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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #4
Murder in the Gardens: A 1920s Historical Mystery
You are cordially invited to the grand opening of the Japanese Tea Gardens on the rooftop of the Grand Opal Hotel… New York 1925 To celebrate its official opening, the Grand Opal Hotel is hosting an exclusive party for the crème de la crème of New York society, to be held in its newly completed rooftop Japanese Tea Gardens. Jiro Ishida, the gardens’ designer is l'homme du moment . Everyone is clamoring for his services to recreate the latest trend in garden aesthetic. Which is why it’s a surprise when he turns up dead in the koi pond. Once again, Penelope “Pen” Banks is on the case, if only to solve a murder the owner of the hotel and several of its wealthy guests would rather see buried beneath the bonsai trees. Murder in the Gardens is the fourth book in the Penelope Banks Mystery series set in 1920s New York. The enjoyment of a historical mystery combined with the excitement and daring of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
282 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2022
About the author
Colette Clark
24 books114 followersColette Clark lives in New York and has always enjoyed learning more about the history of her amazing city. She decided to combine that curiosity and love of learning with her addiction to reading and watching mysteries. Her first series, Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries is the result of those passions. When she’s not writing she can be found doing Sudoku puzzles, drawing, eating tacos, visiting museums dedicated to unusual/weird/wacky things, and, of course, reading mysteries by other great authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 16, 2023
Yes… I read this really (really really) fast. This installment definitely has more of a “bottle episode” feel than the others, thankfully I’m the world's biggest bottle episode fan. Other than that, yup! This series is still going strong and I could tell the time period was well researched without it feeling too telegraphed that we’re in the 1920’s. Detective Prescott (love interest guy, also, I know his name now) is more front and center here too, which I actually didn’t mind too much. Better bland than irritating, I guess? You can probably tell that I’m running out of things to say about these books. Anyway, it’s always nice when the culprit in a mystery novel is not only surprising, but also narratively satisfying. I do think that overall this might have been my least favorite of the bunch, so maybe a short break is in order?
“Do you know a golfer named Bobby Paxton?”
“You lost me the moment you said golf, Pen. I have no interest in sports and golf is the dullest of them all.”
“Do you know a golfer named Bobby Paxton?”
“You lost me the moment you said golf, Pen. I have no interest in sports and golf is the dullest of them all.”
February 3, 2023
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Yet another wonderfully accomplished Penelope Banks mystery--done and done!
In this edition, we have Penelope investigating a murder that happens in an oriental garden on the roof of a new hotel in New York--murder at a great height which, of course, must occur by drowning. And in a koi pond, no less!--tsk tsk, those poor fish!
Anyway, in terms of this book, I think my favourite parts were all the interactions between Penelope and Richard Prescott (aka Detective von Hottie), as they each obviously have a thing for each other, and their flirting is, ahem, shall we say, not the most innocent of sorts--though Richard is still quite the gentleman, darn it!
The investigation into the murder itself is alright in this book, though I must confess that I didn't much care about the suspects or the whole connection to the I think that those connections were meant to make this mystery overall more intriguing, but for me it was just so-so for some reason. I guess it's just the mood that a book catches you in when you read it for the first time, eh? That being said, I still did enjoy the book overall, and think that it definitely does still deserve the full five stars rating.
Looking forward to the next Penelope Banks novel, to be sure! (Oh, and keep the gorgeous covers coming, by all means!)
Yet another wonderfully accomplished Penelope Banks mystery--done and done!
In this edition, we have Penelope investigating a murder that happens in an oriental garden on the roof of a new hotel in New York--murder at a great height which, of course, must occur by drowning. And in a koi pond, no less!--tsk tsk, those poor fish!
Anyway, in terms of this book, I think my favourite parts were all the interactions between Penelope and Richard Prescott (aka Detective von Hottie), as they each obviously have a thing for each other, and their flirting is, ahem, shall we say, not the most innocent of sorts--though Richard is still quite the gentleman, darn it!
The investigation into the murder itself is alright in this book, though I must confess that I didn't much care about the suspects or the whole connection to the I think that those connections were meant to make this mystery overall more intriguing, but for me it was just so-so for some reason. I guess it's just the mood that a book catches you in when you read it for the first time, eh? That being said, I still did enjoy the book overall, and think that it definitely does still deserve the full five stars rating.
Looking forward to the next Penelope Banks novel, to be sure! (Oh, and keep the gorgeous covers coming, by all means!)
June 22, 2022
Penelope Banks is invited to the opening of a new attraction a Japanese Garden on the roof of the newest hotel in Manhattan. She’s curious to meet the designer as not only are these gardens all the rage but she saw his exhibit at the Botanical Gardens and was impressed. The evening starts out rather as a bore until she sees some odd happenings. When she is playing in a card game with some of the staff after the event everyone is shocked by the murder of the designer. When another murder occurs a day later Pen is intrigued. She gets caught up in the investigation and discovers there’s many more secrets in the hotel than gambling and booze. Danger stalks the hallways can Pen get to the bottom of this case before it catches her?
A crafty mystery with lots of twists and turns. Kept me guessing right up until the surprising conclusion. An enjoyable read and a fun peek into the history of NYC. I especially enjoy the slang of the time it’s highly amusing. I’m rooting for Pen and Richard hopefully they can get a hea soon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A crafty mystery with lots of twists and turns. Kept me guessing right up until the surprising conclusion. An enjoyable read and a fun peek into the history of NYC. I especially enjoy the slang of the time it’s highly amusing. I’m rooting for Pen and Richard hopefully they can get a hea soon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2025
I'll say it once, I'll say it again: I am a huge fan of these 1920s mystery novels by Colette Clark. This is the fourth one in the series (the fifth I've read because I started out of order on accident) and every single one has been just as delightful as the last. And this one very well might be my favorite so far. I'm not sure. It's a close toss up between this one and book 2 in the series. This one feels incredibly grounded in history which I love (probably my favorite part of this series is how Colette Clark will take a small aspect of the 20s and blow it up into a mystery plot--they all feel so fleshed out and intricate because of that) and I also did not see the ending coming! The only reason it isn't 5 stars is because I read it at a time where I couldn't sit down and fall into the story as much as I would've wanted to. I think upon a re-read this one would be even better!
June 19, 2025
A beautiful garden become a murder scene.
The beauty of a Japanese garden draws the wealthy to the rooftop of a new hotel. Penelope is part of that group, but her involvement in a poker game in the basement draws her into the group of employees and into solving the murder of the designer of the rooftop gardens. Detective Prescott is right beside her, as the two become more familiar to one another oh so slowly. Both fashion and Prohibition are brought into this historical mystery starring the detective with the photographic memory.
The beauty of a Japanese garden draws the wealthy to the rooftop of a new hotel. Penelope is part of that group, but her involvement in a poker game in the basement draws her into the group of employees and into solving the murder of the designer of the rooftop gardens. Detective Prescott is right beside her, as the two become more familiar to one another oh so slowly. Both fashion and Prohibition are brought into this historical mystery starring the detective with the photographic memory.
May 24, 2024
It appears that these mysteries take large steps between books, sometimes not in an encouraging way.
In book #4 we have Penelope Banks vamping it up to the Detective in a kimono style robe in front of a police officer who makes it plain what she is behaving like. Then we have Penelope making like she has attained the same level of skill set the detective has without his experience. Penelope forgets she is a rich girl with little actual talent other than flashing cash she has not earned while the detective gives her the real information. Ho hum.
Thank you for your words Colette Clark, appreciated. :-)
In book #4 we have Penelope Banks vamping it up to the Detective in a kimono style robe in front of a police officer who makes it plain what she is behaving like. Then we have Penelope making like she has attained the same level of skill set the detective has without his experience. Penelope forgets she is a rich girl with little actual talent other than flashing cash she has not earned while the detective gives her the real information. Ho hum.
Thank you for your words Colette Clark, appreciated. :-)
October 24, 2022
Thrilling to the End
Five stars are a rare rating for me, but Murder in the Gardens earned it. Interesting characters and a challenging plot held my attention from beginning to end.
This is a fun series—all the classic elements of an enjoyable “cozy””,” plus a bit of historical and social observations thrown in.
As with all the books in this series, they stand alone, BUT the relationships will make more sense if you begin with #. 1 then read them in order.
Five stars are a rare rating for me, but Murder in the Gardens earned it. Interesting characters and a challenging plot held my attention from beginning to end.
This is a fun series—all the classic elements of an enjoyable “cozy””,” plus a bit of historical and social observations thrown in.
As with all the books in this series, they stand alone, BUT the relationships will make more sense if you begin with #. 1 then read them in order.
June 23, 2022
Sassy Sleuth Penelope Banks is Back
Always love reuniting with sassy sleuth Penelope Banks reminiscent of Miss Fisher's mysteries. This edition finds her involved in the world of Japanese meets NY luxury at Grand Opal Hotel's rooftop Japanese Tea Garden.
When designer Jiro Ishida is found dead in his own koi pond, Banks learns there is more secrets than even she expected.
Always love reuniting with sassy sleuth Penelope Banks reminiscent of Miss Fisher's mysteries. This edition finds her involved in the world of Japanese meets NY luxury at Grand Opal Hotel's rooftop Japanese Tea Garden.
When designer Jiro Ishida is found dead in his own koi pond, Banks learns there is more secrets than even she expected.
April 17, 2023
an international twist!
An interesting mystery with Japan, bonsai trees and imported drugs. It takes place in NYC in a new hotel with a Japanese theme.
Her main characters from earlier book reappear which brings everyone together again. As always I look forward to seeing where the stories will take us next……in the history and action of NYC!
An interesting mystery with Japan, bonsai trees and imported drugs. It takes place in NYC in a new hotel with a Japanese theme.
Her main characters from earlier book reappear which brings everyone together again. As always I look forward to seeing where the stories will take us next……in the history and action of NYC!
April 23, 2023
I enjoyed this story, very much. This main character, Penelope Banks, is one very savvy lady and an excellent private investigator. The plot is easily followed, the characters are all interesting in each of their ways, and the story is intriguing to say the least. I most definitely recommend this book.
April 27, 2023
The most interesting aspect of the book is its setting in a rooftop Japanese garden. Penelope Banks is a private (and very amateur) detective who is quite well off – enough to book a suite at the luxurious hotel after a man is found murdered in the garden. This access allows her to insinuate herself in the police investigation and annoy pretty much everyone involved.
July 19, 2023
3.5 stars
Penelope Banks, a wealthy heiress who once had to rely on being a card shark after being disinherited by her family, never has to worry about money again. She is an independent woman with a nose for solving murders. She attends the grand opening of an ostentatious new hotel in New York, complete with a Japanese garden on the roof. But the designer is found dead in the koi pond.
1920s Prohibition setting, with some humor.
Penelope Banks, a wealthy heiress who once had to rely on being a card shark after being disinherited by her family, never has to worry about money again. She is an independent woman with a nose for solving murders. She attends the grand opening of an ostentatious new hotel in New York, complete with a Japanese garden on the roof. But the designer is found dead in the koi pond.
1920s Prohibition setting, with some humor.
June 9, 2024
The Beauty of a Japanese Garden
I have read these first four books and adore every one of them. This is a wonderful series and this particular book kept me guessing as to who the culprit was. With the beauty of a Japanese garden as the setting this is a fun and engaging mystery! Enjoy!
I have read these first four books and adore every one of them. This is a wonderful series and this particular book kept me guessing as to who the culprit was. With the beauty of a Japanese garden as the setting this is a fun and engaging mystery! Enjoy!
April 17, 2025
Is Penelope Getting High?
In a matter, Yes. An invitation to the opening of a Japanese Garden on the roof of a posh new hotel gets Pen tied in with a tale murder, opium and class warfare. She finally gains the trust of her pet detective so they can work side-by-side. An intriguing puzzler of a novel.
In a matter, Yes. An invitation to the opening of a Japanese Garden on the roof of a posh new hotel gets Pen tied in with a tale murder, opium and class warfare. She finally gains the trust of her pet detective so they can work side-by-side. An intriguing puzzler of a novel.
