Item Notes: About the Book A detective novel set in 1945, about two female private investigators trying to solve the locked-room murder of a society widow-- Book Synopsis Razor-sharp style, tons of flair, a snappy sense of humor, and all the most satisfying elements of a really good noir novel, plus plenty of original twists of its own.--Tana French A wildly charming and fast-paced mystery written with all the panache of the hardboiled classics, Fortune Favors the Dead introduces Pentecost and Parker, an audacious new detective duo for the ages. Its 1942 and Willowjean Will Parker is a scrappy circus runaway whose knife-throwing skills have just saved the life of New Yorks best, and most unorthodox, private investigator, Lillian Pentecost. When the dapper detective summons Will a few days later, she doesnt expect to be offered a life-changing proposition: Lillians multiple sclerosis means she cant keep up with her old case load alone, so she wants to hire Will to be her right-hand woman. In return, Will is to receive a salary, room and board, and training in Lillians very particular art of investigation. Three years later, Will and Lillian are on the Collins case: Abigail Collins was found bludgeoned to death with a crystal ball following a big, boozy Halloween party at her home--her body slumped in the same chair where her steel magnate husband shot himself the year before. With rumors flying that Abigail was bumped off by the vengeful spirit of her husband (who else could have gotten inside the locked room?), the family has tasked the detectives with finding answers where the police have failed. But thats easier said than done in a case that involves messages from the dead, a seductive spiritualist, and Becca Collins--the beautiful daughter of the deceased, who Will quickly starts falling for. When Will and Beccas relationship dances beyond the professional, Will finds herself in dangerous territory, and discovers she may have be the murderers next target. Review Quotes Winner of the 2021 Nero Award Bullets, blood, bodies, and belly-laughs: all the ingredients of a classic mystery novel. Stephen Spotswood hard-boils with the best of em!--Alan Bradley, bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce Mystery Series Fortune Favors the Dead takes gritty 40s noir, shakes it up, gives it a charming twist, and serves it up with unforgettable style. My new favorite sleuthing duo are Pentecost and Parker, the spiritual sisters of Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. An utterly brilliant debut!--Deanna Raybourn, author of the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries Witty.. Humorous and fun [with] all the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie mystery, and theres a delightful dose of noir thrown in for the more hardcore pulp fiction crowd, too.. As mysterious and fun a caper as you will ever read, with plenty of misdirection and intrigue to keep you guessing. You dont need a clairvoyant to realize this duo will be around for years to come.--Bookpage *Starred Review* Spotswoods stellar debut puts a modern spin on the classic hard-boiled fiction.. The deep and sensitive characterization of the two protagonists coupled with the rich description and tonally spot-on humor, makes this a novel to remember. Spotswood is definitely a writer to watch.--Publishers Weekly *Starred Review* One of the most rewarding and entertaining books Ive read in years.. Every page--nay, every paragraph--is rich and compelling.. When it comes to male authors penning feminist issues that ring true and female characters who are fully realized and complex characters, Spotswood joins Terry Pratchett at the very top of the list. And if anyones the heir apparent to Phryne Fisher or Elementarys Sherlock and Joan, its Parker and Pentecost. This is an adventure youll want to rave about to strangers on the streets. Personally, Im already impatient for these ladies next case. --Criminal Element A relentlessly entertaining romp through 1940s New York City, and through the annals of mystery fict