Lee Strauss's Blog

1. What is a closed room mystery?

A closed room mystery (sometimes called a locked room mystery) is one of the most tantalizing subgenres of crime fiction. The premise is deceptively simple: a crime—often a murder—is committed under circumstances that either make it appear impossible. It's clear that the crime was committed by someone in the room, but leaves the questions of who and how. The crime scene may be a locked room, a sealed chamber, or an isolated location where the culprit seemingly couldn’t have entered or escaped. The delight for readers comes from watching the detective unravel the paradox, proving that even the most “impossible” crime has a logical explanation.

At the heart of these mysteries lies the puzzle. They emphasize clever construction, fair play with clues, and a final twist that leaves the reader simultaneously surprised and satisfied.

2. Famous / Popular Closed Room Mysteries

The tradition of the locked room puzzle dates back centuries, but some novels have cemented the trope’s reputation:

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841): Often cited as the first locked room mystery, it introduced the idea of a seemingly impossible crime solved through reasoning.

John Dickson Carr’s The Hollow Man (1935): Considered by many the definitive locked room mystery, it even includes a famous “lecture” on the mechanics of impossible crimes.

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (1939): While not technically a locked room in the physical sense, the isolation of an island creates the same claustrophobic “no escape” atmosphere.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories: Several, such as The Adventure of the Speckled Band, flirt with the locked room format, showing its adaptability.

These works demonstrate how the format can be stretched: from literal locked doors to isolated settings, the essence is always that sense of impossibility.

3. The Knives Out Mysteries Movies - a contemporary example

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out films (Knives Out, 2019 and Glass Onion, 2022, with Wake Up Dead Man coming this fall) breathe new life into the closed room tradition.

In Knives Out, the mystery unfolds within the Thrombey family’s sprawling mansion—a modern take on the locked house setting. Every character is trapped in a web of suspicion, and Daniel Craig’s eccentric detective Benoit Blanc must untangle the knot of lies.

Glass Onion expands the concept by moving the story to an isolated island during a billionaire’s weekend retreat. The “locked room” here is the social circle and the cut-off location, making escape or outside interference impossible.

In Wake Up Dead Man, the murder occurs in a closed concrete room in a church.

The trailer looks awesome, and I can't wait to see the movie. You can watch the trailer here: 

These films show how adaptable the trope remains, bringing the puzzle-box feel of golden-age mysteries into the 21st century with humour, style, and social commentary.

4. The Closed Room Aspect of Murder in the Painted Mask

My mystery, Murder in the Painted Mask, takes inspiration from this long tradition. Lady Ginger Gold and her husband Basil attend a glamorous masked event at the country estate of Lady Horatia Zouch-Nettleby. When the provocative artist Lucien Valentino is discovered gruesomely murdered, the circumstances point to a classic “closed room” scenario.

The estate’s private auction and masked festivities mean that every guest is both a potential suspect and effectively “trapped” within the walls of the house. Secrets swirl behind masks, alibis crumble under scrutiny, and Ginger must determine not only who committed the murder, but how it could have happened under such tightly contained circumstances.

Like the great closed room mysteries before it, Murder in the Painted Mask balances atmosphere, glamour, and puzzle-solving, offering readers the thrill of trying to crack the impossible before Ginger herself cracks the case.

If you haven't preordered already, you can get it on Amazon or directly from me:

ON AMAZON

ON SHOPIFY

Early Goodreads Review:
Absolutely fantastic! The Ginger Gold series never disappoints! I’ve been following this series for a while; read every book and started the audiobooks. The characters are divine and the plot is incredibly intriguing! A well hidden mystery, it keeps you guessing right up until the big reveal! I, honestly, didn’t figure it out; my favorite kind of mystery!

Murder in the Painted Mask is outstanding! I love the fact the plot takes places inside an estate where everyone is appears to be clear of the crime; but are they really?

Ginger and Basil are wonderful, as always. Charles and Felicia being there with them added another enjoyable aspect to the story. Boss, too, is a crucial element in the story.

I don’t want to say too much more for the fear of giving away spoilers. I’ll leave this review with my recommendation. I highly recommend Murder in the Painted Mask and the Ginger Gold mystery series. Whether you start with this book or work your way through from the beginning, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Curl up in your favorite reading spot and start reading today! It’s worth it!

Emily Gawlak
See all reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236059552-murder-in-the-painted-maskCOMING SOON

After spending a whole book in one location (pretty much) I felt the need to take Ginger far and wide, so in the next book, she's going to India!

MURDER AT THE MAHARAJA'S COURTS

Murder is a world away...

Lady Ginger Gold never imagined her journey to Rajasthan would draw her into the glittering yet perilous world of a royal court. Invited with her husband Basil to a lavish celebration at a maharaja’s palace, she is swept into a realm of jewelled elephants, opulent banquets, and the thrill of a tiger hunt in the desert.

But when a guest is gunned down during the hunt, whispers ripple through the gilded halls. Was the bullet meant for the victim—or for the maharaja himself? As Ginger unravels a web of intrigue, she uncovers dangerous undercurrents: British officials with secrets to hide, courtiers with shifting loyalties, and whispers of rebellion against the Crown.

Amid growing rebellion and corruption, Ginger must unmask a killer before palace intrigue turns deadly.

Preorder on Amazon

Q 4 U

Have you watched the Knives Out Movies? Are you looking forward to the next one? Let me know in the comments.

It's been a while since I blogged about what's going on in my life personally. It's not all business all the time! Though sometimes it feels like it, lol. 

It's been a summer of transition. Actually, it's been a year of transition, but a move in a good direction. Last fall we moved into our house (it had been rented out previously.) It was a move on top of a move, and I was so exhausted by the time we got in. Mostly we just stuffed our things into boxes and threw them into the garage or storage room, and basically forgot about them, because, shortly after our move, we became first time grandparents!

All that to say, the summer has been busy because we're still settling into our house, but also because we moved from having no yard, to having a big yard. I'd forgotten how much work owning a house with a yard could be!

This yard came with many fruit trees and a whole lotta weeds. Tall weeds, front and back. Once the weather warmed, Norm and I and our son Jordan (our work and sometimes personal assistant), worked tirelessly, picking weeds, pruning and prepping fruit trees and building a patio. I also thought it would be a great idea to plant a garden. OMG, my tomatoes went wild and, why did I plant so many pumpkins?!?

Here's the patio is still a work in process, but I'm happy with the old-world look of the stone work, and the soothing water fountain. Next year I'll continue xeriscaping. 

A small sample of the canning and preserving I've done. I feel like pioneer woman now! :)

But the best thing that kept me busy was this little man. Most days he'd come for a visit, about an hour or so, and I just love my time with him.

The work of writing and publishing also continued through this time.

We started publishing German translations this year and, if you've been watching, Ginger's Journal was released as a 2 volume series called The Velvet Spy.

I wrote book 27, Murder in the Painted Mask, which is going out to ARC readers this week, for September 25 release. And now I'm plotting book 28, which I'll announce soon.

What about you?

How have you kept busy this summer? Let me know in the comments.

Before the Mysteries: Who Was Lady Gold During the War?

Long before Lady Ginger Gold became the fashionable sleuth of 1920s London—solving murders in tea rooms, jazz clubs, and country estates—she was someone very different. Beneath the pearls and perfectly tailored hats lies a woman forged in the crucible of war, a woman who risked her life behind enemy lines, armed not with a revolver, but with intelligence, nerve, and an iron will.

The Velvet Spy duology explores the hidden chapters of Ginger’s life during the First World War—years that transformed her from a well-bred young woman into someone capable of staring down danger and uncovering the truth in the shadows.

But who was she before the mysteries? And how did the war shape the lady we’ve come to know and love?

Let’s take a look behind the curtain.

From Society Debutante to Secret Agent

Ginger Gold entered the Great War not as a soldier, but as a volunteer with a cause. In 1915, she was just a young widow in Boston, working with the Red Cross and the war effort from afar. But a fateful letter from British Intelligence changed everything. Called back to England and offered a position with the Secret Service Bureau, Ginger made the bold choice to enter a world where few women—and fewer civilians—were ever invited.

Why her? Ginger’s fluency in French, her upbringing across Europe, and her steely composure in crisis made her uniquely suited for espionage work. She could move through society undetected, slip into foreign identities with ease, and maintain perfect decorum while gathering sensitive intelligence.

A New Kind of Battlefield

Unlike the glamorous spy thrillers of later decades, World War I espionage was a brutal, unglamorous game. Ginger's missions brought her into the heart of occupied France and Belgium, where every street corner might conceal a German patrol, and every smile could mask betrayal. She worked alongside brave members of the resistance—many of them women like herself—who carried messages, smuggled soldiers, and risked torture or execution daily.

In The Velvet Spy, we see Ginger infiltrating enemy strongholds under assumed names, decoding secret signals, and using every ounce of intuition to stay one step ahead of danger. There are no gadgets, no backup teams, and no safety nets. Only quick thinking, trust in her instincts, and the quiet determination to do what’s right—even when it costs dearly.

These were formative years. The Ginger of the war years was both vulnerable and fearless. She cried in the dark and then rose in the morning to do what had to be done. She bore witness to brutality, mourned fallen friends, and endured betrayal. And yet, through it all, she carried herself with grace, courage, and deep empathy for those caught in the machinery of war.

The Making of a Sleuth

When we meet Ginger again in The Ginger Gold Mysteries, she’s living in a very different world. It’s 1920s London: a time of jazz, flappers, and post-war optimism. On the surface, she’s the picture of elegance—a fashion house owner, a doting mother, a Lady by marriage. But her wartime past never fully leaves her.

Why does she so often step into danger to solve a murder no one else will? Why does she instinctively see through lies and read the unsaid in a room full of suspects? Why does she take risks others would balk at?

Because she’s done it before. Ginger’s wartime experiences sharpened her instincts and taught her to trust them. Her background in espionage made her keenly observant and disarmingly charming—tools that serve her well when interrogating suspects or navigating Scotland Yard bureaucracy.

And her sense of justice? That comes from seeing too much injustice go unpunished. Her determination to speak for the silenced, to fight for the voiceless, was born in the shadows of occupied Europe.

The Cost of Bravery

But The Velvet Spy isn’t just about missions and danger. It’s about the personal cost of service. The love Ginger shared with Daniel—her husband, her confidant, her great heartbreak—is woven deeply into these wartime journals. Their connection is tender, raw, and ultimately tragic. Through this relationship, readers glimpse Ginger’s vulnerability and the emotional weight she carries into her post-war life.

She doesn’t speak of Daniel in the mystery series often, but once you’ve read The Velvet Spy, you understand why. Some scars are too deep for casual conversation.

Besides there's Basil Reed!

Why Readers Should Start Here

If you’re new to the Ginger Gold Mysteries, The Velvet Spy offers the perfect starting point. It introduces you to the younger Ginger—before the title, before the fame—and shows the origin of her resilience, her wit, and her capacity to care in a world gone mad.

If you’re already a fan of the series, this duology enriches your understanding of the character you thought you knew. It deepens every later moment of intuition, courage, or hesitation. Suddenly, you see the war ghosting behind her calm smile. You see Daniel in the silence. You see how every decision in the 1920s is shaped by what happened in the 1910s.

From Velvet to Gold

The Velvet Spy reminds us that even cozy mystery heroines have hard histories. That strength often comes from surviving what others could not. That elegance can be a form of armour—and sometimes, underneath the tailored dress and feathered hat, beats the heart of a warrior.

So the next time Ginger Gold steps onto the scene of a murder with her trademark poise and precision, remember: she’s not just a stylish sleuth.

She’s a survivor. A spy. And a woman who’s already faced the darkest corners of the world—and chosen to stand in the light.

AVAILABLE NOW

On Amazon

Creating Sanctuary

The heat arrived early this year. Our little corner of the world feels more like late July than early June, and like many of you, we’ve been outside nearly every day — building new flower beds, hauling rock, clearing brush, and watering almost constantly. Part of it is the simple joy of watching a new garden come to life, but part of it, too, is preparation. Fire season has become part of our yearly rhythm now, and we do what we can: clearing fallen branches, trimming back overgrowth, and trying to make our home a little more resilient.

In between the digging and watering, I’ve been working steadily on my final edits for The Velvet Spy: Volume 2 as well as drafting the 27th Ginger Gold Mystery. It’s quite something to live half the day with one’s hands in the earth, and the other half lost in 1917 France or 1920s London. My grandson—now eight months old—often visits during the day, and watching him discover the world with such bright-eyed wonder reminds me of what a precious, fragile place this is. Both the world itself, and the time we’re given to live in it.

As I’ve been writing these latest chapters of The Velvet Spy, I’ve found myself returning to an image that feels strangely relevant even now: the gardeners of war.

During World War I, amid the devastation of the trenches, soldiers and civilians alike often planted small gardens wherever they could. Tiny plots of poppies or beans grew between shattered buildings. Window boxes appeared in battered towns. Even in the trenches themselves, some soldiers planted little patches of flowers — not because they had to, but because they needed to. In the face of destruction, life asserted itself. Growth became both an act of hope and quiet defiance.

Today, we live in a world facing its own upheavals — though thankfully, for most of us, not on the scale of 1917 France. But whether it’s wildfires, political tensions, or simply the uncertainties that seem to swirl louder each year, I think many of us are planting our own kinds of gardens right now. Whether it’s a literal flower bed, time spent with grandchildren, or creative work like writing books, we’re all cultivating something that helps push back the darkness, even just a little.

Perhaps that’s the small WWI lesson I’m carrying with me this season: you cannot always control the larger forces around you, but you can tend your small patch of earth. You can create beauty. You can nurture life. You can pass something good to the next generation.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey with me. I’ll leave you with a few photos of our garden-in-progress. The flowers aren’t quite in full bloom yet—but like all good things, they’re growing, one day at a time.

Stay safe, stay well — and wherever you are, may your own small gardens thrive.

 

Book News!

The Velvet Spy: The Wartime Journal of Lady Gold - Volume Two Dive deeper into Ginger’s past with this gripping wartime journal. Secrets, espionage, and high-stakes danger await in this second and final volume of Lady Gold’s clandestine adventures.

PRE-ORDER

Murder in the Painted Masque: A Ginger Gold Mystery When a lavish masquerade ball turns deadly, Ginger must unmask a killer hiding behind silk and jewels. Glamour, deception, and a twist-filled mystery—perfect for fans of classic whodunits!

PRE-ORDER

And something for my German speaking readers... Book 6 of the Ginger Gold Mysteries series is coming soon in German!

Mord in den Kensington Gardens: Ein Fall für Ginger Gold 6 Für unsere deutschsprachigen Leser: Ginger Gold ermittelt wieder! In diesem charmanten Cosy-Krimi wird ein idyllischer Spaziergang durch die Kensington Gardens zum Tatort—und nur Ginger kann das Rätsel lösen.

Jetzt vorbestellen!

Contest Alert!

Be entered to win 3 fantastic prizes

$25 Paypal Prize, Vintage World Map Puzzle + Paperback of 'The Velvet Spy: Volume Two'

Enter Here!

I'm really excited to bring The Velvet Spy into the world. Some fans of the Ginger Gold Mysteries have been following along on Ginger's WW1 espionage experiences through her Journal entries. These little unedited vignettes were for the benefit of my newsletter subscribers, and when I started, I hadn't envisioned that one day I'd have enough story for two volumes! 

The journal entries have now been expanded, edited with new entries included to create an emotional, full story experience. Here is the first one for your enjoyment!

 

July 31st, 1912

How fabulous that I found this journal today, tucked away at the bottom of my wardrobe! Good old Pippins—our English butler in London—gave it to me years ago as a parting gift when Father whisked me off to America so he could marry Sally. Pips said it was for me to record my new adventures.

I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t pen a single word until today. I think I was simply too sad back then. But no matter—I’m writing now, and this will be the first of many entries, I hope. I imagine myself as an old woman, sitting by the fire, thumbing through these pages as they bring back cherished memories of a long and adventure-filled life.

This old leather-bound journal takes me right back to that emotional time. I cried enough tears to fill an ocean and remember telling Father, dramatically, that I would surely cause a flood to rival Noah’s. At eight years old, I was well-versed in my biblical studies, though in hindsight, I might have bordered on heresy with my little tantrum.

The first week of my so-called “adventure” was spent aboard a big steamship, feeling wretchedly sick to my stomach the whole way. There were far too many embarrassing episodes involving a bucket and Father holding back my long hair so I wouldn’t soil it with vomit. I was convinced I was being punished for some unknown offense.

Hartigan House—though large and sometimes lonely—was my home. And Pips, dear Pips, was my good friend. He often entertained me with games of I Spy or Noughts and Crosses.

“Very good, Little Miss,” he’d say with a twinkle in his blue eyes when I won, which I did often. Looking back, I suspect Pips wasn’t above letting me win, even when I hadn’t earned it.

Father claimed he’d uprooted us because I needed a mother, though I think he simply wanted a wife. Sally—a woman half his age—turned out to be a sufficient spouse in the end, but I could never bring myself to call her “Mother.”

Well, Pips, you’d be glad to know things turned out all right here in America. My childhood was pleasant—school, new friends, and learning to ride horses and shoot guns, a pastime that’s very popular here, even beyond the elite. I went to an excellent school, and I focused on studying modern languages and science. Boston is a beautiful city, and much of it reminds me of England.

Oh, and I suppose I should mention that Father and Sally produced a sister for me—Louisa. She’s dark-haired, with a sweet teardrop-shaped face, and the very image of Sally. I don’t hold that against her, though. She’s as spoiled as they come, with Sally pandering to her every whim and Father far less strict with her than he ever was with me. With ten years between us, we don’t have much in common, but I adore her all the same.

This afternoon was spent preparing for the evening’s activities. Father was hosting a soirée in honor of my nineteenth birthday, and I planned to enjoy a large slice of Mrs. Bakker’s Dutch Dark Chocolate Cake. Her cakes are legendary—so rich and moist they melt in your mouth like cocoa-laced ecstasy. My mouth waters just thinking about them.

Father adores throwing soirées—or as in this case, “dinner parties,” as the Americans call them. I often feel caught between two cultures. Outside this Beacon Hill brownstone, I’m American, but inside, I cling to my English roots. Father and I still enjoy traditional tea with scones and clotted cream, served properly, the English way. Our conversations often turn to politics—both here and across the Atlantic. Some of the news is deeply worrisome, but I won’t dwell on that tonight.

“Not too tight,” I told my maid Molly as she tightened the straps on my corset. The columnar corset forced me to stand straight and tall, though I silently thanked the heavens that those horrid S-bend corsets had gone out of fashion. It’s a wonder we aren’t all deformed!

Molly helped me into a gown of shiny emerald silk, with an open neckline and slender sleeves that ended at my elbows. I spun in front of the long mirror, admiring the fitted gown with its beautifully contrasting lace ruffle.

“The color brings out your eyes, Miss Hartigan,” Molly said as she pinned my red hair into an elegant coiffure, a delicate wreath of ribbon encircling the style.

Molly held up a hand mirror. “You’ll be the belle of the ball, miss.”

“Thank you, Molly,” I said, smiling. “I’m excited for the evening, though I do wish Father hadn’t assigned me a date.”

An English gentleman would be joining the festivities, he’d announced. Apparently, the gentleman is the son of a family friend—a baron, no less. I worry my American friends might find his title pompous. No matter. After tonight, I doubt I’ll see him again.

What did Father say his name was? Right—Daniel, Lord Gold.

On Amazon

 

TWO contests to celebrate the upcoming release of The Velvet Spy volume 1.

The Gleam contest is open to all. The Goodreads contest (Amazon policy) is open to US readers only.

Good luck!

Enter to win a paperback copy of The Velvet Spy Vol 1, a candle stick holder and $25 paypal cash!

Gleam: https://gleam.io/x29po/velvet-spy-the-wartime-journal-of-lady-gold-volume-one

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_kindle_giveaway/410724-the-velvet-spy-the-wartime-journal-of-lady-gold-vol-1

 

A bit of Ginger Gold history.

Most readers of this blog already know Ginger Gold is my break out character in the Ginger Gold mystery series. I released the first book in May of 2017, and had no idea how big this world would become. Currently, there are 26 books in the main series, 2 spin-off series( 6 Higgins and Hawke and 10 Rosa Reed books), 12 short stories (Lady Gold Investigates) and a prequel short story (Mayhem or Miss the Boat.)

And an extensive accounting of Ginger's life as a spy during WW1.

I don't remember exactly when I decided to write about Ginger's life prior to the start of  the Ginger Gold Mystery series. The idea germinated as I wrote the initial books and made references to her life "before."  After a while, it made sense to track these or future reference. At the same time, I wanted to do something special for my newsletter list. These readers believed in me enough to agree to hear from me semi-regularly, and I wanted to do something unique for them. Thus, Ginger's Journal was born.

Initially the books informed the journal, but over time, the journal started informing the books, meaning ideas from the journal would end up in my books, not the other way around!

It became obvious that the journal had a life of its own. I had proof of this through newsletter opening stats. Anytime I included a journal entry, the open email stats jumped significantly!

Eventually, the inevitable happened, and I came to the end of the war years and reached the days leading up to the beginning of the series.

The question what to do with this unedited, randomly organised material? 

I asked my readers if they'd like to see the journal expanded and edited and available for sale as a new book - two new books, actually, because of the volume of material in the journals - and the answer came back as a solid YES.

And so, The Velvet Spy was born.

Step into the courageous world of espionage and resilience.

This extraordinary volume unveils the hidden life of Lady Ginger Gold, a daring operative for British Intelligence during the Great War.

Through her vivid and deeply personal journal entries, Lady Gold pens the tension of covert missions behind enemy lines, the heartache of separation from loved ones, and the triumphs and sacrifices that shaped history. From navigating dangerous assignments in occupied France to outwitting German spies and forging alliances in the unlikeliest of places, Lady Gold's story is one of bravery and determination in a world torn apart by war.

With her sharp wit and unwavering resolve, Lady Gold immerses readers in the chaos and heroism of a time when ordinary individuals rose to face extraordinary challenges. The Velvet Spy is not just a tale of espionage—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who risked everything to serve her country.

Preorder Amazon: https://books2read.com/VelvetSpy1Preorder directly from me: https://leestraussbooks.com/

 

Were you/are you a fan of Ginger's Journal? What was it that you liked about it? Are you looking forward to a "beefed up" version?

 

 

Historical fiction continues to captivate readers by transporting them to different eras, immersing them in rich settings, and introducing unforgettable characters. Whether it’s the glamour of 1930s London or the harrowing days of the Dust Bowl, the best historical novels don’t just tell a story — they make history come alive.

This spring, five standout titles are topping the bestseller lists and winning readers' hearts. Here's why these novels are resonating so deeply with fans of the genre:

1. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Set during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl years

There’s a reason Broken Country is the current Reese’s Book Club pick — it’s as sweeping and emotional as the Midwestern skies it describes. Clare Leslie Hall weaves a beautifully written tale of a family struggling to survive the 1930s Dust Bowl, capturing the despair, grit, and fleeting moments of grace found in one of America’s most difficult chapters.

Readers love Broken Country because it humanizes a period often taught in dry history lessons. Through the lens of the Taylor family, we experience the constant battle against drought, poverty, and shattered dreams. Yet, what keeps readers turning pages is the quiet resilience of the characters — particularly Eleanor, the matriarch, who holds her family together when everything else is falling apart.

Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds or John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath will find echoes of those classics here. But Broken Country stands on its own as a hopeful story about survival, family, and the land’s enduring hold on the human heart.

On Amazon

2. The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

A 1930s London mystery featuring Dorothy L. Sayers and her literary circle

Marie Benedict is known for uncovering the forgotten stories of remarkable women, but in The Queens of Crime, she delivers something truly special — a fictional murder mystery starring some of the most legendary women writers of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.

Set in 1930s London, the novel imagines Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Josephine Tey teaming up to solve a chilling murder that eerily mirrors the crimes in their own books. Part locked-room mystery, part feminist love letter to the genre, The Queens of Crime is pure fun for readers who adore classic whodunits.

Readers are raving about the cleverness of the premise and the sharp, witty dialogue. It’s not just a murder mystery — it’s a celebration of female creativity, friendship, and the golden age of British crime fiction.

On Amazon

3. The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

A dual-timeline adventure set in 1920s New York and Cairo

No one blends art, history, and a fast-paced plot quite like Fiona Davis. In The Stolen Queen, she delivers a gripping tale that takes readers from the glamorous rooftop parties of 1920s New York to the dusty streets of Cairo, as a young woman tries to uncover the truth behind a stolen Egyptian artifact.

Fans of Davis’s earlier novels like The Magnolia Palace will love the dual timelines and richly detailed settings. The book is inspired by the real-life Egyptomania that swept the Western world after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, making it a fascinating look at a period obsessed with ancient mysteries.

Readers are drawn to Davis’s ability to create complex female protagonists who are both vulnerable and fiercely determined. The Stolen Queen is equal parts historical adventure, art world intrigue, and a poignant exploration of identity and ambition.

On Amazon

4. Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

The heart of the Harlem Renaissance beats in this unforgettable novel

If you’re looking for a novel that sings with history and passion, Harlem Rhapsody delivers in every way. Victoria Christopher Murray brings the Harlem Renaissance to life through the eyes of Julia Morrison, a high school teacher from D.C. who moves to New York in 1919 with dreams of becoming a literary editor at The Crisis — the NAACP’s influential magazine.

Set against the backdrop of jazz, art, and social change, the novel explores the challenges Black women faced navigating race, gender, and ambition during this vibrant period. What readers love most is how deeply personal the story feels — it’s not just about the historical moment but about one woman’s journey to find her voice in a world that tries to silence her.

Murray’s lyrical writing, lush descriptions, and powerful themes of empowerment and love have earned Harlem Rhapsody glowing reviews and a loyal fan base.

On Amazon

5. Isola by Allegra Goodman

An unforgettable survival story inspired by true events

For readers who love survival stories with emotional depth, Isola is a must-read. Inspired by the true tale of Marguerite de La Rocque, a 16th-century noblewoman marooned on a deserted island for falling in love, Allegra Goodman’s novel explores love, betrayal, and the power of the human spirit.

Reese’s Book Club selected Isola for February 2025, and readers have been captivated ever since. The writing is sparse and lyrical, perfectly capturing the isolation and desperation of Goodman’s heroine as she fights to survive — both physically and emotionally.

What makes Isola stand out is its exploration of female agency in a world that seeks to punish women for their desires. Readers praise the novel’s haunting atmosphere, rich historical detail, and the universal themes of freedom, survival, and love.

On Amazon

Why Readers Are Flocking to Historical Fiction in 2025

These top five novels share something powerful in common — they blend immersive historical settings with deeply personal stories of love, loss, ambition, and resilience. Whether it’s surviving the Dust Bowl, solving a murder in 1930s London, chasing a stolen queen across continents, finding your place in the Harlem Renaissance, or surviving abandonment on a remote island, these books remind us that history is, at its core, human.

In a world where we often seek escape but also crave stories that connect us to our shared past, historical fiction delivers. It allows us to walk in the shoes of those who came before, seeing their struggles and triumphs mirrored in our own lives.

If you’re looking to dive into a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, any of these five novels is the perfect place to start. Have you read any of them already? Let me know in the comments.

 

COMING SOON

The Velvet Spy by Lee Strauss

Step into the courageous world of espionage and resilience.

This extraordinary volume unveils the hidden life of Lady Ginger Gold, a daring operative for British Intelligence during the Great War.

Through her vivid and deeply personal journal entries, Lady Gold pens the tension of covert missions behind enemy lines, the heartache of separation from loved ones, and the triumphs and sacrifices that shaped history. From navigating dangerous assignments in occupied France to outwitting German spies and forging alliances in the unlikeliest of places, Lady Gold's story is one of bravery and determination in a world torn apart by war.

With her sharp wit and unwavering resolve, Lady Gold immerses readers in the chaos and heroism of a time when ordinary individuals rose to face extraordinary challenges. The Velvet Spy is not just a tale of espionage—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who risked everything to serve her country.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and gripping spy thrillers, this first volume of Lady Gold’s journal offers a poignant and thrilling glimpse into the untold stories of World War I.

*The Velvet Spy is a prequel story to The Ginger Gold Mystery series and contains 2 volumes.

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Murder and Mystery in the Roaring Twenties

The 1920s, often called the Roaring Twenties, was a decade of stark contrasts—between glamour and crime, modernity and tradition, decadence and regulation. This era, full of rapid societal shifts, jazz-fueled nights, and clandestine activities, provides the perfect backdrop for a cozy whodunit. It’s a time when women were asserting their independence, technological advancements were changing everyday life, and crime syndicates were thriving in the shadows of prohibition laws.

For mystery writers and readers, the 1920s offer an irresistible mix of intrigue, elegance, and danger. In my novel, Murder at the Cave of Harmony, I tap into the era’s rich atmosphere to weave a tale of deception, high society, and shadowy figures lurking behind the smoky curtains of a London jazz club. Let’s explore why this decade is such fertile ground for a compelling cozy mystery.

A Society in Flux: The Perfect Breeding Ground for Suspicion and Secrets

The 1920s was a time of dramatic societal change, which is precisely what makes it so perfect for mystery fiction. The First World War had left scars across Europe, and the world was recovering in different ways—some seeking to embrace tradition, others eager to throw off the old order and embrace modernity.

Women’s roles were shifting, and with the rise of the flapper—a young woman who bobbed her hair, drank gin, and flouted convention—there was a growing sense of autonomy and rebellion. This newfound freedom wasn’t always welcomed, creating tensions within families, workplaces, and social circles. What better setting for a murder mystery than a society where gender roles and expectations are in turmoil? Suspicion, gossip, and hidden resentment thrive in environments where traditional values are being overturned.

The Rise of Modern Policing and Forensics

One of the reasons 1920s mysteries feel so compelling is that policing and forensic science were evolving dramatically during this time. Fingerprinting had been accepted as an identification method, ballistics was being studied, and crime scene investigation was becoming more sophisticated. However, the tools available were still primitive by today’s standards, allowing room for amateur detectives to step in and solve cases that might have baffled professionals.

This is why cozy mysteries thrive in this era. Detectives, whether professional or amateur, rely as much on observation, intuition, and social connections as they do on forensic science. The lack of DNA testing and modern surveillance means that clues must be gathered through keen deduction, clever disguises, and strategic questioning.

In Murder at the Cave of Harmony, Ginger Gold is not just an investigator by curiosity—she understands that justice in the 1920s requires both intellect and boldness. She pieces together the mystery through social interactions, personal insights, and her ability to move between the layers of society, from the glittering salons to the dimly lit alleyways.

 

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The Lure of Prohibition and Organised Crime

Though the United States had Prohibition in full swing, banning the sale and production of alcohol, Britain had its own version of illicit nightlife. Clubs and speakeasies flourished, and while alcohol remained legal, certain establishments still operated outside the law, allowing criminal enterprises to take root.

The emergence of organised crime syndicates gave rise to a new class of criminals—ones who weren’t simple thugs but business-minded individuals who controlled networks of illegal goods, gambling, and underground entertainment. The blurred lines between high society and the criminal underworld provide a perfect setting for mystery and intrigue.

Murder at the Cave of Harmony plays with this concept by setting the crime inside an exclusive jazz club, where the clientele ranges from aristocrats and socialites to those with more dubious backgrounds. The club becomes a microcosm of 1920s London, a place where anyone could be hiding something—including a murderer.

Glamour and Grit: The Duality of the 1920s

Another reason the 1920s works so well for mysteries is the balance of glamour and grit. On the surface, this was an age of opulence—art deco architecture, shimmering gowns, and champagne-soaked parties. But beneath that was an undercurrent of struggle, from war veterans trying to reintegrate into society to those left impoverished by economic shifts.

A mystery set in the 1920s can explore both sides of this duality. A murder may occur in a lavish setting, but the truth behind it might lead investigators down a much darker path—one that exposes corruption, social inequities, or hidden scandals.

In Murder at the Cave of Harmony, the murder of a saxophonist initially seems like an artistic tragedy. However, as Ginger Gold delves deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of espionage, obsession, and past betrayals that stretch beyond the walls of the club.

Historical Research: Making the Past Feel Alive

A great historical mystery isn’t just about setting a story in the past; it’s about making the reader feel like they’ve stepped into another time. That’s why research is essential. Details such as what people wore, how they spoke, what newspapers were discussing, and even what songs were playing can add authenticity to a novel.

For Murder at the Cave of Harmony, I researched real jazz clubs in London, the underground art scene, and even transportation routes to ensure accuracy. But it’s not just about facts—it’s about capturing the feel of an era. A true-to-life 1920s mystery doesn’t just tell readers what a flapper wears; it immerses them in the moment where she adjusts her feathered headband while exchanging witty remarks over a glass of sherry.

The Timeless Appeal of a 1920s Cozy Mystery

Why do readers love mysteries set in the 1920s? Perhaps because it’s a world that feels both familiar and thrillingly foreign. The glamour is intoxicating, the characters are navigating an era of transformation, and the limitations of the time make solving a crime all the more engaging.

A cozy mystery, by its nature, offers a satisfying puzzle wrapped in historical elegance. The 1920s provide the perfect framework—where socialites rub shoulders with spies, where artists and aristocrats share a dance floor with revolutionaries, and where beneath the glow of electric chandeliers, danger lurks in the shadows.

With Murder at the Cave of Harmony, I’ve aimed to bring this world to life—a world where intrigue thrives, where secrets can be as deadly as a well-placed bullet, and where an intelligent, daring heroine can step forward and uncover the truth.

So, if you love a good mystery with a dash of historical charm, why not step into the past and lose yourself in a 1920s whodunit? After all, in the words of a famous song from the era, anything goes!

Murder at the Cave of HarmonyChapter 1

The black, boxy taxicab rounded the corner of Seven Dials into Great Earl Street and came to a stop in front of No.1, illuminated by the orange glow of gas lamps—one of the few yet to be converted to electric. Mrs. Ginger Reed, known as Lady Gold to some, waited in the back seat whilst her husband, Chief Inspector Basil Reed, stepped around to open her door, outpacing the slower driver.

The driver flushed and looked sheepish as he swung his legs out of the driver’s seat. “Terribly sorry, sir.”

“I’ve got it, old chap,” Basil replied smoothly, gripping the door handle.

Ginger extended her slender arm, covered in the white satin of her long-sleeved gloves. The soft shimmer of her black evening gown—a low-waisted number adorned with a large sunburst of sequins—caught the low light. Narrow straps spanned her creamy white shoulders, which were draped with a black chiffon shawl. Ginger’s red hair contrasted against a matching black silk headpiece, her diamond earrings swinging below her short bob. Basil took her hand, helping her out with his usual gentlemanly flair. His hazel eyes scanned her face appreciatively before travelling down to her elegant shoes and the subtle sparkle of her dress. She returned his smile. Basil, always striking, looked particularly dapper in his sharp double-breasted evening suit with loose-fitting cuffed trousers.

After paying the driver, Basil linked his arm through hers as they strolled across the cobbled pavement, the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly in the cool night air.

“How exactly do you know this Miss Lanchester?” Basil asked, his tone casual but curious.

Ginger smoothed a red curl back into place. “She’s a customer of mine.”

“Detective services or frocks?”

“Frocks. She has a very eclectic style.”

“I’d expect no less. It’s not every day a lady runs a nightclub. She must esteem you highly to extend an invitation to her private party.”

“Basil!” Ginger laughed lightly, patting his arm. “Everyone esteems me highly.”

“Naturally, my love. That’s not in question. But a birthday party is rather intimate, is it not?”

“Once you meet Elsa, you’ll understand.”

“The Cave of Harmony isn’t like any other jazz club in town,” Basil noted, casting her a sidelong glance. “You haven’t been here before, have you?”

“No, but I’ve heard quite a lot about it.” Ginger paused as they reached the club entrance—a modest wooden door beneath a small, faded awning meant to shield visitors from the rain. She was surprised; she’d expected something grander. A notice on the door read, “Closed for private affair.”

Basil tried the door, but it was locked. His lips quirked into a sly grin. “Don’t tell me we need a secret knock?”

“Three long, two short,” Ginger said with a knowing smile.

Basil’s dark brows rose, but he knocked as instructed. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Elsa Lanchester herself.

“Ginger!” Elsa’s chestnut-coloured curls were cropped in an untameable bob, and though her hair was striking, it was her eyes—round, bright, and wild—that truly defined her. She beamed at them, her gap-toothed smile utterly disarming.

“Happy Birthday, Elsa,” Ginger said warmly, glancing inside. The bohemian club had low ceilings and dim lighting—the decor warm with rich reds, golds, and browns. The room buzzed with lively chatter. “What a grand party!”

“Thank you, and it will be once all the guests arrive.” Elsa turned her gaze to Basil. “And this must be your policeman!”

Basil extended his hand, and Elsa clasped it firmly. “Happy Birthday, Miss Lanchester,” he said warmly.

“Elsa, please!” Her infectious laughter filled the air, catching the attention of those inside. She leaned closer to Ginger, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “You didn’t mention how handsome he was! Are you sure he’s your husband? Forgive me for assuming.”

Ginger laughed. “Yes, Elsa, this is my husband, Chief Inspector Basil Reed.”

“And an inspector, too!” Elsa’s voice carried easily over the din. “My, my, you do keep interesting company, Ginger.”

Ginger smiled indulgently as Elsa called over her shoulder, “Charles! Come meet my good friends!”

The room filled steadily, a lively crowd gathering under the soft glow of ornate electric sconces. Ginger’s gaze swept the space. On the stage, a trio of middle-aged musicians—their dark skin tones setting them apart from the rest of the attendees—tuned their instruments. The saxophonist shared a dark glance with the pianist, and the female singer threw a glare in their direction, hinting at tension within the group.

Elsa’s voice drew Ginger’s attention back. “Ginger, Chief Inspector, this is Charles Laughton. You may recognise the name?”

Ginger knew of Laughton’s reputation as a theatre actor, though Basil’s blank expression suggested otherwise. She stepped in smoothly. “Of course, Mr. Laughton. You were marvellous as Samuel Pickwick at the Theatre Royal.” She hadn’t actually seen the play but kept abreast of the society pages.

Laughton, a stout man with striking hazel eyes, chuckled. “You’re too kind. Did you really see it?”

Ginger tilted her head. “I never miss a good review.”

Laughton’s hearty laughter echoed. “You must see my next production, then. I promise it will be worth your while.”

Elsa waved her arm towards the bar. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. Ask George for drinks. He’s quite the talent.”

As Ginger and Basil moved to a table near the musicians, she smiled at the sight of two familiar faces. “Basil, it’s Sergeant Sanders and Madame Roux.” The sergeant was a member of the Metropolitan Police and had worked with Basil in the past, while his female companion was the manager at Ginger’s Regent Street dress shop. Ginger had surmised that her manager had been invited, as she and Elsa had formed a bond over fashion.

Sergeant Sanders’ face was relaxed and joyful, his eyes on the jazz trio. Madame Roux stared at the musicians as well, but her normally relaxed demeanour was stiff and tense. Perhaps she didn’t appreciate the nuances of jazz music. The American trend was fairly new on the scene in London, and Ginger admitted it could be an acquired taste for some.

They approached the table and when the sergeant and Madame Roux saw them, they both broke out in smiles. “Ah, merveilleux!” Madame Roux exclaimed. “Please, join us.”

"Evenin’, Chief, Mrs. Reed! Right good ter see ya, it is.” Sergeant Sanders shook Basil’s hand with exuberance. “Wotcha reckon on this 'ere new jazz malarkey, then?"

“I’m warming up to it,” Basil said, taking a seat.

“Good for you. Proper sets me on edge, it does.” His eyes twinkled, showing he didn’t really mean what he said.

“I like it.” Ginger smoothed out her skirt after sitting. “It makes one sit up and pay attention. Don’t you think so, Madame Roux?”

Madame Roux was so enthralled with the band, her brow furrowing as she watched the saxophone player, she didn’t appear to hear her.

Sergeant Sanders tapped her arm. “Madame, Mrs. Reed’s askin’ if you’re likin’ the music.”

“Ah, oui,” Madame Roux said, though something in her eyes made Ginger think she was just being polite.

The band launched into a soulful number, the female singer’s smoky vocals blending harmoniously with the melody on the instruments. Ginger caught herself wondering if their musical chemistry masked the friction she’d noticed earlier. Perhaps she was making more of it than was merited. The trio could simply be out of sorts and fatigued from touring.

A waiter approached their table with a practiced smile. He was a young man with slicked-back hair and a neat waistcoat. “Good evening. I’m George Edwards. May I prepare a couple of drinks for you and the lady?” His tone was deferential, though his gaze lingered curiously on Ginger.

“A cocktail would be lovely,” Ginger replied. “Surprise me.”

“And for you, sir?” Mr. Edwards asked, turning to Basil.

“A brandy will do nicely,” Basil said.

He set his attention on Sergeant Sanders and Madame Roux. “Another round?”

Both the sergeant and Madame Roux nodded. Mr. Edwards’s eyes darted briefly toward the corridor leading to the kitchen. He cleared his throat. “I heard Lady Davenport-Witt might be attending tonight?”

“She is,” Ginger confirmed, raising a brow at his boldness. “She and Lord Davenport-Witt.”

Mr. Edwards nodded briskly and departed, leaving Ginger thoughtful. Basil leaned closer. “Bold fellow. I wonder where he knows Felicia from.”

Ginger’s eyes followed the waiter as he headed towards the bar. It was there that she spotted a familiar figure—her assistant, Magna, perched on a stool. Magna’s dark hair was cut in a severe bob, and she had a long cigarette holder elegantly poised between her fingers. Her sharp features were set in their usual steely expression,

“Magna’s here,” she murmured.

Basil raised an eyebrow. “You seem surprised.”

“I am. She’s not exactly the celebratory type.”

“That’s an understatement.”

“I mentioned this party to her earlier at the office, but she didn’t give the slightest hint she’d be attending.”

“Perhaps it was a last-minute decision. Are you going to speak with her?”

“I suppose it’s the polite thing to do.”

Despite their professional relationship, Ginger wouldn’t describe her connection with Magna as particularly close. They had crossed paths on the Continent during the Great War, but their interactions had always carried a subtle tension—a mutual respect laced with an undercurrent of caution. Yet, Ginger trusted Magna Jones implicitly; the woman had once saved her life.

The room was a kaleidoscope of faces—artists and intellectuals mingling with aristocrats and bohemians, their voices weaving a tapestry of ideas and egos. Magna had positioned herself at the bar, her posture relaxed but her senses sharp. Her years as an operative had trained her to blend into any environment, to fade into the background even as she watched every detail unfold.

Her mission was to watch a Miss Ivy Taylor. The young lady shared a small round table with a young man.  She clutched a champagne flute as though it were an anchor, her free hand gesturing at the man seated opposite her—a journalist, Magna noted, judging by the ink-stained fingers and the battered notebook beside his drink. Miss Taylor laughed dryly at something her companion said, her face pinched as if the act pained her.

Magna swirled her gin and tonic idly as she casually watched the couple. On the other side of the bar, George Edwards, the club’s enigmatic head waiter, washed and dried crystal glasses, his gaze flicking over the crowd with a precision Magna recognised all too well. He wasn’t just watching; he was cataloguing.

Interesting.

“Enjoying the evening?” he said with a smile.

Magna raised her glass. “Not really my cup of tea.”

“And yet, you’re here.”

“I was invited.”

The bartender was good at his job and intuited that she wasn’t sitting at the bar because she was eager to chat. He said, “I hope you enjoy your evening,” then moved to the other end to tend to a new drink order.

Magna pretended not to notice when Ivy Taylor left her table, strolled towards the cloak room, then zigged off course slightly to enter a dimly lit alcove, conveniently situated just beyond where Magna sat. She’d chosen this position for this very reason, suspecting it would be the destination for any clandestine activity. Magna had noticed a man entering only moments before, a tall, wiry figure with sharp features and a scar cutting through one eyebrow. When Ivy Taylor disappeared inside, Magna casually walked closer, leaning against the wall, her arms crossed with her drink in one hand. Her eyes were on the band, but her ears strained to catch the conversation in the alcove.

“...too close…” Miss Taylor’s voice came through in bits and pieces.  “He’s watching… Not safe.”

The lower tenor of the man’s voice was even more difficult to make out, especially with the music crescendoing at that moment. “…do what you’re told…”

The exchange was brief. Magna slid back onto her stool as Miss Taylor emerged, and returned to her table. The mournful wail of the saxophone filled the room, and for a moment, Magna allowed herself to feel the weight of the music. The saxophonist’s talent was undeniable, but the melancholy threading through his notes tonight seemed to echo the tension simmering beneath the club’s polished surface. The man in the alcove used this moment, while everyone’s attention was riveted to the stage, to make his escape. Magna was the only person in the room to see him leave.

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