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High Society Lady Detective #1
Murder at Archly Manor
A high society murder. A spirited lady detective. Can she out-class the killer before an innocent person takes the fall?
London, 1923. Olive Belgrave needs a job. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she’s penniless. Determined to support herself, she jumps at an unconventional job—looking into the background of her cousin's fiancé, Alfred.
London, 1923. Olive Belgrave needs a job. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she’s penniless. Determined to support herself, she jumps at an unconventional job—looking into the background of her cousin's fiancé, Alfred.
Alfred burst into the upper crust world of London’s high society, but his answers to questions about his past are decidedly vague. Before Olive can gather more than the basics, a murder occurs at a posh party. Suddenly, every Bright Young Person in attendance is a suspect, and Olive must race to find the culprit because a sly murderer is determined to make sure Olive’s first case is her last.
Murder at Archly Manor is the first in the High Society Lady Detective series of charming historical cozy mysteries. If you like witty banter, glamorous settings, and delightful plot twists, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s series for Anglophiles and mystery lovers alike.
Travel back to the Golden Age of detective fiction with Murder at Archly Manor.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2018
About the author
Sara Rosett
47 books1,426 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 826 reviews
February 23, 2021
3.5 stars
A nice little cozy detective story set in the 1920s' high society party crowd.
Our heroine, Olive Belgrade, was raised to be one of them. Unfortunately, her father played with (and lost) the money her mother had left her, so Olive is now one of the working class.
Well, she would be if she could find work.
Desperate to be far away from her father and his new wife, Olive had set out for the big city with high hopes of independent living. Unfortunately, her education and status mean she's overqualified for most of the jobs young women her age can apply for, so it was starting to look like her options were starving o the streets or going home and letting her meddling stepmother continue to try to set her up with a milquetoast vicar.
However, before the rent comes due, lady luck shines on Olive in the form of her aunt and cousin, who need to hire someone they can trust to investigate a young man her younger cousin has impetuously become engaged to that they both find shady as hell. All she has to do is hang out at a posh house party and ask some questions.
How hard can it be?
Of course, this wouldn't be a mystery without a little murder.
Someone ends up dead, and Olive has to step up her investigation to prove her idiot cousin isn't the one who did it.
I thought this was a pretty fun book and liked Olive quite a bit. I'd definitely listen to more of this series!
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries.
Elizabeth Klett - narrator
A nice little cozy detective story set in the 1920s' high society party crowd.
Our heroine, Olive Belgrade, was raised to be one of them. Unfortunately, her father played with (and lost) the money her mother had left her, so Olive is now one of the working class.
Well, she would be if she could find work.
Desperate to be far away from her father and his new wife, Olive had set out for the big city with high hopes of independent living. Unfortunately, her education and status mean she's overqualified for most of the jobs young women her age can apply for, so it was starting to look like her options were starving o the streets or going home and letting her meddling stepmother continue to try to set her up with a milquetoast vicar.
However, before the rent comes due, lady luck shines on Olive in the form of her aunt and cousin, who need to hire someone they can trust to investigate a young man her younger cousin has impetuously become engaged to that they both find shady as hell. All she has to do is hang out at a posh house party and ask some questions.
How hard can it be?
Of course, this wouldn't be a mystery without a little murder.
Someone ends up dead, and Olive has to step up her investigation to prove her idiot cousin isn't the one who did it.
I thought this was a pretty fun book and liked Olive quite a bit. I'd definitely listen to more of this series!
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries.
Elizabeth Klett - narrator
November 29, 2021
Murder at Archly Manor is a tragedy in its reading and a comedy in its writing process. It was direly tragic to read the actual book. It was also funny to read the Acknowledgements where the author pats herself on the back for research done.
If there was research and it did prune any anachronism, it simultaneously pruned any bits that made the roaring 20s personable, flavoured, specific, eerie, or simply authentic. Alas, the author did not consider these points when writing her book.
Rosett dealt us a spurious coin when she made Belgrave, the main heroine, a suspect mix of klutziness and luck. Throughout the book I found the atmosphere alloyed with hindsight. A very perceptive reader from the future would have had no problem in guessing from which decade Rosett hailed.
The feeling of fakeness persisted. At one point, when reading this story on my Kindle, I thought to myself that my screen was beginning to have content as plasticky as the back of my device. The mystery was not obvious. The author used the reliable trope of choosing a peripheral character to muddy the waters.
I am not going to read the sequel. It's not that I'm not giving the writer the benefit of the doubt. In fact, I did try to read it but gave up after Chapter 4. So there you have it... if you want something nice and easy to read this book will fit your brain like a glove. If you have a reading slump and are unfamiliar about historical fiction that also doubles up as cozies, then this book is a potential double edged sword.
If there was research and it did prune any anachronism, it simultaneously pruned any bits that made the roaring 20s personable, flavoured, specific, eerie, or simply authentic. Alas, the author did not consider these points when writing her book.
Rosett dealt us a spurious coin when she made Belgrave, the main heroine, a suspect mix of klutziness and luck. Throughout the book I found the atmosphere alloyed with hindsight. A very perceptive reader from the future would have had no problem in guessing from which decade Rosett hailed.
The feeling of fakeness persisted. At one point, when reading this story on my Kindle, I thought to myself that my screen was beginning to have content as plasticky as the back of my device. The mystery was not obvious. The author used the reliable trope of choosing a peripheral character to muddy the waters.
I am not going to read the sequel. It's not that I'm not giving the writer the benefit of the doubt. In fact, I did try to read it but gave up after Chapter 4. So there you have it... if you want something nice and easy to read this book will fit your brain like a glove. If you have a reading slump and are unfamiliar about historical fiction that also doubles up as cozies, then this book is a potential double edged sword.
November 16, 2019
Murder at Archly Manor is the fabulous start to a new series starring the very likeable and highly entertaining Olive Belgrave. Despite her posh upbringing, Olive is penniless and needs a job. Hired by her aunt to investigate a man her cousin has decided to marry, Olive attends a weekend party and witnesses a murder. She must solve the crime before someone else becomes the next victim. Rosett has clearly done her research and the time period – fashions, word usage, and Archly Manor itself – is expertly detailed. This is a fun new series that I highly recommend.
For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
October 20, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Olive Belgrave didn’t plan to become a detective, but she needed a job and when asked to look in the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred, she can’t refuse. Before she can really delve into his history the man falls to his death at a party right before her eyes. There was someone else on the balcony so now her investigation is expanded into looking for a killer. Everyone the party is now a suspect and the murderer is determined to get away scot-free.
***
I liked Olive right away. A strong woman for the 1920’s, wanting to be independent. She is smart, inquisitive and well educated, although no real work skills, she just needs to find the perfect job. Her cousin’s Gwen’s telegram arrives when she is almost out of money. Her other cousin Violet has taken up with a man they know nothing about and he is very evasive about the details of his upbringing. Violet is in love and doesn’t care, but her mother and sister sure do, They decide to pay Olive to investigate Alfred Eton and that puts Olive one step closer to the independence she seeks. These characters and the rest in the story are very cleverly written. I worry about Olive’s father because of her overbearing stepmother. The group that attends the party thrown by Sebastian Blakely, Alfred’s godfather and noted photographer, are a hodgepodge group of aristocrats and hangers-on, and any of them could be guilty of the murder.
The mystery turns out to be much more that it seems at first. Twists and turns take us the reader and Olive in many different directions. While complex, the author has a very comfortable writing style that allows the reader to really take the journey with these characters. At times I forgot the story is set in the 1920’s even though the author hit all the right notes for the time period. I found myself totally immersed in the tale. I did enjoy all the descriptions of fashion and hairstyles of the era.
This series is off to a roaring start. A delightful look at high society London in the ’20’s. Fun characters, an extraordinary setting and a well-plotted mystery made for a truly entertaining read. I am looking forward to more High Society Lady Detective stories.
Olive Belgrave didn’t plan to become a detective, but she needed a job and when asked to look in the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred, she can’t refuse. Before she can really delve into his history the man falls to his death at a party right before her eyes. There was someone else on the balcony so now her investigation is expanded into looking for a killer. Everyone the party is now a suspect and the murderer is determined to get away scot-free.
***
I liked Olive right away. A strong woman for the 1920’s, wanting to be independent. She is smart, inquisitive and well educated, although no real work skills, she just needs to find the perfect job. Her cousin’s Gwen’s telegram arrives when she is almost out of money. Her other cousin Violet has taken up with a man they know nothing about and he is very evasive about the details of his upbringing. Violet is in love and doesn’t care, but her mother and sister sure do, They decide to pay Olive to investigate Alfred Eton and that puts Olive one step closer to the independence she seeks. These characters and the rest in the story are very cleverly written. I worry about Olive’s father because of her overbearing stepmother. The group that attends the party thrown by Sebastian Blakely, Alfred’s godfather and noted photographer, are a hodgepodge group of aristocrats and hangers-on, and any of them could be guilty of the murder.
The mystery turns out to be much more that it seems at first. Twists and turns take us the reader and Olive in many different directions. While complex, the author has a very comfortable writing style that allows the reader to really take the journey with these characters. At times I forgot the story is set in the 1920’s even though the author hit all the right notes for the time period. I found myself totally immersed in the tale. I did enjoy all the descriptions of fashion and hairstyles of the era.
This series is off to a roaring start. A delightful look at high society London in the ’20’s. Fun characters, an extraordinary setting and a well-plotted mystery made for a truly entertaining read. I am looking forward to more High Society Lady Detective stories.
May 18, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
Set in the 1920's England with an energetic, stylish likable h whose mother was American--insisting that she attend a women's college in the US!-- and whose father is a British vicar of the impoverished gentry, this book was just up my alley. Unlike Phryne Fisher from the Kerry Greenwood books, Kerry Greenwood, Olive is far more, ahem, respectable and relatable to the less liberated in terms of scandalous and very modern behavior. That does not make Olive or this book less interesting, it just offers a perspective from a more conventional character just as brave sans gold revolver and who is more than capable of sorting the facts and doing detective work credit .
Although, I was side-tracked by the actual killer a couple of times, I will admit the author did throw me off the scent even if I was NOT surprised by whom it turned out to be in the end. Looking forward to more of this series, and there is a love interest, Jasper, a childhood friend with his own secrets and a nemesis, Lady Pamela, who is the epitome of arrogance, snobbery and vindictive spite. The other interesting and fascinating characters add flavor and pizazz to this series that I hope to see more of in the next books.
Set in the 1920's England with an energetic, stylish likable h whose mother was American--insisting that she attend a women's college in the US!-- and whose father is a British vicar of the impoverished gentry, this book was just up my alley. Unlike Phryne Fisher from the Kerry Greenwood books, Kerry Greenwood, Olive is far more, ahem, respectable and relatable to the less liberated in terms of scandalous and very modern behavior. That does not make Olive or this book less interesting, it just offers a perspective from a more conventional character just as brave sans gold revolver and who is more than capable of sorting the facts and doing detective work credit .
Although, I was side-tracked by the actual killer a couple of times, I will admit the author did throw me off the scent even if I was NOT surprised by whom it turned out to be in the end. Looking forward to more of this series, and there is a love interest, Jasper, a childhood friend with his own secrets and a nemesis, Lady Pamela, who is the epitome of arrogance, snobbery and vindictive spite. The other interesting and fascinating characters add flavor and pizazz to this series that I hope to see more of in the next books.
October 23, 2024
Delightful British mystery set in the 1920’s in the Derbyshire countryside and London. Olive is hired by her Aunt Caroline and Cousin Gwen to find out what she can about a young man Alfred who proposed to Cousin Violet. When someone murders Alfred at a country party that all three cousins are in attendance and Violet is the number suspect, Olive must investigate. A large suspect pool of suspects makes this a fun mystery to unravel. I went back and forth between my Kindle and listening to the audio book from Chirp. Sometimes I read and listened at the same time. The narrator, Elizabeth Klett, was wonderful.
January 17, 2023
A spiffing mystery! I enjoyed this so much. I love the 1920s time period and setting with the underlying aftermath of WWI in the background. Olive Belgrave is the amateur sleuth, and she’s such a fun character! She’s very much like Lady Georgiana in Her Royal Spyness, just a bit less posh and with her American college education. I hope we get more details about her American education in future books. I found it such a fun detail. I also loved the relationships between Olive and her cousins Gwen and Violet and Olive and her cousin Peter's old friend Jasper in this. The detail about Olive jumping into the river was so funny.
I enjoyed piecing together the mystery and uncovering clues. I didn’t outright guess the murderer but I had a slight suspicion early on. There is definitely a Murder Must Advertise flair to the story too with the Bright Young Things and a bit about drugs, though it’s not as crucial to the plot here. It was fun to read in the Author’s Note that she read lots of Golden Age detective novels before writing this. Olive and Jasper have a bit of a Tommy and Tuppence vibe to them too. And what will happen with Inspector L and G? There was definitely…something there.
Will definitely be reading the next in the series!
I enjoyed piecing together the mystery and uncovering clues. I didn’t outright guess the murderer but I had a slight suspicion early on. There is definitely a Murder Must Advertise flair to the story too with the Bright Young Things and a bit about drugs, though it’s not as crucial to the plot here. It was fun to read in the Author’s Note that she read lots of Golden Age detective novels before writing this. Olive and Jasper have a bit of a Tommy and Tuppence vibe to them too. And what will happen with Inspector L and G? There was definitely…something there.
Will definitely be reading the next in the series!
October 23, 2018
Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett is the first book in the High Society Lady Detective series and I hope this will continue for some time.
I found Ms. Rosett's writing to be descriptive and smoothly paced as the characters were introduced to the reader. I like Olive and cheered her on as she tried to find a way to make a living in London during the 1920s. Being from a higher society, but not the "upper crust", Olive has a few years of college under her belt but no marketable skills. She needs a job to support herself as she left home after her father remarried. Her Aunt Caroline and cousin, Gwen, hire her to establish the background on Alfred Eton who has become engaged to Violet, Gwen's sister. To learn more about him, Olive and Gwen attend a weekend party at Archly Manor. Unfortunately, the first night of the party, Alfred is pushed off a balcony and now Violet is the police's number one suspect. With a deftly plotted story, many shady characters attending the party, and enough twists and turns to cloud motive, means and even opportunity, it's an intriguing story that I was completely wrapped up until the end. It's obvious that Ms. Rosett did her homework for this historical novel and I was fascinated by the little details about the life and times of London and the countryside after the war.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
I found Ms. Rosett's writing to be descriptive and smoothly paced as the characters were introduced to the reader. I like Olive and cheered her on as she tried to find a way to make a living in London during the 1920s. Being from a higher society, but not the "upper crust", Olive has a few years of college under her belt but no marketable skills. She needs a job to support herself as she left home after her father remarried. Her Aunt Caroline and cousin, Gwen, hire her to establish the background on Alfred Eton who has become engaged to Violet, Gwen's sister. To learn more about him, Olive and Gwen attend a weekend party at Archly Manor. Unfortunately, the first night of the party, Alfred is pushed off a balcony and now Violet is the police's number one suspect. With a deftly plotted story, many shady characters attending the party, and enough twists and turns to cloud motive, means and even opportunity, it's an intriguing story that I was completely wrapped up until the end. It's obvious that Ms. Rosett did her homework for this historical novel and I was fascinated by the little details about the life and times of London and the countryside after the war.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 8, 2018
Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett is the first book in The High Society Lady Detective series. Olive Belgrave has left her family home and struck out on her own in London. She has been unsuccessful at finding a position despite her education. She gets a desperate telegram from her cousin, Gwen Stone asking her to visit Parkview. Gwen’s flighty sister, Irene has gotten herself engaged to Alfred Eton. Violet’s mother, Caroline and Gwen are not fans of the man and he has provided few details on his background. Caroline wants to hire a private investigator, but she does not wish to associate with any unsavory types. Olive volunteers to dig into Alfred’s history and the family insists on paying her. Sebastian Blakely, society photographer and Alfred’s godfather, is hosting a weekend party which allow Olive to ask subtle questions. The party is off to roaring start until one of the guests ends up dead and Violet is the prime suspect. Olive must expose the killer before her cousin is hauled off to the hoosegow.
Murder at Archly Manor gives us a lively main character in Olive. Her father recently remarried a woman who prefers Olive to be out of the house and keeps pushing her to marry the local curate (he is odious). Olive was attending college in America until her father lost the money on a scheme. Olive is smart, pretty and fashionable which is the last thing a woman of the house wants in a governess. I found Murder at Archly Manor easy to read thanks to the authors breezy writing style and steady pacing. Sara Rosett captured the era with the hairstyles, attitudes, language (slang) and fashions. I wish the author had provided more background information on Olive and key details on other characters (last names for example). The murder takes place around the thirty percent mark which I felt was a little late in the story. There are several suspects and good clues to aid readers in solving the whodunit. Murder at Archly Manor is a light, humorous historical cozy mystery that will transport you back to the roaring 20s. The next novel in The High Society Lady Detective series is Murder at Blackburn Hall.
Murder at Archly Manor gives us a lively main character in Olive. Her father recently remarried a woman who prefers Olive to be out of the house and keeps pushing her to marry the local curate (he is odious). Olive was attending college in America until her father lost the money on a scheme. Olive is smart, pretty and fashionable which is the last thing a woman of the house wants in a governess. I found Murder at Archly Manor easy to read thanks to the authors breezy writing style and steady pacing. Sara Rosett captured the era with the hairstyles, attitudes, language (slang) and fashions. I wish the author had provided more background information on Olive and key details on other characters (last names for example). The murder takes place around the thirty percent mark which I felt was a little late in the story. There are several suspects and good clues to aid readers in solving the whodunit. Murder at Archly Manor is a light, humorous historical cozy mystery that will transport you back to the roaring 20s. The next novel in The High Society Lady Detective series is Murder at Blackburn Hall.
June 16, 2020
Listened to this one on audio tape and really enjoyed it. 4.5* from me.
January 16, 2021
Well that was a fun & clean cozy mystery! Definitely going to be reading more in this series!
Set in England in the 1920s, this is a fun historical cozy that I feel was pretty accurate to the era.
I will admit, things were a little slow going at first, but still very enjoyable. I will have to say, I find it a little boring when I can solve the mystery pages and pages before the main character solves it, but this simply wasn't the case with Murder at Archly Manor! I thought I knew whodunnit somewhat early on, but the author did such a great job throwing around random clues that I was left doubting my sleuthing abilities until the very end!
Great read from Sara Rosett! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a super clean cozy mystery. The only *somewhat* questionable thing was a brief mention of a secondary character being high but it was so brief I questioned whether I should even mention it. 😉
Set in England in the 1920s, this is a fun historical cozy that I feel was pretty accurate to the era.
I will admit, things were a little slow going at first, but still very enjoyable. I will have to say, I find it a little boring when I can solve the mystery pages and pages before the main character solves it, but this simply wasn't the case with Murder at Archly Manor! I thought I knew whodunnit somewhat early on, but the author did such a great job throwing around random clues that I was left doubting my sleuthing abilities until the very end!
Great read from Sara Rosett! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a super clean cozy mystery. The only *somewhat* questionable thing was a brief mention of a secondary character being high but it was so brief I questioned whether I should even mention it. 😉
October 27, 2018
I received an advanced digital copy of Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett from NetGalley and Kobo Writing Life in exchange for an unbiased review. This is the first book in a proposed series by Sara Rosett featuring Olive Belgave, a member of high society in 1920’s England, with one foot in the world of the “bright young things” and the other in the world of work as she tries to make her own way in the world.
This is a solid new entry in the world of historical cozy fiction that introduces what could turn into an interesting series. Olive is hired to investigate her cousin’s new fiance, Alfred Eton, and his background by her aunt who has serious concerns about the truth of who he presents himself to be. Most of her investigation centers around her attendance at a weekend house party being held by Sebastian, a famous high-society photographer and purported Godfather to Alfred.
As the book unfolds, Olive witnesses Alfred’s murder by a person strongly resembling Violet, her cousin, Alfred’s fiancee. Olive and Gwen, Violet’s sister, are convinced Violet is innocent although she seems to be the primary suspect for the inspector in charge of the case. In an effort to prove him wrong and discover the identity of the real murderer, Olive pursues several lines of inquiry throughout the houseguests and in London.
There are clues and red herrings sprinkled liberally throughout the book with ample opportunity for the reader to determine the perpetrator. The mystery was easy to solve, and it was interesting to continue reading to see if the solution was consistent with the clues as presented.
While the book has good potential, the characters were not as fully developed as I would have liked. It was difficult to develop strong feelings toward Olive. She didn’t have enough depth to provoke any emotion within me as a reader. The same is true for the other more prominent secondary characters. It would be interesting to learn if Gwen and Violet, along with secondary characters such as Jasper, a childhood friend of Olive’s; Olive’s stepmother who presents some major changes in Olive’s life, not all of them positive; and Olive’s aunt and uncle develop more depth in future novels as at present they do not have enough depth to be compelling figures.
In summary, if you like books that are set in the roaring twenties, this series may hold some interest for you, particularly if the character development continues as the books progress. I would like to read at least one more book in the series before deciding if the series is one I would want to continue reading.
This is a solid new entry in the world of historical cozy fiction that introduces what could turn into an interesting series. Olive is hired to investigate her cousin’s new fiance, Alfred Eton, and his background by her aunt who has serious concerns about the truth of who he presents himself to be. Most of her investigation centers around her attendance at a weekend house party being held by Sebastian, a famous high-society photographer and purported Godfather to Alfred.
As the book unfolds, Olive witnesses Alfred’s murder by a person strongly resembling Violet, her cousin, Alfred’s fiancee. Olive and Gwen, Violet’s sister, are convinced Violet is innocent although she seems to be the primary suspect for the inspector in charge of the case. In an effort to prove him wrong and discover the identity of the real murderer, Olive pursues several lines of inquiry throughout the houseguests and in London.
There are clues and red herrings sprinkled liberally throughout the book with ample opportunity for the reader to determine the perpetrator. The mystery was easy to solve, and it was interesting to continue reading to see if the solution was consistent with the clues as presented.
While the book has good potential, the characters were not as fully developed as I would have liked. It was difficult to develop strong feelings toward Olive. She didn’t have enough depth to provoke any emotion within me as a reader. The same is true for the other more prominent secondary characters. It would be interesting to learn if Gwen and Violet, along with secondary characters such as Jasper, a childhood friend of Olive’s; Olive’s stepmother who presents some major changes in Olive’s life, not all of them positive; and Olive’s aunt and uncle develop more depth in future novels as at present they do not have enough depth to be compelling figures.
In summary, if you like books that are set in the roaring twenties, this series may hold some interest for you, particularly if the character development continues as the books progress. I would like to read at least one more book in the series before deciding if the series is one I would want to continue reading.
June 1, 2019
A good intro a new cozy series set in 1920's England. Love the premise of this series, I mean what's not to like with 1920's England??? This story was a little slow going for me but I have since read book 2 and it was super good. A new series to add to my reading list!
July 1, 2021
Nothing too new or incredible but it did what I wanted....a nice, comforting, cozy audiobook to listen to. I love listening to cozy mysteries, especially when there are quite a few books out in the series and I can binge listen to them.
January 28, 2021
This was a fun cozy, mystery set in 1920's London. High Society, Manor Houses, grand parties, evening dresses, bright young things, and a murder.
I'm not sure that it's worth 4 stars, but not 3. I'm rounding up to 3.75 but I would definitely read more of the series.
I'm not sure that it's worth 4 stars, but not 3. I'm rounding up to 3.75 but I would definitely read more of the series.
September 29, 2021
Miss Olive Belgrave is in need of a job--her immediate family isn't terribly well-to-do, the money her mother left her has been lost in bad investments (under her father's management), and her father seems to be spending what money he has on her step-mama. So Olive takes a leaf out of Tommy and Tuppence Beresford's book (Agatha Christie's The Secret Adversary) and comes up with an unconventional occupation. When she discovers that nobody really wants to hire a (much too pretty) gentlewoman in reduced circumstances to be a governess or a maid or even a society reporter, Olive jumps at the chance to become an investigator. Olive's cousin Violet has fallen madly in love and gotten herself engaged to a man about whom little is known. Her aunt and other cousin Gwen, offer to pay her to delve into Alfred's mysterious past to see if he's a suitable husband for Violet.
But finding anything definite out about Alfred Eton proves difficult. He claims to be an orphan with absolutely no relatives who has recently arrived from India. His father apparently served as a clerk of some sort out there and both his parents were killed in a accident. His godfather, Sebastian Blakely, had invited him to England and Alfred has few established friends (and none very close).
Gwen manages to wangle an invitation for Olive to Sebastian's big Silver and Gold party where the newly-minted detective hopes to get her host to reveal some tidbits about his godson. But before she has a chance, Alfred plunges to his death while watching fireworks from a balcony. Olive witnessed the fall and caught a glimpse of a woman with blonde hair up on the balcony as well. Violet has bobbed blonde hair--and she was heard arguing with her fiance earlier in the evening. It becomes obvious that the local police suspect Violet of having, at the very least, renewed the argument and shoved Alfred a little too hard. Olive is just as certain that Violet did not kill Alfred and she has to redouble her detective efforts to uncover the true culprit.
This is an enjoyable beginning to a new historical series. I am a fan of Golden Age crime fiction, so the 1920s setting is perfect for me. Olive is charming and intelligent and one has to admire her resourcefulness. She is a lively character who makes does good work on her first outing as a detective and Rosett wisely shows her as having flaws. Olive initially lands on the wrong culprit--nearly causing another death, but recovers from her mistake in time to rescue the intended victim. I don't have much good to say about her father. I really don't have a lot of respect for parents who abandon their children completely in favor of new wife/husband. Olive's father lets the new woman run roughshod over him--dictating his rest periods and how he spends them, redecorating everything (apparently there's no problem with money for that...), and allowing her to be on a mission to remove every trace of Olive's mother and force Olive out of the house as soon as possible (if not sooner). Fortunately, Olive is up to the challenge of finding her own way in the world.
The mystery is well-developed and entertaining with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical mysteries with a slightly cozy feel.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
But finding anything definite out about Alfred Eton proves difficult. He claims to be an orphan with absolutely no relatives who has recently arrived from India. His father apparently served as a clerk of some sort out there and both his parents were killed in a accident. His godfather, Sebastian Blakely, had invited him to England and Alfred has few established friends (and none very close).
Gwen manages to wangle an invitation for Olive to Sebastian's big Silver and Gold party where the newly-minted detective hopes to get her host to reveal some tidbits about his godson. But before she has a chance, Alfred plunges to his death while watching fireworks from a balcony. Olive witnessed the fall and caught a glimpse of a woman with blonde hair up on the balcony as well. Violet has bobbed blonde hair--and she was heard arguing with her fiance earlier in the evening. It becomes obvious that the local police suspect Violet of having, at the very least, renewed the argument and shoved Alfred a little too hard. Olive is just as certain that Violet did not kill Alfred and she has to redouble her detective efforts to uncover the true culprit.
This is an enjoyable beginning to a new historical series. I am a fan of Golden Age crime fiction, so the 1920s setting is perfect for me. Olive is charming and intelligent and one has to admire her resourcefulness. She is a lively character who makes does good work on her first outing as a detective and Rosett wisely shows her as having flaws. Olive initially lands on the wrong culprit--nearly causing another death, but recovers from her mistake in time to rescue the intended victim. I don't have much good to say about her father. I really don't have a lot of respect for parents who abandon their children completely in favor of new wife/husband. Olive's father lets the new woman run roughshod over him--dictating his rest periods and how he spends them, redecorating everything (apparently there's no problem with money for that...), and allowing her to be on a mission to remove every trace of Olive's mother and force Olive out of the house as soon as possible (if not sooner). Fortunately, Olive is up to the challenge of finding her own way in the world.
The mystery is well-developed and entertaining with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical mysteries with a slightly cozy feel.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
November 1, 2023
Olive Belgrave has difficulties to find a job. She came to London expecting to find a job in just a few days. Young woman that comes from a well known and wealthy family and has excellent education. That should guarantee her employment. However, she doesn't want just any job position, she is passionate about becoming a detective. Except, the reality is way far from that. She goes from door to door, swiping the whole city. But she walks out of every single one with just best wishes.
She came to London with all her money and the days she can stay here are counting down. Also, the additional pressure from her family doesn't make it any easier for her.
But, she must have luck, because one day she visits her aunt and meets her cousin's fiancé. Everyone is suspicious of him except, of course, her cousin. So she accepts to check his background as her first job.
Not long after the agreement, they all get invited to a party at Archly Manor. Before she can dive further into the investigation, a murder occurs on the halls of the manor. Suddenly everyone is a suspect and the scary thing is... they're all trapped inside until the truth reveals who the murderer is. Someone tries to make Olive's first case her last, but she is determined to catch this murderer, no matter what.
If I should describe this book with one word, that would be: cozy! It gives major Agatha Christie vibes. With every chapter I doubted different character and in the end the murderer was the one I least suspected. I love, love, love the author's writing style, the pages were flying and before I knew it, I read half of the book in one sitting. The book is very well written and the plot twists are patiently waiting for the readers to discover them.
The place this book sets is London in 1923, a hundred years back. Sara did excellent job on the research, she flawlessly captured the fashion, manners and culture in that era. I loved all the descriptions of the clothes and the little details.
Entertaining and beautifully written cozy mystery that you can't put down until the murderer is caught. The included map is the door to this amazing journey Sara will take you. And it will leave you with warm heart. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who love historical mystery.
She came to London with all her money and the days she can stay here are counting down. Also, the additional pressure from her family doesn't make it any easier for her.
But, she must have luck, because one day she visits her aunt and meets her cousin's fiancé. Everyone is suspicious of him except, of course, her cousin. So she accepts to check his background as her first job.
Not long after the agreement, they all get invited to a party at Archly Manor. Before she can dive further into the investigation, a murder occurs on the halls of the manor. Suddenly everyone is a suspect and the scary thing is... they're all trapped inside until the truth reveals who the murderer is. Someone tries to make Olive's first case her last, but she is determined to catch this murderer, no matter what.
If I should describe this book with one word, that would be: cozy! It gives major Agatha Christie vibes. With every chapter I doubted different character and in the end the murderer was the one I least suspected. I love, love, love the author's writing style, the pages were flying and before I knew it, I read half of the book in one sitting. The book is very well written and the plot twists are patiently waiting for the readers to discover them.
The place this book sets is London in 1923, a hundred years back. Sara did excellent job on the research, she flawlessly captured the fashion, manners and culture in that era. I loved all the descriptions of the clothes and the little details.
Entertaining and beautifully written cozy mystery that you can't put down until the murderer is caught. The included map is the door to this amazing journey Sara will take you. And it will leave you with warm heart. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who love historical mystery.
August 11, 2020
Rating: 4.4 / 5
This was positively delightful, in a benign sort of way--and by that I mean that you would enjoy it as a soothing cup of tea rather than a heart-stopping mystery. Considering that this was written by a modern day author though, she certain made good and accurate use of all the tropes associated with a typical whodunnit mystery!
Now, I've never read a Miss Marple mystery from Agatha Christie, but I imagine that Olive Belgrave is following in her footsteps as a female detective--set within the same time period, but written decades later. Trope-wise, apart from a keen and curious protagonist, we have the following:
+ a house party during which a murder happens
+ several likely suspects, all of whom must be suspected before they can be eliminated
+ a Downton Abbey setup with rooms, schedules (i.e. tea, dinner, billiards, etc.), and servants
+ attention to detail that the readers will likely forget but then come back to later and likely check by flipping back and forth throughout the pages
+ an atmosphere that encourages mystery--in this case, the 1920s
Well, put all those together and make the character of Olive herself quite likable if not typical, and you've got what I would consider a good read on a crisp fall day, Earl Grey and biscuits recommended as an addition. Cheers!
This was positively delightful, in a benign sort of way--and by that I mean that you would enjoy it as a soothing cup of tea rather than a heart-stopping mystery. Considering that this was written by a modern day author though, she certain made good and accurate use of all the tropes associated with a typical whodunnit mystery!
Now, I've never read a Miss Marple mystery from Agatha Christie, but I imagine that Olive Belgrave is following in her footsteps as a female detective--set within the same time period, but written decades later. Trope-wise, apart from a keen and curious protagonist, we have the following:
+ a house party during which a murder happens
+ several likely suspects, all of whom must be suspected before they can be eliminated
+ a Downton Abbey setup with rooms, schedules (i.e. tea, dinner, billiards, etc.), and servants
+ attention to detail that the readers will likely forget but then come back to later and likely check by flipping back and forth throughout the pages
+ an atmosphere that encourages mystery--in this case, the 1920s
Well, put all those together and make the character of Olive herself quite likable if not typical, and you've got what I would consider a good read on a crisp fall day, Earl Grey and biscuits recommended as an addition. Cheers!
July 29, 2019
I love historical mysteries, particularly when they get the atmosphere and details right. This one does. Though I thought there were a few too many details about what everyone wore. That is part of the appeal of the twenties, but not every character's dress needs to be explained.
Breezy, bright detective and charming historical details. Also a clever mystery. There are red-herrings and twists. Who doesn't like a country house mystery set in the 20s? I know I do.
Breezy, bright detective and charming historical details. Also a clever mystery. There are red-herrings and twists. Who doesn't like a country house mystery set in the 20s? I know I do.
June 3, 2021
Such a nice, cozy mystery! I didn't love the explanation at the end, I would have preferred a different murderer, to be honest. However, this first attempt shows amazing potential for the next ones in the series, especially since it captured the atmosphere of this era so amazingly! And, you know, those GORGEOUS covers are always a huge plus! I am really anxious for the second book!
January 11, 2020
Olive Belgrave refuses to spend one more minute under her father's roof where her bossy stepmother manages every aspect of Olive's life including trying to marry her off to the local curate. Olive would rather try to make it on her own as a career girl than marry someone she is not attracted to but in 1923 times are tough and jobs for down-at-the-heels Society girls are just not available. when her Aunt Caroline at Parkview Manor expresses concern about cousin Violet's new fiance, Alfred Eton and mentions the possibility of hiring a private detective, Olive eagerly offers her assistance. She's certain her clever mind can easily put together the puzzle of Alfred's sketchy background. She is sadly mistaken but accepts an invitation to a house party at Archly Manor given by Alfred's godfather Sebastian to try to learn more about the mysterious man her cousin insists on marrying. During a fireworks show Olive and another guest witness Alfred on the balcony arguing with a woman and the next thing they know Alfred is lying dead on the ground. The police automatically suspect Olive's cousin Violet but Olive knows her cousin may be temperamental but she would never kill anyone, let alone the man she loves. Olive is bound and determined to save her cousin.
The mystery part of the story is very engaging. The reader thinks they know who the suspects are given one big clue but a twist to the story makes it difficult to guess. I had three women in mind and Olive didn't suspect any of them. She wanted the obvious solution pretty badly based on her personal feelings. I wasn't totally surprised by the identity of the murderer even though I didn't guess. The murderer's motive seems pretty weak to me as a modern-day American. I don't see what the big deal was but I watched enough Downton Abbey to know the way Society thought back then.
What I didn't like about this book was the roaring 20s setting. The 20s are just too wild for me. The champagne flows freely as does the cocaine. I also felt the plot pacing was rather slow in the beginning. I kept waiting and waiting for the murder that didn't happen until Chapter 9. I didn't really care who killed Alfred and was able to put the book down for the night. The plot pacing picked up in the second half as Olive begins her investigation. I picked up this series because I was curious about Parkview Manor. Sadly, Olive doesn't live there and only makes fleeting visits. The charming village of Nether Woodsmoor doesn't play any role in the story at all. It's mentioned a few times by name but unlike the author's Murder on Location series, this story lacks local color and I found that disappointing.
I may be interested in reading the second book in the series because I did like Olive. Olive is a modern woman. She wants more out of life than being married to just anyone for the sake of being married. She's ready and able to give up the security and comfort of her lower gentry lifestyle to make her own way in the world. At first Olive is a bit naive about the way the world works but she doesn't give up. I admire her determination. She is intelligent and fair. Olive never presumes upon her status as the niece of a baronet. She loves her family and is very loyal. Sometimes Olive makes quick decisions that have repercussions but she mostly thinks things through first. I like Olive's relationship with Jasper, a family friend and Olive's childhood crush. I think she still has a crush on him and I think Jasper is beginning to see grown-up Olivia in a new light but he's a "Bright Young Person" and moves in different circles. I wonder though if he's still working for the Home Office and if Bright Young Person is a cover. Nothing in this story indicates that except when he shows up at a very convenient time. If he is merely the BYT everyone thinks he is, I really don't approve of his lifestyle and hope his feelings for Olive push him into something more. He'd make a great spy if he isn't already!
Olive's family is so warm and loving. I like them all, except her stepmother. Aunt Caroline is the vague one, this gene passed on to the present Baronet. Like her grandson she is a sweetheart. However, Aunt Caroline is a little too old-fashioned. Violet is spoiled and bratty, shallow and superficial. She's engaged to a man she barely knows because he's handsome and fun to be with. He makes her happy so why not? Why not is because his background is sketchy. Who is Alfred Eton? Apparently he grew up in India and has no family left. Rather than accept this story, Violet's mother and sister are concerned. Gwen is a sweetheart. She's the Jane Bennet of the story but much more quick-witted. Gwen runs the household and handles household finances efficiently. Personally, I think she needs to have a frank conversation with her sister and if her sister still chooses to marry this man, so be it. Gwen will be there to help Violet if her heart gets broken. Divorce is still scandalous but it's becoming more common even among their class. I'm with Uncle Leo. He's a loving and hands-off father. He recognizes that his children are adults and need to make their own decisions. Times have changed and Society has relaxed their social rules a bit. Even if he thinks Violet is making a mistake marrying Alfred, it's her choice to make. I think Olive feels the same way but she has a curious mind so she's going to see what she can find either way. NOT knowing drives her crazy. I understand that completely!
The party at Archly Manor is hosted by Sebastian, an eccentric artist and Bright Young Person. I both like and dislike Sebastian. I admire his passion for his art and how seriously he takes it but Sebastian is like an overgrown boy. He hasn't ever grown up and goes through life as if it's a joke. His Silver and Gold party is certainly quite elegant even if it's not staid. He invites too many people and doesn't mind party crashers which speaks to his generosity. In spite of bickering with his sister, Mrs. Thea Reid, I think he loves her - at least absence makes the heart grow fonder because she is a difficult person to like. Thea is snooty and demanding. She bosses around her governess and forces the governess, Muriel, to act as secretary, arranges the young woman's life for her without asking if that's what Muriel wants. However, I think Thea loves her children and is a pretty good mother for the time. Her husband is absent making me wonder what their relationship is like. Muriel seems to accept her lot in life meekly. It will soon be over when she marries Mr. Hugh Digby-Stratham. I'm not sure what he's doing at the party because he's too old and too much of a stuffed shirt to be a Bright Young Person. When Alfred is killed, all of these people become suspects.
Given the way Society thought about people who were not "our kind," I HIGHLY doubt they'd be so eager or cooperative with the police. Likewise, the servants would never reveal so much to their so-called "betters." The most realistic character in that respect is Lady Pamela. Lady Pamela is a mean girl, a 1920s version of Caroline Bingley. You know the type... she's a Bright Young Person who always gets her way, especially with men. Her father is titled, wealthy and she is beautiful. Lady Pamela thinks she's above Olive and even Gwen and Violet. Lady Pamela certainly won't cooperate with Scotland Yard. Olive (and I) would love for Lady Pamela to get her comeuppance. It would be nice if she were the killer. I think she's too obvious. Someone else has an alibi but is it airtight? Muriel was of course upstairs with the Reid children who were in bed. Paul is a mischievous little scamp. I wonder if he holds the clue to crack the case? As much as Society wouldn't cooperate with the police, the servants wouldn't either. The servants in this book are too happy and eager to talk to the "upstairs" people. The chief suspect is Jane, the maid. She spills her secrets to Olivia and Violet pretty easily. However, she could be lying. She seemed like she wanted to get "above herself" and was acting "uppity." I sensed she had a secret. She was too happy even before Olive and Violet question her.
Like most cozy mystery novels, the local police are incompetent. Police Inspector Jennings is quick to judge Violet as the killer. That would make his job quick and easy so he doesn't have to do any work. He's lazy at the expense of someone else's life. Inspector Langley is better at being fair and open-minded but I sense some impatience about him and a quick temper. I do trust him though but he has a tough task to find the real killer.
Even though this novel didn't completely appeal to me, I may read the next one in the series to see if I like it any better. This series is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on TV or other books with lady private detectives like Ginger Gold.
The mystery part of the story is very engaging. The reader thinks they know who the suspects are given one big clue but a twist to the story makes it difficult to guess. I had three women in mind and Olive didn't suspect any of them. She wanted the obvious solution pretty badly based on her personal feelings. I wasn't totally surprised by the identity of the murderer even though I didn't guess. The murderer's motive seems pretty weak to me as a modern-day American. I don't see what the big deal was but I watched enough Downton Abbey to know the way Society thought back then.
What I didn't like about this book was the roaring 20s setting. The 20s are just too wild for me. The champagne flows freely as does the cocaine. I also felt the plot pacing was rather slow in the beginning. I kept waiting and waiting for the murder that didn't happen until Chapter 9. I didn't really care who killed Alfred and was able to put the book down for the night. The plot pacing picked up in the second half as Olive begins her investigation. I picked up this series because I was curious about Parkview Manor. Sadly, Olive doesn't live there and only makes fleeting visits. The charming village of Nether Woodsmoor doesn't play any role in the story at all. It's mentioned a few times by name but unlike the author's Murder on Location series, this story lacks local color and I found that disappointing.
I may be interested in reading the second book in the series because I did like Olive. Olive is a modern woman. She wants more out of life than being married to just anyone for the sake of being married. She's ready and able to give up the security and comfort of her lower gentry lifestyle to make her own way in the world. At first Olive is a bit naive about the way the world works but she doesn't give up. I admire her determination. She is intelligent and fair. Olive never presumes upon her status as the niece of a baronet. She loves her family and is very loyal. Sometimes Olive makes quick decisions that have repercussions but she mostly thinks things through first. I like Olive's relationship with Jasper, a family friend and Olive's childhood crush. I think she still has a crush on him and I think Jasper is beginning to see grown-up Olivia in a new light but he's a "Bright Young Person" and moves in different circles. I wonder though if he's still working for the Home Office and if Bright Young Person is a cover. Nothing in this story indicates that except when he shows up at a very convenient time. If he is merely the BYT everyone thinks he is, I really don't approve of his lifestyle and hope his feelings for Olive push him into something more. He'd make a great spy if he isn't already!
Olive's family is so warm and loving. I like them all, except her stepmother. Aunt Caroline is the vague one, this gene passed on to the present Baronet. Like her grandson she is a sweetheart. However, Aunt Caroline is a little too old-fashioned. Violet is spoiled and bratty, shallow and superficial. She's engaged to a man she barely knows because he's handsome and fun to be with. He makes her happy so why not? Why not is because his background is sketchy. Who is Alfred Eton? Apparently he grew up in India and has no family left. Rather than accept this story, Violet's mother and sister are concerned. Gwen is a sweetheart. She's the Jane Bennet of the story but much more quick-witted. Gwen runs the household and handles household finances efficiently. Personally, I think she needs to have a frank conversation with her sister and if her sister still chooses to marry this man, so be it. Gwen will be there to help Violet if her heart gets broken. Divorce is still scandalous but it's becoming more common even among their class. I'm with Uncle Leo. He's a loving and hands-off father. He recognizes that his children are adults and need to make their own decisions. Times have changed and Society has relaxed their social rules a bit. Even if he thinks Violet is making a mistake marrying Alfred, it's her choice to make. I think Olive feels the same way but she has a curious mind so she's going to see what she can find either way. NOT knowing drives her crazy. I understand that completely!
The party at Archly Manor is hosted by Sebastian, an eccentric artist and Bright Young Person. I both like and dislike Sebastian. I admire his passion for his art and how seriously he takes it but Sebastian is like an overgrown boy. He hasn't ever grown up and goes through life as if it's a joke. His Silver and Gold party is certainly quite elegant even if it's not staid. He invites too many people and doesn't mind party crashers which speaks to his generosity. In spite of bickering with his sister, Mrs. Thea Reid, I think he loves her - at least absence makes the heart grow fonder because she is a difficult person to like. Thea is snooty and demanding. She bosses around her governess and forces the governess, Muriel, to act as secretary, arranges the young woman's life for her without asking if that's what Muriel wants. However, I think Thea loves her children and is a pretty good mother for the time. Her husband is absent making me wonder what their relationship is like. Muriel seems to accept her lot in life meekly. It will soon be over when she marries Mr. Hugh Digby-Stratham. I'm not sure what he's doing at the party because he's too old and too much of a stuffed shirt to be a Bright Young Person. When Alfred is killed, all of these people become suspects.
Given the way Society thought about people who were not "our kind," I HIGHLY doubt they'd be so eager or cooperative with the police. Likewise, the servants would never reveal so much to their so-called "betters." The most realistic character in that respect is Lady Pamela. Lady Pamela is a mean girl, a 1920s version of Caroline Bingley. You know the type... she's a Bright Young Person who always gets her way, especially with men. Her father is titled, wealthy and she is beautiful. Lady Pamela thinks she's above Olive and even Gwen and Violet. Lady Pamela certainly won't cooperate with Scotland Yard. Olive (and I) would love for Lady Pamela to get her comeuppance. It would be nice if she were the killer. I think she's too obvious. Someone else has an alibi but is it airtight? Muriel was of course upstairs with the Reid children who were in bed. Paul is a mischievous little scamp. I wonder if he holds the clue to crack the case? As much as Society wouldn't cooperate with the police, the servants wouldn't either. The servants in this book are too happy and eager to talk to the "upstairs" people. The chief suspect is Jane, the maid. She spills her secrets to Olivia and Violet pretty easily. However, she could be lying. She seemed like she wanted to get "above herself" and was acting "uppity." I sensed she had a secret. She was too happy even before Olive and Violet question her.
Like most cozy mystery novels, the local police are incompetent. Police Inspector Jennings is quick to judge Violet as the killer. That would make his job quick and easy so he doesn't have to do any work. He's lazy at the expense of someone else's life. Inspector Langley is better at being fair and open-minded but I sense some impatience about him and a quick temper. I do trust him though but he has a tough task to find the real killer.
Even though this novel didn't completely appeal to me, I may read the next one in the series to see if I like it any better. This series is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on TV or other books with lady private detectives like Ginger Gold.
April 5, 2022
The last murder mystery that I read that was set in the 1920s but written recently, was not very well researched so I decided to seek another author out. I discovered that Sara Rosett has written three different mysteries series: High Society Lady Detective set in the 1920s which of course I decided on, Murder on Location set in the present day. She also writes a thriller series On The Run. Here is an author who is obviously prolific but also good at juggling a lot of balls. And I was right. The research is there, but in the background and the reader is never dragged out of the 1920s by a glaring anomaly.
“Olivia Belgrave needs a job. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she’s penniless. Determined to support herself, she jumps at an unconventional job - looking into the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred. Alfred burst into the upper crust world of London’s high society, but his answers to questions about his past are decidedly vague. Before Olivia can gather more than the basics, a murder occurs at a posh party.”
Right from the start I enjoyed the atmosphere Rosett creates. We meet Olviia herself and her hunt for work is convincingly drawn, at the same time immersing the reader in the 1920s. We meet her gay friend Jasper who takes her out to to eat at the Savoy. We then meet her cousins at Parkview, a neigbouring estate. (Olivia doesn’t want to live at home anymore because of her stepmother). Her aunt gives her the job of finding out about Alfred.
The next thing the reader knows is that they are at the party and we meet the would be suspects. A necklace of pearls is involved in the murder but who did it? That’s the thing but Olivia will find out, learning to be a detective as she goes along.
“Not ever having bribed someone, I wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. I suspected stating the fact that I was offering a bribe would be gauche, so when the hall porter at South Regent Mansions repeated that he really couldn’t say anything about Alfred, I opened my handbag and edged out one of the five pound notes.”
An enjoyable read. 3 and a half stars.
“Olivia Belgrave needs a job. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she’s penniless. Determined to support herself, she jumps at an unconventional job - looking into the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred. Alfred burst into the upper crust world of London’s high society, but his answers to questions about his past are decidedly vague. Before Olivia can gather more than the basics, a murder occurs at a posh party.”
Right from the start I enjoyed the atmosphere Rosett creates. We meet Olviia herself and her hunt for work is convincingly drawn, at the same time immersing the reader in the 1920s. We meet her gay friend Jasper who takes her out to to eat at the Savoy. We then meet her cousins at Parkview, a neigbouring estate. (Olivia doesn’t want to live at home anymore because of her stepmother). Her aunt gives her the job of finding out about Alfred.
The next thing the reader knows is that they are at the party and we meet the would be suspects. A necklace of pearls is involved in the murder but who did it? That’s the thing but Olivia will find out, learning to be a detective as she goes along.
“Not ever having bribed someone, I wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. I suspected stating the fact that I was offering a bribe would be gauche, so when the hall porter at South Regent Mansions repeated that he really couldn’t say anything about Alfred, I opened my handbag and edged out one of the five pound notes.”
An enjoyable read. 3 and a half stars.
May 28, 2021
3.25 stars
Unfortunately, like many other cozy mysteries, it moves slow (especially in the beginning) but it has a likable protagonist.
Olive is a modern woman for the time (ie. the 20's) and as a woman of my time, I can't help rooting for her to succeed in a job that wasn't typical for women then.
Interesting mystery as it seems obvious that Alfred isn't all he claims to be.
Some of the clues were easy to figure out and some little ones I didn't catch. There were also many suspects which kept me guessing. For those that know me, I guessed wrong on this one.
As soon as the Scotland Yard detective (Insp Longley) was introduced I said out loud, "ooh..I'm gonna like this guy." And I did like that character. He was a time period appropriate intriguing character/cop mystery as well great fit for the time period. (hopefully he'll be a recurring character)
Overall, it was an okay historical British cozy. The next day, I realized the writer had many Agatha Christie elements so I updated my rating from 2 to 3 1/4 stars.
There are a lot of books in the series; so while I won't rush to read them all right away, I will continue with it. I'll be adding them to the my work audiobook rotation.
I'd recommend it to those who like historical cozy mysteries set in England, strong female PI protagonists or those who like Agatha Christie as the mystery in this story had similar elements.
Unfortunately, like many other cozy mysteries, it moves slow (especially in the beginning) but it has a likable protagonist.
Olive is a modern woman for the time (ie. the 20's) and as a woman of my time, I can't help rooting for her to succeed in a job that wasn't typical for women then.
Interesting mystery as it seems obvious that Alfred isn't all he claims to be.
Some of the clues were easy to figure out and some little ones I didn't catch. There were also many suspects which kept me guessing. For those that know me, I guessed wrong on this one.
As soon as the Scotland Yard detective (Insp Longley) was introduced I said out loud, "ooh..I'm gonna like this guy." And I did like that character. He was a time period appropriate intriguing character/cop mystery as well great fit for the time period. (hopefully he'll be a recurring character)
Overall, it was an okay historical British cozy. The next day, I realized the writer had many Agatha Christie elements so I updated my rating from 2 to 3 1/4 stars.
There are a lot of books in the series; so while I won't rush to read them all right away, I will continue with it. I'll be adding them to the my work audiobook rotation.
I'd recommend it to those who like historical cozy mysteries set in England, strong female PI protagonists or those who like Agatha Christie as the mystery in this story had similar elements.
October 21, 2018
Sara Rosett takes us back to the Roaring 20's with the first book in The High Society Lady Detective Series. Olive Belgrave is from an aristocratic background but finds herself nearly penniless and needing a job. She and her father have always been close, especially since the death of her much-loved mother. However, financial reverses and the advent of a new and managing wife have driven a wedge between them. Olive is determined to set out on her own, and not be forced into a marriage with an obnoxious curate, which the new stepmother thinks is just the thing. Olive has no marketable skills and has been pounding the pavements in London, with no luck. She is wondering how she is going to manage her room rent when she gets a call from her cousin, Gwen. Gwen's flighty younger sister, Violet, has gotten herself engaged to a young man of whom no one knows anything. Alfred Eaton appears to have plenty of money, but Gwen fears that he is a fortune hunter. She implores Olive to accompany her, and Violet, to a house party at the home of Sebastian Blakely who claims to be Alfred's godfather. No one can imagine Blakely as a godfather to any child, and he has never mentioned it before Alfred's sudden appearance. Gwen wants Olive to try to find out what she can about Alfred and offers to pay her for her efforts. When a murder occurs, and Violet is the main suspect, Olive discovers detection skills she never knew she had.
Murder at Archly Manor introduces a very likable and determined heroine in the person of Olive Belgrave, along with other intriguing characters that I hope to see more of in future books. There is plenty of period atmosphere and mouth-watering descriptions of the fashions of the era. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this light-hearted, historical mystery. Thanks to the author for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.
Murder at Archly Manor introduces a very likable and determined heroine in the person of Olive Belgrave, along with other intriguing characters that I hope to see more of in future books. There is plenty of period atmosphere and mouth-watering descriptions of the fashions of the era. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this light-hearted, historical mystery. Thanks to the author for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.
October 14, 2018
As Autumn nights draw in my go to genre of choice is a murder mystery. They are comforting bowl of soup and freshly baked bread on a cold day.
Murder at Archly Hall totally fits the bill.
Aristocratic, but down on her luck, Olive Belgrave is searching for employment in 1920’s London. Even her connections aren’t paying off when she receives a telegram to return to her family estate. Olive’s cousin Violet has become engaged to Alfred Eton, a young man whose life in the colonies and heritage remain a mystery and who may not be a suitable match. Aunt Caroline employs Olive to use her skills and social connections to investigate.
Intrepid Olive heads off to an extravagant house party hosted by photographer Sebastian Blakely, Alfred’s wealthy but unlikeable godfather and friend to dig up some dirt on her cousin’s future husband, but as a firework display is underway a murder occurs.
With cousin Violet as a prime suspect, Olive sets out to prove her innocence and find out exactly what has happened and why.
Olive herself is by far the star of Sara Rosett’s book. Her narrative style is chatty and easy to read but doesn’t skimp on atmospheric detail. She reminds me of Daisy Dalrymple but with more fun and more sass. The story was compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed solving this country house murder. I’ll definitely look out for Olive’s future adventures and more books in the High Society Lady Detective series.
Thanks to Kobo Writing Life and Net Galley for this free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Murder at Archly Hall totally fits the bill.
Aristocratic, but down on her luck, Olive Belgrave is searching for employment in 1920’s London. Even her connections aren’t paying off when she receives a telegram to return to her family estate. Olive’s cousin Violet has become engaged to Alfred Eton, a young man whose life in the colonies and heritage remain a mystery and who may not be a suitable match. Aunt Caroline employs Olive to use her skills and social connections to investigate.
Intrepid Olive heads off to an extravagant house party hosted by photographer Sebastian Blakely, Alfred’s wealthy but unlikeable godfather and friend to dig up some dirt on her cousin’s future husband, but as a firework display is underway a murder occurs.
With cousin Violet as a prime suspect, Olive sets out to prove her innocence and find out exactly what has happened and why.
Olive herself is by far the star of Sara Rosett’s book. Her narrative style is chatty and easy to read but doesn’t skimp on atmospheric detail. She reminds me of Daisy Dalrymple but with more fun and more sass. The story was compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed solving this country house murder. I’ll definitely look out for Olive’s future adventures and more books in the High Society Lady Detective series.
Thanks to Kobo Writing Life and Net Galley for this free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2019
For a light and relaxing read checked out the first in the historical series featuring Olive Belgrave, a penniless socialite through a misfortune, not her fault. The series takes place in the early 1920's set in London. The writing flows easily and the There even e characters are developed. This book took me back when I was reading about Miss Silver. It is similar in style.
Olive accepts an offer from an Aunt to look into the history of a gentle that her daughter, Violet is determined to marry. Along with another cousin, Gwen the three of them attend is invited to a weekend house party. at a count estate. While there Violet's fiance is tossed off a balcony and is killed. Evidence points to Violet and Olive become involved with the investigation. Plenty of twists and turns to hold your attention. There is even a romance starting. Will Olive find the answer to prevent Violet from being arrested? There are several suspects with motives. I highly recommend this book.
Olive accepts an offer from an Aunt to look into the history of a gentle that her daughter, Violet is determined to marry. Along with another cousin, Gwen the three of them attend is invited to a weekend house party. at a count estate. While there Violet's fiance is tossed off a balcony and is killed. Evidence points to Violet and Olive become involved with the investigation. Plenty of twists and turns to hold your attention. There is even a romance starting. Will Olive find the answer to prevent Violet from being arrested? There are several suspects with motives. I highly recommend this book.
February 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
What's a girl to do when none of the jobs in the want ads are panning out? Take up the PI (Private Inquiries) business, of course. Olive's first job is to look into the background of her cousin Violet's fiance, Roger Eton, a young man who has few qualities Violet's sister, Gwen, and their mother, approve of and other less savory traits also. Olive's task is hampered by the lack of details in Roger's story at first, and made more complicated when the man is pushed over the side of a balcony during a long weekend house party.
Olive Belgrade is an engaging character with a quick mind who gets along well with most people. I might pick up the next book in the series. Set in the English countryside and parts of London in 1923, the book is full of the latest fashions for both men and women, motor cars, hints of WWI still linger in the air, and the threat of flu still make people nervous and worried.
What's a girl to do when none of the jobs in the want ads are panning out? Take up the PI (Private Inquiries) business, of course. Olive's first job is to look into the background of her cousin Violet's fiance, Roger Eton, a young man who has few qualities Violet's sister, Gwen, and their mother, approve of and other less savory traits also. Olive's task is hampered by the lack of details in Roger's story at first, and made more complicated when the man is pushed over the side of a balcony during a long weekend house party.
Olive Belgrade is an engaging character with a quick mind who gets along well with most people. I might pick up the next book in the series. Set in the English countryside and parts of London in 1923, the book is full of the latest fashions for both men and women, motor cars, hints of WWI still linger in the air, and the threat of flu still make people nervous and worried.
October 27, 2020
I liked this a lot more than I was expecting to. Olive Belgrave is smart, curious, dogged in pursuit of what she wants, and trying to find a lucrative alternative to her stepmother's marriage plans for her.
When her cousin Gwen asks for Olive's help in vetting the fiance of Violet, Gwen's younger sister, Olive is off and running (plus she has a retainer of 50 pounds! Considering she was wondering when she'd next eat, this is awesome.)
The case has enough of interest to it and moved along nicely to keep me reading this book quickly. Olive is fun to watch, and she has good instincts. And she's able to connect with the suspects, and willing to consider certain unpalatable possibilities while sleuthing, making her far more adaptable and effective than the police assigned to the case. (This is a cozy, so of course that's the case!)
Anyway, I enjoyed this, and now want to read more Olive sleuthing stories.
When her cousin Gwen asks for Olive's help in vetting the fiance of Violet, Gwen's younger sister, Olive is off and running (plus she has a retainer of 50 pounds! Considering she was wondering when she'd next eat, this is awesome.)
The case has enough of interest to it and moved along nicely to keep me reading this book quickly. Olive is fun to watch, and she has good instincts. And she's able to connect with the suspects, and willing to consider certain unpalatable possibilities while sleuthing, making her far more adaptable and effective than the police assigned to the case. (This is a cozy, so of course that's the case!)
Anyway, I enjoyed this, and now want to read more Olive sleuthing stories.
October 11, 2019
A mystery that has a lot of flair and a spirited plot. Sometimes the mysteries I read don’t really give me much to go on while trying to figure out who did it. When everything is revealed at the end, I’m frustrated because twists and clues are divulged that were completely absent throughout the entire novel. However, this book is different, and if I would have paid better attention, I think I could have figured it out. Now I fear I’m programmed to just check out until the end. So, I’m reading the second one in this series & maybe I’ll even take notes.
December 26, 2021
Well, having now read or listened to all the later books through #6, I got back to this first in the series. I enjoyed it enough, but mostly based on the setting and characters. The murder itself was kind of weak. The series gets better though, I think this book suffered from trying to establish the MC, the times, her situation, her relatives, etc., so that the mystery suffered some. 2.5 stars rounded up because I already liked the characters. :)
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