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ljrousse's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Deadly Summer Nights is the debut of A Catskill Summer Resort Mystery series. Vicki Delany transports readers back to the 1950s to Haggerman’s Catskills Resort. Olivia Peters, Elizabeth’s mother inherited Haggerman’s from an admirer. Olivia is not the type to run a resort which is why she convinced her daughter, Elizabeth to manage it. Elizabeth goes out of her way to ensure her guests have a swell time. I enjoyed the lush descriptions of summer in the Catskills at Haggerman’s. I just loved the vivid word imagery of the threads worn by the ladies especially the evening and cocktail dresses. Elizabeth Grady is a strong female protagonist who is smart and has a good head for business. There is a great cast of characters that includes Elizabeth’s best friend, Velvet. Aunt Tatiana is head of housekeeping who brought Winston, an English bulldog with her. Winston is a cute, waddling bulldog who manages to get the run of the resort despite Elizabeth’s attempts to corral him. The author captured the time period with the clothing (Velvet was the ginchiest), vehicles, food (anyone for Jell-o salad), alcoholic beverages (a pink squirrel anyone), attitudes (I just not worry my little head over the death and just head back to the kitchen), and behaviors. I did feel that the language missed the mark just a touch. It could have been more retro with some more slang thrown in. I truly appreciate that there was no foul language or back seat bingo in this story. The mystery was intriguing. We are lucky that Olivia did not flip her lid. A guest is found dead in the river and the local chief of police believes the death is related to communism. Elizabeth is not really interested in solving the crime. But she soon finds herself involved. People talk to her and Elizabeth tends to stumble upon clues. Gossip runs rampant at the resort, but it is not word from the bird (the whole truth). Making the victim out to be a Red certainly with the paranoia in the 1950s. The reveal was dramatic and complete. The author ends the story with readers wanting more. There is a hint of romance for Elizabeth. I do not know when this poor woman would find time to date with all that she does at the resort during the season. I bet you are tired of listening to me, so I had better cut the gas. Deadly Summer Nights razzed my berries with a wet rag pursuer, a comedian with a good bit, a goof dishwasher, a lumpy magician, a jazzed bartender, the heat with a Mickey Mouse idea, a peachy keen manager, and a killer lighting up the tilt sign.
courtney_reads_stories's review against another edition
4.0
This was good historical fiction and I enjoyed the plot and the characters, but the mystery was just meh. I would read another novel in this setting with these people but not the next cozy in this series if that makes sense.
The ending was a wild ride that took me totally by surprise.
susanknowsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kimlb's review
5.0
I loved this first entry into this new series by Vicki Delany. I absolutely loved the entire vintage/retro vibe which reminded me of the location/setting for Dirty Dancing. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
karinlib's review
4.0
I have read a couple of series by Vicki Delany, this may be my 4th. Despite that I miss the library/bookshop settings of the other series I read, this new mystery series was good and I will definitely be reading more.
Elizabeth and her mother Olivia run a summer resort in the Catskills (NY), but what is particularly interesting is that it is set in the 1950s.
Elizabeth and her mother Olivia run a summer resort in the Catskills (NY), but what is particularly interesting is that it is set in the 1950s.
reneesmith's review
4.0
Entertaining! A fun new series. As an upstate New Yorker, I really enjoyed the setting--Catskill summer resort life of the 1950s.
katreader's review
4.0
DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS by Vicki Delany
The First Catskill Summer Resort Mystery
Summer in the Catskills is about relaxing, eating and drinking well, and being entertained. Unless, of course, you're the woman in charge. For Elizabeth Grady it's about managing staff, paying bills, and placating guests while her mother provides a star's panache. Haggerman's Catskill Resort is in its second year and despite machinations from nearby Kennelwood resort, is doing well. Their modest success could be at an end though when a guest is found murdered. Not believing the quiet man was actually writing a novel the chief of police cries "Reds!" and starts implying that Haggerman's is a hotbed of communists while calling in the FBI. Elizabeth will have to minimize the damage that red scare gossip causes or else this summer in the Catskills may be her last!
DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS is a great start to a new series. Strong female characters in a world that tries to belittle them stand out as they reach for their own success. The mystery was unique and the path to its solution ingenious. While the book started slowly, once Elizabeth figured out what was going on, it was a thrilling rush to the end.
The patronizing attitude of the men and the haze of cigarette smoke brought the 1950s to life while simultaneously making me happy I didn't have to live through it, although I wouldn't have minded all the cocktails and associated hors d'oeuvres.
Along with a first rate mystery, plenty of laughs, a little romance, and a sweet bulldog named Winston make DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS a summertime treat that transports you back in time. Now, who's going to make me a pink squirrel?
The First Catskill Summer Resort Mystery
Summer in the Catskills is about relaxing, eating and drinking well, and being entertained. Unless, of course, you're the woman in charge. For Elizabeth Grady it's about managing staff, paying bills, and placating guests while her mother provides a star's panache. Haggerman's Catskill Resort is in its second year and despite machinations from nearby Kennelwood resort, is doing well. Their modest success could be at an end though when a guest is found murdered. Not believing the quiet man was actually writing a novel the chief of police cries "Reds!" and starts implying that Haggerman's is a hotbed of communists while calling in the FBI. Elizabeth will have to minimize the damage that red scare gossip causes or else this summer in the Catskills may be her last!
DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS is a great start to a new series. Strong female characters in a world that tries to belittle them stand out as they reach for their own success. The mystery was unique and the path to its solution ingenious. While the book started slowly, once Elizabeth figured out what was going on, it was a thrilling rush to the end.
The patronizing attitude of the men and the haze of cigarette smoke brought the 1950s to life while simultaneously making me happy I didn't have to live through it, although I wouldn't have minded all the cocktails and associated hors d'oeuvres.
Along with a first rate mystery, plenty of laughs, a little romance, and a sweet bulldog named Winston make DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS a summertime treat that transports you back in time. Now, who's going to make me a pink squirrel?
kansas_girl's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Elizabeth Grady and her mother are running Haggerman’s Catskills Resort in the 1950s. Lots of Dirty Dancing vibes here. Delany’s incredibly popular cozy series are always well-written and carefully researched. This one is a lot of fun.