Scan barcode
crystalisreading's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Lesbophobia
kari_f's review
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping