I was not at all surprised to read in the author’s bio that she enjoyed reading Agatha Christie. As I read the opening banter between the Nic and her martini drinking playboy husband Nigel Martini, I was immediately transported to a bygone era the likes of which Ms. Christie would not have felt out of place, such a wonderful way to begin a book about a murder, especially one of such a universally despised character. Of course, the story is set in such the modern era that Harry Potter is beautifully referenced, but it never loses that opening flavor. Also, it also takes a certain flair to write theater people the way they are meant to be read and Tracy Kiely has done a fabulous job of capturing all of the ego, insecurities, eccentricities, and backstabbing that are the hallmarks of theater life, providing along the way a sharp contrast to the stark tv cop drama played out admirably by Nic and her former employers. Once this mystery begins to unravel it moves fast, but the author has done a fabulous job of keeping the reader in the thick of things while keeping classic storylines fresh. I am certainly going to have to look into previous Nic and Nigel installments.

Nic and Nigel Martini are enjoying the Manhattan night life at the opening night party for a Broadway play. The play was written by their good friend, Harper, and they are enjoying her accomplishments as much as they enjoy the people watching at the party. Harper's husband, Dan, is a theatre critic and not a particularly nice man. He writes a negative review of his wife's play and is found murdered the next day. Aside from being a negative reviewer, Nigel and Nic didn't think much of him as a human being and that Harper is probably better off without him. But when Harper is the prime suspect in Dan's murder, Nic and Nigel go in to action to track down the real killer.

I haven't read any of the other books in the Nic and Nigel series, but with my new-found appreciation for mysteries and the fact that I 1) love Manhattans as my drink of choice, and 2) I've spent a career working in theatre so the people and situations here are all familiar to me, I decided to give this a read.

One of the great things here is that even though this is the third book in the series, I never felt as though I was missing a large chunk of the story or character history. I suspect that there is some character growth through the series, but nothing was necessary to enjoying the current book. I greatly appreciate this sort of series!

The connection between Nic and Nigel is really well done. I am reminded of great partnership detective series like <em>Hart to Hart</em> or <em>Partners in Crime</em> or <em>Nick and Nora</em>. There's elegance and class and the couple understands each other rather intuitively. It's the sort of companionship that puts a smile on the reader's face just sensing the connection.

Author Tracy Kiely also does a nice job of letting us get to know the victim. We see what an absolute heel he is, which prevents us from sympathizing over his death, but also lends itself to our suspecting Harper early on.

Given the 'cozy' nature of the book, I did feel it went on a little too long - that we spent just a tad more time than necessary gathering clues and getting suspect backgrounds. Although the chapters are extremely short, making this an easy read, there were times I just wanted to get on with it and I wondered what the point was in a few of the chapters.

Even so, this is one of the better cozy mysteries I've read and I look forward to reading the earlier books, and subsequent new books in the series.

Looking for a good book? <em>A Perfect Manhattan Murder</em> by Tracy Kiely is a classy cozy mystery that will satisfy the quench for a smooth read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This is light and easy read great for weekend or waiting at that next appointment. The author sets a well pace tone and offers up solid mystery

It’s a wonderful thing when the third installment of a mystery series is even better than the previous books. This time, Nic and Nigel Martini are back in New York, where Nic used to be a police detective, until a wound put her into retirement, and Nigel knows, as he always does, the rich and snooty.

They’re visiting to see a new play written by an old friend, but another old friend, Harper, is struggling. Her husband, a theater critic, has annoyed, insulted, and disgusted just about everyone. He’s a social-climbing narcissist, so when he turns up dead, no one is unhappy. However, Harper is the leading suspect, so Nic and Nigel work on finding the real criminal to protect her.

The suspects include a theater producer with a fondness for young women, the play’s cast of actors, each with their own secrets and foibles, and various co-workers. I know it’s an easy way to comedy, but I particularly like the Martini’s dog, a remarkably well-behaved bullmastiff named Skippy that loves to shake hands and keeps getting mistaken for a small horse.

The dialogue sparkles, as always, and the mystery is a fast, fun read with plenty of distinctive characters. It’s a shame it’s so engrossing that I moved through it so quickly, because I’d like to spend a lot more time with Nic and Nigel.

Nicole/Nic was a former NYC homicide detective who was married to a wealthy playboy- well used to be playboy-. Named Nigel and they had a dog a pit massive named Skippy who went just about everywhere with them. The couple is at a Broadway opening of play written by a college friend- Penny- 0f Nic’s. Also they went to dinner with another college friend of nics named Harper and her husband Dan. Dan was Broadway’s toughest theater critic. Then the two couple’s go to the post show celebration at Fletcher Irving’s home who was the producer of the play. Dan acts up there and says he is going to the apartment where he does his work as he uses as an office. Next morning Dan is found dead he had been poisoned. and Harper in the police’s prime subject even though Harper was home with hers and Dan’s infant child. Nic and Nigel are determined to clear Harper’s name. Nic and Nigel have more suspects then they can follow up everyone seemed to hate Dan.
I liked this this story a lot. I liked the plot. I chuckled while reading this even though it involved a murder. This was an easy quick read. It also had a fast pace. I absolutely loved Skippy in this book I feel he definitely added to the story. This also had a fast pace. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

This is a fun and witty mystery. It harks back to a 1920s feel and it took me a few pages to realise it is set in the present time! It's pretty short so there's not a huge amount of characterisation but everything is clear, there's suspects and red herrings a plenty and I really enjoyed the setting and the writing style. I'd be very happy to read more from Nic and Nigel and the only question I had left by the end of the book was just how big IS Skippy??

Thank you to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the ARC of A Perfect Manhattan Murder.

I want to be a pet to Nigel and Nic. Hear me out, they are the coolest duo I have read this year, with their banter that makes you laugh till you cry, their dog/pony and the knack to solve a mystery. Seriously, even being a fly on the wall in their home would be wonderful!

Now I will say for my PG/G friends there is some foul language but not the type that will make you blush beyond belief. More of just the PG-13 style. Okay, now that the warning is out, I can dive right in. I was drawn into the story within the first suggestive line, it was hilarious! Seriously, Nigel stole my heart in this book, Nic has a great guy. His banter and charm is unparalleled in the cozy world, in fact I award him best male sleuth 2017. Nigel has this way of when the conversations are feeling a bit dry for his liking, he pops in with a comment that instantly brings a smile. Nic, darling you are one lucky lady. Smart and a former real detective! I was happy to follow along, you have an eye for details and information that others were missing. Nic is going to be a tough female sleuth to top now. She is so well written that I felt like I was watching her versus reading.

This entire book was impossible to put down, thankfully I had it downloaded on every device known to man in order to read it. Seriously, I love most of the books I review but this book was magical. It just held the best character interaction that I have read in years, it flowed and it had humor just where it was needed. I NEED to read more! Now off to mourn finishing this fine book.

Frothy cozy with good characters in Nik and Nigel (and Skippy!) This is very easy reading which is perfect for a rainy afternoon or a sunny one. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I haven't read Kiely before but she hits a sweet spot with this one. It's clever, reminiscent of the Thin Man, and there are chuckles- all positives in my book!

I love the Nic & Nigel Mysteries! They are a breezy, light-hearted tribute to Dashiell Hammett’s Nick and Nora Charles. The books are filled with playful banter, outrageous characters and diabolical crimes. The third book, The Perfect Manhattan Murder transports the reader to the world of Broadway from opening night to behind the scenes to a fabulous after party with two of Nic’s college friends. One of them is the writer of a new play. The other the wealthy wife of Broadway’s toughest theater critic. The morning after in this case brings news of the critic’s murder with his wife looking like the number one suspect. But it seems as if everyone hated this guy and soon Nic and Nigel, accompanied by their gigantic, drooly bull mastiff, Skippy, have more suspects than they can follow. Author Tracy Kiely wraps up this caper with admirable showmanship. The Perfect Manhattan Murder is a little bit hard-boiled and a little bit tongue in cheek and completely entertaining. Drink recipes included.

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'See what I mean about Fletch and the young girls? she asked. 'It's ridiculous. Whatever can she be thinking?'
'I'm going to go with "vague blurry thoughts",' I said.
...
'For some women, power is an aphrodisiac.'
Nigel nodded in agreement. 'Usually for the ones who can't spell it.'"
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I love this series - the books are fun and easy to read, with snappy dialogue and an old-school movie feel. That feel extends beyond the obvious Thin Man, Nick-and-Nora (and Asta too!), parallels; the plot lines and characterizations are, even though clearly set in modern times with modern elements, sprinkled with black-and-white sensibilities that I find thoroughly enjoyable.

In this latest installment, Nic and Nigel are back in the world of A-list New York, this time centered around the theater. There's the de rigeur murder, of course, and the wild and crazy cast of insanely over-the-top-yet-still-delightful suspects that readers of the series have come to expect. Nic remains overly involved in police work despite her retirement; Nigel remains too charming for words; Skippy remains gigantic and unbelievably integrated into Manhattan society. The mystery is never quite as mysterious as it could be. Fans of cozy mystery series will feel right at home with the format of the set-up and reveal. The perp is usually identifiable before said reveal, but there's always some fun twist or turn thrown in that makes the solution disproportionately entertaining. It is this element, as much as the snarky comments and snide references, that renders the series redolent of the black and white classics from such marvelous big screen pairings as Myrna Loy and William Powell, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, and Cary Grant and anyone... You usually saw the ending coming then, too, but the journey was such a delight you never minded!

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'You look like I could use a drink.'
'I get that a lot,' I replied.
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While I must admit that the second in the series remains my far and away favorite, this one was a delight and I hope that Kiely keeps writing more witty repartee for the fabulous Nic and Nigel...

Once again I have jumped into a series of cozies well into the middle. This time it was okay though! There was absolutely no need to have read the previous novels. There was very little mention of the other investigations done by the Martini super couple, and when they were mentioned it was very to the point.

The mystery was definitely your typical cozy. An unlikeable guy, a murder, and so many possible murders that you just want to say, what the hell...they all did it! I was following along so intently with the story that when Nic Martini suddenly solved in the blink of an eye, I was bewildered! There was no way there had been enough information. Of course when she explains the crime committed it was clear, I was very behind!

I adored Nic and Nigel! They were so witty and funny and endearing. I also loved Skippy, there lovable Mastiff and comedic relief.

Great story. I just wish it hadn't ended so abruptly.

Although I am fully enjoying cozy mysteries, the cartoonish covers throw me, lol. However, I was locked in at the blurb. I did enjoy that (even though I am going to go back and read the other installments) even though this is the third book in the series, I wasn't lost or confused while reading the book. It can be read as a stand-a-lone.

This was a fun, light and breezy cozy mystery that doesn't leave you feeling heavy afterward. I liked the dynamic between Nigel and Nic, very much about love and respect and evening out the other. Nigel is loving and protective and rolling up his sleeves and Nic is loving and about getting to the bottom of issues and getting dirty. The situation(s) they find themselves in and how they get out of it will keep you turning the pages.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is one of my all-time favorite series!

I was so excited to get this book. Nic, Nigel, and Skippy are so much fun to be around. The characters are loosely based on the characters from The Thin Man Series by Dashiell Hammett but you don’t need to read the books or watch the movies to enjoy these stories although fans will love the similarities.

This time they are in New York for a Broadway debut. After a critic gives a scathing review he is found dead. The critic happens to be married to Nic’s friend Harper. Nigel is not too sorry the man is dead but he joins Nic to help find the killer and support her friend any way they can.

This story is a really quick read. The pace is fast, the dialogue is snappy, and humor runs profusely throughout.

If you are new to this series you need to know that Skippy is not a small dog. He is a bull mastiff and he goes almost everywhere with Nigel and Nic. When people see him for the first time there is usually quite a reaction.

As we approached, her gaze dropped to Skippy: seconds later, her jaw followed suit. “Dear God, is that a dog?” she asked.

Nigel put his fingers over his lips. “Yes,” he said in a hushed voice, “but we haven’t told him yet. We’re waiting until he is older.”

I really enjoy the way Tracy Kiely writes. I feel like I am right with the “in crowd” tagging along with the Martinis. I can picture everything so clearly from the setting to the drinks to what everyone is wearing. She also gives us a fine mystery with plenty of suspects. The plot is lighthearted and has a breezy feel. You know like the movies from the days before I was born that remain some of my favorites today. I easily read it in an evening and found it absolutely entertaining.

A Perfect Manhattan Murder is the perfect spring/summer read, including recipes for some perfect cocktails. I highly recommend the entire series!!

“A Perfect Manhattan Murder” by Tracy Kiely is the third book in the Nic and Nigel Mystery series, and those who haven’t read the previous books can jump right in without any problem. Be careful when you read this book because you might just laugh out loud. There should not be anything funny about murder, but, yes, there really is a lot of things that are very funny in this book.

“A Perfect Manhattan Murder” could be an episode of a New York celebrity reality show with all the name-calling, deceit, backstabbing, jealousy, money grabbing, role stealing, blackmail, fake identities, and deception. All that is missing is a few video posts on Instagram and dozens of Tweets, and everyone involved would show up on the next episode of TMZ. The great, funny writing makes this book enjoyable, but the dog that is along for the ride certainly helps.

This is not a book that will produce a nail-biting stress induced headache, but it does not have to do that to be enjoyable. It is a quick read, and entertaining every step of the way. It is an enjoyable book with mystery and murder but without blood and gore. If you want more of a plot summary, read other reviews, or better yet, read the book. You will not be disappointed.

I was given a copy of “A Perfect Manhattan Murder” by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of the book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, but don’t tell anyone that I was laughing while I read a book about a murder – it might ruin my image.

If you're looking for a light mystery that will allow you to enter the rarified air of the high life in manhattan-the parties, the lifestyle (complete with martini recipes) and throw in a murder that two detectives and a dog are trying to solve you will find this third book in the series very enjoyable.

A Perfect Manhattan Murder: A Nic & Nigel Mystery
By Tracy Kiely
Midnight Ink
May 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

Our favorite couple that proves opposites attract return to tackle murder on Broadway. Playboy Nigel Martini and his wife, former NYPD homicide detective Nic Martini, are back in New York for the opening of her friend Peggy McGrath’s Broadway play. Nic is thrilled to spend an evening with Peggy and their other schoolmate Harper, but not with her husband Dan, a Vanity Fair theater critic known as the Bastard of Broadway. A new baby, Harper’s immense family wealth, and the lack of a pre-nuptial agreement have Harper tied to the narcissist, which comes to an end when he is found murdered in his luxurious “work” apartment and she becomes the probable suspect.

Considering Dan’s reputation, few mourn the loss of yet another critic with writing aspirations of his own. Evidence seems to indicate that he had been using his apartment for more than just writing, but Dan’s cruel wit had done its share of damage within the dramatic realm. Although Nic trusts that Harper could never have actually killed Dan, it doesn’t look good that she has a Manny resembles a personal trainer more than a hired caretaker. Complicating matters is that in addition to the play he was trying to produce, Dan may have been using a tell-all more for leverage than writing credits. A producer with an interchangeable number of young ingénue girlfriends, an out leading man, beleaguered assistant, and grand dame of theatre all enliven both the suspect list and brilliant cast of characters. Not to mention Nick and Nigel’s don’t-tell-him-he’s-a-dog bullmastiff Skippy, who isn’t a suspect but does deserve his own credit.

This continues to be an absolutely delightful series that creates a sense of nostalgia through the bantering dialogue of its charming detectives. Nic displays an exasperation for Nigel’s juvenile antics when she not-so-secretly revels in them, while he in turn plays out his playboy persona to its fullest. Underneath the pretense though, they have an unwavering devotion to one another and complete confidence in the other’s love and capabilities. Nigel may have come from a socialite family of vast wealth, but he has little respect for superficiality or class structure. He is completely supportive of his wife’s investigations, and while he doesn’t exactly enjoy working, he never hesitates to have her back. The bon mots, witty dialogue, Oscar Wilde-worthy insults, and exploitation of Broadway’s egocentric eccentrics are endlessly entertaining. This very modern mystery somehow feels as though it was written from a bygone era, which is an amazing feat from a very talented author. If you thought you enjoyed Tracy Kiely’s Jane Austen-loving Elizabeth Parker series, you will love this series that is a tribute to the Nick and Nora Charles novels by Dashiell Hammett.

REVIEW Thanks to Netgalley and Midnight Ink I managed to get my hands on this charmingly funny murder mystery - A Perfect Manhattan Murder by Tracy Kiely.

I haven't read any of her previous novels but adored the synopsis on Netgalley and just had to read it! It looked like my kinda read. What was unique about A Perfect Manhattan Murder even though I picked it up at the third installment I didn't feel like I was missing anything from the story. A Perfect Manhattan Murder could be read as a standalone novel.

Nic (former detective), Nigel (former playboy) and Skippy are an unusual gang (Skippy being a dog and all!) There's a beautiful dynamic between Nic and Nigel. Nigel doesn't take life too seriously but is extremely protective of his wife Nic. And Nic is well Nic she sees passed the face value of things and delves into the nitty gritty of it all.

A Perfect Manhattan Murder is a light and fluffy murder mystery with a sprinkling of hilarity. Tracy Kiely sets the tone with her characters it's clear who you're going to dislike from the get go and who you'll be rooting for.

Great mystery, great subject matter. Slightly boring delivery of it all. Still an enjoyable read.

Nic and Nigel, the gender-swapped, modern day Thin Man couple, are back for another fast-paced, quip-exchanging mystery. This was VERY loosely based on "Another Thin Man" but don't think that if you know the movie, you'll be on an inside track to figure out the murderer. This book is very fairly clued though and you should probably be able to figure it out.
Nic and Nigel are back in New York City to watch her friend Penny's new play. They are also seeing a third friend, Harper who is married to, Dan, the play critic for <i>Vanity Fair</i>. Nic and Nigel aren't excited about a dinner with Dan and Harper since the man is an egotistical bore. Harper just had their baby six months ago but Dan couldn't care less. He's even rented a "weekend apartment" so that he can work without having to listen to the baby cry.
When Dan turns up dead in the apartment, Harper is the most obvious suspect, though far from the only. He angered a lot of people with his reviews; he was working on a book that was going to be an expose of sorts and threatened to reveal a lot of people's secrets. And it's possible he was having an affair.
If you liked the first book, you'll certainly like this book. If you like books that are fast, fun, and fluffy with rapid-fire dialogue a la The Thin Man (sometimes quoted directly from the movie), you'll like this book. I don't think having seen the movies is a must, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.

Four stars
This book comes out May 8