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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #5
A Murder in Washington Square
A little late-night mischief reveals a body…that promptly vanishes. New York, 1925 Penelope “Pen” Banks and a few other zozzled young friends have decided to do something rather break into the Washington Square Park Arch in an attempt to recreate the infamous affair of 1917. Their impromptu party at the top is cut short by a violent thunderstorm. But not before Penelope glimpses, in a single flash of lightning, the body of a woman next to the fountain below. By the time the partiers make it back down, the body has vanished. In a case centered around Washington Square—where the students of New York University, patrons of the infamous Black and Tan saloons, bohemian artists of Greenwich Village, and entrenched old money collide—Penelope, now working even more closely with Detective Prescott and her usual set of friends, plans on finding exactly what happened that night. A Body in Washington Square is the fifth book in the Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries series set in 1920s New York. The enjoyment of a historical mystery combined with the excitement, daring, and danger of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2022
372 people are currently reading
103 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 11, 2025
And thus concludes my (unintentional) deep dive into the world of mystery books in the last few weeks! I’m glad that it ended on a high note because I was a little worried I was losing interest in the genre as a whole. That’s never a pleasant thought. As for this book series in particular? You know, sometimes you tell yourself that you’ll take a short break from continuing on in order to avoid burnout, and then all of a sudden, it’s been several months! Thankfully, I can say with certainty that these books still have the juice. I loved everything about it! From the mystery to even the romance! Loved it! This time around we find Penelope Banks (Pen) in the midst of a drunken reunion with old friends as she happens to see a dead body… which I realize isn’t actually all that groundbreaking, as that’s how these books usually go. But wait! The kicker is that she only sees this body through a flash of lightning and then it immediately disappears afterwards, casting a lot of doubt on whether or not this mysterious body was the real deal or just a drunken illusion. So basically, this book is Penelope having to fight against everyone who wants to cast her in the “hysterical woman” stereotype. It really feels like there are higher stakes in this one as not only is her career at risk, but also her relationships with the people closest to her. A cool aspect is that the first chapter opens with all the characters being anonymously presented (they use nicknames for each other), but we are immediately able to tell which one is Penelope simply because of her particular way of speaking. It’s a wonderful example of how great the character writing in this series is.
While it may have taken five or so books, This time I actually liked the love-interest, Detective Prescott! Monumental shift, alternative universe etc. etc. I know. It helps that he has really great chemistry with Penelope (to the point where their dialogue between each other is almost lyrical) and he actually believes and trusts her throughout the whole story. I didn't even notice that he’s more of a presence in this book! Usually these dudes feel like a constant pebble in your shoe, but the detective is masterfully used in all the right places, never overbearing. It really goes to show how the romantic leads being the tiniest bit supportive can go a looooong way towards endearing me to them. He was quite the smooth operator. As for Penelope… I love how she’s cynical and stubborn throughout the whole book. I know those words aren’t usually used as positive descriptors, but I feel like they're necessary personality traits to have when you’re a private investigator. She knows she’s in the right, and she won’t let anyone tell her different. You’d be surprised at how many mysteries I’ve read where the main character is way too good and wholesome! Where is your skepticism, your rage!? Anyway, I don't want to misrepresent Penelope, as she's is still wholeheartedly the good guy here. Though in these mystery books, I can’t help but wish that after solving the crime, the main character would rub it in everybody else’s faces, just a little bit. Especially Penelope, she's earned it. All I’m saying is that if I were a private investigator and proved that I was 100% correct in a case where nobody else believed me (*cough* *cough* everybody except Detective Prescott), I would be full of “I told you so’s” and "HA HA HA's," I’d. Be. Insufferable. Moving on, I hope it’s clear that I love this series and I totally want to jump into the next one… like, right now! But I’ll chill. For now. Besides, I think it’s nice to have a few books that I know I’ll enjoy to fall back on. A fall back plan!
He arched a brow. “Is there anything you would like to tell me?”
“Only if you promise not to arrest me.”
“That sounds ominous.”
While it may have taken five or so books, This time I actually liked the love-interest, Detective Prescott! Monumental shift, alternative universe etc. etc. I know. It helps that he has really great chemistry with Penelope (to the point where their dialogue between each other is almost lyrical) and he actually believes and trusts her throughout the whole story. I didn't even notice that he’s more of a presence in this book! Usually these dudes feel like a constant pebble in your shoe, but the detective is masterfully used in all the right places, never overbearing. It really goes to show how the romantic leads being the tiniest bit supportive can go a looooong way towards endearing me to them. He was quite the smooth operator. As for Penelope… I love how she’s cynical and stubborn throughout the whole book. I know those words aren’t usually used as positive descriptors, but I feel like they're necessary personality traits to have when you’re a private investigator. She knows she’s in the right, and she won’t let anyone tell her different. You’d be surprised at how many mysteries I’ve read where the main character is way too good and wholesome! Where is your skepticism, your rage!? Anyway, I don't want to misrepresent Penelope, as she's is still wholeheartedly the good guy here. Though in these mystery books, I can’t help but wish that after solving the crime, the main character would rub it in everybody else’s faces, just a little bit. Especially Penelope, she's earned it. All I’m saying is that if I were a private investigator and proved that I was 100% correct in a case where nobody else believed me (*cough* *cough* everybody except Detective Prescott), I would be full of “I told you so’s” and "HA HA HA's," I’d. Be. Insufferable. Moving on, I hope it’s clear that I love this series and I totally want to jump into the next one… like, right now! But I’ll chill. For now. Besides, I think it’s nice to have a few books that I know I’ll enjoy to fall back on. A fall back plan!
