J.J. Murphy Books In Order

Publication Order of Algonquin Round Table Mystery Books

Publication Order of Algonquin Round Table Mystery Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Showing a lifelong passion for the 1920s and the worked of author Dorothy Parker, the contemporary American writer J.J. Murphy as become a world renowned novelist in her own right. Creating fun and engaging mysteries, she infuses her stories with a sense of wit and playfulness that really brings her books to life. The characters are also detailed and intelligent portrayals, feeling real, as they’re easy to relate to, resonating with the reader directly.

This has proven to be a hugely successful formula for Murphy as an author, as her books have reached a worldwide audience, with readers from all backgrounds enjoying her work. Setting up the 1920s as the main setting for many of her novels, Parker would focus on Dorothy Parker not only as her main source of inspiration, but also feature her in much of her work too. Forming the basis for much of her fiction, Murphy has created an inspired style that continues to attract readers, as more and more discover her work.

Early and Personal Life:

Born and raised in America, growing up in Pennsylvania, J.J. Murphy would always show a strong fascination for writing, in particular the mystery novel. This would develop over time, as she would constantly be coming back to it, continually working on her specific set of interests. She would continue this throughout her time working in the medical field, as her love of writing would always be there.

Gaining a background in health-care, she would pursue this as a career, whilst simultaneously continuing to write. Always showing a passions for witticisms and one-liners, she invest herself in her writing, merging it with her fondness for well crafted mysteries. Constantly honing her art, she’d establish her own voice, whilst paying respects to those that had influenced her over the years.

Working in health-care, she would become an award winning professional within her field, gaining a lot of recognition for her writing on the subject. Clearly knowing a lot on her subject, she’d become a leading authoritative voice on the subject, with many looking to her. Voicing her opinions strongly, she was a clearly established figure with a lot to say, something which she’d soon take into her writing of fiction.

Still now writing to this day, Murphy continues to put out work at a regular pace, with new novels constantly planned on the horizon. Living in suburban Philadelphia with her two daughters, she writes regularly to this day, whilst also maintaining a busy home-life. Putting a lot of herself into her work, she has a lot more to come yet, as she is definitely a writer to watch in the years to follow.

Writing Career:

Bringing out her first book in 2011, Murphy would make her entry onto the literary scene with the novel ‘Murder Your Darlings’. This would not only introduce her as an author for the first time, but it would also set-up the ‘Algonquin Round Table Mystery’ series of books. Later she would release the stand-alone title ‘Smoke Ring’ in 2016, which wouldn’t be connected to her main franchise.

The ‘Algonquin Round Table Mystery’ series was what she’d become best known for, taking the well known circle of the 1920s and basing her novels on it. Using the influential circle of New York literati and intellectuals, she’d employ this as the backdrop for a collection of mysteries. Elevating their infamous wit to the forefront, it’d make for an enjoyable collection of stories, that was at once funny and engaging.

Part of ‘The Dorothy Parker Society’ herself, Murphy would become a strong voice in the community, celebrating both the author and the period. This, along with her award winning work in the field of writing on health-care too, made for her as a key leading figure and authority in the area. Her 2016 novel ‘Smoke Ring’ would also reflect many of her interests in mystery too, as it would be similar in nature to her many other novels.

Winning the Agatha Award nominations twice, once in 2012 for Best Historical Novel with ‘Murder Your Darlings’, and once in 2013 for ‘A Friendly Game of Murder’, she would quickly become critically acclaimed too. This would see her reaching a worldwide audience, with both reviewers and the general public coming to appreciate her work. Writing her first novels as an escape with home-life, she has come a long way since, and this is going to carry on into the foreseeable future.

A Friendly Game of Murder

First released through the New American Library publishing outlet, this would be the third title in the ongoing ‘Algonquin Round Table’ series of mystery novels. Carrying on in much the same vein as the last, it provides another self-contained mystery for the group to solve. Featuring Dorothy Parker as its main protagonist, it also sees cameos from other famous literary figures, such as Arthur Conan Doyle turning up.

Looking to make a splash at this coming New Year’s Eve Party, Dorothy Parker has plans for a murder mystery night at the Algonquin Hotel. Things take a turn for the worse though, following the real-life murder of the young Broadway star Bibi Bibelot, as her body is found in the bathtub. Now it appears the game is afoot, as they must discover the killer before it’s too late and they decide to strike again. Will they be able to find the killer? Can they solve this mystery before the night is up? What will become of a friendly game of murder?

Smoke Ring

Published through the ‘Infinite Number of Monkeys’ publishing label, this would come out in 2016 on the 7th of December. Not being a part of any series, it would be an entirely stand-alone novel from Murphy as an author of mysteries. Whilst it’s somewhat of a departure from her series, being more of a suspense fuelled thriller, it’s still a must for any fans of the author.

Looking to embezzle a million dollars from the corporation they work for, Lori and Ted seem to have a foolproof plan. Both seen as outsiders to the company, they literally find themselves outside whilst smoking together, during which time they plot. Ted is worried he’s a pushover who’s being guided by his attraction to Lori, whilst Lori is masterful in her manipulation. Will they both get what they want? Can they avoid getting caught in the process? What will be planned in the smoke ring?