The Case of the Stray Stickpin

Kitty Worthington Cozy Caper #2

by Magda Alexander

London. 1923. When Lord Marlowe’s jewel-encrusted stickpin goes missing at his gentlemen’s club, he seeks the services of Lady Emma Carlyle to find it for him. You see, it’s not just any stickpin, but a treasured family heirloom that his late father gifted to him. Lady Emma is more than happy to take the case as the Ladies of Distinction Detective Agency’s finances are shaky at best. With wit, charm, and not a small amount of daring, she navigates the complex social hierarchy of the club. To her surprise, she discovers a tapestry of intrigue, jealousy, and hidden agendas that lies beneath its veneer of gentility. Unwilling to stand aside, Lord Marlowe insists on assisting with the enquiry. A problem for Lady Emma. The forced proximity to the earl may very well derail the investigation. As the line blurs between professional duty and her attraction for Lord Marlowe, she makes a careless mistake. One that results in dire consequences.The Case of the Stray Stickpin, Book 2 in the Kitty Worthington Cozy Capers, is another delightful historical cozy mystery replete with intrigue, humor, and a dash of romance. Set in the glamorous world of 1920s London, it’s sure to delight readers of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey alike.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Cozy Mystery

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A missing stickpin

A quick read mystery short story. One of the cases taken on by The Ladies of Distinction Detectives. In this case Lady Emma sets out to find Lord Marlowe’s missing tie pin. It’s short and fun. Loved that the perspective was Lady Emma in this book. A light amusing read.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fun Read involving the other half of The Ladies of Distinction Detective Agency, Lady Emma and her unacknowledged amour, Lord Marlowe. He asked for the Agency's help finding his wolf heirloom stickpin that both partners think is ugly, but he is the client and is willing to pay their bills including the outrageous amount of twenty pounds that Emma asked as a retainer. Five pounds was the standard but Emma asked twenty just to discomfit him. In helping Marlowe, Emma had to disguise herself as one of the gentleman's club waiters to get in and search the premises which involves nocturnal activities; to which Lord Marlowe willingly offered to guard her virtue and person as she investigates, of which she reluctantly agrees given the risk.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When Lord Marlowe’s jewel-encrusted stickpin goes missing at his gentlemen’s club, he seeks the services of Lady Emma Carlyle to find it for him. You see, it’s not just any stickpin, but a treasured family heirloom that his late father gifted to him. Lady Emma is more than happy to take the case as the Ladies of Distinction Detective Agency’s finances are shaky at best." Emma is more than happy to take the case.
This is a good short story. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit daft but okay

This wasn't bad as short stories go, though as with the first in this series it was a bit silly. This is told from Lady Emma's point of view as it's her case and it was going quite well until she dressed as a man to infiltrate a gentleman's club, then it became too daft for words. The fact that no-one calls her out even when they know she's a woman is ridiculous. There is no way they would have allowed her to stay. Other than that it was going well.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short fun story! It was interesting to have Lady Emma's perspective for once. Ever since the missing stickpin was mentioned in the main series, I've been wondering what happened, so I was thrilled that we get to read about it. This was a very amusing story and I love Marlowe and Emma together. They're adorable!

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I think you will too, if you like cheeky women who can dress like a man, when needed and act like a lady otherwise. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is finding the stickpin Lord Marlowe lost in his gentleman's club, Blacks. The answers were hard won, but good. I most certainly recommend this book.

[Marilyn Fontenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Too short! Lol

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lost interest by chapter 3. Genuine shame because I enjoy the full length Kitty Worthington mysteries.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella. This time Lady Emma, not Kitty, undertakes the investigation. One that finds her going undercover in a men's club, of all things, where Lord Marlowe's stickpin disappeared.

[Darin Hocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and engaging read, if a bit short. I did think it a little weird how the stories in the first two books overlapped.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than the first book (plus, crossdressing!)

[Jackie Mulkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of the 52-Book Challenge 2024- Prompt#52: Published in 2024

[Martha Silbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these Kitty Worthington capers!!the Case of the Stray Stickpin was delightful as I really enjoy the Emma and Lord Marlow relationship.

[Andrea Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find that this series can be hit or miss, largely due to the poor editing, but I really enjoyed this short novella. I love that it was told from Lady Emma’s point of view. Familiar characters but a different voice. I thought it was a fun quick read.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another side story in the Kitty Worthington mysteries. This one about Lady Emma looking for Lord Marlowe's missing Stick Pin. Perfect for an hour on the couch with a blanket and a cup of coffee