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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #3
Pearls, Poison & Park Avenue
A murder at a young ladies’ luncheon…and no shortage of suspects.
1925 New York
Penelope “Pen” Banks and Constance Gilmore have a notoriously sordid history. Thus, when Constance dies from poisoning at a luncheon for the Young Ladies Historical Preservation Society, Penelope becomes the prime suspect.
In order to clear her name, Penelope must wade through the dirt of New York’s most elite families, all of whom have nothing on the gangsters and criminals she once consorted with when it comes to being unscrupulous.
Along New York City’s most famous avenue, secrets, lies, and scandals battle with political ambitions in Penelope’s determination to find the true murderer.
1925 New York
Penelope “Pen” Banks and Constance Gilmore have a notoriously sordid history. Thus, when Constance dies from poisoning at a luncheon for the Young Ladies Historical Preservation Society, Penelope becomes the prime suspect.
In order to clear her name, Penelope must wade through the dirt of New York’s most elite families, all of whom have nothing on the gangsters and criminals she once consorted with when it comes to being unscrupulous.
Along New York City’s most famous avenue, secrets, lies, and scandals battle with political ambitions in Penelope’s determination to find the true murderer.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2022
About the author
Colette Clark
24 books114 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
January 13, 2023
I’ll admit that I held off on reading this one because it’s one of those “main character is the main suspect” mysteries that always add an extra layer of anxiety that I’m not always a big fan of. Thankfully most of the issues I have with the trope aren’t present here and the mystery was still engaging and smartly written. And also, Benny is the most fun character in a book already stacked with fun characters. I think the author knows this because he appears more frequently than the love interest, Detective What’s-his-face! Anyway, I’m definitely not complaining. And and and, I correctly guessed who the killer was… this is a big win for me.
January 31, 2023
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Okay, so um...wow. There was definitely a lot of research put into this one, that's for sure! I'm afraid that I'd be lying if I said that I understood the entirety of the stock market/development part of the plot (though I did understand some of it, thank goodness!), but I definitely understood and rest!
In this delightful addition to the Penelope Banks series, we have Penelope at the heart of a new murder, this time a suspect herself! So, rather than spend her resources expanding on her new business venture as a private detective, this time she has to use her skills to clear herself as a suspect, before it's too late!
Now, in this story, we really get to mingle with the high society people of 1920s New York, and...it's just about as cutthroat as anything that F. Scott Fitzgerald was able to portray, pretty much. It's the classic plotline of how no motivations are ever just purely emotionally motivated, but always have money attached for these people, and it really takes getting into a certain mindset to fully encompass everything that this story just...IS.
But still, as a weaving and dodging of different motivations, of gossip and secrets, it was a fun read! I did skim over the whole architectural development / stock market portion of everything as it just felt extra, but otherwise I had to appreciate how finely crafted this mystery truly was!
Kudos to the author for another lovely addition to the series, looking forward to the next one!
Okay, so um...wow. There was definitely a lot of research put into this one, that's for sure! I'm afraid that I'd be lying if I said that I understood the entirety of the stock market/development part of the plot (though I did understand some of it, thank goodness!), but I definitely understood and rest!
In this delightful addition to the Penelope Banks series, we have Penelope at the heart of a new murder, this time a suspect herself! So, rather than spend her resources expanding on her new business venture as a private detective, this time she has to use her skills to clear herself as a suspect, before it's too late!
Now, in this story, we really get to mingle with the high society people of 1920s New York, and...it's just about as cutthroat as anything that F. Scott Fitzgerald was able to portray, pretty much. It's the classic plotline of how no motivations are ever just purely emotionally motivated, but always have money attached for these people, and it really takes getting into a certain mindset to fully encompass everything that this story just...IS.
But still, as a weaving and dodging of different motivations, of gossip and secrets, it was a fun read! I did skim over the whole architectural development / stock market portion of everything as it just felt extra, but otherwise I had to appreciate how finely crafted this mystery truly was!