He arched a brow. “Is there anything you would like to tell me?”
“Only if you promise not to arrest me.”
“That sounds ominous.”
February 8, 2023
Rating: 4.75 / 5
Well, well, well, I must say we have quite a few developments in this addition to the Penelope Banks series!
At the beginning of this book, the author mentions in a forward note that they were going for something different for this story, especially in how it starts, so that they don't fall into a routine pattern in terms of how Penelope's adventures go. I was excited and curious to see what this translated to.
As it turns out, it starts off with Penelope actually being a witness for a murder for a change, except that it's during a thunderstorm, so of course she doesn't see clearly who the murderer actually is, and then the body goes missing. With only her gut intuition and what she knows she saw during the storm, no one believes her or takes her seriously--except, of course, Detective Richard Prescott.
It turns out that's the only person she really needs to believe her, as these two are paired more in this book than in any other of the series so far. I really, really, really appreciated the development between them both in terms of working together to solve the mystery AND in how they develop their relationship. All in all, I just loved the dynamic between the two of them, and it works really well in the short and long run!
This book is definitely more action-paced than the others so far, as well. In the other books, there were some quiet moments, or moment sin which Penelope had to pause and reflect, or maybe just sit down and discuss things for a while. Not so in this book, though. Chapter after chapter has her and Richard going to a different place to question someone else or learn something new or follow a new lead, and so it's really attention-grabbing and attention-keeping in terms of the pace.
Overall, I think it's a great addition to the series and I'm very glad that I got through it as fast as I did--the plot demands it!
Looking forward to the next book in the series--and, this goes without saying, but I'll be ranking all of them once I catch up to the latest one, similar to what I've been doing with the Eleanor Swift series.
Huzzah and well done, Ms. Clark! Another great one out for us readers!
Well, well, well, I must say we have quite a few developments in this addition to the Penelope Banks series!
At the beginning of this book, the author mentions in a forward note that they were going for something different for this story, especially in how it starts, so that they don't fall into a routine pattern in terms of how Penelope's adventures go. I was excited and curious to see what this translated to.
As it turns out, it starts off with Penelope actually being a witness for a murder for a change, except that it's during a thunderstorm, so of course she doesn't see clearly who the murderer actually is, and then the body goes missing. With only her gut intuition and what she knows she saw during the storm, no one believes her or takes her seriously--except, of course, Detective Richard Prescott.
It turns out that's the only person she really needs to believe her, as these two are paired more in this book than in any other of the series so far. I really, really, really appreciated the development between them both in terms of working together to solve the mystery AND in how they develop their relationship. All in all, I just loved the dynamic between the two of them, and it works really well in the short and long run!
This book is definitely more action-paced than the others so far, as well. In the other books, there were some quiet moments, or moment sin which Penelope had to pause and reflect, or maybe just sit down and discuss things for a while. Not so in this book, though. Chapter after chapter has her and Richard going to a different place to question someone else or learn something new or follow a new lead, and so it's really attention-grabbing and attention-keeping in terms of the pace.
Overall, I think it's a great addition to the series and I'm very glad that I got through it as fast as I did--the plot demands it!
Looking forward to the next book in the series--and, this goes without saying, but I'll be ranking all of them once I catch up to the latest one, similar to what I've been doing with the Eleanor Swift series.
Huzzah and well done, Ms. Clark! Another great one out for us readers!
July 29, 2022
Pen is on the Case !! . . .
This series is very intriguing, giving us an authentic feel for the time period where the mysteries are set (1920’s), even in the dialog that happens within the pages. Penelope “Pen” Banks has an amazing photographic memory, as well as the reasoning power to figure things out that would stump others, and it’s exhilarating for the reader to follow her sleuthing steps to find answers and make connections.
In this story line, Pen and her friends decide to sneak into the Washington Square Park Arch for a private party. They have assumed “animal” names, and Pen is referred to as “Pony”. A fierce sudden thunderstorm sends them running for shelter. Although the lamp near the fountain seems to be out, in a brilliant flash of lightning, Pen sees a woman’s body momentarily illuminated, lying beside the fountain. When Pen goes back after the storm to investigate, the body has disappeared! Will Pen, Detective Prescott, and her friends discover what happened that night? Will she be able to prove that Susan Bennett was the murdered victim? To what lengths will the intrepid sleuth go in order to get inside a house to search for the body she is sure is there, especially since Detective Prescott firmly reminds her there are no grounds for a search warrant? Because Pen will never give up when she is following a clue, much to Detective Prescott’s consternation!
This series is very intriguing, giving us an authentic feel for the time period where the mysteries are set (1920’s), even in the dialog that happens within the pages. Penelope “Pen” Banks has an amazing photographic memory, as well as the reasoning power to figure things out that would stump others, and it’s exhilarating for the reader to follow her sleuthing steps to find answers and make connections.
In this story line, Pen and her friends decide to sneak into the Washington Square Park Arch for a private party. They have assumed “animal” names, and Pen is referred to as “Pony”. A fierce sudden thunderstorm sends them running for shelter. Although the lamp near the fountain seems to be out, in a brilliant flash of lightning, Pen sees a woman’s body momentarily illuminated, lying beside the fountain. When Pen goes back after the storm to investigate, the body has disappeared! Will Pen, Detective Prescott, and her friends discover what happened that night? Will she be able to prove that Susan Bennett was the murdered victim? To what lengths will the intrepid sleuth go in order to get inside a house to search for the body she is sure is there, especially since Detective Prescott firmly reminds her there are no grounds for a search warrant? Because Pen will never give up when she is following a clue, much to Detective Prescott’s consternation!
July 31, 2022
Penelope and friends are celebrating the return of one of their own from an extended trip to Europe. They decide it’s a grand idea to get soused and climb to the top of the arch in Washington Square Park. They’re having a lovely time until it starts to pour and then Pen sees a dead woman although no one else does. When she quickly climbs down to investigate the body is gone but the coppers have shown up. What follows is a baffling case. A disappearing body, a distant relative of the same name appearing days later, a whole family of rather shifty characters and so many secrets hiding in their midst. Pen gathers her faithful friends Jane, Benny and Lulu and badgers Detective Prescott into helping her get to the bottom of this confounding case.
As an alumni of NYU I have to say I find this story extra special as it reminds me of many a good time in the park. Although no one I know even dreamed of climbing the arch lol. I especially enjoyed the history of the park and how much it has changed in the ensuing years. Pen and her crew are as dogged and some might say meddlesome as ever although I find her dedication endearing and commendable. A wonderful look at historic NYC and a delightfully perplexing mystery as well!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As an alumni of NYU I have to say I find this story extra special as it reminds me of many a good time in the park. Although no one I know even dreamed of climbing the arch lol. I especially enjoyed the history of the park and how much it has changed in the ensuing years. Pen and her crew are as dogged and some might say meddlesome as ever although I find her dedication endearing and commendable. A wonderful look at historic NYC and a delightfully perplexing mystery as well!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
While partying on top of the arch of Washington Square Park on a dark and stormy night, Penelope swears she saw a body when a flash of lightening illuminated the fountain below. If it was anybody else, it could be attributed to the booze, but with Pen's photographic memory, Detective Prescott is willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Will Prescott and Pen finally act on their feelings for each other as they are led into a world of speakeasies, fraud, and murder making us all to beg the question, is money the root of all evil?
Will Prescott and Pen finally act on their feelings for each other as they are led into a world of speakeasies, fraud, and murder making us all to beg the question, is money the root of all evil?
June 20, 2025
A reckless prank exposes a murder.
Penelope and her friends break into a park for a reenactment of another break in when a rainstorm interrupts their foray. Through the rain, Pen sees the dead body of a woman, a body that has disappeared by the time they get to it. She enlists the help of handsome Detective Prescott to find the victim and discover her identity. The author’s notes on the history of locales and events in the story are just as interesting as the mystery itself.
Penelope and her friends break into a park for a reenactment of another break in when a rainstorm interrupts their foray. Through the rain, Pen sees the dead body of a woman, a body that has disappeared by the time they get to it. She enlists the help of handsome Detective Prescott to find the victim and discover her identity. The author’s notes on the history of locales and events in the story are just as interesting as the mystery itself.
September 12, 2022
Loved it!
I will say that reading this series has been consistently enjoyable! I am not one that likes to give away the story because to me it's a spoiler. If you're interested in adventure, some comedy, entertaining characters, and intriguing storylines then you should read Colette Clark! Hoping for a book 6 sooner than later.
I will say that reading this series has been consistently enjoyable! I am not one that likes to give away the story because to me it's a spoiler. If you're interested in adventure, some comedy, entertaining characters, and intriguing storylines then you should read Colette Clark! Hoping for a book 6 sooner than later.
