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Blackbird Sisters Mystery #10
A Little Night Murder
Murder under the stars...
Nora Blackbird—pregnant at last!—is spending summer afternoons wallowing in the Bucks County pool of her best friend, Lexie Paine, who has just been released from prison. At night, Nora is covering Philadelphia’s high-society events for the local newspaper. And this time she doesn’t have to look far for a good story.
Next door, a Broadway show is in rehearsal at the estate of Toodles Tuttle, the long-deceased but ever-legendary composer. Reigning over the estate is Toodles’s diva widow, Boom Boom. The demanding old broad still rules with an iron fist, and considering the chorus line of enemies she’s racked up over the years, her death has been a hotly anticipated event. So imagine everyone’s dismay when it’s her beloved daughter, Jenny, who drops dead—from a cause that is anything but natural—just as the lights are set to go on for the lucrative new Toodles musical.
Yet murder is only an overture to the drama to come....
Nora’s sister Libby, a soon-to-be-grandmother, has gotten herself into a sticky situation, wooed by both a lowly bug exterminator and a cheesecake-loving Broadway impresario. Edgy sister Emma has a dangerous new boyfriend who may jeopardize her show-jumping exploits. And the love of Nora’s life, Mick Abruzzo, has been desperate to prevent Nora from meeting the most notorious member of his mobbed-up family—his mother.
Now Nora has to deal with the bump-and-grind of her personal life, and also bring the curtain down on a daring killer—before he forces her to exit stage left, permanently.
Nora Blackbird—pregnant at last!—is spending summer afternoons wallowing in the Bucks County pool of her best friend, Lexie Paine, who has just been released from prison. At night, Nora is covering Philadelphia’s high-society events for the local newspaper. And this time she doesn’t have to look far for a good story.
Next door, a Broadway show is in rehearsal at the estate of Toodles Tuttle, the long-deceased but ever-legendary composer. Reigning over the estate is Toodles’s diva widow, Boom Boom. The demanding old broad still rules with an iron fist, and considering the chorus line of enemies she’s racked up over the years, her death has been a hotly anticipated event. So imagine everyone’s dismay when it’s her beloved daughter, Jenny, who drops dead—from a cause that is anything but natural—just as the lights are set to go on for the lucrative new Toodles musical.
Yet murder is only an overture to the drama to come....
Nora’s sister Libby, a soon-to-be-grandmother, has gotten herself into a sticky situation, wooed by both a lowly bug exterminator and a cheesecake-loving Broadway impresario. Edgy sister Emma has a dangerous new boyfriend who may jeopardize her show-jumping exploits. And the love of Nora’s life, Mick Abruzzo, has been desperate to prevent Nora from meeting the most notorious member of his mobbed-up family—his mother.
Now Nora has to deal with the bump-and-grind of her personal life, and also bring the curtain down on a daring killer—before he forces her to exit stage left, permanently.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2014
67 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Martin
138 books560 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 12, 2015
This series has long been a favorite of mine...since book #1! I won a copy of this here on GR and have finally gotten it read. I don't know how it ended up so far down in The Pile. Everybody's a little nuts in this one. Libby, who's always a bit on the edge, is freaking out about being a grandma, Emma is, well, Emma, and Nora is hugely pregnant. Lexie has just been paroled, who knows just what Mick is up to, and his mother arrives on the scene. This was a great story, maybe not the best of all the mystery plots, but with everything else going on, who cares? The twist at the end of this one was a HUGE surprise, and I am very much looking forward to the next Blackbird Sisters tale! RECOMMEND!
June 11, 2020
I hoarded this book, and the novella that followed, for quite a while as they marked the ending of a series I have enjoyed since it started. It's always sad to say goodbye to characters that you've really gotten to know. That being said, this was another really good addition to the series. 4.5*
February 6, 2015
I love this series and its crazy characters and plots. This one definitely has some unusual things in it, especially at the end. I can't wait for the next one because I have to know what happens next!
April 1, 2019
3.5 stars. I really like Nora as a character. She is very classy and always tries to do the right thing. This time she got involved with the murder of a neighbor. I enjoyed how this one centered on the production of a play and also all the changes in Nora's life. The ending was exciting both for the wrap up of the murder investigation and in Nora's personal life with some new curve balls being thrown at her. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 5, 2015
I have to be honest; I love a good Blackbird Sisters Mystery. And this one was no exception and probably the best one in the entire series so far.
Nora is finally pregnant with Michael’s baby, and they are planning a secret wedding, but there are so many things in the way. Nora’s job is a journalist for a Philly paper, that may or may not always tell the truth, but Nora is determined to make her part of the paper a success by being honest in her columns, even though her boss continually wants her to dig up dirt, even if she has to make it up. She attends parties and charities galore and then writes about the elite in the society and entertainment pages. Nora seems to know everyone who is anyone.
In this particular book, Nora has stumbled on yet another murder while visiting her best friend, Lexie, who has just been released from prison for manslaughter. But this time it’s the daughter of a deceased Broadway legend, Toodles Tuttle. Jenny and her mother, Boom Boom, and a cast of characters from previous Broadway shows, has set up rehearsals in Jenny’s home for a play that was supposedly written by Toodles before he died. But Jenny knows something about this play that no one in the cast wants to come out, and someone wants to keep her quiet….. permanently. Her death looks like a heart attack, but the clues don’t add up.
Enter Nora’s outrageous soon to be Mother-in-law who may or may not be involved in this murder, a boss Nora constantly spars with and has to fend off, an older sister who can’t stop talking or trying to plan things, including Nora’s wedding, and a younger sister who wants nothing to do with the little boy she gave birth to with a married man. Now this man can’t handle it, so he’s asked Nora and Michael to take care of him for a few years. Pretty soon she’ll have 3 children under the age of 1 since she is also adopting her nephew’s baby after it’s born in a few weeks.
Michael, being the son of the New Jersey Mob boss, is now trying to disband his mob family now that Big Frankie, is in prison, but it has also put many people out of business and they are not too happy with him. Which puts Michael and Nora in constant danger. Michael is also keeping a few secrets of his own, and working with Lexie on a project that they can’t share with Nora, which makes her nervous. Are they headed down a dark path together? Should she trust that they know what they are doing? But she is used to worrying about Michael’s safety, so instead focuses on the murder and begins to investigate. As she gets closer and closer to the truth, her safety and the safety of her unborn baby are jeopardized; she’s not sure who to turn to. She seems to be the only sane person in this mess, but even she has doubts about that.
I loved this book and with a madcap cast of characters, with names like Toodles Tuttle and Boom Boom Tuttle how could it not be a fun ride? I’ve enjoyed each of the Blackbird Sisters books, and highly recommend them. The ending was quite a surprise, though. Very unexpected. I like a book that can keep you on your toes. I look forward to the next one in the series. If you haven’t read them, start with book one. How to Murder a Millionaire
Nora is finally pregnant with Michael’s baby, and they are planning a secret wedding, but there are so many things in the way. Nora’s job is a journalist for a Philly paper, that may or may not always tell the truth, but Nora is determined to make her part of the paper a success by being honest in her columns, even though her boss continually wants her to dig up dirt, even if she has to make it up. She attends parties and charities galore and then writes about the elite in the society and entertainment pages. Nora seems to know everyone who is anyone.
In this particular book, Nora has stumbled on yet another murder while visiting her best friend, Lexie, who has just been released from prison for manslaughter. But this time it’s the daughter of a deceased Broadway legend, Toodles Tuttle. Jenny and her mother, Boom Boom, and a cast of characters from previous Broadway shows, has set up rehearsals in Jenny’s home for a play that was supposedly written by Toodles before he died. But Jenny knows something about this play that no one in the cast wants to come out, and someone wants to keep her quiet….. permanently. Her death looks like a heart attack, but the clues don’t add up.
Enter Nora’s outrageous soon to be Mother-in-law who may or may not be involved in this murder, a boss Nora constantly spars with and has to fend off, an older sister who can’t stop talking or trying to plan things, including Nora’s wedding, and a younger sister who wants nothing to do with the little boy she gave birth to with a married man. Now this man can’t handle it, so he’s asked Nora and Michael to take care of him for a few years. Pretty soon she’ll have 3 children under the age of 1 since she is also adopting her nephew’s baby after it’s born in a few weeks.
Michael, being the son of the New Jersey Mob boss, is now trying to disband his mob family now that Big Frankie, is in prison, but it has also put many people out of business and they are not too happy with him. Which puts Michael and Nora in constant danger. Michael is also keeping a few secrets of his own, and working with Lexie on a project that they can’t share with Nora, which makes her nervous. Are they headed down a dark path together? Should she trust that they know what they are doing? But she is used to worrying about Michael’s safety, so instead focuses on the murder and begins to investigate. As she gets closer and closer to the truth, her safety and the safety of her unborn baby are jeopardized; she’s not sure who to turn to. She seems to be the only sane person in this mess, but even she has doubts about that.
I loved this book and with a madcap cast of characters, with names like Toodles Tuttle and Boom Boom Tuttle how could it not be a fun ride? I’ve enjoyed each of the Blackbird Sisters books, and highly recommend them. The ending was quite a surprise, though. Very unexpected. I like a book that can keep you on your toes. I look forward to the next one in the series. If you haven’t read them, start with book one. How to Murder a Millionaire
August 9, 2014
In the latest Blackbird Sisters Mystery, Nora and Mick are planning a secret wedding while trying to to keep their daily lives on track. Nora is visiting her friend Lexie, who was recently released from prison, when she gets involved in the untimely death of Jenny Tuttle, daughter of a deceased Broadway musical legend. Add to the story a bunch of crazy actors including Jenny's mother,who has blue skin and no love lost for her daughter, and Bridget O" Halloran who is Mick's mother.
While this is all going on, Nora's boss Gus Hardwicke is pressuring her both professionally and personally to throw her lot in with him. Mick is involved in some project with Lexie that he won't disclose and hovering over everything is the Blackbird curse that means death to any man who marries a Blackbird woman. Nora is nearing the end of her pregnancy and she and Mick are going to be adopting another baby as well from her nephew.
There is a lot going on in this book and it goes in a fast pace. Nora and Mick are stressed over things but trying so hard to get married before the baby comes. I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end which is a doozy! Ms. Martin throws in a big old surprise that will certainly make the next book very interesting.
While this is all going on, Nora's boss Gus Hardwicke is pressuring her both professionally and personally to throw her lot in with him. Mick is involved in some project with Lexie that he won't disclose and hovering over everything is the Blackbird curse that means death to any man who marries a Blackbird woman. Nora is nearing the end of her pregnancy and she and Mick are going to be adopting another baby as well from her nephew.
There is a lot going on in this book and it goes in a fast pace. Nora and Mick are stressed over things but trying so hard to get married before the baby comes. I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end which is a doozy! Ms. Martin throws in a big old surprise that will certainly make the next book very interesting.
August 28, 2014
This latest book about the Blackbird sisters has Nora and Nick planning an intimate wedding, while waiting for the birth of their daughter. What could possibly go wrong, right? Well, try noisy neighbors who live next to Nora’s best friend Lexi, kidnappings, murders, FBI, and a secret marriage. Those are just a few highlights from this latest book by Nancy Martin. If you didn’t believe in the Blackbird Women’s curse before you read this book, I think you will once you get to the end. Nancy Martin spins yet another talke of mobsters, thugs over zealous cops and even some fun. I really enjoy the escapades of the Blackbird sisters and can’t wait for the next one to come out.
October 6, 2015
The date is finally set for Nora and Michael's wedding but ...
will it be the private ceremony they both want?
will they keep Libby from turning it into a circus event?
will they keep Lexie away from the press spotlight?
will Michael be able to stay out of jail?
most importantly, will they escape the Blackbird curse?
Oh ... and by the way, there is another murder in their extended circle of Philadelphia society!
This is such a fun series with a little couture, a little humor and of course a little murder mystery!
will it be the private ceremony they both want?
will they keep Libby from turning it into a circus event?
will they keep Lexie away from the press spotlight?
will Michael be able to stay out of jail?
most importantly, will they escape the Blackbird curse?
Oh ... and by the way, there is another murder in their extended circle of Philadelphia society!
This is such a fun series with a little couture, a little humor and of course a little murder mystery!
January 5, 2015
I love the Blackbird Sisters Series, and like all the others this book does not disappoint. None of the characters are cookie cutters, they are all entertaining, and have you glad that some of them aren't in your family. From a blue-skinned prima donna to an overstepping boss, this book will keep you wondering what will happen next. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 16, 2018
I like this series. It has quippy lines, an interesting storylines.
August 13, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
“I once had a boyfriend that…”
In A Little Night Murder we see Nora struggling with life, her pregnancy is going wonderful but everybody tells her that she looks huge, with her career as journalist of the Social column and a boss that is taking too much liberties with her life and career, also her best friend is out of jail and her on parole boyfriend that are making business together and won’t tell Nora what is that they are doing, now the mother of her boyfriend appears with different motives claiming that her son is too good for Nora, but most of all finding the dead body of Philadelphia’s socialite, Jenny Tuttle, clutching in her hand the photo of a mysterious boy that nobody knows who he is.
Now with an upcoming event, Nora cannot miss, she has to find out, who’s the kid in the photo?, Why is Jenny’s mother blue?, Why is her boss pushing her to accept the editor position? Who killed Jenny Tuttle?, What is it that Lexie and Mike are hiding?, and the most feared answer that she doesn’t want to find out, is the Blackbird curse real?
I like mystery novels, I like the ones that from the beginning you start suspecting who the killer is, you know that the killer can’t be one of the main characters, in this case Nora Blackbird, also you can’t suspect her boyfriend, and family, but from there on everybody else can be a suspect or has a hidden agenda.
I think, that what makes Nora want to find out how and who killed these people that she knows, is her sense of loyalty and that they’re part of the community she grew up with. But trying to solve a mystery can make enemies for her and even more after the article that she wrote of the ten best and worst charities of Philadelphia. The good thing is that Nora has people who love her, people that will do anything to make her happy, and I say anything even if looks like an innocent accident in the eyes of the world.
This is the tenth book in the Blackbird Sisters Series, if you haven’t read the previous ones like me, don’t worry the book can be read on its own, Nora gives small recaps of previous events and introduces the characters with small summaries.
I like how the author, Nancy Martin, writes, making the reader eager to find out what is happening, and in the same time making jokes and getting sarcastic responses from the characters.
Another thing that I liked was how she portrayed Nora with the fear of future motherhood but still trying to be the best with the cute little boy that is Noah. Noah, how I loved that kid, playing with his cousin Max, with Mike, his toys and the love he has for Mike and Nora; he took the gold in this book, in my opinion, and when you end the book you will also think the same.
At first I wasn’t sure if I liked Mike’s mom, Bright, but as the book went on, I now hope we see more of her in the next books. How many boyfriends do you think she had prior to this book?
Other characters, like Nora’s friend Lexie; Gus, the owner in the newspaper, where Nora works are quite interesting. In the first chapters of the book you realize that you really don’t know who killed Jenny Tuttle and every character starts to become a suspect. Also, the sub stories that come with the main story are hard to avoid because in the end they are the best part.
I recommend A Little Night Murder, the mystery, romance, and characters will keep you glued to the book until the very end wanting to know what happens; and most of all to see if Nora arrives to her most important event so far.
What do you think of the Blackbird Sisters series?
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
4 stars
A Little Night Murder is the 10th in author Nancy Martin’s Blackbird Sisters Mystery. I have not read any of the others so this one was a bit overwhelming for me. It has all the requirements to be a fabulous read and I am sure those that have read them all adored it. I truly enjoyed this one, but at times felt a bit lost. Probably that is my own deficiency at being unable to keep too many characters straight, but it was hard for me. That said, the characters are enjoyable and seem to be very well developed. The interactions are wonderful. The story line is entertaining and amusing at times as well. The writing style is easy and flowing and full of non-stop action and fun.
Having no knowledge of the sisters Blackbird, the two sisters of Nora seemed to be just peripheral characters to me. Their relationship is interesting. Nora seems to be the one that holds things together for me. Her loving and delightful relationship with love of her life Mick Abruzzo is enviable. Even if he is former mobster. The addition of his over the top mother Bridget adds a twist in both their relationship and the murder mystery next door. Nora is very pregnant in this installment and very happy. She spends time with her dear friend Lexi Paine who has just been released from prison and would be a wonderful person for Nora to interview, or so her boss says.
The house next door to Lexi is inhabited by an odd family that is known to Nora and is in the middle of trying to resuscitate their Broadway lineage. When a murder occurs there Nora cannot stand by and let things go as they may put Bridget in the cross hairs of the police. Nora and her family search for answers and adventure, humor and mishaps ensue. In the midst of all this craziness, Nora and Mick want an intimate wedding, no fuss, no muss. Oh and there is also the impending adoption of a nephew’s soon to be born child. I have to say I was tired and just plain exhausted with all that Nora had going on. One other things on her plate, her boss wants her to write with more meat in her stories. Wow, that lady can sure multi-task.
I did truly enjoy A Little Night Murder and am sure if I had read some of the others in this series I would have loved it to pieces. The writing is excellent, the mystery suspenseful with the right amount of false turns, the characters are fun and entertaining. I think it would be best to read some of the earlier books in this series to really enjoy this one to its fullest. That said, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a well written read dealing with high society, mobsters and family, or any of those things. Nancy Martin is a wonderful writer and her style is easy to read.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
“I once had a boyfriend that…”
In A Little Night Murder we see Nora struggling with life, her pregnancy is going wonderful but everybody tells her that she looks huge, with her career as journalist of the Social column and a boss that is taking too much liberties with her life and career, also her best friend is out of jail and her on parole boyfriend that are making business together and won’t tell Nora what is that they are doing, now the mother of her boyfriend appears with different motives claiming that her son is too good for Nora, but most of all finding the dead body of Philadelphia’s socialite, Jenny Tuttle, clutching in her hand the photo of a mysterious boy that nobody knows who he is.
Now with an upcoming event, Nora cannot miss, she has to find out, who’s the kid in the photo?, Why is Jenny’s mother blue?, Why is her boss pushing her to accept the editor position? Who killed Jenny Tuttle?, What is it that Lexie and Mike are hiding?, and the most feared answer that she doesn’t want to find out, is the Blackbird curse real?
I like mystery novels, I like the ones that from the beginning you start suspecting who the killer is, you know that the killer can’t be one of the main characters, in this case Nora Blackbird, also you can’t suspect her boyfriend, and family, but from there on everybody else can be a suspect or has a hidden agenda.
I think, that what makes Nora want to find out how and who killed these people that she knows, is her sense of loyalty and that they’re part of the community she grew up with. But trying to solve a mystery can make enemies for her and even more after the article that she wrote of the ten best and worst charities of Philadelphia. The good thing is that Nora has people who love her, people that will do anything to make her happy, and I say anything even if looks like an innocent accident in the eyes of the world.
This is the tenth book in the Blackbird Sisters Series, if you haven’t read the previous ones like me, don’t worry the book can be read on its own, Nora gives small recaps of previous events and introduces the characters with small summaries.
I like how the author, Nancy Martin, writes, making the reader eager to find out what is happening, and in the same time making jokes and getting sarcastic responses from the characters.
Another thing that I liked was how she portrayed Nora with the fear of future motherhood but still trying to be the best with the cute little boy that is Noah. Noah, how I loved that kid, playing with his cousin Max, with Mike, his toys and the love he has for Mike and Nora; he took the gold in this book, in my opinion, and when you end the book you will also think the same.
At first I wasn’t sure if I liked Mike’s mom, Bright, but as the book went on, I now hope we see more of her in the next books. How many boyfriends do you think she had prior to this book?
Other characters, like Nora’s friend Lexie; Gus, the owner in the newspaper, where Nora works are quite interesting. In the first chapters of the book you realize that you really don’t know who killed Jenny Tuttle and every character starts to become a suspect. Also, the sub stories that come with the main story are hard to avoid because in the end they are the best part.
I recommend A Little Night Murder, the mystery, romance, and characters will keep you glued to the book until the very end wanting to know what happens; and most of all to see if Nora arrives to her most important event so far.
What do you think of the Blackbird Sisters series?
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
4 stars
A Little Night Murder is the 10th in author Nancy Martin’s Blackbird Sisters Mystery. I have not read any of the others so this one was a bit overwhelming for me. It has all the requirements to be a fabulous read and I am sure those that have read them all adored it. I truly enjoyed this one, but at times felt a bit lost. Probably that is my own deficiency at being unable to keep too many characters straight, but it was hard for me. That said, the characters are enjoyable and seem to be very well developed. The interactions are wonderful. The story line is entertaining and amusing at times as well. The writing style is easy and flowing and full of non-stop action and fun.
Having no knowledge of the sisters Blackbird, the two sisters of Nora seemed to be just peripheral characters to me. Their relationship is interesting. Nora seems to be the one that holds things together for me. Her loving and delightful relationship with love of her life Mick Abruzzo is enviable. Even if he is former mobster. The addition of his over the top mother Bridget adds a twist in both their relationship and the murder mystery next door. Nora is very pregnant in this installment and very happy. She spends time with her dear friend Lexi Paine who has just been released from prison and would be a wonderful person for Nora to interview, or so her boss says.
The house next door to Lexi is inhabited by an odd family that is known to Nora and is in the middle of trying to resuscitate their Broadway lineage. When a murder occurs there Nora cannot stand by and let things go as they may put Bridget in the cross hairs of the police. Nora and her family search for answers and adventure, humor and mishaps ensue. In the midst of all this craziness, Nora and Mick want an intimate wedding, no fuss, no muss. Oh and there is also the impending adoption of a nephew’s soon to be born child. I have to say I was tired and just plain exhausted with all that Nora had going on. One other things on her plate, her boss wants her to write with more meat in her stories. Wow, that lady can sure multi-task.
I did truly enjoy A Little Night Murder and am sure if I had read some of the others in this series I would have loved it to pieces. The writing is excellent, the mystery suspenseful with the right amount of false turns, the characters are fun and entertaining. I think it would be best to read some of the earlier books in this series to really enjoy this one to its fullest. That said, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a well written read dealing with high society, mobsters and family, or any of those things. Nancy Martin is a wonderful writer and her style is easy to read.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
September 11, 2018
When I received A LITTLE NIGHT MURDER by Nancy Martin last winter from Book Lender, I started to read it but never really get into it so I set it aside for awhile. I took it up this summer and found it is much better as a summer book! I enjoyed the book but there were some things I didn't like about it too. For the most part the writing is good, although I think it was a little over the top and the novel could have been a lot shorter. The scene where Nora and Bridget were trying to escape the theater was quite intense yet I was troubled that Nor would have put herself and her unborn child in that kind of danger. Although Noah was cute, it bothered me that Penny and her husband just gave him up to Nora like that. I know he was getting great care and lots of love from Nora and Michael but it seems to be almost trendy to give up a child when things get rough for a parent these days and is so easy just to drop the child at some relative and be on their way. White the novel has a mystery I wouldn't classify it as such. I settled on Chicklit because of all the attention being placed on relationships, fashion, fancy charity events and a bunch of rich people from New York City. It actually bored me silly. Would I read another Nancy Martin book? Maybe, but not any time soon. Hopefully this was just an overdone fluke since it is #10 in the series but I don't think I could ever share the enthusiasm and utter devotions others have expressed about this particular series.
January 8, 2019
>Book Review – A Little Night Murder
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 10th in the Blackbird Sisters Mystery series and ends in an HEA. A heavily pregnant Nora is once again involved in a murder mystery. The mystery takes a back seat to the relationship between Nora and Mick. Mick is a very dangerous man. Whenever he shows his strength or jealousy, the alpha in him really comes out. Mick gets a bunch of chances to show his alpha, especially with Nora’s scheming boss.
>There are a lot of back stories involving Nora’s sisters. The story involving baby Noah is heart wrenching. The story involving the Blackbird curse is both funny and sad, as Nora and Mick’s wedding is once again postponed. I can’t wait to see Mick and Nora as parents.
> This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 10th in the Blackbird Sisters Mystery series and ends in an HEA. A heavily pregnant Nora is once again involved in a murder mystery. The mystery takes a back seat to the relationship between Nora and Mick. Mick is a very dangerous man. Whenever he shows his strength or jealousy, the alpha in him really comes out. Mick gets a bunch of chances to show his alpha, especially with Nora’s scheming boss.
>There are a lot of back stories involving Nora’s sisters. The story involving baby Noah is heart wrenching. The story involving the Blackbird curse is both funny and sad, as Nora and Mick’s wedding is once again postponed. I can’t wait to see Mick and Nora as parents.
> This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars.
January 31, 2024
I came across this book randomly without having read any of the other books (completely my fault on that front). I like a murder mystery novel so I thought I’d give it a go. The book did a good job of bringing me up to speed with introductions to the characters and some context for what previously happened. It was an entertaining read for sure. My complaints are largely that the mystery part felt relegated to a “c plot”. We were very focused on the main character (as we should be) but there was so much focus on the surrounding characters and their slightly chaotic stories that the mystery at the center felt a bit pushed to the side.
If you are from the Philadelphia area, it’s fun to hear about some of the places in the area. It was a fun read, but I don’t know that I feel the need to run out and read other books in the series.
If you are from the Philadelphia area, it’s fun to hear about some of the places in the area. It was a fun read, but I don’t know that I feel the need to run out and read other books in the series.
April 30, 2018
So many good things happen and so much comes together for Nora in this book! Her boss is a piece of work though--he had me tempted to say naughty things about him. Also his motives are a little unclear, but it certainly makes the story interesting.
Nora gets so much stronger in this book, too. She works through her personal issues and comes to a resolution about who she can and wants to be. I'm proud of her, and I'm hopeful for Emma, and I'm a little worried about Libby--but she can take care of herself.
It ends in a pretty good place, but it feels like there should be another one. There are definitely things I want to see wrapped up a little better, but it's in an okay place if the series stops here.
Nora gets so much stronger in this book, too. She works through her personal issues and comes to a resolution about who she can and wants to be. I'm proud of her, and I'm hopeful for Emma, and I'm a little worried about Libby--but she can take care of herself.
It ends in a pretty good place, but it feels like there should be another one. There are definitely things I want to see wrapped up a little better, but it's in an okay place if the series stops here.
Read
May 8, 2024Nora is finally pregnant! Her nephew, Rawlins also is having a baby with the murder victim's wife. Nora & Mick have agreed to take that baby due almost at the same time as their's. Emma took her child Noah away from Hart as his wife can not stand him & has mental issues. He is also at Nora's. Nora must solve the last murder of a playwrite's daughter at the house next to Lexie's mother's beach house. Lexie has been released from prison and is hiding from the press. Mick's mother, Bridget, shows up to add to the chaos! Nora and her sister are caught snooping by the killers.They are rescued at the last minute!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2018
I read this book because I had really enjoyed her book "Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything." I couldn't get anything earlier in the series. I may try one more book, but these protagonists are singularly unappealing. Three women from a privileged upbringing who flit around, using their connections, some high-society, and some a little lower. The "lead" sister breaks the law consistently, and seems to suffer no consequences. And, these people are going to raise children???
December 2, 2017
Nora has lost her shape, but not her sex appeal!
Even though she is pregnant with their first child, Michael has a passion for her and "baby girl" that only an Italian man can possess.
This time there is a love triangle that will curl your toes. Who will Nora choose?
Who will fall (literally) for this Blackbird risking his life for love?
Five stars.
Even though she is pregnant with their first child, Michael has a passion for her and "baby girl" that only an Italian man can possess.
This time there is a love triangle that will curl your toes. Who will Nora choose?
Who will fall (literally) for this Blackbird risking his life for love?
Five stars.
June 1, 2019
I've always liked this series, and was surprised I hadn't read this already. The plot was a bit more far-fetched than usual, especially the sub-plot & denouement featuring Nora's objectionable Australian boss, but the character's are mostly fun to be with (Libby, the oldest sister, is as irritating to the reader as Nora finds her!), & it's a quick, easy read.
October 26, 2019
A bonus star to celebrate the most totally ridiculous ending ever!
I loved this series at the beginning. The first few books were terrific but, later, the series had its ups and downs until most of this last book was an avalanche.
It's about time I said something about the brilliant cover art by Hiro Kimura. The dust jacket on this book is lovely but not my favorite in the series because I think the ones with hats are outstanding. However, someone totally forgot to tell the artist that Nora has turned into the Goodyear blimp (as readers are reminded twice on every page) so the skinny woman on the front cover has absolutely nothing to do with any character in this book.
I loved this series at the beginning. The first few books were terrific but, later, the series had its ups and downs until most of this last book was an avalanche.
It's about time I said something about the brilliant cover art by Hiro Kimura. The dust jacket on this book is lovely but not my favorite in the series because I think the ones with hats are outstanding. However, someone totally forgot to tell the artist that Nora has turned into the Goodyear blimp (as readers are reminded twice on every page) so the skinny woman on the front cover has absolutely nothing to do with any character in this book.
August 7, 2020
I didn't realize this was number 10 in a series when I picked it up from the library book sale...oh well! Fairly entertaining and humorous characters for someone who hasn't read the first 9 books. The life of the protagonist was more interesting than the actual murders, but I guess it would have to be to keep the series going.
Also, Gus was the worst.
Also, Gus was the worst.
March 19, 2023
Nora is getting bigger by the day. Will she and Michael get married before the baby comes? Will they get custody of Noah? Will Nora’s best friend, Lexi, manage to avoid reporters until she can get back on her feet after getting ut of jail? Can Michael survive the Blackbird Sister Curse? And who is killing the peoples next door to Lexi’s hideout? Read on.
June 11, 2019
I love the romance between Nora and Michael just as much as I love learning about all the other scandalous characters in the stories. The ending was a little rushed but I thought it left room for another book in the series if the author so desires! 5 stars always! My second favorite mystery series!
November 6, 2021
THAT WAS STRAIGHT FIRE. I bought this book at Goodwill—never have read the first 9 books on the series—because the main character was pregnant and I wanted cute baby scenes, but holy cow. The whole thing was soooo good. I will be reading more.
January 5, 2018
3.7
I read the whole book and still am unsure if I previously read it or not. Either way- it was a joy reacquainting with the blackbird sisters.
I read the whole book and still am unsure if I previously read it or not. Either way- it was a joy reacquainting with the blackbird sisters.
July 1, 2018
Great vacation reading!
September 14, 2018
A great murder mystery and continuation of the Blackbird sisters series
February 2, 2019
Love this series! Always fun to read but engages my mind!
September 17, 2019
Loved the series. Read it in order to see the wonderful character development and deal with their issues with men and love. I wish the series could go on longer.
December 1, 2019
This gus guy is the worst
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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