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Girl Friday #2
Viviana Valentine Goes Up The River
1950, New York. Viviana Valentine–Girl Friday turned partner to New York’s top investigator, Tommy Fortuna–is drawn into a sordid new case when Buster Beacon, a wealthy man of science, beckons them to a party at his mansion north of the city. There, Buster entertains blue-blooded friends as well as investors keen to make a dollar on the many advancements made in his home laboratory, but he’s been hearing strange noises in the night coming from his expansive estate, and he doesn’t know who to trust.
Once Viviana and Tommy arrive, the party is snowed in. And suddenly, there is a dead body and nowhere to hide. Who killed the disguised federal agent in their midst? And how have details from the top-secret lab become public? Once chomping at the bit to be brought into this mysterious life, Viviana wonders if she’s ready for the risks that come with the territory—risks that rise treacherously high as the killer targets the next victim.
Set in the gritty, noir world of 1950 New York City, Emily J. Edwards’s Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River packs all the elements mystery fans love: an irresistibly clever protagonist, a posh cast of heroes and villains, and a murder case that could defy even the most seasoned investigator.
Once Viviana and Tommy arrive, the party is snowed in. And suddenly, there is a dead body and nowhere to hide. Who killed the disguised federal agent in their midst? And how have details from the top-secret lab become public? Once chomping at the bit to be brought into this mysterious life, Viviana wonders if she’s ready for the risks that come with the territory—risks that rise treacherously high as the killer targets the next victim.
Set in the gritty, noir world of 1950 New York City, Emily J. Edwards’s Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River packs all the elements mystery fans love: an irresistibly clever protagonist, a posh cast of heroes and villains, and a murder case that could defy even the most seasoned investigator.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
32 people are currently reading
2594 people want to read
About the author
Emily J. Edwards
3 books93 followersEmily J. Edwards earned her degree in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and took the long road to becoming an author, working for over a decade as a wine and spirits journalist, radio producer, and creator of the podcast, F*ckbois of Literature. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, and several quadrupeds. Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 8, 2023
Unfortunately I missed the first book in this series but I think I came to grips with the characters and the background pretty quickly.
Viviana Valentine Goes Up River is set in New York in 1950. Viviana was previously Girl Friday to Tommy Fortuna but she has now become his business partner and they work together as Private Investigators. There is a strong attraction between them which indicates they may well become partners in the other sense as well.
The crime is a 'locked room' one when weather prevents all the suspects leaving after a murder has occurred at a weekend house party. Many of the guests turn out to be much more than they seem and it is very difficult to discover the murderer. There were some very clever touches and some interesting historical facts included along the way.
I enjoyed the mystery and the setting, but was a tiny bit uncomfortable with the characters and the dialogue which seemed to me a little stereotyped and overdone. Still a good book and worth 4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Viviana Valentine Goes Up River is set in New York in 1950. Viviana was previously Girl Friday to Tommy Fortuna but she has now become his business partner and they work together as Private Investigators. There is a strong attraction between them which indicates they may well become partners in the other sense as well.
The crime is a 'locked room' one when weather prevents all the suspects leaving after a murder has occurred at a weekend house party. Many of the guests turn out to be much more than they seem and it is very difficult to discover the murderer. There were some very clever touches and some interesting historical facts included along the way.
I enjoyed the mystery and the setting, but was a tiny bit uncomfortable with the characters and the dialogue which seemed to me a little stereotyped and overdone. Still a good book and worth 4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 27, 2023
The title of this book caught my attention first because it sounded like fun. This is the first book I've ready by Emily J. Edwards, so I missed the first book of this series. The noir atmosphere of this book permeated throughout. It gave me the same feeling of the old Perry Mason novels, with his Girl Friday, Della Street.
Description:
1950, New York. Viviana Valentine–Girl Friday turned partner to New York’s top investigator, Tommy Fortuna–is drawn into a sordid new case when Buster Beacon, a wealthy man of science, beckons them to a party at his mansion north of the city. There, Buster entertains blue-blooded friends as well as investors keen to make a dollar on the many advancements made in his home laboratory, but he’s been hearing strange noises in the night coming from his expansive estate, and he doesn’t know who to trust.
Once Viviana and Tommy arrive, the party is snowed in. And suddenly, there is a dead body and nowhere to hide. Who killed the disguised federal agent in their midst? And how have details from the top-secret lab become public? Once chomping at the bit to be brought into this mysterious life, Viviana wonders if she’s ready for the risks that come with the territory—risks that rise treacherously high as the killer targets the next victim.
Set in the gritty, noir world of 1950 New York City, Emily J. Edwards’s Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River packs all the elements mystery fans love: an irresistibly clever protagonist, a posh cast of heroes and villains, and a murder case that could defy even the most seasoned investigator.
My thoughts:
This was a fun book. The investigation was interesting and the perpetrator was certainly not obvious. Viviana Valentine made me laugh. I liked her character and her partner, Tommy Fortuna. I enjoyed following the twists and turns of the investigation. The group stranded at the mansion had intriguing backgrounds that kept me wondering about them. The book was well-paced and the plot was a good mystery. I enjoyed the setting and the noir feel. The witty dialogue was humorous. I would recommend to anyone who likes a "clean" type mystery without a bunch of gore.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on May 2, 2023.
Description:
1950, New York. Viviana Valentine–Girl Friday turned partner to New York’s top investigator, Tommy Fortuna–is drawn into a sordid new case when Buster Beacon, a wealthy man of science, beckons them to a party at his mansion north of the city. There, Buster entertains blue-blooded friends as well as investors keen to make a dollar on the many advancements made in his home laboratory, but he’s been hearing strange noises in the night coming from his expansive estate, and he doesn’t know who to trust.
Once Viviana and Tommy arrive, the party is snowed in. And suddenly, there is a dead body and nowhere to hide. Who killed the disguised federal agent in their midst? And how have details from the top-secret lab become public? Once chomping at the bit to be brought into this mysterious life, Viviana wonders if she’s ready for the risks that come with the territory—risks that rise treacherously high as the killer targets the next victim.
Set in the gritty, noir world of 1950 New York City, Emily J. Edwards’s Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River packs all the elements mystery fans love: an irresistibly clever protagonist, a posh cast of heroes and villains, and a murder case that could defy even the most seasoned investigator.
My thoughts:
This was a fun book. The investigation was interesting and the perpetrator was certainly not obvious. Viviana Valentine made me laugh. I liked her character and her partner, Tommy Fortuna. I enjoyed following the twists and turns of the investigation. The group stranded at the mansion had intriguing backgrounds that kept me wondering about them. The book was well-paced and the plot was a good mystery. I enjoyed the setting and the noir feel. The witty dialogue was humorous. I would recommend to anyone who likes a "clean" type mystery without a bunch of gore.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on May 2, 2023.
April 29, 2023
Happy almost release day!!!
Oh yes yes yes it's funny and it's sweet and it's smart this is a winner, folks!!
The perfectly potent mix of a higher-stakes mystery (locked room! suspects a la Christie or a Knives Out film! espionage?!) and Viviana and Tommy (pretending to be engaged!!) makes for a whirlwind of a mystery. The way Edwards throws you into the thick of it, like you're old friends of theirs, makes it even more fun.
full review is live on spinebreaker
Oh yes yes yes it's funny and it's sweet and it's smart this is a winner, folks!!
The perfectly potent mix of a higher-stakes mystery (locked room! suspects a la Christie or a Knives Out film! espionage?!) and Viviana and Tommy (pretending to be engaged!!) makes for a whirlwind of a mystery. The way Edwards throws you into the thick of it, like you're old friends of theirs, makes it even more fun.
full review is live on spinebreaker
September 9, 2023
Meh. The story was pretty convoluted and the wrap up was long and boring. Plus I just don’t feel the chemistry.
April 13, 2023
1950’s PI duo’s sleuthing!
Ok I wasn’t feeling the love, I was finding it hard to identify with the characters. I knew it was supposed to be a spoof on 1950’s type mystery novels, but on first beginnings reading I found it more a B grade movie than a jewel in the crown. Anyway I gave it a second chance read and loved it!
I adored the PI team of Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna. They were awesome.
This is a locked room mystery and as I became more engrossed it sparked me up. At that first attempt I obviously was not in the mood, next time round was a winner.
I love the cover of the book btw.
Tally, Viviana and Tommy’s very rich secretary and acquaintance from a prior case, takes a phone call at home from her friend Buster Beacon needing a private eye for some rather embarrassing, ridiculous even, occurrences. As Buster puts it, “Woo-woo creaks and ghastly sounds.”
Viviana and Tommy take the case and find themselves upstate at Buster’s country mansion ready to investigate those strange noises.
There’s a mansion with passageways, a body, a sudden snowstorm, and let’s not forget the woo-woo noises!
The guests range from two bright tech men with work that involves dangerous secrets, an investor and his wife, a neighbor, a regular upper crust gal, and of course the butler.
Street smart and sassy playing well into its genre and era. All I can say is thank goodness I began over. I was won!
A Crooked Lane Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Ok I wasn’t feeling the love, I was finding it hard to identify with the characters. I knew it was supposed to be a spoof on 1950’s type mystery novels, but on first beginnings reading I found it more a B grade movie than a jewel in the crown. Anyway I gave it a second chance read and loved it!
I adored the PI team of Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna. They were awesome.
This is a locked room mystery and as I became more engrossed it sparked me up. At that first attempt I obviously was not in the mood, next time round was a winner.
I love the cover of the book btw.
Tally, Viviana and Tommy’s very rich secretary and acquaintance from a prior case, takes a phone call at home from her friend Buster Beacon needing a private eye for some rather embarrassing, ridiculous even, occurrences. As Buster puts it, “Woo-woo creaks and ghastly sounds.”
Viviana and Tommy take the case and find themselves upstate at Buster’s country mansion ready to investigate those strange noises.
There’s a mansion with passageways, a body, a sudden snowstorm, and let’s not forget the woo-woo noises!
The guests range from two bright tech men with work that involves dangerous secrets, an investor and his wife, a neighbor, a regular upper crust gal, and of course the butler.
Street smart and sassy playing well into its genre and era. All I can say is thank goodness I began over. I was won!
A Crooked Lane Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
May 17, 2023
A charming, fun historical mystery.
Viviana and Tommy are back at it in the second installment of the Viviana Valentine series, this time contracted to investigate some strange noises and other goings on at a makeshift lab, and then the eventual murder that follows it.
I thought the first book in this series was fine and I liked Viviana, Tommy, and the rest of the crew a great deal. This book was an improvement on the first, with a smarter and more intriguing mystery and the same fun banter and lovable characters.
Sassy, sharp Viviana is a treasure, and I look forward to seeing what she gets up to in the next installment of this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Viviana and Tommy are back at it in the second installment of the Viviana Valentine series, this time contracted to investigate some strange noises and other goings on at a makeshift lab, and then the eventual murder that follows it.
I thought the first book in this series was fine and I liked Viviana, Tommy, and the rest of the crew a great deal. This book was an improvement on the first, with a smarter and more intriguing mystery and the same fun banter and lovable characters.
Sassy, sharp Viviana is a treasure, and I look forward to seeing what she gets up to in the next installment of this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 11, 2022
This book was so much fun. I enjoyed every minute of it.
The characters, the conversations, the writing, the setting!! The could see all of it so clearly and really had such a good time reading it.
I’m off to order the other two books now!
The characters, the conversations, the writing, the setting!! The could see all of it so clearly and really had such a good time reading it.
I’m off to order the other two books now!
September 24, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Viviana Valentine is now New York’s top investigator, Tommy Fortuna’s partner and she is excited about their new case. Buster Beacon has become rich from his scientific knowledge and inventions. He welcomes many of his well-to-do friends to his estate in a quest to obtain more money for his research and advancements. He promises they will make money in the future if they just invest now. He has a problem though, he has heard some weird noises during the night, and no matter how many people help him search they can’t figure out where the noises are coming from. He has hired Tommy and Viviana to move in and find the source of the confusing sounds.
Shortly after Viviana and Tommy join Mr. Beacon and his various guests at his estate a huge snowstorm moves in leaving everyone at the estate snowed in. Then one of the guests is murdered. They know that one of them is a killer but there is no way out. Now, Tommy and Vivianna are not only tracking the source of the strange noises but more importantly, a murderer.
Is Viviana really cut out to be a top investigator? or will her snooping make her the killer’s next victim?
A classic locked-room mystery leaves Tommy and Viviana with their hands full. Posing as an engaged couple they try to solve the crime. This brings out an interesting and funny side of both characters. Vivana knows just how to get to Tommy as only she can. Their interactions are so entertaining. She is also very smart, sassy, and determined to solve the case and isn’t above a little flirting to get the answers she needs. Their new secretary, Tallulah Blackstone, who was featured in the first book is the one that set up the meeting between Buster Beacon, Tommy, and Vivianna, but then she really dropped the ball. She doesn’t really need to work so she didn’t. It was another woman from the boarding house where Viviana lives who really stepped up to help the snowed-in couple get some details they needed. I did like that while the main characters were away they still touched base back to the women at the boarding house.
The mystery was full of twists and turns. Beacon’s mansion was a character itself with its hidden rooms and staircases. Add to that every guest had some kind of secret or they weren’t who they said they were. At times it felt like Tommy and Viviana were going in circles but not in a bad way, they were just trying everything they could to ascertain the truth from a bunch of obstinate people who were trying to last long enough to get the bridge fixed and the snow cleared so they could get the heck out of there before they were accused or proven guilty. I enjoyed the pursuit very much.
Ms. Edwards’ words pulled me right into the story. Her detailed descriptions of the weather, the mansion, Buster Beacon, and his guests enhanced my enjoyment of the story. The author has a firm grasp of the life and times of the 1950s with appropriate slang, idioms, fashion, and more. Like the first book, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man, I had vivid images in my mind, just like watching a noir film.
Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River is a great follow-up to Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man. I really like Vivianna and would probably follow her anywhere even into an old spooky house with a murderer. She is a fun female sleuth and I am excited to see what kind of investigation she gets wrapped up in next. Viviana Valentine and the Ticking Clock will be released on November 7, 2023.
Viviana Valentine is now New York’s top investigator, Tommy Fortuna’s partner and she is excited about their new case. Buster Beacon has become rich from his scientific knowledge and inventions. He welcomes many of his well-to-do friends to his estate in a quest to obtain more money for his research and advancements. He promises they will make money in the future if they just invest now. He has a problem though, he has heard some weird noises during the night, and no matter how many people help him search they can’t figure out where the noises are coming from. He has hired Tommy and Viviana to move in and find the source of the confusing sounds.
Shortly after Viviana and Tommy join Mr. Beacon and his various guests at his estate a huge snowstorm moves in leaving everyone at the estate snowed in. Then one of the guests is murdered. They know that one of them is a killer but there is no way out. Now, Tommy and Vivianna are not only tracking the source of the strange noises but more importantly, a murderer.
Is Viviana really cut out to be a top investigator? or will her snooping make her the killer’s next victim?
A classic locked-room mystery leaves Tommy and Viviana with their hands full. Posing as an engaged couple they try to solve the crime. This brings out an interesting and funny side of both characters. Vivana knows just how to get to Tommy as only she can. Their interactions are so entertaining. She is also very smart, sassy, and determined to solve the case and isn’t above a little flirting to get the answers she needs. Their new secretary, Tallulah Blackstone, who was featured in the first book is the one that set up the meeting between Buster Beacon, Tommy, and Vivianna, but then she really dropped the ball. She doesn’t really need to work so she didn’t. It was another woman from the boarding house where Viviana lives who really stepped up to help the snowed-in couple get some details they needed. I did like that while the main characters were away they still touched base back to the women at the boarding house.
The mystery was full of twists and turns. Beacon’s mansion was a character itself with its hidden rooms and staircases. Add to that every guest had some kind of secret or they weren’t who they said they were. At times it felt like Tommy and Viviana were going in circles but not in a bad way, they were just trying everything they could to ascertain the truth from a bunch of obstinate people who were trying to last long enough to get the bridge fixed and the snow cleared so they could get the heck out of there before they were accused or proven guilty. I enjoyed the pursuit very much.
Ms. Edwards’ words pulled me right into the story. Her detailed descriptions of the weather, the mansion, Buster Beacon, and his guests enhanced my enjoyment of the story. The author has a firm grasp of the life and times of the 1950s with appropriate slang, idioms, fashion, and more. Like the first book, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man, I had vivid images in my mind, just like watching a noir film.
Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River is a great follow-up to Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man. I really like Vivianna and would probably follow her anywhere even into an old spooky house with a murderer. She is a fun female sleuth and I am excited to see what kind of investigation she gets wrapped up in next. Viviana Valentine and the Ticking Clock will be released on November 7, 2023.
July 11, 2023
*Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me an e-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!
Private investigators Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna are invited upstate to investigate odd noises occurring at the estate of wealthy and eccentric man of science, Buster Beacon. As Viv and Tommy pretend to be unassuming houseguests, the party grows ever more sinister: the strange noises continue, the roads close for snow, and a dead man is discovered among them. Can Viviana figure out who the culprit is before the weather clears, or before another person dies?
I am officially in love with Viviana and her 1950s world of private investigation. She has the perfect amount of street smarts, spunk, and unwavering loyalty. Her sharp tongue consistently makes me laugh, and I just find her character to be extremely likable. In this second installment, I was especially excited to see her working alongside Tommy this time, and I had so much fun experiencing their dynamic as they supported each other’s leads or theories. Naturally, I am a sucker for a good ‘fake dating’ trope, so when the two had to pretend to be engaged while attending Buster’s party, I was on cloud nine! Overall, just a wildly entertaining historical mystery with a vibrant setting, whether Viviana finds herself in New York City or on an expansive country estate.
There were some interesting references to scientific and technological advancement of the time, and these references heavily influenced the mystery plot. It’s obvious that Edwards performed the necessary research to make the plot coherent and keep the political and war history fans entertained. Always impressive when the author proves that they’ve done their research!
I can’t recommend this series enough to those who enjoy historical mysteries, wildly entertaining and sharp women sleuths, and satisfying romantic subplots. I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again great for fans of Phryne Fisher or her niece Peregrine, His Girl Friday, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The voice narrator is fantastic as well for those who enjoy audiobooks or immersive-reading with book + audio!
Private investigators Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna are invited upstate to investigate odd noises occurring at the estate of wealthy and eccentric man of science, Buster Beacon. As Viv and Tommy pretend to be unassuming houseguests, the party grows ever more sinister: the strange noises continue, the roads close for snow, and a dead man is discovered among them. Can Viviana figure out who the culprit is before the weather clears, or before another person dies?
I am officially in love with Viviana and her 1950s world of private investigation. She has the perfect amount of street smarts, spunk, and unwavering loyalty. Her sharp tongue consistently makes me laugh, and I just find her character to be extremely likable. In this second installment, I was especially excited to see her working alongside Tommy this time, and I had so much fun experiencing their dynamic as they supported each other’s leads or theories. Naturally, I am a sucker for a good ‘fake dating’ trope, so when the two had to pretend to be engaged while attending Buster’s party, I was on cloud nine! Overall, just a wildly entertaining historical mystery with a vibrant setting, whether Viviana finds herself in New York City or on an expansive country estate.
There were some interesting references to scientific and technological advancement of the time, and these references heavily influenced the mystery plot. It’s obvious that Edwards performed the necessary research to make the plot coherent and keep the political and war history fans entertained. Always impressive when the author proves that they’ve done their research!
I can’t recommend this series enough to those who enjoy historical mysteries, wildly entertaining and sharp women sleuths, and satisfying romantic subplots. I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again great for fans of Phryne Fisher or her niece Peregrine, His Girl Friday, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The voice narrator is fantastic as well for those who enjoy audiobooks or immersive-reading with book + audio!
December 30, 2022
So, this is another murder mystery. It's set in 1950, New York. Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna are private investigators. They are hired by a rich man, Buster, to investigate odd sounds in his house. He lives in the country and his house is too big for him to find out the noises that are only heard at night. Thus, the two sleuths went to stay at the said house and discover its secrets. What appeared to be a simple enough case, soon turned into a murder. Now, they might be the only people to solve the mystery before it's too late.
The book is well-paced and the mystery is intriguing enough for you to keep reading. Many times you will wonder what's going to happen next. For me to enjoy a murder mystery, I must like the detective(s) and in this case, I did. Viviana is an interesting character and I enjoyed her relationship dynamic with Tommy. I'm not the type of reader who tries to solve the mystery as I read. I like to go with the flow and enjoy every twist as it comes along. There are some interesting twists in this one. This is my first book by the author and I love it enough to read more. I gave this book 4.5 stars and if you like cozy mysteries then I recommend it.
I don't often read American historical fiction and that's why struggled a bit with the language, but other than that the book is great and I loved the story.
Fun Fact: This is my last read of 2022.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. The review is my honest opinion and has nothing to do with the author or the publisher.
The book is well-paced and the mystery is intriguing enough for you to keep reading. Many times you will wonder what's going to happen next. For me to enjoy a murder mystery, I must like the detective(s) and in this case, I did. Viviana is an interesting character and I enjoyed her relationship dynamic with Tommy. I'm not the type of reader who tries to solve the mystery as I read. I like to go with the flow and enjoy every twist as it comes along. There are some interesting twists in this one. This is my first book by the author and I love it enough to read more. I gave this book 4.5 stars and if you like cozy mysteries then I recommend it.
I don't often read American historical fiction and that's why struggled a bit with the language, but other than that the book is great and I loved the story.
Fun Fact: This is my last read of 2022.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. The review is my honest opinion and has nothing to do with the author or the publisher.
April 12, 2023
The second Viviana Valentine mystery was an engaging historical mystery. It is nearly Thanksgiving, 1950, when Viv and her boss Tommy Fortuna get a new case. One of their rich secretary's friends is hearing weird noises in his house and wants Viv and Tommy to find out what is making the noises.
Viv and Tommy find themselves at a house party in a mansion up the Hudson River from New York with an interesting assortment of fellow guests. Buster Beacon is the client. He's a rich guy determined to get richer by using his scientific talents to develop things for the government. Other guests include two other scientists, a husband and wife who are investors in Buster's work, an heiress who might also be an investor, a neighbor named Chester Courtland, and Monty Bonito who is a colleague of Tommy's.
As Viv and Tommy try to figure out the relationships between the guests and try to track down a strange noise, the snow begins to fall and a bridge collapses, trapping all the guests in the house. Only Chester Courtland is in need of a doctor's care. He's broken his leg and been poisoned. He passes away and Viv and Tommy now have a murder to investigate too.
Someone among the people trapped in the mansion is a Soviet agent who wants to pass information back to the USSR. It turns out that Courtland was undercover from the FBI, and he's not the only suspicious character.
This was a fun mystery steeped in 1950 from the slang to the fashion to the lifestyle. Viv was a great example of a woman with ambition and moxie.
Viv and Tommy find themselves at a house party in a mansion up the Hudson River from New York with an interesting assortment of fellow guests. Buster Beacon is the client. He's a rich guy determined to get richer by using his scientific talents to develop things for the government. Other guests include two other scientists, a husband and wife who are investors in Buster's work, an heiress who might also be an investor, a neighbor named Chester Courtland, and Monty Bonito who is a colleague of Tommy's.
As Viv and Tommy try to figure out the relationships between the guests and try to track down a strange noise, the snow begins to fall and a bridge collapses, trapping all the guests in the house. Only Chester Courtland is in need of a doctor's care. He's broken his leg and been poisoned. He passes away and Viv and Tommy now have a murder to investigate too.
Someone among the people trapped in the mansion is a Soviet agent who wants to pass information back to the USSR. It turns out that Courtland was undercover from the FBI, and he's not the only suspicious character.
This was a fun mystery steeped in 1950 from the slang to the fashion to the lifestyle. Viv was a great example of a woman with ambition and moxie.
March 13, 2025
Viviana spends the weekend in a big house out in the country to figure out a mysterious set of noises. Ultimately she and Tommy solve a murder and find a Soviet spy. Viviana is a sassy, smart and engaging character— I will definitely be reading the next installment!
August 6, 2023
Loved it!
January 10, 2023
Private investigators Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna are. hired by Buster Beacon to investigate some odd noises being heard in his expansive country estate. It just so happens that Buster is having a small house party while they’re there. And when one of the guests gets dosed with something to send him to an early grave, what appeared to be simple burglary becomes a case of murder.
When I read the description for this I was really intrigued, but it did quite not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story, the wisecracking dialogue, and the plot which soon expanded to international intrigue and murder. Unfortunately, I found the characters to be one dimensional cardboard cutouts of characters that could have been lifted from any 1950’s B movie.
Interestingly enough, but not quite entertaining.
When I read the description for this I was really intrigued, but it did quite not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story, the wisecracking dialogue, and the plot which soon expanded to international intrigue and murder. Unfortunately, I found the characters to be one dimensional cardboard cutouts of characters that could have been lifted from any 1950’s B movie.
Interestingly enough, but not quite entertaining.
November 22, 2022
3.25 - This is an instance where I knew I was jumping into the second book of the series without reading the first (which was not yet published at the time I requested this one), so if I'm off the mark that's completely on me. That said, I didn't find myself completely lost while reading book two of the Girl Friday series which was helpful.
Viviana and Tommy are invited by a wealthy science man to a party at his home. While hobnobbing with New York's well-to-do, a body is found. Better yet? The party is snowed in. Having recently been promoted to Tommy's partner, this incident makes Viviana question if she truly has the capacity to be an investigator. The stakes are high and the setting is out of a movie.
What drew me to this series was the time period and setting. The 1950s were an interesting time in America in a city like New York and especially for women. I've read a mix of cozy mysteries set far prior and far later. I saw a lot of potential in Viviana. As for the plot? I struggled to get super into it. I don't think this is because I didn't have a lot of the backstory and build-up of the first book but there is that possibility. The characters were my favorite part of the story. I am curious to backtrack to the first book and get to know them properly. It's a cute premise. I'd check out future books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free ARC to read and review.
Viviana and Tommy are invited by a wealthy science man to a party at his home. While hobnobbing with New York's well-to-do, a body is found. Better yet? The party is snowed in. Having recently been promoted to Tommy's partner, this incident makes Viviana question if she truly has the capacity to be an investigator. The stakes are high and the setting is out of a movie.
What drew me to this series was the time period and setting. The 1950s were an interesting time in America in a city like New York and especially for women. I've read a mix of cozy mysteries set far prior and far later. I saw a lot of potential in Viviana. As for the plot? I struggled to get super into it. I don't think this is because I didn't have a lot of the backstory and build-up of the first book but there is that possibility. The characters were my favorite part of the story. I am curious to backtrack to the first book and get to know them properly. It's a cute premise. I'd check out future books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free ARC to read and review.
May 27, 2025
Incredibly boring mid-century science and technology based plot. The best parts of the first book—Viviana being plucky, the boarding house, Tally, late night diners, etc.—were all missing here. The isolated setting did not work for me, and there was a whole lot of telling instead of showing, most especially The characters in this one were flimsy and unattractive, too, and the solution to the case wasn't very satisfying (especially since I didn't care about the case). I'm so sad because I adored the first book, but I won't be finishing the series.
September 27, 2023
This book was a disappointment, in fact, it made me angry.
It made me even angrier because I did enjoy the first book in the series and this book was such a letdown.
But the characters, found family, and tone that I enjoyed in the first book were gone. The one character I was really excited to read about was only there for five seconds before she left.
Replaced by whatever the forced relationship between Vivi and Tommy was. Watching them both be idiot sleuths while they missed OBVIOUS clues made for a painful read. All the while they kept talking about how amazing they were as detectives was frustrating. Like how they let a suspect get away and didn't even notice until the feds arrived. The mystery was all over the place and too many things were forced or made no sense.
Overall this was a chore to get through and I don't think I will continue in the series.
It made me even angrier because I did enjoy the first book in the series and this book was such a letdown.
But the characters, found family, and tone that I enjoyed in the first book were gone. The one character I was really excited to read about was only there for five seconds before she left.
Replaced by whatever the forced relationship between Vivi and Tommy was. Watching them both be idiot sleuths while they missed OBVIOUS clues made for a painful read. All the while they kept talking about how amazing they were as detectives was frustrating. Like how they let a suspect get away and didn't even notice until the feds arrived. The mystery was all over the place and too many things were forced or made no sense.
Overall this was a chore to get through and I don't think I will continue in the series.
January 9, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down.
I took my time with this one, it might just be me but as a younger reader and Asian at that, I feel like I'm missing a lot of the nuance and context of the setting: post-war 50s London. It's hard to picture the scenes and interactions, definitely not the book's problem but my own as a reader.
Though, I do feel like somehow for me this felt a bit dragged out longer than it should, or it was rather slow pacing for me. I guess, cozy mysteries thing.
Good one to pick up if you don't find the my problem to be an issue for you. Perhaps, just not the book for me! Might be the book for you.
I took my time with this one, it might just be me but as a younger reader and Asian at that, I feel like I'm missing a lot of the nuance and context of the setting: post-war 50s London. It's hard to picture the scenes and interactions, definitely not the book's problem but my own as a reader.
Though, I do feel like somehow for me this felt a bit dragged out longer than it should, or it was rather slow pacing for me. I guess, cozy mysteries thing.
Good one to pick up if you don't find the my problem to be an issue for you. Perhaps, just not the book for me! Might be the book for you.
July 8, 2023
Welcome to the world of '50s PIs with Tommy Fortuna and Viviane Valentine on a posh estate attempting to discover the source of weird noises. Soon the death of one of the houseguests has the two detectives enmeshed in a complex plot where everyone had secrets and some of them have secret identities. Overall quite enjoyable but at times the sounds of the slang and patois from that era/genre seemed a little forced and a little tiresome. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
I have not read any other books by this author yet.
I definitely am not typically a historical fiction reader, but I really enjoyed the setting and time period of this book.
I love the main character, I love the easy descriptive way the author writes.
Definitely a good mystery and intriguing enough that it makes me want to read more by this author.
Thankyou to author Emily J Edwards, Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
🌸📚🤗 Charlene @lastnownext
I definitely am not typically a historical fiction reader, but I really enjoyed the setting and time period of this book.
I love the main character, I love the easy descriptive way the author writes.
Definitely a good mystery and intriguing enough that it makes me want to read more by this author.
Thankyou to author Emily J Edwards, Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
🌸📚🤗 Charlene @lastnownext
August 11, 2024
3 Stars
*A sequel that tried a little too hard and arbitrarily wrote off characters*
Viviana Valentine Goes Up River is the second book in the Girl Friday series. It's set a few weeks after the first book, but it felt like the story skipped some stuff. More likely, the author decided to veer in a different direction and wrote characters off because they were no longer convenient.
Viviana was an engaging main character, spunky and street smart. It was nice to have a female lead in noir mystery. Though admittedly, the sequel felt less noir than the first book. It went from typical murder mystery to Cold War government research which felt like the plot was being over-extended.
The New York period vernacular was perhaps a bit overdone, but it was fun and set the scene. There were times when this story felt like a hardboiled noir, but there were other times, it felt like a modern-influenced cozy mystery. I also got distracted sometimes trying to keep track of the secondary characters.
But there were two main issues I had with Viviana Valentine Goes Up River. Firstly, all of the side characters from the first book were either barely present or absent entirely. Tommy was the only one other than Viviana actually present in this story. This exclusion of the other characters was particularly disappointing. One of the main things I said in my review for Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man was that I hoped the side characters got more development in the sequel. Instead, the opposite happened. Only one side character from the first book got a tiny bit of page time in the sequel. The rest were only mentioned in passing or absent entirely. It was particularly irritating that the love interest from the first book got written off in a couple of sentences that basically amounted to "oops; nevermind him. I'm mooning over Tommy now."
Speaking of which, the second thing I had major issues with was that it switched to Tommy being the love interest. And it wasn't even done well or developed at all. That pretty much ruined it for me. It's too much of an age gap. This guy has basically been lusting after her since she started working for him when she was seventeen. The fact that he waited until she was older and promoted her from secretary to partner did not negate the ickiness. And even though that was a common dynamic in the 50s, I still do not enjoy reading about it. Nor am I likely to continue the series if that is the way it's heading.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
*A sequel that tried a little too hard and arbitrarily wrote off characters*
Viviana Valentine Goes Up River is the second book in the Girl Friday series. It's set a few weeks after the first book, but it felt like the story skipped some stuff. More likely, the author decided to veer in a different direction and wrote characters off because they were no longer convenient.
Viviana was an engaging main character, spunky and street smart. It was nice to have a female lead in noir mystery. Though admittedly, the sequel felt less noir than the first book. It went from typical murder mystery to Cold War government research which felt like the plot was being over-extended.
The New York period vernacular was perhaps a bit overdone, but it was fun and set the scene. There were times when this story felt like a hardboiled noir, but there were other times, it felt like a modern-influenced cozy mystery. I also got distracted sometimes trying to keep track of the secondary characters.
But there were two main issues I had with Viviana Valentine Goes Up River. Firstly, all of the side characters from the first book were either barely present or absent entirely. Tommy was the only one other than Viviana actually present in this story. This exclusion of the other characters was particularly disappointing. One of the main things I said in my review for Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man was that I hoped the side characters got more development in the sequel. Instead, the opposite happened. Only one side character from the first book got a tiny bit of page time in the sequel. The rest were only mentioned in passing or absent entirely. It was particularly irritating that the love interest from the first book got written off in a couple of sentences that basically amounted to "oops; nevermind him. I'm mooning over Tommy now."
Speaking of which, the second thing I had major issues with was that it switched to Tommy being the love interest. And it wasn't even done well or developed at all. That pretty much ruined it for me. It's too much of an age gap. This guy has basically been lusting after her since she started working for him when she was seventeen. The fact that he waited until she was older and promoted her from secretary to partner did not negate the ickiness. And even though that was a common dynamic in the 50s, I still do not enjoy reading about it. Nor am I likely to continue the series if that is the way it's heading.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
January 14, 2023
Viviana Valentine is back!
If you fell in love with the chippy, brassy, fabulous Viviana Valentine in her first outing, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man, you will immensely enjoy her second outing. Viv and her boss, Tommy Fortuna, get referred by friend and former client Tallulah Bankstone, to help out a charming inventor at this out of town mansion. He's looking for investors, but is concerned about strange noises in the night. Naturally, there's more going on than meets the eye, and when a federal investigator turns up dead, Viv and Tommy need to be at their best.
As in the first book, the 1950's time period is captured brilliantly. Fashion is always a passion, and descriptions of the spaces and characters are terrific. Viviana is nobody's fool, and genuinely comes into her own in the mystery, as she helps Tommy untangle a giant web of interconnected relationships. Throw in a snowstorm that traps everyone in the space, a butler who is definitely not just a butler, and maybe some espionage, and you have the makings for a perfect curl up cozy. I did miss the assorted cast of characters from the rooming house that we met in the first book, but I'm hoping they'll be back in future installments.
Either book in the Girl Friday series would work in a detective fiction language option at the high school level and strong intermediate readers would have fun with Viviana's feistiness, too. If they're reading Agatha Christie, or are fans of Knives Out and the Glass Onion, they will enjoy this. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the e-arc.
Viviana Valentine debuts May 2, 2023
If you fell in love with the chippy, brassy, fabulous Viviana Valentine in her first outing, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man, you will immensely enjoy her second outing. Viv and her boss, Tommy Fortuna, get referred by friend and former client Tallulah Bankstone, to help out a charming inventor at this out of town mansion. He's looking for investors, but is concerned about strange noises in the night. Naturally, there's more going on than meets the eye, and when a federal investigator turns up dead, Viv and Tommy need to be at their best.
As in the first book, the 1950's time period is captured brilliantly. Fashion is always a passion, and descriptions of the spaces and characters are terrific. Viviana is nobody's fool, and genuinely comes into her own in the mystery, as she helps Tommy untangle a giant web of interconnected relationships. Throw in a snowstorm that traps everyone in the space, a butler who is definitely not just a butler, and maybe some espionage, and you have the makings for a perfect curl up cozy. I did miss the assorted cast of characters from the rooming house that we met in the first book, but I'm hoping they'll be back in future installments.
Either book in the Girl Friday series would work in a detective fiction language option at the high school level and strong intermediate readers would have fun with Viviana's feistiness, too. If they're reading Agatha Christie, or are fans of Knives Out and the Glass Onion, they will enjoy this. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the e-arc.
Viviana Valentine debuts May 2, 2023
May 25, 2023
Readers fell in love with Viviana and Tommy in Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man by Emily J. Edwards, the first book in the Girl Friday Mystery series and now you will fall head over heels in love with them again in the second book, Viviana Valentine Goes Up River.
In Viviana Valentine Goes Up River Viviana and Tommy are going to a mansion out of the city when they are hired by a rich scientist to come and stay as guests undercover. Buster Beacon has been hearing strange and scary noises in his big house and wants to get to the bottom of them. So Tommy and Viviana are invited along with a group of other guests for a weekend party. Viviana and Tommy are undercover as an engaged couple but will be investigating the sounds. Tommy has also brought in another person undercover so that they can work together to solve the case.
Unfortunately the party ends up getting snowed in and one of the group becomes ill. It is soon learned that the gentlemen was poisoned and will die soon. This ignites a fire under Tommy and Viviana to find out who is the murderer and why they killed him.
Even though Viviana and Tommy are not into science and technology, they jump into this case aggressively and posing as an engaged couple staying in the same room helps with their communication and they soon realize how comfortable they are with each other.
Readers cannot help but love this series and Edwards knows how to end the story leaving the reader wanting more....but we have to be patient and wait for the next book in the series. And seeing how she left this second book, I can only imagine where things will go next and I am excited !!!
February 9, 2023
The books in the author's Girl Friday Mystery series are quick reads and light-hearted romps. Private investigator Tommy Fortuna has now made former secretary Viviana Valentine his partner, based on her skillful handling of a case where he was largely absent.
Again set in NYC in 1950, the second book takes place at the mansion of Buster Beacon, a scientist who is counting on Tommy and Viv to determine the source of the strange sounds that have unnerved him and the mansion's other occupants and guests. One by one, we meet Buster's partners, investors, and other guests, each of whom has a reason to be suspect when one of their company is murdered during a snowstorm that has prevented any escape. What is really going on in Buster's lab? Is there a traitor divulging scientific secrets for remuneration? Or is it the traditional: "the butler did it"? And is there something going on between Viv and Tommy beyond a platonic relationship?
Viviana is a likeable character, an ex-pickpocket who is smarter than her {lack of} education would suggest. She's always up for a challenge and is becoming an expert at gaining trust and extracting information from suspects. The discussions about the lab's experiments with technology that we now take for granted is quite amusing, and the plot is satisfyingly convoluted, to the point where Viv's summary at the end is helpful and welcome.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
Again set in NYC in 1950, the second book takes place at the mansion of Buster Beacon, a scientist who is counting on Tommy and Viv to determine the source of the strange sounds that have unnerved him and the mansion's other occupants and guests. One by one, we meet Buster's partners, investors, and other guests, each of whom has a reason to be suspect when one of their company is murdered during a snowstorm that has prevented any escape. What is really going on in Buster's lab? Is there a traitor divulging scientific secrets for remuneration? Or is it the traditional: "the butler did it"? And is there something going on between Viv and Tommy beyond a platonic relationship?
Viviana is a likeable character, an ex-pickpocket who is smarter than her {lack of} education would suggest. She's always up for a challenge and is becoming an expert at gaining trust and extracting information from suspects. The discussions about the lab's experiments with technology that we now take for granted is quite amusing, and the plot is satisfyingly convoluted, to the point where Viv's summary at the end is helpful and welcome.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
April 30, 2023
Viviana is now Tommy's partner in his PI business and no longer his Girl Friday, That job is now held by Tally, aged eighteen and a great addition to the team. As the mystery begins Tally still can't make potable coffee and she's not very good at sorting out when a possible future - paying - client asked her to ask Tommy to work for him. It turns out that her friend Buster, up in Tarrytown, NY, is hearing woo-woo noises in his mansion and he wants Tommy and Viv to sort it out. Well, one thing leads to another and it's off to a swank mansion, an interesting group of guests and a dead body. As it's November 1950 snow makes an appearance and their case becomes a locked room mystery.
Described as set in the gritty noir world of 1950 New York, this series has a humorous touch that spoofs the genre and it's pitch perfect. The mystery is well plotted and entertaining and the main characters are very well fleshed out. I won't share any more for fear of spoilers but I will say that I, as a infrequent reader of gritty noir I can't wait for the third in the series, Viviana Valentine and the Ticking Clock (due out November 7, 2023)
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Described as set in the gritty noir world of 1950 New York, this series has a humorous touch that spoofs the genre and it's pitch perfect. The mystery is well plotted and entertaining and the main characters are very well fleshed out. I won't share any more for fear of spoilers but I will say that I, as a infrequent reader of gritty noir I can't wait for the third in the series, Viviana Valentine and the Ticking Clock (due out November 7, 2023)
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2023
Set in 1950 New York, Viviana Valentine Goes Up River is the second in the rollicking Girl Friday series. Not only are historical details written with a flourish but there is spying, top secret information, romance and murder to whet the appetite.
Viviana is Tommy's new partner in his private investigative business. But they mix outside of work, too, and enjoy easy banter and other activities. Wealthy science man Buster (love these 1950s names!) hears weird noises on his estate so asks the pair to investigate during a house party featuring investors and scientists. Things go bump in the night in more ways than one. As a former cunning pickpocket, Viviana knows the ins and outs of the industry. Tommy is smart, too, and the two make an intelligent team as they inveigle and mingle.
Romcom noir isn't my wheelhouse but the blurb appealed. I like author Emily J. Edward's style. You get noir flavour but not gritty bombardment.
Those searching for a bit of an edge and originality in their characters and mystery, do try this.
My sincere thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fun novel.
Viviana is Tommy's new partner in his private investigative business. But they mix outside of work, too, and enjoy easy banter and other activities. Wealthy science man Buster (love these 1950s names!) hears weird noises on his estate so asks the pair to investigate during a house party featuring investors and scientists. Things go bump in the night in more ways than one. As a former cunning pickpocket, Viviana knows the ins and outs of the industry. Tommy is smart, too, and the two make an intelligent team as they inveigle and mingle.
Romcom noir isn't my wheelhouse but the blurb appealed. I like author Emily J. Edward's style. You get noir flavour but not gritty bombardment.
Those searching for a bit of an edge and originality in their characters and mystery, do try this.
My sincere thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fun novel.
April 1, 2023
Except for one very glaring error, this was an exceptionally good read. We might call this an almost 'locked room' murder mystery. You may be wondering why I didn't rate it higher then. I couldn't always keep it straight because there were so many secondary and tertiary characters, especially when the author sometimes used last names and then switched to first names.
This was the first time I read a locked room mystery. The reason I call it that is because once the murder happened, everyone stayed in the house and, due to a storm, never ventured anywhere else.
This was a very clever book that kept me guessing.
Oh, and the glaring error I mentioned was the use of the word "database," which wasn't used until 1962, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. So except for that, I found this to accurately represent the year 1950. Of course, I wasn't born in the 1940s, but not so many years after 1950!
*ARC supplied by the publisher Crooked Lane Books, the author, and NetGalley.
This was the first time I read a locked room mystery. The reason I call it that is because once the murder happened, everyone stayed in the house and, due to a storm, never ventured anywhere else.
This was a very clever book that kept me guessing.
Oh, and the glaring error I mentioned was the use of the word "database," which wasn't used until 1962, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. So except for that, I found this to accurately represent the year 1950. Of course, I wasn't born in the 1940s, but not so many years after 1950!
*ARC supplied by the publisher Crooked Lane Books, the author, and NetGalley.
May 7, 2023
Thank you @msEmilyEdwards @KateRockBookTours for my complimentary copy! My thoughts are my own.
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: May 2, 2023
293 pages
I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery set in the 1950s! Viviana Valentine is the former Girl Friday, now partner to Private Investigator Tommy Fortuna. Viviana and Tommy join a house party at an elegant old mansion to investigate the source of ghostly sounds in the night. But when a member of the house party is murdered, the investigation becomes much more serious. To make matters worse, the house party is snowed in and the bridge is out. With no way to leave Vivian and Tommy are on their own and someone in the house isn’t revealing any secrets.
This story reminded me of a cross between the old Scooby Dooby Doo cartoon and a Nancy Drew mystery. I loved it! Told from the perspective of Viviana, the action moves along at a good pace. I enjoyed the 1950s vibes, the house butler, the snobby guests, and the locked room atmosphere. This is book 2 of the series and it can be read as a stand-alone.
Read this if you enjoy:
*cozy mysteries
*books set in the 1950s
*likable characters
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: May 2, 2023
293 pages
I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery set in the 1950s! Viviana Valentine is the former Girl Friday, now partner to Private Investigator Tommy Fortuna. Viviana and Tommy join a house party at an elegant old mansion to investigate the source of ghostly sounds in the night. But when a member of the house party is murdered, the investigation becomes much more serious. To make matters worse, the house party is snowed in and the bridge is out. With no way to leave Vivian and Tommy are on their own and someone in the house isn’t revealing any secrets.
This story reminded me of a cross between the old Scooby Dooby Doo cartoon and a Nancy Drew mystery. I loved it! Told from the perspective of Viviana, the action moves along at a good pace. I enjoyed the 1950s vibes, the house butler, the snobby guests, and the locked room atmosphere. This is book 2 of the series and it can be read as a stand-alone.
Read this if you enjoy:
*cozy mysteries
*books set in the 1950s
*likable characters
July 24, 2023
a fun mystery set in 1950 just outside of NYC along the cold, snowy Hudson River. The story reads like a 1930s noir but it's set in the aftermath of WWII in the cold war. There are scientists, foreigners, and immigrants. The detectives Viviana Valentina and her boss Tommy are Italian Americans with Viviana having a strong Brooklyn accent bordering on, horrors, New Jersey. I'm not certain if it was, the the accent, narrator, or Viviana's place of birth (I haven't read book 1).
The story is really a manor-house / closed room mystery in a creepy sprawling house. Poisoning, murder, and so much more is happening, you'll want to read or listen in long sittings. You may be reminded of Nero Wolfe's earliest books.
The narrator was okay. her accents were strong, her pronunciation was a little sloppy. Nevertheless, a fun listen. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
The story is really a manor-house / closed room mystery in a creepy sprawling house. Poisoning, murder, and so much more is happening, you'll want to read or listen in long sittings. You may be reminded of Nero Wolfe's earliest books.
The narrator was okay. her accents were strong, her pronunciation was a little sloppy. Nevertheless, a fun listen. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
September 5, 2023
Viviana Valentine, now partner to Tommy Fortuna and his detection business, shows off her smarts again in a new case. The pair are contacted by a wealthy scientist, Buster Beacon, and friend of Tally (from book one). Buster's been hearing weird noises at his estate, and he wants the detectives to figure it out.
Viv and Tommy arrive, masquerading as engaged to each other, to find other wealthy scientists at the estate; they each have a wing devoted to their own research, and Viv finds the bunch to be friendly to cold. When an undercover G-Man (FBI agent), also a guest, turns up dead, Viv and Tommy must change their approach. With bad weather isolating the group at the house, and someone intent on murder, the two detectives must move fast.
I love the patter between Viv and Tommy, and Viv with everyone else. The story moves fast, and touches on the growing Cold War between the US and Russia. The dialogue is great, with plenty of period slang and humour thrown in. This is a lot of fun, and I can't wait to get to book three.
Viv and Tommy arrive, masquerading as engaged to each other, to find other wealthy scientists at the estate; they each have a wing devoted to their own research, and Viv finds the bunch to be friendly to cold. When an undercover G-Man (FBI agent), also a guest, turns up dead, Viv and Tommy must change their approach. With bad weather isolating the group at the house, and someone intent on murder, the two detectives must move fast.
I love the patter between Viv and Tommy, and Viv with everyone else. The story moves fast, and touches on the growing Cold War between the US and Russia. The dialogue is great, with plenty of period slang and humour thrown in. This is a lot of fun, and I can't wait to get to book three.
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