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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #8
A Murder on 34th Street
A very merry mission ends in a very un-merry murder…on 34th Street.
New York 1925
The holidays are here and spirits are bright. Penelope “Pen” Banks and Cousin Cordelia have decided to go to Herald Square to watch the second annual “Macy’s Christmas Parade” ending at 34th Street.
But an even bigger event awaits her the next day. Pen is finally meeting Detective Richard Prescott’s family, and is hosting them all for Thanksgiving dinner. As such, she has decided to get a present for Richard’s young nephew.
After the parade, the quaint toy store across the street from the city’s largest department store catches her eye. While there, she manages to get her hands on what she’s been told is the most desired toy of the season for young boys.
Unfortunately, a body is found in the back room of the toy store soon after she makes her purchase. While the police are satisfied they’ve caught their suspect, Pen isn’t so sure. Still, she wisely follows Richard’s advice to let it go…until she realizes the crime has followed her home.
Nothing brings a family together during the holidays like a good mystery. Now, much to both Richard’s and Penelope’s surprise, both sides of the family have decided the holiday dinner is the perfect time to join in on playing detective with the couple.
At least until the festivities become potentially fatal…
A Murder on 34th Street is the eighth book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. The very merry holiday enjoyment of a cozy historical mystery combined with the excitement and daring of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
New York 1925
The holidays are here and spirits are bright. Penelope “Pen” Banks and Cousin Cordelia have decided to go to Herald Square to watch the second annual “Macy’s Christmas Parade” ending at 34th Street.
But an even bigger event awaits her the next day. Pen is finally meeting Detective Richard Prescott’s family, and is hosting them all for Thanksgiving dinner. As such, she has decided to get a present for Richard’s young nephew.
After the parade, the quaint toy store across the street from the city’s largest department store catches her eye. While there, she manages to get her hands on what she’s been told is the most desired toy of the season for young boys.
Unfortunately, a body is found in the back room of the toy store soon after she makes her purchase. While the police are satisfied they’ve caught their suspect, Pen isn’t so sure. Still, she wisely follows Richard’s advice to let it go…until she realizes the crime has followed her home.
Nothing brings a family together during the holidays like a good mystery. Now, much to both Richard’s and Penelope’s surprise, both sides of the family have decided the holiday dinner is the perfect time to join in on playing detective with the couple.
At least until the festivities become potentially fatal…
A Murder on 34th Street is the eighth book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. The very merry holiday enjoyment of a cozy historical mystery combined with the excitement and daring of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2022
242 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Colette Clark
23 books105 followersColette Clark lives in New York and has always enjoyed learning more about the history of her amazing city. She decided to combine that curiosity and love of learning with her addiction to reading and watching mysteries. Her first series, Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries is the result of those passions. When she’s not writing she can be found doing Sudoku puzzles, drawing, eating tacos, visiting museums dedicated to unusual/weird/wacky things, and, of course, reading mysteries by other great authors.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 15, 2023
Ah yes, Christmas time. I mean, I read this in September, but it's cool, it's whatever. Anyway, there's no doubt that all the coziness that comes with this time of year makes for the perfect setting for a cozy mystery! Cozy fireplace, cozy foods, cozy... music? What I'm trying to get at is that the holiday season is home to many iconic pastimes! And what tradition more practiced and more relatable than the dreaded Awkward Family Dinner. I got chills just saying that! This installment should be labeled "horror" because literally half of this book is Penelope at a holiday dinner party with Richard’s (we call him Richard now) family, as they all converse about the usual topics that almost always turn into a heated debate and rip families apart (politics). There's actually an inherent humor in the dinner because the conversation pivoting to a recent murder case that Pen just happened to stumble upon (as she’s prone to do) is actually what salvages the evening. Also, a lot of the tension comes from the fact that Richard’s brother’s wife just happens to be... Richard’s ex-girlfriend! Drama alert! It's a great set-up and I was highly entertained, to say the least. Though, I did think it was a little weird how Richard’s ex (her name is Sophie) is described as looking a lot like Penelope, as if Sophie were some kind of mirror version of her, like how they used to do in Star Trek. Like the Wario to Penelope's Mario, if you will. I think what this series does best is that it’s always trying something new and interesting within the confines of the mystery genre. You never know what wonderful surprises you'll get when starting a book in this series! Moving on though, I think that I tend to (subconsciously) avoid holiday stories if I can help it because they can get a little too preachy for my taste. And while there's is still some of that “here’s-the-moral-of the-story” type of messaging in this book that’s noticeable if you're really looking, the core cast of characters remains incredibly strong and I had the same amount of fun reading this one as all the rest! Oh also, for some reason I thought that this was the final book in the series, but I just saw that there were like, five more after this. Yay!
“So, stepping away from politics and back to the topic of murder…”
“So, stepping away from politics and back to the topic of murder…”
March 12, 2023
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Enter the holiday cheer (sort of, as the story starts off at Thanksgiving, not Christmas--although a Santa parade is going on, so...yeah), and another murder to solve!
Penelope finds herself in a toy shop at the beginning of this story, just minding her own business and trying to buy a toy for Richards nephew, because, yeah, we're on to the meeting the parents stage!!!!
Ahem, but anyway, a murder happens in the store and of course this derails Pen as she tries to solve it herself. You know, the usual Penelope Banks stuff.
What makes it fun is that Richard's parents, the delightful David and Lorraine Prescott, both want in on the solving process (especially David), and of course we've also got cousin Cordelia, Jane, and Alfie in on the goods as well. The most surprising addition is Penelope's father also getting involved this time, which I've got to admit was a nice touch. I really like seeing how they're patching up their relationship more and more as the series progresses!
Anyway, while I wasn't too interested in the mystery aspect of this murder, I still am rating it five stars because I just loved the family dynamic of everyone, and the Thanksgiving dinner chapters--of which there were many--were very interesting to me and had me flipping page over page over page to see what happened next. Sometimes a story just hits you right, you know, and this one gave me all the feels.
So, yes, a definite warm and cozy holiday read--even though I'm reading it in March.
On to the next Penelope Banks book--which I get the chance!
Enter the holiday cheer (sort of, as the story starts off at Thanksgiving, not Christmas--although a Santa parade is going on, so...yeah), and another murder to solve!
Penelope finds herself in a toy shop at the beginning of this story, just minding her own business and trying to buy a toy for Richards nephew, because, yeah, we're on to the meeting the parents stage!!!!
Ahem, but anyway, a murder happens in the store and of course this derails Pen as she tries to solve it herself. You know, the usual Penelope Banks stuff.
What makes it fun is that Richard's parents, the delightful David and Lorraine Prescott, both want in on the solving process (especially David), and of course we've also got cousin Cordelia, Jane, and Alfie in on the goods as well. The most surprising addition is Penelope's father also getting involved this time, which I've got to admit was a nice touch. I really like seeing how they're patching up their relationship more and more as the series progresses!
Anyway, while I wasn't too interested in the mystery aspect of this murder, I still am rating it five stars because I just loved the family dynamic of everyone, and the Thanksgiving dinner chapters--of which there were many--were very interesting to me and had me flipping page over page over page to see what happened next. Sometimes a story just hits you right, you know, and this one gave me all the feels.
So, yes, a definite warm and cozy holiday read--even though I'm reading it in March.
On to the next Penelope Banks book--which I get the chance!
January 29, 2023
Murder in the toy shop
Pen and cousin Cordelia have just finished watching the second annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They decide to avoid some of the crowds and the cold and duck into a charming old world toy store to do some shopping. Penelope finds a perfect gift for Richard’s nephew to give as a gesture of good will when the families meet for the first time for Thanksgiving dinner. Things go a bit sideways when a murder in the shop and the spoils of a robbery are discovered in the present for the lad. After her attempt at a sweet gesture goes awry Pen is determined to figure out the truth behind both crimes.
A sweet holiday mystery, a warming read on a cold winters day or night. I loved Richards’s family! He father is completely without filter in the best possible way. Friendly and open, teasing and tender. His wife is quite similar of a bit more reserved, she feels him in from time to time. It was wonderful to finally meet the family that Richard has been so tight lipped about. I love the books in this series for many reason. Set in my most favorite city, in a fabulous era which is portrayed fabulously by the author, colorful characters that come alive and twisty mysteries that keep you engaged for start to finish. If you like mysteries especially cozies you cannot miss with a Penelope Banks book!
Pen and cousin Cordelia have just finished watching the second annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They decide to avoid some of the crowds and the cold and duck into a charming old world toy store to do some shopping. Penelope finds a perfect gift for Richard’s nephew to give as a gesture of good will when the families meet for the first time for Thanksgiving dinner. Things go a bit sideways when a murder in the shop and the spoils of a robbery are discovered in the present for the lad. After her attempt at a sweet gesture goes awry Pen is determined to figure out the truth behind both crimes.
A sweet holiday mystery, a warming read on a cold winters day or night. I loved Richards’s family! He father is completely without filter in the best possible way. Friendly and open, teasing and tender. His wife is quite similar of a bit more reserved, she feels him in from time to time. It was wonderful to finally meet the family that Richard has been so tight lipped about. I love the books in this series for many reason. Set in my most favorite city, in a fabulous era which is portrayed fabulously by the author, colorful characters that come alive and twisty mysteries that keep you engaged for start to finish. If you like mysteries especially cozies you cannot miss with a Penelope Banks book!
December 27, 2024
This is my first foray into the world of self published murder mysteries and I had such a great time with this one! It had everything you could want in a 1920s historical mystery. Speakeasies, illegal betting, plenty of suspicious characters, and oh—did I mention it’s set around Christmas in New York so you KNOW it’s gonna be a fun time!
While I found the writing wasn’t anything super stand out, the characters were full of charm and I frankly couldn’t stop reading it. It was such a fast and easy thing to breeze through. And the reveal at the end was shocking but satisfying. It made me wish I had a physical copy (I was reading on my kindle) so I could flip back to a few other pages and dive deeper into a certain character’s initial appearance on the page. But hey, that’s what re-reading is for and I could definitely see myself re-reading this book in the future.
For now though, and easy 4 stars and a huge encouragement to check out the Penelope Banks books by Colette Clark. I know I’ll be checking more out immediately! (And I mean IMMEDIATELY haha—I’ve already downloaded another one and have it ready to go!)
While I found the writing wasn’t anything super stand out, the characters were full of charm and I frankly couldn’t stop reading it. It was such a fast and easy thing to breeze through. And the reveal at the end was shocking but satisfying. It made me wish I had a physical copy (I was reading on my kindle) so I could flip back to a few other pages and dive deeper into a certain character’s initial appearance on the page. But hey, that’s what re-reading is for and I could definitely see myself re-reading this book in the future.
For now though, and easy 4 stars and a huge encouragement to check out the Penelope Banks books by Colette Clark. I know I’ll be checking more out immediately! (And I mean IMMEDIATELY haha—I’ve already downloaded another one and have it ready to go!)
January 14, 2023
another winner!
I love this series! Pen & Richard are fantastically entertaining with the growing family joining in. Can’t wait for their next adventure!
Pen is so well described she feels a real person. I love her ability to determine the killer/s & always surprising me with who the villain is. Richard is equally terrific & if he is real I hope he’s found his Pen. Pen’s father is developing into a fine father. Her wasn’t cut out to be a single parent though & I’m glad their rift is healing. Richard’s family is the perfect addition!
Absolutely recommend this series to mystery lovers. So many more exciting adventures with 5 children down the line!
I love this series! Pen & Richard are fantastically entertaining with the growing family joining in. Can’t wait for their next adventure!
Pen is so well described she feels a real person. I love her ability to determine the killer/s & always surprising me with who the villain is. Richard is equally terrific & if he is real I hope he’s found his Pen. Pen’s father is developing into a fine father. Her wasn’t cut out to be a single parent though & I’m glad their rift is healing. Richard’s family is the perfect addition!
Absolutely recommend this series to mystery lovers. So many more exciting adventures with 5 children down the line!
November 24, 2023
Quite the cozy
4.5 stars
This was so good. Between the 1920’s flair, the crazy holiday vibes, and a twisty and turny mystery, what wasn’t there to love? The atmosphere that was described was great and I felt like I was really there in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It was interesting the crime taking place at a toy store and something I never read in a cozy mystery. This taking place during hospital seemed like a perfect. I just liked the overall journey of them solving the crimes committed by going clue by clue, which was fun for me. It was just a great reading experience.
4.5 stars
This was so good. Between the 1920’s flair, the crazy holiday vibes, and a twisty and turny mystery, what wasn’t there to love? The atmosphere that was described was great and I felt like I was really there in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It was interesting the crime taking place at a toy store and something I never read in a cozy mystery. This taking place during hospital seemed like a perfect. I just liked the overall journey of them solving the crimes committed by going clue by clue, which was fun for me. It was just a great reading experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
A Murder and a Burglary
It was a murder and the theft of several thousand dollars that got Penelope interested in the case. She went through several suspects before she solved the case. An even bigger event awaits her the next day. Pen is finally meeting Detective Richard Prescott’s family, and is hosting them all for Thanksgiving dinner. As such, she has decided to get a present for Richard’s young nephew
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
It was a murder and the theft of several thousand dollars that got Penelope interested in the case. She went through several suspects before she solved the case. An even bigger event awaits her the next day. Pen is finally meeting Detective Richard Prescott’s family, and is hosting them all for Thanksgiving dinner. As such, she has decided to get a present for Richard’s young nephew
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
December 19, 2024
Penelope Banks is an independently wealthy private investigator.
While shopping for a toy for her Fiancés nephew, one of the store's employees is murdered in the back room.
When Penelope learns the owner's son is being charged as the primary suspect.
She offers her services.
There are developed characters and a few red herrings.
This was my first story from this author and I will probably read more from her in the future
+
------------------------------+\
While shopping for a toy for her Fiancés nephew, one of the store's employees is murdered in the back room.
When Penelope learns the owner's son is being charged as the primary suspect.
She offers her services.
There are developed characters and a few red herrings.
This was my first story from this author and I will probably read more from her in the future
+
------------------------------+\
December 13, 2024
Each book I read in this series get better and this book was no exception. The main and supporting protagonist characters are becoming beloved to me and the fixes Penelope Banks seems to get herself in are sometimes hilarious and sometimes frightening. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out who killed the young clerk in the toy store and why. The answers were most enlightening. I definitely recommend this book and all the books I have read in this series, so far.
December 17, 2024
A Murder on 34th Street
A cosy murder mystery set in New York. When Penelope Banks visits a toy store on 34th st she becomes involved in a murder swiftly following on from a robbery.
Of course she has to investigate and try to find the culprits especially when her maid becomes embroiled. Witty, humorous with some sharp dialogue this is the eighth book in the series but the first one that I’ve read it has definitely prompted me to read the earlier books.
A cosy murder mystery set in New York. When Penelope Banks visits a toy store on 34th st she becomes involved in a murder swiftly following on from a robbery.
Of course she has to investigate and try to find the culprits especially when her maid becomes embroiled. Witty, humorous with some sharp dialogue this is the eighth book in the series but the first one that I’ve read it has definitely prompted me to read the earlier books.
December 17, 2022
Toys and Christmas and Murder Oh My!!!
I loved this book! It's very well written, there is plenty of suspense and the characters are distinct and different from each other. The Penelope Banks books written by Colette Clark are very entertaining, taking place in the 20's. Boy, have times changed!
I loved this book! It's very well written, there is plenty of suspense and the characters are distinct and different from each other. The Penelope Banks books written by Colette Clark are very entertaining, taking place in the 20's. Boy, have times changed!
November 7, 2023
A Parade, A Toy Fire truck and Murder
Very interesting. Learned a bit about the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and a bit more about speakeasies. Only Penelope would be in a toy store when a body is found. She, of course, decides to solve the murder. And, she meets Richard's family!
Very interesting. Learned a bit about the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and a bit more about speakeasies. Only Penelope would be in a toy store when a body is found. She, of course, decides to solve the murder. And, she meets Richard's family!
February 17, 2025
🖊 It is kind of a cute mystery story. Some of the scenes are too twenty-first century and some of the dialogue seem forced with 1920s lingo. Otherwise, it was cute. 🗑 Conversely, other readers may find this story their cup of tea and right up their alley.
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December 10, 2022
Finally meeting the "in laws"
Pen is hosting her first Thanksgiving dinner and guess who is coming to dinner. Add in the 2nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving parade and a little Christmas shopping. What could go wrong?
Pen is hosting her first Thanksgiving dinner and guess who is coming to dinner. Add in the 2nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving parade and a little Christmas shopping. What could go wrong?
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January 29, 2023Love these Penelope Banks mysteries...
I love historical mysteries and this series is no exception. The author puts the plot and character building together in a seamless way. If I just want an enjoyable read, this series hits the spot.
I love historical mysteries and this series is no exception. The author puts the plot and character building together in a seamless way. If I just want an enjoyable read, this series hits the spot.
May 10, 2023
A Murder on 34th Street 📖 book 8
Needs some editing though nothing drastic otherwise it’s a great murder mystery with a touch of romance. Witty banter and snark with dramatic characters with twists and turns but,at the end with the help of her friends,Pen solves the case ❣️💃🏻🙀🥰😒
Needs some editing though nothing drastic otherwise it’s a great murder mystery with a touch of romance. Witty banter and snark with dramatic characters with twists and turns but,at the end with the help of her friends,Pen solves the case ❣️💃🏻🙀🥰😒
December 24, 2023
Macy's
This mystery had a personal touch for me because I worked for Macy's at the end of my retail career . We all know about the parade and the bag with the star so it was interesting to have it tied historically into this Penelope Banks mystery.
This mystery had a personal touch for me because I worked for Macy's at the end of my retail career . We all know about the parade and the bag with the star so it was interesting to have it tied historically into this Penelope Banks mystery.
December 30, 2024
Good Cozy Mystery for Christmas read
I just love reading books set in the 1920's and this one was well worth the read. It has a great setting with loveable characters and a good plot. I recommend this book for an enjoyable read
I just love reading books set in the 1920's and this one was well worth the read. It has a great setting with loveable characters and a good plot. I recommend this book for an enjoyable read
August 19, 2025
Another Mystery Solved
This was a another happy little mystery. I enjoy the murder mysteries Colette Clark writes. They are always fun. Love the characters she writes about, they are all starting to feel like family members with all the books I've read from her.
This was a another happy little mystery. I enjoy the murder mysteries Colette Clark writes. They are always fun. Love the characters she writes about, they are all starting to feel like family members with all the books I've read from her.
December 7, 2022
okay
Nothing fancy and not a lot of historical detail. It is definitely a cozy historical mystery and it was okay.
Nothing fancy and not a lot of historical detail. It is definitely a cozy historical mystery and it was okay.
May 14, 2023
a little NYC history
I liked really having to work at ‘Whodunnit’
reasonably well written. fun to read
I liked large cast of suspects
I liked really having to work at ‘Whodunnit’
reasonably well written. fun to read
I liked large cast of suspects
February 24, 2024
4.5 ✨ loved seeing more of the main characters life and family!
May 29, 2024
Cozy Thanksgiving Treat
A fun and family affair. Penelope and Richard spend their first holidays with each others families and a murder or two!
A fun and family affair. Penelope and Richard spend their first holidays with each others families and a murder or two!
October 24, 2024
Is Christmas dinner spoiled if murder is the topic of conversation? What will the prospective In-laws think? Penelope investigates the Toy Shoppe killing.
February 1, 2025
An enjoyable mystery with lots of interesting cultural details from the time period.
July 17, 2025
Cute festive themed murder plot which plays second fiddle to the main story in the book which is the intro to Richard’s family - spoiler: he’s rich! How fortunate 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
Another to mark off my "Books Languishing The Longest On My Kindle" Goals list, which brings it to 20 in total, and .... WooHoo!! Another goal met on my Reading Challenge for this year.
Another to mark off my "Books Languishing The Longest On My Kindle" Goals list, which brings it to 20 in total, and .... WooHoo!! Another goal met on my Reading Challenge for this year.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews