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A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery #1
Mystery Maid
A posh hotel, guests with secrets to hide and a mysterious dead body.
Ivy Stone is excited to begin her first day as a maid at London’s Hotel LaFontaine, but from the moment she arrives, nothing goes as planned. She insults a guest, is snubbed by the other maids, and finds a dead body, all before lunch.
With help from new friends on staff, Ivy’s amateur sleuthing uncovers clues to a thickening plot of revenge among the glamorous guests.
While preparing for a prestigious fashion show, sampling gourmet dishes and falling deeper in love with Monty the pup, Ivy suspects the killer is among them and will strike again.
In a race against time, Ivy must unmask the true culprit and save her friends before it’s too late.
A deliciously addictive cozy mystery full of charm and intrigue with bonus recipes included!
Ivy Stone is excited to begin her first day as a maid at London’s Hotel LaFontaine, but from the moment she arrives, nothing goes as planned. She insults a guest, is snubbed by the other maids, and finds a dead body, all before lunch.
With help from new friends on staff, Ivy’s amateur sleuthing uncovers clues to a thickening plot of revenge among the glamorous guests.
While preparing for a prestigious fashion show, sampling gourmet dishes and falling deeper in love with Monty the pup, Ivy suspects the killer is among them and will strike again.
In a race against time, Ivy must unmask the true culprit and save her friends before it’s too late.
A deliciously addictive cozy mystery full of charm and intrigue with bonus recipes included!
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 6, 2022
American Ivy Stone is excited to take a job in a posh London hotel even if it means leaving her Great Dane puppy home alone to destroy her apartment. Her first day doesn't go quite as planned when she's run into by a hotel guest, rudely snubbed by other maids, yelled at by her boss, oh and discovers a dead body in the hotel fountain! She's certain it was a crime of passion and when she shares the news with her new friends, they set out to theoretically solve the mystery on their own. When the head of security at the hotel isn't willing to do his job, Ivy and friends take it upon themselves to find the murderer and figure out why this man was killed.
I wasn't crazy about this setting. I kept forgetting the hotel was supposed to be in London. At first I thought it was in Paris because of all the (horrible) French accents and then I thought America. The book is written by an American with superficial knowledge of London life and British and European culture. The one thing that rang true was the snooty maids subbing Ivy because she's American. The French characters speaking like zees drove me up a wall. This Kindle book is edited well enough not to drive me crazy at least and the mystery is pretty solid. I didn't expect the last minute twist. When the clue was dropped, I figured it out but I wasn't totally sure. It would have been more original to make the murderer another person in that scene. The hotel setting just didn't do it for me. Who would voluntarily work as a maid at a hotel in a foreign country if they didn't have to?
Ivy is American so I guess that's supposed to excuse the lack of understanding of British culture but it doesn't excuse the lack of dialogue that sounds British. We have French accents and Irish accents but the characters speaking English sound American to me. Ivy is likable enough but she's a Mary Sue type so far. She enjoys cleaning and is itching to get started! WHY? The hotel guests are rude, the head housekeeper is mean and Ivy's puppy is home untrained. She's not a responsible pet parent. She's only had Murphy for two weeks and while she's tried practicing leaving him home alone, she turns to Google to solve her problems. She could ... here's a thought... ask a vet, hire a trainer! She loves Murphy but he needs a human who can be home with him and train him and handle his puppy energy. Ivy's sleuthing makes sense in the beginning but then it just comes down to curiosity. I believe the Inspector would probably look at her for the murder because she's American and the victim was killed with a gun. Guns are strictly controlled in the UK. I would also look at Ivy because she found the body. However, this is not that kind of story and the Inspector actually accepts and wants Ivy's help.
Ivy's new friend Élise speaks with a French accent which is super annoying. She's very nice, she's too nice so I'm suspicious. She's able to sooth the savage guest with her calm and caring demeanor. Élise has been with her boyfriend Charlie only a short time but she's very much in love. He's a little less eager to try solving a murder but he helps out in the investigation too. He loves his girlfriend and wants to please her yet I don't get any chemistry between the two. Far more interesting is Moira, the Irish cook. She's lively, feisty and tells tall tales to make life more interesting. I also like the hotel owner, Sir Maximillian Hardy Humphrey. There's more chemistry between Maximillian and Ivy and between their dogs than their is between the human couples. He is very unexpected but a romance there would be TOTALLY unethical and his interest in her creeped me out a bit.
Not so likable is everyone else. There's Mrs. Becker, the head housekeeper, who is super tough on her maids. She's always demanding and expects perfection. She disapproves of everything and barely gives the maids time off. She ends up being a bit more developed but it seemed out of the blue and uncharacteristic. Hugo Branahan, Head of Security, is either lazy or corrupt or both. He's not very interested in doing his job and not good at it at all. Why hasn't he been sacked before now?
Who killed Monsieur Lamont? Was it Adèle Verville, a fashion model? She is a *itch! She's evil. She runs into Ivy and then proceeds to yell at Ivy as if it was Ivy's fault. She's an angry, angry woman. For some reason, Monsieur Laurent loves her or they are involved in an affair anyway. Someone else loves him too but who is the mysterious woman? Was he two-timing them both? He doesn't sound like a nice person. The other woman? Or perhaps it was Inigo Rodrigo, the Spanish fashion designer. He's paranoid and crazy. His temper is terrible and he is unpleasant to deal with at every turn. Certainly if it wasn't him, it was Clemence Taylor. She's a tough woman and I wouldn't want to cross her. She sounds like she's willing and able to take out her rivals and enemies. I think all these fashion people should go away. They're nasty to each other, the hotel employees and everyone.
The best characters are the two dogs. Murphy, the Great Dane puppy, is naughty but he's still a puppy and a rescue at that. Mr. Laurent's dog is a fancy Shi Tsu and plays a key role in the story.
I wasn't into this story to read it word for word or want to read more. It isn't bad, it isn't great and it's just not my cup of tea.
I wasn't crazy about this setting. I kept forgetting the hotel was supposed to be in London. At first I thought it was in Paris because of all the (horrible) French accents and then I thought America. The book is written by an American with superficial knowledge of London life and British and European culture. The one thing that rang true was the snooty maids subbing Ivy because she's American. The French characters speaking like zees drove me up a wall. This Kindle book is edited well enough not to drive me crazy at least and the mystery is pretty solid. I didn't expect the last minute twist. When the clue was dropped, I figured it out but I wasn't totally sure. It would have been more original to make the murderer another person in that scene. The hotel setting just didn't do it for me. Who would voluntarily work as a maid at a hotel in a foreign country if they didn't have to?
Ivy is American so I guess that's supposed to excuse the lack of understanding of British culture but it doesn't excuse the lack of dialogue that sounds British. We have French accents and Irish accents but the characters speaking English sound American to me. Ivy is likable enough but she's a Mary Sue type so far. She enjoys cleaning and is itching to get started! WHY? The hotel guests are rude, the head housekeeper is mean and Ivy's puppy is home untrained. She's not a responsible pet parent. She's only had Murphy for two weeks and while she's tried practicing leaving him home alone, she turns to Google to solve her problems. She could ... here's a thought... ask a vet, hire a trainer! She loves Murphy but he needs a human who can be home with him and train him and handle his puppy energy. Ivy's sleuthing makes sense in the beginning but then it just comes down to curiosity. I believe the Inspector would probably look at her for the murder because she's American and the victim was killed with a gun. Guns are strictly controlled in the UK. I would also look at Ivy because she found the body. However, this is not that kind of story and the Inspector actually accepts and wants Ivy's help.
Ivy's new friend Élise speaks with a French accent which is super annoying. She's very nice, she's too nice so I'm suspicious. She's able to sooth the savage guest with her calm and caring demeanor. Élise has been with her boyfriend Charlie only a short time but she's very much in love. He's a little less eager to try solving a murder but he helps out in the investigation too. He loves his girlfriend and wants to please her yet I don't get any chemistry between the two. Far more interesting is Moira, the Irish cook. She's lively, feisty and tells tall tales to make life more interesting. I also like the hotel owner, Sir Maximillian Hardy Humphrey. There's more chemistry between Maximillian and Ivy and between their dogs than their is between the human couples. He is very unexpected but a romance there would be TOTALLY unethical and his interest in her creeped me out a bit.
Not so likable is everyone else. There's Mrs. Becker, the head housekeeper, who is super tough on her maids. She's always demanding and expects perfection. She disapproves of everything and barely gives the maids time off. She ends up being a bit more developed but it seemed out of the blue and uncharacteristic. Hugo Branahan, Head of Security, is either lazy or corrupt or both. He's not very interested in doing his job and not good at it at all. Why hasn't he been sacked before now?
Who killed Monsieur Lamont? Was it Adèle Verville, a fashion model? She is a *itch! She's evil. She runs into Ivy and then proceeds to yell at Ivy as if it was Ivy's fault. She's an angry, angry woman. For some reason, Monsieur Laurent loves her or they are involved in an affair anyway. Someone else loves him too but who is the mysterious woman? Was he two-timing them both? He doesn't sound like a nice person. The other woman? Or perhaps it was Inigo Rodrigo, the Spanish fashion designer. He's paranoid and crazy. His temper is terrible and he is unpleasant to deal with at every turn. Certainly if it wasn't him, it was Clemence Taylor. She's a tough woman and I wouldn't want to cross her. She sounds like she's willing and able to take out her rivals and enemies. I think all these fashion people should go away. They're nasty to each other, the hotel employees and everyone.
The best characters are the two dogs. Murphy, the Great Dane puppy, is naughty but he's still a puppy and a rescue at that. Mr. Laurent's dog is a fancy Shi Tsu and plays a key role in the story.
I wasn't into this story to read it word for word or want to read more. It isn't bad, it isn't great and it's just not my cup of tea.
July 31, 2024
This was so bad it was actually funny, lol..
Didn’t guess the murderer tho that’s why I finished it, hahaha
Didn’t guess the murderer tho that’s why I finished it, hahaha
October 2, 2022
Mystery Maid Earns 5/5 Snarky Models…Entertaining & Clever Cozy Gem!
Ivy Stone is excited to start her employment as a maid in one of London’s most magnificent buildings, the Hotel LaFontaine. She has the experience and expertise since she helped her late grandmother run a successful maid business in the States, but is she ready for Mrs. Baxter? Mrs. Baxter is the head housekeeper and quite a taskmaster. Ivy hasn’t had much luck making serious friends, and Mrs. Baxter and the other maids probably aren’t the best candidates. She does have Monty, her Great Dane puppy. However, friends is last on her mind when on a tour of the hotel, they find strewn champagne bottles and a dead body face down in the hotel’s namesake fountain. Ivy checks the body, but the bullet in his forehead means only one thing…murder! The hotel is hosting the prestigious Rose Gold Fashion Week with many of the industry’s biggest participants in attendance from designers like the pompous Rodrigo set on regaining his reputation to models like Madame Verville with her inflated ego, even the victim is one who has close ties to the fashion world. So, who would want him dead?
Hazel Smith has incorporated all my favorite cozy elements from a London setting to a capable female lead from an interesting career to some quirky colleagues, from some fur friend antics to budding friendship. She has a complex mystery, well-developed, with a second murder to complicate the suspect list, and the crescendo with a shocking, perilous arrest was the perfect ending. The fashion world was a “fitting” setting for a murder mystery with its inherent egos and enticements of fame and fortune, and adding curious secrets, fake identities, professional jealousy, and shocking connections provide the right stain on the fabric. Even some hotel employees are not exempt from Ivy’s suspicions. Ivy’s limited access to much of the hotel didn’t suit her unofficial snooping, but her friends a porter, a waitress, a front desk clerk are eager to get involved providing a great way to cover the whole hotel for exploring, examining, and eavesdropping. Imcouldn’t put it down fun! A contender for Top 2022 Surprise Gem! AND Recipes! Here we have two recipes reflecting the prominent personalities of an American, English, and the French: for the English there’s Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze and for the French Traditional French Onion Soup. As for the Americans? We find a way to have both at the same meal!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Ivy Stone is excited to start her employment as a maid in one of London’s most magnificent buildings, the Hotel LaFontaine. She has the experience and expertise since she helped her late grandmother run a successful maid business in the States, but is she ready for Mrs. Baxter? Mrs. Baxter is the head housekeeper and quite a taskmaster. Ivy hasn’t had much luck making serious friends, and Mrs. Baxter and the other maids probably aren’t the best candidates. She does have Monty, her Great Dane puppy. However, friends is last on her mind when on a tour of the hotel, they find strewn champagne bottles and a dead body face down in the hotel’s namesake fountain. Ivy checks the body, but the bullet in his forehead means only one thing…murder! The hotel is hosting the prestigious Rose Gold Fashion Week with many of the industry’s biggest participants in attendance from designers like the pompous Rodrigo set on regaining his reputation to models like Madame Verville with her inflated ego, even the victim is one who has close ties to the fashion world. So, who would want him dead?
Hazel Smith has incorporated all my favorite cozy elements from a London setting to a capable female lead from an interesting career to some quirky colleagues, from some fur friend antics to budding friendship. She has a complex mystery, well-developed, with a second murder to complicate the suspect list, and the crescendo with a shocking, perilous arrest was the perfect ending. The fashion world was a “fitting” setting for a murder mystery with its inherent egos and enticements of fame and fortune, and adding curious secrets, fake identities, professional jealousy, and shocking connections provide the right stain on the fabric. Even some hotel employees are not exempt from Ivy’s suspicions. Ivy’s limited access to much of the hotel didn’t suit her unofficial snooping, but her friends a porter, a waitress, a front desk clerk are eager to get involved providing a great way to cover the whole hotel for exploring, examining, and eavesdropping. Imcouldn’t put it down fun! A contender for Top 2022 Surprise Gem! AND Recipes! Here we have two recipes reflecting the prominent personalities of an American, English, and the French: for the English there’s Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze and for the French Traditional French Onion Soup. As for the Americans? We find a way to have both at the same meal!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
August 26, 2022
This cozy mystery was a fun and easy read, perfect for your entertainment reading. The characters were likable and believable and I like that they were from different countries.
I had a hard time putting it down when I should have because I wanted to read just a bit more. It was fun to follow them as they worked to solve the mystery.
I recommend this book for your recreational reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a hard time putting it down when I should have because I wanted to read just a bit more. It was fun to follow them as they worked to solve the mystery.
I recommend this book for your recreational reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2022
I began reading and had a hard time putting it down. Funny and believable storyline for anyone with a sense for adventure. Enjoyed the characters and their accents plus I am an animal lover and the added Canine characters were an added bonus. Thought I had the plot figured out a few times only to be surprised in the next chapter. Looking forward to the next book and the further adventures of Ivy, Elise and Moira.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed reading about Ivy's backstory last year in the prequel and finally got around to reading the first book, and now I'm definitely ready to read the second. I loved how fast Ivy made friends with her coworkers and even impressed the "unimpressable" Mrs. Becker, the head of housekeeping and her direct boss. Ivy found the hotel owner to be a pretty nice guy and not the stodgy old geezer she'd imagined he could be. He was the one who came up with "unimpressable Mrs. Becker" lol.
Ivy and her new friends made a great sleuthing team and had a close call catching the killer, but when all was said and done and the fashion week from hades was over, Max the owner threw his staff a nice dinner. Monty's such a sweet pup and it was so generous of Max to offer to help with his behavior training. He let Ivy in on a little secret too, so I'm eager to see if anything dealing with that develops in the next book!
Ivy and her new friends made a great sleuthing team and had a close call catching the killer, but when all was said and done and the fashion week from hades was over, Max the owner threw his staff a nice dinner. Monty's such a sweet pup and it was so generous of Max to offer to help with his behavior training. He let Ivy in on a little secret too, so I'm eager to see if anything dealing with that develops in the next book!
November 4, 2024
This is an amusing light mystery set in a posh London hotel which is gearing up to host a fashion week. The main character has come from the US to work in the housekeeping department, having run her own service for a few years. Americans can't normally come to Europe to work, this is covered.
I like a good deal of the tale, which is full of characters and descriptions of the hotel. The inept security officer is surely overdone for narrative. The author doesn't get all her dialogue right however - the US terms can be explained by the main character's origins, but a Londoner does not say "Wotcher!" to mean watch where you are going. This is a friendly greeting, as in, what'cher up to?
Someone who has moved to London to work all day and live in a small rented flat, does not normally acquire a Great Dane. I am interested to know more about this choice, as small dogs would be the norm. The back of the book says there's a novella for this backstory.
This is an unbiased review.
I like a good deal of the tale, which is full of characters and descriptions of the hotel. The inept security officer is surely overdone for narrative. The author doesn't get all her dialogue right however - the US terms can be explained by the main character's origins, but a Londoner does not say "Wotcher!" to mean watch where you are going. This is a friendly greeting, as in, what'cher up to?
Someone who has moved to London to work all day and live in a small rented flat, does not normally acquire a Great Dane. I am interested to know more about this choice, as small dogs would be the norm. The back of the book says there's a novella for this backstory.
This is an unbiased review.
August 24, 2022
WOW - what a great read!🤩
This was such a great first book in a new series. It had it all - mystery, banter, murder, clues to deduct, dogs and new friendships.
The main character, Ivy Stone, is an American residing in London, England. It was wonderful to see her develop new friendships and I loved how they all have different accents for me to try.
The book was a page-turner and I could’t read fast enough to the end to find out whodunnit. Ivy’s dog, Monty, was a wonderful addition to the book.😊
I got this book as an ARC reader from the author and this is my honest review given voluntarily. I look foreward to read more in this serie.😊
This was such a great first book in a new series. It had it all - mystery, banter, murder, clues to deduct, dogs and new friendships.
The main character, Ivy Stone, is an American residing in London, England. It was wonderful to see her develop new friendships and I loved how they all have different accents for me to try.
The book was a page-turner and I could’t read fast enough to the end to find out whodunnit. Ivy’s dog, Monty, was a wonderful addition to the book.😊
I got this book as an ARC reader from the author and this is my honest review given voluntarily. I look foreward to read more in this serie.😊
September 2, 2022
I really liked it, it was really good, very promising!
The start was already good, I immediately liked it, it shows great promise. Ivy has to grow into her role a bit more, but that’s only natural. I loved her, she’s smart, kind and notices details. A lovely main character! I also liked her friends, and of course disliked the other new maids and the head of security. One thing. English is not my native language, but I do read a lot of English books so I’ve learned a lot, but the accents, French and Irish, although charming, made the book less readable for me. But that’s just a minor detail. The story was really good, the pace was just right, the mystery was interesting and intriguing, and contained lots of twists and turns.
The start was already good, I immediately liked it, it shows great promise. Ivy has to grow into her role a bit more, but that’s only natural. I loved her, she’s smart, kind and notices details. A lovely main character! I also liked her friends, and of course disliked the other new maids and the head of security. One thing. English is not my native language, but I do read a lot of English books so I’ve learned a lot, but the accents, French and Irish, although charming, made the book less readable for me. But that’s just a minor detail. The story was really good, the pace was just right, the mystery was interesting and intriguing, and contained lots of twists and turns.
January 31, 2023
3.5 stars
This was cute and fun. I liked the setup was different from other cozies where she was the maid and the murder took place at the hotel she worked. There were a great cast of characters. It was intriguing and suspenseful.
This was cute and fun. I liked the setup was different from other cozies where she was the maid and the murder took place at the hotel she worked. There were a great cast of characters. It was intriguing and suspenseful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
I think it is page turner. I couldn't put the book away. Characters are interesting and funny. I would recommend this book to everybody who likes mystery, with quick pace, which hold you till the end with suspense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy just started her job in the hotel LaFontaine before the huge fashion event. And on that first day she found dead body of one the guests. She is curious and want to find who did it. And with help of her friends she is trying to catch a murderer who didn't leave any trace behind him. Would the Ivy or police find a murderer before the fashion event would end or would escape the hotel safely?
Grab a book and find out what happened with our lovely maid and her new friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy just started her job in the hotel LaFontaine before the huge fashion event. And on that first day she found dead body of one the guests. She is curious and want to find who did it. And with help of her friends she is trying to catch a murderer who didn't leave any trace behind him. Would the Ivy or police find a murderer before the fashion event would end or would escape the hotel safely?
Grab a book and find out what happened with our lovely maid and her new friends.
November 1, 2023
This was such a fun cozy mystery read! My only complaint is that it was too short. 🥲
I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series and see what else Ivy Stone gets into!
I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series and see what else Ivy Stone gets into!
August 23, 2022
Mystery Maid has interesting characters and a great plot. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed this book very much. There are also some great recipes shared in the book.
I look forward to more books by Hazel Smith.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I look forward to more books by Hazel Smith.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2024
Ivy starts her first working day as maid at this 5* hotel by stumbling a corpse (of one of the guests in the hotel). What a start.
Her wits, a few of her fellow maids, decide to investigate this murder.
So they do, and in the end they do find the culprit, and it was really a surprise.
Despite not finding the idea of a maid skeuth very enjoyable, the reading was easy and fast paced enough to make me finish it quick.
Her wits, a few of her fellow maids, decide to investigate this murder.
So they do, and in the end they do find the culprit, and it was really a surprise.
Despite not finding the idea of a maid skeuth very enjoyable, the reading was easy and fast paced enough to make me finish it quick.
January 10, 2023
Cute
I was hooked right from the beginning. Good characters, great pace, entertaining story. But the ending made me deduct 2 stars. I'm sure I will enjoy the next book in the series!
SPOILER ALERT...
For would-be heroes, potential victims, and all fiction writers... If you have a murderer tackled on the ground and have possession of the murder weapon, don't hand the gun back to the killer and say 'Hey gang, let's make a run for it" instead of keeping the murderer subdued until the police arrive. That ending had me rooting for the murderer to catch Ivy.
I was hooked right from the beginning. Good characters, great pace, entertaining story. But the ending made me deduct 2 stars. I'm sure I will enjoy the next book in the series!
SPOILER ALERT...
For would-be heroes, potential victims, and all fiction writers... If you have a murderer tackled on the ground and have possession of the murder weapon, don't hand the gun back to the killer and say 'Hey gang, let's make a run for it" instead of keeping the murderer subdued until the police arrive. That ending had me rooting for the murderer to catch Ivy.
November 27, 2022
This was an okay mystery about two murders in a fancy hotel in London. Ivy and her friends are a big part of solving the crimes. However, I felt that I had already read this at some point, or something very similar.
July 8, 2024
Aw man this was disappointing, I really enjoyed the novella that introduced the characters, but lost interest after reading this first book.
The story per se is not that bad, and the mystery definitely has clues and red herrings and all those things you want. But there’s just something about it that turned me off.
For start, it’s the weird need to make everyone sound like a caricature of their country of origin. Like this guy from England that says stuff like “that blooming animal”, “mate”, “that’s right daft”, “guvna” (????), “blighter” and shit like that come on! No one is so deeply English, especially in London. Of course the Irish girl basically speaks in Irish terms only, and the French one is constantly calling everyone mon ami or mon amour.
And first of all, I am Italian and live in the UK, and have been surrounded by people from other countries for 10 years, and NO ONE speaks like this. We DO NOT just randomly throw in words from our own language so everyone knows for sure we are from that specific country.
And secondly, if you really want to make your French character speak some French, at least try to freaking get it right???? Mon amoure is wrong, since it should be amour, and mi amis means nothing, it should be mES amis like it’s not hard??
Some parts of the story are sprinkled with generalised stupidity, such as finding an USB and not making a copy??? If you know someone is looking for it and you find it and look through it, the first thing to do is to make a copy, and then bring it to the inspector in a safe manner, not in the same place you found it and give a chance to a thief to steal it??? And when they do, the inspector is waiting for them somewhere in the hotel, which so conveniently gives the thief a chance to steal the whole thing. Because that’s soooo not a plot hole, and the inspector couldn’t possibly wait for them outside since they all know there is a thief and murderer in the hotel!!
The whole thing closes off with the hotel chaplain saying a quick grace before they eat????? WHAT??? First of all, hotels don’t exactly have chaplains ever, but let’s say this one for some reason does.
Most importantly, London is a melting pot of religions, and having a guy from a specific denomination saying a prayer is extremely offensive to probably most people present, including the many non religious people, and it SO NOT A THING!!! Like what the fuck if someone in my workplace tried to get a religious figure to say a prayer I would call HR??? While this might be a thing in the US, it is NOT in the UK and is probably the most anachronistic thing that could be put in this book.
So yeah it’s something like 2.5 starts rounded down to 2.
The story per se is not that bad, and the mystery definitely has clues and red herrings and all those things you want. But there’s just something about it that turned me off.
For start, it’s the weird need to make everyone sound like a caricature of their country of origin. Like this guy from England that says stuff like “that blooming animal”, “mate”, “that’s right daft”, “guvna” (????), “blighter” and shit like that come on! No one is so deeply English, especially in London. Of course the Irish girl basically speaks in Irish terms only, and the French one is constantly calling everyone mon ami or mon amour.
And first of all, I am Italian and live in the UK, and have been surrounded by people from other countries for 10 years, and NO ONE speaks like this. We DO NOT just randomly throw in words from our own language so everyone knows for sure we are from that specific country.
And secondly, if you really want to make your French character speak some French, at least try to freaking get it right???? Mon amoure is wrong, since it should be amour, and mi amis means nothing, it should be mES amis like it’s not hard??
Some parts of the story are sprinkled with generalised stupidity, such as finding an USB and not making a copy??? If you know someone is looking for it and you find it and look through it, the first thing to do is to make a copy, and then bring it to the inspector in a safe manner, not in the same place you found it and give a chance to a thief to steal it??? And when they do, the inspector is waiting for them somewhere in the hotel, which so conveniently gives the thief a chance to steal the whole thing. Because that’s soooo not a plot hole, and the inspector couldn’t possibly wait for them outside since they all know there is a thief and murderer in the hotel!!
The whole thing closes off with the hotel chaplain saying a quick grace before they eat????? WHAT??? First of all, hotels don’t exactly have chaplains ever, but let’s say this one for some reason does.
Most importantly, London is a melting pot of religions, and having a guy from a specific denomination saying a prayer is extremely offensive to probably most people present, including the many non religious people, and it SO NOT A THING!!! Like what the fuck if someone in my workplace tried to get a religious figure to say a prayer I would call HR??? While this might be a thing in the US, it is NOT in the UK and is probably the most anachronistic thing that could be put in this book.
So yeah it’s something like 2.5 starts rounded down to 2.
September 1, 2022
Maid to Order
As delish as the fine chocolates Ivy Stone, amateur sleuth and maid extraordinaire, leaves on the pillows of the guests at the LaFontaine luxury hotel in London, Mystery Maid was "maid to order" for me. It contains all the ingredients for an un-put-a-downable read…a highly relatable amateur sleuth, a capable but anxious pup sidekick named Monty, a hint of romantic attraction, and equally sluethsome coworkers. So, when I was given an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review I didn't hesitate. Author, Hazel Smith, didn't hesitate either in providing a realistic plot that provided enough twists and turns as to keep me guessing. So, if you're a "straight to the action" reader who wants the focus to be on the murder, slueths and suspects this book will not disappoint! I binge read it in about 5 hours because each chapter tantalized enough to keep me reading without marking time. When it came to the story's conclusion I felt as satisfied with having been stumped by who the actual killer was as I would have been consuming the decadent chocolate left on my LaFontaine pillow. And I felt just as frustrated at not having learned more about Ivy Stone, her backstory, what brought her to London from America, and her relationship with her grandmother as I would have been knowing the one piece of chocolate is all there is. Thankfully, this is a first in a series book and I am hoping that the main character is delved into more in subsequent series editions. It is to the author's credit that I want to know more. She has created such a realistic and relatable amateur sleuth that I am able to empathize and identify with her. At the end of my ARC edition of the ebook there was an excerpt from Twisted Wedding, which appears to be a prequel to the series. You can obtain a copy on the author's website hazelsmithbooks.com. Hopefully, that will provide the backstory I crave. In the meantime, I can't wait to return for another stay at the LaFontaine!
As delish as the fine chocolates Ivy Stone, amateur sleuth and maid extraordinaire, leaves on the pillows of the guests at the LaFontaine luxury hotel in London, Mystery Maid was "maid to order" for me. It contains all the ingredients for an un-put-a-downable read…a highly relatable amateur sleuth, a capable but anxious pup sidekick named Monty, a hint of romantic attraction, and equally sluethsome coworkers. So, when I was given an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review I didn't hesitate. Author, Hazel Smith, didn't hesitate either in providing a realistic plot that provided enough twists and turns as to keep me guessing. So, if you're a "straight to the action" reader who wants the focus to be on the murder, slueths and suspects this book will not disappoint! I binge read it in about 5 hours because each chapter tantalized enough to keep me reading without marking time. When it came to the story's conclusion I felt as satisfied with having been stumped by who the actual killer was as I would have been consuming the decadent chocolate left on my LaFontaine pillow. And I felt just as frustrated at not having learned more about Ivy Stone, her backstory, what brought her to London from America, and her relationship with her grandmother as I would have been knowing the one piece of chocolate is all there is. Thankfully, this is a first in a series book and I am hoping that the main character is delved into more in subsequent series editions. It is to the author's credit that I want to know more. She has created such a realistic and relatable amateur sleuth that I am able to empathize and identify with her. At the end of my ARC edition of the ebook there was an excerpt from Twisted Wedding, which appears to be a prequel to the series. You can obtain a copy on the author's website hazelsmithbooks.com. Hopefully, that will provide the backstory I crave. In the meantime, I can't wait to return for another stay at the LaFontaine!
December 1, 2022
Excellent
Mystery Maid by Hazel Smith is a beautiful, hard to put down, irresistibly charming cozy mystery. The plot is very good and there are plenty of twists and unexpected turns that keep the readers glued to the book and are in for a tremendous shock towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Ivy Stone has got a new job as a maid in a luxurious Hotel, LaFontaine, in London. She accidentally bumps into a rude customer, Adele Verville who's promptly told off by Élise Auclair, that Ivy is not to be blamed but Adele had a mistake by using the entrance meant for the employees. This is followed by a finely attired gentleman carrying his pet Shih Tzu whom Elise calls as Monsieur Laurent. Meanwhile, Ivy joins the orientation for the maids, headed by the stern and ferocious Mrs. Becker, the head housekeeper. A twist in the tale takes place while Mrs. Becker is guiding the new employees and Ivy discovers the dead body of the same gentleman, Laurent, whom she had earlier encountered. Mrs. Becker calls the chief of security, Branahan, to call the police and Ivy gives him a suggestion to check the security camera but he glares at her. He scorns at her, brushing aside her suggestions.
This isn't the beginning Ivy looked for. As if it wasn't enough, someone has vandalized the dead man's room. Ivy is too excited to let the mystery slip out of her hands and manages to get her friends, Elise and her boyfriend, Charlie, who's a porter and Moira, working in the kitchen, to assist her with the amateur sleuthing. They make exciting discoveries and then Elise turns up with her own secret. What follows is simply mind blowing! There are startling revelations and another murder takes place, prior to the celebration of Rose Gold Fashion Week.
Can Ivy and her friends stop the murderer before it's too late? Do read this book as you are in for a guaranteed shock. This is awesome, dear Hazel. A perfect entertainer!
Mystery Maid by Hazel Smith is a beautiful, hard to put down, irresistibly charming cozy mystery. The plot is very good and there are plenty of twists and unexpected turns that keep the readers glued to the book and are in for a tremendous shock towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Ivy Stone has got a new job as a maid in a luxurious Hotel, LaFontaine, in London. She accidentally bumps into a rude customer, Adele Verville who's promptly told off by Élise Auclair, that Ivy is not to be blamed but Adele had a mistake by using the entrance meant for the employees. This is followed by a finely attired gentleman carrying his pet Shih Tzu whom Elise calls as Monsieur Laurent. Meanwhile, Ivy joins the orientation for the maids, headed by the stern and ferocious Mrs. Becker, the head housekeeper. A twist in the tale takes place while Mrs. Becker is guiding the new employees and Ivy discovers the dead body of the same gentleman, Laurent, whom she had earlier encountered. Mrs. Becker calls the chief of security, Branahan, to call the police and Ivy gives him a suggestion to check the security camera but he glares at her. He scorns at her, brushing aside her suggestions.
This isn't the beginning Ivy looked for. As if it wasn't enough, someone has vandalized the dead man's room. Ivy is too excited to let the mystery slip out of her hands and manages to get her friends, Elise and her boyfriend, Charlie, who's a porter and Moira, working in the kitchen, to assist her with the amateur sleuthing. They make exciting discoveries and then Elise turns up with her own secret. What follows is simply mind blowing! There are startling revelations and another murder takes place, prior to the celebration of Rose Gold Fashion Week.
Can Ivy and her friends stop the murderer before it's too late? Do read this book as you are in for a guaranteed shock. This is awesome, dear Hazel. A perfect entertainer!
January 19, 2023
I loved this book. This is a new to me author but I am so glad that I discovered this series it was so much fun. The mystery was really good and kept taking twists and best of all I was shocked who the killer turned out to be, I never saw it coming. I liked the hotel setting, it made for a unusual mystery but a great way to spy on all the suspects. You were gave nyou an insight to both the hustle and bustle of running a hotel and a fashion show. It also helped that she had friends/sidekicks in other departments to lend a hand. Which I loved because they were great characters and very different. There was what I think will turn out to be a love interest but this book mainly focused on the mystery and of course the loveable dog to add humour. I am off to find the next book. I might even look to see if the series is on audio book.
Ivy first day on the job working as a maid in an expensive hotel isn't off to a good start when she gets shouted at by a customer and then discovers a body in the fountain. It's fashion week at the hotel and with so many potential suspects and after using her keen she to spot a clue the police ask her to keep them informed on anything she notices. Fashion week is for only a week and with the likely good that the killer will move on before the police identify the killer, especially as they don't know the real identity of the victim, Ivy and her new friends start there own investigation. The murder victims dog turns up missing but Ivy thinks the little dog might hold the key to solving the case. Then another body is discovered and things get very complicated. Can Ivy and her friends find the killer, the missing dog and survive the demands of models or will Ivy lose her dream job before the week is over?
Ivy first day on the job working as a maid in an expensive hotel isn't off to a good start when she gets shouted at by a customer and then discovers a body in the fountain. It's fashion week at the hotel and with so many potential suspects and after using her keen she to spot a clue the police ask her to keep them informed on anything she notices. Fashion week is for only a week and with the likely good that the killer will move on before the police identify the killer, especially as they don't know the real identity of the victim, Ivy and her new friends start there own investigation. The murder victims dog turns up missing but Ivy thinks the little dog might hold the key to solving the case. Then another body is discovered and things get very complicated. Can Ivy and her friends find the killer, the missing dog and survive the demands of models or will Ivy lose her dream job before the week is over?
August 28, 2022
Mystery Maid by Hazel Smith is the debut of A Maid Ivy Cozy Mysteries. This is a cute cozy mystery. I like American Ivy Stone who was hired as a maid at the posh Hotel LaFontaine in London. Her first day is memorable. While on a tour of the facility with the formidable head of housekeeping, they stumble upon a guest dead in the courtyard fountain. Ivy has a curious nature and a keen eye for detail. Ivy with help from three of her new friends and co-workers set out to solve the crime. I liked the various characters in the series except for the rude model. Monty, Ivy’s new puppy, is a fun addition. He is a cute rascal. The mystery was fun, but it was easy to solve. One clue gave it away. I enjoyed following Ivy and her friends as they hunted for clues, asked questions, and eavesdropped. There was a twist that will surprise some readers (depends on your sleuthing level). The cranky head of security did not make things easy for Ivy. I enjoyed the reveal and how it was done. There is humor sprinkled throughout the story that will guarantee some giggles. I like the author’s writing style and I appreciate the Christian elements (it blended well with the story). There was plenty of action which made Mystery Maid a quick read. It is a light, entertaining cozy mystery. Mystery Maid is a charming cozy with a posh hotel, a dead dude, a testy head of security, an intimidating head housekeeper, handsome hotel owner, and a meddlesome maid.
December 18, 2022
Ivy’s first day working as a maid at a posh London hotel doesn’t start out as she’d hoped when she finds a dead body. Later on she makes friends with some co workers and they try to figure out who would do this. Clues are discovered and a suspect is thought to be the culprit but then another body turns up discovered by Ivy of course.
This whodunnit will have you guessing to the end to try and figure out just who is doing these murders and the reasons behind them. You’ll enjoy a few cozy evenings as you shift through the clues and see if you arrive at the answer before it is revealed but this time you just may be surprised!
I really enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to all who love cozy mysteries and if you love dogs well so much the better because you��ll meet a couple in this book and a third one who I’m sure you’ll get to know in future books!
When you finish this book why not sign up for the author’s newsletter and get the free prequel so you can meet Ivy and Monty and see Ivy solve her first case before starting work at the hotel. Then you can get the second book, Deadly Diva, and you’ll know you will want to continue this series to the end!
By the way there are also delicious recipes in the back of the book that are mentioned in the book you can make so you can enjoy the taste and smells our
friends do and experience as they also dine on these delectable goodies!
This whodunnit will have you guessing to the end to try and figure out just who is doing these murders and the reasons behind them. You’ll enjoy a few cozy evenings as you shift through the clues and see if you arrive at the answer before it is revealed but this time you just may be surprised!
I really enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to all who love cozy mysteries and if you love dogs well so much the better because you��ll meet a couple in this book and a third one who I’m sure you’ll get to know in future books!
When you finish this book why not sign up for the author’s newsletter and get the free prequel so you can meet Ivy and Monty and see Ivy solve her first case before starting work at the hotel. Then you can get the second book, Deadly Diva, and you’ll know you will want to continue this series to the end!
By the way there are also delicious recipes in the back of the book that are mentioned in the book you can make so you can enjoy the taste and smells our
friends do and experience as they also dine on these delectable goodies!
February 27, 2024
Two murders and a surprise killer
Ivy and her friends were hard at work preparing for the fashion show at La Fontaine. Suddenly, there were two murders to solve. The suspect was arrested along with a maid who verified his alibi. But he wasn't the killer. Ivy kept investigating until she found a ten year old photo of a student who was thrown out of a fashion school ten years prior. Èlise was dating him, but she didn't realize he was just using her to get to the people he murdered. When Ivy discovered the truth, it was almost too late. I loved how Ivy kept the killer talking while her friends hid. Security had been called, but they hid outside the room because they didn't have guns. When the girls finally escaped the killer, he chased them to the ballroom, where they ran to the stage. Thank heaven for Mrs. Becker, who used her cane to trip the killer and knocked the gun from his hands. This story had many twists & turns before the finalè, and I just couldn't put it down. I was glad Èlise was able to adopt the abused poodle, Kiki, and Ivy solved her problem with Monty by putting him in the hotel's doggy day care. This was such a satisfying book to read, and I encourage all my cozy mystery friends to enjoy it as I did.
Ivy and her friends were hard at work preparing for the fashion show at La Fontaine. Suddenly, there were two murders to solve. The suspect was arrested along with a maid who verified his alibi. But he wasn't the killer. Ivy kept investigating until she found a ten year old photo of a student who was thrown out of a fashion school ten years prior. Èlise was dating him, but she didn't realize he was just using her to get to the people he murdered. When Ivy discovered the truth, it was almost too late. I loved how Ivy kept the killer talking while her friends hid. Security had been called, but they hid outside the room because they didn't have guns. When the girls finally escaped the killer, he chased them to the ballroom, where they ran to the stage. Thank heaven for Mrs. Becker, who used her cane to trip the killer and knocked the gun from his hands. This story had many twists & turns before the finalè, and I just couldn't put it down. I was glad Èlise was able to adopt the abused poodle, Kiki, and Ivy solved her problem with Monty by putting him in the hotel's doggy day care. This was such a satisfying book to read, and I encourage all my cozy mystery friends to enjoy it as I did.
August 24, 2022
Fashion to die for!
Ivy Stone is putting the skills she learned at her grandmother's knee to good use in a job she loves. She has been hired as a maid in London’s prestigious Hotel LaFontaine but from the very first day, it is obvious that not everyone she works with will accept her. Besides the snubs from some co-workers, her day goes downhill fast when her dog sitter texts pictures of her destroyed bedroom, and she discovers a guest’s body in the hotel fountain. On the plus side, she soon meets several other employees who are friendly and when Ivy decides to investigate the murder, they are willing to help.
You can’t go wrong with murder, suspense, good food, and good friends! This was a fun cozy mystery to read. The characters are personable and the plot is entertaining. I especially like cozies with animals and Monty made a great addition to the storyline. I look forward to the next book and I can’t wait to try the tasty recipes at the end of the book! I received a free copy on Booksprout but my review is honest and voluntary.
Ivy Stone is putting the skills she learned at her grandmother's knee to good use in a job she loves. She has been hired as a maid in London’s prestigious Hotel LaFontaine but from the very first day, it is obvious that not everyone she works with will accept her. Besides the snubs from some co-workers, her day goes downhill fast when her dog sitter texts pictures of her destroyed bedroom, and she discovers a guest’s body in the hotel fountain. On the plus side, she soon meets several other employees who are friendly and when Ivy decides to investigate the murder, they are willing to help.
You can’t go wrong with murder, suspense, good food, and good friends! This was a fun cozy mystery to read. The characters are personable and the plot is entertaining. I especially like cozies with animals and Monty made a great addition to the storyline. I look forward to the next book and I can’t wait to try the tasty recipes at the end of the book! I received a free copy on Booksprout but my review is honest and voluntary.
August 29, 2022
Mystery Maid
After reading the prequel to the story I couldn’t wait to jump into this book. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Of course cozy mysteries often have people who may seem nosy to everyone else, because they’re trying to find the answer to a mystery. Usually that has a murder in it.
So Mystery Maid is no different. What is, of course, different is the story!
Ivy is from the US. Her Grandmother raised her and she had a maid business, so Ivy learned how to clean and straighten at an early age. When her grandma dies she runs her business for a while, finally decide she needs to do something different. So she moved to England.
She finally gets a job at a very big posh hotel called the La Fontaine.
Ivy has a cute cottage, a great Dane puppy call Monty but the one thing she doesn’t have are friends. She’s hoping that she can make some at the hotel.
The story is sweet and Ivy is endearing. Monty, of course, is adorable!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After reading the prequel to the story I couldn’t wait to jump into this book. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Of course cozy mysteries often have people who may seem nosy to everyone else, because they’re trying to find the answer to a mystery. Usually that has a murder in it.
So Mystery Maid is no different. What is, of course, different is the story!
Ivy is from the US. Her Grandmother raised her and she had a maid business, so Ivy learned how to clean and straighten at an early age. When her grandma dies she runs her business for a while, finally decide she needs to do something different. So she moved to England.
She finally gets a job at a very big posh hotel called the La Fontaine.
Ivy has a cute cottage, a great Dane puppy call Monty but the one thing she doesn’t have are friends. She’s hoping that she can make some at the hotel.
The story is sweet and Ivy is endearing. Monty, of course, is adorable!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
What an intriguing book, layered with mystery! The author, Hazel Smith, captivated me with the first page & I was hooked! The characters are relatable, the setting is unique
& the mystery is confounding - until all is revealed. Hazel kept me guessing until the very end!
Mystery Maid embraces accents & speech quirks, which helps form a vivid picture of each character. Maid Ivy is strengthened on this new venture in life by her mischievous puppy, memories of her grandmother, her faith in God, and her new friends at the hotel. I especially liked that Ivy was not the business owner, but one employee among many. Most people find themselves in her shoes.
This is a perfect read for the beach or cabin... a delightful getaway to a most exquisite hotel in England. I can't hardly wait to see what maid Ivy encounters next!
& the mystery is confounding - until all is revealed. Hazel kept me guessing until the very end!
Mystery Maid embraces accents & speech quirks, which helps form a vivid picture of each character. Maid Ivy is strengthened on this new venture in life by her mischievous puppy, memories of her grandmother, her faith in God, and her new friends at the hotel. I especially liked that Ivy was not the business owner, but one employee among many. Most people find themselves in her shoes.
This is a perfect read for the beach or cabin... a delightful getaway to a most exquisite hotel in England. I can't hardly wait to see what maid Ivy encounters next!
November 23, 2022
Ivy Stone is excited to begin her first day as a maid at London’s Hotel LaFontaine, but from the moment she arrives, nothing goes as planned. She insults a guest, is snubbed by the other maids, and finds a dead body, all before lunch.
With help from new friends on staff, Ivy’s amateur sleuthing uncovers clues to a thickening plot of revenge among the glamorous guests.
While preparing for a prestigious fashion show, sampling gourmet dishes and falling deeper in love with Monty the pup, Ivy suspects the killer is among them and will strike again.
Ivy is a new dog owner and a new maid at the Hotel LaFontaine. On her first day she comes across a dead body.
Hazel Smith is a new author to me.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
With help from new friends on staff, Ivy’s amateur sleuthing uncovers clues to a thickening plot of revenge among the glamorous guests.
While preparing for a prestigious fashion show, sampling gourmet dishes and falling deeper in love with Monty the pup, Ivy suspects the killer is among them and will strike again.
Ivy is a new dog owner and a new maid at the Hotel LaFontaine. On her first day she comes across a dead body.
Hazel Smith is a new author to me.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 8, 2022
Mystery Maid by Hazel Smith is the first book in the A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book Series. Ivy has just started her new dream job as a maid at the luxurious London Hotel La Fontaine. Wanting to make a good impression on her first day, she ends up with everything being a disaster. She finds a dead body and tries to solve the murder all while keeping up with her very demanding job. After figuring out who the killer is, she realizes that they may kill again. She has to stop that from happening. This fun, mouthwatering cozy even includes delicious recipes. It has likable characters and loveable dogs. Plenty of twists and turns lead you to an unexpected conclusion. An intriguing murder mystery that leaves you wanting more. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author.
December 19, 2022
This book is the first book in the series, Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery. Ivy Stone is an American who travels to London to start her new life as a maid at the Hotel LaFontaine, a luxury hotel in London. On her first day of work she is knocked down to the ground in the hotel by a famous runway model. If that wasn’t bad enough, she discovers a dead body in the hotel’s fountain. Her curiosity leads her to investigate this murder with the help of other employees: Elise, who works at the hotel’s front desk, Charlie who is a porter, and Moira who is a food server in the hotel’s dining room. All of them have a great advantage in their investigation - by being hotel employees they are able to observe the hotel guests since they are mainly ignored by the guests! There is a mysterious woman that may or may not be a guest and a love affair that have been going on for months, if not years. The investigation threatens the safety of the employees as well as the other guests. An enjoyable read! In the back of the book there are actual recipes of the foods served in the story! I look forward to read the next book in this series.
August 25, 2022
Ivy Stone is finally starting her dream job in London at as maid at LaFontaine, an exclusive and posh hotel. It turns out that this is a crazy week to start, as this week is the annual Rose Gold Fashion week! And this year is crazier than usual - as the head housekeeper is giving the new maids a tour they discover a dead man in the grand fountain amidst champagne and rose petals! Ivy is once is again determined to investigate. She makes friends with three other employees and together they are on the job, made harder by a very cranky and uncooperative Security Head! After reading Twisted Wedding where I met Ivy, and looked forward to reading more! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
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