What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackbird Sisters Mystery #9
Little Black Book of Murder
Someone’s getting crossed off the register.
Nora Blackbird may have been to the manor borne, but these days money is so tight, she can’t afford to lose her job as a society columnist. So when her new boss at the Philadelphia Intelligencer—Australian tabloid editor Gus Hardwicke—tells her to work the celebrity gossip beat or start checking the want ads, the choice is easy.
Now Nora’s writing a profile on billionaire fashion designer Swain Starr, who recently retired to build a high-tech organic farm with his new wife, Zephyr, a former supermodel. But before Nora can get the story, the mogul is murdered. And now Gus wants her to snap up an exclusive on who killed Starr before the cops do.
But solving a celebrity murder isn’t easy with a home life as colorful as Nora’s. Her sort-of-husband, Mick, a former mobster, is associating once again with unsavory characters. Her sister Libby is on a mission to get her diabolical twins on stage or screen with the help of an unscrupulous former child star. And the youngest Blackbird sister, Emma, just got kicked out of the house by Mick—who refuses to explain why.
If anything can bring the blue-blooded Blackbird sisters together, it’s a murder investigation involving high-society events, glamorous people, and the disappearance of a genetically perfect pig that may or may not be basking in the sun at Blackbird Farm. They’ll all have to pull together this time, because if Nora can’t bring home the bacon, she might have to exchange her bucolic estate for a cramped walk-up.
Nora Blackbird may have been to the manor borne, but these days money is so tight, she can’t afford to lose her job as a society columnist. So when her new boss at the Philadelphia Intelligencer—Australian tabloid editor Gus Hardwicke—tells her to work the celebrity gossip beat or start checking the want ads, the choice is easy.
Now Nora’s writing a profile on billionaire fashion designer Swain Starr, who recently retired to build a high-tech organic farm with his new wife, Zephyr, a former supermodel. But before Nora can get the story, the mogul is murdered. And now Gus wants her to snap up an exclusive on who killed Starr before the cops do.
But solving a celebrity murder isn’t easy with a home life as colorful as Nora’s. Her sort-of-husband, Mick, a former mobster, is associating once again with unsavory characters. Her sister Libby is on a mission to get her diabolical twins on stage or screen with the help of an unscrupulous former child star. And the youngest Blackbird sister, Emma, just got kicked out of the house by Mick—who refuses to explain why.
If anything can bring the blue-blooded Blackbird sisters together, it’s a murder investigation involving high-society events, glamorous people, and the disappearance of a genetically perfect pig that may or may not be basking in the sun at Blackbird Farm. They’ll all have to pull together this time, because if Nora can’t bring home the bacon, she might have to exchange her bucolic estate for a cramped walk-up.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2013
49 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Martin
138 books561 followersWinner of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement award for mystery writing from Romantic Times magazine, Nancy Martin announces the release of the 8th book in her popular Blackbird Sisters mystery series, NO WAY TO KILL A LADY. Set in Philadelphia, the story features three heiresses whose parents have run off with their trust funds. Now thay have a chance to regain their wealth when their aunt, "Madcap Maddy" Blackbird dies in a volcano and leaves her estate to the sisters. But Nora Blackbird soon discovers all the treasures in Aunt Maddy's house have disappeared...information that leads her to believe maybe Maddy didn't die the way everybody thinks.
Author of 48 pop fiction novels in mystery, suspense, historical and romance genres, Nancy created The Blackbird Sisters in 2002--- mysteries about three impoverished heiresses who adventure in couture and crime --as if “Agatha Christie had wandered onto the set of Sex and The City.” Nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery of 2002, HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE won the RT award for Best First Mystery and was a finalist for the Daphne DuMaurier Award. Currently, she is at work on the Roxy Abruzzo mystery series for St. Martin’s Minotaur. In 2009 she received the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for mystery writing.
Nancy lives in Pittsburgh, serves on the board of Sisters in Crime and is a founding member of Pennwriters. Find her on Pinterest and Facebook.
Author of 48 pop fiction novels in mystery, suspense, historical and romance genres, Nancy created The Blackbird Sisters in 2002--- mysteries about three impoverished heiresses who adventure in couture and crime --as if “Agatha Christie had wandered onto the set of Sex and The City.” Nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery of 2002, HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE won the RT award for Best First Mystery and was a finalist for the Daphne DuMaurier Award. Currently, she is at work on the Roxy Abruzzo mystery series for St. Martin’s Minotaur. In 2009 she received the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for mystery writing.
Nancy lives in Pittsburgh, serves on the board of Sisters in Crime and is a founding member of Pennwriters. Find her on Pinterest and Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 1, 2013
I adore the Blackbird sisters, feisty Emma, nymphomaniac Libby and steady, dependent Nora. A new editor has taken over at the Philadelphia Intelligencer, trying to turn it into a tabloid and charged Nora with digging up the dirt on Swain Starr, a retired fashion designer opening an organic farm next to Nora's beloved family farm. Nora gets more than she bargained for when Swain turns up dead, stabbed by a pitchfork. Mick Abruzzo, Nora's fiancée, and Nora are barely getting by since Mick is trying to stay out of his family's criminal enterprise and Nora's salary is not stretching to meet their needs. Nora is trying to learn how to be a real reporter and branch out from her society beat, but her editor is making her uncomfortable with both his journalistic demands and his sexual advances. There is an abundance of suspects for the murder: his trophy wife, former supermodel, Zephyr; his furious ex-wife, Marybeth; any one of his four grown children, or, even Nora's nephew, Rawlins. And, where has Mick and Nora's pet hog, Ralphie, gone? Lots of laughs and a few tears, another delightful book from Nancy Martin.
August 10, 2013
I'm always a happy camper when a new Blackbird Sisters mystery comes out! These books are just plain fun!
August 13, 2017
Another fun adventure with the Blackbird sisters. Lots going on as usual with everyone, from babies to pigs and murder. Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 28, 2022
This was the funniest Blackbird sisters book in a while. Nora's new boss is using sexual harassment to pressure her to publish sleazy stories. He is hounding her for information about the murder of a fashion designer, but only info that he thinks will sell newspapers. Coincidentally her nephew is prime suspect number one. Meanwhile her pet pig, Ralphie has been stolen. And then there's sad fact that she's having trouble fitting into her clothes. As usual Libby and Emma have their sideshows going on. All in all this is fun mystery with an ending that leads into the next book.
April 9, 2021
Lots of interesting twists in this one! And drama too! Did not really see the killer coming but honestly the scheme with the pig was way more compelling than finding out who murdered Swain!
August 20, 2013
A suspense-filled, sexy cozy mystery that you won't want to miss! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
With the declining economy, newspapers are being hit hard, so society columnist and socialite Nora is being forced to put in extra hours at the Philadelphia Intelligencer where she works, and her duties have been extended to celebrity gossip. Her unethical new editor, Gus Hardwicke, an Australian tabloid editor, wants her to dig up dirt on the people she depends on for her column, something she is not happy about. While interviewing fashion designer Swain Starr, Nora is nearly shot when the designer’s ex-wife shows up with a musket and tries to shoot Swain’s new wife. Standing in the path of the two women, Nora is saved when Gus tackles the angry ex-wife. Later, Nora stumbles over Swain’s dead body and finds her nephew, Rawlings’ car keys lying near the body…keys she pockets before the police arrive.
Nora’s pseudo-husband Michael, the son of a mob boss, is on house arrest and he and Nora are trying to get pregnant…something Nora desperately wants. However, their finances are not the best since Nora is the only one working right now and Blackbird Farm needs some serious improvements. The Blackbird women, including Nora and her two sisters, Emma and Libby, have all lost their husbands to what they consider the Blackbird curse, so Nora is leery about exchanging vows with Michael, although they have committed themselves through personal vows to each other. The Blackbird women grew up in wealth, but when their parents lost all their money and took their daughters’ trust funds to escape the country and travel to exotic hot spots, the three women were left to fend for themselves, each in their own way. Nora’s sister, Libby, who is the oldest of the siblings, is a single mother, raising five children and going overboard, at times, to allow them their own unique creative outlet while she also searches for a new daddy for them. The youngest sister, Emma, has given up her newborn baby to the child’s married father, but is suffering some emotional upheaval as a result, which she is unsuccessfully trying to keep from her sisters. As if that was not enough, recently Michael kicked Emma out of Blackbird Farm and has refused to say why. The sisters and their extended family often have disagreements, but they always have each other’s back.
The murder investigation, with its socialites, high society events, a missing genetically perfected pig, the possible involvement of Libby’s son and the victim’s quirky family, serves to bring the sisters together as they lend a hand along with Nora’s significant other, Michael. Recently, Michael, who is trying to leave behind his mobster family and go straight, has been talking to some shady characters and Nora fears he may be drawn back into his old ways, especially since there are rumors of upheaval in the mob. Now they must all stick together more than ever if they are to solve the murder, save Blackbird Farm and stay out of jail.
An enthralling tale, LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MURDER, the ninth book in award winning author Nancy Martin’s BLACKBIRD SISTERS series, is a suspenseful, sexy cozy mystery, that will keep you guessing right up to the end. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie between the sisters and their snappy banter that had me laughing out loud at times. Although the three sisters may quarrel among themselves, their love for each other shines through. The chemistry between Nora and Michael also adds a delicious touch of heat to the already intriguing story. Packed with a host of suspects, murder, mobsters, socialites, high society parties, a missing pig, fashion designers, passion, humor, zany situations and a whole lot of love, this story will keep readers busy turning the pages, eager to discover the outcome of this well-written mystery. Dressed in sophisticated couture, Nora, as an amateur sleuth, sets out to find her man…or woman, with the help of her family and friends. As a fan of this series, I have eagerly awaited the release of this book. After reading it, I can honestly say, it was well worth the wait. The only drawback is waiting for the release of the next BLACKBIRD SISTERS mystery. Take my advice and pick up a copy of your own. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I am sure that once you read this story, you will run right out and pick up the rest of this delightful series.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
With the declining economy, newspapers are being hit hard, so society columnist and socialite Nora is being forced to put in extra hours at the Philadelphia Intelligencer where she works, and her duties have been extended to celebrity gossip. Her unethical new editor, Gus Hardwicke, an Australian tabloid editor, wants her to dig up dirt on the people she depends on for her column, something she is not happy about. While interviewing fashion designer Swain Starr, Nora is nearly shot when the designer’s ex-wife shows up with a musket and tries to shoot Swain’s new wife. Standing in the path of the two women, Nora is saved when Gus tackles the angry ex-wife. Later, Nora stumbles over Swain’s dead body and finds her nephew, Rawlings’ car keys lying near the body…keys she pockets before the police arrive.
Nora’s pseudo-husband Michael, the son of a mob boss, is on house arrest and he and Nora are trying to get pregnant…something Nora desperately wants. However, their finances are not the best since Nora is the only one working right now and Blackbird Farm needs some serious improvements. The Blackbird women, including Nora and her two sisters, Emma and Libby, have all lost their husbands to what they consider the Blackbird curse, so Nora is leery about exchanging vows with Michael, although they have committed themselves through personal vows to each other. The Blackbird women grew up in wealth, but when their parents lost all their money and took their daughters’ trust funds to escape the country and travel to exotic hot spots, the three women were left to fend for themselves, each in their own way. Nora’s sister, Libby, who is the oldest of the siblings, is a single mother, raising five children and going overboard, at times, to allow them their own unique creative outlet while she also searches for a new daddy for them. The youngest sister, Emma, has given up her newborn baby to the child’s married father, but is suffering some emotional upheaval as a result, which she is unsuccessfully trying to keep from her sisters. As if that was not enough, recently Michael kicked Emma out of Blackbird Farm and has refused to say why. The sisters and their extended family often have disagreements, but they always have each other’s back.
The murder investigation, with its socialites, high society events, a missing genetically perfected pig, the possible involvement of Libby’s son and the victim’s quirky family, serves to bring the sisters together as they lend a hand along with Nora’s significant other, Michael. Recently, Michael, who is trying to leave behind his mobster family and go straight, has been talking to some shady characters and Nora fears he may be drawn back into his old ways, especially since there are rumors of upheaval in the mob. Now they must all stick together more than ever if they are to solve the murder, save Blackbird Farm and stay out of jail.
An enthralling tale, LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MURDER, the ninth book in award winning author Nancy Martin’s BLACKBIRD SISTERS series, is a suspenseful, sexy cozy mystery, that will keep you guessing right up to the end. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie between the sisters and their snappy banter that had me laughing out loud at times. Although the three sisters may quarrel among themselves, their love for each other shines through. The chemistry between Nora and Michael also adds a delicious touch of heat to the already intriguing story. Packed with a host of suspects, murder, mobsters, socialites, high society parties, a missing pig, fashion designers, passion, humor, zany situations and a whole lot of love, this story will keep readers busy turning the pages, eager to discover the outcome of this well-written mystery. Dressed in sophisticated couture, Nora, as an amateur sleuth, sets out to find her man…or woman, with the help of her family and friends. As a fan of this series, I have eagerly awaited the release of this book. After reading it, I can honestly say, it was well worth the wait. The only drawback is waiting for the release of the next BLACKBIRD SISTERS mystery. Take my advice and pick up a copy of your own. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I am sure that once you read this story, you will run right out and pick up the rest of this delightful series.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
August 11, 2014
3.5 stars
A mostly enjoyable addition to the Blackbird Sisters mystery series. I say mostly because there was one element, dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, that truly angered me. This is a very serious issue and I did not care for the way it was handled in this book . In any event, I sincerely hope that issue does not come up again in future books. I was also disappointed that one extremely important conversation ended up happening off the page. What?? The mystery plot seemed a little more scattered in this book but it was still nice to revisit Nora and her sisters, especially Libby who is a personal favorite. And, of course, I have to mention Michael (Mick). I just adore his and Nora's relationship. They are each other's port in the storm and I'm very exited to see how the future unfolds for them.
A mostly enjoyable addition to the Blackbird Sisters mystery series. I say mostly because there was one element, dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, that truly angered me. This is a very serious issue and I did not care for the way it was handled in this book . In any event, I sincerely hope that issue does not come up again in future books. I was also disappointed that one extremely important conversation ended up happening off the page. What?? The mystery plot seemed a little more scattered in this book but it was still nice to revisit Nora and her sisters, especially Libby who is a personal favorite. And, of course, I have to mention Michael (Mick). I just adore his and Nora's relationship. They are each other's port in the storm and I'm very exited to see how the future unfolds for them.
April 30, 2018
Nora's new boss is a piece of work, and he presses her into making a mistake that causes some distrust against her. Lots of suspense, especially in the family drama, and some new Blackbird family members are about to make an appearance.
One issue with the murder: if the body had been in a pig pen for any length of time, there would not be much left, but especially if it had been left overnight. Nora should have found a much more gruesome crime scene.
One issue with the murder: if the body had been in a pig pen for any length of time, there would not be much left, but especially if it had been left overnight. Nora should have found a much more gruesome crime scene.
October 2, 2013
Another book about the travails of the Blackbird Sisters. I find myself rolling my eyes at their antics, but there's a decent mystery in there somewhere.
October 7, 2013
The series starts out great but somewhere along the line it worsens. It is no longer funny, clean and too dark for my liking. Definitely doesn't fall under the category of cozy mystery anymore.
March 8, 2017
Truly abysmal.
September 17, 2018
I absolutely enjoyed this book. Lots of action, colorful delicious characters, lots of humor. Love this author.
October 25, 2019
If the only criteria for a good book is"characters don't use four-letter words," then this is a good book. Nora has stand-up sex in the pantry with her new boss listening right outside the door and Nora's boss is named, appropriately, Gus Hardwicke. Libby is having a baby with a married man, Nora is having a baby with an unmarried man, Emma needs a spread sheet to keep track of the men she's had babies with and to list more would be a spoiler. The only one not rutting like a hog is Ralphie, the actual hog. But, glory be, there are no four-letter words! At the same time, I can't help casting the TV movie. Matt Berry IS Gus Hardwicke.
Early books in the series were lighter and more amusing. Characters were quirky. But I found parts of this book dark and depressing. Quirky has turned into dumb. Several characters, including Nora herself, have lost their charm and their ethics. The happy-ending-bone tossed to readers has already been chewed on, buried and dug back up -- twice.
I have already bought the next book in the series so I will probably at least start reading it.
Early books in the series were lighter and more amusing. Characters were quirky. But I found parts of this book dark and depressing. Quirky has turned into dumb. Several characters, including Nora herself, have lost their charm and their ethics. The happy-ending-bone tossed to readers has already been chewed on, buried and dug back up -- twice.
I have already bought the next book in the series so I will probably at least start reading it.
August 23, 2019
++Nora has a new managing editor from Australia and he is making life very difficult for her as well as the entire newsroom. Just to keep things stirred up Mick is under house arrest, Emma's hormones are out of control since she gave her baby to her married lover, and Libby is her usual loose cannon self and is trying to promote her sinister twin boys to a career in show business. Enter a pig, not just any pig, but a very special pig that has disputed ownership betwixt a retired fashion designer, his scientist ex-wife, a restaurant owner, a despised son & career coach and possibly a fashion model second wife. Throw in a couple of murders, threatened and actual job losses, the possible involvement of Rawlins (Libby's eldest) and all the usual society people in the Philadelphia area.+++
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
“The only time a woman is truly helpless, is when her nail polish is wet. Even then, she should be able to pull a trigger.”
Little Black Book of Murder is the much anticipated ninth book in the Blackbird Sisters series by Nancy Martin. We follow up with Nora after her best friend’s imprisonment, living with her on again-off again boyfriend Mick and her career in turmoil after her paper is bought out by an arrogant asshole. Oh... did I mention the unexpected pregnancies and the murder she finds herself in the middle of. Well, I waited for this book for five years and it was worth waiting for Nora, Mick, and her crazy family.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
Little Black Book of Murder is the much anticipated ninth book in the Blackbird Sisters series by Nancy Martin. We follow up with Nora after her best friend’s imprisonment, living with her on again-off again boyfriend Mick and her career in turmoil after her paper is bought out by an arrogant asshole. Oh... did I mention the unexpected pregnancies and the murder she finds herself in the middle of. Well, I waited for this book for five years and it was worth waiting for Nora, Mick, and her crazy family.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
Read
April 18, 2024M is still on house arrest.Em has given her baby to the father & takes it back. Libya's son Rawlins is involved in mysterious murder. Nora must fight off her new editor. He is turning the paper into a scandal sheet & wants Nota to find the dirt! Ralphie the pig disappears
. The crew is back protecting Blackbird farm after a barn fire.Emma burns the barn at the murder victims farm to try to protect Rawlins. He needs to tell his Mom Libby she is going bgg to be a grandmother! Since the mother is going to jail for murder!!
. The crew is back protecting Blackbird farm after a barn fire.Emma burns the barn at the murder victims farm to try to protect Rawlins. He needs to tell his Mom Libby she is going bgg to be a grandmother! Since the mother is going to jail for murder!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2020
(Contains spoilers, somewhat)
I'm fully invested in the world of Nora and her sisters and I love the descriptions of the beautiful clothes, but I didn't care for the newest character introduced in this book -- Nora's boss Gus. I realize this was written a few years ago, but their interactions didn't sit well with me in this era of MeToo. A sudden, inexplicable change in Gus' character in the final chapter, though welcome, felt unreal. That said, I'm still interested in reading the next book.
I'm fully invested in the world of Nora and her sisters and I love the descriptions of the beautiful clothes, but I didn't care for the newest character introduced in this book -- Nora's boss Gus. I realize this was written a few years ago, but their interactions didn't sit well with me in this era of MeToo. A sudden, inexplicable change in Gus' character in the final chapter, though welcome, felt unreal. That said, I'm still interested in reading the next book.
March 8, 2023
Love the series. I just finished a book that took way too long to read and needed a “suck-you-in” book. This ws it! Nora is having to branch out into investigative reporting to keep her job. Whether she wants to or not. Michael is still under house arrest and what is going on with Rawlings? Read on.
April 11, 2024
What a weird little book. It was a cozy mystery, full of whimsy, terrible decisions, impulsive arson, a missing pig, workplace harassment, mentally ill super models, and oh yeah.. a murder. I’m not quite sure what happened, but I was entertained!
February 21, 2025
It's a fantastic use of the genre, I really enjoyed the perspective of this blackbird sister, her voice and personality really had me eager to read each next page, however due to the characterization of the other sisters I'm not sure if I'd want to read other novels in this series.
February 24, 2018
A fun adventure...
August 22, 2019
Light reading. Humorous.
September 4, 2019
Read this awhile ago so I can't remember too many specifics but I do remember this book just making me happy. It was purely enjoyable.
November 24, 2019
Wouldn't the pregnant girlfriend get jail time since he's just seventeen? Also, why does everyone fall in love with nora? Like, ugh. If have my mob boyfriend all up in that.
Read
January 18, 2020Sometimes you just need a book that’s all plot and you can read in a day, igniting all that great literary fiction piled up by your bed. This one fits the bill.
March 27, 2020
Humor so broad I had to put the book down sometimes to let it fade a bit in my memory before resuming. Quite a romp though.
August 1, 2020
PREGNANT!!
plus possibly Emma's baby and RAWLINS (!!) baby with a supermodel
plus possibly Emma's baby and RAWLINS (!!) baby with a supermodel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 14, 2020Enjoyable as always
August 11, 2021
I love this series so much! This book is maybe especially crazy? There’s a lot of action in the final moments. Nora’s boss crosses a bunch of lines but I like the new tension in her life.
December 19, 2021
Nora still having murderous adventures while reporting on the social scenes fot the paper
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews