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Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries #6
The Great Gaston Murder
A glitzy party to end the summer with a bang…that ends with an even bigger bang. New York 1925 It’s Penelope “Pen” Banks’s twenty-fifth birthday and she is throwing a summer party that would leave even Gatsby himself in awe. Upon arriving early to the Long Island mansion where it’s to be held, she discovers a young, handsome artist has taken up residence in one of the cottages on the property. There are secrets and suspicions surrounding James Gaston’s arrival, including the nearby murder of a maid from another estate across the bay. Still, there’s something about the young man that encourages Pen to help him in his endeavor to win back his long-lost love, most notably his mysterious relationship with the original owner of the Long Island home, Agnes Sterling. Amid love triangles, bitter rivalries, class warfare, and cryptic relationships, another murder occurs the night of Pen’s party. Now, with the help of Detective Richard Prescott, she must discover the true motives behind each murder in order to find justice for the dead. The Great Gaston Murder is the sixth book in the Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries series set in 1920s New York. The enjoyment of a historical mystery combined with the excitement, daring, and danger of New York during Prohibition and the Jazz Age.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2022
About the author
Colette Clark
20 books87 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 18, 2023
Ah yes, here we go again! Of all the books in this series, I think this one in particular is the most similar to the first one, my favorite. It takes place in the same mansion, has a similar double murder, and has the triumphant return of Penelope’s own Inspector Lestrade (I'm kidding on that last part, I could have done without him, if I’m honest). What makes this installment special is that it takes on a Gatsby flair, making it a fun partial retelling of The Great Gatsby, only in mystery format, full of yearning looks across the lake and sordid love triangles! It was cool because we even get stand-ins for Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom! Basically, this book is like if (spoilers for The Great Gatsby?) Jay Gatsby’s murder was a mystery... and Nick Carraway (or Penelope Banks, in this case) had to solve it. Otherwise, If I had one tiny complaint, I'd say that the reveal wasn't as satisfying as I'd hoped. Sure, it was unexpected, but maybe not as interesting to the narrative. This isn't always the case with these kinds of books, but I think this is a situation where I'd totally be okay with the most obvious suspect actually being the culprit in the end. Sometimes mysteries like to duck-and-dive and twist-and-turn so~oo much just to avoid being guessed at correctly by the reader that by the time we actually get to the reveal the whole thing just looks like a tangled mess in retrospect. Sometimes it’s okay if it was just the butler, if you catch my drift. Of course, that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy this, because I can say with my whole heart that this series, with its trademarked stylish charm, remains an absolute delight to read! It probably sounds a little morbid to say this about a murder mystery, but finishing these books never fails to put me in a great mood! I love them so much! Seriously, I’m living like I’m nine-zeros.
“Your method always seems to follow the path of—“
“Meddling?” Pen teased.
“Indeed.”
“Your method always seems to follow the path of—“
“Meddling?” Pen teased.
“Indeed.”
February 17, 2023
Rating: 5 / 5
Wow. Um...okay, WOW.
This was, hands down and no doubt, the BEST book of this series so far!
I seriously don't want to give anything away (although some of my notes that I'll be sharing to identify The Great Gatsby Easter Eggs might do that), but this was just overall spectacular, and an interesting and original take on what the 1920s is all about: partying and the tragedies that follow!
The author promises twists on the most famous book of the decade--The Great Gatsby--and she certainly delivers! (Mostly!)
Let's just say that it was fun for me, as a high school English teacher, to tactfully pick out all of those references, and be able to apply them easily. We also have character and relationship development in this book as well, making it all and all a well-rounded Penelope Banks murder mystery!
Just...gah, I'm still getting over how awesome it is, and what the cover promises is definitely what we get! Just...check it out if you haven't already, what else can I say?!
Wow. Um...okay, WOW.
This was, hands down and no doubt, the BEST book of this series so far!
