Drumsticks

I think I discovered this 2021 rerelease from an Amazon recommendation, and I’m glad I took the chance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Originally published in 2000 as the third in the Nanette Hayes mysteries, Drumsticks introduces us to the indelible protagonist Nan, jazz saxophone player who has returned to her New York hometown. Although I hadn’t read Charlotte Carter’s first two books, I easily grasped enough of Nan’s backstory to understand why she was at loose ends and drinking too much. Her tenuous situation leads a friend to give her a voodoo doll that suddenly seems to change Nan’s fortunes while also giving way to a mystery when the doll’s maker is gunned down. (If it isn’t clear, note that this isn’t a traditional G-rated cozy mystery because of language and some situations.) Carter vibrantly brings New York neighborhoods alive through a taut, fast paced narrative and outstanding plotting. The characters are equally well-drawn, including Nan’s exotic dancer friend Aubrey and club manager Justin, the NYPD detective Leman Sweet, and other minor characters/suspects. Overall rating: 5. I struggled with my rating. My reading experience throughout the book was so enjoyable - an easy 5 stars. Then I came to the last chapter which left me a little lost. It seemed incongruous and too abrupt of an ending. I think my reaction comes from not having read the first two books in the series; the final chapter in Drumsticks may actually be for the Nannette Hayes trilogy. Assuming so, I decided to land on 5 stars, just barely.

Reviewers had said this was very funny - and some of it really was. But the first paragraph lets you know what you are in for. '....... I demanded, my voice slow, bullying, vile. "Goddammit, I will kill a mother------ who says something bad about Charlie Rouse." ' So if you like the word mother------, you aer in luck - it's used several times in each chapter along with other catch phrase. I couldn't imagine who I could offer the book to - or which charity I could donate it to.

The novel breezed along at a fast clip. As usual, Nan is a unique protagonist with chutzpah. She has more bravery tan good sense at times, but the reader admires her nonetheless. The figurative language is clever in the best sense of the word.

I wish there were more of this series. Nan is a powerhouse and Charlotte Carters writing is sharp, funny and propulsive. Her plots careen along. Fascinating characters! Lots of jazz, NYC and Paris. Who could ask for more?

Nanette is at it again, I love this series. I laughed and laughed. Charlotte Carter is the one of the best and her Nanette will keep you interested. I can't wait to see what will happen with Andre.... Thank you Charlotte for the entertainment.

I’m surprised I actually made it to the third book in the Nannette Hayes series. The second one was rather weak compared to the first and this third (and last?) has been for the most part uninteresting. I like the character and her “voice”, but plot and scenes generally fail at feeding my interest and attention throughout.