Not bad. Nothing terribly profound or intricate, but relatively interesting even if somewhat predictable. The Dorothy Parker character is colourful, even if the idea of the poltergeist somewhat idealistic and convenient. The main characters have enough depth, though Nora was more naive or single-sighted than I would have liked. the book kept my attention well enough for what it is.

Meister's best book by far! Complicated, intriguing, and multilayered, this gem takes you on a wild ride with Dorothy Parker, Ted Shriver, and Norah that will leave you guessing, hoping, praying, and reading right through to the end. The best book I've read in a while. ( )

I'm a fan of Dorothy Parker, which is why this novel got my attention. And it kept it, from the first page to the last one. Every time I thought I knew what would happen, the plot changed. The characters were well thought out and I loved Dorothy Parker. ( )

Dorothy Parker Drank Here by Ellen Meister

Mrs Parker “wakes” to find herself sitting at her favorite bar alongside her favorite pal, Mr Benchley. He’s been waiting for her quite some time. Since he died, in fact. He wanted to escort her over. The rest of “the table” gave up long ago, but Benchley held firm to his friendship and bided time. But she isn’t ready. She has no reason. He leaves, she stays. Drink in hand, beloved pooch in lap, Dorothy Parker drinks on.

Alive and dying of a brain tumor, is Ted Shriver, an author currently staying at the Algonquin, but reclusively after a plagiarism claim ended his career.

Dorothy is lonely. Her haunting limited to the bar, she seeks a like-minded drinking companion. Sights set on Shriver, she sets about to convince him to also shun the white light for eternal drinks with her.

Their first encounter is in his room, as he tries to drug away the pain with Vicodin and martinis. When Dorothy appears, he blames the drugs, the tumor, the drinks. But she maintains, as Dorothy does best, with snark and circumstance.

Back in the day, through the hoodoo of Madame Lucescu, the once manager, Percy Coates, was given a guest book that would allow those who signed it to “live on” at the Algonquin forevermore. Well, as long as they were dead. Needless to say, the Algonquin Round Table attendees were all asked to sign. They kept their reservations, but tired of tat party to, crossing over, one by one. Being the last, Dorothy now argues to keep Ted, once he dies.

Then comes Norah Wolfe, a spunky TV talkshow worker with a startling resemblance to the 3 main women in Shriver’s romantic past. Hoping to snag the recluse for an episode, maybe clear his name, chat up her long-time literary idol, she checks into the hotel and soon knocks on his room’s door. His favorite gin bottled up to present.

Secrets are divulged, feelings are hurt, guns are pulled, and drinks are poured with a lot of jobs on the line between it all. With more twists than a full bar of martinis, the characters flesh out fully and conceivably.

As comical as one would expect a novel consisting of Dorothy Parker snarkisms, there is little let down. There is also deceit, mystery, tenderness, and the paranormal. A couple surprise turns that are really expected, hopefully. Nicely wrapped up with no over-the-top sentimentality. ( )

Actually hilarious. ( )