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Augusta Hawke #2
Invitation to a Killer
Crime writer-turned-amateur sleuth, Augusta Hawke finds herself drawn into her second mystery when a celebrity doctor is found dead at a party she is attending!
Callie Morgan is no ordinary aspiring writer. Notorious wife of a Washington lobbyist, Callie believes no publicity is bad publicity and that publishing her scandalous memoirs will help her achieve her heart's desire: a diplomatic posting. She just needs crime novelist Augusta Hawke to be her ghostwriter.
It's hard to say no to Callie, but Augusta does agree to attend her dinner party. The guest list is impressive, and it's Augusta's chance to meet celebrity doctor Doc Burke. But before Augusta really gets a chance to chat with the famous humanitarian, the evening ends in his untimely death.
Signs point to a heart-attack, but Augusta isn't convinced. Especially when his niece tells Augusta about the mystery woman who claimed the doctor's remains.
Augusta decides to host a writer's retreat and invite all the suspects, most of whom are connected in some way with writing. Isn't that what Agatha Christie would do? But the remote lodge soon becomes snowed in and the group starts to crack when it becomes clear the killer may not be finished killing. Can Augusta flush out the culprit before anyone else gets hurt?
Callie Morgan is no ordinary aspiring writer. Notorious wife of a Washington lobbyist, Callie believes no publicity is bad publicity and that publishing her scandalous memoirs will help her achieve her heart's desire: a diplomatic posting. She just needs crime novelist Augusta Hawke to be her ghostwriter.
It's hard to say no to Callie, but Augusta does agree to attend her dinner party. The guest list is impressive, and it's Augusta's chance to meet celebrity doctor Doc Burke. But before Augusta really gets a chance to chat with the famous humanitarian, the evening ends in his untimely death.
Signs point to a heart-attack, but Augusta isn't convinced. Especially when his niece tells Augusta about the mystery woman who claimed the doctor's remains.
Augusta decides to host a writer's retreat and invite all the suspects, most of whom are connected in some way with writing. Isn't that what Agatha Christie would do? But the remote lodge soon becomes snowed in and the group starts to crack when it becomes clear the killer may not be finished killing. Can Augusta flush out the culprit before anyone else gets hurt?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
24 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
G.M. Malliet
48 books693 followersG.M. Malliet is the author of three mystery series; a dozen or more short stories published in The Strand, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine; and WEYCOMBE, a standalone suspense novel.
Her Agatha Award-winning Death of a Cozy Writer (2008), the first installment of the DCI St. Just mysteries, was named one of the ten best novels of the year by Kirkus Reviews. Subsequent Max Tudor novels were Agatha finalists.
Her Agatha Award-winning Death of a Cozy Writer (2008), the first installment of the DCI St. Just mysteries, was named one of the ten best novels of the year by Kirkus Reviews. Subsequent Max Tudor novels were Agatha finalists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 19, 2023
As expected, there’s no sophomore slump with Invitation to a Killer, the sequel to G.M. Malliet’s successful Augusta Hawke. The eponymous Augusta, a snarky but lovable writer of cozy mysteries set in the Dordogne, gets dragged into a Washington, D.C., area party thrown by the pushy Calypso “Callie” Moore, the wife of a powerful lobbyist and a wannabe ambassador.
A beloved philanthropist/doctor dies at the event, apparently of a heart attack. But then Augusta finds out something that puts that into doubt. Tenacious as a terrier, Augusta determines to find out what really happened, and readers will want to be along for this rollercoaster ride. Please, please, Ms. Malliet, don’t stop now! I can’t wait for the third novel!
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to listen to this novel on Audible with Erin Dion doing a perfect job as the narrator.
A beloved philanthropist/doctor dies at the event, apparently of a heart attack. But then Augusta finds out something that puts that into doubt. Tenacious as a terrier, Augusta determines to find out what really happened, and readers will want to be along for this rollercoaster ride. Please, please, Ms. Malliet, don’t stop now! I can’t wait for the third novel!
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to listen to this novel on Audible with Erin Dion doing a perfect job as the narrator.
October 1, 2023
Now available for preorder. Publishers Weekly says:
“Entertaining . . . Fans of witty female amateur sleuths should pick this up.”
You can read the full review here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781...
And Brian Kenney of FirstClue, says:
"For all who love Augusta’s wit, insights into DC and the publishing industry, and a little bit of Agatha."
“Entertaining . . . Fans of witty female amateur sleuths should pick this up.”
You can read the full review here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781...
And Brian Kenney of FirstClue, says:
"For all who love Augusta’s wit, insights into DC and the publishing industry, and a little bit of Agatha."
February 27, 2023
Crime novelist Augusta Hawke is thrown into a real-life mystery when a renowned doctor dies at a cocktail party she's attending. One of the few who suspect his death was not from natural causes, Augusta decides to embark on solving the mystery herself. This is book 2 in the Augusta Hawke series, and I went into this without the benefit of having read the first. It works fine as a standalone book, though it does contain a couple references to the first.
I loved the punchy colors of the cover and the title intrigued me, though I'll admit the book itself didn't endear itself to me as much as I had hoped. Likely, this was a personality mismatch, as I found Augusta's sarcastic sense of humor more annoying than witty, and a frequent distraction from the plot. While the mystery itself was solid enough, the wrap-up reminded me more of a middle grade book than one for adults; each and every connection and intention was explained, sometimes in far greater detail than needed. Overall, I just felt like this one tried too a little too hard.
I loved the punchy colors of the cover and the title intrigued me, though I'll admit the book itself didn't endear itself to me as much as I had hoped. Likely, this was a personality mismatch, as I found Augusta's sarcastic sense of humor more annoying than witty, and a frequent distraction from the plot. While the mystery itself was solid enough, the wrap-up reminded me more of a middle grade book than one for adults; each and every connection and intention was explained, sometimes in far greater detail than needed. Overall, I just felt like this one tried too a little too hard.
February 11, 2023
No publicity is bad publicity. This is the belief Callie Morgan centers her life around. Wife to a Washington lobbyist and an aspiring writer, Callie sets out searching for a ghostwriter to write her scandalous memoirs. But she doesn’t want just anyone to write her story, she wants crime novelist Augusta Hawke as her writer and will stop at nothing to make sure this happens. When Augusta agrees to a dinner party invite from Callie, she doesn’t know it at the time but her whole life is about to change.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book so I might have had a different experience if I had read this instead of listening. I found the pace of this story way too slow for my liking. I was bored a lot and found it hard to stay focused on the story. I also found the narrator to be very monotone, so that didn’t help either.
While I think the writing/wording of this story is done very well, the story just doesn’t hit the mark for me. This was supposed to be a thriller, mystery murder type of book but it seems too much time was spent writing about character’s thoughts and not enough on actual action happening.
However, I love a locked-room type of read and found the setting to be perfect.
I received this audiobook for free but leave this review of my own accord.
#NetGalley #InvitationtoaKiller
I listened to the audiobook version of this book so I might have had a different experience if I had read this instead of listening. I found the pace of this story way too slow for my liking. I was bored a lot and found it hard to stay focused on the story. I also found the narrator to be very monotone, so that didn’t help either.
While I think the writing/wording of this story is done very well, the story just doesn’t hit the mark for me. This was supposed to be a thriller, mystery murder type of book but it seems too much time was spent writing about character’s thoughts and not enough on actual action happening.
However, I love a locked-room type of read and found the setting to be perfect.
I received this audiobook for free but leave this review of my own accord.
#NetGalley #InvitationtoaKiller
January 31, 2023
A breezy mystery that is entertaining enough but also a significant step down from the first book in the series.
Crime writer Augusta Hawke is back, and she’s got another real life mystery to solve. The tone and style here is very similar to the first book, but it’s a definite letdown. Malliet’s Max Tudor series also went downhill quickly, and I worry that is the fate of this series as well.
This book does still have a good sense of humor about it, though it’s less clever in that way than the first. And the pacing is certainly well-executed.
The plot was less appealing to me personally this time around because DC/political wheeler dealer stuff just isn’t my bag, but the real problem with it is that the mystery itself just isn’t great, nor is the solve.
Augusta,however, is still a great character, and I hope that this series can return to the clever, sharp stuff that made the first book so notably good.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Crime writer Augusta Hawke is back, and she’s got another real life mystery to solve. The tone and style here is very similar to the first book, but it’s a definite letdown. Malliet’s Max Tudor series also went downhill quickly, and I worry that is the fate of this series as well.
This book does still have a good sense of humor about it, though it’s less clever in that way than the first. And the pacing is certainly well-executed.
The plot was less appealing to me personally this time around because DC/political wheeler dealer stuff just isn’t my bag, but the real problem with it is that the mystery itself just isn’t great, nor is the solve.
Augusta,however, is still a great character, and I hope that this series can return to the clever, sharp stuff that made the first book so notably good.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 13, 2023
2 stars
This book lost me in the first 3 chapters. The book is written through the eyes and especially the mind of Augusta Hawke, who is some sort of wanna be MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin, a pretty frustrated writer. You know that internal voice that everyone has inside their mind that one tries to shut it up and get some silence? Well GM Mallilet made it her mission to transcribe ever single thought that might have going through Augusta Hawke. So in the first 3 chapters you get 3 sentences and non stop internal judgemental, absolutely useless chatter. Back stories and scenarios and opinions, mainly negative.
And the book keeps going like this till the end, when GM Mallied decides to pull out an Agatha Christie thing and gather everyone in a room and very cleverly reveal the criminal.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this book!
This book lost me in the first 3 chapters. The book is written through the eyes and especially the mind of Augusta Hawke, who is some sort of wanna be MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin, a pretty frustrated writer. You know that internal voice that everyone has inside their mind that one tries to shut it up and get some silence? Well GM Mallilet made it her mission to transcribe ever single thought that might have going through Augusta Hawke. So in the first 3 chapters you get 3 sentences and non stop internal judgemental, absolutely useless chatter. Back stories and scenarios and opinions, mainly negative.
And the book keeps going like this till the end, when GM Mallied decides to pull out an Agatha Christie thing and gather everyone in a room and very cleverly reveal the criminal.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this book!
January 18, 2023
I candidly reviewed a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Augusta Hawke is a successful mystery writer and a newly certified private investigator. When she's approached to ghost-write a memoir, she ends up at a dinner party where someone dies in a room full of people. Initially, the police believe it's a simple heart attack. When Augusta can't stop thinking of the death, she opens an investigation (procrastinating writing her latest book).
I enjoyed reading this book. There were enough characters to keep things interesting, and the characters were relatively distinct. I'm firmly placing this in the "cozy mystery" genre; there was mystery and just a hint of suspense, but no real thrill factor.
Throughout the book, I thought about the meta-experience of the author of this mystery, G.M. Malliet, writing about a mystery author solving mysteries. I thought that Augusta might be an over-powered or Mary Jane character. She was just naturally good at everything, and she never hit a real blocker she couldn't overcome on her own.
I would recommend this if you like cozy mysteries. It's in a series, but I didn't read the first one, and my experience wasn't impacted. I'll probably read the next one.
Augusta Hawke is a successful mystery writer and a newly certified private investigator. When she's approached to ghost-write a memoir, she ends up at a dinner party where someone dies in a room full of people. Initially, the police believe it's a simple heart attack. When Augusta can't stop thinking of the death, she opens an investigation (procrastinating writing her latest book).
I enjoyed reading this book. There were enough characters to keep things interesting, and the characters were relatively distinct. I'm firmly placing this in the "cozy mystery" genre; there was mystery and just a hint of suspense, but no real thrill factor.
Throughout the book, I thought about the meta-experience of the author of this mystery, G.M. Malliet, writing about a mystery author solving mysteries. I thought that Augusta might be an over-powered or Mary Jane character. She was just naturally good at everything, and she never hit a real blocker she couldn't overcome on her own.
I would recommend this if you like cozy mysteries. It's in a series, but I didn't read the first one, and my experience wasn't impacted. I'll probably read the next one.
March 3, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to read and review Invitation to a Killer.
Published: 02/07/23
Narrator Erin Dion would work for me in some books; however not with this one, and I can't put my finger on my problem. Her voice just didn't work. (The narrator for Sue Grafton's A-M books -- Mary, could pull this off if that helps with my thinking.).
I didn't care for the story either, and I may as well go all in -- I didn't like any of the characters. Throughout most of the book I was bored, and I had to stop several times to keep some focus.
The writer, everyone wants something from me, and I'm not as good as other writers storyline -- I've read before, too many times.
I did enjoy the crack on James Patterson. Patterson struck a chord of truth with me. There were several other funny parts. Kinsey's black dress brought back fond memories.
This reads like a cozy.
I do believe there is an audience, just not me. If the things I eluded to don't bother you, give this a try.
Published: 02/07/23
Narrator Erin Dion would work for me in some books; however not with this one, and I can't put my finger on my problem. Her voice just didn't work. (The narrator for Sue Grafton's A-M books -- Mary, could pull this off if that helps with my thinking.).
I didn't care for the story either, and I may as well go all in -- I didn't like any of the characters. Throughout most of the book I was bored, and I had to stop several times to keep some focus.
The writer, everyone wants something from me, and I'm not as good as other writers storyline -- I've read before, too many times.
I did enjoy the crack on James Patterson. Patterson struck a chord of truth with me. There were several other funny parts. Kinsey's black dress brought back fond memories.
This reads like a cozy.
I do believe there is an audience, just not me. If the things I eluded to don't bother you, give this a try.
February 19, 2023
Lobbyist's wife and would-be ambassador Callie Moore is a force of nature, like a tornado. She's convinced that she can get mystery writer Augusta Hawke to act as her ghost-writer, despite Augusta's repeatedly declining. But she does agree to go to a swank dinner party at Callie's home, where she meets noted philanthropist Doc Burke. When he dies, everyone is shocked, but assumes that he's suffered a heart attack. Months later, something about the death still bothers Augusta, and when she hears a strange story from the dead man's niece and only living relative, she decides she must take action. But no-one seems to have had a motive to kill the doctor, who used the proceeds from his plastic surgery practice to care for the poor and disfigured.
March 3, 2023
I love books set in my “hometown” so I was excited to read this. And then I was reminded of why I don’t live there anymore: the “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality and name-dropping is something I do not miss. Add to that a somewhat routine mystery that didn’t really grab my interest and I was not going to enjoy this book. I did like Augusta’s snarkiness and her self-deprecating humor but that wasn’t enough to keep me invested in this story.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
February 14, 2023
I'm a sucker for bookception, or books about books, and Invitation to a Killer had multiple layers of bookception. First, the main character is Augusta Hawke, a mystery writer and novice private investigator. Second, it seems like every character in this story is somehow tied to the writing industry--some of them are writing memoirs, some are publishers, some are wannabes. Even the murder begins with a book--socialite Callie Morgan asks Augusta to come to a dinner party, attempting to persuade her to write her memoir, and Augusta acquiesces. At that dinner party, with a senator and his wife, two CIA operatives, a literary agent, and more, famous doctor and philanthropist Doc Burke falls dead. They rule it a heart attack, but Augusta suspects it was a Christie-style dinner party murder.
After the dinner party, she starts her investigations into each suspect, trying to determine who had opportunity and motive to murder Doc Burke, who seems to be a generous doctor who gave his life to helping the less fortunate. However, when his niece shows up on her doorstep and reveals that his body has disappeared, Augusta's suspicions are confirmed that this was more than meets the eye. To get to the bottom of what happened on the night of the dinner party, she invites all of the suspects, as well as the doctor's niece, to a writing retreat in hopes that one of them will reveal that they are the killer.
I really enjoyed Augusta's voice as a protagonist and a narrator. From the beginning, she had a very clear voice. She was funny, quirky, and interesting. Plus, I loved the bookish comments and how she viewed everything from the perspective of a mystery writer, which made me laugh. This was definitely the strength of the book. There were also a few good twists and red herrings that made the book interesting, and I loved the writer's retreat idea!
However, the mystery itself fell flat. When the ending was revealed, I was surprised, but not in a positive way. A good mystery builds to the end, and when it's revealed, you go, "Aha!" This book just didn't do that. I felt like Malliet explained the "aha" part afterwards rather than building up to it, which was disappointing. There were also a few twists that really didn't add to the story, and the writer's retreat could have been SO much more suspenseful. Overall, cool ideas and great protagonist, but the mystery just fell flat for me.
3/5
After the dinner party, she starts her investigations into each suspect, trying to determine who had opportunity and motive to murder Doc Burke, who seems to be a generous doctor who gave his life to helping the less fortunate. However, when his niece shows up on her doorstep and reveals that his body has disappeared, Augusta's suspicions are confirmed that this was more than meets the eye. To get to the bottom of what happened on the night of the dinner party, she invites all of the suspects, as well as the doctor's niece, to a writing retreat in hopes that one of them will reveal that they are the killer.
I really enjoyed Augusta's voice as a protagonist and a narrator. From the beginning, she had a very clear voice. She was funny, quirky, and interesting. Plus, I loved the bookish comments and how she viewed everything from the perspective of a mystery writer, which made me laugh. This was definitely the strength of the book. There were also a few good twists and red herrings that made the book interesting, and I loved the writer's retreat idea!
However, the mystery itself fell flat. When the ending was revealed, I was surprised, but not in a positive way. A good mystery builds to the end, and when it's revealed, you go, "Aha!" This book just didn't do that. I felt like Malliet explained the "aha" part afterwards rather than building up to it, which was disappointing. There were also a few twists that really didn't add to the story, and the writer's retreat could have been SO much more suspenseful. Overall, cool ideas and great protagonist, but the mystery just fell flat for me.
3/5
January 23, 2023
3-1/2 stars
This is the 2nd book in a series by G.M. Malliet called the August Hawke Mysteries. I love a strong female lead character and would like to thank NetGalley, the author, and Dreamscape Media for this fun crime and mystery. This novel seems to fit well into the category of "cozy or humorous mysteries"; it isn't a cliff-hanging, tension evoked thrillers, but if you're looking for a beach read or a novel to relax with, this is it!
The main character is Augusta Hawke, a successful mystery writer who seems to be in a slump or is too busy to write as she becomes enmeshed in solving a real crime/mystery at a D.C. party. Although there are a number of characters introduced, Augusta, along with Callie, her new and needy, friend, and an older male doctor from the party, are the main people to focus on.
There was a lot of deliberate, silliness and tongue in cheek humor, while Augusta deals with the outrageous and extravagant Callie, and the crime that occurs at her party. The narrator: Erin Dion, was good at channeling Augusta, but it was hard to distinguish the rest of the character voices as her voice range and tones didn't change that much. Putting it at a higher speed actually helped keep me in the listening groove.
The doctor also has an adult niece, very close to him, who becomes one of the more interesting secondary characters. From this point on, you'll be on your toes trying to figure out "who dunnit".
This is the 2nd book in a series by G.M. Malliet called the August Hawke Mysteries. I love a strong female lead character and would like to thank NetGalley, the author, and Dreamscape Media for this fun crime and mystery. This novel seems to fit well into the category of "cozy or humorous mysteries"; it isn't a cliff-hanging, tension evoked thrillers, but if you're looking for a beach read or a novel to relax with, this is it!
The main character is Augusta Hawke, a successful mystery writer who seems to be in a slump or is too busy to write as she becomes enmeshed in solving a real crime/mystery at a D.C. party. Although there are a number of characters introduced, Augusta, along with Callie, her new and needy, friend, and an older male doctor from the party, are the main people to focus on.
There was a lot of deliberate, silliness and tongue in cheek humor, while Augusta deals with the outrageous and extravagant Callie, and the crime that occurs at her party. The narrator: Erin Dion, was good at channeling Augusta, but it was hard to distinguish the rest of the character voices as her voice range and tones didn't change that much. Putting it at a higher speed actually helped keep me in the listening groove.
The doctor also has an adult niece, very close to him, who becomes one of the more interesting secondary characters. From this point on, you'll be on your toes trying to figure out "who dunnit".
February 7, 2023
A surprise Murder mystery? Yes please!
When a thriller/mystery writer is approached to ghostwrite the memoir of a wanna-be diplomat, she’s thinking absolutely not. But Callie does not want to take no for an answer. Eventually, our author agrees to attend a dinner party hosted by Callie. And that’s when things get interesting. A mysterious death occurs at this party - is it a heart attack or something more sinister? Augusta Hawke is determined to find out.
This was a fast paced murder mystery story. The narrator did a fantastic job of keeping the mystery alive by making it feel like we’re there with the characters as they try to figure out what really happened to Doc Burke.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook copy!
When a thriller/mystery writer is approached to ghostwrite the memoir of a wanna-be diplomat, she’s thinking absolutely not. But Callie does not want to take no for an answer. Eventually, our author agrees to attend a dinner party hosted by Callie. And that’s when things get interesting. A mysterious death occurs at this party - is it a heart attack or something more sinister? Augusta Hawke is determined to find out.
This was a fast paced murder mystery story. The narrator did a fantastic job of keeping the mystery alive by making it feel like we’re there with the characters as they try to figure out what really happened to Doc Burke.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook copy!
July 25, 2023
A nice sequel to the Augusta Hawke series. It was a little slower of a read and Augusta wasn't as entertaining. At times I felt like Malliet didn't know where she was going to go with it. The person who did it seemed to come from out of nowhere.
What kind of dog is Roscoe?
I would have liked to have seen more of Maisie.
Still, I'm totally looking forward to the next book.
What kind of dog is Roscoe?
I would have liked to have seen more of Maisie.
Still, I'm totally looking forward to the next book.
February 4, 2023
Thank you to the author, publisher, narrator and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this book in exchange for my review.
I love mysteries, and have read hundreds. I thought this would be a good fit into my usual preferences. But I only actually made it to 20% into the audiobook before I had to turn it off and I won't be going back. The endless run of all of the thoughts in the main character's mind is just annoying, and even worse, it's so negative! The main character criticizes everyone and every thing she comes across. Just an endless negative ramble. It was too much, I was starting to feel badly about myself and decided it was the book, and that I needed to stop. I can't vouch for the rest of the book at all - and honestly, I don't care because I couldn't connect with any of the characters or the town. Such a huge disappointment.
1 stars for "I did not like it'
I love mysteries, and have read hundreds. I thought this would be a good fit into my usual preferences. But I only actually made it to 20% into the audiobook before I had to turn it off and I won't be going back. The endless run of all of the thoughts in the main character's mind is just annoying, and even worse, it's so negative! The main character criticizes everyone and every thing she comes across. Just an endless negative ramble. It was too much, I was starting to feel badly about myself and decided it was the book, and that I needed to stop. I can't vouch for the rest of the book at all - and honestly, I don't care because I couldn't connect with any of the characters or the town. Such a huge disappointment.
1 stars for "I did not like it'
January 30, 2023
DNF.
I didn't read #1 (I wasn't aware this was a #2 until logging it here) but do not think that matters here.
I didn't like the character or spending time with her thoughts. I was bored, pushed on, then bored and annoyed.
I read other reviews that said this ends up being a wannabe Agatha Christie thing with everyone being rounded up for a big reveal so I quit. Life is too short for books I don't dig.
I know I've mentioned at least twice this year already (and sigh, it's still only January) that big monologues/confessions or long-winded explanations = horrible writing -- please editors, say no to "scooby doo" endings.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
I didn't read #1 (I wasn't aware this was a #2 until logging it here) but do not think that matters here.
I didn't like the character or spending time with her thoughts. I was bored, pushed on, then bored and annoyed.
I read other reviews that said this ends up being a wannabe Agatha Christie thing with everyone being rounded up for a big reveal so I quit. Life is too short for books I don't dig.
I know I've mentioned at least twice this year already (and sigh, it's still only January) that big monologues/confessions or long-winded explanations = horrible writing -- please editors, say no to "scooby doo" endings.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
March 16, 2023
This was my first look at An Augusta Hawke mystery. Crime writer turned part time PI Augusta is invited to a party by Callie Moore as a ghost writer for her memoirs. When celebrity Doctor Doc Burke is found dead it is thought to be a heart attack. Taken into the murky world of politics and secrets you are taken along a roller coaster ride with Augusta. You very much have to suspend disbelief a bit about how Augusta is able to get answers but are given a classic reveal at the end.
"Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Severn House) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own”.
"Thank you NetGalley and (publisher, Severn House) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own”.
March 9, 2023
I'm giving Invitation to a Killer a three-star rating, which may be generous. I enjoyed Augusta Hawke's voice and quirkiness in the first book, but this one is an excellent example of a "sophomore slump." The characters, even the humanitarian doctor, were unlikeable. Callie Morgan, the overblown lobbyist's wife, was unlikeable in the extreme. However, I did find Augusta's opinions on the Capitol Hill denizens amusing. They align very closely with my own. I am more than willing to read another book in the series. This one fell flat for me. Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.
February 22, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for this audiobook.
The narrator, Erin Dion did an excellent job at narrating this novel. This is the second book in the Augusta Hawke mystery series. Augusta is doing a book signing for her newest mystery when she is approached by Callie. Callie wants Augusta to be her ghost writer in a memoir. Augusta declines the offer and is invited to a house party by Callie to try and make her reconsider. Callie invited quite a few people which included someone in the publishing world, CIA officers, and a doctor. Doc Burke is very famous for his good deeds and ends up dying during the party and people believe that it is a heart attack and that seems to be the end of the story. Then a few months later Augusta receives a email through her website by Doc Burke's niece Nelly who found out she was there when her uncle passed away. Nelly reveals to Augusta that Doc was writing a memoir and wanted her to get it published to tell his story and she hands over the manuscript to a friend of hers that would transcribe it. Nelly also reveals that Doc's estranged wife had Doc's body cremated and scattered at sea and didn't tell the rest of the family until Nelly called to make funeral arrangements. Augusta contacts the ex wife who didn't even know that Doc was dead because she worked in health care and lived somewhere with a four hour time difference. Augusta realizes that someone pretended to be her in order to get Doc's body cremated in order to make it impossible if someone else in the family wanted an autopsy, Augusta goes to her police friend that she worked on a case with and decides with Nelly's help to pull a Agatha Christie and put all the suspects in one place to figure out who the killer was. Augusta makes up excuses to ensure that everyone attends her little retreat and disguises it to make everyone believe she wants to help the people involved in writing to get her own publisher interested in them which is a complete lie. Augusta gets Nelly to pretend to be sick and in her room while she interrogates everyone to try and get a confession. Nelly reveals that she isn't really Doc's niece but is actually named Peg because Doc's real niece is a princess and engaged with a prince who got robbed not long before his death and believed it to be connected. It is revealed that Callie's husband Tom has been having an affair with Barbara who helps Callie out and murdered Doc Burke for killing her sister in a car accident that he confesses to in his memoir and blackmails both Callie and Tom to hide the fact that Callie was still married to someone else when she married Tom. Barbara poisoned Doc during the party and made sure that Tom wasn't there so he wouldn't be implicated and Callie's housekeeper and cook knew about Doc as well and were given jobs to cover it up.
The narrator, Erin Dion did an excellent job at narrating this novel. This is the second book in the Augusta Hawke mystery series. Augusta is doing a book signing for her newest mystery when she is approached by Callie. Callie wants Augusta to be her ghost writer in a memoir. Augusta declines the offer and is invited to a house party by Callie to try and make her reconsider. Callie invited quite a few people which included someone in the publishing world, CIA officers, and a doctor. Doc Burke is very famous for his good deeds and ends up dying during the party and people believe that it is a heart attack and that seems to be the end of the story. Then a few months later Augusta receives a email through her website by Doc Burke's niece Nelly who found out she was there when her uncle passed away. Nelly reveals to Augusta that Doc was writing a memoir and wanted her to get it published to tell his story and she hands over the manuscript to a friend of hers that would transcribe it. Nelly also reveals that Doc's estranged wife had Doc's body cremated and scattered at sea and didn't tell the rest of the family until Nelly called to make funeral arrangements. Augusta contacts the ex wife who didn't even know that Doc was dead because she worked in health care and lived somewhere with a four hour time difference. Augusta realizes that someone pretended to be her in order to get Doc's body cremated in order to make it impossible if someone else in the family wanted an autopsy, Augusta goes to her police friend that she worked on a case with and decides with Nelly's help to pull a Agatha Christie and put all the suspects in one place to figure out who the killer was. Augusta makes up excuses to ensure that everyone attends her little retreat and disguises it to make everyone believe she wants to help the people involved in writing to get her own publisher interested in them which is a complete lie. Augusta gets Nelly to pretend to be sick and in her room while she interrogates everyone to try and get a confession. Nelly reveals that she isn't really Doc's niece but is actually named Peg because Doc's real niece is a princess and engaged with a prince who got robbed not long before his death and believed it to be connected. It is revealed that Callie's husband Tom has been having an affair with Barbara who helps Callie out and murdered Doc Burke for killing her sister in a car accident that he confesses to in his memoir and blackmails both Callie and Tom to hide the fact that Callie was still married to someone else when she married Tom. Barbara poisoned Doc during the party and made sure that Tom wasn't there so he wouldn't be implicated and Callie's housekeeper and cook knew about Doc as well and were given jobs to cover it up.
February 14, 2023
I'm a sucker for bookception, or books about books, and Invitation to a Killer had multiple layers of bookception. First, the main character is Augusta Hawke, a mystery writer and novice private investigator. Second, it seems like every character in this story is somehow tied to the writing industry--some of them are writing memoirs, some are publishers, some are wannabes. Even the murder begins with a book--socialite Callie Morgan asks Augusta to come to a dinner party, attempting to persuade her to write her memoir, and Augusta acquiesces. At that dinner party, with a senator and his wife, two CIA operatives, a literary agent, and more, famous doctor and philanthropist Doc Burke falls dead. They rule it a heart attack, but Augusta suspects it was a Christie-style dinner party murder.
After the dinner party, she starts her investigations into each suspect, trying to determine who had opportunity and motive to murder Doc Burke, who seems to be a generous doctor who gave his life to helping the less fortunate. However, when his niece shows up on her doorstep and reveals that his body has disappeared, Augusta's suspicions are confirmed that this was more than meets the eye. To get to the bottom of what happened on the night of the dinner party, she invites all of the suspects, as well as the doctor's niece, to a writing retreat in hopes that one of them will reveal that they are the killer.
I really enjoyed Augusta's voice as a protagonist and a narrator. From the beginning, she had a very clear voice. She was funny, quirky, and interesting. Plus, I loved the bookish comments and how she viewed everything from the perspective of a mystery writer, which made me laugh. This was definitely the strength of the book. There were also a few good twists and red herrings that made the book interesting, and I loved the writer's retreat idea!
However, the mystery itself fell flat. When the ending was revealed, I was surprised, but not in a positive way. A good mystery builds to the end, and when it's revealed, you go, "Aha!" This book just didn't do that. I felt like Malliet explained the "aha" part afterwards rather than building up to it, which was disappointing. There were also a few twists that really didn't add to the story, and the writer's retreat could have been SO much more suspenseful. Overall, cool ideas and great protagonist, but the mystery just fell flat for me.
3/5
After the dinner party, she starts her investigations into each suspect, trying to determine who had opportunity and motive to murder Doc Burke, who seems to be a generous doctor who gave his life to helping the less fortunate. However, when his niece shows up on her doorstep and reveals that his body has disappeared, Augusta's suspicions are confirmed that this was more than meets the eye. To get to the bottom of what happened on the night of the dinner party, she invites all of the suspects, as well as the doctor's niece, to a writing retreat in hopes that one of them will reveal that they are the killer.
I really enjoyed Augusta's voice as a protagonist and a narrator. From the beginning, she had a very clear voice. She was funny, quirky, and interesting. Plus, I loved the bookish comments and how she viewed everything from the perspective of a mystery writer, which made me laugh. This was definitely the strength of the book. There were also a few good twists and red herrings that made the book interesting, and I loved the writer's retreat idea!
However, the mystery itself fell flat. When the ending was revealed, I was surprised, but not in a positive way. A good mystery builds to the end, and when it's revealed, you go, "Aha!" This book just didn't do that. I felt like Malliet explained the "aha" part afterwards rather than building up to it, which was disappointing. There were also a few twists that really didn't add to the story, and the writer's retreat could have been SO much more suspenseful. Overall, cool ideas and great protagonist, but the mystery just fell flat for me.
3/5
November 22, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Invitation To A Killer" by G.M. Maillet.
Augusta Hawke is back! The mystery writer who was instrumental (at least in her own mind) in solving "The Case of The Missing Neighbors" suddenly becomes embroiled in another mystery - this time a murder.
At a book signing, Augusta Hawke meets Calypso 'Callie' Moore, the wife of a DC lobbyist who wants to become an ambassador, and has decided that one of the best ways to accomplish this is to have Ms. Hawke (whose books she doesn't actually read, preferring 'bodice rippers') ghost-write her memoirs.
So, Augusta ends up being invited to a dinner party where she meets who are to become the cast of characters for this mystery. Among them are a husband and wife spy team (CIA?), a sketchy politician and his 'stand by your man' wife, a famous stylist (one-named, of course) and a publisher of renown (not Augusta's, but one to cultivate) who the hostess seems to think is 'her' publisher for her 'memoirs' (she even promises some juicy gossip regarding a relative and a high-ranking British royal), as well as a renowned surgeon - 'Doc' Burke - who spends all of his rich clients' fees on helping third-world children who could not otherwise afford life-changing surgeries. Add to this the butler and maid-cum-chef who may or may not be illegal immigrants and you have a classic, Agatha Christie-type whodunit. With Augusta Hawke as Miss Marple (and Detective Narduzzi, making a return appearance as a possible Poirot).
No one knows why Doc Burke died at the party, but things start to add up wrong when his 'wife' steps in and has him cremated and takes off with the remains (for possible burial at sea); but was she actually his wife? And why all the secrecy.
Of course, it soon turns out that the good doctor may not have actually died of natural causes, and Augusta is hot on the trail of his possible killer.
This one has all the classic elements of a Christie whodunit, including gathering all of the suspects together in a remote hotel, a secret identity and the surprise unmasking at the end.
This one is a great follow up to the first Augusta Hawke mystery, and I for one look forward to the next.
Augusta Hawke is back! The mystery writer who was instrumental (at least in her own mind) in solving "The Case of The Missing Neighbors" suddenly becomes embroiled in another mystery - this time a murder.
At a book signing, Augusta Hawke meets Calypso 'Callie' Moore, the wife of a DC lobbyist who wants to become an ambassador, and has decided that one of the best ways to accomplish this is to have Ms. Hawke (whose books she doesn't actually read, preferring 'bodice rippers') ghost-write her memoirs.
So, Augusta ends up being invited to a dinner party where she meets who are to become the cast of characters for this mystery. Among them are a husband and wife spy team (CIA?), a sketchy politician and his 'stand by your man' wife, a famous stylist (one-named, of course) and a publisher of renown (not Augusta's, but one to cultivate) who the hostess seems to think is 'her' publisher for her 'memoirs' (she even promises some juicy gossip regarding a relative and a high-ranking British royal), as well as a renowned surgeon - 'Doc' Burke - who spends all of his rich clients' fees on helping third-world children who could not otherwise afford life-changing surgeries. Add to this the butler and maid-cum-chef who may or may not be illegal immigrants and you have a classic, Agatha Christie-type whodunit. With Augusta Hawke as Miss Marple (and Detective Narduzzi, making a return appearance as a possible Poirot).
No one knows why Doc Burke died at the party, but things start to add up wrong when his 'wife' steps in and has him cremated and takes off with the remains (for possible burial at sea); but was she actually his wife? And why all the secrecy.
Of course, it soon turns out that the good doctor may not have actually died of natural causes, and Augusta is hot on the trail of his possible killer.
This one has all the classic elements of a Christie whodunit, including gathering all of the suspects together in a remote hotel, a secret identity and the surprise unmasking at the end.
This one is a great follow up to the first Augusta Hawke mystery, and I for one look forward to the next.
January 30, 2023
When I first saw this title listed I didn't realize it was a second in series, but I've been burned by that enough in requesting books that I now automatically search anything that describes itself as "An X Mystery" to see if there are earlier books.... I'm very glad I did because upon being approved, I turned to my library to read the first book and quite enjoyed it. If this had been the only book I had read, I would have never turned to the first, so that was fortuitous.
This one started out every bit is entertaining as the first book in the series. There's a bit of a bizarre setup and seemingly random death, but that's par for the course in cozy mysteries. There was just enough confusion about exactly what was going on to keep me curious. Right up until, about 3/4 of the way through, the increasingly self-righteous and self-satisfied Augusta Hawke decides she's going to pull an Agatha Christie, gather-all-the-suspects big reveal party to solve the mystery - and that's where things just went completely off the rails for me. It was beyond implausible. The solution to the mystery was convoluted and felt totally random, and the blow-by-blow in the epilogue felt unnecessary. This one had me until the end, then totally lost me.
It's unfortunate because the concept is fun for a cozy mystery series. I used to live in DC, and I enjoyed the return to the environment, as well as the nods to politics and society and local geography. The majority of the book is paced well and while I must confess that I have found the protagonist to become increasingly irritating as the book went on, her nosiness was entertaining for much of the book rather than abrasive. While the suspension of disbelief it required was significant, it was still engaging. Yes, it's utterly unbelievable that she would continue to be sought out by a local detective on questions of murder, but it was still a fun construct, and i could brush those misgivings aside easily enough. But things just went too crazy with this ending. My eyes were rolling so aggressively as I worked my way through the last pages that I'm surprised they didn't end up in the back of my head...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
This one started out every bit is entertaining as the first book in the series. There's a bit of a bizarre setup and seemingly random death, but that's par for the course in cozy mysteries. There was just enough confusion about exactly what was going on to keep me curious. Right up until, about 3/4 of the way through, the increasingly self-righteous and self-satisfied Augusta Hawke decides she's going to pull an Agatha Christie, gather-all-the-suspects big reveal party to solve the mystery - and that's where things just went completely off the rails for me. It was beyond implausible. The solution to the mystery was convoluted and felt totally random, and the blow-by-blow in the epilogue felt unnecessary. This one had me until the end, then totally lost me.
It's unfortunate because the concept is fun for a cozy mystery series. I used to live in DC, and I enjoyed the return to the environment, as well as the nods to politics and society and local geography. The majority of the book is paced well and while I must confess that I have found the protagonist to become increasingly irritating as the book went on, her nosiness was entertaining for much of the book rather than abrasive. While the suspension of disbelief it required was significant, it was still engaging. Yes, it's utterly unbelievable that she would continue to be sought out by a local detective on questions of murder, but it was still a fun construct, and i could brush those misgivings aside easily enough. But things just went too crazy with this ending. My eyes were rolling so aggressively as I worked my way through the last pages that I'm surprised they didn't end up in the back of my head...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
February 11, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Invitation to a Killer is the second Augusta Hawke mystery by G.M. Malliet. Released 7th Feb 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
This is a quirky amateur sleuth mystery told in first person PoV featuring mystery writer Augusta in the starring role. It's set in modern day Washington DC and has a cast of well known socialites, philanthropists, and politicians in a sort of locked room murder setup, where the first murder occurs.
The writing is competent and the plotting is well controlled and moves at a good clip. I found the *constant* unrelenting internal monologue on the part of the protagonist to be intrusive and a detraction to the flow of the read. It reminded me a bit of the full on snarkiness of the M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin books, and readers who love the Beaton books will find a lot to like here.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours, 36 minutes and is competently narrated by Erin Dion. She has a husky and pleasant alto voice with a neutral American accent. She has a good grasp of timbre and inflection and, in a positive way, her voice doesn't take over the read. I found myself able to listen to the *book* without noticing her *voice* overmuch. She does an ok job differentiating the various characters without being confusing or repetitive. I listened at slightly increased speed and never found my interest wandering or losing my place.
Three and a half stars. Definitely worth a look for fans of tongue-in-cheek sarcastic amateur sleuth mysteries.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Invitation to a Killer is the second Augusta Hawke mystery by G.M. Malliet. Released 7th Feb 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
This is a quirky amateur sleuth mystery told in first person PoV featuring mystery writer Augusta in the starring role. It's set in modern day Washington DC and has a cast of well known socialites, philanthropists, and politicians in a sort of locked room murder setup, where the first murder occurs.
The writing is competent and the plotting is well controlled and moves at a good clip. I found the *constant* unrelenting internal monologue on the part of the protagonist to be intrusive and a detraction to the flow of the read. It reminded me a bit of the full on snarkiness of the M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin books, and readers who love the Beaton books will find a lot to like here.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours, 36 minutes and is competently narrated by Erin Dion. She has a husky and pleasant alto voice with a neutral American accent. She has a good grasp of timbre and inflection and, in a positive way, her voice doesn't take over the read. I found myself able to listen to the *book* without noticing her *voice* overmuch. She does an ok job differentiating the various characters without being confusing or repetitive. I listened at slightly increased speed and never found my interest wandering or losing my place.
Three and a half stars. Definitely worth a look for fans of tongue-in-cheek sarcastic amateur sleuth mysteries.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 13, 2023
This book sounded so good and when I started listening to the audiobook I couldn’t get in the groove with the narrator because for one thing she doesn’t change her voice for the different characters it’s so it just sounded like the same person was talking whether it was a male, female or whatever. Then like most times when I don’t like the narrator I want to buy the kindle book but the author wanted $15 for a Kindle book that cost pennies to produce an author I thought that I was just done with the book. I didn’t like the narrator and although I listened for over three hours I just couldn’t get into it and wished I could’ve read the Kindle book but I am not spending almost $20 on digital content. This is so disappointing because this book sounds so good in either they get a new narrator or the narrator does a better job of character distinction or maybe make your books less expensive because I will spend five dollars on a book I’m not sure I want to read but I will never spent $15 on a Kindle book… Ever! I know we are supposed to be reviewing the book until I listen to the audiobook this is my review I tried multiple times to start listening again but every time I couldn’t get into it I mean the whole purpose of an audiobook is to make it sound more real… Right? This is just so upsetting to me you would think if they’re charging that much for the book the narrator would be stellar and don’t get me wrong she sounded like a nice person it’s not that she doesn’t have a good voice she just has no character distinction and reads a book in one mode… I hope I’m explaining this right I just didn’t like it and I apologize but I don’t. I gave it to stars because the summary sounds really good and unless the books go down in price or they get a new narrator or she learns better character distinction that is the best I can give it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 13, 2023
This book sounded so good and when I started listening to the audiobook I couldn’t get in the groove with the narrator because for one thing she doesn’t change her voice for the different characters it’s so it just sounded like the same person was talking whether it was a male, female or whatever. Then like most times when I don’t like the narrator I want to buy the kindle book but the author wanted $15 for a Kindle book that cost pennies to produce an author I thought that I was just done with the book. I didn’t like the narrator and although I listened for over three hours I just couldn’t get into it and wished I could’ve read the Kindle book but I am not spending almost $20 on digital content. This is so disappointing because this book sounds so good in either they get a new narrator or the narrator does a better job of character distinction or maybe make your books less expensive because I will spend five dollars on a book I’m not sure I want to read but I will never spent $15 on a Kindle book… Ever! I know we are supposed to be reviewing the book until I listen to the audiobook this is my review I tried multiple times to start listening again but every time I couldn’t get into it I mean the whole purpose of an audiobook is to make it sound more real… Right? This is just so upsetting to me you would think if they’re charging that much for the book the narrator would be stellar and don’t get me wrong she sounded like a nice person it’s not that she doesn’t have a good voice she just has no character distinction and reads a book in one mode… I hope I’m explaining this right I just didn’t like it and I apologize but I don’t. I gave it to stars because the summary sounds really good and unless the books go down in price or they get a new narrator or she learns better character distinction that is the best I can give it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
February 6, 2023
Augusta Hawke is back and G.M. Malliet’s delightful character will have you chuckling as you turn the pages. After her involvement in a real murder investigation, the mystery writer decided to become a licensed investigator. When she encounters another dead body it is listed as natural causes but Augusta suspects murder. At one of her book signings Augusta meets Callie Moore, who would like Augusta to ghost write her memoir. Callie wants to become an ambassador somewhere that there are beaches and no chance of war. She believes that a successful book would call attention to her and better her chances of getting a position. When Augusta says no Callie invites her to a party at her estate, hoping to change her mind. The guests include a congressman, a member of the CIA, a well-known literary agent, a celebrity doctor, a personal coach and several spouses. Before the evening is over the doctor will be found dead in a lounge chair. He had a heart condition so no one questioned the death.
Several months after the party Augusta is contacted by Nell, the doctor’s niece. His body was supposedly claimed by his wife, but she is a health worker in Sierra Leone and never left the country. He was cremated so there is no way to confirm Augusta’s suspicions. He left Nell a copy of his memoir to be published after his death and she is hoping that Augusta can help her with that task. They hope to find a clue in his transcript that would explain why someone would want to kill him, but nothing stands out. In an ending that would make Agatha Christie proud, Augusta and Nell gather everyone from the party at a weekend retreat, sure that the killer will somehow reveal himself. It is a weekend where not everyone is who they seem and there are some surprising twists before the murderer is finally revealed. Augusta Hawke is a wonderful character and I look forward to seeing her again. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for making this book available for my review.
Several months after the party Augusta is contacted by Nell, the doctor’s niece. His body was supposedly claimed by his wife, but she is a health worker in Sierra Leone and never left the country. He was cremated so there is no way to confirm Augusta’s suspicions. He left Nell a copy of his memoir to be published after his death and she is hoping that Augusta can help her with that task. They hope to find a clue in his transcript that would explain why someone would want to kill him, but nothing stands out. In an ending that would make Agatha Christie proud, Augusta and Nell gather everyone from the party at a weekend retreat, sure that the killer will somehow reveal himself. It is a weekend where not everyone is who they seem and there are some surprising twists before the murderer is finally revealed. Augusta Hawke is a wonderful character and I look forward to seeing her again. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for making this book available for my review.
January 19, 2023
Our amateur sleuth in Invitation to a Killer is Augusta Hawke, who doesn’t seem to actually do much writing. I guess she isn’t quite an amateur, she got her PI license after helping solve the case in the first book, which I didn’t read. This time around she’s at a party hosted by a lobbyist’s wife when a celebrated doctor dies. At first, the death is written off as a heart attack, but of course, we’re not surprised when it turns out he was murdered. Someone at the party killed him. Was it one of the CIA couple, the lobbyist or his wife, the book publisher, the image consultant, the congressman or his wife? It could even have been the cook or the butler. Augusta decides the police aren’t treating the death as the murder it clearly was, so starts investigating on her own.
Augusta is kind of a bland character, but hearing the story (I listened to the audiobook) from her point of view gave the whole thing a casual, conversational tone. We have a nice selection of suspects, each with his or her own secrets, no surprise in the Washington area.
Then we have the final Christie-like gathering of all the suspects. They even get snowed in. I don’t know. It felt a bit forced to me. And there was one twist too many. Or maybe that was the point and it’s supposed to be just a touch too much?
I think this worked fine as a stand-alone. We got to know August and her background well enough and the mystery was self-contained. I listened to the audio version. The narrator did a fine job with Augusta’s voice, but could maybe have done better at distinguishing some of the other characters.
Augusta is kind of a bland character, but hearing the story (I listened to the audiobook) from her point of view gave the whole thing a casual, conversational tone. We have a nice selection of suspects, each with his or her own secrets, no surprise in the Washington area.
Then we have the final Christie-like gathering of all the suspects. They even get snowed in. I don’t know. It felt a bit forced to me. And there was one twist too many. Or maybe that was the point and it’s supposed to be just a touch too much?
I think this worked fine as a stand-alone. We got to know August and her background well enough and the mystery was self-contained. I listened to the audio version. The narrator did a fine job with Augusta’s voice, but could maybe have done better at distinguishing some of the other characters.
February 6, 2023
In this second Augusta Hawke novel, Malliet seems to revel in her creation's wit and sharpened crime-solving skills. Odious socialite and wannabe writer, Callie Moore, attempts to gaslight her way to getting Augusta to co-write her creative (ahem) non-fiction memoir, and to convince popular agent Rem Larsson to sell it for her. Callie plays fast and loose with reality, and Augusta can't really take her seriously--especially Callie's boldly stated desire to become an ambassador for the U.S. At Callie's glamorous dinner party, which Augusta grudgingly attends, a famous humanitarian, Doc Burke, dies as he sits in the evening shadows of Callie's garden, eating baked Alaska. While Doc's death doesn't immediately present as a murder, Augusta has her suspicions. And when, a while later, Doc's body is snatched away, and his niece, Nell, shows up at Augusta's door with a memoir written by Doc himself, her suspicions become a reality. The fun twist in the novel happens here, when Nell and Augusta cook up an impromptu writer's retreat in Virginia's snowy mountains, and invite all the suspects. Malliet is an expert storyteller, and Augusta's voice is sure and clever. I love her frequent, arch one-liners that elevate the prose above so many other cozy mysteries. Prayer bonnets, fashion faux pas, (non) parenthood, hapless spies, and Washington lobbyists are all in her sites. Because Malliet's stories are told in large part through smart dialogue and Augusta's piercing questions, the action moves with a pleasing quickness. Loving this series.
March 14, 2023
This book is like being trapped with a chatty seatmate on a plane who cannot keep her mouth shut and keeps spewing every single thought that comes into her head. Augusta Hawke has some occasionally funny observations about the writing life, the publishing industry, and her home in DC, but these are drowned in so much meaningless chatter that the book is nearly unbearable to read at times.
I considered dropping this completely, but I decided to just skip the middle of the book and pick up towards the end, once the mystery was coming together. I didn't feel like I missed anything, and Augusta's explanation of each stage of the crime was so extraordinarily lengthy and drawn-out that everything sure did get summarized for me. Nobody in real life would sit and listen to such a long denouement. Some fictional sleuths can pull it off! Poiriot describes each stage of the crime with riveting suspense and artistry in Agatha Christie mysteries. But here, the exposition just went on and on, and I was glad I hadn't had to read the circuitous investigations that had led everyone to this point.
I found this book extremely dull, and the mystery was never compelling, especially since everything gets filtered through the main character's overwhelming verbal spew and inability to filter out irrelevant or uninteresting details. I would never have made it through the whole thing if I'd tried, and cutting to the end didn't give me any more interest in this series or the author's other works.
I considered dropping this completely, but I decided to just skip the middle of the book and pick up towards the end, once the mystery was coming together. I didn't feel like I missed anything, and Augusta's explanation of each stage of the crime was so extraordinarily lengthy and drawn-out that everything sure did get summarized for me. Nobody in real life would sit and listen to such a long denouement. Some fictional sleuths can pull it off! Poiriot describes each stage of the crime with riveting suspense and artistry in Agatha Christie mysteries. But here, the exposition just went on and on, and I was glad I hadn't had to read the circuitous investigations that had led everyone to this point.
I found this book extremely dull, and the mystery was never compelling, especially since everything gets filtered through the main character's overwhelming verbal spew and inability to filter out irrelevant or uninteresting details. I would never have made it through the whole thing if I'd tried, and cutting to the end didn't give me any more interest in this series or the author's other works.
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