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Fortune Favours the Dead
A dazzling murder mystery set in 1940s New York
Series: Pentecost and Parker
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 11,600 ratings, 1,767 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Fortune Favours the Dead
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The first in the brilliant new Pentecost and Parker series, set in New York City in the 1940s. A hugely entertaining murder mystery featuring an iconic new crime-solving duo. Sure to delight fans of Agatha Christie, The Mitford Murders, and The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. A 2020 Radio 2 Book Club pick.
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Description
Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club.
'Razor-sharp, tons of flair. A really good noir novel.' Tana French
New York, 1945. Lillian Pentecost is the most successful private detective in the city, but her health is failing. She hires an assistant to help with the investigative legwork. Willowjean Parker is a circus runaway. Quick-witted and street-smart, she's a jack-of-all-trades with a unique skill set. She can pick locks blindfolded, wrestle men twice her size, and throw knives with deadly precision - all of which come in handy working for Ms P.
When wealthy young widow Abigail Collins is murdered and the police are making no progress, Pentecost and Parker are hired by the family to track down the culprit. On Halloween night, there was a costume party at the Collins' mansion, where a fortune teller performed a seance which greatly disturbed Abigail. Several hours later her body was discovered bludgeoned to death in her late husband's office. Problem is, the door to the office was locked from the inside. There was no-one else in the room, and the murder weapon was beside the victim; the fortune teller's crystal ball.
It looks like an impossible crime, but Pentecost and Parker know there is no such thing...
Praise for Fortune Favours the Dead:
'Spotswood's stellar debut puts a modern spin on classic hard-boiled fiction. . . The deep and sensitive characterization of the two protagonists, coupled with rich description and tonally spot-on humour, make this a novel to remember. Spotswood is definitely a writer to watch.' Publishers Weekly
'This novel not only offers fun, offbeat characters and an exceptional flavour of the time, it's utterly charming too.' Woman's Weekly
'This hugely enjoyable debut is a deft melange of Agatha Christie-style locked-room murder mystery and 1940s Chandler-esque pulp crime fiction with a feisty narrator.' Irish Independent Review
'Persuasive in its attention to period detail and dialogue, with well-constructed set piece scenes deftly staged, this is a highly accomplished, auspicious first entry in what we must hope will be a long-running series.' The Irish Times
Series: Pentecost and Parker
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Fortune Favours the Dead
Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club. 'Razor-sharp, tons of flair. A really good noir novel.' Tana French New York, 1945. Lillian Pentecost is the most successful private detective in the city, but her health is failing. She hires an assistant to help with the investigative legwork. Willowjean Parker is a circus runaway. Quick-witted and street-smart, she's a jack-of-all-trades...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Murder Under Her Skin
The perfect murder mystery for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood. 'Spotswood understands that [...] spending time with unforgettable characters is paramount.' - New York Times 'A loving, intricately plotted tribute to the great days of American noir.' - Daily Mail New York, 1946: The last time Will Parker let a case get personal, she walked away with a...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Fortune Favours the Dead by Stephen Spotswood has been praised for its engaging blend of classic noir and mystery with a contemporary twist, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style but with a 1940s pulp crime flavour. The novel captivates with its attention to period detail, wit, and robust characterisation, especially of the female leads, earning Spotswood accolades for refreshing the genre. The book is noted for its humour, clever plot, and feminist undertones, promising an intriguing series debut that delights fans of crime and thriller fiction.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781472274816
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 22 July 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Wildfire
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 194.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Stephen Spotswood is an award-wining playwright, journalist, and theatre educator. He makes his home in Washington, DC with his wife, young adult author Jessica Spotswood, their cat, and an ever-growing collection of books.
Also by Stephen Spotswood
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Murder Crossed Her Mind
New York's famed female detective duo, Pentecost and Parker, are back in their fourth audacious adventure. Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, Agatha Christie, and M. C. Beaton. When Vera Bodine, an elderly recluse with an exceptional memory, goes missing, detective duo Lillian Pentecost and her assistant Willowjean "Will" Parker are hired to track...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Murder Under Her Skin
The perfect murder mystery for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood. 'Spotswood understands that [...] spending time with unforgettable characters is paramount.' - New York Times 'A loving, intricately plotted tribute to the great days of American noir.' - Daily Mail New York, 1946: The last time Will Parker let a case get personal, she walked away with a...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Secrets Typed in Blood
Pentecost and Parker, the most audacious and iconic detective duo in 1940s Manhattan, are back. If you're a fan of Richard Osman, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Agatha Christie, and M. C. Beaton, you'll love this hugely entertaining murder mystery. Following on from Fortune Favours the Dead and Murder Under Her Skin, the third Pentecost and Parker mystery is 'even smarter,...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
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