This second book in Stephen Spotswood's Pentecost & Parker historical mystery series, Murder Under Her Skin, is even better than the first (Fortune Favors the Dead). World-famous detective Lillian Pentecost and her protégée Willowjean "Will" Parker are a rare combination in crime fiction. Pentecost has a mind like the proverbial steel trap, a glass eye, and multiple sclerosis. Teenage Will Parker ran away from an abusive situation at home and finally spent five years in a circus before joining Pentecost. It's not often that readers come across two hardboiled female gumshoes, but Pentecost and Parker excel in their roles.

Taking Will back to Hart & Halloway's Traveling Circus lets readers learn more of her backstory, and the small circus setting in 1946 rural Virginia is so well done that I felt as though I were right in the thick of things. Will finds it hard to believe that the people she considers family are lying to her, and it makes her uncomfortable knowing that Pentecost may learn things about her past that Will doesn't necessarily want her to know.

Murder Under Her Skin is told in Will's irreverent voice, and I love it. She has an excellent turn of phrase, whether it be in describing the sounds a group of tarantulas make when it's on the move, or in noticing that no one sits in a dead man's chair when she visits someone's home. One of my favorites? When Will describes an ill-tempered guard dog of a secretary: "She kept a close eye on us from the gunner's turret of her desk." The mental picture that immediately sprang to my mind was perfection.

Another piece of perfection was the mystery itself. Spotswood has crafted a mystery that kept me completely in the dark from beginning to end, and once everything was revealed, I could see where he'd planted his clues all along the way. I read a boatload of crime fiction, so I love it when an author can do this to me.

Stephen Spotswood's Pentecost & Parker series has become one of my favorites in just two books. I can't wait to see what these two get up to in their next investigation.

Lillian Pentecost is a private investigator in 1946 New York City. Will Parker is her female assistant. Will’s former job was as a circus knife thrower’s assistant. When the knife thrower is arrested for the stabbing death of the tattooed lady, Lillian and Will travel to rural Virginia to investigate inside the circus in Murder Under Her Skin.

Who doesn’t love the idea of peeking into the lives of circus folk? Most, if not all, have disturbing backstories that contain their reasons for joining the socially ostracized group. Will, with her own secrets to hide, has friendships with some of the suspects. Will that be helpful or blind her to the truth?

The atmospheric setting is the best part of Murder Under Her Skin. The mystery at the book’s heart has clear clues but many red herrings too making it a true challenge to solve. Most of the main characters were genuine and fully fleshed out. However, other characters were more like rural 1940s movie stereotypes, so I took off one star. 4 stars!

Thanks to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Will Parker and Ms. Pentecost are a formidable crime-solving duo. When an old friend calls in a favor and asks them to investigate the death of a Ruby, a tattooed lady from the circus, Will leaps at the chance. That circus had once been her home, and Ruby, her friend. But upon arriving in a small town where the circus is currently playing, Parker and Pentecost become entangled in long-simmering jealousies, a narcotics ring, and a myriad of suspects.
A delightful read!

4 stars!

Willowjean “Will” Parker and Lillian Pentecost are back to solve another mystery, but this time it’s personal for Will. After running away from home, Will found a new one with Hart and Halloway’s Traveling Circus and Sideshow. It was there where Valentin Kalishenko taught Will everything she needed to know about knives. Now a performer of the circus, Ruby Donner, has been found dead with a knife in her back and all signs point to Kalishenko. Parker and Pentecost head down to Stoppard, Virginia to figure out what really happened.

I read Fortune Favors the Dead earlier this year and absolutely loved it. I was anxiously awaiting this sequel and boy did it not disappoint! I loved the new cast of characters that surrounded this mystery and the setting of the story was so captivating. I was worried that I would be able to figure out the ending but I was left guessing the entire time! If you’re a mystery fan then you have to give this one a read!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Murder Under Her Skin is a very solid follow-up to Fortune Favors the Dead. It continues a few months after the previous case left off, firstly with Pentecost and Parker tying up some loose ends in an arson case, before introducing the main story: the death of one of Will’s friends from the circus. It took us out of NYC and into the small town where Ruby had grown up, and where the circus is now stopped.

Frankly, what I’ve liked best about these stories so far is that I haven’t been able to pick the killer. Just as in book 1 the culprit was a surprise, so was the case here. And a surprise in a good way, because it shows just how well thought out the actual mysteries are here. They were so tightly plotted, but with just the right amount of information kept back (because, really, this is Will-from-the-future’s remembrances) to keep you guessing. But they were also the sort that, when you find out who did it, you can go back and be like “ohhhhh” as it all clicks into place.

I think part of its success in this is the way Spotswood brings the locations and people to life on the page. You can really feel like you’re there alongside everyone, which I think particularly helps with the mystery aspect. These are the kind of book that you can see coming to life on TV (what I wouldn’t give…).

If you’re looking for a solid historical mystery series to get into this winter, look no further than this one.

Murder Under Her Skin by Stephen Spotswood is a wonderful period mystery. The hard-bitten detectives are two quirky, smart women. The story is set in 1930-40 depression era middle America. The tone of the narrative is delightfully noir. The murder takes place in a failing traveling circus, which opens the possibility for lots of odd characters with shady pasts. This is a very fun read.

This is the second in the Pentecost and Parker Mystery Series by Stephen Spotswood, a series that is uniquely hardboiled, considering the gender of the detectives, with just enough rye humor to keep it from becoming too heavy-handed. The mystery starts when people from Willowjean’s old life in the circus need the services she and her boss have cultivated in her new life as chief investigator for the Pentecost and Parker Agency. While Willowjean isn’t sure she likes the idea of the two separate lives becoming better acquainted, she’s equally sure her old friend and mentor, the knife throwing Kalishenko, couldn’t possibly have murdered their mutual circus member, Ruby, The Tattooed Lady. However, Kalishinko is in jail in a small town in North Carolina and Willowjean, along with Ms. Pentecost, heed the call for help.

Spotswood weaves the life and unique world of the circus in and out of the story with a deft hand. Willowjean is certain Ruby was murdered by someone local as circus people consider each other family and no one in the family would murder anyone else. Would they? As the investigation continues schisms in the family condition appear. There are also plenty of in the small North Carolina town where Ruby was raised including her old flame, his family, all members of the independent church in town. In addition to the suspects, there are numerous characters who have good depth and provide excellent additions to the main story. Each one is well developed, no matter how briefly they appear in the book.

The reader has ample opportunity to solve the mystery but may get so wrapped up in the story they decide not to worry about it and just enjoy the book. Spotswood does an excellent job of verbal sleight of hand, drawing your attention in one direction while dangling the truth just under your nose.

This mystery stands alone, and it is not necessary to have read the first one to thoroughly enjoy this book or to understand the relationship between Pentecost and Parker. There are some references to the first book which may pique your interest and have you going back to read it as well both because it is another good mystery and because it gives more insight into Pentecost and Parker. Doubleday books provided me with an advance copy of the book for this review. The opinions stated here are completely my own.

(The following review will run on CriminalElement.com the week of publication.)

It’s 1946 and Willowjean “Will” Parker has been the right-hand woman to private detective Lillian Pentecost for five years. In those years, she’s faced down murderers, madmen, and arsonists, just to name a few. And with Pentecost’s multiple sclerosis beginning to impede her work, Will’s started to transition from Girl Friday to true partner, with an eye to one day take over as lead investigator.

But before she was a private eye, Will had a very different, very interesting life as a member of the Hart & Halloway’s Traveling Circus and Sideshow:


I’d arrived at H&H an exhausted, underfed, bruised, and battered girl desperate to escape a life I knew would lead nowhere good. The idea of living in a world full of color and excitement, never staying in one place for more than a couple of weeks — it sounded like heaven.
I learned quick that circus life was far from heaven, but it was a long walk from the hell I’d been living in. I started out on dung duty, mucking stalls and cages and being the go-to girl for picking up whatever the four-legged members of the circus put down.
Eventually, I got promoted to the regular crew of roustabouts, did a stint selling sweets under the big top, then stumbled my way into being Kalishenko’s lovely assistant. Squeezed into a glorified bathing suit, I spent twelve hours a day sweating through my spangles as the man everyone in the crew called the Mad Russian flung knives at me.
Things got interesting when I started flinging them back.
Kalishenko thought I showed promise, so he started teaching me the tricks of the trade. That inspired other performers to take me under their wing, training me in the essentials of magic, acrobatics, horse-riding, snake-handling, sharpshooting, fortune-telling, and everything else along the midway.
In short, by the end of my time with the circus, I was a Jill-of-all-trades who could fill in for just about anybody’s assistant, as needed.
Then I crossed paths with Ms. Pentecost, saved her life by flinging a knife into the back of a man determined to kill her, and was hired as her assistant because she saw something in me.
But only because Kalishenko had seen it fist.


Now, Will’s past and present have collided with the murder of Ruby Donner, the Amazing Tattooed Woman. Ruby was one of her first friends and staunchest supporters in the circus, and hearing she was found with a knife in her back is a terrible shock.

To make matters worse, the man the local police are convinced did the deed is none other than Valentin Kalishenko, Will’s old mentor. That knife in Ruby’s back was one of his, after all, though Will knows Val always left his knives all over the place — it would be plenty easy for someone else to pick one up in the heat of a moment.

So Will and Pentecost pack up and hop a train for Stoppard, Virginia, to clear Kalishenko’s name and find the real culprit. What they find first, however, is a bevy of complications. To start, turns out Stoppard is Ruby’s hometown, making for an expanded list of suspects; perhaps an old neighbor, ex-love, or former friend wanted to see the Tattooed Lady dead. Now that she’s gone, her drunkard uncle does stand to inherit the family farm…

Then there’s the Bible-beating congregation of The Blood of the Lamb Church, which once counted Ruby as part of their congregation. Did one of the more zealous parishioners try to bring Ruby back into the fold, to save her from the sinful ways of the circus, only to give into their own sin of wrath?


“…That’s why we’re here,” he said. “To reach out to the lost. Or to trip up those who are walking the path away from God.”
Ms. P looked back at the stream of people heading in: happy families, smiling couples holding hands, children surging ahead, drawn by the music and the smell of spun sugar.
“Is the circus so very evil?”
“Oh, not truly evil,” he said. “It’s more a metaphor. A microcosm of the world, which is designed to seduce through the senses. To distract you. To wrap you up in lights and sounds and tastes. A world dedicated to the pleasures of the flesh — flesh that will go the way of all earthly things. To ashes and dust.”
Metaphor? Microcosm? I did a quick reevaluation of the preacher. He might have spent some time in the wilderness, but he had clearly stumbled on a dictionary while he was out there.
I also managed to catch a look on Sister Evelyn’s face — one that suggested she had a very different answer to the “Is the circus evil?” question, and it included words like “Yes” and “Very.”


And then there’s the circus folk, not all of whom are being very forthcoming or honest. Will doesn’t want to believe that any of her former family could be responsible — but it has been five years. The circus has suffered severe financial straits. People have changed, and there are new faces in the colorful tents. Perhaps Ruby met her end because she crossed another sideshow performer; she was allegedly on her way to discuss something important with Big Bob Halloway, the owner and ringleader, before she was stabbed.

The only thing that’s clear is that nothing about this case is, not with small town secrets and big top artifice muddying the waters. Even the woman who displayed every colorful inch of her body to appreciative crowds was hiding plenty…

Murder Under Her Skin is Spotswood’s second installment in his Pentecost and Parker series, and is just as vibrant and compelling as the first (Fortune Favors the Dead). The historical setting — particularly once our protagonists reach the circus — is very well done, fleshed out with plenty of detail that speaks of careful research.

The mystery itself has enough red herrings, suspicious suspects, and hard left turns that it’s difficult to predict just where it will lead to next, and the reveal is hardly a predictable one. But, honestly, the mystery itself isn’t the main draw of Murder Under Her Skin. No, the best things about this novel/series are Spotswood’s clever prose and dialogue, which so perfectly calls to mind the time period, and the very colorful characters he’s crafted.

And while all of the characters are exceedingly interesting, narrator Will in particular remains an absolute treat. Snarky protagonists are a familiar staple of noir, but there’s never been one quite like Parker, a gender nonconforming bisexual who should be an outlandish gimmick — I mean, a circus performer turned lady detective in post-WWII New York? — but decidedly isn’t, thanks to Spotswood’s sharp writing and characterization.

Will has a colorful past and tragedy in her back-story, yes, but she still feels like a living, breathing woman with complex motivations and desires. She’s also very, very angry, which is always nice to see in a heroine when it’s not played for laughs or as a character flaw; in Will Parker’s case, her anger stems from injustice and compassion, driving her on to be a better investigator on behalf of the victims. (Spotswood also does a superb job conveying her sexuality frankly, without sensationalizing it or writing in a way that feels too male gaze-y.)

Parker’s partner in crime-fighting, Lillian Pentecost, spends most of the story in the background; given the plot, it makes sense for Spotswood to keep Will our front-and-center heroine. Pentecost does get a couple of great moments to flex her Sherlockian genius, and though we learn a bit more about her past, she mostly remains an enigmatic cipher. But that’s not exactly a flaw of the novel; it just makes us more interested to find out more about her in future installments.

Of which I hope there will be many. Spotswood is quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite current authors, securing himself a spot on my instant-order list, and his Pentecost and Parker mysteries are a solid recommendation to any fans of historical fiction, lady investigators, or mysteries centered around queer characters.

Murder Under Her Skin is the second in the Pentecost and Parker series, and was as entertaining as the first book.

Willowjean and Lillian are called to a small town in Virginia, where one of Willowjean's old friends in the Hart & Halloway's Traveling Circus has been murdered, and another friend is accused of the crime. Willowjean and Lillian are convinced of Valentin's innocence, and get into plenty of trouble both from within the circus and in the town of Stoppard while trying to figure out who killed the Amazing Tattooed Woman.

This book is full of details about circus life in the 1940s, and the unique brother/sisterhood that circuses offered those who didn't fit into "society." The mystery offered plenty of twists and turns, and it is really fun to read about some unconventional women during this time period.

Thanks to Netgalley for this advance copy!

Pentecost and Parker are my new favorite crime-fighting duo. Willowjean "Will" Parker's spunky, hard-boiled narrative style propels this second book in the series, commanding just as much fascination as the first. These books are everything a mystery reader could want: propulsive plots, inclusive characterization, flashes of hilarity, and a solid whodunit. In this second outing, it is moving to see how Will's concern for and devotion to her boss, the seasoned PI Lillian Pentecost, is growing deeper, and yet she continues to be as incorrigible as ever. Her boss and friend can only try to keep her from taking insane risks in the pursuit of the truth.

This second action-packed installment in Spotswood's series takes place back at Will's old circus among her old crew of motley performers, where her old knife-throwing mentor Valentin Kalishenko is falsely accused and Parker and Pentecost must unmask the real killer and clear his name. What could be more fun? I can't wait for #3.

The clue to the murder lies within tattoos. on The Amazing Tattooed Women. Willowjean travels to the circus in the south, where she once worked. She and her boss need to uncover the murderer in order to save the head of the circus from the electric chair. Readers are introduced to a list of characters and a bit of how the circus life is lived.

Willowjean Parker and her boss, the prickly and brilliant Ms. Pentecost, are back for their second adventure. They are definitely not your usual cozy mystery combo. Willowjean split from an abusive home as a teenager and literally ran off and joined the circus -- where she acquired some unusual skills including knife throwing, acrobatics, and an ability to differentiate the truth from lies. Ms. Pentecost, who possesses Sherlockian logical abilities, has multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis is a ticking time bomb as they are both aware. Pentecost chafes when people watch and worry but she also usually honors her physical limits.

They receive a call for help from Will's old circus boss after one of the performers is stabbed to death and another circus employee is held for murder. They travel to Virginia where the circus has been performing and discover all kinds of threads that lead to and from the victim. The victim was originally from the small town where the crime occurred - how could that be coincidence? She was known for offering assistance, advice, and money to fellow troupers with personal problems. The circus itself is in financial trouble, surviving only because of a mysterious anonymous benefactor.

It's entertaining to spend time with Will and her boss and witness their sometimes sharp and acerbic relationship but also their strong loyalty to one another. The circus setting adds to the interest factor. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Willowjean Parker is a former carnie turned detective's assistant. So when the tattooed lady gets shanked and the knife-thrower gets arrested for the deed, ringmaster Big Bob turns to Will and her employer, well-known detective Lillian Pentecost for help.

This is the second book in the Pentecost & Parker series, but if you haven't read the first book yet (Fortune Favors the Dead), don't worry. You don't need to have read the first to enjoy the second! This is a quick read, enjoyable from start to finish. Through it, we're introduced to all the quirky characters of a mid-century carnival and given a view into what it might have been like to be a pantsuit-wearing "lady detective" in the 1940s. I did not see the ending coming!

Women detectives in the 1940s and a travelling carnival? Yes please! Willowjean "Willa" Parker used to be in a travelling circus, so when her friend Ruby is murdered and Willa's mentor is accused of the crime, Willa and her boss Lillian Pentecost travel to Stoppard, VA to investigate. Tangles with an arsonist and a resistant local sheriff, romance with a local duputy, and an uncomfortable reunion with her former circus family complicate their efforts. Details about circus life add texture to an already intriguing mystery. I definitely want to read more in the series!

The second book of this series is just as good as the first. The dynamic duo of Lillian Pentecost and Willodean (Will) Parker are back on the hunt for a killer and this one is personal because it involves Will's old circus family. Not only was the victim a friend but the main (and only) suspect is another circus performer and friend. Small town secrets lead Parker and Pentecost headfirst into danger in the main ring. This smartly written crime noir is full of snarky wit and perfect for fans of mysteries best portrayed by Bogey and Bacall. It is a Mickey Spillane style whodunnit with smart female detectives who never play the femme fatale. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

As a second book in a series, I really thought these characters would grow on me but I ended up skipping the second half of the book to just read the last chapter to see who the murderer was. It seemed to drag on. Also, it might have something to do with the murder victim having my last name. It was kind of jarring every time I saw Ruby Donner in a sentence.

Murder Mystery. Will's new job has her returning to Fredericksburg, Virginia, and to her old haunting ground, circus life. In fact, it was the circus that saved her (at least, initially). She left home at 15; she was taken in by Ruby, the tattooed lady, who was just murdered. And they had the wrong person in jail -- at least she hopes that's the case! And, while Will and her genius boss are on the trail of solving this knife-in-the-back murder, she meets Joe. Police officer, veteran...maybe more? Hmmm.

The second book in this series and I am still impressed. These are two kick ass females, ready to take on any man who dares think less of them. I am also continually pleased that they talk about MS, but don’t make everything only about that. The mysteries were engaging and unfolded in a way that kept me captivated. Some red herrings, a little love, and a satisfying conclusion. And it was great to catch up with the case from book 1!

Totally engaging. I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. The author draws you in and keeps you captivated throughout the entire book.

When an old coworker of Willowjean Parker's (Ruby the Amazing Tattooed Woman) turns up dead she and her boss Lillian Pentecost hotfoot it (they take a train) to Virginia to the H&H Traveling Circus. Circus folks are like family and like most families there is friction in some parts. Valentin Kalishenko Will's old mentor is fingered for the crime but did he do it? Will and Lillian are on the case. This was an interesting historical mystery that was riveting from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed getting to meet all the characters and getting a glimpse into the past. There are lost of suspects and I kept guessing from beginning to end. Will and Lillian Pentecost are still engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship, plus it gave a little more of a look into Will's past life and where she came from. All in all a fantastic read.