⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.
I love a good historical mystery and this didn’t disappoint. The characters were unique, fun and interesting. Strong characters are always a good start to a book. The dialogue was witty and fun, and I enjoyed the splash of romance interwoven throughout. I'm keen to read more by this author. I am particularly a sucker for the time period that this was set in, and I really enjoyed just being able to escape into this fun historical world. Any time I can learn anything whilst reading a book, I am extra happy and I enjoyed reading about post prohibition New York City, a time and place I didn't previously know much about. If this is your thing, definitely give this book a go.

Thank you Netgalley for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. It was a bit late because I read this awhile ago and got behind in uploading my reviews. Sorry about that!

A good historical mystery with a cozy setting, entertaining and compelling.
There's mystery, there's a vivid and well researched background, a bit of romance and well rounded characters
It kept me guessing and hooked.
I would be glad to read other books featuring these characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I would like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Crook Tales for Two by Ellen Byerrum in exchange for an honest review.

A Whirlwind of Romance, Mystery, and Intrigue: "Crook Tales for Two" by Ellen Byerrum

In the bustling streets of 1934 New York City, where the echoes of Prohibition still linger and the shadows of gangsters loom large, playwright Esmé de LaForet finds herself thrust into a whirlwind of danger and romance. In "Crook Tales for Two," Ellen Byerrum weaves a captivating tale filled with drama, comedy, and suspense, transporting readers to a bygone era of glitz and glamour.

As Esmé embarks on the eve of her Broadway debut, a seemingly innocent act of returning a lost watch propels her into a web of intrigue and danger. When she crosses paths with private investigator Graydon Chase, sparks fly amidst the chaos of murder, mobsters, and opening night nerves. Their banter crackles with wit and charm, reminiscent of the classic Hollywood duos of yesteryear, adding an extra layer of delight to the narrative.

Byerrum skillfully balances the elements of mystery and romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and turns. From the glamorous world of the theatre to the gritty underbelly of New York's criminal underworld, "Crook Tales for Two" paints a vivid picture of a city pulsating with life and intrigue. With its engaging characters, fast-paced dialogue, and evocative setting, this novel is sure to delight fans of historical fiction and cosy mysteries alike.

In conclusion, "Crook Tales for Two" is a delightful romp through 1930s New York, filled with humour, suspense, and romance. Ellen Byerrum's adept storytelling and vibrant characters make this a must-read for anyone craving a captivating escape into the past. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or romance, this novel offers something for everyone, making it a perfect addition to your reading list.

When I read a book I’m looking to have fun and fall in love with the characters. This book did exactly that. The two main characters were fun to read about and seeing their viewpoints on the story made it more enjoyable. I can’t wait to share this book with my friends.

I love that this used the end of prohibition to tell a mystery novel. It worked well as a historical fiction noveland that the characters were so extravagant and perfectly written for the time. I love being able to read this as it was a perfect blend of comedy and mystery. It uses what I was hoping for from the time period and I was just hooked from the start. Ellen Byerrum writes a great story and I enjoyed what I read.

This historical novel is a fun combination of mystery, comedy and romance.

The protagonist, Esmé, was a great character. I found her humorous and witty, while still able to take her seriously. I also really liked the theatrical theme of the book and found it entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

Prohibition era New York comes alive in this captivating historical mystery thriller. Playwright Esme LaForet gets entangled in the sinister world of gangsters and mobsters while trying to return a gold watch she found. With speakeasies and secret parties in full swing, the end of prohibition leaves gangsters seeking new illicit income streams. Esme's quest to do the right thing lands her in a dangerous chase across the city.

Ellen Byerrum's impeccable research and vivid writing style transports the reader back in time. Esme's wit and determination in the face of perilous circumstances makes her an endearing heroine. A clever mystery unfolds, keeping you guessing about the true nature of enigmatic characters like the charming Graydon Chase.

Byerrum delivers an entertaining page-turner brimming with period details of life as an independent woman in the 1930s. Mystery, danger, humor, and romance blend seamlessly in this atmospheric tale set during an iconic era of New York's history. For lovers of historical fiction, mysteries and strong female leads, this book is an absolute delight from start to finish.

My thanks to Netgalley for providing me an advance copy of this book for mu unbiased review.

A very entertaining historical mystery that will keep you smiling and have fun as we follow the heroine, a new playwright and a handsome PI as they follow the trail to catch a murderer!

Set in 1934 New York when everyone is celebrating at the end of prohibition. Are the bad guys all bad or are there some good guys that might be what they appear?

Great humor combined with history makes this a delightful read!

Crook Tales for Two is a fun, romantic mystery set in the 1930s. Impeccably researched and full of historical details that place you right in the middle of New York in 1934, this book has it all: a smart, plucky heroine, a mysterious dashing detective, action, mystery, romance, humor. Add in a supporting cast of characters, including crazy theater people, kind of likeable gangsters and some extremely annoying debutants and you get this terrific mystery/romance.

I hope Ms. Byerrum plans on writing a sequel. I absolutely love these characters.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I recently read Crook Tales for Two by Ellen Byerrum, which was thrilling and entertaining. The story follows playwright Esmé de LaForet as she tries to return a lost watch to its owner and ends up getting caught up in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with private investigator Graydon Chase. Along the way, they must navigate the seedy underworld of mobsters and gangsters while also dealing with the chaos of opening night on Broadway.

Byerrum does an excellent job of creating a fun and fast-paced story with a Nick-and-Nora vibe. The characters are well-developed and have great chemistry, particularly Esmé and Graydon, who are constantly clashing and matching wits. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end, and the suspenseful moments are balanced perfectly with humor and romance.

I particularly enjoyed the setting of the story, which takes place in New York City during the 1920s. Byerrum brings the era to life with vivid descriptions of the fashion, music, and culture of the time. The story also touches on themes of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, adding depth to the plot.

Overall, I would highly recommend Crook Tales for Two to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read. It's the perfect book to escape into and get lost in the world of mystery and romance.

Such a fun read, loved the cozy mystery vibes, plus the background of the 1930's was perfect. Super witty fast paced dialogue which I love in a book as well

I am an avid reader of cosy mysteries and predominantly read those of 1920s England, so to have the opportunity to read this gem was a pleasure! Prohibition was the main money spinner for Gangsters in New York with speakeasy's being a secret place for people to buy alcohol. However, when prohibition ended, they needed a new income stream, and one that was even more nefarious!

(Oh I do adore a good cosy and this one is absolutely fab!)

Ellen Byerrum's research is impeccable and the writing style is so immersive, you are transported back in time to join playwright Esme LaForet as she frets about her plays opening night on broadway, but a series of unfortunate events cause to her to become entangled in the darker side of New York with a hero that is not all that he seems!

A really intelligent, well thought out, entertaining caper and so well put together! I was captivated from start to finish!

This is the first book from Ellen Byerrum that I have read ut I will be certin to add further books from this bright, fun and talented writer to my TBR

This copy was kindly given to me by NetGalley and this review is left voluntarily

CROOK TALES FOR TWO is primarily a romance novel with some mystery sprinkled here and there. I liked it. Specially the setting of this book; the fashion, the theater, the drama of it all. It's very glamorous. The mystery aspect was very interesting and the twist at the end was unexpected. I honestly had no clue who was behind it all. I also enjoyed the romance that took place in this story because it wasn't extremely cheesy. Their romance could be summarized like this:

Graydon: I'm so obsessed with you; I need you badly.
Esmé: Leave me alone, you rat troll.
Esmé, inside her thoughts: Just looking at him sends shivers down my spine. I need his touch.

Their dynamic was very fun to read about. It never got tiring.

Now, the things I didn't really like about this novel were, firstly, the length of its paragraphs. This novel was full of extremely long walls of texts that didn't say anything important or relevant, in my opinion. And my God, was it tedious to read.

I also didn't really care for Esmé, the main character. I found her a bit annoying. Specially whenever she went on about how she wasn't rich, despite getting her family's small fortune after they died. She constantly talked about being self-made and how she only used her fortune to buy her apartment. Well, surprise; you are privileged, my friend. It got really tiring after a few chapters. We get it, you're different to the rest of the rich people you surround yourself with. If I were rich, I would embrace it.

Overall, this novel was nice. I had fun reading it and the author did a great job, despite her overuse of long paragraphs. I recommend it if you're looking for an intriguing mystery-filled romance.

“Crook Tales for Two” takes place post-prohibition in New York City, where playwright Esmé picks up a pocket watch left on a diner counter by a fellow churchgoer. She rushes after him to return it, puzzled when he enters a deserted school building. Inside, she hears gunshots. She hides in a closet, startled when the door flies open and in steps Graydon Chase, a menacing fellow dressed as a gangster. But she also finds him startlingly attractive. After demanding her identity at gunpoint, he leaves her to check on what’s happening upstairs. Esmé flees the scene. Soon she’s caught up in an investigation as to who murdered Mr. Scavullo, a member of the mob who wanted out. She returns the watch to his widow but that brings her the unwanted attention of Scavullo’s associates. When Chase turns up to protect her, she realizes he’s more than he seems. “Crook Tales for Two” is a romantic murder mystery romp that sets the stage for a fun and entertaining read. A delightful tale with wit, charm and style!

Crook Tales for Two is a historical cozy mystery set in New York in 1934 during the Great Depression. Prohibition is over but gangsters are still roaming the streets finding new ways to make money. Esme, once a journalist but now a playwright with her first play about to open on Broadway, sees a man leave a gold watch on the counter of a diner. She is aware of his reputation as a mobster but she knows him and his wife from church so she is determined to return it to him. Unfortunately things don’t go quite as she hoped. She finds herself trapped in a school closet surrounded by gun fire when her hiding place is discovered by a handsome stranger with a gun pointed at her. Who could have predicted her small act of kindness would lead to so much danger, murder, and, yes, even romance?

For the most part, I enjoyed this story. Esme is a feisty, likeable protagonist and I liked most of the other characters especially the theatre crowd. The dialogue is well-done and mostly stays true to the time period. The mystery is interesting but, and this is my biggest problem with the book, for much of the middle of the tale, it gets pushed aside by the play, the romance, and a flu with symptoms very much like the 1918-20 pandemic. And I suspect it’s just me but I felt the book could have been a lot shorter and with a faster pace without all the descriptions of clothes especially all the gowns she wore and the repeated explanation of where she got them. By the end, I just skipped over any references to clothes regardless of who was wearing them. But, as I said, and judging from other reviews, this is more a me problem. Overall, I did enjoy the story and give it 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lethal Black Dress Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

This review will be posted on my Goodreads and my personal blog, which will be linked below. It will be posted on both sites on 1/20/23.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advanced copy of Crook Tales for Two by Ellen Byerrum.

Crook Tales for Two is a fun, suspenseful, mystery set during the Great Depression in New York City. When Esmé de LaForest, an upcoming playwright, stumbles across the murder of an acquaintance, she meets private investigator, Graydon Chase, and the two work together to figure out who did it and maybe, fall in love along the way.

The dialogue throughout this book was very quick and exciting, it reminded me of films from the 1930s with very fast dialogue and scenes. Byerrum is able to fit a lot of information about the world and events happening throughout the book in the scenes, which was something I liked more than the internal monologues we got. I also thought that the setting was well established throughout the book, which I enjoyed as the early 1930s have always been interesting to me and I think this book excellently captured the post-Depression era of America and how it still affected people.

I really liked the main characters in this book. Esmé did feel a bit modern, but women fighting against the social norms of the time is something that I think applies to all generations. She is witty and her dialogue is probably my favorite in the book, especially with Graydon, as they just bounce off of each other. I thought their banter throughout the book was entertaining, and reminded me of the movies from the era. They both bounced off each other very well, which is something I think all of the dialogue was able to capture.

A problem I had with this book was the amount details given for certain topics that I did not think mattered much. Byerrum is great at giving good descriptions that allow me to picture what is happening, but this at times get off track. This does get better around a third of the way through the book, which I appreciated. I also felt that for a decent amount of the book, the mystery/thriller aspect of the book was on the back burner, and the Broadway aspect was the more important aspect. This shifted in the last third, but I wished the mystery had been paced out more throughout the book, which would have made the conclusion more effective.

I would give Crook Tales for Two a 3.5, rounded up to 4 stars on GoodReads, out of 5 stars. Other than the pacing issues, I found the dialogue fast and the characters witty.

Esme is a bit of a rebel. It's 1934. Prohibition is over. But the young lady from out west favors slacks and non-traditional jobs for women. She's a former newspaper reporter and is now a playwright. Her first play is scheduled to debut on Broadway.

But she sees a man from church rush out of a restaurant, leaving his watch. While chasing him down, she witnesses his demise. She is cornered by a mobster. Or is he a mobster? Is he part of the murder?

The man of mystery comes in and out of her life. She returns the watch to the man's widow. But she confides in Esme that her husband had said that he was putting money back so that she and the family would be taken care of. Can she solve the murder, find the widow's inheritance, and figure out if she is in love or not?

This novel was a joy to read. The writer has a wonderful writing style. Multiple threads are pulled together. The reader is left guessing until the end. I strongly recommend this book for lovers of good mysteries.

This mystery, which felt like an old-fashioned gum-shoe, is set in post-Prohibition New York, with the main character being a young, liberated woman is who shaking off the dust of the small, stifling town she was raised in. Though Prohibition has ended, mob rule has not completely disappeared.

If I didn't have my own, personal rule about reading at least 25% of a book before I abandon it, this one would have been gone at about 15%. The opening chapters were very slow and the main character, though likeable, was not compelling. However, I stuck it out to the end and am glad that I did. The pace, as well as the romance, picks up considerably as the book moves along, resulting in a satisfying whodunnit and just enough kissing! This book would have earned 5 stars with improved pacing of the first quarter of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Esmé de LaForet, a playwright on the cusp of her first Broadway debut, stumbles into a web of intrigue when a seemingly innocent act of returning a lost watch propels her into a whirlwind of murder, mobsters, and nerve-wracking opening nights. As she tracks down the watch's owner, a man named Scavullo, Esmé becomes entangled with a mysterious stranger, private investigator Graydon Chase.
Juggling the complexities of Graydon's enigmatic persona, Esmé navigates the labyrinth of mobsters, meddling reporters, and the sizzling chemistry that sparks between them. The plot thickens as Esmé's life hangs in the balance and an unknown killer lurks in the shadows, adding an extra layer of suspense to the unfolding drama."Crook Tales for Two" unfolds as an effervescent narrative. The story encapsulates the spirit of the era, where champagne corks pop, jazz melodies echo through the night, and the glittering lights of Broadway cast their glow on a city pulsating with life.

This novel promises an enchanting journey, offering the warmth of a cozy mystery while delving extensively into women's issues. Within its pages, the delightful chemistry between Esme and Graydon resonates with the allure of Hollywood's glamorous detective duos, creating a captivating narrative ambiance. Ellen Byerrum's writing style proves to be both engaging and immersive, skillfully guiding the reader through a bygone era. Amidst the comforting familiarity of a cozy mystery, the narrative surprises with unexpected plot twists and the nuanced exploration of romance, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more. Byerrum's adept storytelling weaves together the threads of mystery, romance, and societal reflections, making this novel a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read.
I just reviewed Crook Tales for Two by Ellen Byerrum. #CrookTalesforTwo #NetGalley

Book Review
Crook tales for two by Ellen Byerrum
4 stars out of 5

This book left me puzzled as I was reflecting upon my review. I was expecting a cozy mystery, but it did not give me the vibes I usually get from this genre. There were indeed crimes, but the main character was less into finding the murderer than your traditional whodunit and actually was more interested in staying away from the action. There was romance indeed, and I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two protagonists, but it was more a secondary plot. Therefore, I also do not feel like it was a romance.

I think the reason why this book ends up not fitting anywhere (and the reason why it gets 4 stars out of 5) is that the author developed every single subplot in depth, leaving us with some longueurs. It's like the author had writing ADHD. It would mention a character's parents, and then instead of being a sentence, it would turn into a whole chapter on their relationship with them. There was no focus. That being said, it was still a smooth and enjoyable read. I enjoyed it for what it was.

If you want to see it for yourself, Crook Tales for Two comes out January 20th. I received an early copy from #netgalley in return for my honest opinion..