The Model's Last Pose

Pearl Hotel Cozy Mystery #1

by Nancy Pennick

In a cozy tearoom of a prestigious five-star hotel, three friends embark on a mission to solve a murder along with a koi that appears to read minds.

Faced with a severe case of writer’s block, best-selling author Serena Tate seeks help from her close confidant, Mia, a popular fashion designer. Mia suggests that Serena observe the inner workings of her forthcoming fashion show for inspiration. What unfolds is beyond her wildest expectations—a shocking murder of a supermodel. Together with their tech-savvy friend, Lily, the unlikely trio embarks on a mission to uncover the truth.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

For three decades, Nancy taught elementary school. She'd written short stories as a child, kept a diary and loved the writing process. After retiring, she hadn’t set out to become an author, but when inspiration struck, she couldn’t resist putting pen to paper. She now had time to follow her dream. Today her writing spans various genres, including young adult, historical romance, romantic suspense and cozy mysteries.

Nancy lives with her husband, Ron, and has a married son, who helps her with tech more than he likes! Plus, add in a wonderful daughter-in-law and grandson which makes her life complete.

Reviews

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author and I actually enjoyed the book. It was medium paced, but flowed nicely, an intelligent protagonist who didn’t make to stupid to live mistakes like fall for the ex husband’s lies and the romance wasn’t dragged out now was there the dreaded live triangle (THANK THE STARS) overall a pleasant read.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Pearl Hotel Cozy Mystery series and omg what a great start to a new series. Serena is a best selling author but at the moment she has a severe case of writer’s block so when Mia talks her into watching and observing what happens before a fashion show and the lead up to it Serena takes her up on the offer hoping that it would inspire her and her writing but what they all didn’t expect is for a super model to be murdered so now it was all hands to the pump too find out who did it and why. Serena was married when she was quite young and loved her husband Justice so much but when they had twin girls Jade and Jewel things started to change and it got so bad that they ended up getting a divorce but now years later and for some reason Justice has decided to send Serena flowers and she didn’t know why but then everything became clear and she definitely didn’t want her ex husband back especially when she realised that it was her money and who she knew that he wanted more than Serena. When Jack and Serena meet there attraction and connection was strong right from the start and they ended up working together to solve the murder and the more time that they spend together the harder they fall but now they need to find the suspect and bring them to justice so that Jack and Serena can start to be together and see where it leads. There are twists and turns along with chaos, drama, suspense, mystery and a new relationship and I couldn’t put it down because it was so addictive and I read it in one sitting. I absolutely love this book and I can’t wait to read the next book. I have read all of Nancy Pennick’s books and she is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

[Ljay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag for me. I liked the premise a lot, but the execution of it didn't quite make it consistently enough. I liked that Serena was mature and about to be an empty nester. She had a lovely and supportive girl squad to help with the "sleuthing" but it all felt a bit over the top. The dialogue had characters happy one minute and literally crying in the next sentence; which felt a little jarring and interrupted the flow.

The mystery of it all was ok and the ending was an interesting little twist.

Overall, it had ok spots throughout, but didn't fully deliver for me. However, since this is a first read of this author and this character, it might be worth it to give the next one a shot to see if it gets better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read cozy murder mystery story. Serena had a very successful first novel but now has writer's block. Her best friend Mia, a fashion designer has invited her to her fashion show for inspiration and boy does it happen when the super model is murdered! The story moved along quickly, had likeable main characters, a few with some intriguing backgrounds. I liked the flow of the story and enjoyed figuring out the whodunit. This is the first of a new series and I would read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of a new series. So far so good but this is the first in the series. The storyline holds your attention and the characters are easy to get to know. A nice, enjoyable and entertaining weekend read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena has a writer's block. When something ”real” happens she has ideas again. It's a nice story with fun bits and interesting characters. I really want to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

More antics at the Pearl

Serena has used her inspiration from Mia’s wedding and wrote a best sell book. She has taken an office at the Pearl and helps when needed along with writing and her ride share job. Who knew the trouble she could get into.

[Irene Sigsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Read it on holiday very amusing. Love the characters Serena she is so funny. Will look forward to reading the next one

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series starter - Serena gets a front row seat to a model's demise and is quickly embroiled into solving the case. Not only to serve justice, but to save her own hide because she's a suspect too. As she plots the players on her murder board, she pushes herself and the officer on the case in a desperate bid to apprehend the perpetrator. Great characters all, down to a koi named Samurai, with the case taking center stage and a little light romance on the side. A good cozy mystery. I look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.