I seriously don't want to give anything away (although some of my notes that I'll be sharing to identify The Great Gatsby Easter Eggs might do that), but this was just overall spectacular, and an interesting and original take on what the 1920s is all about: partying and the tragedies that follow!
The author promises twists on the most famous book of the decade--The Great Gatsby--and she certainly delivers! (Mostly!)
Let's just say that it was fun for me, as a high school English teacher, to tactfully pick out all of those references, and be able to apply them easily. We also have character and relationship development in this book as well, making it all and all a well-rounded Penelope Banks murder mystery!
Just...gah, I'm still getting over how awesome it is, and what the cover promises is definitely what we get! Just...check it out if you haven't already, what else can I say?!
November 16, 2022
Overall it was good enough for four stars but I hate it when a character I really like is killed. This one had so much promise as a character going forward but sadly my vision and the author's differed on that point. I think we expect tragedy in literary fiction, such as The Great Gatsby, which the author brought up in her commentary about writing this book. We don't necessarily expect it in genre cozy mysteries.
September 26, 2023
Best one yet
January 27, 2023
Not exactly the birthday she was planning
Some spoilers.
Penelope Banks is throwing a bash for her 25th birthday. She’s invited friends and more for a blow out in the style of her friend and the former owner of the house Agnes. Her weekend plans have some snags first in the presence of an unknown guest James Gaston, then in not one but two murders. Sadly the second which happened to be James her new friend and as she discovers family. Now Pen is on the case with help from her Beau Detective Richard Prescott.
An interesting read with a blowout to do the roaring 20’s proud. Much of the action happens in a very short time span namely the party and the day after. Pen has some definite Holmes like moments when she discovers the culprits behind both murders. It’s bittersweet when Pen finally gets answers about her family in the form of her grandfather and James, disappointment in the former and regret over the short time with the latter. There is still the fun loving, devil may care Pen but there is also more now especially with the facts she learns about her mother and grandfather. A sad bit of an ending but an enjoyable and surprising ride along with Pen to discover who committed the crimes.
Some spoilers.
Penelope Banks is throwing a bash for her 25th birthday. She’s invited friends and more for a blow out in the style of her friend and the former owner of the house Agnes. Her weekend plans have some snags first in the presence of an unknown guest James Gaston, then in not one but two murders. Sadly the second which happened to be James her new friend and as she discovers family. Now Pen is on the case with help from her Beau Detective Richard Prescott.
An interesting read with a blowout to do the roaring 20’s proud. Much of the action happens in a very short time span namely the party and the day after. Pen has some definite Holmes like moments when she discovers the culprits behind both murders. It’s bittersweet when Pen finally gets answers about her family in the form of her grandfather and James, disappointment in the former and regret over the short time with the latter. There is still the fun loving, devil may care Pen but there is also more now especially with the facts she learns about her mother and grandfather. A sad bit of an ending but an enjoyable and surprising ride along with Pen to discover who committed the crimes.
November 30, 2022
I love this series!
Penelope Banks is feisty, smart and a great detective. These historical mysteries are set in the 1920's in new York. great characters, locations and top notch mysteries in each story. Can't wait for the next one!
Penelope Banks is feisty, smart and a great detective. These historical mysteries are set in the 1920's in new York. great characters, locations and top notch mysteries in each story. Can't wait for the next one!
October 23, 2022
Better
This one better than the last. The characters growing, changing. Plot convoluted, tricky enough. The ending, well, no dogs died . . .
This one better than the last. The characters growing, changing. Plot convoluted, tricky enough. The ending, well, no dogs died . . .
November 1, 2022
25th birthday celebration?
To honor Agnes memory and celebrate her own birthday Pen plans a final outrageous party. Among the presents ..... family history revealed and murder.
To honor Agnes memory and celebrate her own birthday Pen plans a final outrageous party. Among the presents ..... family history revealed and murder.
November 7, 2022
tricky
I really enjoy how this author will continually surprise me. Her solutions to the mysteries are any thing but normal.
I really enjoy how this author will continually surprise me. Her solutions to the mysteries are any thing but normal.
February 26, 2024
well written, I enjoyed it, I just wish ALL the writers would learn the difference between vice and vise. Vice is an immoral or unlawful act. as in the Vice squad. , A vise is a tool for holding something in place . His manly arms are vise-like, we hope not vice like.
and the word which once was used to stop a horse or mule, now showing amazement or unbelief, is spelled WHOA, NOT WOAH. Sorry, but grammatical errors just bother me. Ishish the ladies would be more careful .
I do like Pen and her detective.
and the word which once was used to stop a horse or mule, now showing amazement or unbelief, is spelled WHOA, NOT WOAH. Sorry, but grammatical errors just bother me. Ishish the ladies would be more careful .
I do like Pen and her detective.
June 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the entire series, so far. The main character, Penelope, is a completely likeable character, who has just enough wit, charm, and caring about her to endear her to almost everyone worth knowing. Men, for the larger portion, were such scoundrels in the 20's. It made men like Penelope's detective, Richard stand out boldly in the story. I most definitely recommend the book and the rest of the series I have read, so far.
October 12, 2024
I really enjoy period mysteries, especially those set in the 1930s or 1920s. If you enjoy them as well, the Penelope Banks mysteries are among the best. Pen is smart, determined, and meddlesome (her word). In this episode, she's throwing herself a Gatsby-esque birthday party. Unfortunately it ends with a murder. When Pen investigates, a door to her past is opened to startling disclosures. A fast. fun read with a good mystery at it's heart.
November 4, 2023
Secrets and Surprises
Agnes is the gift that keeps on giving. Celebrating Pen's 25th birthday at the mansion seems like the best idea ever. Sadly, a murder happens on the big night. And there is much more to the murder than anyone knows. Very Gatsbyesque. The Easter eggs are everywhere.
Agnes is the gift that keeps on giving. Celebrating Pen's 25th birthday at the mansion seems like the best idea ever. Sadly, a murder happens on the big night. And there is much more to the murder than anyone knows. Very Gatsbyesque. The Easter eggs are everywhere.
June 19, 2024
A 25th Birthday Surprise
Another great mystery to keep you guessing. It's a weekend of celebrating Pens 25th birthday, but somebody is planning a surprise she won't like. After 2 people are killed, Pen is on the hunt for the truth. Read this book and join her as she touches the past and the present to discover the murderer.
Another great mystery to keep you guessing. It's a weekend of celebrating Pens 25th birthday, but somebody is planning a surprise she won't like. After 2 people are killed, Pen is on the hunt for the truth. Read this book and join her as she touches the past and the present to discover the murderer.
March 17, 2023
another good read from this author
Quirky. A interesting and fun read, looking for more of this author, thanks for the twists and turns it kept me guessing, T he era is presented well.
Quirky. A interesting and fun read, looking for more of this author, thanks for the twists and turns it kept me guessing, T he era is presented well.
April 19, 2023
A wild ride!! I was hooked…… recommend
The north shore of Long Island— the Gold Coast. The Great Gatsby. All of the friends we have gotten to know in the earlier books—very satisfying. There are enough loose ends to look forward to seeing them take shape in the next books.
The north shore of Long Island— the Gold Coast. The Great Gatsby. All of the friends we have gotten to know in the earlier books—very satisfying. There are enough loose ends to look forward to seeing them take shape in the next books.
May 8, 2023
The Great Gaston Murder book 6
This is a great murder mystery during the flapper era with hints of romance .With murders and mayhem and finger pointing and long lost family both good and bad.❣️💃🏻😔🕵️
This is a great murder mystery during the flapper era with hints of romance .With murders and mayhem and finger pointing and long lost family both good and bad.❣️💃🏻😔🕵️
April 3, 2023
Outstanding, immediately draws you into their world
From the first paragraph I’m caught up in a different world. Amazing writing in each and every book in this series:
From the first paragraph I’m caught up in a different world. Amazing writing in each and every book in this series:
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews