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Hubbert & Lil #1
Partners In Crime
SENIOR SLEUTHS, BLOODY MARYS, AND BOTH KINDS OF FAT CATS…Not since Dorothy L. Sayers’ Murder Must Advertise has there been a more perfect cozy office murder — and not since Agatha Christie’s immortal Miss Marple has a more loveable geriatric sleuth been spawned. Katy Munger’s first Hubbert and Lil cozy mystery has got it all — a stuffy old firm with stuffy old routines disturbed by a few unaccustomed murders, a hilariously apoplectic boss, the indispensable brace of cats, and clever amateur sleuths of a certain age. Break out the tea and cookies to welcome T.S. Hubbert and his unforgettable Auntie Lil! T.S. tells the story (and very wittily too), but it's Lil who steals the show. She’s eighty-four years young, with a taste for Bloody Marys at any time of day, a fine-tuned appreciation of life’s other pleasures, and a remarkable talent for detecting. It begins, as so many things do, with a phone T.S. (Theodore to Auntie Lil) has been retired about eight hours when he’s summoned back to Sterling & Sterling, the snooty private bank where he served as personnel manager for most of his adult life. One of the bigwigs is lying stabbed to death in the Partner’s Room and T.S.'s demanding former boss, forgetting he’s no longer his boss, is demanding a damage control. Well, that’s certainly more interesting, thinks Theodore, than “interviewing the slack-jawed sons of clients.” And besides, now he can talk back to the brass. He can even dress like it’s casual Friday and no one can say a word. Although they do. A big part of the fun is watching T.S. shock his former colleagues with his sudden assertiveness. Because who can boss around a person who’s doing you a favor? Who can fire someone who's already retired? What starts out as damage control quickly evolves into full-scale detecting as more and more partners bite the big one in unexpected ways. Auntie Lil’s all over it from the first, demonstrating not only the necessary smarts, street savvy, and moxie, but also a feminine way of looking at things that leads to a surprisingly contemporary conclusion.Fans of Golden Age mysteries will eat this irrepressible amateur detective team with a spoon, along with readers who just get a kick out of watching senior sleuths kick butt. If you like Miss Marple, Miss Silver, Miss Seeton, Mrs. Pollifax, Jessica Fletcher, Agatha Raisin, Henrie O, Hercule Poirot, and their many distinguished silver-haired colleagues, you’ll want to grab this one now. Aficionados of cozy authors like Dorothy Cannell, Carolyn Hart, M.C. Beaton, Joanne Fluke, Jana DeLeon, and Alexander McCall Smith will be equally captivated!
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 1991
821 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Katy Munger
41 books52 followersKaty Munger, a North Carolina-based mystery author, has published 17 novels, co-authored multiple books, and contributed short stories to numerous anthologies. She's most known for the humorous Casey Jones mystery series, the somber and thoughtful Dead Detective series (as Katy Munger and Chaz McGee), and the cozy Hubbert & Lil series (as Katy Munger and Gallagher Gray). Originally published by major houses like Bantam and HarperCollins, her books are now available on Amazon under her real name. Katy has also contributed as a book reviewer for the Washington Post and served as North Carolina’s 2016 Piedmont Laureate. Visit katymunger.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
November 26, 2025
2.5★s
TS (Theodore) Hubbert had retired from his 35 year stint at Sterling & Sterling, a private bank which went back generations, the day before. His planned sleep-in was rudely interrupted by a phone call from the big boss, needing him on the scene at the bank as one of the partners had been found murdered. TS was flustered - didn't the boss know what "retired" meant? But in he went and he was horrified at what he saw; and at the arrogant and obnoxious police detective who thought he knew the answers.
TS joined forces with his eighty four year old Auntie Lil, both determined to find the killer before an innocent person was locked up. But could they? When a second person, then a third, died, both Auntie Lil and TS could see the links. But joining them up was proving to be a problem...
Partners In Crime is the 1st in the Hubbert & Lil series, and the debut novel by Gallagher Gray (pseudonym of Katy Munger). Set in New York City, it's a cosy mystery which I didn't find that great. I doubt I'll read any further in the series.
TS (Theodore) Hubbert had retired from his 35 year stint at Sterling & Sterling, a private bank which went back generations, the day before. His planned sleep-in was rudely interrupted by a phone call from the big boss, needing him on the scene at the bank as one of the partners had been found murdered. TS was flustered - didn't the boss know what "retired" meant? But in he went and he was horrified at what he saw; and at the arrogant and obnoxious police detective who thought he knew the answers.
TS joined forces with his eighty four year old Auntie Lil, both determined to find the killer before an innocent person was locked up. But could they? When a second person, then a third, died, both Auntie Lil and TS could see the links. But joining them up was proving to be a problem...
Partners In Crime is the 1st in the Hubbert & Lil series, and the debut novel by Gallagher Gray (pseudonym of Katy Munger). Set in New York City, it's a cosy mystery which I didn't find that great. I doubt I'll read any further in the series.
July 31, 2021
I read this because I was looking for something light and humorous. It wasn't laugh out loud funny like I expected, but it still had some parts that should have been more serious than they were, keeping this upbeat and light-hearted. It's a good ole fashion murder, and then quirky characters try to solve it. Of course, there's other characters along the way to sidetrack you from the correct suspect.
I'm giving it 4 stars because there's nothing wrong with the story, it just wasn't as funny as I would have preferred
I'm giving it 4 stars because there's nothing wrong with the story, it just wasn't as funny as I would have preferred
October 6, 2016
Partners In Crime is the first in Katy Munger's Hubbert & Lil mystery series, writing as Gallagher Gray. This debut novel introduces the wonderful 84-year old Auntie Lil, an unstoppable character who makes Auntie Mame look wimpy, and her buttoned-down 55 year old nephew T.S. Hubbert. On his first day of retirement from the venerable private bank, Sterling & Sterling, T.S. is called back into work when one of the bank's most distinguished partners is found dead in a most unrefined manner. With NYC as a backdrop and a wonderful cast of supporting characters, Partners In Crime is a lively and wryly funny look at The Big Apple and the many characters who live -- and sometimes murder -- there.
This is my first read by this author. It's a cross between a cozy and a suspense novel leaning more towards the suspense. Lots of grumpy old men, dithering cops, nosy secretaries, and one fiesty, sharp-witted, octogenarian aunt who along with her newly retired nephew tries to figure out why people are getting murdered at his previous employment. I loved Auntie Lil and her never give up attitude. The story line seemed very slow at first but got better as it picked up; but overall, I found it just OK. There were some editing errors which began to bother me after a while.
Rating: 3.5
FAVORITE QUOTES: "If we worried about making fools of ourselves, we'd never get a chance to live."
"So here's to the world's imperfect people. They're much more interesting."
This is my first read by this author. It's a cross between a cozy and a suspense novel leaning more towards the suspense. Lots of grumpy old men, dithering cops, nosy secretaries, and one fiesty, sharp-witted, octogenarian aunt who along with her newly retired nephew tries to figure out why people are getting murdered at his previous employment. I loved Auntie Lil and her never give up attitude. The story line seemed very slow at first but got better as it picked up; but overall, I found it just OK. There were some editing errors which began to bother me after a while.
Rating: 3.5
FAVORITE QUOTES: "If we worried about making fools of ourselves, we'd never get a chance to live."
"So here's to the world's imperfect people. They're much more interesting."
September 30, 2019
A bad cold that I have been fighting for a week had made it impossible for me to concentrate on anything that requires intellectual engagement, and the day before yesterday I gave up on reading COMPLETELY!!! Horrors! So I decided to look for entertainment that would not expect too much of me. A nice cozy mystery with cats. Purrfect (even though the cats do little more than complain when T.S. sleeps late). This book delivers VERY well on the entertainment, and even though it does not demand too much of me intellectually, it is surprisingly well-written, with very believable characters, even if some of them are scumbags. I look forward to the next in the series!
October 29, 2012
Got halfway through before I gave up. Just couldn't find the humor or the interest.
February 3, 2019
Great cozy. Can't wait to read more.
Great plot, lovable characters. Storyline keeps you guessing and very entertaining. Aunt Lil reminds me of a modern day Miss Marple.
Great plot, lovable characters. Storyline keeps you guessing and very entertaining. Aunt Lil reminds me of a modern day Miss Marple.
April 5, 2018
T.S. and Auntie Lil are one of the best sleuthing teams I've read!
The book centers around the murders of partners in a prestigious banking firm in New York City. T.S. (Theodore) Hubbert has just retired as Personnel Director and is called back to help with the investigation. His glorious Auntie Lil is along to help!
I enjoyed the characters in the book - from the stodgy to the young and hopeful. T.S. and Lil are curious, kind and determined to see justice done. I loved T.S. because under that perfect business suit and tie, lies the heart of an adventurer who is encouraged by his well-off, but grounded, Aunt Lil. Who else has an Aunt who travels the world and has admirers of all ages!
The mystery moves along at a nice pace, allowing the reader to process each clue. I enjoyed the setting of the world of finance and power in New York...it was intriguing but far from stuffy or boring! I'm looking forward to the next adventure with these two characters!
The book centers around the murders of partners in a prestigious banking firm in New York City. T.S. (Theodore) Hubbert has just retired as Personnel Director and is called back to help with the investigation. His glorious Auntie Lil is along to help!
I enjoyed the characters in the book - from the stodgy to the young and hopeful. T.S. and Lil are curious, kind and determined to see justice done. I loved T.S. because under that perfect business suit and tie, lies the heart of an adventurer who is encouraged by his well-off, but grounded, Aunt Lil. Who else has an Aunt who travels the world and has admirers of all ages!
The mystery moves along at a nice pace, allowing the reader to process each clue. I enjoyed the setting of the world of finance and power in New York...it was intriguing but far from stuffy or boring! I'm looking forward to the next adventure with these two characters!
June 8, 2018
Keeps you guessing !!
Great story with plenty of twists and turns. Corporate big wigs, loyal secretaries, conceited newcomers, a retired consultant and his not-so-elderly aunt, adoption, embezzlement, secrets long buried, a retired messenger turned Ninja, a poor elderly nun, a distant retiree who remembers more than you think, and a dead woman broken to the point of insanity. You start off with the individual murders of 3 executives, you end up with a celebration over margaritas, New romances, and a possible reunion between a daughter and her suspected biological father. A well written story, enjoyable, and just when you think the crimes have been solved another dead end appears and another direction must be taken.
Great story with plenty of twists and turns. Corporate big wigs, loyal secretaries, conceited newcomers, a retired consultant and his not-so-elderly aunt, adoption, embezzlement, secrets long buried, a retired messenger turned Ninja, a poor elderly nun, a distant retiree who remembers more than you think, and a dead woman broken to the point of insanity. You start off with the individual murders of 3 executives, you end up with a celebration over margaritas, New romances, and a possible reunion between a daughter and her suspected biological father. A well written story, enjoyable, and just when you think the crimes have been solved another dead end appears and another direction must be taken.
June 14, 2012
Just finished this old-fashioned whodunit. Loved the fact that it kept me guessing. Good characters, interesting setting,multiple murders in the financial district. It is a little slow getting started. That is the only downside.
November 9, 2012
Classic, Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. Well-written, nice twists at the end, not predictable. The author creates characters and setting that feel real. But, in the end, not all that enthralling. I won't be chasing down the rest of the books in this series.
June 24, 2016
Cute, but I wasn't really engaged, alas. The plot is a bit overcomplicated and neither T.S. nor Lil is particularly interesting or entertaining, despite the author's attempts to give them amusing quirks.
May 25, 2012
Very slow starting, but got interesting if you can make it through it. The characters were over developed And all seem unlikeable. Aunt Lil was unbearable, and T.S was unrealistic.
January 10, 2021
I had reservations about this book when I began reading it. I thought it might be a bit too cutsey. But about a quarter in, I became interested in the story. There were some things in the end that didn't make complete sense, but overall, it wasn't a half-bad story.
So, we have T. S. Hubbert who has just retired from his job as the Personnel manager of a banking firm. On his first day of retirement, he is called back in because one of the firm's partners has been stabbed in the common partners' room where they gather to discuss business and so forth. The thinking is that Hubbert will help quell the panic and knows better how to keep down the bad press than the less experienced folks in the firm.
T. S. has an Auntie Lil, who is a rather spunky octogenarian. She has a passion for "mysteries", and immediately begins "helping" T.S. investigate things. It's obvious, both to T.S. and to Auntie Lil, that the police are way off track in their investigations. Well, some more partners meet their ends, but nephew and aunt manage to figure things out before a fourth partner is also put away.
I got a set of the first four books in this series, and will likely move on to the second one at some time.
3*+ were that possible on GR.
So, we have T. S. Hubbert who has just retired from his job as the Personnel manager of a banking firm. On his first day of retirement, he is called back in because one of the firm's partners has been stabbed in the common partners' room where they gather to discuss business and so forth. The thinking is that Hubbert will help quell the panic and knows better how to keep down the bad press than the less experienced folks in the firm.
T. S. has an Auntie Lil, who is a rather spunky octogenarian. She has a passion for "mysteries", and immediately begins "helping" T.S. investigate things. It's obvious, both to T.S. and to Auntie Lil, that the police are way off track in their investigations. Well, some more partners meet their ends, but nephew and aunt manage to figure things out before a fourth partner is also put away.
I got a set of the first four books in this series, and will likely move on to the second one at some time.
3*+ were that possible on GR.
January 26, 2019
Great beginning to a fun series
Theodore, on the morning after his retirement as head of personnel at a prestigious financial institution, is called back by the panicky partners because another partner has been murdered. Wanting to preserve their privacy and the dignity of the institution, they insist Theodore find out what happened. His 84 year old Auntie Lil decides to help him, and soon they are deep in competition with the police to find answers.
This is a fun team of amateur investigators, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The characters are well developed and the plot is intriguingly complex. I definitely recommend this author.
Theodore, on the morning after his retirement as head of personnel at a prestigious financial institution, is called back by the panicky partners because another partner has been murdered. Wanting to preserve their privacy and the dignity of the institution, they insist Theodore find out what happened. His 84 year old Auntie Lil decides to help him, and soon they are deep in competition with the police to find answers.
This is a fun team of amateur investigators, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The characters are well developed and the plot is intriguingly complex. I definitely recommend this author.
February 5, 2019
As of 5 pm yesterday, T.S. Hubbert had joined the ranks of retired gentlemen. So why was his phone ringing at 8 am this morning? “They’d stabbed him.” With that declaration, T.S. was pulled into a murder mystery within the company he had served for over 30 years. But the death count didn’t end there. The police detective assigned to the case couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag, so T.S. joined forces with his Auntie Lil to uncover clues and find the murderer.
This was a very good mystery novel. It involved many surprises and the characters were very believable and somewhat funny. I would definitely recommend it.
May 10, 2018
It has been hard to find a replacement for Agatha Christie type mysteries. I did not expect a cozy mystery to be as detailed or as intriguing. I read cozy mysteries to help me fall asleep. Partners in Crime was hard to put down as the clues merged toward the last 15% of the book. There are a few typos to slow the forward reading progress, not particularly annoying.but proof reading would have easily found & removed. If you are a lover of mysteries without horror.. this would be the book to begin.. I do not want to spoil the plot so will not reveal the twists, characters & facts.
February 13, 2019
The description of the people is priceless, and makes for a good beginning to this series. Theodore has just retired, and is called back when a partner has been murdered. Telling him to find the answers, they must protect the firm. He enlist his Aunt Lil to help, and she is a force to recon with, and determined . As for T.S. retirement may have been of a few hours, but he comes back with an attitude I thought, The casual dress, and being around his AuntLil I’m sure will change him more.It is witty, and enjoyable and murder.
February 28, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this book! It's the best cozy mystery I have read in a while. The characters were interesting and the story never became a drag - stayed entertaining until the very end. I am pleased to give this five stars and to recommend it to all my cozy mystery reading friends. I will not give any spoilers or tip off the plot. Read and enjoy as you go along. Be aware that this book was either written or set at least 20 years ago - when there were still such things as public phone booths. Refreshing!
March 9, 2020
The first book in the Hubbert and Lil series, Partners in Crime, revolves around an investment company and some of its people.T.S. has just retired when they call him back because 1 of the partners has been killed by stabbing T.S. is joined by his elderly aunt, also a retiree of the company, who knows lots about most of the early employees.When 2 more employees are murdered, the integrity of the company becomes an issue and records of all the employees are pulled and
considered. It's a decent story and moves right along. Auntie Lil is a hoot!
considered. It's a decent story and moves right along. Auntie Lil is a hoot!
January 1, 2021
How delightful to read about an Aunt and her nephew and their adventures.
This book reminded me of a time when this world was interested in proper social behavior and skills. The story centers around an elderly aunt and her newly retired nephew. How refreshing. The mystery was well thought out and the web well spun. Overall an enjoyable read. My only suggestion is for someone to re-edit to find those pesky spelling errors. As I read and would come across them I'd think Auntie Lol wouldn't be happy with that.
This book reminded me of a time when this world was interested in proper social behavior and skills. The story centers around an elderly aunt and her newly retired nephew. How refreshing. The mystery was well thought out and the web well spun. Overall an enjoyable read. My only suggestion is for someone to re-edit to find those pesky spelling errors. As I read and would come across them I'd think Auntie Lol wouldn't be happy with that.
April 25, 2018
Good story, but some unfortunate stereotypes.
I enjoyed the story a lot and would’ve given it five stars, however, it has a lot of unfortunate stereotypes that creep up some bigger than others. One I will mentioned was an overweight nurse, and the second happened to be the Asian messenger. Other than that the story is really good and the mystery is actually interesting, I will definitely have to check out more from the series.
I enjoyed the story a lot and would’ve given it five stars, however, it has a lot of unfortunate stereotypes that creep up some bigger than others. One I will mentioned was an overweight nurse, and the second happened to be the Asian messenger. Other than that the story is really good and the mystery is actually interesting, I will definitely have to check out more from the series.
October 15, 2018
Surprise Ending
What a book!! Wow, kept me on edge the whole time . I love Auntie Lil! She was fiesty & interesting. A great murder mystery. This is one you have to read.
It takes place n New York, but for some reason, I kept thinking it was in England. Maybe because of the way T.S. acted like a servant. More like a butler to me. But I enjoyed the book & will try another one by Gallagher Gray.
What a book!! Wow, kept me on edge the whole time . I love Auntie Lil! She was fiesty & interesting. A great murder mystery. This is one you have to read.
It takes place n New York, but for some reason, I kept thinking it was in England. Maybe because of the way T.S. acted like a servant. More like a butler to me. But I enjoyed the book & will try another one by Gallagher Gray.
March 5, 2019
Fun murder
T.S. has just retired as personnel manager for a prestigious Wall St. Firm. When a murder occurs one day after his retirement, he is called in by a Sr. partner as the most sane and competent person able to sort this out. Along with his 80-something year old aunt, they begin their sleuthing. The characters are interesting, well drawn and realistic. The story was fun and a fast read.
T.S. has just retired as personnel manager for a prestigious Wall St. Firm. When a murder occurs one day after his retirement, he is called in by a Sr. partner as the most sane and competent person able to sort this out. Along with his 80-something year old aunt, they begin their sleuthing. The characters are interesting, well drawn and realistic. The story was fun and a fast read.
August 20, 2019
Auntie Name meets Murder, She Wrote
An unlikely self-serving duo comes to be when recently retired executive TS Hubert is asked to come back to the bank for which he worked for thirty years to put out fires when one of the senior partners is murdered. His aunt Lol can't resist getting involved. Terrific characters, a plot full of tsists, and a good deal of humor make this am enjoyable read. I look forward to the next volume in the series.
An unlikely self-serving duo comes to be when recently retired executive TS Hubert is asked to come back to the bank for which he worked for thirty years to put out fires when one of the senior partners is murdered. His aunt Lol can't resist getting involved. Terrific characters, a plot full of tsists, and a good deal of humor make this am enjoyable read. I look forward to the next volume in the series.
November 5, 2019
Not at all what I had anticipated. I liked T.S. Hubbert, but Lil was too cantankerous for me. Additionally, there was foul language used, and SPOILER ALERT - sexual content was consistently driving the overall plot. I also felt that the story could have moved along more rapidly. Hence, not my cup of tea. Unfortunately, even though I own the series (got it for free), I will not be continuing on.
January 31, 2020
I liked this book. A 55 year old man and 82 year old aunt decide to solve murders that occurred at the place he had worked for 30 years. The murders started the day after he was retired. He was called back to the bank to control what went out to media. Good character. Well written story. Didn't guess the murder until the last few pages. The story could have used a good proof reader. Several mistakes that changed the meaning of what the writer was saying.
January 1, 2022
Well written but hard to follow. Good in a mystery with lots of possible leads and dead ends but the characters were not all that likeable or engaging even the good guys. The death toll keeps rising and there are so many false starts that Hubbert who is retired from the company and his Aunt Lil have to assist the company in resolving the matter before more people die. In some ways you hope they do as they have little redeeming traits!
August 21, 2019
A little long
I really enjoyed this book. It took on a whole new twist. Characters were well developed and the plot was intense. Great cozy mystery. I gave it four stars because it was so long. The other problem that I had was that some of the names were too much alike. I would recommend!
I really enjoyed this book. It took on a whole new twist. Characters were well developed and the plot was intense. Great cozy mystery. I gave it four stars because it was so long. The other problem that I had was that some of the names were too much alike. I would recommend!
March 24, 2020
An extremely intriguing plot. the characters were clearly believable. How can a retired personnel manager and her 84-year-old aunt, lead an investigation, when a partner in a famous firm is murdered? They work well together, to say the least. I loved Aunt Lily. She had the determination and a strong, if not unique, personality
April 15, 2020
A mystery from the past
The bank partners are getting murdered. The newly retired personnel manager was asked to come back and help solve them. His auntie gets involved also. The past comes up often and the mystery goes on. The book is a great read if you’re looking for some fun entertainment and a mystery to solve.
The bank partners are getting murdered. The newly retired personnel manager was asked to come back and help solve them. His auntie gets involved also. The past comes up often and the mystery goes on. The book is a great read if you’re looking for some fun entertainment and a mystery to solve.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews