[REVIEW] - "Crook Tales for Two" by Ellen Byerrum

Good morning, my dear readers, how are you? Today I bring you the review of "Crook Tales for Two" by Ellen Byerrum.

The book was provided to me in advance by NetGallery, in exchange for an honest review.

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Title: Crook Tales for Two

Author: Ellen Byerrum

Published: 5 February 2024

Pages: 378

Where to find: Amazon

It’s 1934. PROHIBITION IS OVER!

Champagne corks are popping and guns are blazing!

When Broadway's hot new female playwright crosses paths with a handsome (and mysterious) private eye, there will be drama (and comedy too.)

"It occurred to me that if I hadn’t tried to do a good deed and return the gold watch Mr. Scavullo left at the lunch counter, a strange man wouldn’t be holding me at gunpoint. That was the problem with good deeds. Unintended consequences."

Comedy, mystery, and romance intertwine in a frothy mix in CROOK TALES FOR TWO, a caper set in New York City in 1934 with an Art Deco verve. Prohibition is over and those with money pop the bubbly, dance the nights away, and attend the latest plays.

Mere days before her first Broadway opening, playwright Esmé de LaForet discovers what happens when good deeds go awry: murder, mobsters, reporters, dangerous dames from high and low society, and nerve-wracking opening nights. Esmé has enough on her plate. She doesn’t need the complications that come when she tries to return a lost watch to its owner, a man she’s seen at church. There’s a lot about this Scavullo guy she doesn’t know. She follows him with the watch and sees him duck into an empty school, so she does the same. That’s when shots ring out and she seeks safety in a supply closet, only to be discovered by a stranger--with a pistol in his hand. He claims to be one of the good guys, but he's dressed like a flashy mobster.

Scavullo's murder kicks off their first meeting with a bang, and Esmé finds herself playing cat-and-mouse with this secretive stranger, private investigator Graydon Chase, while coping with gold-digging debutantes, mothers and butlers, lurking mobsters, and a major dose of romantic chemistry. This detecting duo dig, clash, crash, and match wits, while juggling temperamental-yet-dramatic actors, unpredictable gangsters, and a deadly virus sweeping the city. Oh, and with Esme's life at risk from an unknown killer, she might also be trying to dodge a case of love.

CROOK TALES FOR TWO is an effervescent, fun and delightful read with a stylish Nick-and-Nora vibe.

“A romantic murder mystery romp that sets the stage for a fun and entertaining read. A delightful tale

with wit, charm and style!”

Nancy J. Cohen, author of The Bad Hair Day Mysteries

I would like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Crook Tales for Two by Ellen Byerrum in exchange for an honest review.

A Whirlwind of Romance, Mystery, and Intrigue: "Crook Tales for Two" by Ellen Byerrum

In the bustling streets of 1934 New York City, where the echoes of Prohibition still linger and the shadows of gangsters loom large, playwright Esmé de LaForet finds herself thrust into a whirlwind of danger and romance. In "Crook Tales for Two," Ellen Byerrum weaves a captivating tale filled with drama, comedy, and suspense, transporting readers to a bygone era of glitz and glamour.

As Esmé embarks on the eve of her Broadway debut, a seemingly innocent act of returning a lost watch propels her into a web of intrigue and danger. When she crosses paths with private investigator Graydon Chase, sparks fly amidst the chaos of murder, mobsters, and opening night nerves. Their banter crackles with wit and charm, reminiscent of the classic Hollywood duos of yesteryear, adding an extra layer of delight to the narrative.

Byerrum skillfully balances the elements of mystery and romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and turns. From the glamorous world of the theatre to the gritty underbelly of New York's criminal underworld, "Crook Tales for Two" paints a vivid picture of a city pulsating with life and intrigue. With its engaging characters, fast-paced dialogue, and evocative setting, this novel is sure to delight fans of historical fiction and cosy mysteries alike.

In conclusion, "Crook Tales for Two" is a delightful romp through 1930s New York, filled with humour, suspense, and romance. Ellen Byerrum's adept storytelling and vibrant characters make this a must-read for anyone craving a captivating escape into the past. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or romance, this novel offers something for everyone, making it a perfect addition to your reading list.