Rachel McMillan and I adore Sherlock Holmes. That was our connection, so of course, when I heard she was writing a series on women like Sherlock Holmes characters I jumped at the chance to read them. Boy, am I glad that I did. It was a great introduction to the 1910's Toronto. So now, I am familiar with McMillan's writing, so I knew what I would be expecting. A mystery to drag the plot along with characters who come to life as much for me as they have done for McMillan. With the introduction to her new series Murder at the Flamingo, I dived right into the world of 1930's Boston with Hamish and Reggie.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was McMillan's ability to bring Boston to life. As soon as Hamish jumped off the transportation into Boston, McMillan allowed me to see Boston through Hamish's eyes. It reminded me of J. K. Rowling's introduction to the world of magic through Harry Potter's eyes. A trait of an awesome writer. McMillan allowed me to see the towering buildings and smell the world of Boston.

As for Hamish and Reggie, I really liked Hamish. McMillan stayed true to his flaws and allowed him to see the better in others, including his cousin, Lucas. Hamish definitely had the seek for justice gene from his parents, who are part of the main couple in the Herringford and Watts Mysteries series. Similarly, Reggie is a character who left her cushy wealthy life and decided to seek her own independence. I enjoyed how she didn't go crawling back to her parents after a couple of days and kept a journal of things she accomplished on her own.

The plot. The number one reason I enjoy a story. With McMillan's previous three novels and three novellas, she had the mystery element occurred right away, which most mysteries and suspense do, BUT McMillan does not do that in Murder at the Flamingo. The story was half over before we found the dead body. I don't know why it took so long to get to the mystery element. I believe McMillan could have had the murder occur right after Hamish arrived in Boston, and I could have observed Hamish and Reggie as they tried to help Lucas open the Flamingo night club. Even though the mystery took awhile to rev up, I did enjoy the story and really enjoyed watching Hamish and Reggie solve who killed the person.

Overall, A Murder at the Flamingo is a fascinating view of Boston's nightlife in the 1930's. It matches what I know about the history of the time period. Hamish and Reggie are a wonderful pair of people to work together to solve the mystery. I still wish the dead body appeared much earlier in the novel.

With family loyalty, betrayal, and trying to climb the ladder of success, A Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan is a wonderful deeply layered historical novel that will entrance fans of McMillan's previous writings or fans of historical mysteries. I can't wait to read the second installment in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

What a delightful read! Set in 1937 Boston, Hamish DeLuca has run to Boston to work for his cousin, Luca Valari who is putting the final touches on his new nightclub, the Flamingo. From childhood, Hamish has had issues that only Luca seemed to understand; Hamish is flourishing at Flamingo.

Regina “Reggie” Van Buren is an heiress who flees after a rather intense occurrence at her mother’s dinner party. Reggie ends up in Boston working for Luca as a secretary. Hamish and Reggie find common ground working for the Flamingo.

Something doesn’t seem quite right with things at the Flamingo, with Luca’s sketchy Chicago businesses and contacts, add the newly found dead body, you have a whodunit full of suspense full of twists and turns and quirky characters.

PS I found myself recognizing the issues that plagued Hamish from childhood; I bet you may recognize yourself or someone you know too.

I had an international trip to pack for and shouldn't have picked up this book when I did, but Hamish DeLuca is a bit irresistible 😁

If you’re looking for a talented writer capable of writing a literary novel with a twist of mystery, look no further. There's something about Rachel McMillan's books that are so... Rachel McMillan. And as vague as that sounds, for me it's the truth and the only way I can describe her books.

They're unique and I really feel as if these stories were meant for her to write. They're an ode and anthem for what make her heart sour - be it a city, music, a book... her stories are always an experience as we readers dive into the characters' feelings, senses and journey. It's always a joy to pick up one of Rachel's books and a responsibility to review them because I feel like I'm reviewing her...

Anyway, about this book. The writing shines as we travel around Boston’s magnificent streets alongside Hamish and Reggie as they try to find out how a flamingo, Chicago and a giant are related to each other. Join two easy-to-relate-to characters as they try to find their ground as independent grown-ups as well as who they want to be.

Honestly, the only reason I accepted the end of the Herringford and Watts Mysteries was that the next series was going to be about Hamish DeLuca with a nod to Notre Dame 💕

McMillan is a master at depicting a setting so that readers are immersed in a location and an era. She makes 1930s Boston come alive in this fascinating story so that it feels authentic and real. Hamish's issues surrounding panic and anxiety give his character depth and humanity, it's frightening to think about the ways these illnesses were handled less than one hundred years ago. The interplay and relationship (talk about romantic tension!) between Hamish and Reggie is captivating and will definitely be one to watch in the upcoming installments of the series.

A mystery that unfolds gently, with an unlikely hero and heroine at the helm, Murder at the Flamingo is a smashing start to a delightful new series. A historic thriller wrapped in 1930s magic set against a backdrop that is at times charming, and at others gritty, the novel boasts two endearing lead characters that readers will surely want to befriend. Shy and quiet, Hamish DeLuca struggles with anxiety and panic disorder, and copes by turning to his favorite book The Hunchback of Notre Dame for comfort. Yet he is also incredibly smart, and over the course of the summer, learns that he can be courageous; the hero of his own story. Readers facing the same challenges as Hamish will at once find a character to sympathize with, while also finding a new literary hero to look up to. Former New Haven debutante Reggie Van Buren is just as delightful in her own right. Full of pluck and a fearless woman of the ‘30s, she learns to navigate life in a new city away from her parents’ affluence. I found it endearing as she marked off each new accomplishment in her Journal of Independence and cheered for both she and Hamish as they took steps toward accomplishing their goals.

The friends Reggie and Hamish make and the villains they encounter along the way make for a rich, full cast of characters as diverse as the city in which they live. Having read McMillan’s Herringford and Watts Mysteries, I was delighted by references to the characters I so loved in that series; some of which I was quite familiar with, others bearing familiar names who I hope to meet in future Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries.

The setting of the book is marvelous. You can sense the author’s love for Boston in the descriptions of the North End and the lively Scollay Square. The fact that it takes place in the 1930s makes the Boston setting even more endearing, as I can clearly imagine Reggie, Hamish, and Nate as they gather ‘round the wireless in the office to listen to Winchester Molloy and share cannoli.

Overall, I really enjoyed Murder at the Flamingo and I can’t wait to read more about Hamish and Reggie and their adventures. Fans who love historical mysteries will love this book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A unique start to a new series, set in 1937 Boston. Underneath the glitz and glamour of the nightclub scene lurks dark secrets and sinister characters. Loosely linked to the fun Herringford and Watts series, the fledgling detective team of Hamish DeLuca and Regina 'Reggie' Van Buren find themselves in the middle of a confusing murder investigation.

Fans of classic films will enjoy all of the references and interaction of this pair. Old Boston is a lovely setting for a new mystery series with its history, and the dark undertones of the 1930's. The plot develops at a steady pace as Hamish and Reggie try to piece together what is going on behind the club scene, and the confusing 'who-dun-it'. Hamish is a complex character as he battles his own inner turmoil and struggle with anxiety, crippling at times. He and Reggie both are young people breaking away and finding their true identity and strengths. There are fun moments as the pair dances like pros--a version of Astaire and Rogers--and find their friendship growing as the tension mounts. Some action and final revelations made the ending exciting, setting up for the next book.

Readers who enjoy a mystery with hints of romance, in a historical setting may enjoy this book. Look forward to the next installment.

I am a nerd. Want to know why? Because I wrote this book and then I wanted to see what it looked like on netgalley because I read and review SO many netgalley books, I was really eager to see what my own looked like. Very nerdy.

But I guess I should say something about my experience with the book having not seen it for awhile while it went through the editorial process:

If you like swing dancing, Boston and cannoli, I think you might find something to like in this book. If you have ever wondered how many Hunchback of Notre Dame references and quotes can be woven into a murder mystery, then, again, I think you will like this book.

Also the cover is great.

I super biasedly give this ENTIRE experience two thumbs up ;)


(also, if you are a frequent Netgalley user and write a book, it truly is SUPER DUPER awesome to see your own book on Netgalley)

Hamish Deluca and Regina (Reggie) VanBuren both leave home and meet in Boston. They find themselves involved in the life of Luca Valari, as he opens his nightclub, The Flamingo. Reggie is Luca's secretary and Hamish is Luca's cousin. On opening night, a woman is found dead and the authorities decide it was an accident. However, Reggie and Hamish believe otherwise.
The author does a wonderful job describing the hustle and bustle of life on the streets in Boston in this murder mystery. Hamish loves to ride his bicycle and I was caught up in the thrill as he dashed through the streets, the rush of the city passing by. And! The glitz and glamour of the nightclub with bubbling champagne, bands and glamorous surroundings. There are many references to classic films and the actors and actresses in these films. Hamish loves the story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and as I have never read that classic story, I enjoyed reading all the comments and quotes from the book. However, the mystery wasn't for me. It was to confusing and as I reflect on the book, I'm still missing pieces to this baffling story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.