April 18, 2023
NYC is the star of the story!
Downtown…….Washington Square…..Bohemians, NYU law school…. The Row. I learned that 5th Ave once divided the Square…. Now one piece not two. The mystery is interesting but mostly serves to highlight the era and cement Richard & Penelope’s relationship. A great read……
Downtown…….Washington Square…..Bohemians, NYU law school…. The Row. I learned that 5th Ave once divided the Square…. Now one piece not two. The mystery is interesting but mostly serves to highlight the era and cement Richard & Penelope’s relationship. A great read……
April 23, 2023
I loved this book! The beginning of this story was quite different and showed a bit of mischief in the main character which wasn't all that surprising. The plot is easily followed, and the characters were quite interesting. I enjoy the surprises this author continues to spring on her readers and whets my appetite for more. I definitely highly recommend this book.
September 30, 2022
Just can't quite
get past the fact don't think/feel I like Penelope as a person. The writing is clever. The plot is devious, misleading. The "Romantic Interest" is interesting enough and Penelope is interesting, but is she . . .
get past the fact don't think/feel I like Penelope as a person. The writing is clever. The plot is devious, misleading. The "Romantic Interest" is interesting enough and Penelope is interesting, but is she . . .
November 17, 2022
Her best yet
This book held my attention the whole way through I usually read her books and others like them for fun and light distractions This is the first mystery in a long time that I wasn't able to figure out Excellent
This book held my attention the whole way through I usually read her books and others like them for fun and light distractions This is the first mystery in a long time that I wasn't able to figure out Excellent
November 29, 2022
Love the History
And finally the the date. If you enjoy historical books no matter the kind, you will enjoy these. My opinion but I do think these are good stories. I know that it is the time setting, mystery and romance that have me hooked. They are lots of fun...
And finally the the date. If you enjoy historical books no matter the kind, you will enjoy these. My opinion but I do think these are good stories. I know that it is the time setting, mystery and romance that have me hooked. They are lots of fun...
April 14, 2025
A Murder In Washington Square A Penelope Banks Murder Mystery Book 5
Penelope sees a dead body and when the police arrive, the body is gone. Join Penelope Banks and her detective solve this cozy. A great plot and a few red herrings thrown in!
Penelope sees a dead body and when the police arrive, the body is gone. Join Penelope Banks and her detective solve this cozy. A great plot and a few red herrings thrown in!
April 27, 2025
I really enjoy reading Colette Clark
I enjoy the writing of this author. She weaves her stories so well.
Happy to see Penelope and her detective finally come together at the end. Ready to read the next book!
I enjoy the writing of this author. She weaves her stories so well.
Happy to see Penelope and her detective finally come together at the end. Ready to read the next book!
August 1, 2022
A fun read
I really enjoyed this book.
I am looking forward to more in the future.
If you like a nice light 1920's romp ,try this book.
I really enjoyed this book.
I am looking forward to more in the future.
If you like a nice light 1920's romp ,try this book.
September 9, 2022
Just gets better with each new book
I am so glad I gave this series a second chance! Love all the location references. Well done, Ms. Clark!
I am so glad I gave this series a second chance! Love all the location references. Well done, Ms. Clark!
September 25, 2022
Mystery
True twenties fashion very compelling reading. I recommend the entire series short though it is. Have a great read right
True twenties fashion very compelling reading. I recommend the entire series short though it is. Have a great read right
November 4, 2022
solid story
I enjoyed reading this tricky cozy mystery. Characters are developing nicely and this author has a flare for different mystery endings.
I enjoyed reading this tricky cozy mystery. Characters are developing nicely and this author has a flare for different mystery endings.
October 11, 2024
Card sharp with instinct and smarts tries her hand at being a Private Detective in the '20s, 1920s. Very enjoyable.
May 12, 2025
feel like this book did little more than to move the general romance plot forward - not the cleverest mystery in the series so far but a light, easy read!
December 25, 2023
Innocent hijinks from Pen and her friends resulted in the unexpected sighting of a dead body beside the fountain in the park, only to find that the body had disappeared by the time Pen managed to get to the scene. Was it the booze talking, the storm producing hallucinations or just Pen having a vivid imagination?
Another exciting, intriguing and convoluted mystery for our young PI to solve. At least this time Detective Richard Prescott is prepared to give Pen the benefit of the doubt and work alongside her. Good read, 5 stars!
Another exciting, intriguing and convoluted mystery for our young PI to solve. At least this time Detective Richard Prescott is prepared to give Pen the benefit of the doubt and work alongside her. Good read, 5 stars!
October 25, 2025
Took me a year to finally finish this book. I did not like it as much as the others in the series. I’m glad the romance between Richard and Penelope finally progressed. It was frustrating it took 5 books for that to happen. I do not know if I will continue this series. It seems kind of drawn out and slow moving.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews