Michael Murphy (14) (1950–)

When we left Jake and Laura at the end of "Yankee Club", they were boarding a train for Hollywood where Laura is to star in a movie. (Ah the world that sentence conjures. The train in those days was a wonderful way to travel.)

When they arrive Laura is drawn immediately into the movie preparations leaving Jake to putter around writing his next blockbuster detective novel. The puttering doesn't last long but the novel gets pushed ever farther away as Jake is drawn into the murder of a studio show more exec and other hanky panky on the movie set.

As in "Yankee Club" the 1930s scene seems authentic. We meet the celebs of the day including Louella Parsons, the gossip columnist, William Powell the actor, his wife Carole Lombard and their glittering social circle.

Sometimes the mystery takes a back seat to the social whirl but not too often. It would be a good book to take on a train ride.

I received an advance review copy of "All that Glitters: A Jake and Laura Mystery" by Michael Murphy (Random House – Alibi) through NetGalley.com.

NOTE: This has nothing to do with the review of the book but I have to tell you. As you know, Advance Review books are not copyedited and often contain mistakes that are corrected before publication. This one has a howler: "she subtly pressed her breast, unencumbered by a brazier, against his arm." show less

Jake Donovan, author of the popular Blackie Doyle mystery series, returns to New York on business. He’s barely back when the personal reasons he left New York for slap him in the face, his former partner, Mickey, dies right in front of him, he’s shot in the leg, and to add insult to injury, is accused of murder. It’s great to be back.
Jake has to find Mickey’s killer, clear his name, stop a conspiracy, and save Laura, the only woman he’s ever loved. If he’s really lucky he might show more even win her back. With the help of old childhood buddies and a new friend or two it should be a piece of cake…Really…

THE YANKEE CLUB is a thoughtfully conceived and executed historical mystery with shades of noir set in New York during the 1930’s, a fascinating era. The blending of factual and fictional events and people adds a degree of “it could’ve happened like this” while plenty of twists, turns, and action set a fast pace. The mystery savvy will figure it out quickly. In fact, it wasn’t the “who, what, & why” but “how the devil do they prove & stop it” that kept me glued.
Some of the characters leaned toward stereotypical; a bit more depth would have been preferable. However; they’re still a charming and likeable bunch I look forward to joining on their next adventure.
Do Jake & Laura have what it takes to join the ranks of fictions beloved sleuthing couples? Only time will tell but they’re off to a promising start.
Reviewed by IvyD for Miss Ivy's Book Nook & Manic Readers show less

I enjoy a noir mystery every once in a while and certainly enjoyed this one. Set in 1930’s NYC, it deals with former cop turned mystery writer who comes home to finish the last chapter of his current book. He meets up with his former partner who is then murdered and he gets involved in the investigation. Rich with what it was like to live in that era and filled with enough suspense and romancer to make it a true noir story. I will continue to read this author’s books.

This book is so much more than I expected. We have the Woodstock and music references, and the aging hippies reliving a piece of history. But, beyond that, we have a love story, a story of aging and acceptance, friends finding their way past the pain, sorrow, humor, and a touch of suspense.

The writing here is an easy narrative. The author doesn't do word gymnastics to impress us. He gets out of the way and allows the story to unravel around us, pulling us in until we are a part of it all. show more

As Sparky struggles to let go of the wife he misses so badly, his dream world takes him back to Woodstock, where they met and fell in love. I'm not usually a fan of books that go back and forth in time. Nor am I a fan of stories told through dreams. But those things didn't even occur to me until I began writing this review. The transitions flows effortlessly, never feeling disjointed or contrived.

Goodbye Emily is one of those stories that leaves a lasting impact on readers. show less