Dead in the Frame

If you’re a fan of snappy dialogue, gutsy heroines, and 1940s New York, the Pentecost and Parker mystery series is just the ticket for you. Will Parker doggedly works to free her boss, Lillian Pentecost, from the notorious House of D (D for detention) where she awaits trial. The murdered man was odious, a collector of violence and other people’s pain, and had publicly declared his intention to ruin Ms. P’s vaunted reputation as a detective. But she couldn’t have been the one who pulled the trigger—could she?? When Will isn’t running up against dead ends, barely restraining herself from decking obstinate witnesses, and making smart-aleck remarks, we are treated to Ms. P’s jailhouse journal as she struggles to keep her fear show more in check. A colorful cast of characters blends well with some thoughtful insights on the price of cruelty and revenge that seem particularly apt in these times. Another whip-smart entry in the Pentecost and Parker series. Reading the five books in order gives an extra pay-off but you can dive right in with this newest one. show less

Will returns from a holiday to find Lilian being taken away by the police, charged with the murder of Jessup Quincannon, a man who had threatened her and about whom she had expressed murderous thoughts. Lilian is remanded in a women's detention centre, so it is up to Will to investigate who really murdered Jessup as Lilian's heath deteriorates.

The writing and tone were as pleasing as ever and the story bounced along a fast pace, but I felt the solution was a bit unfair - not particularly clued for the reader and not as interesting as I had anticipated. The set up for the next book was intriguing though.

This is a consistently good series.

I love the quick wit in these books as much as I love the characters and the mystery. Lillian Penetecost is accused of the murder of Jessup Quincannon. Will Parker, Lillian's sidekick, knows that her boss is innocent of the crime, but she has to find proof. The evidence against Lillian is damning and Lillian is sitting in jail awaiting trial. The book is intricately plotted and the reveal of the crime and how and why it was done, were delightful to read. I laughed at many of the asides and comments made by Will.
I really enjoy this series and I can't wait to read the next book which was alluded to in the last pages of this one!

Sad to say this is the last in the series == until the next one is published of course. I've enjoyed the series as Parker has grown under the tutelage of Pentecost and yet it's Pentecost who really does figure it out.

Another entertaining and well-plotted entry in the series.