Murder with a Twist: A Nic and Nigel Murder By Tracy Kiely
by Cynthia Chow
Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review.
Nicole and Nigel Martini are in New York for Christmas, but also (and more importantly for the Martini family) to celebrate Nigel’s cousin Audrey’s twenty-fifth birthday. It seems that the party may be put on hold, however, as Audrey's Lothario husband has once again gone missing and she is threatening to cancel the event. The last thing Aunt Olive Beasley will tolerate is the humiliation of uninviting socially prominently New Yorkers to the Christmas party, so she orders former NYPD detective Nic to find Leo and drag him home. Nic may have retired after being shot on duty (and marrying former playboy Nigel Martini), but she’s lost none of her professional skills and quickly discovers Leo is up to his neck in debt and organized crime.
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A classic movie buff, Nigel restores and preserves films in Los Angeles, and his charming lackadaisical attitude perfectly balances out Nic's far more grounded personality. That she accepts his impulsive adoption of a two-hundred-pound bull-mastiff puppy (he thought it was a better choice than the piranha) is a sign of their love—and how Nigel brings out her hidden lighter side. Nic can handle and stare down shady crime figures, but when it comes to her husband's former playboy ways and his social-climbing aunt, it's obvious where Nic feels more comfortable.
"So why are we having dinner with your aunt and uncle again?"
"For the good company, of course."
"Is that a new catering company?"
"No."
"Then try again."
Image source: Midnight Ink
The author of the delightful “Elizabeth Parker” novels that celebrate her obsession with Jane Austen, Tracy Kiely's modern twist on the Nick and Nora detective duo proves to be similarly charming and clever. Although it’s definitely a case of opposites attracting one another, playboy Nigel and grounded Nora have an undeniable love and smoldering chemistry when together. Their witty banter is fast, sexy, and feels entirely natural. Nic’s interrogation of menacing New York crime figures intersperses with obligatory Martini family events that are just as perilous (to Nic's sanity, at least).
The novel is original, well-written, and absolutely fun to read, speeding toward a conclusion that is as satisfying as it is unpredictable. This debut series by a skilled writer seamlessly blends humor, danger, and romance with compelling family drama and secrets.
To enter to win a copy of Murder with a Twist, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Twist,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 13, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address.
Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & to indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).
Looks like a super book to read by the pool this summer!
ReplyDeleteCertainly could prove to have a twist or two - put on my TBR list!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking this out!
ReplyDeleteWe have a winner.