Manhattans & Murder

Murder, She Wrote #2

by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain

The USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote mystery series continues as Jessica Fletcher learns that Manhattan is murder at Christmastime...

Promoting her latest book brings bestselling mystery writer Jessica Fletcher to New York for Christmas. Her schedule includes book signings, restaurants, department stores...and murder?

It all begins with a sidewalk Santa staring at Jessica with fear and recognition. Behind the beard is Waldo Morse, former drug smuggler and the most notorious citizen of Cabot Cove, Maine. Jessica hasn't a clue as to how he ended up as a street corner Saint Nick, but she agrees to meet him at two o'clock the next day.

Jessica shows up with her camera, but in no time at all Santa is dead. While the police are strangely slow on their feet, and the dead man's wife uncommonly fast on the run, Jessica decides to do what she does best: strategically snoop around and graciously outwit the pros on both sides of the law....

Librarian's note #1: there is an earlier MSW series by James Anderson and David Deutsch. Novelizations of TV episodes. The characters, settings, etc. have all been entered for the 4-volume original series: #1, The Murder of Sherlock Holmes (1985); #2, Hooray for Homicide (1985); #3, Lovers and Other Killers (1986); and #4, Murder in Two Acts (1986). But improvements welcome!

Librarian's note #2: the characters, settings, etc. have all been entered for the first 20 books in the current Jessica Fletcher / Donald Bain MSW series. They are #1, Gin & Daggers (1989) with a 2nd edition in (2000); #2, Manhattans & Murder (1994); #3, Rum & Razors (1995); #4, Brandy & Bullets (1995); #5, Martinis & Mayhem (1995); #6, A Deadly Judgment (1996); #7, A Palette for Murder (1996); #8, The Highland Fling Murders (1997); #9, Murder on the QE2 (1997); #10, Murder in Moscow (1998); #11, A Little Yuletide Murder (1998); #12, Murder at the Powderhorn Ranch (1999); #13, Knock 'Em Dead (1999); #14, Trick or Treachery (2000); #15, Blood on the Vine (2001); #16, Murder in a Minor Key (2001); #17, Provence - To Die For (2002); #18, You Bet Your Life (2002); #19, Majoring in Murder (2003), and #20, Destination Murder (2003). But improvements welcome! Needed - a librarian to give the same treatment for #21 and on.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Christmas, Audiobook, Crime, Cozy

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1994

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.

In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

”’When you’re our guest in New York, indulgence is expected.’

‘The problem is that I’m about to indulge myself in investigating the murder of a former drug runner turned Santa Claus.'”

Only Jessica Fletcher could make solving the murder of Santa Claus look cool.

Before binge-watching on Netflix became a thing, there was binge-watching through entire cases of DVDs. You'd buy the whole season of a TV show in a box that looked like the Royal Crown Jewels could be in the thing, pop the disc into your DVD player, and get ready to sit on your couch for the next day and half. Of course, you had to get up and change discs about every four episodes, but that was a very small price to pay back then. It was how my family did it.

One of the first TV shows I clearly remember binge watching was Murder, She Wrote. I mean, my ten-year-old self simply could not pass up the chance to watch Mrs. Potts solve murder mysteries. It’s by far the best light-hearted, cozy mystery series ever made. It’ll leave you with a conviction not to live in Cabot Cove because you’d probably die. But it will leave you with the fact that if you were ever murdered, Jessica Fletcher would solve the case. She is the ultimate Boss Lady and you can’t convince me otherwise.

I don’t think Murder, She Wrote would be quite as successful if it had had its first run in this day and age, but it sure holds up well. It’s a TV show I revisit again and again because I can’t get enough. It holds up so well that when TV executives, in their infinite wisdom, decided that a remake might be a good idea, Angela Lansbury shut those suckers down. There can only be one Jessica Fletcher in this town, and it’s Angela.

Such is the power of being Jessica.

At any rate, the TV show was so popular that it spawned a laundry list of novels “written” by Jessica Fletcher (with the “help” of Donald Bain.) Being as these are some of my mother’s favorite books and she eats them up like Pez candy, I figured it wouldn’t hurt for me read one of them.

Jessica’s in the Big Apple promoting her newest novel when she sees a man she recognizes… dressed as Santa Claus. He wants to talk to her and she arranges to meet him the next day. What she doesn’t expect is for him to be killed right in front of her, or herself broiled up in a mystery.

I think the rule of thumb is to not travel anywhere with Jessica, because somebody dies wherever she goes. It’s like the Grim Reaper sees her coming and smiles with glee, because he gets to go to work.

This book was fine. It was a nice, cozy mystery that makes for a very quick read. My rating is probably due more to the nostalgic factor I felt reading this than the actual story and writing. I just can’t bring myself to give my beloved Jessica anything less, and it wasn’t really that bad of a book.

I like how Jessica is firm but never rude in her dealings with the people around her. She puts her foot down and never waivers from her convictions while managing to be thoroughly likable in the process. I thought the mystery itself was pretty well-executed and had a satisfying conclusion.

These books are great for when you want an escape or if you grew up with Murder, She Wrote. Again, I can say with the highest degree of certainty that if something were to ever happen to me, I’d want Jessica to figure it out.

We stan for a mystery solving queen.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the show that inspired it.

[Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

FIRST READING 10/17/10: 3 Stars

This is the second novel based on "Murder, She Wrote" and it's clear that at this point in time Donald Bain hadn't yet watched the show. At all. In the first novel he made the big faux pas in having Jessica Fletcher drive a car. On the show, she never ever drove--the creators rightly figured that her needing rides from others would force her to interact with other characters (as well as pay/not pay and tip/not tip cabbies in order to show us Jessica's frugal side.)

Here the most glaring mistake is in having Mort (or 'Morton' as Jessica calls him in this book--another mistake, as well as her calling Seth by his surname) be from Maine. Nearly every other episode Sheriff Metzger mentions that he's from New York City. He's a fish out of water in Cabot Cove, Maine. To see him meet a New York cop and be so befuddled by the NYPD's shadiness is just ridiculous. Chagrined, maybe, but not befuddled.

My favorite mistake in all the book though is Jessica looking in the mirror and remarking on her red hair. Red hair. Mr. Bain, you should've at least looked at the cover of your previous book and noticed Jessica's a blonde. Or should've looked at any picture of Angela Lansbury--her hairdo's pretty consistent. There's just no excuse. Even if you don't like TV or this show, how can you not know Manchurian Candidate? Bedknobs or Broomsticks? Her “exercise” video. Anyway, I've heard Bain improves as the series continues. (The first book was reissued with the mistakes fixed, so maybe this one has been, too.)

As for the rest of the book--the plot was a little intriguing to start with, enough to turn the pages last night. The action seems like it's about to pick up when Bain involves Seth and Mort (or 'Morton') but these guys are horribly underused. I read a review on Amazon in which the reviewer stated that although we don't get much of Cabot Cove seeing Seth and Mort frolicking around FAO Schwartz more than made up for it. They're trip isn't even a scene. It's mentioned in passing, a sentence or two of summary.

I've read a lot of mysteries and I have to say that this climax was practically devoid of tension or excitement. There was barely any conflict. Of all the endings I've read this was the absolute worst. Definitely. Jessica and company show up to confront the killer(s), and nothing happens. What a dud.

Some people really have frighteningly low expectations. Including whoever keeps green-lighting these books. If somebody at Penguin isn't actively seeking a better co-writer for Mrs. Fletcher, somebody should be fired. The bottom line, Manhattans & Murder is recommended only for fans of the genre or amateur writers, in that it might be interesting to see how clumsily a book's plot threads can be knotted (not knitted) together, printed, and sold.

SECOND READING 12/12/24: 4 Stars

I awarded an extra star because this time I listened to the audiobook and before I knew it my house was clean!

[Harry · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is evident that in these early days Donald Bain was completely at a loss with the Jessica Fletcher character. Angela Lansbury played the role as a genteel, elegant, attractive, charming woman. The Jessica here comes across as a dull middle-aged woman. She flippantly claims in Chapter Three (in a live television interview!) that "people in New York talk funny", and seems perplexed when the interviewer asks her to say something in Maine dialect, as if she doesn't know any better. This is completely at odds with the character. At other times she is distressed, or depressed - again nothing like the upbeat woman from the series. A glaring continuity problem is that Bain refers to Jessica's hair as being red(!) when it is clear to anyone who looks at Angela Lansbury that her hair is blonde. That one was a real oddity.

Another characterisation issue is (again!) Mort Metzger. Some people have claimed that Bain has him mixed up with Amos Tupper, but it's not even that, as Amos came from Kentucky. Bain has practically rewritten Mort - instead of the sprightly, sarcastic, tough New York cop, he is a bumbling fool from Maine (and a hopeless attempt at a caricature too - wearing his uniform day and night isn't exactly believable).

The mystery is incomprehensible. I will admit that some elements worked very well, but there were so many loose ends dangling at the end of the action. Overall, I am giving it two stars, because it's Murder She Wrote and I like it. Next on my list - Murder in Moscow!

4/10 👎🏻

[Jack Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars. In some ways, Jessica at her best, but it's a touch disjointed. And, although I didn't have all the components correct, one or two ingredients of the solution seemed apparent early on. Jessica is in New York for the launch of her latest murder mystery. It's just before Christmas, prime time to publicize a new novel, and she does the exhausting rounds of Larry King, The New York Times, and numerous signings at bookstores. Very quickly she gets involved in a convoluted mystery. She witnesses the killing of a charity Santa on bustling Fifth Avenue near St. Patrick's Cathedral and recognizes Waldo Morse of Cabot Cove as the man in the suit. Hadn't he slipped into the drug trade, turned state's evidence, and entered witness protection a decade ago? As usual, curiosity gets the better of her and she pursues the matter, along with a determined pest from the New York Post, Bobby Johnson. Every time another body turns up, the media heat on her seems to double. Will the story of the Santa Claus Murder be Jessica's next book? For me, it's on to MSW #3 next. They're not great literature, but there's something here. (Ja2019/Oc2024)

[Ta || bookishbluehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book so much. It was way better than the first book in this series and felt much more like the show and the Jessica Fletcher I came to love through that show.

The writing improved immensely, it still felt a little dragging and clunky at times, but it was a far cry from what I experienced in ‘Gin & Daggers’, I even went back to check if it was a different author who had written this book, but Goodreads says it’s the same guy, so I think he just improved his writing.

The mystery was compelling but easy to follow. Like the show, these aren’t the most twisty stories and it is easy and fun to hunt for the culprit yourself. Jessica was much more likable in this book, in hindsight I realize how judgemental, arrogant and superior Jessica acted in the first book. In this book she still is a little judgemental, but it fits in the setting. She is also compassionate and with a sense of justice and fairness.

I’m so happy that I had so much fun with this book and it makes me glad that I decided to read more (and probably all) of this series.

[Sarah Nessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment of the Murder She Wrote series, quite intriguing for me. I can see the show as I turning every page. I am huge mystery fan and for a mystery that you are not necessarily looking for gore it fits the bill perfectly. Jessica Fletcher never fails in constructing the mystery of a book with her ever brilliant cleverness. I look forward to continuing this series!

[Bert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Donald Bain is still struggling with the Murder, She Wrote universe in this second entry to the series. While he's remembered Jessica doesn't drive (omg the fares she's racking up in this one with her stakeouts) there are a lot of other little things which pull the reader out of believing this is the same setting as the television programme, populated with the same characters. As in the first one, I can see most of Jessica's dialogue working if I use my imagination divorced from the description, but the prose lacks the right tone, and the supporting characters imported from the show are just off in all respects.

With that said, on its own merits the mystery is kind of odd, but the book is serviceable overall, and I recall fewer weird scene descriptions than in the first. These are nice airport reading.

[amanda. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review is for the audiobook. Let me say I've read and listened to several of these books and have enjoyed all of them. They're calming to listen to as I drive or work, etc. and make for an easy reading experience. I've also read them as I find them without worrying about the order as they seem to stand alone. I could tell immediately that this was one of the first books in the series. Bain doesn't seem to have a good understanding of the characters as he does in later books. All of the usual Cabot Cove gang were very out of character for me. Jessica Fletcher was so off the mark I wasn't interested in finishing the book. Perhaps one day I will go back and finish but I just couldn't do it.

This audiobook also had a different narrator than the others I've listened to and I found her delivery off-putting.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as the first installment. Jessica heads to NYC just before Christmas and naturally gets entangled in the murder of a homeless Santa Claus who is shot right in front of her. She starts investigating much to the chagrin of her publishing assistant who just wants her to promote her new book and appear on all the talk shows. For some unknown reason Seth and Mort again rush to her side down in NYC (seems like an awful lot of vacation time for Cabot Cove's only Doctor and the Sheriff) to help / blunder around per usual. I felt like the climax was lackluster and too much was jammed into 200 pages - I mean costumes, Harlem jazz, smuggling, drugs, corrupt cops, old friends, talk shows, radio programs, cats etc. etc. In any case I will jump into the next one and hope that it is more to my liking.

[chrisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the show and I have enjoyed other books in this series, but this book, one of the earliest in the series written by Donald Bain, is quite frankly pretty dreadful. It is obvious that he hasn't watched much of the television show and makes a number of mistakes with regard to the show's canon. Ultimately this book was unsatisfying to me. I was relieved when the book was over.

[Jaymie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, that Jessica Fletcher never disappoints. Solid story from the Murder, She Wrote series. And, as strange as it sounds, a perfect read for this time of year.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never a fan of the TV show,but I am enjoying the Jessica Fletcher books

[Tomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable murder story with lots of twists and turns, but not up to the quality of the television series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to be making progress on this series! Jessica is fun, and the mystery was interesting and engaging. Looking forward to continuing with her further adventures!

[Pedro Fernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como un capítulo más de “Murder, she wrote”. Buen misterio, pero con un final apresurado.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Murder She Wrote series. I haven't watched the television show but someone said these books were written along with the series but I don't know... and I don't know which episode this book 'follows'... But with that said it was pretty interesting. Jessica Fletcher was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and recognized a person she wasn't suppose to recognize in which threw her into a murder investigation. (I mean did you expect anything else? :) ) It was a very nice read. And yes, I would recommend it to an advanced pre teen reader as it didn't have language or sexual issues in it at all. (That I can remember)

I listened to this unabridged version on CD. I have to say that the lady (Beth Porter) that read it wasn't very good. But I stayed with it since I like the book. So if you can overlook her odd accent and not changing tone for the various characters and or events then you can enjoy the book. (I am one that can and thus was able to finish listening to her.)

[Kimberly Karalius · Rating 3 out of 5]

A whole lot of interrogations that ended up nowhere or being thwarted before any clues could be found, but once the action picked up, it was pretty good!

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in Manhattan promoting her new book, Jessica sees a man she knew from Cabot Cove. She is uncertain and goes up to him, he is dressed like Santa and collecting money. She gives him a dollar and then calls his name. He sets up for them to meet the next day at the same spot, at 2 p.m. When she returns, she sees what she thinks is him, murdered, and then the police do nothing and she is frustrated and angry and takes names. As the days move along another person is murdered and she wants to know the truth.

Fun story to listen to and to read. Especially good for when you are feeling nostalgic and wanting to watch old tv shows. I loved Murder, She Wrote when it was on and miss it now that it is off the air (to show of all things: Christmas Movies).

Definitely going to read/listen to some others.

[M.L.D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some hilarious blunders in this (writing Mort as if he's from Maine, instead of New York). The mystery itself was fine, but the resolution was downright strange an officer of the law confesses to murder and conspiracy to commit murder in front of another law enforcement officer and two additional witnesses and nothing really comes from it. An expose in the newspaper is instead what prompts an investigation and possible punishment? Anyway, Jessica reveals the murder and then everyone stands around awkwardly. Weeks later they learn the bad guys are at least being investigated... and unsatisfying. Since I read these out of order, I know the series improves.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a TV tie-in novel, let alone a series! Jessica Fletcher, Cabot Cove, Maine's own Angel of Death, is off promoting her latest novel in New York when she witnesses the street-corner murder of a hometown boy gone bad. In true J.B. Fletcher style, she snoops around until she finds out what's happened and who's responsible.

A few wonky character misfires here (Sheriff Mort's from New York, not Cabot Cove!), but an enjoyable enough look into Jessica's off-screen exploits. Spoiler alert: nobody drinks any Manhattans. :(

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this because it was supposed to be the first in the series, although apparently it's the second. Either way this was a fun read like one of the episodes. I had no idea whodunnit until the end. Jessica has a knack for getting into trouble, but fortunately she's just as good at getting out of it.
A good read for anyone who likes cozy murder mystery.

[Juliet Minerva Swift · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book wasn’t as good as the others. I still enjoyed it but I wasn’t a fan of the characters (excluding Jessica, Seth and Mort) nor of the plotline focused on drugs and criminals (I mean, more focused than other books in this series). I always enjoy the exploration of the city and the descriptions of Jessica’s usual days, like the book signing events.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This early MSW was an interesting read. Book 2 in the set, it's mystery had multiple twists and turns and at least one jaw dropping moment for me. The fact that it was set at Christmastime in the Big Apple was a fun aspect of the story. It wasn't a favorite of the set for me but I did enjoy it.

[Sarah Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one, this time with ties to back home instead of being all on location in NYC. It did kind of drag though.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series of mysteries based on TV show. Good settings.
Light and mindless.

[Erin L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early book in the series, was a good listen on overdrive. I didn't see that ending coming at all.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's one of the earlier Murder She Wrote books. The mystery was good but some of the languge was rather harsh for a murder she wrote book.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining Jessica Fletcher mystery.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The end was unsatisfying and I felt like the scenario was a bit of a stretch.