Kudos to the author for another lovely addition to the series, looking forward to the next one!
April 7, 2022
Penelope is “invited” aka strong armed into attending a meeting of young ladies of a certain social standing. Despite her frustration and reluctance she attends only to find that the young woman who is at the root of her broken engagement is the chair of the society. A meddling society reporter, some not so veiled insults and an awkward lunch leads to the murder of that same woman. With herself as the lead suspect due to their history Penelope must use all her skills to find the truth before she is unjustly blamed.
A fantastic glimpse into 1920’s era New York City as always. A wonderfully plotted and executed crime with secrets, lies, betrayals and cattiness everywhere. Pen traverses the various segments of society with aplomb even if when it tries her patience. A definite standout new series in historical cozies! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fantastic glimpse into 1920’s era New York City as always. A wonderfully plotted and executed crime with secrets, lies, betrayals and cattiness everywhere. Pen traverses the various segments of society with aplomb even if when it tries her patience. A definite standout new series in historical cozies! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2025
Pearls, Poison, & Park Avenue!!
Wow!! I knew this book was going to be good but i was blown away at how it ended. I can't wait to read the next book on this series.
Wow!! I knew this book was going to be good but i was blown away at how it ended. I can't wait to read the next book on this series.
April 28, 2024
Too easy
It was obvious from the beginning who the murderer was, just not why. Lots of distracting editing errors. Just not a great story this time.
It was obvious from the beginning who the murderer was, just not why. Lots of distracting editing errors. Just not a great story this time.
April 8, 2022
Things are different in the 20s, 1920s that is. A century ago, society standings, family power, and avoiding scandal was more important than anything. This is why when Penelope called off her wedding to her cheating fiance, she was the one ostracized until she came into a cool bunch of "kale".
When she comes face to face with the other woman at an event she didn't even want to attend, she is once again drawn back into a past she wanted to leave behind. When said woman is poisoned and Penelope is prime suspect, it is up to her to once again utilize her detecting skills to figure out what happened.
Penelope Banks reminds me a lot of Phyrne Fischer in the Miss Fischer mysteries, a strong woman who holds her own and is not afraid of a little talk behind her back.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When she comes face to face with the other woman at an event she didn't even want to attend, she is once again drawn back into a past she wanted to leave behind. When said woman is poisoned and Penelope is prime suspect, it is up to her to once again utilize her detecting skills to figure out what happened.
Penelope Banks reminds me a lot of Phyrne Fischer in the Miss Fischer mysteries, a strong woman who holds her own and is not afraid of a little talk behind her back.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
Historical stuff... Really good
I can't say I have not learned anything new, it bothers me that I have. With name changes and all I have been somewhat able to keep up. This book threw me and I learned a lot about the rich of the era. I more than enjoy the everyday characters of the books. I also enjoy the writing and this era. Makes for some fun reading and busy time. Enjoyable!!! MS Clark is great....
I can't say I have not learned anything new, it bothers me that I have. With name changes and all I have been somewhat able to keep up. This book threw me and I learned a lot about the rich of the era. I more than enjoy the everyday characters of the books. I also enjoy the writing and this era. Makes for some fun reading and busy time. Enjoyable!!! MS Clark is great....
January 8, 2025
(3.75 Stars)
So, you’re probably noting that I’m a little obsessed with the Penelope Banks Mystery series by Colette Clark at this point. I’ve read 4 of these books now in under a month and well…they’ve all be great!
This however was looking like it was going to be my least favorite for the first half. In this book we see Penelope Banks interacting a lot more with her past life of upper crust society and socialite banquets. It was a necessary step in her development for her to tackle that strangely distant past, but it took us away from the underground, very 1920s feeling vibes that the other books I’ve read so far have to them. It also meant that we had a very large cast of characters to meet yet again who were wholly different than those we already knew, and at first that was a little overwhelming.
But then the book got better and better and better!
I actually think this was Clark’s best written book so far when it comes to a pacing and plotting standpoint. The finale was heart racing and I was turning pages at a rapid rate. The rising action was good and didn’t feel quite as predictable as her format has been in other books. (I do think it was her weakest in terms of the actual prose though; I caught quite a few small typos and whatnot, but nothing that took me out of the story.)
The ending was phenomenal though and definitely brought this book back up for me. 3.75 Stars on my scale and 4 stars on Goodreads. Another excellent mystery with a very satisfying wrap up!
So, you’re probably noting that I’m a little obsessed with the Penelope Banks Mystery series by Colette Clark at this point. I’ve read 4 of these books now in under a month and well…they’ve all be great!
This however was looking like it was going to be my least favorite for the first half. In this book we see Penelope Banks interacting a lot more with her past life of upper crust society and socialite banquets. It was a necessary step in her development for her to tackle that strangely distant past, but it took us away from the underground, very 1920s feeling vibes that the other books I’ve read so far have to them. It also meant that we had a very large cast of characters to meet yet again who were wholly different than those we already knew, and at first that was a little overwhelming.
But then the book got better and better and better!
I actually think this was Clark’s best written book so far when it comes to a pacing and plotting standpoint. The finale was heart racing and I was turning pages at a rapid rate. The rising action was good and didn’t feel quite as predictable as her format has been in other books. (I do think it was her weakest in terms of the actual prose though; I caught quite a few small typos and whatnot, but nothing that took me out of the story.)
The ending was phenomenal though and definitely brought this book back up for me. 3.75 Stars on my scale and 4 stars on Goodreads. Another excellent mystery with a very satisfying wrap up!
February 27, 2025
#3 - *Penelope Banks invited to the Ladies Historical Preservation Society Luncheon - WHY?
Cousin Cordelia, Chives, Leonard,
*Alice Todd - 4 holders brothers, David works at the bank;
Mabel Colton, caretaker of the Peyton Foundation House;
*Katherine "Kitty" Andrews, writer for the New York Tattle; She changed place cards, (automobiles)
*Marie Phillips, lost vote by 1 for chairlady; (steel);
*Eleanor Winthorpe, niece of woman who invited Pen, (media empire); Manipulated several people, the stamps were her downfall, got her to admit to poisoning Catherine with sulfuric acid (KILLER)
*Constance Gilmore - current chair, woman who caused Pen's wedding cancellation from Clifford Stokes; devious, (politics); Save the Duke House? (poisoned)
Rene Gauthier glass;
Gardener , Salvatore- and Constance;
John and Samuel Duke;
Minerva bought short certificates; Eleanor sent the letters to Kitty, Constance took the pink pearl necklace,
Cousin Cordelia, Chives, Leonard,
*Alice Todd - 4 holders brothers, David works at the bank;
Mabel Colton, caretaker of the Peyton Foundation House;
*Katherine "Kitty" Andrews, writer for the New York Tattle; She changed place cards, (automobiles)
*Marie Phillips, lost vote by 1 for chairlady; (steel);
*Eleanor Winthorpe, niece of woman who invited Pen, (media empire); Manipulated several people, the stamps were her downfall, got her to admit to poisoning Catherine with sulfuric acid (KILLER)
*Constance Gilmore - current chair, woman who caused Pen's wedding cancellation from Clifford Stokes; devious, (politics); Save the Duke House? (poisoned)
Rene Gauthier glass;
Gardener , Salvatore- and Constance;
John and Samuel Duke;
Minerva bought short certificates; Eleanor sent the letters to Kitty, Constance took the pink pearl necklace,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
Pen Banks is now an established private investigator with two murders solved and a crime ring exposed. In this outing she is present at a society luncheon table when the chairwoman of the group is poisoned. Since she and the victim had a history and she was sitting at the victim's table, Pen finds herself one of the prime suspects. So naturally, she begins to investigate the crime, uncovering a philandering fiancee, an Italian immigrant gardner, several other young women with clear motives and what rapidly reveals itself to be a stick scandal. The gradner didn't do it and neither did the Bolshevik waiter, so which young lady did? This was a quick read, full of fun details of New York in the 1920s, just as high-rise apartments began to replace Brownstones all over Manhattan.
September 21, 2026
As Penelope Banks stats to expand her detective business and get back in the good graces of high society, she is invited to a luncheon, given by society's young women. While she ponders why she was invited, she is seated by a former rival (actually a wedding crasher of the worst sort). When her rival suddenly drops dead after obviously being poisoned, Pen is deemed the prime suspect.
To clear her name, she must find the real killer. With suspects from a gardener to the waiters to the society women themselves she sorts through it all.
She does figure it out eventually using her strange gift of a photographic memory. There a little "Old New York" history woven in, as well as Lot of fashion, food and escapades.
Fun and a Good read.
To clear her name, she must find the real killer. With suspects from a gardener to the waiters to the society women themselves she sorts through it all.
She does figure it out eventually using her strange gift of a photographic memory. There a little "Old New York" history woven in, as well as Lot of fashion, food and escapades.
Fun and a Good read.
April 15, 2023
another great NYC story & mystery
I am a New Yorker. And, I have suffered though the tedious “society” luncheons.
I had to laugh ….. how many times I (and others) wished that something unexpected would happen……a good murder? The history of The City is fascinating….. 4th Ave, Park Ave South….. trollies. The cast of characters continues to grow & the core we are told will continue throughout the series.
I am a New Yorker. And, I have suffered though the tedious “society” luncheons.
I had to laugh ….. how many times I (and others) wished that something unexpected would happen……a good murder? The history of The City is fascinating….. 4th Ave, Park Ave South….. trollies. The cast of characters continues to grow & the core we are told will continue throughout the series.
October 4, 2023
The first two books in this series weren’t bad, mainly because ‘Pen’ is potentially an interesting character, the problem is after three books I’m still not sure about her.
My other problem with this book is the author tried to make ‘Pen’ the chief suspect in the murder’ with the police ‘frothing at the mouth’ wanting to arrest her. I really dislike this over used storyline.
Overall the story was OK, but I’m beginning to have my doubts about the series.
My other problem with this book is the author tried to make ‘Pen’ the chief suspect in the murder’ with the police ‘frothing at the mouth’ wanting to arrest her. I really dislike this over used storyline.
Overall the story was OK, but I’m beginning to have my doubts about the series.
May 1, 2024
Great Mystery!
Was extremely interesting time piece with many events occurring which resembles much of what happening today. People were as promiscuous in 1920's as they are now but with more finesse. The murderer was a surprise and unexpected. Penelope character is developing and growing, and she is becoming more experienced and knowagable of human behavior. Enjoyable book. If you enjoy mysteries, this would've good and easy read.
Was extremely interesting time piece with many events occurring which resembles much of what happening today. People were as promiscuous in 1920's as they are now but with more finesse. The murderer was a surprise and unexpected. Penelope character is developing and growing, and she is becoming more experienced and knowagable of human behavior. Enjoyable book. If you enjoy mysteries, this would've good and easy read.
November 5, 2022
Penelope rules
What do you do when you are a 24 year old girl in the1920's an
disowned by tour family but suddenly inherit a fortune? Penelope starts a detective agency. She is smart and as an extraordinary talent to remember everything, exactly. This is her 3rd instalment so be sure to go back to book one.
What do you do when you are a 24 year old girl in the1920's an
disowned by tour family but suddenly inherit a fortune? Penelope starts a detective agency. She is smart and as an extraordinary talent to remember everything, exactly. This is her 3rd instalment so be sure to go back to book one.
August 21, 2026
Excellent book. The storyline and plot were great. Well thought out and the process of this book was more clearer. Explanations as to how Penn figured out clues was much improved over the last book. It is nice to see authors grow in their writing skills. I liked the characters. There were some good twists and turns in the book. Highly recommend.
April 11, 2022
A great historical mystery
I have been enjoying this series and really liked booked number 3. Did not quite catch the reference at the end of the book about the fun names in chapter one?
I have been enjoying this series and really liked booked number 3. Did not quite catch the reference at the end of the book about the fun names in chapter one?
May 13, 2022
New detective at large
Best New female 1920's detective I've read in the last few months. Me Clark has given us a thoroughly developed character with a very successful group of "assistants ". Have read all three novels and am eagerly awaiting the next!
Best New female 1920's detective I've read in the last few months. Me Clark has given us a thoroughly developed character with a very successful group of "assistants ". Have read all three novels and am eagerly awaiting the next!
June 10, 2022
My head is Spinning!
Collette Clark's style and character creativity is awesome! My head was spinning toward the last chapter, but no spoilers here! It's a must read and I cannot wait til she publishes her next Penelope Banks' mystery.
Collette Clark's style and character creativity is awesome! My head was spinning toward the last chapter, but no spoilers here! It's a must read and I cannot wait til she publishes her next Penelope Banks' mystery.
October 14, 2022
Revenge and prejudice
Interesting many suspects one early arrest of a young Italian man of the WRONG CLASS as judged by society at that time. Penelope's solution was interesting.
Interesting many suspects one early arrest of a young Italian man of the WRONG CLASS as judged by society at that time. Penelope's solution was interesting.
April 22, 2023
I really like this series and the 3rd book was no exception. The plot is easily followed, the main characters are well fleshed out and quite interesting, and the story is full of intrigue, politics, and dirty dealing with a dash of murder. I definitely recommend this book.
May 4, 2023
Pearls,Poison,& Park Avenue book 📖 3
This is a quirky and twisted murder mystery with black mail,greed,secrets,bribery, and conspiracy corruption along with manipulation. A fun and intriguing story with clean language and no sex involved ❣️💃🏻🙀🙆🏻♀️
This is a quirky and twisted murder mystery with black mail,greed,secrets,bribery, and conspiracy corruption along with manipulation. A fun and intriguing story with clean language and no sex involved ❣️💃🏻🙀🙆🏻♀️
November 16, 2024
interesting with a touch of exciting details
Truly enjoying this series. From poor to wealthy, Penelope has turned into a gifted detective. Using her special power of a photographic memory it gives her just the needed edge.
Truly enjoying this series. From poor to wealthy, Penelope has turned into a gifted detective. Using her special power of a photographic memory it gives her just the needed edge.
January 26, 2025
Pearl's, Poison, & Park Avenue Book 3 Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries
Penelope and her friends attend a luncheon and witness the death of a woman that broke up her marriage. As the team works the story, secrets are revealed and family relationships are brought closer.
Penelope and her friends attend a luncheon and witness the death of a woman that broke up her marriage. As the team works the story, secrets are revealed and family relationships are brought closer.
June 18, 2025
Evil among the wealthy.
Even Penelope is a bit surprised by the things she learns about the wealthy New Yorkers she’s investigating to prove her own innocence. Fashionable and fun, this is another good book in the series.
Even Penelope is a bit surprised by the things she learns about the wealthy New Yorkers she’s investigating to prove her own innocence. Fashionable and fun, this is another good book in the series.
May 31, 2022
Good fun
September 26, 2022
Ummmm!
Not sure about this series! Complex plot, interesting past history, like the " love interest male, But
Miss Banks . . . verdict still out 😐
Not sure about this series! Complex plot, interesting past history, like the " love interest male, But
Miss Banks . . . verdict still out 😐
October 27, 2022
great
I am a fan of this historical mystery series. The characters are slowly being developed. The plots defined keep me guessing.
I am a fan of this historical mystery series. The characters are slowly being developed. The plots defined keep me guessing.
January 11, 2023
great fun!
Like the first Penelope Banks novel this was fast paced and highly entertaining. I am looking forward to seeing how Pen and Detective Prescott work things out.
Like the first Penelope Banks novel this was fast paced and highly entertaining. I am looking forward to seeing how Pen and Detective Prescott work things out.
February 1, 2023
You have to meet the author half way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews