Murder at the Polo Club

Cleopatra Fox #7

by C.J. Archer, Marian Hussey (narrator)

The sport of kings is the backdrop for a game of murder where one player loses more than the match. Can Cleo solve the case, or will the murderer win? Summer has arrived along with a plethora of social events that keep Cleo and her cousins busy. Between balls, dinners, concerts and picnics, they attend the final match between two proud polo clubs. When the winning team’s captain is found murdered in the stables, everyone assumes the opposing team’s captain killed him. After all, he was found holding the murder weapon, and everyone knows they hated each other. But Cleo isn’t convinced. She sets out to prove his innocence alongside Harry Armitage, who was employed to investigate the accused man’s family. With their cases overlapping, it makes sense to work together. The more they get to know the victim, the more they realize the handsome athlete sported a dark side that few people saw. Those who did had a reason to kill him. Which suspect struck the victim with his own polo mallet? His wife, lover, friends or colleagues? Or did the rivalry between two opposing captains spill over to their personal lives, and lead to murder?

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Historical Mystery

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 5, 2023

About the author

C.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.

She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.

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Reviews

[Cm1988 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Especially the audiobook versions. Marian Hussey is by far my favorite narrator. She really brings the characters to life! I'm so excited for the next book, but we have to wait until June 2024 😫. My only criticism of this series is that the romance is developing too slowly, but it doesn't bother me enough to take stars away.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery series has such a fun mix of elements! In this book, there's the murder mystery with Cleo and Harry, and I particularly enjoyed the setting and sleuthing details at the polo playing field and with the polo players. There's also always some kind of event or drama happening at the Mayfair Hotel that involves Cleo, the staff, and Cleo's relationships with her aunt, uncle, and two (very different) cousins. In this book, a guest brings the very first motor car to the hotel and there is a clash between the car's driver and the old-school hotel staff who don't want to accommodate the new technology. We also get Cleo's uncle trying to pair her off with an American. Guess how that goes? We get more Mrs. and Miss Hessing, too. I enjoyed how they come into the story. Lots of Society events too! We don't get many details about them, but they're fun to have in the story still.

There's also always Cleo and Harry relational development, though in some books it's more 'two steps forward, one step back'. But this book is a jump forward, I'd say. Very satisfying (albeit with a cliffhanger...but a swoony cliffhanger!). I'm so curious what's going on in Floyd's mind about Cleo and Harry. I hope Harmony gets more responsibility at the hotel in the next book too. I always enjoy her role in the story, but this book was particularly fun because she challenges Cleo's assumed obtuseness.

[Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaaaaazing!

Gah I love this series so much!

As always, Cleo and the gang are great and I really enjoyed this case.

So much tension between Cleo and Harry 🔥

And that ending?! Eeeep! I neeeeed the next book!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the last one, but this series is starting to run stale. Only one left to read until the eighth book published. Will read seven and take a break from this writer, gratefully.

[Shanene Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooooo.. I love this series. However, the romance stalemate is getting very tedious. seriously we needsome growth here character and relationship-wise. Tis "kiss here,, we haven't spoken since the kiss months ago... then kiss again..." is getting extremely tiresome.

Kick it along or kill it and let's move on already.

The mystery was very good.

[Kaily Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

“May I offer you some advice, Miss Fox? Life is easier if you do not fall in love.”

This is book 7 of the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries. If you love a cozy mystery with a slow burn romance (and I mean the slowest of slow burns, think Booth and Brennan on Bones) then this series is for you.

I’ve enjoyed every single Cleopatra Fox Mystery I have read and this one was no exception. Cleo is at a polo match with her cousins when the champion is found murdered after the race via polo mallet and his competitor is found holding the murder weapon. Of course, the most obvious answer is usually wrong when it comes to murder. Cleo’s friend, and fellow detective, Harry Armitage happens to become involved in the case due to a sleuthing job he has investigating the cousin of the prime suspect.

Outside of murder investigations, Cleo now has an American gentleman interested in her and Harry is feeling the pangs of jealousy.

As always, CJ Archer does a fabulous job weaving possible suspects and motives into the story, keeping you guessing until the end of who the real culprit is. She also provides just enough tension between Fox and Armitage to keep you frustrated. With that said, I absolutely cannot wait for book 8 (coming June 4, 2024) because of the ending she left us with. This series is always an automatic preorder and I look forward to sharing my thoughts when book 8 releases!

[Yadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still enjoy all the murder mystery in these books. But this book was not so entertaining and mysterious, the culprit was very obvious not much mystery there.

After 7 books there has been no much character development, and don’t get me started on the romance I been waiting for 7 books for Harry to finally act on his feelings for Cleo and when it is time the book ends. WHAT so you’re telling me now that I have to wait 8 books to see them in a relationship😤

This is the SLOWEST Romance in history 🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌🐌

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series! I definitely recommend doing the audio books.

[alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved it like usual

Honestly their romance is moving at snail pace going through salt. But I swear every hand brush or glance is worth it idc if it’s the slowest romance in history

I love them and I love the story

I’m not a fan of romance really but when it’s a slowburn and not some lust filled erotica but actual yearning I love it so so much.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating : 4 ⭐
This book lived up to all the expectations I have for this series. The mystery was fun, the secondary plot points were interesting and I was invested in the characters. Looking forward to the next one!

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending the kiss it finally happened loved the story lots of twists highly recommend and another best book in series

[LaRae☕️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this historical mystery series, although this was not my favorite. I can’t really put my finger on it, but it didn’t hold my attention quite as well as the others.

I still LOVE the characters. I’m already looking forward to the next one in June.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cleo and her cousins are busy with the social season. A new hotel guest has brought along his motorcar, causing much ado in the stables! The Fox-Bainbridge cousins are lucky enough to get a ride in the car to the polo grounds where Flossie is hoping to be seen. A surprise awaits as the star of the winning team announces he is NOT actually retiring right now as planned. A shocking announcement that may have led to his murder! Cleo's friend, Miss Hessing's suitor, has a cousin on the opposing team. He was seen arguing in public with and discovered the body. Cleo worries Mrs. Hessing won't allow her daughter to marry someone tainted by murder (even if it is a cousin) and because she wants to see justice done, she sets out to solve this one. Her case aligns with Harry's. He's investigating Clare Hessing's suitor for her mother. Can they figure this one out and help Miss Hessing get her happy ever after?

This plot was a little darker than I've come to expect from this series. It started off pretty routine with the sporting event and murder but as motives come to light for the suspects, it gets darker. I didn't guess who the murderer was or why. The killer was very clever and almost got away with it. I really thought it was someone else for entirely different reasons! The history is woven into the story as part of the plot but it still sounds more like New York than London.

Cleo is becoming more intelligent and brave every book. She's smarter and better educated than most of the young men of her family's social circle. That makes her the target of the nasty gossips who fear their lack of education and surplus of ridiculous ladylike attributes won't find them a husband. They have to take Cleo down to make themselves feel better. She really doesn't care and doesn't let it bother her. I admire her for that. She's young to be so confident. She is, however, remarkably clueless when it comes to her own feelings for Harry and his for her. Harry is sweet and crusty at the same time. He's trying hard to deny his feelings for Cleo but it's hard. He knows they can't be together as long as she's under her uncle's roof. He cares about her but makes a big mistake and tries to interfere. Can she forgive him? Is he her friend, boyfriend or brother? His actions are excusable if he's her brother but he's not so they're not. His motivation wasn't noble or selfless. He was complete self-motivated and that's rather unlike him. They make a good team and he's learning to let Cleo take the lead when necessary. He's around to charm the ladies and bully the sexist men who won't let Cleo in their sacred male domain. She doesn't take no for an answer but there are some places she just can't go.

Flossie is as ditzy as ever but she's sweet and I like her. I want her to be happy and free from her father. It's unfortunate Aunt Lillian is taking too much tonic. I feel like Flossie and Cleo have to take care of her and can't leave until she's either weaned off the tonic or dead. We get an idea of what is in the tonic this time. I kind of already figured that out on my own. I'm not sure Cleo's assessment of Aunt Lillian is correct. I think her bully of a husband is to blame for her mental health issues. It sounds like she married a man like her father. Uncle Ronald is completely ridiculous and unreasonable. He always thinks he's right even when he's wrong and knows he's wrong. He'll never admit it and he'll never value his wife's happiness over money. He's using Cleo to further his own aims too. While Floyd is no longer friends with Jonathon, he's still snobby and pushy. Does he not want Cleo to be happy?

Cleo has a new suitor, an American, Marshall Miller. He's friendly and kind, works for a living (GASP) but is a typical man of his time. I'm wondering if he's trying to send Cleo a hint with his book of poetry. Walt Whitman is his favorite poet so is he saying he's interested in Cleo's friendship but not marriage? She could do worse but he won't make her happy.

Poor Harmony is bored now she's back to the menial servant role. She's eager for another murder mystery or something that uses her brain. She's in the same boat as Cleo but without the resources. I hope Cleo runs off with Harry and they can hire Harmony to work for them. Frank is a cranky curmudgeon. He can't accept change and thinks he holds power over Mr. Bainbridge who will accept Frank's conditions for work. It doesn't work that way and Frank is being unreasonable. If a hotel guest brings their vehicle, whatever type it is, the hotel is obliged to please the guest and make accommodations. It's nearly the 20th century and times they are a-changing and there are more cars on the road now. Frank has to change with the times or retire. Frank stirs up trouble with Cobbit, the coachman. They're convinced cars are evil and a menace to society. Their fears about losing their jobs are understandable but I'm sure Sir Ronald can be convinced to give them a generous retirement package. He's super cheap so it would take a lot of convincing to make him think it was his idea but I bet Mr. Hobart and Cleo could manage it.

Miss Hessing's suitor, Mr. Liddicoat, seems a little suspicious. I think he thinks his cousin may be guilty and is trying to take suspicion off his cousin. He's an ideal suitor for Miss Hessing though. He's very kind and sweet. His impassioned speech to Cleo is what any woman would want to hear from the man she loves. Harry should take notes.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the two polo players. Mr. Liddicoat's cousin is Rufus Broadman, captain of The Elms club. Mr. Broadman is seen standing over his frenemy's body holding the murder weapon. Mr. Broadman is confident and brash. He's a man's man whatever that means. Yuck. Mr. Rigg-Lyon had it coming. This man was NASTY! He was one of those egomaniac celebrities who thought they could do whatever they wanted, when and with whom and get away with it. He apparently did if rumors are true. He was supposed to retire in a blaze of glory before his body gave out but he changed the plan at the last minute, basking in the adulation of the crowd and his team after a win. Cleo thinks Mr. Broadman is innocent because of the timing of his discovery of the body. The two men were so much alike but they didn't get along. Each one wanted to be the best and most important.

Barnaby Hardwick, vice captain, is close to his friend and captain. The two friends were supposed to retire together. They had a plan. When Rigg-Lyon changed the plan at the last minute, surely Mr. Hardwick was upset. Was he upset enough to kill? He seems innocent at first. I even kind of liked him but the more Cleo investigates and the more Cleo and Harry push, the less nice he gets. He's nearly as bad as his friend. He has a strong motive for murder, more than one. Bert, the groom, loves animals more than people. He'd do anything to protect the animals in his care. Did he kill his boss because Mr. Rigg-Lyon was a cad who didn't care for anyone and was bad to his horse? Bert has secrets he could have killed to keep anyone from discovering. Perhaps Mr. Rigg-Lyon was blackmailing the groom and pushed too far? At first I had sympathy for Bert. I got the impression he may have special needs or something. He's certainly not well educated. The more clues Cleo uncovers, the less sympathy I had for Bert. Yet I hoped he wasn't the murderer.

Mrs. Rigg-Lyon is a tough lady. She's brittle and not warm or friendly. Of course Cleo comes nosing around asking questions as if Mrs. Rigg-Lyon killed her husband. She could have a murder but she points out why she doesn't. It's quite a shock if she's telling the truth. Rigg-Lyon had a mistress and supposedly his rival made a play for her too. Rosa Rivera, an actress, is sharp. She knows the rules of the game and isn't interesting in love or marriage. Or so she says. Maybe she wanted more than Rigg-Lyon was willing to give or maybe she teamed up with his rival to get Rigg-Lyon out of the way. He doesn't seem like the type of man who would accept being dumped by a woman, let alone accept she preferred his rival. Or perhaps Rosa found out about her man's other seductions and killed him in a fit of rage?

Major Leavey, the club manager, is a blustering, sexist man who doesn't appreciate Cleo's investigation. How much does he know about what goes on at his club? Is he turning a blind eye in order to have the glory of being the championship club? He can be charming and kind when he wants to be but he's certainly hiding things. If he is the murderer, he has the best motive out of all the suspects and I wouldn't blame him. I'm not sure if I would tell anyone if I were Cleo. I might be inclined to let it go.

I listened to half the book and really like this narrator. She has a lovely voice but when she pitches her voice low for men sometimes they sound alike and I can't tell who is speaking. I was working and found it hard to follow the story. I had to finish it as an e-book at home. I can't wait to listen to/read the next one this week.

Content/Trigger warnings:

Homosexuality-- Peeping Tom, mention of illicit gay sex; Victorian pr0n (naughty photos of naked men)
A nasty scoundrel seduced young girls and tossed them away when he was through. He may have impregnated some of them, refusing to take responsibility; mention of suicide by one of the conquests.
Unplanned pregnancy; abortion tonic

Cocaine - perfectly legal medicine in 1900

[Cyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update 4/3/24 to fix grammar errors, typos caused by autocorrect (facepalm) and clarification.

The mystery is much more interesting than the last one, thank goodness. I was afraid it was going to change course as with many long running series. I did quite enjoy the chase to find the culprit.

With regards to Harry and Cleo’s relationship, things seem to have moved forward just a bit (or maybe a lot…?). Now, it’ll be interesting to see where the author is going to take this. What I hope is NOT more “will they/won’t they”…

I am also enjoying the development of Cleo’s relationship with her relatives. I am hoping to see Floyd become more mature throughout the rest of the Season, Flossy to find someone worthy of her, Aunt Lilian to be free of her ailments and Uncle Ronald to be less stubborn and set in his ways.

And then the hotel staff, I think they are my favorite. I want to see even more interactions between them and Cleo and her family.

Quick recap for those struggling to see any development of some the characters (and some spoiler alerts):

- Harry, from being angry at Cleo for meddling and causing him to lose his job at the hotel, to learning more about Cleo, to trying to understand his feelings for her but knowing his history refused to acknowledge his feelings for her, to trying to court someone else and realize his feelings for Cleo was much stronger to…?
- Cleo, she has been quite an irritating character since the beginning as she is quite meddlesome and does not take no for an answer, assumes a lot of things and gets into trouble by jumping to conclusions, but then she does care for people around her and sometimes it is her meddlesomeness that helped those around her; she is independent and feisty but I can’t help but feel the whole thing about “marriage” may change later…whether or not she will go through with it is another thing - despite being adamant about not wanting to meet society’s expectations, I think deep down inside, if things work out she may change her mind.
- Flossy may seem flighty but she does have a bit of a spunk in her. She’s not as dull and boring as she is made out to be and I think the fact that she doesn’t think twice about Cleo’s desire to be a private detective shows that she isn’t oblivious to her surroundings. She’s just not interested in what Cleo is doing and rather put her efforts in things she’s interested in.
- Floyd, I guess is your typical “rake” or “rogue”, but he does have a sweet side and is not cruel. While he is the cliché and stereotypical “rich family’s son” he is trying and I like how he takes Cleo into his confidence and building a stronger relationship with her. He is protective of Cleo and I hope he will be someone more important when it comes to Harry and Cleo’s relationship.
- Aunt Lilian is interesting and I like her for who she is despite her not being around as much due to her ailments. She supports Cleo as much as she can, but I do wonder if she is more aware whether she would have stopped Cleo or let her be…?

And so on and so forth…besides the story timeline is really only been six months….I think the pacing is fine. In fact I find quite fast for Harry to go from despising Cleo to admitting his feelings to himself. He could’ve just waited another year.

[Sheeb ⚔️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The murder and investigation in this one was a bit all over the place. Quite a lot of repetition speaking to the same suspects without gaining much info.

HOWEVER- the tension with Harry was fabulous. Desperately hoping the next will meet in the middle with romance and murder investigation quality.

[Abby Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the way that I can’t get my hands on the next one till June. I eat these up frankly. 7 books of build up for our main characters? Wild.

[Jessica Murnin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 This series might not be earth shattering but it is so delightful!

[Kimberly Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was the 7th book in the series until I already started listening to it. However, it seems each book a new murder is solved, so I don’t feel anything was really missing from the story, except maybe about Mrs. Fox’s personal life. I will go back and listen to the previous books. I love this time period & it is crazy to me the life they lived. With all the technology we have now, it doesn’t seem real. I love how she solves the cases & I love that she’s smart and not overly concerned with marrying. Finally a MFC I can get behind 100%!

[Sarah Crinkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3 ⭐️ read. It’s Book #7 in the Cleopatra Fox series. The book follows the same characters: Henry, Cleo, etc (the ones you’ve come to know and love in the series). Cleo and her family are at a polo match and the captain of one of the polo teams is murdered after the game. Cleo is quick on the scene and helps solve his murder with the help of her friends at the Mayfair Hotel.

This mystery series is a fun, easy read set in England during the 1900’s. If you enjoy Agatha Christie books, you should check out this series!

[erocchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the turn of the century advancements ie. cars and the problems they solved ie. no more horse dung; and those the created. The murder covered other ills of the time ( mostly man’s libido). Once again I was fooled. I still don’t understand the family and Cleo’s relationship and I am very worried about the aunt.

[Kate Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love cozy mysteries and don't really enjoy romance, so I have to say that one of my favorite things about CJ Archer books is the slow burn that means I can enjoy 7 full books of a cozy mystery series before the romance we all expect comes into play. Thank you, CJ Archer, for giving us an escape from the hyper sexualized books that are increasingly more difficult to avoid.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good cozy mystery and finally! A romantic ending!
Next book isn’t available till June! Oh no!

[Katrina Koehler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A nice, little cozy murder mystery like usual. I still wish our protagonist weren't quite so modern in jarring ways and the slow burn romance is VERY slow.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for that ENDING

[Ruth Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying listen in this cozy mystery series.

[Laura | travelandreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another historical mystery on audio that I enjoyed. I liked this more than the previous one in the series but the will they/won’t they between Cleo and Harry is getting tiresome.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He finally kisses her at the end of this book! That’s all you need to know! Another great mystery with a hint of tension and romance 😩

[Kelly Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“May I offer you some advice, Miss Fox? Life is easier if you do not fall in love.”

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thrilled to have stumbled upon this captivating series; and each installment has left me eagerly anticipating the next. The upcoming release in June cannot come soon enough for me.

What draws me most to this series is the delightful cast of characters who are not only relatable but also endlessly entertaining. Their diverse personalities and intriguing dynamics keep me invested in their lives with each listen. The enchanting setting of England in the early 1900s adds an extra layer of allure to the narrative. It feels as though I've been transported into the lavish worlds of "Bridgerton" or "The Gilded Age," yet with the added thrill of scandalous mysteries and murder investigations seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story.

The depiction of high society in England, complete with its intricate web of gossip, opulent fashion, extravagant balls, and refined afternoon teas, serves as a delightful backdrop against which the drama unfolds. It's an immersive setting that not only captures the imagination but also evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Suffice it to say, I've become an ardent fan of this series, and I can easily envision myself revisiting these novels again in the years to come. The narrator does an excellent job bringing this world to life with each listen.

[Brooke Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Cleopatra Fox mystery that I enjoyed. These are so cozy and comforting, and I’m excited to dig into the next one!