Gin and Panic

Discreet Retrieval Agency #3

by Maia Chance

“Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets―and has a high old time doing it! So will you.”―Ann B. Ross, New York Times bestselling author of the Miss Julia series

Former socialite Lola Woodby is now struggling to make ends meet as a not-so-discreet private eye in Prohibtion-era New York City, along with her stern Swedish sidekick, Berta. When they’re offered a piece-of-cake job―retrieving a rhinoceros trophy from the Connecticut mansion of big game hunter Rudy Montgomery―it seems like a no-brainer. After all, their client, Lord Sudley, promises them a handsome paycheck, and the gin and tonics will be plentiful and free. But no sooner do they arrive at Montgomery Hall than Rudy is shot dead.

When the police arrive to examine the scene, they conclude that Rudy had actually committed suicide. But Lord Sudley can’t believe his friend would have done that, and there’s a houseful of suspicious characters standing by. So Lord Sudley ups the ante for Lola and Berta, and suddenly, their easy retrieval job has turned into a murder investigation. Armed with handbags stuffed with emergency chocolate, gin flasks, and a Colt .25, Lola and Berta are swiftly embroiled in a madcap puzzle of stolen diamonds, family secrets, a clutch of gangsters, and plenty of suspects who know their way around a safari rifle.

Gin and Panic is the next jaunty, compelling Discreet Retrieval Agency mystery from beloved crime writer Maia Chance.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2017

Reviews

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gin and Panic is a light-hearted, screwball comedy/mystery. It takes place during the Roaring Twenties with gangsters, criminals, and lots of socialites. I was not a huge fan of the main character, Lola Woodby – she was too scattered and immature for me. While this is the third book in the series, it is the first one I have read and also my last. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Donna Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely just for fun. I read the first two on audio and absolutely loved every minute of them. I wish I could continue the series on audio, but 3 and 4 don’t seem to be available. So I got the books. This third installment is fun, and I really enjoyed reading it. It’s light-hearted and funny, but I miss the audio! Also, the first two books had an object in them which the main character, Lola, obsessed over—a girdle in one,then an expensive lipstick which she couldn’t afford to replace. The obsession was hilarious, and I missed that aspect in the third. It talked about the dog too much, which bored me. Overall, though, the book is good for a relaxing, fun read.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the first book in this series. The dynamics and silliness of Lola and Berta. These two had me laughing a lot. Although, Berta really brings the humor; even though Lola is kind of the main one. Yet, this time, I was lacking the comedy. Additionally, none of the other characters intrigued me. Thus I found it hard to stick with this book. Which I did not stick with this book after chapter twelve. This is unfortunate as I know this author can write and this book is not one of the best showing. I will say that Lola and Berta are starting to find their groove in the detective business. Here is hoping that the next book is way better and has the comedy inserted back in.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that I've enjoyed all the books in the Discreet Retrieval Agency series. This is the third one and it's quite fun. There are a few good mysteries and plenty of humor. I will say Lola needs a better pair of shoes than t-straps for skulking around, but that's part of the fun as is her carting her dog Cedric everywhere they go.

If you enjoy mysteries with well developed quirky characters and twisty plots, then this would be a good book for you. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The mysteries are good. There is humor. And the main characters are entertaining.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

[Mallory Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given maybe a 3.7 to this if I could do decimals. It was a cute read and always love a mystery, although I gave less points because I figured out who did it before the ending. But I did like the writing style and will probably check out the other books in the series.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lord Sudley employs Lola Woodby, and Mrs Berta Lundgren to retrieve what he considers to be his rhinoceros trophy from the Connecticut mansion of his friend and big game hunter Rudy Montgomery. Not all goes to plan when a shot is heard and a body found.
The second of this series that I have read and I still couldn't take to the two main characters, and styleof writing resulting in not enjoying this light mystery.
A NetGalley Book

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just come off of reading two very very dense books with heavy subject matter. I needed something to just enjoy rather than something I need to digest.

Enter Gin and Panic. I was happy to read a cozy mystery even though I was jumping in on the third book. I didn’t care. I just wanted something that looked entertaining without epic battles in every chapter.

I had no idea what to expect with this book, but I was so relieved that it was funny. This book obviously isn’t a ‘comedy’ however there were many comical moments and that endeared it to me! I loved how sassy and quirky Lola and Berta were. I laughed out loud a couple of times. Some might argue that the focus is more on the comedy than the mystery in this book, but I honestly didn’t mind in the least. It was fun and the mystery suited my mindset just fine.

This book is set in the 1920s….which you might have guessed from the cover. The 1920s seems to be a really popular era in historical fiction right now and sometimes I feel like it’s a little over done. The 1920s are far from my favorite era in history so for me sometimes the time period grates on my nerves. In this book there is a lot of 1920s slang and language, but for some reason it didn’t bother me in the way that I was expecting. In fact I actually didn’t mind it.

This book was everything that I was expecting in a cozy mystery….funny quirky characters, some comedy of errors, a mystery that was entertaining with a few twists. I was happy with the ending and felt like everything was wrapped up nicely. There were times when the book boarded on too ‘cutesy’ and I have seen other reviewers nothing the same….and yes at times it’s a little too ‘cute’ and cheeky but at the same time, it’s a cozy people. Not highbrow literature. Cozy is practically synonymous with cutesy.

This book was just what I needed right now. I needed something fun, cute, and entertaining. I felt like I got that with this book. Some times it was a little heavy on the cute and on the cliche language of the era, but on the whole it was entertaining enough and I easily continued reading the book without issue.

See my full review here

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty:
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/10...


Gin and Panic by Maia Chance
Minotaur Books, 2017
Crime Fiction (Cozy); 304 pgs
Source: E-Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley

Gin and Panic is my first foray with the Discreet Retrieval Agency cozy mysteries, although the third book in the actual series. I admit to not being sure what to think when I first started reading Gin and Panic. Retrieving a rhinoceros head for a client wasn’t the most appealing start. However, the more I read, the more I invested in the novel I became. Lola and Berta are quite the private eye pair. Set in the roaring twenties, it is easy to see how these two women fit into it—no one taking them seriously enough, which only gives them more of an advantage.

The mystery itself was twisty and fun. Just when you think it is going to go one way, it goes another. While I wasn’t surprised by the outcome, I sure had a good time getting there.

It was hard not to laugh my way through this one what with the humor and rather eccentric characters. This mystery had a bit of everything: murder, theft, gangsters, socialites, a con artist radio talk show hosts, romance, and two heroines I couldn’t help but cheer for.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series a lot. Everything from the characters to the time and setting of the story, 1920's Prohibition era New York City. Can't wait for the next one!

[Terri Peer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola, Berta, Ralph and Cedric are back again in this third installment of Discreet Retrieval Agency Mysteries and I couldn’t be more pleased. These characters are terrific and the story is fun! I believe this is my favorite of the series. If you are looking for a delightful romp around the twenties in New York complete with speak easies, gangsters, gum shoes and the language that goes with it then this is your book. Lola and Berta are dames determined to make it as detectives in NYC. Lola never met a baked good she doesn’t enjoy and fortunately for her Berta loves to bake from scratch. Sometimes a plate of fresh baked ginger snaps is just the thing to get you through the secured door in search of answers to solve the mystery. I encourage you to read these books. You won’t be disappointed.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gin and Panic is the third Discreet Retrieval Agency by author Maia Chance. This is the first book in the series that I have read. It can easily be read as a stand alone.

Gin and Panic is set in the 1920 Prohibition Era in New York and Connecticut. Lola and Berta, the Discreet Retrieval Agency's two owners, are hired to retrieve a rhinoceros from the country mansion of a big game hunter. They were retrieving it for Lord Sudley, an Englishman and fellow big game hunter. Lola and Berta are set to spend the weekend at the mansion but their host is murdered and then they discovered raw diamonds in the rhino head. A madcap adventure ensues from this point.

What a fun fun fun book! I loved the mystery aspect as well as the adventures that Berta and Lola became involved in. The book is well written and the author has ensured that we are back in the 1920s. I cannot wait to read more in this series!

I highly recommend Gin and Panic.

[AnnieBebop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even more fun than the last one I read.

[Sunsettowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review

Lola Woodby was a member of high society, but is now a private detective. She and her detective partner, Berta, are called to a mansion to retrieve an errant trophy, but find themselves drawn into a murder mystery with plenty of suspects.

This book is just plain fun. Lola and Berta are clever, quick, and funny, and they have highly entertaining adventures as they work to solve the mystery.

Prohibition-era New York and its surrounding towns really come alive as well.

There really isn't much not to enjoy with this read. It's just a fun book. If anything, I would say it's not particularly memorable, which doesn't mean I didn't enjoy myself while reading it.

If you are looking for a quick, fun, historical mystery read, this is a good one to pick up. It won't take you long, and you'll find yourself laughing as you work to solve the crime along two strong women.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and loved this series. If you are looking for dark, serious heavy murder mysteries this is not for you. If you are looking for a really fun, lighthearted romp with great plots, interesting characters and lots of historical 20s background these are for you. I have read the previous two books and with each book Ms Chance gets better and better. This time Lola, Berta, Ralph and Cedric are up to their eyebrows in diamonds, rhinoceros and of course, murder. A English lord wants to marry Lola and take her home to England. But is he really what he seems? Is the house really haunted? Can there really be a pirates treasure buried on its grounds? All this and more you will find out when you treat yourself to Gin and Panic.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun series. My only complaint was I thought banking hours were shorter in the old days. When they were trying to get to the bank by 5 pm, I was jolted out of the story. I remember banking hours ending at 3 pm.

Otherwise I highly recommend this mystery.

I borrowed a copy from the library.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola Woodby thought this would be an easy job—grab a rhinoceros trophy from a Connecticut mansion, collect a paycheck, and enjoy a few high-quality gin and tonics in the process. What could go wrong? Well…murder, for starters. Before she and her no-nonsense sidekick, Berta, can complete their retrieval mission, their wealthy big-game-hunting host, Rudy Montgomery, turns up very dead. The police call it a suicide, but Lola’s client isn’t buying it. Suddenly, their simple errand comes with a murder investigation, a house full of suspicious high-society guests, and the very real possibility of becoming someone’s next target.

This Discreet Retrieval Agency mystery is as madcap as it is murder-y, featuring secret diamonds, family scandals, gangsters, and a cast of characters who are all just shady enough to be suspects. Lola, with her dry wit and flair for attracting trouble, is a delightfully chaotic lead, while Berta provides the perfect balance of logic and sarcasm. The mystery itself unfolds with twists, turns, and plenty of Roaring Twenties flair, but let’s be honest—half the fun is watching Lola bumble her way through high society while armed with nothing but a Colt .25, emergency chocolate, and her increasingly poor life choices.

A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars! Gin and Panic can be read as a standalone, though jumping into the series from the beginning will make the character dynamics even more fun. If you like your cozy mysteries with a side of slapstick, a little Prohibition-era glam, and a heroine who refuses to let common sense get in the way of an investigation, this one is worth the read. And really, if there’s ever a time for gin, it’s while solving a murder at a mansion filled with people who may or may not want to kill you.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I think back on this book, the first word that comes to mind is "charming" followed very shortly by "fun". This is a pair of sleuths I loved spending time with and the plot and setting did a lot to hold my attention; overall, I was reminded of those lighthearted mysteries that take us back to the more innocent-seeming time of 1923.

Lola isn't really the brains of the duo but she's learning to adapt to her altered circumstances and her previous position in society opens doors to them while Berta has a knack for figuring things out while keeping the Lola ship steered in the right direction, so to speak. They have an unlikely friendship for their time but it really works for them and lays the groundwork for a successful detecting business. Lola's constant companion, the furry Cedric, adds to the ambience.

The whole idea of someone asking them to "retrieve" a rhinoceros head trophy seems a bit outrageous in today's world but it had me chuckling early on, imagining these two women having to smuggle such an item out of its current place of honor just to settle a grievance. Still, Lola and Berta are game, pun intended ;-), having no idea they're about to land smackdab in the middle of a locked room mystery complete with dead body. A cache of diamonds and the bumbling efforts of our sleuths lead to enough adventure and madcappery to while away a very pleasant afternoon.

[Judah Kosterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly Modern Millie meets a particularly good episode of Hart to Hart.

Our Prohibition-era, gal-pal detectives are back: divorced (and therefore disgraced), 30-ish socialite Lola and her 60-ish, former domestic help turned partner, Berta. This is book three of the series, and that means fleshing out secondary characters like Lola’s commitment-phobic, WWI-veteran, fellow gumshoe boyfriend and Berta’s besotted, small-fry mobster. Lola still works best on coffee and cake and Berta is still full of surprises. The two women use equal parts life experience, dumb luck/feminine wiles, and thinking on their feet to resolve two thefts (laundry carts and a misappropriated hunting trophy), which turns into two murders. Along the way, Lola gets an offer from a competing suitor which forces her to answer the question, does she need – or even want – a man to take care of her?

The pacing, dialogue, and near-slapstick action make it fizz in the best possible way (think Some Like It Hot). And luckily for readers, Lola and Berta can take care of themselves just fine (with a little well-timed help), and will be back for book four.

[jammaster_mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable period mystery series!

Lola lost everything when her husband died but gained her freedom. With the help of her former cook they opened the Discrete Retrieval Agency and she is gaining some self respect. In this book they have been hired to retrieve a rhinoceros head trophy for a very handsome British Lord. This involves a stay at a house party in Connecticut. During their stay there is a death and they discover something very unexpected when retrieving the rhinoceros. This leads to another death and a spot on a popular radio program. Through all of this Lola is struggling with her feelings for her private detective boyfriend and trying to figure out how she feels about a certain British Lord.

This is a very fun and lighthearted mystery series. There is a complicated plot but there is also a lot of slapstick humor. The ladies are bumbling detectives who have flashes of brilliance. Looking forward to the next book.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gin and Panic by Maia Chance is the third book in her Discreet Retrieval Agency and continues the screwball comedy team of Lola and Berta as they try to retrieve a rhinoceros trophy. Of course, nothing goes as planned with these two and a murder once again throws them into a sticky situation.

The smartly paced plot with some very humorous moments keep this book from being dull as Lola was continually thinking of her break-up with Ralph throughout most of the book. I would have preferred that Lola had not been so self-centered during this book. There were several suspects and the reveal, for me, was startling as I never guessed who had "done it". All together, an enjoyable afternoon read and my rating is 3.5 stars.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed detective cozies, so Maia Chance's Gin and Panic was a treat. We have a former socialite Lola Woodby who works with no-nonsense Swedish Berta. They are investigators and don't just look for a missing broach but are willing to take on murder investigations. This time, they're hired to find a specific rhino trophy during a shooting party at Montgomery Hall in Connecticut.

The party is cut short by the death of the host, Rudy Montgomery. Their client doesn't believe the death was a suicide and hires Lola and Berta to investigate the suspicious death as well as find the missing rhino trophy...Unfazed, the women undertake the investigation. Costumes, stakeouts, unusual alliances and romances along the way, but Lola and Berta get their man. Gin and Panic is a fun escape!

[Gigi Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts...

Maia Chance has a way of writing witty and ditzy characters who will lead you on thrilling adventures. Anyone who likes hijinks with their cozy mysteries will do a few back flips while reading this book.

There were a few laugh-out-loud moments in this period piece set in the 1920s when slap-stick comedy was famous. All in all it was a fun reading experience I enjoyed for the last few days. I enjoyed it enough to award it 3***Gin stars.

Thank you to the publishers who gifted this book to me to read and review. I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third in the Discreet Retrieval Agency mystery series, this story is set in the 1920's and is humorous and very well written. The main characters are Lola, a former socialite whose fortunes have fallen, and her assistant Berta, who used to be her cook. Together the two of them try to 'retrieve' lost things, and in this story, they are asked to retrieve a big game trophy, a rhinoceros mount, which happens to be attached to a wall in the house of a man who isn't supposed to have it. When they attempt the retrieval, they not only find a stash of diamonds, but the murder of their host. The situation becomes very muddled, but the two persevere, and despite many red herrings, manage to solve the mystery and retrieve the mount. These mysteries are humorous, well-written, and a lot of fun.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jazz age widow, socialite Lola, and her former cook are now private detectives who specialize in finding missing property. They're hired by an English nobleman to retrieve a rhino's head (mounted, of course) from his friend's palatial home. Problems arise when the friend is shot. Suicide, say the police, but Lola isn't so sure. When she goes for the head, she finds a treasure in uncut diamonds that belong to--well, who knows? The situation is complicated when Lola's crush, a real private eye named Ralph, gets involved in the situation. Ralph doesn't want to plan for the future, and Lola can't think of anything else.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

GIN AND PANIC is a delightful, dizzy, madcap light mystery. It is a comedy novel, more than a serious mystery and that is its essential charm.

The book is set in the Roaring Twenties and the characters reflect the period's colorful characteristics---gangsters, house parties, restless socialites--topped off with a cook turned detective.

I loved every minute of this light, escapist novel. It would be a perfect tonic for someone who needs a
lift. NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianne Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola and Berta are hired by Lord Sudley to retrieve a stuffed rhino head during a shooting party at an upstate New York manor. While there the owner of the joint is commits suicide or is murdered, take your pick.

Lola is reeling from the fact that Ralph did ask her to marry him so she falls under the charm of the English Lord, who hires her and Bertha to investigate the death.

Diamonds are found and lost, chaos ensues and it all comes out right in the end.

Love this series and eagerly await the next book.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a bit better than the previous in the series, not much, but I liked the characters & story better.

Main Character (M.C., because I still can not remember her name) is still a ditz and still knows squat about discretion...

Locked door, fake suicide mystery... With a 2nd murder of one of the guests, hidden treasure, a cache of diamonds hidden in the head of a rhinoceros, and dealings w/ a mobster

I read this two days ago, and don't remember too much about the details, but we do find out why M.C.'s love doesn't want to get married.

I won't be continuing w/ this series.

[Chris Eirschele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola and Berta continue on with solving mysteries in Maia Chance's third cozy in the Discreet Retrieval Agency series. "Gin and Panic" follows the story of two deaths the women have been called in to solve and a man, a so called love interest, who pretends to fall for Lola. Lola finds diamonds, loses them in a lake, and must find them again to save her their own life.

This series takes place in the 1920s. I enjoy these books and like the writing of the author.

Highly recommend and enjoyable.

[Argum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The duo have been tasked to retrieve a rhino head from the home of a wealthy man. The client says he shot it not the owner and wants it back, but wont say why. They do so, but uncut diamonds fall out. Oh and the home owner shoots himself. The girls are asked to find out if it is really a suicide by their client. Ralph has declared himself not fit for marriage and Lola is hung up on this. Good twists and turn keep you on toes

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola, Berta, Ralph and Cedric the dog. Okay read, fun easy and enjoyable. Got the book from the library and probably best rather than buy. In this case, the lady's are at Montgomery Hall and Rudy Montgomery is murdered, well it is thought suicide. A family friend Lord Sudley asks Lola to investigate but only because he fancies her. Turns out is is Coral, who marries Rudy's bastard child Theo, she wants the money.