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Hubbert & Lil #3
Death of a Dream Maker
THE SECRET LOVES OF SENIOR SLEUTHS -- AND A MOST UNTIMELY MURDER!Skeletons clatter merrily out of closets, in the third witty murder mystery of the delightfully cozy Hubbert and Lil mystery series—not the least of which is the disclosure of 84-year-old Lil’s twenty-year secret love affair.“Gray has the rare talent of being able to combine humor with sensitivity, and high comedy with realistic portrayals of genuine people.” —The Virginian-PilotIn Death of a Dream Maker, everybody’s favorite elderly amateur sleuth and her doting nephew—an unlikely but veritable dynamic duo—take on New York City’s fashionistas and, quite unfortunately, the mob. At the tender age of 84, Aunt Lil has no shortage of gentlemen callers. So it’s not exactly a surprise when she interrupts her favorite nephew and sleuthing partner-in-crime T.S. (at yet another failed attempt at making Crème Brulee) to beg for help. This time she needs a hand tidying up her Flushing apartment—which was once likened to Times Square just moments after midnight on New Year’s Eve—in anticipation of a male visitor. What is surprising is the fact that T.S. has never heard of the guy—a man named Max Rosenbloom, fabled multimillionaire owner of Max Rose Fashions. And it’s a downright shock that Max and Lil were once madly and deeply in love—though it was well over twenty years ago. But when Max is an hour late for their meeting, Aunt Lil falls into an uncharacteristic daze. After she asks T.S. to “leave her alone”—a phrase thus far absent from her considerable vocabulary, a radio bulletin breaks the news that electrifies NYC's garment Max Rose has been killed in a car bomb explosion in Manhattan. Lil is overtaken with a private grief—which worries T.S., because, quite frankly, she’s never been private about much of anything—until she snaps out of it with the realization that her planned meeting with Max and his untimely death must be connected. Convinced that the love of her life has been murdered in cold blood, she resolves to solve the puzzling crime with trusty T.S. by her side. Together, Auntie Lil and T.S. investigate the sophisticated trappings of the world of Manhattan fashion—including the lethal underbelly of the mob-controlled rag trade, white collar corporate embezzlement, and family secrets so chilling they leave even Aunt Lil speechless. Because Max was filthy rich and in proverbial bed with the mob, there's no end to the list of suspects. But the list becomes one less when Max's own favorite nephew turns up dead. Could it be murder has become fashionable in the garment district? If so, why? And how and when will the killing ever stop? A delectable treat for cozy fans, especially if you love Miss Marple, Miss Silver, Miss Seeton, Mrs. Pollifax, Jessica Fletcher, Agatha Raisin, Henrie O, and Hercule Poirot. If you just read The Thursday Murder Club, read this next!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 1995
259 people are currently reading
170 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 30 reviews
May 2, 2018
Fast paced and lively
This was a really enjoyable book. I liked all of the main characters, and there are many. Sometimes I found it hard to follow, but that was my fault because the author is in control at all times. Her erudite and witty voice reminded me at times of Lemony Snickett, and I mean that as the highest of praise.
This was a really enjoyable book. I liked all of the main characters, and there are many. Sometimes I found it hard to follow, but that was my fault because the author is in control at all times. Her erudite and witty voice reminded me at times of Lemony Snickett, and I mean that as the highest of praise.
March 1, 2018
Auntie Lil may be 84, but she is still as energetic and independent as anyone much younger than her. Her nephew, T.S. Hubbert, know this for fact.
Max Rosenbloom, a former flame and love of her life, calls out of the blue wanting to come visit Lil. He says it is important and wants to come that evening. When he doesn't show up, Lil learns that he has been killed in a bomb explosion.
Things take a much stranger turn during the funeral when Lil notices that there is another body in the grave, underneath Max's coffin. It is bad enough that the family is not happy to see Lil at the funeral, but it does get hysterical when the 'grieving' widow winds up slipping and sliding into the grave site due to the mud from the heavy rains.
Auntie Lil decides that she and T.S. are going to find out who killed Max and why. What they find is a dysfunctional family with bitterness and secrets to hide. Bitterness between family members and bitterness directed toward Lil and T.S. as they have inherited the bulk of Max's estate!
The twists and turns keep the plot interesting and the comedic parts add laughs. I found both main characters enjoyable, and the supporting characters just added that much more.
This is one in a series and I plan to find the others to enjoy.
Max Rosenbloom, a former flame and love of her life, calls out of the blue wanting to come visit Lil. He says it is important and wants to come that evening. When he doesn't show up, Lil learns that he has been killed in a bomb explosion.
Things take a much stranger turn during the funeral when Lil notices that there is another body in the grave, underneath Max's coffin. It is bad enough that the family is not happy to see Lil at the funeral, but it does get hysterical when the 'grieving' widow winds up slipping and sliding into the grave site due to the mud from the heavy rains.
Auntie Lil decides that she and T.S. are going to find out who killed Max and why. What they find is a dysfunctional family with bitterness and secrets to hide. Bitterness between family members and bitterness directed toward Lil and T.S. as they have inherited the bulk of Max's estate!
The twists and turns keep the plot interesting and the comedic parts add laughs. I found both main characters enjoyable, and the supporting characters just added that much more.
This is one in a series and I plan to find the others to enjoy.
April 7, 2019
Forever in My Heart
No matter what we have seen through our lives we sometimes forget that with all the turmoil, vilenc, pain , corruption .There is a marvelous side as well such as hope of peace, friendship,love, support, companion these are the things that continue to hold humanity's greatest salvation. This is a murder mystery yes and yet so much more. Gallagher Gray is one of the few writers that in such few words can give so much, when others who write innumerable words can give so little. Thank you Gallagher Gray 😊
No matter what we have seen through our lives we sometimes forget that with all the turmoil, vilenc, pain , corruption .There is a marvelous side as well such as hope of peace, friendship,love, support, companion these are the things that continue to hold humanity's greatest salvation. This is a murder mystery yes and yet so much more. Gallagher Gray is one of the few writers that in such few words can give so much, when others who write innumerable words can give so little. Thank you Gallagher Gray 😊
January 17, 2019
Death of a Dream Maker
This is a story full of action, emotions, jealousy and love. It is about the murder of Max Rosenbloom,a wealthy business man with a very greedy family and the murder of his nephew,Davey who was in trouble with the mob and loan sharks. Who killed them??? Who gets the company and the millions of dollars?? This is a great mystery and I recommend it to all who like mysteries.
This is a story full of action, emotions, jealousy and love. It is about the murder of Max Rosenbloom,a wealthy business man with a very greedy family and the murder of his nephew,Davey who was in trouble with the mob and loan sharks. Who killed them??? Who gets the company and the millions of dollars?? This is a great mystery and I recommend it to all who like mysteries.
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December 7, 2020Intriguing and entertaining
Definitely a read that kept me interested. It was a complicated puzzle but once the story was complete, everything fit into place. No of that nonsense of X did it and nothing else makes any sense, you have to take the author's word for it. (I hate that, makes me feel cheated.) This was the first novel I read by this author, despite being the third in this series and I would love to read more!
Definitely a read that kept me interested. It was a complicated puzzle but once the story was complete, everything fit into place. No of that nonsense of X did it and nothing else makes any sense, you have to take the author's word for it. (I hate that, makes me feel cheated.) This was the first novel I read by this author, despite being the third in this series and I would love to read more!
December 29, 2018
A classic book
I was so engaged with this book. I will retain it in my library's 'Favorite' section. Reading is a very personal endeavour, to recommend others to agree is more so. With that in mind, I highly recommend readers of all ages, to acquire a copy and share it with others. Well Done!
I was so engaged with this book. I will retain it in my library's 'Favorite' section. Reading is a very personal endeavour, to recommend others to agree is more so. With that in mind, I highly recommend readers of all ages, to acquire a copy and share it with others. Well Done!
September 11, 2019
A heck of a crime mystery, with a bit of romance added, and a whole lot of family drama to round it out.
In the dressmaking district you never know what will happen. Intrigue, murder, mayhem, and cutthroat business practices all abound. When the patriarch of the family business is car bombed, an old friend looks for his murderer, and half of his family is implicated.
In the dressmaking district you never know what will happen. Intrigue, murder, mayhem, and cutthroat business practices all abound. When the patriarch of the family business is car bombed, an old friend looks for his murderer, and half of his family is implicated.
July 26, 2024
Not bad. Auntie Lil is trying to solve the murder of her long lost love, Max, with the usual help from nephew T.S. and friend Herbert Wong. They are joined by P.I. Casey, a young woman who was hired by Max several months before his death to follow his wife. It's well plotted and a very engaging read.
May 12, 2018
Absolutely Wonderful
I truly loved this book. It was interesting with a great plot and characters. I am absolutely taken with Auntie Lil. The Hubbert & Lil Series is awesome. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book!!
I truly loved this book. It was interesting with a great plot and characters. I am absolutely taken with Auntie Lil. The Hubbert & Lil Series is awesome. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book!!
August 28, 2018
Interesting
Great writing as always, enjoy every bit of it. Specially because I go back in time to the fashion district and remember most of bit the trucks loading the garments and all that the fashion district is all about...
Great writing as always, enjoy every bit of it. Specially because I go back in time to the fashion district and remember most of bit the trucks loading the garments and all that the fashion district is all about...
December 31, 2018
Aunt lil
I really enjoyed this book! Everyone would like to have an aunt like aunt lil. The lady was fearless and full of
Love for the long lost love of her life. Enjoyed the other characters in the book.
I really enjoyed this book! Everyone would like to have an aunt like aunt lil. The lady was fearless and full of
Love for the long lost love of her life. Enjoyed the other characters in the book.
February 13, 2019
With this murder Aunt Lil knew him, a former beau, and lover for many years. Things happen at the graveside, with too many bodies being there. Then it is priceless to see the widow’s mishap. . A lot of laughs to enjoy in this series.
November 4, 2019
Great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I laughed out loud at some highly ironic parts, too! The rhythm is good and I read the whole book, straight through. A few annoying grammar errors, missing words, and such, but still I'm glad I read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I laughed out loud at some highly ironic parts, too! The rhythm is good and I read the whole book, straight through. A few annoying grammar errors, missing words, and such, but still I'm glad I read it.
November 25, 2018
Intriguingly Timeless
If nothing else I love the fact that Auntie Lil was a member of that first wave of feminism. Her appetites for adventure, love & food are all to be admired!
If nothing else I love the fact that Auntie Lil was a member of that first wave of feminism. Her appetites for adventure, love & food are all to be admired!
December 4, 2018
Love this series. I have a hard time putting it down. I love the aunt lil character she is a feisty One.
January 30, 2019
Another good one ... this time in the fashion industry.
April 9, 2019
Awesome
I just love Aunt Lol. This one is filled with romance, mayhem and murder. I'm happy to read that TS's romance is still going. Good Luck to him in future books.
I just love Aunt Lol. This one is filled with romance, mayhem and murder. I'm happy to read that TS's romance is still going. Good Luck to him in future books.
April 10, 2019
Delightful. Love books that show older people with brains and sense of adventure. A good story teller who has developed excellent characters who stay with you long after the last page.
April 10, 2019
A book to remember
As I age I appreciate older characters like Aunt Lil and T.S. much more. This series is awesome and the plots are unique!
As I age I appreciate older characters like Aunt Lil and T.S. much more. This series is awesome and the plots are unique!
April 13, 2019
Good interesting story.
Why did it take so long to find this writer? Interesting characters, nice unfolding plot. Interesting tension between characters view points.
Why did it take so long to find this writer? Interesting characters, nice unfolding plot. Interesting tension between characters view points.
May 4, 2019
Loved these three books!! Please please please write more!!!💕
September 11, 2019
A Neat novel.
I found this novel very interesting .It is the first time I have read this author. The plot moves along nicely and the Characters are interesting.
I found this novel very interesting .It is the first time I have read this author. The plot moves along nicely and the Characters are interesting.
October 21, 2019
Another dud!
O just
I just read one just like this
Dad to say, did not like the first...did not like this one either. It just isn't worth my time
O just
I just read one just like this
Dad to say, did not like the first...did not like this one either. It just isn't worth my time
November 25, 2019
Well Done
For those who like a well done who done it, this is your book. The characters good guys had guys a plenty.
For those who like a well done who done it, this is your book. The characters good guys had guys a plenty.
January 10, 2021
I love the 3rd book in this series of 4. Great characters and I love the author's way with words - some especially good similes. I'll be sad when I'm done with the series.
November 22, 2021
Loved! You can pick your friends but not your family.
February 2, 2022
I had liked the two Hubbert and Aunt Lil books I'd read. This one not so much. I didn't find any of the characters particularly appealing.
July 17, 2024
Enjoyable
Easy reading kept me interested until the end. I will more of her books and I will recommend this one.
Easy reading kept me interested until the end. I will more of her books and I will recommend this one.
February 16, 2019
A fun read. Quirky characters, but not so many that I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. The book kept my interest throughout. The ending ties up all the loose ends - not a cliffhanger - but keeps the characters for the next book.
June 24, 2016
Moderately entertaining. I am a fan of Ms. Munger's (Gray is a nom de plume) Casey Jones series, but this is a bit softer. I enjoyed Casey's cameo, however. She added a robust note to a rather pale story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews