absolutely wonderful stories. Adding Sir Artie to mix this time was brilliant. The man behind Sherlock Holmes who really hates it when people think he can solve mysteries.
The Roaring 20′s, the hotel, the flapper dresses, the waiters, the movie stars. Reading this story was just like watching on old talkie! The author puts us there so easily. I rode up and down that elevator right along with Dorothy, ducked the flying objects in the kitchen, got chills in that icebox. J.J. Murphy I love the way you write! Don’t ever stop!!!
This story is not only fun and entertaining it is like a time machine taking us back in time!! and it is a marvelous trip!!! 10 starfish!!!
Dorothy and her friends gather at the Algonquin Hotel on New Year’s Eve for a swanky soiree hosted by movie stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. Mary’s nose gets a little out of joint when young Broadway starlet Bibi Bibelot becomes the star of her party with her antics. But when Bibi is found later dead in the bathtub Mary is not the only suspect. No one knows who the killer is, but one thing everyone is sure of — they won’t be making any gin in that bathtub.
When even the Round Table members end up in peril, it is clear the game is afoot. Dorothy enlists the help of surprise guest Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to join the group and help track down the killer. It should be Elementary right!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I love, Love, LOVE this series and this one is my favorite so far!!! The Algonquin under quarantine! The cat and mouse chase around the hotel was priceless! Benchley running the switchboard had me in tears with laughter! The nuns at the party, oh my word!!
J.J. Murphy has gift of getting into these characters heads and coming up with these absolutely wonderful stories. Adding Sir Artie to mix this time was brilliant. The man behind Sherlock Holmes who really hates it when people think he can solve mysteries.
The Roaring 20′s, the hotel, the flapper dresses, the waiters, the movie stars. Reading this story was just like watching on old talkie! The author puts us there so easily. I rode up and down that elevator right along with Dorothy, ducked the flying objects in the kitchen, got chills in that icebox. J.J. Murphy I love the way you write! Don’t ever stop!!!
This story is not only fun and entertaining it is like a time machine taking us back in time!! and it is a marvelous trip!!! 10 starfish!!!
November 17, 2013
The opening of this book is one of my favorites and (I think) the best way to start a book. Alexander Woollcott asks Dorothy Parker "...how about a friendly game of Murder?" J.J Murphy should get nominated for that line alone.
We start at the Algonquin and, well, stay there for the duration of this book. That is great because I think I'm in love with the building. It is New Year's Eve and the building has just been quarantined because of a family who has smallpox. The Algonquin gang decide to play, you guessed it, a friendly game of Murder. It starts out as just a game, but it turns into a real game of murder when a starlet is found dead as dead in the bathtub. Then the game escalates when someone locks Dorothy and Benchley in the meat freezer.
One thing I love about these books is the witty and brave humor. Dorothy and company can make light out of any bad situation and make a snarky remark. (My personal favorite, when Dorothy says in Murder Your Darlings "Stop confusing me by making sense!") Just when you think it can't get funnier the book proves you wrong. I also like the idea of bringing in a famous person from history. In You Might As Well Die, it was the great Harry Houdini. In A Friendly Game of Murder, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the lucky guest appearance.
If you like the 1920s, snarky humor, or a good mystery, look no further than the Algonquin Round Table mysteries.
We start at the Algonquin and, well, stay there for the duration of this book. That is great because I think I'm in love with the building. It is New Year's Eve and the building has just been quarantined because of a family who has smallpox. The Algonquin gang decide to play, you guessed it, a friendly game of Murder. It starts out as just a game, but it turns into a real game of murder when a starlet is found dead as dead in the bathtub. Then the game escalates when someone locks Dorothy and Benchley in the meat freezer.
One thing I love about these books is the witty and brave humor. Dorothy and company can make light out of any bad situation and make a snarky remark. (My personal favorite, when Dorothy says in Murder Your Darlings "Stop confusing me by making sense!") Just when you think it can't get funnier the book proves you wrong. I also like the idea of bringing in a famous person from history. In You Might As Well Die, it was the great Harry Houdini. In A Friendly Game of Murder, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the lucky guest appearance.
If you like the 1920s, snarky humor, or a good mystery, look no further than the Algonquin Round Table mysteries.
February 11, 2013
It’s New Year’s Eve at Douglas Fairbanks’ posh party at the Algonquin Hotel where Dorothy Parker and her celebrity friends regularly hang out. People aren’t too shocked when a naked, obnoxious starlet is found dead in Fairbanks’ hotel bathtub filled with champagne. Worse and more salacious things have happened in this fast crowd. Was Bibi drunk and accidentally drowned or murdered? Dorothy, “Fred” (her pet name humorist and columnist Robert Benchley) and party guest Sir Arthur Conan Doyle investigate. After all, what else is there to do on New Year’s Eve? The hotel is locked up, quarantined due to an outbreak of smallpox. One must stay entertained if one is stuck on this big night, right? The challenge turns out to be more than a parlor game. Dorothy and friends have to stay alive to celebrate the New Year.
As witty, brash, thoughtful and imperfect as their real life characters, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, the Fairbanks, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and others make up a splendid group for this latest book in the Algonquin Roundtable Mysteries series. New York City in the 1920’s was a wild time: when those who wrote the news were newsmakers with their own scandalous behaviors. It’s fun. It’s a good, well-developed mystery. If you adore that time in NYC and Dorothy Parker, settle in for a read as sparkling as a glass of bubbly!
As witty, brash, thoughtful and imperfect as their real life characters, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, the Fairbanks, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and others make up a splendid group for this latest book in the Algonquin Roundtable Mysteries series. New York City in the 1920’s was a wild time: when those who wrote the news were newsmakers with their own scandalous behaviors. It’s fun. It’s a good, well-developed mystery. If you adore that time in NYC and Dorothy Parker, settle in for a read as sparkling as a glass of bubbly!
November 1, 2016
Une franche réussite qui mêle habilement humour et suspens !
J'avais beaucoup aimé le premier roman de cette série, Le Cercle des plumes assassines. Dans ce nouvel opus, la formule n'a pas changé : Dorothy Parker, la célèbre auteure américaine, met ses talents et son intelligence au servir de la justice en tentant de mettre la main sur un meurtrier. Autour d'elle, d'autres brillants auteurs de l'époque ainsi que des vedettes de cinéma ou de Broadway lui donnent un coup de main... pour le plus grand plaisir du lecteur !
Ce roman mélange habilement les faits réels avec l'imagination de l'auteur. L'intrigue est très bien menée et je dois dire que j'ai même été bluffée par la qualité de ce mystère digne d'un Sherlock Holmes. D'ailleurs le spectre du célèbre détective plane sur ce nouveau tome puisque son créateur, Arthur Conan Doyle, est l'un des personnages de l'histoire.
Ce roman plaira autant aux vrais fans de roman policier qu'aux simples amateurs. Pas besoin de savoir quoique ce soit sur Dorothy Parker ou sur la période pour apprécier ce livre qui se dévore à la vitesse de la lumière. A noter que l'auteur propose quelques infos biographiques à la fin de son livre pour que les curieux en sachent plus sur les faits réels.
Je recommande chaudement ce livre avec lequel j'ai passé un très bon moment. Impossible de le lâcher tant le suspens est à son comble !
J'avais beaucoup aimé le premier roman de cette série, Le Cercle des plumes assassines. Dans ce nouvel opus, la formule n'a pas changé : Dorothy Parker, la célèbre auteure américaine, met ses talents et son intelligence au servir de la justice en tentant de mettre la main sur un meurtrier. Autour d'elle, d'autres brillants auteurs de l'époque ainsi que des vedettes de cinéma ou de Broadway lui donnent un coup de main... pour le plus grand plaisir du lecteur !
Ce roman mélange habilement les faits réels avec l'imagination de l'auteur. L'intrigue est très bien menée et je dois dire que j'ai même été bluffée par la qualité de ce mystère digne d'un Sherlock Holmes. D'ailleurs le spectre du célèbre détective plane sur ce nouveau tome puisque son créateur, Arthur Conan Doyle, est l'un des personnages de l'histoire.
Ce roman plaira autant aux vrais fans de roman policier qu'aux simples amateurs. Pas besoin de savoir quoique ce soit sur Dorothy Parker ou sur la période pour apprécier ce livre qui se dévore à la vitesse de la lumière. A noter que l'auteur propose quelques infos biographiques à la fin de son livre pour que les curieux en sachent plus sur les faits réels.
Je recommande chaudement ce livre avec lequel j'ai passé un très bon moment. Impossible de le lâcher tant le suspens est à son comble !
January 7, 2018
A Friendly Game of Murder is the third book in J. J. Murphy's Algonquin Round Table series. I previously read You Might As Well Die, also a great piece of historical literary fiction. The story is pure entertainment with some very funny scenes, well researched and well written. Below is a brief plot summary from the publisher:
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--as 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 be detective, murderer, or victim. 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 A another great read, well worth the time for mystery buff readers.
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--as 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 be detective, murderer, or victim. 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 A another great read, well worth the time for mystery buff readers.
September 12, 2014
A Friendly Game of Murder by J.J. Murphy.
This is my 4th book in the Algonquin series including a novelette.
Dorothy (Parker), Robert Benchley and Alexander Woollcott are members of the Algonquin round table that meets at that Hotel. Unfortunately, this new year's eve they find themselves locked inside due to a quarantine on the establishment. It appears a family has small pox and no one may enter or leave the hotel.
Just when things seem to be going downhill Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford throw a lavish party inviting everyone. The party is getting underway when Bibi Bibelot, an aspiring starlet, enters the gala affair stark naked. She proceeds to enjoy a bath in full view of everyone present with a bathtub filled with champagne.
Later Dorothy finds Bibi dead as a doornail in the tub. Who could have gotten into the bathroom and out with the door locked? Who hated Bibi enough to kill her?
This is only one part of the murder mystery at the Algonquin and Dorothy finds herself in the midst of it all.
I thoroughly enjoy this series and couldn't read enough of this story. The action never stops and the fun is just around each corner. The characters make the story all the more lively with their interaction.
This is my 4th book in the Algonquin series including a novelette.
Dorothy (Parker), Robert Benchley and Alexander Woollcott are members of the Algonquin round table that meets at that Hotel. Unfortunately, this new year's eve they find themselves locked inside due to a quarantine on the establishment. It appears a family has small pox and no one may enter or leave the hotel.
Just when things seem to be going downhill Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford throw a lavish party inviting everyone. The party is getting underway when Bibi Bibelot, an aspiring starlet, enters the gala affair stark naked. She proceeds to enjoy a bath in full view of everyone present with a bathtub filled with champagne.
Later Dorothy finds Bibi dead as a doornail in the tub. Who could have gotten into the bathroom and out with the door locked? Who hated Bibi enough to kill her?
This is only one part of the murder mystery at the Algonquin and Dorothy finds herself in the midst of it all.
I thoroughly enjoy this series and couldn't read enough of this story. The action never stops and the fun is just around each corner. The characters make the story all the more lively with their interaction.
March 7, 2019
J.J. Murphy hits his stride in "A Friendly Game of Murder", the third entry in the Algonquin Round Table mysteries. Too bad this is the last book. I would have loved to have seen the way Murphy progressed the relationship between Dorothy and Benchley.
After looking at the author's website and Goodreads page, Murphy intended to continue on with the series. I'm guessing the publisher's are at fault and probably hold the rights to HIS characters (as happened with Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray series) while refusing to compromise in order to allow him the rights back to said characters. Authors beware, especially if you are writing a series. Don't sign over the rights to your characters.
Side note: I chuckle every time Dorothy refers to Benchley as "Fred" because I do the same thing with my niece (How's it going, Fred?) and also did so with my younger sister years ago. What a strange coincidence.
After looking at the author's website and Goodreads page, Murphy intended to continue on with the series. I'm guessing the publisher's are at fault and probably hold the rights to HIS characters (as happened with Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Gray series) while refusing to compromise in order to allow him the rights back to said characters. Authors beware, especially if you are writing a series. Don't sign over the rights to your characters.
Side note: I chuckle every time Dorothy refers to Benchley as "Fred" because I do the same thing with my niece (How's it going, Fred?) and also did so with my younger sister years ago. What a strange coincidence.
July 6, 2018
Finally this series really hits the mark!
New Year's Eve. A quarantined hotel, it's partying guests sealed off from the world. Outside the snow falls - and inside there is murder. Yummy, yummy! Almost like a deadly weekend at an English country house, if you know what I mean. Great atmosphere and a plot you can actually follow because the number of suspects is limited and the setting graspable.
Swell 4 star entertainment. Maybe 4,5 and it's a pity this seems to be the last installment. Had the author continued to hold this kind of quality I would gladly have kept on reading. And one does wonder a bit... Dottie's low keyed romance with Mr. Benchley? Now that they've declared their feelings for each other (after a lot of ah-ain't-it-sweet fumbling) - what happens next? Guess I'll never know. (And was it even a real thing or just a fictional piece of creative writing? You tell me!)
New Year's Eve. A quarantined hotel, it's partying guests sealed off from the world. Outside the snow falls - and inside there is murder. Yummy, yummy! Almost like a deadly weekend at an English country house, if you know what I mean. Great atmosphere and a plot you can actually follow because the number of suspects is limited and the setting graspable.
Swell 4 star entertainment. Maybe 4,5 and it's a pity this seems to be the last installment. Had the author continued to hold this kind of quality I would gladly have kept on reading. And one does wonder a bit... Dottie's low keyed romance with Mr. Benchley? Now that they've declared their feelings for each other (after a lot of ah-ain't-it-sweet fumbling) - what happens next? Guess I'll never know. (And was it even a real thing or just a fictional piece of creative writing? You tell me!)
July 7, 2013
Dorothy Parker is one of my favorite people from the past. She made the 20's roar and I love reading her stories. This is a mystery that revolves around Dorothy, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Robert Benchley and a whole host of other "stars" of the era. At Douglas Fairbanks' New Years Eve party at the Algonquin Hotel in New York, a woman is found dead in his bathtub. The hotel is quarantined when a family is suspected of having smallpox so Dorothy and her friends delve into the mystery as part of a "murder" game they liked to play. This is a quick read and a lot of fun. A few of the characters are a little annoying but on the whole I enjoyed the book a lot. It was a good mix of fact and fiction.
August 20, 2014
Dorothy Parker is looking forward to spending Doug Fairbanks' New Year's Eve party at the Algonquin Hotel with her friend Robert Benchley, but they find themselves in quarantine after a visiting English doctor says that tourists in the hotel have smallpox. A snowstorm further isolates them, so when an exhibitionistic starlet is found dead, they're on their own--except for critic Alexander Woollcott, who is convinced that he's a great detective.
November 28, 2013
It was good to hang out with Dottie and Benchley again! They didn't seem to partake of beverages as much in this story (so I did not either) and I did not laugh as much as I did with the first 2 books, (but it was still entertaining). However, I thought this one was more developed (as far as being a mystery). I look forward to another Round Table Mystery someday!
March 9, 2014
Third in the Algonquin Round Table Mystery series finds Dorothy Parker and several Round Table regulars at a New Year Eve's party at he apartment of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. A starlet is found dead in a bathtub of champagne, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle show up along with two nuns who are not what they seem, and hi jinks ensue. Entertaining fun.
August 11, 2016
I liked this book, it has screwball comedy and vicious oneliners, but I'm not sure if I would read another as I felt the comedy supplanted the mystery. The Dorothy Parker of this book was a little bit silly and lovesick and that was a tad annoying. The book however was well written, moved along at at good pace and the ending was satisfactory. I enjoyed J.J. Murphy's writing style.
April 4, 2013
This book was delightful. Like a Stephanie Plum novel, but with booze instead of doughnuts and culture instead of Jersey. A fun blend of classic mystery, punny wit, and historical fiction. A great beach read or pick-me-up!
May 12, 2015
This, the third of Murphy's Algonquin Roundtable books may not be the best of the bunch, but it nevertheless has the frenzy of a great screwball comedy and a fistful of "to die for" lines emerging from the mouths of Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley. Well worth the time.
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