Visiting New York to attend a cousin's birthday gala, Nic and Nigel Martini are looking forward to cocktails with old friends and a pampered stay at the Ritz. But when the birthday girl's gold-digging cad of a husband goes missing, the Martini family worries that the social event of the season may turn into a story for the scandal sheets. Nigel's condescending aunt begs former detective Nic to find sleazy Leo, despite the fact that it would be better for everyone if he just stayed lost. Trailing a married bachelor with a penchant for trouble isn't pretty; in fact it's downright deadly. Assisted by Nigel and their newly adopted bull mastiff, Nic must tangle with her old underworld connections if she hopes to hunt down the dirtiest Martini. Praise "Witty, droll, and hilariously spot on. All the smart chic banter and entertaining mystery of the iconic original—irresistibly updated in this sophisticated and cleverly imagined page turner."—HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, AGATHA, ANTHONY, MACAVITY, AND MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

Former detective Nic and well-heeled wag Nigel star in their own Hollywood whodunit Walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards with a bow-tied Bullmastiff draws Nic and Nigel Martini plenty of attention from the press. But that's nothing compared to the attention they receive at the A-list after party, when Hollywood royalty learn they've discovered behind-the-scenes footage from an acclaimed film that left one of its stars dead. Returning home after the party, Nic and Nigel find their house in shambles and their employee DeDee Evans beaten within an inch of her life. And when the weapon used to pummel DeDee implicates a beloved actress, Nic and Nigel drink and banter their way into a modern-day version of a golden-age crime caper. Praise: "Kiely's modern-day Nick and Nora Charles provide plenty of clever repartee as they delve into a mystery full of Hollywood heavyweights with motives for murder."—Kirkus Reviews "It's a gossip columnist's delight!...This is a lively romp, with snappy dialogue, likeable leads, and a goofball dog who stays in on the action."—Booklist "A terrific mystery...The plot, as well as the conversations between the couple, and their relationship with their gigantic dog, are all a plus where this outstanding story is concerned."—Suspense Magazine

Thrilled that their playwright friend's Broadway debut was a rousing success, Nic and Nigel are trying to enjoy the A-list after-party with their pal Harper. Unfortunately, all the champagne and repartee in the world aren't enough to overlook the churlish behavior of Harper's theater-critic husband, Dan. Nic is shocked the next morning when she learns that Dan' been murdered. Nigel thinks the world may be a better place without him. Still, Harper is their friend and they're intent on helping her any way they can. Invigorated by the thrill of the hunt and fortified by a flood of cocktails, catching the killer becomes the Martinis' top priority...with their behemoth Bullmastiff Skippy along for the ride. Includes cocktail recipes!