July 12, 2025
Murder in the Gardens!!
Wow! This was quite a amazing read. So many twists and turns, I couldn't quite keep up with them all, but was very happy at how this book ended. I can't wait to read what the next book will be about. I'd definitely recommend this entire series to anyone!! 💯💯
Wow! This was quite a amazing read. So many twists and turns, I couldn't quite keep up with them all, but was very happy at how this book ended. I can't wait to read what the next book will be about. I'd definitely recommend this entire series to anyone!! 💯💯
September 11, 2022
Another good read!
I must say that this series gets better with each installment. I suggest if you look for adventure, entertaining characters, intriguing storylines, along with some comedic situations that this is a book for you!
I must say that this series gets better with each installment. I suggest if you look for adventure, entertaining characters, intriguing storylines, along with some comedic situations that this is a book for you!
October 9, 2022
Less than meh. This is the fourth--and last--of the series that I will read. Little suspense, grasping at a motive, characters I didn't care about. Oh, well, so many good books to read that I won't miss this series at all.
December 14, 2022
very enjoyable
After four books the characters are become like friends. Looking forward to the developing relationship between Pen and the detective . I heartily recommend all of these books to anyone.
After four books the characters are become like friends. Looking forward to the developing relationship between Pen and the detective . I heartily recommend all of these books to anyone.
August 6, 2023
I have loved all the Pen Banks books so far.The characters are well developed.The author gives you an historical insight to the 1920s and is well researched.Have yet to guess the murderer with lots of twists and turns.
October 31, 2023
Nobody Is As They Seem
Quite interesting book. I love the Penelope Banks books. She is learning so much as the series goes on. Amazing what kind of trouble 'the Haves an the Wanna Bes get into just for money.
Quite interesting book. I love the Penelope Banks books. She is learning so much as the series goes on. Amazing what kind of trouble 'the Haves an the Wanna Bes get into just for money.
March 24, 2025
Book 4 Murder in the Gardens A Historical Mystery Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries
Penelope Banks after attending the grand opening of a hotel is partnered with a detective to find the killer of not one but two victims.
Penelope Banks after attending the grand opening of a hotel is partnered with a detective to find the killer of not one but two victims.
March 28, 2025
Another Murder Mystery Solved
I really enjoy reading Colette Clark's mysteries. They are fast moving and a page turner. I must say, she is also improving my vocabulary. It seems I do find myself looking up words on Wikipedia! That's a good thing!
I really enjoy reading Colette Clark's mysteries. They are fast moving and a page turner. I must say, she is also improving my vocabulary. It seems I do find myself looking up words on Wikipedia! That's a good thing!
September 18, 2026
Another great book in the series. I really enjoyed this one. The plot and storyline were interesting. The characters are well developed and growing in their relationships. There are some good twists and turns. Some good humor. It contains some suspense. Highly recommend.
June 29, 2022
witty lady pi!
Fun read. 1930’s setting. Rich folks in New York. Well written mystery with fun intelligent lady pi solving murder. Will be reading more of her books!
Fun read. 1930’s setting. Rich folks in New York. Well written mystery with fun intelligent lady pi solving murder. Will be reading more of her books!
August 13, 2022
Pleasant if shallow. A good brain bonbon. The recurring characters do not grow or deepen as the series progresses.
October 29, 2022
clean, cozy mystery
I am enjoying this cozy mystery series. This author has a real gift for surprising me with the stories solutions.
I am enjoying this cozy mystery series. This author has a real gift for surprising me with the stories solutions.
September 20, 2023
Book 200 was a slay ✨
August 5, 2024
Wonderful
Enjoyed this mystery. Like the development of characters and their interactions. It was a nice build up to the culprits and their motives.
Enjoyed this mystery. Like the development of characters and their interactions. It was a nice build up to the culprits and their motives.
May 5, 2025
Sat here wondering if people really did say ‘pineapples’ to express frustration in the 1920s
January 13, 2026
OK, 1920's cozy mystery in NY
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews