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Hubbert & Lil #2
A Cast of Killers
A MYSTERIOUS GROUP OF ELDERLY ACTRESSES—WITH SECRETS TO KILL FOR…In Katy Munger's SECOND cozy Hubbert and Lil mystery, stalwart amateur sleuth T.S. Hubbert and his trusty sidekick Auntie Lil take on a scrappy should-be-retired troupe of ex-actresses, who—surprise, surprise—aren’t at all what they seem…. “With a fond eye for the eccentric, [Munger] gives the streets of Hell's Kitchen the air of a gritty English village.”—Publishers WeeklyQuirky investigator Theodore Hubbert — T.S. for short — is awakened out of his regular afternoon revelry (watching his favorite soap opera) by a phone call from none other than his Aunt Lil, whose penchant for interrupting… well, really anything T.S. is interested in, is uncanny. As per usual, Auntie Lil is calling to ask for a tiny little favor — a helping hand at a Manhattan soup kitchen. Naturally, T.S. wasn’t listening to her beggar’s soliloquy and unwittingly agrees to work that afternoon’s shift. But T.S.’s afternoon turns out to have more in store than ladling soup. Because no good deed goes unpunished — especially when Auntie Lil is involved. In the middle of lunch (an inventive chili recipe Lil proudly boosted from a real life cowboy in Santa Fe), a little old lady suddenly jumps up, clutching at her throat… and drops dead. New York’s Finest couldn’t care less about the demise of an elderly woman who presumably had a heart attack. But a group of soup kitchen regulars — a crew of once-elegant and now-impoverished minor role actresses from the Kennedy era — appear shaken. Turns out they knew the deceased. And their woeful reactions are dramatic, to say the least. But are they just acting? Ever unable to keep her mouth shut, Aunt Lil offers up the shocked and (seemingly) grief-stricken actresses her nephew’s private investigator services to investigate the woman’s real identity. Reluctantly, T.S. agrees to help. After all, he dryly muses, it’s not like she was murdered. Famous last words. Throughout this irresistibly cozy mystery, Auntie Lil’s tall tales add comic relief to a thoroughly engaging murder mystery. And true to form, she remains a nosey pest — who happens to be utterly adorable and, quite annoyingly, very often right. Meanwhile, T.S.’s antics, which are reminiscent of Columbo or Agatha Christie’s finicky Hercule Poirot, will delight fervent mystery fans. If you just read The Thursday Murder Club, read this next!
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 1992
381 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Katy Munger
41 books52 followersKaty Munger, a North Carolina-based mystery author, has published 17 novels, co-authored multiple books, and contributed short stories to numerous anthologies. She's most known for the humorous Casey Jones mystery series, the somber and thoughtful Dead Detective series (as Katy Munger and Chaz McGee), and the cozy Hubbert & Lil series (as Katy Munger and Gallagher Gray). Originally published by major houses like Bantam and HarperCollins, her books are now available on Amazon under her real name. Katy has also contributed as a book reviewer for the Washington Post and served as North Carolina’s 2016 Piedmont Laureate. Visit katymunger.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 2, 2024
Not bad. There was more substance to this story than I was expecting. There are still plenty of silly characters but it's not a total fluff piece.
May 28, 2018
What's My Name
A long, complicated story about an old woman, whose real name nobody knows, being murdered at a soup kitchen. Auntie Lil, who volunteers at the soup kitchen, has her suspicions about the death before anyone else and with the help of several people try to find out the woman's real name and who killed her and why. There are several little scenarios that bring the whole story together. Long but a very good story!
A long, complicated story about an old woman, whose real name nobody knows, being murdered at a soup kitchen. Auntie Lil, who volunteers at the soup kitchen, has her suspicions about the death before anyone else and with the help of several people try to find out the woman's real name and who killed her and why. There are several little scenarios that bring the whole story together. Long but a very good story!
June 11, 2018
Not cozy or Enjoyable
This could not hold my attention. Even though I adored the first book and the characters this was painful to read and I was not invested in the outcome at all. Not to mention the child prostitution subplot that literally made me nauseous. I won't be reading anything by this author again.
This could not hold my attention. Even though I adored the first book and the characters this was painful to read and I was not invested in the outcome at all. Not to mention the child prostitution subplot that literally made me nauseous. I won't be reading anything by this author again.
August 27, 2012
Although it's the second in series, I found out enough about Lillian and Hubbard to appreciate the characters.
October 4, 2019
3 - - ,verging on 2. You just can't trust publisher descriptions at all any more. This is definitely not a cozy, unless you consider child sex trafficking with all the side accompaniments of violence, etc.,a suitable topic for a cozy. NO hint of that in the book description. Gray likes to set each of her books in some part of NYC, and it is not surprising that in a setting of Hell's Kitchen things will not be all rosy, but this is too much.
Unfortunately I liked Book 1 so much I bought 2-4. Now I do not think I will read the next unless I cam feel sure it will not be so dark.
One of the nicest parts of Book 1 was the believable, normal people in the book. In this book both Hubbert and Lil are much more extreme, almost caricatures. There are some nice displays of humanity, though, from several bit characters, that saved the end.
But ultimately, I took the next 2 books off my Kindle and do not plan to read them.
Unfortunately I liked Book 1 so much I bought 2-4. Now I do not think I will read the next unless I cam feel sure it will not be so dark.
One of the nicest parts of Book 1 was the believable, normal people in the book. In this book both Hubbert and Lil are much more extreme, almost caricatures. There are some nice displays of humanity, though, from several bit characters, that saved the end.
But ultimately, I took the next 2 books off my Kindle and do not plan to read them.
August 26, 2021
Aunt Lil volunteers at a soup kitchen and manages to con T.S. Hubbert into joining her. One of the tables of clients consists of a bunch of old, former Broadway actresses. At the end of one of the meals, one of the actresses doesn't get up to leave. Perhaps, her heart just gave out, but Aunt Lil, ever on the look out for mystery, isn't so sure. Yup, it turns out the lady in question was murdered. Actors, it seems, live in a world of jealousies and grievances, so could it be that one of them was involved? Then too, one actress, who didn't generally join the group, but who ate at the soup kitchen, seems also to have gone missing.
So, T.S. and Aunt Lil begin another adventure that takes them hither and yon, and eventually to a resolution. It was a cute story, a 3*+, actually.
So, T.S. and Aunt Lil begin another adventure that takes them hither and yon, and eventually to a resolution. It was a cute story, a 3*+, actually.
December 15, 2018
Last Curtain Call for Emmilly
There are many storeys you may read in your life some you forget without thought whether poor, fair, good,even great. Some storeys are meant for humor, some for fright, others to carry your mind to another world of fantasy. Then there comes a storey that touches your very heart and soul this is what Gallagher Gray has given us readers with this storey, this storey will make your heart weep, will anger your dignity, at times lighten your very soul. This is a cozey murder mystery of fiction, yet could hold true in any large city. Don't pass up this wanderfull storey it would be a terrible misdeed to yourself 🙄 Kat
There are many storeys you may read in your life some you forget without thought whether poor, fair, good,even great. Some storeys are meant for humor, some for fright, others to carry your mind to another world of fantasy. Then there comes a storey that touches your very heart and soul this is what Gallagher Gray has given us readers with this storey, this storey will make your heart weep, will anger your dignity, at times lighten your very soul. This is a cozey murder mystery of fiction, yet could hold true in any large city. Don't pass up this wanderfull storey it would be a terrible misdeed to yourself 🙄 Kat
December 15, 2020
Really fun read
This story seems to be updated from a story written in the 70's. There are many theatrical references from plays popular in the late 60's and 70's which makes the story seem like it's in a time warp with references for technology from the 80's and 90's. That and the fact that that the main male character seems to be extremely naive and make terrible decisions although he's retired from Wall Street, the story was quite good. The plot was interesting and had many twists and turns. This story did a much better job of character development than the first book. The wrap up was extremely well done.
This story seems to be updated from a story written in the 70's. There are many theatrical references from plays popular in the late 60's and 70's which makes the story seem like it's in a time warp with references for technology from the 80's and 90's. That and the fact that that the main male character seems to be extremely naive and make terrible decisions although he's retired from Wall Street, the story was quite good. The plot was interesting and had many twists and turns. This story did a much better job of character development than the first book. The wrap up was extremely well done.
May 30, 2018
A story as big as NewYork
A Cast of Killers is a huge story filled with so many vivid characters you'd think you would never be able to keep them straight, but the author's talents kept the ball rolling and accounted for them all and kept them all sorted for us. I enjoyed every page and I 'm happy to say there are more by this author to read. The City of New York was the most outstanding character of all.
A Cast of Killers is a huge story filled with so many vivid characters you'd think you would never be able to keep them straight, but the author's talents kept the ball rolling and accounted for them all and kept them all sorted for us. I enjoyed every page and I 'm happy to say there are more by this author to read. The City of New York was the most outstanding character of all.
May 28, 2020
A good story with plenty of action and plot twists and confusion. An elderly woman dies in Hell's Kitchen in New York City after eating a stew at a soup kitchen and with a wild cast of characters to figure out who this aging actress was and why she was killed. The story is well written and the characters are well defined. The story was just a tad too long for me! If you like plots within plots and unusual characters you will enjoy this story!
July 21, 2018
Captivating and uplifting
This wonderful novel had such a wide range of enchanting characters that it was difficult to decide who was my favorite. The mystery was convoluted enough to keep one interested and the setting, the New York theater district, added richness to the story. I loved this book.
This wonderful novel had such a wide range of enchanting characters that it was difficult to decide who was my favorite. The mystery was convoluted enough to keep one interested and the setting, the New York theater district, added richness to the story. I loved this book.
January 15, 2019
I love this series. I did not read this series in the order that it was written and you really don’t need to to enjoy this wonderful series. I’m a New Yorker and this book covered it all. Both the good and not so good of New York. That being said I have e joyed each book in the series but this one is my favorite
It’s a very good murder mystery with heart and soul.
It’s a very good murder mystery with heart and soul.
January 22, 2019
A feisty senior sleuth
I like books with "mature" characters, and this certainly fits the profile. Aunt Lil is 84 and her nephew Theodore is mid 50s, and most of their friends fall into the same age range. The characters are well developed and the plot lines are complex enough to keep the reader guessing.
I like books with "mature" characters, and this certainly fits the profile. Aunt Lil is 84 and her nephew Theodore is mid 50s, and most of their friends fall into the same age range. The characters are well developed and the plot lines are complex enough to keep the reader guessing.
January 28, 2019
What a wonderful book in this series. A woman dies while eating in a soup kitchen, poisoned, and there follows an amazing adventure as her friends and neighbors try to untangle the truth as to her identity and why she was killed. A touching reminder that we are all somebody to someone, even in a city where so many try not to notice, not to “get involved”.
June 2, 2020
WOW,WOW,WOW!😍GET THIS BOOK NOW!😍
THiS BOOK IS NOT DISAPPOINTING, IT HAS MURDER AND A ❤ WARMING OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOVE 💘!😍 THE CHARACTERS CAME ALIVE IN THE WELL WOVEN STORY!😍 I FOUND MYSELF TEARING UP AT THE END OF THIS WONDERFUL BOOK!😍 WHAT A SPECTACULAR AUTHOR!😍 SO, BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
THiS BOOK IS NOT DISAPPOINTING, IT HAS MURDER AND A ❤ WARMING OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOVE 💘!😍 THE CHARACTERS CAME ALIVE IN THE WELL WOVEN STORY!😍 I FOUND MYSELF TEARING UP AT THE END OF THIS WONDERFUL BOOK!😍 WHAT A SPECTACULAR AUTHOR!😍 SO, BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
September 21, 2020
Moving and Entertaining!
This book caught my interest and Island the rest of the reading! I laughed delighted at the crazy cast of characters and sighed with
desperation as the book revealed the world of jaded New Yorkers. It was well worth reading and I urge you to take a day and it yourself!
This book caught my interest and Island the rest of the reading! I laughed delighted at the crazy cast of characters and sighed with
desperation as the book revealed the world of jaded New Yorkers. It was well worth reading and I urge you to take a day and it yourself!
May 30, 2018
Good book.
I can't help but love Auntie Lil and her adventures ! Her spunk is an inspiration! Her loyalty to her nephew and friends is as always unwaverable. Her adventures always big and small mysteries throughout .
I can't help but love Auntie Lil and her adventures ! Her spunk is an inspiration! Her loyalty to her nephew and friends is as always unwaverable. Her adventures always big and small mysteries throughout .
May 31, 2018
WOW
This is one of the best books that I have ever read! It's storyline is like real life. Being an elderly lady myself, and having a healthy interest in mysteries, I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down until the very end!
This is one of the best books that I have ever read! It's storyline is like real life. Being an elderly lady myself, and having a healthy interest in mysteries, I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down until the very end!
June 6, 2018
Amazing book
The cast of the book is great. The heroes and heroines are sometimes hard to tell apart. I stayed up until 4:00A.M. To find out Emily's last name them my Kindle battery ran out so I woke up before my alarm to finish. I could not put it down.
The cast of the book is great. The heroes and heroines are sometimes hard to tell apart. I stayed up until 4:00A.M. To find out Emily's last name them my Kindle battery ran out so I woke up before my alarm to finish. I could not put it down.
June 9, 2018
NEW YORK,NEW YORK, IT'S A HELL OF A TOWN.
I started reading, not sure I would like it. After a while I was sure I wouldn't like it, but in the end it was a very moving story and I had tears in my eyes.
I started reading, not sure I would like it. After a while I was sure I wouldn't like it, but in the end it was a very moving story and I had tears in my eyes.
June 20, 2018
Intense
The subject matter of this book is a lot darker than the first, and I was not prepared for that. but I didn’t joy how it ends. I love the character development, and I think that this particular book has a lot of heart.
The subject matter of this book is a lot darker than the first, and I was not prepared for that. but I didn’t joy how it ends. I love the character development, and I think that this particular book has a lot of heart.
June 26, 2018
Adventure
Characters are great, storyline interesting. New twist at every turn. Ready for the next adventure. Makes you think about people who are n your neighborhood. You NEVER know their story.
Characters are great, storyline interesting. New twist at every turn. Ready for the next adventure. Makes you think about people who are n your neighborhood. You NEVER know their story.
June 29, 2018
Bit quirky, old fashioned you may say or eccentric!!
Despite all of that this story covers an aspect of society where the bullies prey on the innocent.
A well written story line with a cast of characters that span the full range.
I will look forward to reading more from the same author
Despite all of that this story covers an aspect of society where the bullies prey on the innocent.
A well written story line with a cast of characters that span the full range.
I will look forward to reading more from the same author
July 24, 2018
Cute
Easy to read quick cozy mystery. This is my second book read. The cast of characters are great. You have your two main characters but with each book different characters are introduced and they come alive right off the pages.
Easy to read quick cozy mystery. This is my second book read. The cast of characters are great. You have your two main characters but with each book different characters are introduced and they come alive right off the pages.
August 17, 2018
Love Auntie Lil!
Love Auntie Lil! Boy can that woman get herself into trouble. Characters are written so well that you find them endearing. The plot and story lines make the books had to put down
Love Auntie Lil! Boy can that woman get herself into trouble. Characters are written so well that you find them endearing. The plot and story lines make the books had to put down
January 25, 2019
Surprising twists
You are kept guessing through most of the book. The plot was well thought out. The book had just the right mixture of mystery, intrigue , romance and strength of friendship.
You are kept guessing through most of the book. The plot was well thought out. The book had just the right mixture of mystery, intrigue , romance and strength of friendship.
May 29, 2018
Loved the humour throughout the story, even though the story line was about murder.
May 31, 2018
Nice Read
A nice cozy read,with mystery,suspense and thrills.It kept me guessing from very first page to the last.I'll be looking for more from this author.
A nice cozy read,with mystery,suspense and thrills.It kept me guessing from very first page to the last.I'll be looking for more from this author.
June 1, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable. Quirky cast of characters.
June 4, 2018
Very good read. Sometimes a little tedious, but overall very entertaining. Would most definitely read another book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews