The Parlor PI's discussion

Well, let's all get started with May's selection. I know not everyone has the book yet, but at this early stage, we do not have much in the way of spoilers to worry about.

This is the first in a, by now, long series of mysteries set in the Pennyfoot Hotel, run by our heroine, Cecily Sinclair. We have read in the past, later books in the series, particularly the Christmas ones, which occur every year, so we know a bit about how our main characters turn out, but I won't give any of that away either, if this is your first of the series.

Cecily is the owner of the hotel, a very recent widow. The setting is England, 1906. The hotel manager is a man named Baxter. There are also two ladies who are into the picture early on, and whom are on each other's nerves: Phoebe Carter-Holmes, and Madeline Pengrath. Madeline has "powers", oooh, Spooky! Also there is Gertie, a spunky maid. An aristocratic lady has lost a brooch and Gertie is suspected. And now Henry, the python, is missing. (I can't say we've read a lot of books with pythons in them.)

I started it last night but got pulled away when my husband need help installing the new bathroom faucet. I did meet Phoebe and Madeline I think.

Thanks, Pghfan. Always love your discussion setups and posts. Just started the story, met the ladies you've noted and pretty near start of story, Madeline predicts death. By the looks of it, her predictions are sure to come true. We'll see.

My copy is in! Should be able to pick it up in a day or two and will join in then.

I was hoping to read this a while ago but unfortunately, my library system only carries some of the later books in the series, not the first one! Odd I think! When i saw this as a Kindle freebie I was really lucky!
It's funny, now that I'm in so many book clubs online, that the library clerk gives me the books I had on hold and asks, "which book club is this book for"! LOL

Nicole wrote: "I was hoping to read this a while ago but unfortunately, my library system only carries some of the later books in the series, not the first one! Odd I think! When i saw this as a Kindle freebie I ..."

That's funny Nicole "which book club is it for"...love that!

I was able to get my copy with the Amazon Kindle Unlimited...all I had to do was decide which book to send back.

Nicole, like you, my (very large) library system did not have this first book, though it had lots of the later ones. I got it on Kindle at $3.99. A small price to pay for my peeps at the Parlor!

I no longer have KU because my ARC pile was getting too large and I found I was reading a boatload of KU books (because I wanted to get my money's worth) and ignoring the ARCs LOL

LOL PI's. And I'm still fossilized in the ink on page corner. I got my copy on Ammy some time ago. Good price, bound, intact, clean. Pages yellow but only from age. Still, we get what we need. Read on! ;-)

I got to read a bit during a bus ride today! Hmm...what do you think of the mislaid broach? Maybe it has to do with the full moon LOL

After we met Robert, I thought maybe he pawned the brooch for his gambling. Perhaps I still do, though I also thought maybe Henry ate it.

I'm near the end of this first section (I'm trying not to get too far ahead of the discussion) and, as you will soon find, Lady Elinor is dead, apparently fallen through the unsafe wall that was blocked off as a hazard. But of course, she must have been pushed. Otherwise, well, this is a murder mystery!

Nicole, I also commute to work by bus. Though they are often so packed that I really can't read easily.

Just got my copy and although I haven't started reading yet I can see what you all mean about it being an "old" book!

What do you all think of Cecily smoking a cigar? I'm kind of surprised the Author included that personality quirk I'll call it. Makes Cecily kind of stand out though.

Love the maids! The one who swears - cracks me up!

Yes, Allison, I made a note of that as well. I found that very odd, but perhaps secret smoking was the thing at the time. (When I host a discussion, I take notes as I go along. Anal retentive, I guess!)

I too thought Robert is behind the missing broach and I think he's missing something too. Maybe he pawned both items or perhaps can his show up later as a murder weapon?

Didn't Dietrich smoke a cigar in one of her movies? Then again, I think this book is earlier than that era. With speakeasies and all, I think women were doing a lot of taboo but it was kept under wraps.

Pghfan wrote: "Yes, Allison, I made a note of that as well. I found that very odd, but perhaps secret smoking was the thing at the time. (When I host a discussion, I take notes as I go along. Anal retentive, I gu..."

That's what I should do is take notes! This time though, I stopped reading at Chapter 7 and went back to reading the other book I'm working on, then when we're ready for the next section I'll read that and see if this makes it easier for me to participate.

Robert didn't seem all that broke up at his wife's sudden demise.

Tina, you have a great memory. Yes, she did in "Morocco" from 1930. (I Googled it). Looks like it would be a pretty good movie. Got's Gary Cooper in it and that isn't a bad thing.

Allison wrote: "What do you all think of Cecily smoking a cigar? I'm kind of surprised the Author included that personality quirk I'll call it. Makes Cecily kind of stand out though.

Love the maids! The one who ..."

It's definitely a personality quirk! I was surprised to hear of a woman smoking not a cigarette, but a cigar from the early 1900's! Did woman smoke cigars in the early 1900's, specifically in 1906? When I watch a lot of the old films from the 1930's or 40's I see women smoking cigarettes using holders while they prance about a room. I'm guessing a woman did smoke cigars but I'm guessing they would do it privately in the recesses of their home. Having not read the book I'm guessing maybe Cecily is not your typical feminine woman. I'm wondering if she is rough and gruff? I'm sure if Cecily smoke a cigarette or cigar, whatever is the case, she wouldn't have done so in front of a man during that time in history.

Pghfan wrote: "Yes, Allison, I made a note of that as well. I found that very odd, but perhaps secret smoking was the thing at the time. (When I host a discussion, I take notes as I go along. Anal retentive, I gu..."

I also take notes too when I host a discussion. There are so many things that can slip your mind and notes helps you not to forget.

Allison wrote: "Pghfan wrote: "Yes, Allison, I made a note of that as well. I found that very odd, but perhaps secret smoking was the thing at the time. (When I host a discussion, I take notes as I go along. Anal ..."

Indeedy do, Allison.

Well done...doing, PI's!

Hello, I am here! lol
Just caught up to the end of chapter #7.
Just lost his wife...no loss there!
But a lot to gain for Robert, as it was her money, not his.
And when Cecily paid a call on him, found him in a 'mussed up' state.
I think there is definitely "something fishy in Damascus" with Robert.

I agree Ian! And I can't help wondering who his alleged mistress is. When Cecily asked to speak with Daphne, Robert said she was "resting". Could it be her?

BTW does anyone know what "tattoo" means as it is being used here?

Military Tattoo?
Marching to a tune or band.
Drumming a tune with ones fingers.

Ahhh! Thank you!

I certainly agree that Robert is acting "fishy". And there may be an affair going on. I wonder if this is related to what the maids were talking about--someone who was at the hotel who was apparently well known?

I have started reading the next section. Are any of you ready to move on to part two?

Pghfan wrote: "I certainly agree that Robert is acting "fishy". And there may be an affair going on. I wonder if this is related to what the maids were talking about--someone who was at the hotel who was apparent..."

Nope...not related. :D

Pghfan wrote: "I certainly agree that Robert is acting "fishy". And there may be an affair going on. I wonder if this is related to what the maids were talking about--someone who was at the hotel who was apparent..."

Yes, very fishy! I thought maybe he stole the brooch for gambling purposes!

Nicole, that was my thought as well. I wonder if he would kill to shut that up, though.

Somehow whatever else Robert is I don't think he is the murderer.

J, I agree. Too obvious.

Boy, have things changed (thankfully...well, at least on some things). Imagine the help getting bopped on the head by Cook? Can you say, "You'll be hearing from my attorney?" As it should be.

Gertie has some mouth on her, huh?

I suppose we are ready to move on. Section 2 starts today!

Nicole wrote: "Gertie has some mouth on her, huh?"

Yes, she does. lol

FINISHED! Originally I didn't think this book would hold my interest - boy was I wrong! Literally could not put it down!

Fell a little behind on my reading but catching up on my mystery viewing. Recent versions of Witness/Prosecution and There Were None are really good IMHO. A bit more graphic than earlier material but the acting, filming, locations are awesome.

Has a bit of a Upstairs, Downstairs feel about it as far as the help goes. Always gossiping. lol

I think I'd go nuts with all that gossiping!

Nicole wrote: "I think I'd go nuts with all that gossiping!"

Exactly. It's mean, Nicole. I know everyone has an opinion but to enjoy smearing people...no.