Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Last Call at the Nightingale

A mystery set in 1920s New York, Last Call at the Nightingale comes with intrigue, secrets, and glitzy nightlife scenes. I love books that include prohibition speakeasies and the often blurry lines between the different social classes.

I really enjoyed so many aspects of this book! While it was a murder mystery, it wasn’t so much a thriller. While the plot obviously started and ended with the murder and solving of said murder, the character development and relationships were even more important. I was able to guess the culprit early on, but because the characters were at the forefront, it didn’t really bother me.

Some other things I enjoyed:

🍸 The inclusivity - even though the book is set in the 1920s, there are diverse and interesting characters that are important to the plot and not just throwaway characters.

🍸 The moral gray-ness to almost everyone in the book.

🍸 The complicated relationship between the protagonist and her sister - y’all probably know by now that I love a good sibling story.

🍸 Everyone has secrets up their sleeves, and figuring out what they were was fun.

Some things I wanted:

🍸 More backstory with the protagonist and her best friend.

🍸 More family information - though I think more will come if there is a sequel!

🍸 I felt something was missing from the narration, but I can’t quite place what it was. I think I would have liked more info on why some of the side characters made some of the choices or had some of the views that they did. I especially wanted some perspective from the protagonist’s sister!

Overall this was a fun, character-centered murder mystery with a gorgeous 1920s setting! If there is ever a sequel, I’ll definitely be picking it up!

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