What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackbird Sisters Mystery #7
Murder Melts in Your Mouth
Sensible Philadelphia debutante Nora Blackbird turns sleuth when her friend Lexie becomes the prime suspect in the killing of a prominent Philadelphia philanthropist, who has fallen to his death from an office tower balcony, but her investigation is complicated by the return of her scheming parents, whose scandalous hijinks unnerve all three of the Blackbird sisters.
282 pages, Hardcover
First published March 4, 2008
About the author
Nancy Martin
138 books559 followersWinner of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement award for mystery writing from Romantic Times magazine, Nancy Martin announces the release of the 8th book in her popular Blackbird Sisters mystery series, NO WAY TO KILL A LADY. Set in Philadelphia, the story features three heiresses whose parents have run off with their trust funds. Now thay have a chance to regain their wealth when their aunt, "Madcap Maddy" Blackbird dies in a volcano and leaves her estate to the sisters. But Nora Blackbird soon discovers all the treasures in Aunt Maddy's house have disappeared...information that leads her to believe maybe Maddy didn't die the way everybody thinks.
Author of 48 pop fiction novels in mystery, suspense, historical and romance genres, Nancy created The Blackbird Sisters in 2002--- mysteries about three impoverished heiresses who adventure in couture and crime --as if “Agatha Christie had wandered onto the set of Sex and The City.” Nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery of 2002, HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE won the RT award for Best First Mystery and was a finalist for the Daphne DuMaurier Award. Currently, she is at work on the Roxy Abruzzo mystery series for St. Martin’s Minotaur. In 2009 she received the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for mystery writing.
Nancy lives in Pittsburgh, serves on the board of Sisters in Crime and is a founding member of Pennwriters. Find her on Pinterest and Facebook.
Author of 48 pop fiction novels in mystery, suspense, historical and romance genres, Nancy created The Blackbird Sisters in 2002--- mysteries about three impoverished heiresses who adventure in couture and crime --as if “Agatha Christie had wandered onto the set of Sex and The City.” Nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery of 2002, HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE won the RT award for Best First Mystery and was a finalist for the Daphne DuMaurier Award. Currently, she is at work on the Roxy Abruzzo mystery series for St. Martin’s Minotaur. In 2009 she received the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for mystery writing.
Nancy lives in Pittsburgh, serves on the board of Sisters in Crime and is a founding member of Pennwriters. Find her on Pinterest and Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
July 30, 2014
This was another wonderful Blackbird sisters mystery. The main character, Nora is charming, her love interest is a hunk and has ties to a mob family and her sisters and parents are just plain nuts! The murder of Nora's best friend, Lexie's financial partner, Hoyt Cavendish starts this story off and it goes wild from there. There is humor, love, pathos and plenty of quirkiness to keep you interested.
February 21, 2021
Fun series!
December 30, 2021
This book is another gem from Nancy Martin. It is laugh out loud funny with a complex mystery. We also get to meet more of Nora's family.
August 15, 2016
I'm a cozy mystery reader who loves when character and plot work together really well. Thankfully, this book does. Nora's working hard at trying to maintain the family lifestyle and properties while her parents are on the run from the US government. Meanwhile her best friend's in a pickle (pesky suspicion of murder charges) and there's a new mystery afoot. In the meantime, she's babysitting her sister Libby's 5 children and trying to watch for younger sister Emma's life. Oh, and to establish or reestablish a dating life with the son of a mobster. No biggie right?
I really appreciated the interactions of show AND tell. The characters didn't necessarily get along but they all worked together to find truths. Ultimately, the WASPy life of a Philadelphia deb worked in her favor and it showed that those will little work experience can make something work. Nora had grit throughout the story, she wasn't easily cowed but she wasn't stupid either. The action worked out and was fast enough to move along the story while offering little insights into the Blackbird world.
I wasn't sure if I liked some of the mystery reveals, however. I think it was an interesting turn, one of the biggest secrets, but I'm not sure it was handled well enough to base a huge part of the resolution on it. That's the only thing causing me to not give the book 5 stars. A solid 4.5, though. I look forward to reading more of the series. Sometimes a random pass by at the library can be useful.
I really appreciated the interactions of show AND tell. The characters didn't necessarily get along but they all worked together to find truths. Ultimately, the WASPy life of a Philadelphia deb worked in her favor and it showed that those will little work experience can make something work. Nora had grit throughout the story, she wasn't easily cowed but she wasn't stupid either. The action worked out and was fast enough to move along the story while offering little insights into the Blackbird world.
I wasn't sure if I liked some of the mystery reveals, however. I think it was an interesting turn, one of the biggest secrets, but I'm not sure it was handled well enough to base a huge part of the resolution on it. That's the only thing causing me to not give the book 5 stars. A solid 4.5, though. I look forward to reading more of the series. Sometimes a random pass by at the library can be useful.
April 5, 2018
This one has a lot more relationship drama, and more new members of the Blackbird family come home to roost. Nora gets kidnapped twice, Emily's in trouble, and Libby is AWOL at the Ritz with someone who hit her with his car.
There is a chocolate festival, but that's hardly a main plot point. It made me hungry.
I liked the book, and I was impressed with how the author handled hiding the killer until the last second. It started a lot quicker than the previous one did, which I thought started kind of slow. The ending was very satisfying, and I'm a little nervous to see what's new in the next book. I hope everyone stays happy, but that's not likely or we wouldn't have anything to read!
There is a chocolate festival, but that's hardly a main plot point. It made me hungry.
I liked the book, and I was impressed with how the author handled hiding the killer until the last second. It started a lot quicker than the previous one did, which I thought started kind of slow. The ending was very satisfying, and I'm a little nervous to see what's new in the next book. I hope everyone stays happy, but that's not likely or we wouldn't have anything to read!
February 8, 2019
I love this dang series. I love the Blackbird sisters, though I really want to smack Emma. Michael is dreamy and super annoying. The mystery was really, really good, even as it was heartbreaking. This whole book was pretty heartbreaking, to be honest, but the clothes were still great and the batty rich people were still entertaining. I would trigger warn about some weird handling of a trans character, but I was never quite clear about how disapproving anyone was.
July 3, 2023
One of the subplots left a terrible taste in my mouth, watching allegedly sympathetic characters with a predatorial focus on getting other people to reproduce and taking their children from them.
Other major issues abound. Two big things: If you are in trouble and can't tell someone you "love," maybe you don't really love them; if you "love" someone and don't trust them even a little bit, maybe that's a sign that you should be walking away.
The upshot is that I didn't like these people at all.
Other major issues abound. Two big things: If you are in trouble and can't tell someone you "love," maybe you don't really love them; if you "love" someone and don't trust them even a little bit, maybe that's a sign that you should be walking away.
The upshot is that I didn't like these people at all.
November 12, 2018
This was really heavy on the character development, and pushing the personal stories forward, and a lot lighter on the murder aspect. It's not a bad thing, but it's worth noting that if the characters don't really grab you in this series, this isn't the entry for you. That being said, if you do love the characters you're really going to like how this one develops.
February 4, 2023
Another entry in the Blackbird Sisters series. Mick and Nora are taking some time apart. Who knows what Emma is up to now. And Libby? Libby has been hit in traffic. By a Rolls Royce naturally and is staying at the Ritz. Where are the children? At Nora’s house. Meanwhile Nora’s friend has had an associate fall out of her fourth floor window. Or was he pushed?
February 27, 2018
An entertaining "who done it" with a zany cast of characters that make for a lively plotline. Set in the Philadelphia area, it connects Main Line Philly to the criminal underworld. A fun, quick and entertaining read with a twist that I never expected.
February 25, 2021
Such a great addition to the blackbird sisters mysteries!! I actually enjoyed both Libby and Emma in this one and Nora and Mick are to die for!! I feel like they finally figured their shit out!! Oh and the mystery was good too!
June 19, 2017
Silly fun!
June 20, 2017
This was another good mystery installment of the Blackbird sisters. And it was nice to see them all working together on a mystery. There were some nice surprises in this book. Thoroughly enjoyable.
April 19, 2018
It was quite OK, rather light reading. However I didn't like any characters, either too posh, or egoistic, or rich and spoiled. Not my world of course.
July 1, 2018
Great series to read while on vacation.
August 27, 2019
I love this series! I particularly enjoy the sisters relationships with each other.
October 27, 2019
Wonderful!
This one had me on the edge of my seat! I love her stories and can't wait to see what's in store next for Nora and Michael.
This one had me on the edge of my seat! I love her stories and can't wait to see what's in store next for Nora and Michael.
Read
November 26, 2019My excuse is there was a box of chocolates on the cover. A bit more than meets the eye here though. Much better plotted than the usual cozy mystery.
February 5, 2020
This was total fluff but totally what I was in the mood for. A nice escape for a few hours.
June 27, 2020
I love Nora and Michael. I hope they get together for good.
November 7, 2020
Great read!
September 8, 2022
The series is starting to be more about the romance, and less about the murder.
September 24, 2022
Great series!!
September 28, 2022
Way too many loose threads in the plot and underdeveloped, insufferable characters. I figured out “whodunit” at the scene of the crime. Would not recommend.
Read
February 28, 2024Nora's parents return.emma is pregnant. Lexie has a partner pushed from a balcony at her office.nora finds put she has a brother!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
some books are like potato chips 1 no nutritional value but easy to read
February 23, 2017
Serinin 7. kitabı olsa da her kitapta ayrı bir kurgu işlendiğinden bu hiç sıkıntı yaratmıyor size. Yazarın mizahı ve polisiyeyi bu denli iyi harmanlaması konunun akıp gitmesini sağlıyor. Karakter kurgusu kadar karakterlerin arasındaki diyalogları da çok sevdiğimi söylemem gerek. Şok edici bir şey olmaması ve katilin bulunduğu kısmın çarçabuk geçiştirilmesi puanımı kırmama neden oldu. Gene de okuyamama döneminden çıkmak için ideal kitaplardan biri. 4.5/ Bir Cinayet Bin Sır-Hece Yayınları
October 25, 2010
I’m not the biggest fan of heiresses, the Upper East Side elite or celebutantes, which is probably why I’ve always skipped over Nancy Martin’s high society book series. Unable to resist the chocolate-infused murder plot in “Murder Melts in Your Mouth,” I decided to give the books a shot and realized that I’ve been missing out on a real treat!
In this fast-paced Blackbird Sisters adventure, Nora Blackbird – former Philadelphia heiress and high-society It Girl – is teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Her big sister got ran over by a Rolls Royce and left her in charge of five kids while she recuperates at the Ritz. Just when life couldn’t’ get more hectic, Nora’s best friend becomes suspect No. 1 after her boss plummets to his death from his high-rise office balcony. Then madcap hijinks ensue when the tax-evading Blackbird parents reappear with their life coach, sending Nora and her two zany sisters into a tizzy.
On a quest to prove her friend’s innocence, Nora searches for suspects while covering see-and-be-seen social events for her high society newspaper column. After rubbing elbows with Philly’s most notable bluebloods at the annual chocolate festival, she discovers anyone is a suspect – even her own father!
With the help of her old flame, a hunky Jersey tough guy with mafia ties, Nora must root out the truth – even if it means turning in someone she loves.
This book – peppered with witty one-liners, steamy sexual tension and oddball characters – is the perfect antidote for a bad mood. If you’re in need of a good laugh, this book will do the trick! The sharp murder plot and entertaining fashion commentary is sure to delight fans of Janet Evonovich, Ellen Byerrum and Jennifer Cruise.
In this fast-paced Blackbird Sisters adventure, Nora Blackbird – former Philadelphia heiress and high-society It Girl – is teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Her big sister got ran over by a Rolls Royce and left her in charge of five kids while she recuperates at the Ritz. Just when life couldn’t’ get more hectic, Nora’s best friend becomes suspect No. 1 after her boss plummets to his death from his high-rise office balcony. Then madcap hijinks ensue when the tax-evading Blackbird parents reappear with their life coach, sending Nora and her two zany sisters into a tizzy.
On a quest to prove her friend’s innocence, Nora searches for suspects while covering see-and-be-seen social events for her high society newspaper column. After rubbing elbows with Philly’s most notable bluebloods at the annual chocolate festival, she discovers anyone is a suspect – even her own father!
With the help of her old flame, a hunky Jersey tough guy with mafia ties, Nora must root out the truth – even if it means turning in someone she loves.
This book – peppered with witty one-liners, steamy sexual tension and oddball characters – is the perfect antidote for a bad mood. If you’re in need of a good laugh, this book will do the trick! The sharp murder plot and entertaining fashion commentary is sure to delight fans of Janet Evonovich, Ellen Byerrum and Jennifer Cruise.
April 27, 2012
3.5
Less zany/funny/crazy than the earlier works in the series. Time/location: just before Fourth of July; Chocolate Festival in the Convention Center
Various parallels: Emma is pregnant (like Nora was in #5); Nora's two friends are going to Spain to adopt a child and years earlier, Hoyt and his wife get Nora's father's help to have a child (Tierney)--(parallels Nora's donating eggs 10 years ago so friend can have a child). (Also shows the differing attitudes from 2 decades ago vs. today: Hoyt had to conceal his/her true gender; Nora's two gay friends can now openly adopt.)
Nora's father and mother return with a Treasury agent; Lexie (5 years for manslaughter; reduced to 3 years?) and Michael (6 months? as accessory) are going to jail.
Doesn't really explain Hoyt's motivation for embezzeling $100 M from his various clients' accounts, thought it sort of parallels Nora's parents' actions/attitude of borrowing money and jewelry then just skipping town leaving their daughters to live with the consequences.
Nora really seems to be taken advantage of: she has the $2 M in back taxes that she has to pay for, while her sisters have valuable furniture and artwork that they could just sell; Libby foists her children on Nora; Emma foists her ponies, horse and herself on Nora (there's no mention of paying rent to help out when Emma moves to the farm).
Libby and Jacque Petite (star of the Chocolae Festival); Nora doing online videos for her newspaper; Tierney is 1/2 brother to the Blackbird sisters; Lucy has replaced her imaginary friend with a real person, Henry (Michael computer expert); the Blackbird widow curse is no more?
Less zany/funny/crazy than the earlier works in the series. Time/location: just before Fourth of July; Chocolate Festival in the Convention Center
Various parallels: Emma is pregnant (like Nora was in #5); Nora's two friends are going to Spain to adopt a child and years earlier, Hoyt and his wife get Nora's father's help to have a child (Tierney)--(parallels Nora's donating eggs 10 years ago so friend can have a child). (Also shows the differing attitudes from 2 decades ago vs. today: Hoyt had to conceal his/her true gender; Nora's two gay friends can now openly adopt.)
Nora's father and mother return with a Treasury agent; Lexie (5 years for manslaughter; reduced to 3 years?) and Michael (6 months? as accessory) are going to jail.
Doesn't really explain Hoyt's motivation for embezzeling $100 M from his various clients' accounts, thought it sort of parallels Nora's parents' actions/attitude of borrowing money and jewelry then just skipping town leaving their daughters to live with the consequences.
Nora really seems to be taken advantage of: she has the $2 M in back taxes that she has to pay for, while her sisters have valuable furniture and artwork that they could just sell; Libby foists her children on Nora; Emma foists her ponies, horse and herself on Nora (there's no mention of paying rent to help out when Emma moves to the farm).
Libby and Jacque Petite (star of the Chocolae Festival); Nora doing online videos for her newspaper; Tierney is 1/2 brother to the Blackbird sisters; Lucy has replaced her imaginary friend with a real person, Henry (Michael computer expert); the Blackbird widow curse is no more?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2016
In this book Nora's childhood friend, Lexie, not only becomes a murder suspect but her entire life takes a complete tailspin. It is so hard to see this happen because Lexie is the type of friend I would love to have had. However, there are always snakes in the grass even in the tallest corporate buildings. And, Nora knows her friend is not capable of murder and so begins to rout out the real killer. However, there is one very unexpected surprise-the appearance of their parents. And, Nora finds their father smack in the middle of the murder scene! Their parents end up moving back into the old family homestead with their mysterious freedom from tax evasion charges. Much to Nora's chagrin they also start making plans to convert the old home into a family business and expecting Nora to quit her current job as a social column journalist, which she has no intention of doing. By the time Nora finishes her sleuthing there secrets galore are brought out into the open-many involving her own family no less.
I gave this book 5-stars because it kept me reading. The mystery of the killer kept really well to the end. Her parents aren't too bad but her mother is pretty zany and one can see where Libby gets her character traits from. My favorite part is when the family is being held hostage at the farm house which Nora and her nephew Rawlins walk into. The dialogue and interactions of the characters is pretty funny-if such a thing can be. But, Nancy Martin's talent certainly carries it off. Her sister, Emma really gets on my nerves in this book, though-not Libby for once. But, at the end, they are all together as a family and happy.
I gave this book 5-stars because it kept me reading. The mystery of the killer kept really well to the end. Her parents aren't too bad but her mother is pretty zany and one can see where Libby gets her character traits from. My favorite part is when the family is being held hostage at the farm house which Nora and her nephew Rawlins walk into. The dialogue and interactions of the characters is pretty funny-if such a thing can be. But, Nancy Martin's talent certainly carries it off. Her sister, Emma really gets on my nerves in this book, though-not Libby for once. But, at the end, they are all together as a family and happy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews