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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #2
The Missing White Lady
Could a missing white cat be the key to solving this case?
New York, 1925
“My husband should be dead, but he isn’t.”
Penelope “Pen” Banks finally has what appears to be an interesting case for her fledgling investigative business. What she thought was a simple, tragic case of a wife abandonment has a rather daunting twist:
Jane Peterson’s husband isn’t where he’s supposed to be—dead in Wilmington.
Pen soon discovers that Frank Peterson isn’t the only missing resident from Winchester Court Apartments. Lady, the white-haired Persian cat of the Peterson’s neighbor—an ever-partying flapper—has also disappeared.
There are strange goings on at Winchester Court, which leads Penelope to believe the two are connected to something even bigger.
The Missing White Lady is the second book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. The enjoyment of a cozy historical mystery combined with the excitement and daring of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
New York, 1925
“My husband should be dead, but he isn’t.”
Penelope “Pen” Banks finally has what appears to be an interesting case for her fledgling investigative business. What she thought was a simple, tragic case of a wife abandonment has a rather daunting twist:
Jane Peterson’s husband isn’t where he’s supposed to be—dead in Wilmington.
Pen soon discovers that Frank Peterson isn’t the only missing resident from Winchester Court Apartments. Lady, the white-haired Persian cat of the Peterson’s neighbor—an ever-partying flapper—has also disappeared.
There are strange goings on at Winchester Court, which leads Penelope to believe the two are connected to something even bigger.
The Missing White Lady is the second book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. The enjoyment of a cozy historical mystery combined with the excitement and daring of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
518 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Colette Clark
23 books105 followersColette Clark lives in New York and has always enjoyed learning more about the history of her amazing city. She decided to combine that curiosity and love of learning with her addiction to reading and watching mysteries. Her first series, Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries is the result of those passions. When she’s not writing she can be found doing Sudoku puzzles, drawing, eating tacos, visiting museums dedicated to unusual/weird/wacky things, and, of course, reading mysteries by other great authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 17, 2023
So I’m a little embarrassed at how fast I finished this book! Still glamorous and still charming, this installment of the series is less enclosed than the first book and we see Penelope Banks in a more bombastic and loud setting. We’re also introduced to some fun and diverse characters that you usually don’t see in these cozy mysteries. My personal favorite was the gay mystery author with whom Penelope could bounce ideas off of. I hope he shows up more later. Oh, also I have the rest of this series now so there’s a pretty good chance I’ll binge read them and then fall into a deep lethargy when I’m finished. Anyway, on to the next one!
“I can’t condone this.”
“Naturally.”
“Nor can I prevent you.”
“Also true.”
“I can’t condone this.”
“Naturally.”
“Nor can I prevent you.”
“Also true.”
January 28, 2023
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Well, as expected of a good series, the second book ups the ante in a number of ways from what the first book involved. There are twists and turns aplenty, which, along with a gorgeous cover, make for a great cozy mystery read!
We pick up more or less where we left off, with our dear Pen now rich and in business for herself as a private investigator. I'm glad that, for the most part, the author avoids going into the societal stigma of the time that would impede Pen's going into business for herself in that particulate profession, and instead takes the angle that Pen deals with the problems that the police won't take seriously. In this case, Jane, a timid young woman, comes to Pen for help on locating a missing husband whom she is convinced hasn't abandoned her. Pen starts off skeptical but then, the more she investigates and wanders around the woman's apartment complex getting to know the tenants, well...the more interesting the case becomes.
Including finding a missing cat of all things, which is the "missing white Lady" from the title, btw--and I didn't see that coming at all, so it's a great twist!
Anyway, with a lot more to handle, some more flirtatious banter with detective Prescott, and of course a lot of fun amateur sleuthing with Pen, basically it's a great all-around mystery read that's rich with the atmosphere of the 1920s! All in all, I definitely just enjoyed it and felt it a great upgrade from the first book in terms of plot and pacing (though the first book was also great!), and...well, I just want to continue reading the series, that's all!
I'm still not sure whether this should have a 'favourite series' status yet, but it will definitely be a series that I'm keeping an eye on moving forward!
Well, as expected of a good series, the second book ups the ante in a number of ways from what the first book involved. There are twists and turns aplenty, which, along with a gorgeous cover, make for a great cozy mystery read!
We pick up more or less where we left off, with our dear Pen now rich and in business for herself as a private investigator. I'm glad that, for the most part, the author avoids going into the societal stigma of the time that would impede Pen's going into business for herself in that particulate profession, and instead takes the angle that Pen deals with the problems that the police won't take seriously. In this case, Jane, a timid young woman, comes to Pen for help on locating a missing husband whom she is convinced hasn't abandoned her. Pen starts off skeptical but then, the more she investigates and wanders around the woman's apartment complex getting to know the tenants, well...the more interesting the case becomes.
Including finding a missing cat of all things, which is the "missing white Lady" from the title, btw--and I didn't see that coming at all, so it's a great twist!
Anyway, with a lot more to handle, some more flirtatious banter with detective Prescott, and of course a lot of fun amateur sleuthing with Pen, basically it's a great all-around mystery read that's rich with the atmosphere of the 1920s! All in all, I definitely just enjoyed it and felt it a great upgrade from the first book in terms of plot and pacing (though the first book was also great!), and...well, I just want to continue reading the series, that's all!
I'm still not sure whether this should have a 'favourite series' status yet, but it will definitely be a series that I'm keeping an eye on moving forward!
March 1, 2022
Penelope Pen Banks has set up her investigation firm after her generous inheritance. For a modest fee upon resolution of the case she sets out to help those like herself find themselves in situations where the authorities are not entirely helpful. Disappointed that her advertisement has brought her cheating husband and missing pets cases so far Pen’s interest is peaked when a woman comes in and states her husband should be dead but isn’t. Her first big case is far more complex than it appears and dangerous as well. With a little help from friends old and new and a certain flirtatious detective Pen closes a couple big cases. And what a wonderful twist at the end!
Great mystery set in a fantastically depicted 1920’s New York City. There is no sophomore slump in this series. I am so eager to know what happens next!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great mystery set in a fantastically depicted 1920’s New York City. There is no sophomore slump in this series. I am so eager to know what happens next!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2022
Being able to read the second installment in this series so quickly after the first makes me wish the next is already available on demand. During a time when women were not taken seriously in a men's world, Penelope's new private investigator venture has mainly been finding loss pets and catching cheating husbands. So, when she receives a serious case of a missing husband, she is all over it and has no intention of quitting until she gets answers, even if it's not what her client wants to hear.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2022
A really great mystery
This is a really great mystery. I was so impressed with how many of the characters lives were intertwined and I could not have guessed all of the connections!
This is a really great mystery. I was so impressed with how many of the characters lives were intertwined and I could not have guessed all of the connections!
January 5, 2025
Oh how I love these Penelope Banks murder mystery novels. They’re historical, 1920s fun with an eclectic mix of characters and settings we get to explore with them. I like how this one in particular built upon itself. Now that I’ve read 3 of Colette Clark’s novels I think I can confidently say she’s very talented when it comes to weaving multiple sub plots into one larger over-arching mystery, and of the 3 I’ve read this might be the strongest example of that yet.
It did get into a mystery trope I’m not as big a fan of (which I won’t list here because of spoilers) but other than that I had a great time reading this novel! A definite 4 stars from me, and if you like murder mysteries in the style of Agatha Christie but told in a more modern voice, you’ll love Colette Clark.
Also, can I just say I appreciate how gay this book was haha. We ran into so many queer characters that weren’t queer just for the sake of it. They fit and are fun to follow and see them get fully fleshed out. Big fan of that detail there! (I do want more of our resident mystery writer character though…he seems like a great time!)
It did get into a mystery trope I’m not as big a fan of (which I won’t list here because of spoilers) but other than that I had a great time reading this novel! A definite 4 stars from me, and if you like murder mysteries in the style of Agatha Christie but told in a more modern voice, you’ll love Colette Clark.
Also, can I just say I appreciate how gay this book was haha. We ran into so many queer characters that weren’t queer just for the sake of it. They fit and are fun to follow and see them get fully fleshed out. Big fan of that detail there! (I do want more of our resident mystery writer character though…he seems like a great time!)
February 25, 2025
Penelope Banks back in NYC, moved into her 5th Ave Apt inherited from Agnes Sterling.
Case: Jane Peterson's husband, Frank Peterson is missing; hasn't returned from a business trip "selling bibles" Thought to have died in a bus accident, but he wasn't on the bus.
Winchester Court apartments. Burglaries;
Lady, the white-haired Persian Cat is missing
Chives, butler;
Cordelia Davies - Penelope's cousin who lives with her;
Sally - new maid;
DAPHNE - dancer; killer of Daisy - jealous, etc - stabbed her; also was the burglar; used info to blackmail. Also killed Frank.
Spanky
Mrs Middleberry - nosey neighbor; Her husband allegedly went back to work, but actually has a place to chill out;
John Keys - misunderstood
Detective Richard Prescott helps her out.
Ana Klukovich, the custodian has the cat and her newborn kittens.
JD - Jameson Martin; used him to get Daphne to confess;
Adam Pulley - another neighbor, writer;
Stolen diamonds from Toronto;
Joseph Renwick Berry - blackmailing Frank - was part of the diamond heist.
Case: Jane Peterson's husband, Frank Peterson is missing; hasn't returned from a business trip "selling bibles" Thought to have died in a bus accident, but he wasn't on the bus.
Winchester Court apartments. Burglaries;
Lady, the white-haired Persian Cat is missing
Chives, butler;
Cordelia Davies - Penelope's cousin who lives with her;
Sally - new maid;
DAPHNE - dancer; killer of Daisy - jealous, etc - stabbed her; also was the burglar; used info to blackmail. Also killed Frank.
Spanky
Mrs Middleberry - nosey neighbor; Her husband allegedly went back to work, but actually has a place to chill out;
John Keys - misunderstood
Detective Richard Prescott helps her out.
Ana Klukovich, the custodian has the cat and her newborn kittens.
JD - Jameson Martin; used him to get Daphne to confess;
Adam Pulley - another neighbor, writer;
Stolen diamonds from Toronto;
Joseph Renwick Berry - blackmailing Frank - was part of the diamond heist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Penelope Banks should be the name on every historical cozy mystery reader's TBR. Anyone familiar with the subgenre of 1920s lady detectives knows there is no shortage of these "modern girls" to choose from. Penelope is definitely a stand out in the best way. The period details are vivid without being stuffy and really bring the story to life. One of the things I enjoy about this series is the length of the book itself, each entry in the series is well over 200 pages which gives the reader a juicy meal to sink their teeth into, yet there's no filler. Penelope I find she's a character impossible to put down, I in finished this in 36 hours! Every character in the book is well drawn, I hated to see the endings some of the characters got, but that's what makes for good storytelling. I absolutely adore her flirtation with Det. Prescott, they're banter is delightful. Times like this I wish I was in a book club.
September 24, 2023
I thought that Penelope was a interesting heroine in the previous book, she was independent, determined, clever and her eidetic memory gave her an interesting edge.
Strangely for a big chunk of this book the cleverness disappeared, actually to be fair, it was more a complete lack of common sense. Having decided to be a PI and wanting to take on dangerous cases, she really needed to learn some additional skills and think more about her own protection.
Overall the story was an easy read and if possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
Strangely for a big chunk of this book the cleverness disappeared, actually to be fair, it was more a complete lack of common sense. Having decided to be a PI and wanting to take on dangerous cases, she really needed to learn some additional skills and think more about her own protection.
Overall the story was an easy read and if possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
October 28, 2022
Ms Pen Banks is indeed a plucky young lady
Pen or Penelope Banks really has an exciting life. She discovered a talent for solving mysteries and now runs a private detective agency. Mostly she finds lost pets but also solves some crimes. She's a fun loving 1920s gal with a sizable fortune and a business to run to keep herself busy. This second volume is full of mystery, illegal boose and a bit of burlesque mixed with murder, blackmail, and theft.
Pen or Penelope Banks really has an exciting life. She discovered a talent for solving mysteries and now runs a private detective agency. Mostly she finds lost pets but also solves some crimes. She's a fun loving 1920s gal with a sizable fortune and a business to run to keep herself busy. This second volume is full of mystery, illegal boose and a bit of burlesque mixed with murder, blackmail, and theft.
April 16, 2024
Enjoyed, Great read
Love mysteries and this one was quite good. It kept me hanging on edge of my seat while all the events and pieces of whodunit fell into place. Plus I enjoy reading historical mysteries from 20's, 30's and 40's. It's interesting to watch an aristocrat muck around amongst the every day people. Pen is a good and caring person who seems to be able to fit in without class distinction. Recommend book to those who like mysteries and easy read.
Love mysteries and this one was quite good. It kept me hanging on edge of my seat while all the events and pieces of whodunit fell into place. Plus I enjoy reading historical mysteries from 20's, 30's and 40's. It's interesting to watch an aristocrat muck around amongst the every day people. Pen is a good and caring person who seems to be able to fit in without class distinction. Recommend book to those who like mysteries and easy read.
September 9, 2022
Another enjoyable read!
I am not one for giving seat the details of a book. I will instead tell you that Colette Clark gives her readers adventure, entertaining characters, intriguing storylines along with some comedic timing. If these qualities are something that interest you then I recommend you read this book but start at the beginning of the series.
I am not one for giving seat the details of a book. I will instead tell you that Colette Clark gives her readers adventure, entertaining characters, intriguing storylines along with some comedic timing. If these qualities are something that interest you then I recommend you read this book but start at the beginning of the series.
February 14, 2023
A wonderful Historical mystery
Penelope Banks is a private investigator, she has a client who's husband is missing. The missing husband case is also tied to a burglary of apartments in the same floor as the client. Then there is the case of the missing cat. Plenty of twisty bits and murder. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Penelope Banks is a private investigator, she has a client who's husband is missing. The missing husband case is also tied to a burglary of apartments in the same floor as the client. Then there is the case of the missing cat. Plenty of twisty bits and murder. I really enjoyed reading this book.
March 14, 2023
super fun!
Pen, the lady detective, has her hands full with a juicy case. This second book in the series really gets things going - though book 1 was a nice introduction to Pen and associated characters. This book is an interesting mystery that might be called cozy but is not short on scary bits here and there.
Pen, the lady detective, has her hands full with a juicy case. This second book in the series really gets things going - though book 1 was a nice introduction to Pen and associated characters. This book is an interesting mystery that might be called cozy but is not short on scary bits here and there.
May 19, 2023
What a delight. No bulking out of description!
I enjoyed this book because it was fast paced and easy to read. Lots of twists and turns. Light and lovely. The only jarring note is, the author adding the word "no"?
At the end of some questions a character would ask.
On the whole - good read.
I enjoyed this book because it was fast paced and easy to read. Lots of twists and turns. Light and lovely. The only jarring note is, the author adding the word "no"?
At the end of some questions a character would ask.
On the whole - good read.
December 10, 2024
The Missing White Lady Book(2 of Penelope Banks Murder Mystery
Penelope Banks takes her first case of a missing husband, and gets caught up in a pet disappearance of a neighbor, Discovering a speak easy a dancing performance and blackmail Colette Clark weaves a story of prohibition, romance and betrayal
Penelope Banks takes her first case of a missing husband, and gets caught up in a pet disappearance of a neighbor, Discovering a speak easy a dancing performance and blackmail Colette Clark weaves a story of prohibition, romance and betrayal
April 12, 2025
Pen Catches a Jewel Thief
No the white lady isn’t a pale person or a mixed drink…it’s a cat…the feline is in the middle of two murders, a high level case of theft and she has five kittens to boot. How it all ties together is an intriguing tale for Penelope to unravel as she solves her first real case for her new detective agency! Join the fun!
No the white lady isn’t a pale person or a mixed drink…it’s a cat…the feline is in the middle of two murders, a high level case of theft and she has five kittens to boot. How it all ties together is an intriguing tale for Penelope to unravel as she solves her first real case for her new detective agency! Join the fun!
June 25, 2025
The Missing Whote Lady!!
Wow!! I just knew that this next book of this series was gonna be good but I didn't think it would be as good as it was once I finished reading it. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'd positively love reading this book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone!! 💯💯
Wow!! I just knew that this next book of this series was gonna be good but I didn't think it would be as good as it was once I finished reading it. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'd positively love reading this book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone!! 💯💯
March 2, 2022
Now maybe things will be looking up for Pen and her business. People and a cat disappearing. A mystery to dig into for sure. Clues to find followed by suspense. Turn the pages as you too run from danger.
June 8, 2022
Collette Clark White Lady
Loved it, everything and turn!
Loved every word! Posting this review was easy as I didn't see the ending coming. Well done Colette Clark, bon magnificent
Loved it, everything and turn!
Loved every word! Posting this review was easy as I didn't see the ending coming. Well done Colette Clark, bon magnificent
October 22, 2022
well done
I love historical mysteries and read a LOT. I’ve found this series to be well done. They have interesting plots with twisty solutions. It’s nice to be surprised for a change.
I love historical mysteries and read a LOT. I’ve found this series to be well done. They have interesting plots with twisty solutions. It’s nice to be surprised for a change.
Read
December 22, 2022I liked this book. The main character, Penelope, is a firecracker of a personality. The supporting characters are funny, witty, sometimes quite surprising, and always interesting. The plot is easily followed, and this cozy murder mystery is superb. I highly recommend this book.
April 14, 2023
a great New York story!
I am a New Yorker. We have our own way of looking at the world…… and describing it. This book captures our City….. uptown, Houston Street….. 5th Avenue and our people…… everyone from LuLu to Mr Banks. I can’t wait to meet everyone again in the next books.
I am a New Yorker. We have our own way of looking at the world…… and describing it. This book captures our City….. uptown, Houston Street….. 5th Avenue and our people…… everyone from LuLu to Mr Banks. I can’t wait to meet everyone again in the next books.
May 2, 2023
The Missing White Lady book 📖 2
The author is a great storyteller with great background scenes and fun and quirky characters and villains.To me it felt like I was watching a play.A sassy heroine who has to know who,what,where and why.❣️💃🏻🙀🙆🏻♀️
The author is a great storyteller with great background scenes and fun and quirky characters and villains.To me it felt like I was watching a play.A sassy heroine who has to know who,what,where and why.❣️💃🏻🙀🙆🏻♀️
September 20, 2024
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book of the series, but I had so much fun reading this one! I’m excited to continue the series now! I enjoyed the mystery, the characters, and the fashion descriptions. A very fun 1920s cozy. :)
March 13, 2025
Very Entertaining Mystery
Colette Clark is easily becoming a new favorite author. Thank Goodness I several more books to read.
She is a fun and clever character. Looking forward to the next episode of Penelope Banks!
Colette Clark is easily becoming a new favorite author. Thank Goodness I several more books to read.
She is a fun and clever character. Looking forward to the next episode of Penelope Banks!
November 12, 2022
3.5 stars
November 15, 2022
Splendid reading
Penelope meets new "friends" around every corner and behind every door.
It has been a pleasure to enjoy her company in the last three books. Time to read on...
Penelope meets new "friends" around every corner and behind every door.
It has been a pleasure to enjoy her company in the last three books. Time to read on...
November 22, 2022
this is as good as the first
I will continue to read all the rest in the series . Will let you know what I think as I go along
I will continue to read all the rest in the series . Will let you know what I think as I go along
December 22, 2022
If I never see the word sardonic again, I will be so happy. Not bad, a good brain break from the grittier stuff I have been reading. 3.5 rounded down to 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews