Elite Secrets

Maid Ivy #4

by Hazel Smith

A high society wedding, a guest list full of secrets, a murder to solve in three days. Gossip is flying as Hotel LaFontaine swings into action for London’s wedding of the year . It’s the perfect opportunity for Ivy Stone to win the head housekeeper position. Only before the highborn couple digs into the rehearsal dinner, one of Britain’s wealthiest elites is murdered alone in his room. Forced to stay at the hotel for the high-profile investigation, Ivy and her friends sniff out a trail of puzzling clues with the help of Monty the Great Dane . Secrets abound as everyone is hiding something, even the handsome hotel owner Ivy had struck a promising friendship with. In a shocking twist, incriminating evidence is found that frames a staff member . Desperate to save an innocent friend, Ivy puts her job and life on the line to unmask the true culprit before it’s too late.

__________
The Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Books are standalone books in a series for all ages who love an unputdownable whodunit full of heartwarming friendships, puzzling clues, and darling pets.

AMAZON REVIEWERS LOVE MAID IVY!

‘A truly fun and exciting read.’
‘I loved the characters and couldn't put it down. ‘
‘This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.’
‘The end is totally unexpected.’
‘A fun read with likable characters.’
‘I loved the characters and the plot...good clean fun.’
‘It had it all - mystery, banter, murder, clues to deduct, dogs and new friendships.’
‘The book was a page-turner and I couldn't read fast enough to the end to find out whodunnit.’

Genres: Cozy Mystery

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2023

Reviews

[Cornel Diaconu · Rating 4 out of 5]

High profile guests come to Ivy's hotel, for a wedding, but they also bring two murders.
Who's to solve these murders ?
Ivy, of course; especially since one if the suspects is her harsh boss.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Stone is at it again! Although she works as a maid she is good at sleuthing as well. Monty, her lovable Great Dane is as much a character as the humans. When the rich and famous come together for a wedding, each having something to hide, and someone ends up murdered in their room what will happen? What is Ms. Becker’s history with Mr. Lancaster? Who is framing one of the workers? So many questions to answer! This is part of a series but can stand on its own. I was given an advanced reader copy by the author but would gladly have purchased this book!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elite Secrets Earns 5/5 Silk Ties … Clever & Entertaining!

Ivy Stone loves living in London with her new friends and roommate Monty, a growing Great Dane, and working as a maid at the prestigious Hotel LaFontaine. She dreams of one day being promoted to management, but circumstances have had her entangled in a few murders from a bride to a fashion designer to a Hollywood diva. However, she’s built a reputation as an amateur detective, earned the gratitude and friendship of the hotel’s owner Sir Maximillian Hardy Humphrey, and gained the respect of the Inspector Clayburn. She just hopes the next few days is without drama.

Hotel LaFontaine is hosting the bridal party for the wedding between Henry Lancaster, only son of the insanely wealthy Sir Richard Lancaster, and Phoebe Turner, herself from old money. Neither the groom or bride is immune from scandals as evidenced by the frequent tabloid headlines starring their family. But, the weekend starts with a couple incidents that pique Ivy’s curiosity. First, Sir Richard has a creepy exchange with her boss Mrs. Becker, and later, the Lancaster’s family physician gets spooked by someone he sees and abruptly departs the lobby. These two incidents may spark Ivy’s interest, but it’s the murder that really grabs her attention. Inspector Clayburn is not allowing anyone to leave, guests and staff alike, so Ivy and her friends are set to hunker down at the hotel. The only problem? There’s a killer roaming the halls, and they’re not done.

Hazel Smith brought to the third book in her Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery another clever drama compounded by multiple victims, exciting predicaments at all hours of the day and night, a cast of characters from upstairs and downstairs, and a lockdown that can only create tension. With the staff in every corner of the hotel, something is bound to be heard, seen, or discovered, so what will Ivy make of all the arguments and threats? Prenups, a secret twenty years old, dismissed consciences, and an additional victim. Karma may have checked in!. Ivy has the confidence of the detective, so she, her friends, and Monty have near free reign to spy. But, this also puts a target on them by a killer who wishes continued anonymity.

Hazel’s writing style is very entertaining with clever clues entangling several suspects (some too close to Ivy), twists to challenge any cozy expert, and predicaments that put our heroes in danger. Her clear descriptions don’t overload the mystery, yet paint the beauty of the London hotel and the diverse cast of characters. I love a bit of romance in my cozy, but for Ivy, however, what started sprouting as more than friendship has hit a snag. Clever mystery with a surprise conclusion. Fun personalities with great friendships. Realistic techniques and collaboration with the police. Two easy-to-follow recipes with Tips & Tasty Options: Blueberry Muffins. Macarons. A “couldn’t put it down” experience with a desire for more!

[Deborah Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elite Secrets

By: Hazel Smith

I want to thank the publisher and Hazel herself for allowing me to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. This is the first book I have read by her and I am glad that I did. I love the friendship between the co-workers it was like they were a family. Since this is the 3rd book in the series you do miss some of the back story but she does a great job of giving you enough clues to figure out their past and how they got there. I also like how the hotel has a doggy daycare in the building so that the workers and the guest have a special place for their fur babies.

In this book a very influential couple are getting married in the hotel. The owner of the hotel is friends with the groom. Two days before the wedding the father of the groom is found dead in his room. Why was he murdered and who did it? Everyone is told not to leave the hotel which includes the staff. The next day Ivy a maid and the main character goes to clean a room and finds another member of the wedding party dead. Who is killing the wedding guest and why? Ivy wants to know because everything is pointing to head maid and Ivy wants to help her. Even though the head maid has been really rough and not nice to Ivy can’t see her being the killer. What does Ivy learn and is her heart right? You will have to read the book. I will be going back to read the other books and then wait for more to come.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

A story with humour and drama. Ivy Is a maid in a big hotel , and she loves it. A wedding is being held there and, when a murder occurs, Ivy and her friends decide to solve the case. I liked the characters and the storyline. I liked Ivy getting some love I her life.

[Patricia (Patty) Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book from Hazel Smith with Ivy and her fun loving Great Dane Monty. Fall in love with the characters of this and the previous books of twist and turns of events. Fun and delightful cozy mystery that you will love from the beginning to the end.
Received this as an ARC read.

[Aparna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elite Secrets by Hazel Smith is an utterly captivating book that effortlessly weaves together the essential components of a perfect cozy mystery. The story is highly impressive, immersing readers in a world filled with intrigue and suspense. The characters, particularly Ivy Stone and her friends Élise, Moira, and Kat, are incredibly endearing and adorable, making it impossible not to develop an affectionate connection with them. It's a tale that will undoubtedly steal your heart.

In the heart of London, the prestigious Hotel LaFontaine becomes the backdrop for a momentous occasion—the grand wedding of a wealthy couple. Ivy Stone and her friends, employed at the hotel, eagerly prepare for the highly anticipated event. However, their excitement is abruptly shattered when tragedy strikes just a day before the joyous celebration.

One of the esteemed guests, belonging to the elite class, is discovered lifeless, casting a shadow of mystery and uncertainty over the entire affair. Ivy and her friends are shocked to find a trusted staff member being framed for the murder. There are secrets waiting to be revealed. With plenty of twists and turns and another unfortunate incident, Ivy and her friends leave no stone unturned to help their colleague get exonerated of all the charges by searching for clues leading to the real murderer.

One of the aspects I cherished most about this book is the unwavering loyalty shared among Ivy Stone and her friends. Their bond is unbreakable, as they stand by each other through thick and thin. Their steadfast support and devotion add an extra layer of depth to the story, emphasizing the power of friendship in the face of adversity.

Heartiest congratulations to dear Hazel Smith for giving us such a wonderful series. 'I highly recommend this book which would be available on Amazon on 7th July, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by revealing that I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

As a rule I do not read that many "cosy" mysteries, but this one seemed interesting from the get-go: an American transplanted to the UK, working as a maid in a five-star hotel, where a murder occurs and just like the movies all the characters are forbidden by Scotland Yard to leave by until the crime is solved.

Throw in the fact that the hotel was going full with all the guests for an upper-class wedding, and that the victim was the father of the groom, you may think you are heading into soap opera land like "Grand Hotel", or a comic-horror story with everyone trapped in the old dark house with a murderer.

But I knew I was on safe cosy mystery territory with lines like "I never expeceted being a maid at a posh London hotel to come with a side of amateur sleuthing. Still, if I can get the job done, I might as well solve a mystery or two while I work. Two birds, one stone." and "Hopefully, the girls and I can hurry things along with our unofficial consultation" with the police.

You will enjoy the humour in the three maids' investigation, using their unique positions to search for clues missed by the police, while there is a touch of romance too for Ivy.

The other thing I found interesting is that everyone seems to own a dog, and being a dog owner and lover their talking of their dogs struck me as realistic.

While not part of the story in the book, I also enjoyed the addition of a couple of recipes at the end, and particularly the readers' Pet Cameo, which while somewhat sad shows the real love between the reader and her dog.

Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another visit to the posh Hotel LaFontaine and our favorite group of employees Ivy, Kat, Moira and Elise. The group has their hands full as they are hosting a high society wedding this weekend. Ivy is also in the midst of trying to prove to the head of Housekeeping that she is a worthy successor. Alas wedding bells will not be ringing when the father of the groom and then the family doctor are murdered on successive nights. Now guests and staff are all stuck together until the murderer is found. When an arrest is made of someone close to the heart of the hotel Ivy and her friends must race to figure out who is framing them and the clock is ticking.
I love the creative take on the manor house mystery here with guests and staff secluded in the hotel. Quite clever and it gives the amateur sleuths plenty of opportunities to search for the truth. Ivy and her friends and really the whole hotel staff is a lovely community that makes the book come alive. Plenty of diverse personalities and peoples that give the story something special. I like that our protagonist is a maid and we see life through her working class eyes. Plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing as to who the culprit really is. A touch of romance at the end is a very sweet surprise. A treat of a story to read!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[Marie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.

This book details the further adventures of Ivy, a maid at the prestigious London Hotel, the Hotel LaFontaine. There is excitement in the air as the hotel and the staff prepare for the wedding the year between Henry Lancaster, the son of Sir Richard Lancaster, and Phoebe Turner. But before the wedding rehearsal dinner, Sir Richard Lancaster is found murdered in his room and the police prevent anyone from leaving the hotel until their investigation is completed and murderer is arrested. Ivy knows that the staff will be able to move freely around the hotel and find clues. Gossip is overheard, rooms are searched while being cleaned, and video from the security cameras are closely examined. But being involved in solving this crime will risk their lives as another person is found murdered. Will they be able to find the murderer claims another victim?
I enjoyed reading this book about the continuing adventures of Ivy and the rest of the hotel staff. I have read the other books in this series and have enjoyed them as well, but it is not necessary to read them first. An additional plus are the tasty dessert recipes that the hotel serves their guests in the book, are at the back of the book! The author’s recipe for macarons sounds delicious!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy and her friends are preparing the hotel to host a
high society wedding in London. However, the groom’s father dies that evening and his closest friend dies the next day which halts the wedding. Now Ivy and her friends need to solve the mystery and find out whodunnit in three days time before the police release those at the hotel to leave. To make matters worse, the prime suspect is the head housekeeper at the hotel! So the girl’s work is cut out for them to clear their friend and catch the one who did it! Suspects appear but do they have them all?
Ivy finds her nemesis at the hotel turns out to be her savior before this caper is solved which stuns her!

This is a fun cozy that will keep you guessing to the end with a few twists and turns you won’t see coming! This is a delightful cozy mystery series but each book is complete in and of itself! So just relax and watch the girls ferret out the clues to corral the
perpetrator!

I enjoyed this book and recommend it and this series as one I think you’ll like. If you’re thinking of committing a murder, my advice is to give this hotel a wide berth, otherwise I believe you’ll find Ivy and company will collar you and your dastardly deed will be exposed and you’ll be caught!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deliciously addictive cozy murder mystery is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are intriguing. Their journey is enthralling with elite secrets, a high society wedding, a guest list full of secrets, and a murder to solve in three days. Gossip is flying as Hotel LaFontaine swings into action for London's wedding of the year. It's the perfect opportunity for Ivy Stone to win the head housekeeper position. Only before the highborn couple digs into the rehearsal dinner, one of Britain's wealthiest elites is murdered alone in his room...there is a high-profile investigation, puzzling clues, a shocking twist, incriminating evidence is found that frames a staff member, drama, adventure, heartwarming friendships, darling pets, murder, heartfelt emotions, and more. I recommend reading this book to find out if the murder mystery gets solved and if there is a happily ever after, this author is extraordinary and knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with elite secrets and a deliciously addictive cozy murder mystery that is sure to have readers sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what is going to happen next and whodunit.

I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elite Secrets is a cute cozy mystery that takes place in a snooty London hotel (that has a doggie daycare!). Though Ivy Stone is the main character, she does everything as a team with her 3 besties, who also work in the hotel. After a murder on the night before a huge society wedding, everyone in the hotel at the time of the crime is locked in by the police for three days during the investigation. The women then work together, trying to figure out who they killer could be while trapped inside with him/her.
The author clearly had a wonderful time writing the story and the reader will have a fun time cheering on Ivy and her friends. I understand why so many people enjoyed the book. And, I realize I may be in the extreme minority. But, I am something of a cozy fanatic. And, I thought this book needed an editor's touch. There were several plot inconsistencies that should have been caught. One example How did the dead guy's tie end up in the bad guy's room when it had been around the dead guy's neck when he died? There were also some huge questions that were never answered How did the bad guy tamper with the security video?. I kept wanting to "fix" things, and that might say more about me than about the book.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ivy arrives at her job as a maid at Hotel LaFontaine she is in for a high class wedding. Of course Elise has the scoop on everything. Ivy is really trying hard at her job because she really wants to be the boss of all the maids eventually. Ivy really likes Mr. Humphrey who owns the hotel and his really good friends with the groom of the upcoming wedding. The groom came from a line of money from oil rigs, and the bride came from old money.

When all of a sudden the groom’s dad ends up dead then their family physician ends up dead. All because of a family secret? Ivy sets her sights in helping Inspector Clayburn and Branahan that works the security for the hotel. They all have to stay at the hotel until they can intervene everyone. Elise is upset cause she needs her expensive face creams, Moira loves doing the cooking for everyone, Kat loves being able to eat all the desserts, and poor Mrs. Becker the boss of the maids is arrested. And, you have Kaleb the wedding planner who is really good looking and playing Elise.

I received this ARC for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Stone works as a maid at one of the most prestigious hotels in London, Hotel LaFontaine. She aspires to management. She has a wonderful Great Dane, Monty and together they have helped solved some crimes that had occurred at the hotel in the past. So hopefully the Elite Wedding that the hotel will host goes off without a hitch. Well they do say the best laid plans...When Sir Richard Lancaster is found dead in his room prior to the rehearsal dinner, Mrs. Becker, manager and supervisor of Ivy's department is framed for the murder. Now it is up to Ivy, Monty and her group of friends to find the truth and a killer while the hotel is in lock-down. With so many secrets and hidden agendas, the group has to sort through and what about the arguments the other hotel staff hears. While Ivy and her group of friends and Monty of course, work together with the police. Will Ivy be able to find the murderer through all the clues, innuendos, secrets and gossip? And we are treated to a little romance and disappointment. This is a great series with very likeable characters you just can't put down once you start. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Dan Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book in this series, which I received as an ARC. The character of "Maid Ivy" (a transplant from the US, trained in housekeeping by her grandmother, and transplanted to a posh London hotel) is an interesting one, with her obvious work ethic and her loyalty to her coworkers. A murder at the hotel leads to suspicion being placed on the head of housekeeping. Ivy's relationship with her could be marked as mixed, since her superior is noted as being a demanding no-nonsense. type. Complicating things is the fact that Ivy is being considered as her successor if/when she retires. I will not go into details about the other interpersonal relationships that arise, because they impact on the investigation and are best met as the story progresses. In the course of Ivy's own investigation, she risks both her own safety and her job by poking her nose into situations and places that she arguably shouldn't, led in part by overheard conversations. All in all, a satisfying read, with enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, but not so many as to leave your head spinning.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maid Ivy Stone is still enjoying her job at the upscale Hotel LaFontaine. Because of her job she is able to take her very large Great Dane, Monty, to the doggy day care located at the hotel. With a celebrity wedding comes paparazzi and when the bride and groom arrive in the lobby with the groom’s father camera flashes from all sides are overwhelming. When one of the wedding party members is found dead in their room, Ivy and her friends and co-workers begin doing what they do best, listen as the guests chat freely near what they consider “invisible” staff. When police insist that all staff and guests remain in the hotel for three days, guests are not happy, but Ivy continues to clean rooms and quietly investigate. When one of their own is arrested for the murder, Ivy will not stand still and let an innocent co-worker stay in jail for a murder they did not commit. This is a charming series with Ivy and her friends who have become family get together in the search for a killer. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely fallen in love with Hazel Smith's Maid Ivy books, and this is another hit for me. Another big event at the Hotel LaFontaine, another dastardly mystery, and yet another delightful read of Ivy and her friends sleuthing out the criminal. It is so much fun to get to know Ivy, Kat, Elise, and the other employees at the hotel even more throughout the story.
A high-profile wedding is to take place when the father of the groom turns up dead. Cue Ivy and friends who put themselves on the case, gaining insights as only hotel staff could. Another guest turns up dead, and a member of the staff is framed for the murders! Will they be able to find the real murderer in time, or will one of their own end up taking the blame?
This was a quick, enjoyable read and I highly recommend it for fans of the previous books, as well as anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery!

I received an advance copy for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest entry in the Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Series is another winner. It is delightful, entertaining, and filled with wonderful characters, (and some not-so-wonderful ones)with plenty of twists and turns and unexpected revelations. Ivy and her friends do their normal excellent job of researching (better known as sneaking around, spying, and searching suspects' hotel rooms seeking out the truth, I must admit, they can be rather inventive at coming up with ways to search rooms that sport crime scene tape.
if I had to come up with one criticism and believe me, it's hard to do, it would be that I would like to spend more time with Monty, Ivy's Great Dane. I'm a sucker for dogs and he seems exceptional. One can never have too many dogs or cats in their lives!
I highly recommend this series for all cozy mystery lovers and I hope it continues for a very long time.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good addition to the Maid Ivy books. A high class posh wedding is being held at the Hotel LaFontaine. Elise, Kat, Moira and Ivy are all watching in awe as the wedding party and some of the elite guests are arriving. Mr. Humphrey is not acting his usual self for some reason. Mrs. Becker is even more out of character. Ivy is wondering what might have happened to change their behavior. The girls are busy doing their normal work throughout the day as the guests get more demanding. They're close to clocking out when another maid discovers the dead body of one of the guests. The police are called and they lockdown the hotel. Everyone, including the staff, will be required to stay until they can find the guilty party. Ivy and the girls investigate!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elite Secrets is another great entry in a series that gets better all the time. Ivy, maid extraordinaire, and her friends at the elegant Hotel LaFontaine find themselves again in the middle of a murder. A celebrity wedding is slated to take place that weekend, with the entire hotel staff on high alert to make things run smoothly for the celebrities booked into the hotel. When the millionaire father of the groom is murdered, things take a decidedly non-celebratory turn. The staff and guests who are there must stay in the hotel all weekend while the police investigate. Then, another person is murdered, and things get more complicated. I like the way Ivy, Elise, Kat, and Moira methodically go about finding the murderer. The mystery has a nice twist. A delightful page-turner all the way. And a bit of romance too.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read! I enjoyed reading this book it was a page turner and the suspense was excited. I was at the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. Ivy and friends had to solve a murder at the hotel within the elite wedding party of the murder of the groom father. As they found the body of the groom father. And why was the father of groom killed. Who would wanted him dead? Was it somebody that he knew? But Ivy and her friends to interview everyone at the wedding. This story had me guess to figure it out who was the killer. Could they catch the killer before it's too late? This story had many twists and turns throughout this story and there were many few clues to chase down for Ivy and her friends. I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goes of death

This series is such a joy to read. I always anticipate the next one. Full of twists and turns, There's an underlying sense of doing the right thing regardless of the cost. We could all do with a friend like Ivy Stone.
There's another wedding scheduled at the hotel where Ivy and her friends work. An aristocratic family son is marrying a wealthy heiress. But secrets emerge as do 2 murders. When the formidable head housekeeper, Mrs. Becker is arrested for the murders, Ivy and her team go into action. Hunting for clues proves harder when everyone is confined to the hotel. Max Humpreys, the usually friendly owner has turned cold. But Ivy is determined to bring the killer to justice even when her life may be at risk.



The formidable Mrs. Becker, head housekeeper of the luxurious La Contains
Hotel, i

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy works as a maid at London’s glamorous Hotel LaFontaine, which is about to be the scene of the wedding of Sir Richard Lancaster’s son Henry. The immediate family arrive first, with guests to come a day or so later. Ivy’s boss Mrs. Becker has a strange reaction when she sees one of them, almost rude, which isn’t usual for her at all. Next thing you know Sir Richard is murdered, and soon after the family doctor is also murdered. When Mrs Becker is accused and arrested, Ivy and her friends, including Monty her Great Dane, are investigating to prove her innocent! Lots of secrets and twists have even the police baffled. This is the 4th book in the series I’ve read, and they just keep getting better! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of gossip going around the La Fontaine Hotel as there was going to be a celebrity wedding of the year. But before the rehearsal dinner one of the wealthy British nationals Sir Richard Lancaster is found murdered in his room. Then to add to this calamity Dr. Kane is murdered too. In a shocking twist a staff member Mrs. Becker becomes the main suspect. Ivy with the help of her friends and Monty her Great Dane are desperate to help and clear Mrs. Beckers name. There are hidden secrets that might be clues to the murders. A great and exciting read which has you drawn in to the plot from the start. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the Hotel La Fontaine is prepared for the Wedding of the Year is prepared, the atmosphere changes from the moment the Wedding Party enters the lobby. An uncomfortable encounter occurs with the father of the groom and the Head Housekeeper, Mrs. Becker. What was supposed to be a three day celebration turns into a nightmare when the father is found murdered and Mrs. Becker is arrested leaving instructions for Ivy to find the real murderer even to the point of neglecting her maid duties. The three day planned celebration turns into three days of all persons in the hotel being sequestered. So many twists in this book that leads to a surprise ending. Thanks to an ARC from the author, Hazel Smith; the review is my honest opinion.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable mystery. Ivy and her friends at the hotel become involved in investigating the death of one of London's wealthiest men, whose son was to be married at the hotel where they work. Ivy's boss, Mrs. Becker, becomes a suspect when she is discovered with incriminating evidence on her person. Ivy and the gang must race against time to prove her innocence. Who killed the wealthy man and why? Why is Mr. Humphrey acting so distant to Ivy, even addressing her as Miss Stone, instead of Ivy? Find the answer to these questions by reading this most engaging mystery. I highly recommend it to other mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new instalment! Ivy must uncover the thruth about two murders to save her boss, the head maid wrongly arrested. What should have been an happy but busy time with a high level wedding end up being very stressful for Lafontaine hotel staff when not one but two guests end up dead.
Ivy will need to use her skill to find the culprit without damaging the hotel's reputation but when the owner Max suddenly seems more distant it's something that worry Ivy as well but thankfully she has her friends in her team and of course Monty her great dane and nothing will stand in her way to protect those dear to her.

Funny , little touch of romance and a great investigation, a cozy mystery to be read in one sitting and leave you with a smile even hours later

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest murder mystery at Hotel LaFontaine

Ivy is a housemaid at the elite Hotel LaFontaine. In this latest book, Sir Richard Lancaster, the father of the groom at the forthcoming wedding is found dead! Sir Richard's physician, Dr Kane, is found dead shortly afterwards, but who would want them dead?

Mrs Becker, the Head Housekeeper, is taken into police custody as a suspect for the murders and Ivy, along with her friends, are against the clock to try and save their boss.

We have our regular extras, Mr Humphrey, the owner of the hotel and his dog Lucy, Monty - Ivy's dog and Inspector Clayburn and this all adds to the enjoyment of the story

I received an ARC of this book and the review is my honest thoughts

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I have read so far. It can stand alone but it would have been nice to have read the others first just to get a more in-depth look at the main characters in the story. Either way, it was an enjoyable cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns and suspense. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the four girls and their very distinct cultures. They were fun to listen to as they proceeded throughout their days. Perhaps my only issue was everyone's inability to focus on the one person who was most likely to fit the killer's profile. Anyway, I still enjoyed this book and look forward to others in the same series.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left my honest review voluntarily.