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An Ella Shane Mystery #4
A Fatal Reception: An Ella Shane Mystery
Gilded Age trouser diva Ella Shane and her Duke are at long last headed for the altar…but they’ll confront a murder, a shipwreck, a questionable Polish prince, and any number of other complications on the way. Continuing the highly-praised series featuring a Lower East Side orphan who found fame and fortune as a singer of male soprano roles, this new installment follows Ella and her surprisingly diverse cast of family and friends through mystery and misadventure…and into the greatest challenge of all for an independent-minded woman and her Victorian matrimony!
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
11 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Marple Kalb
18 books373 followersKathleen Marple Kalb grew up in front of a microphone and a keyboard. She started her radio career as a teenage DJ at a small station in her hometown of Brookville, Pennsylvania, and despite a brief flirtation with advanced study in history before taking her B.A. at the University of Pittsburgh (her mother will never forgive her for turning down an assistantship at William and Mary), worked her way up through newsrooms in Pittsburgh, Vermont and Connecticut, to New York. But she never wore her Phi Beta Kappa key again after her first day at KDKA, when she accidentally hung up on a U.S. Senator. Her broadcast career went significantly better after that, including a number of regional Edward R. Murrow awards in Vermont, and her current post as a weekend morning anchor at 1010 WINS, New York’s top all-news station.
At age sixteen, she wrote her first historical novel, which thankfully did not find a publisher, though a couple of editors did actually read it. While she writes reams of news copy at work, fiction was firmly in the past until her son started kindergarten, when she decided to take another try. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, a fellow journalist and professor, their young son, a neurotic cat, and many, many boxes of Legos.
At age sixteen, she wrote her first historical novel, which thankfully did not find a publisher, though a couple of editors did actually read it. While she writes reams of news copy at work, fiction was firmly in the past until her son started kindergarten, when she decided to take another try. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, a fellow journalist and professor, their young son, a neurotic cat, and many, many boxes of Legos.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 11, 2024
A Fatal Reception by Kathleen Marple Kalb
5 stars
Another wonderful addition to the Ella Shane Mysteries. A Fatal Reception follows Ella and Gil as they prepare for marriage. The story quickly immerses you in Ella’s life as though you never left. As we’re swept up in wedding prep a murder occurs. Is the death of Mr. Chester Lorimer all it seems or is there more to it?
I loved all the characters and the addition of Gil’s son, Jamie. They’re like meeting up with old friends. The description is simply wonderful and I felt as though I was beside Ella and her Duke the entire story.
With lots of ups and downs, this book is sure to hook you!
I was given a free ARC copy of this book but the review is my honest opinion.
5 stars
Another wonderful addition to the Ella Shane Mysteries. A Fatal Reception follows Ella and Gil as they prepare for marriage. The story quickly immerses you in Ella’s life as though you never left. As we’re swept up in wedding prep a murder occurs. Is the death of Mr. Chester Lorimer all it seems or is there more to it?
I loved all the characters and the addition of Gil’s son, Jamie. They’re like meeting up with old friends. The description is simply wonderful and I felt as though I was beside Ella and her Duke the entire story.
With lots of ups and downs, this book is sure to hook you!
I was given a free ARC copy of this book but the review is my honest opinion.
May 3, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars. A FATAL RECEPTION is the fourth book in the Ella Shane series. It kept me entertained as I worked out the mysteries. I recommend this series to readers of Cozy Mysteries (1900’s NYC) and Historical Romance.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Spring, 1900, NYC ~ “The Gilded Age”
Opera Diva Miss Ella “Shane” O’Shaughnessy, a former Irish-Jewish, Lower East side orphan, co-owns, operates and performs in a NY based touring theatre company with a performance contract of 1 production annually with NY’s Metropolitan Opera. This year, Miss Ella has the dual approaching dates of her opening night opera and her own wedding. Her English fiancée, former barrister Gilbert St. Aubyn, the Duke of Leith, first met Miss Ella nearly three years ago, in 1899, during his trip to America. Ella was participating in her fencing lesson, at the time.
Quote ~
> “There are always things it’s the world that can destroy joy and love. It’s our job to make sure they don’t.” Father Michael
Comments ~
1) I am fully enjoying this series - the historical aspects, the slowly unfolding characters, the various secondary romances as well as each book’s mystery elements. I was fully involved while reading and found myself smiling throughout.
2) In addition to the mystery element, A FATAL RECEPTION involves the challenges (particularly for women and the poor), Society fashions, behaviors, the Patrons, public and the business of a NYC based theatre company during the turn of the century as well as the relationships of the various characters. The main and secondary characters are individuals I have become acquainted with and care what happens to them.
3) Presently there are 4 titles in the Ella Shane series. Each stands alone and can be read in any order. So far, I have purchased, enjoyed and recommend the first three. I look forward to reading the fourth book soon and hope Kalb continues with the series.
4) Both Historical Romance fans and readers of (Clean) Cozy Mysteries might appreciate A FATAL RECEPTION and The Ella Shane Mysteries. I found AFR a “gentle” story (but not Silly or comedic). I felt it was similar in tone as Clara McKenna’s Stella & Lyndy Mysteries or Neubaurer’s Jane Wunderly Mysteries.
5) I am happy to see the price for these books has halved so I can now purchase them. Yay! (Thank you!)
READER CAUTIONS - APPROPRIATE FOR MOST READERS.
PROFANITY - Yes. Minimal use of strong language.
VIOLENCE - G/PG. Several murders occur off scene with brief mention (rather than detailed). Such descriptions are not graphic, IMO. This is a mostly light (vs a dark) mystery.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Hugs & kisses.
OTHER - Characters are colorful in all senses of the word.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Spring, 1900, NYC ~ “The Gilded Age”
Opera Diva Miss Ella “Shane” O’Shaughnessy, a former Irish-Jewish, Lower East side orphan, co-owns, operates and performs in a NY based touring theatre company with a performance contract of 1 production annually with NY’s Metropolitan Opera. This year, Miss Ella has the dual approaching dates of her opening night opera and her own wedding. Her English fiancée, former barrister Gilbert St. Aubyn, the Duke of Leith, first met Miss Ella nearly three years ago, in 1899, during his trip to America. Ella was participating in her fencing lesson, at the time.
Quote ~
> “There are always things it’s the world that can destroy joy and love. It’s our job to make sure they don’t.” Father Michael
Comments ~
1) I am fully enjoying this series - the historical aspects, the slowly unfolding characters, the various secondary romances as well as each book’s mystery elements. I was fully involved while reading and found myself smiling throughout.
2) In addition to the mystery element, A FATAL RECEPTION involves the challenges (particularly for women and the poor), Society fashions, behaviors, the Patrons, public and the business of a NYC based theatre company during the turn of the century as well as the relationships of the various characters. The main and secondary characters are individuals I have become acquainted with and care what happens to them.
3) Presently there are 4 titles in the Ella Shane series. Each stands alone and can be read in any order. So far, I have purchased, enjoyed and recommend the first three. I look forward to reading the fourth book soon and hope Kalb continues with the series.
4) Both Historical Romance fans and readers of (Clean) Cozy Mysteries might appreciate A FATAL RECEPTION and The Ella Shane Mysteries. I found AFR a “gentle” story (but not Silly or comedic). I felt it was similar in tone as Clara McKenna’s Stella & Lyndy Mysteries or Neubaurer’s Jane Wunderly Mysteries.
5) I am happy to see the price for these books has halved so I can now purchase them. Yay! (Thank you!)
READER CAUTIONS - APPROPRIATE FOR MOST READERS.
PROFANITY - Yes. Minimal use of strong language.
VIOLENCE - G/PG. Several murders occur off scene with brief mention (rather than detailed). Such descriptions are not graphic, IMO. This is a mostly light (vs a dark) mystery.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None. Hugs & kisses.
OTHER - Characters are colorful in all senses of the word.
May 3, 2024
A FATAL RECEPTION by Kathleen Marple Kalb
The Fourth Ella Shane Mystery
While the Duke is abroad opera diva Ella Shane agrees to perform in a special gala recital, hopefully getting her mind off the minutia of her upcoming wedding. While the performance goes well, the reception afterward turns horribly wrong when Mr. Larimer is killed. Mrs. Aline Corbyn claims she killed the magnate in self defense, but the society matron isn't known for truthfulness and things don't appear quite right. As Ella continues her own wedding preparations she plans to keep her eyes and ears open so that justice will be served.
I loved absolutely everything about this book. A FATAL RECEPTION is the kind of book that keeps you so captivated that you don't want to stop reading. I was mad that I couldn't read it all in one sitting, instead having to leave that special world in order to do mundane household chores, like laundry, and go to work. Numerous threads are skillfully intertwined, the murder, the wedding, the other wedding, the Polish prince, the printers. There's drama, angst, comedy, and a thrilling action packed finale.
A FATAL RECEPTION is a perfect combination of multifaceted characters brought to life in a compelling story. I laughed, held my breath, and cheered. I can't wait to see what happens next!
The Fourth Ella Shane Mystery
While the Duke is abroad opera diva Ella Shane agrees to perform in a special gala recital, hopefully getting her mind off the minutia of her upcoming wedding. While the performance goes well, the reception afterward turns horribly wrong when Mr. Larimer is killed. Mrs. Aline Corbyn claims she killed the magnate in self defense, but the society matron isn't known for truthfulness and things don't appear quite right. As Ella continues her own wedding preparations she plans to keep her eyes and ears open so that justice will be served.
I loved absolutely everything about this book. A FATAL RECEPTION is the kind of book that keeps you so captivated that you don't want to stop reading. I was mad that I couldn't read it all in one sitting, instead having to leave that special world in order to do mundane household chores, like laundry, and go to work. Numerous threads are skillfully intertwined, the murder, the wedding, the other wedding, the Polish prince, the printers. There's drama, angst, comedy, and a thrilling action packed finale.
A FATAL RECEPTION is a perfect combination of multifaceted characters brought to life in a compelling story. I laughed, held my breath, and cheered. I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 8, 2024
"A Fatal Reception" is the 4th book in the "Ella Shane Mystery" series by Kathleen Marple Kalb.
"Gilded Age trouser diva Ella Shane and her Duke are at long last headed for the altar…but they’ll confront a murder, a shipwreck, a questionable Polish prince, and any number of other complications on the way. Continuing the highly-praised series featuring a Lower East Side orphan who found fame and fortune as a singer of male soprano roles, this new installment follows Ella and her surprisingly diverse cast of family and friends through mystery and misadventure…and into the greatest challenge of all for an independent-minded woman and her Victorian swain: matrimony!"
My thoughts:
I'm not an opera fan but I really do enjoy this series. Ms. Kalb has clearly done her research to make the core characters come alive, yet also relatable to present day. Okay, maybe not with all the society norms and umpteen restrictions on courting, but even so, the conversations, actions and reactions felt real. The playful banter made me chuckle. Heartfelt conversations, confidences and the agonizing wait for news of the shipwreck added to the drama of the story. The wedding was quite the event!! I don't know if Ms. Kalb is planning to write another book in this series, but if she does, I will be pre-ordering it when it goes up!
"Gilded Age trouser diva Ella Shane and her Duke are at long last headed for the altar…but they’ll confront a murder, a shipwreck, a questionable Polish prince, and any number of other complications on the way. Continuing the highly-praised series featuring a Lower East Side orphan who found fame and fortune as a singer of male soprano roles, this new installment follows Ella and her surprisingly diverse cast of family and friends through mystery and misadventure…and into the greatest challenge of all for an independent-minded woman and her Victorian swain: matrimony!"
My thoughts:
I'm not an opera fan but I really do enjoy this series. Ms. Kalb has clearly done her research to make the core characters come alive, yet also relatable to present day. Okay, maybe not with all the society norms and umpteen restrictions on courting, but even so, the conversations, actions and reactions felt real. The playful banter made me chuckle. Heartfelt conversations, confidences and the agonizing wait for news of the shipwreck added to the drama of the story. The wedding was quite the event!! I don't know if Ms. Kalb is planning to write another book in this series, but if she does, I will be pre-ordering it when it goes up!
May 12, 2024
I am a new reader to the Ella Shane mystery series so it took me a few chapters to get into the story and sort out all the important characters. For me, the story got better with each chapter. In this fourth installment, male soprano singer Ella Shane successfully makes her Metropolitan opera debut. She is also in a signed contract to be married to Gilbert Saint Aubyn, Duke of Leith. Gil, she has learned, has been involved in a shipwreck, and the waiting and worrying to discover his fate is hard to bear. Ella is also exposed to the murder of Mr. Chester Lorimer, dry-goods magnate. Aline Corbyn appears to be the one responsible, but is she? Lorimer just happened to be her daughter's father-in-law. There are twists and turns leading up to Ella and Gil's wedding. I can see that I now need to read the first three books of this series!
May 4, 2024
I was so excited to learn that a fourth Ella Shane mystery was coming out. As I began to read, Ms. Kalb’s marvelous depictions enabled me to slip back into the Victorian era.
Ella’s home is abuzz with activity as she prepares for her impending nuptials with the Duke. His mother has come to stay and luckily, Ella and she get along well.
Parties and soirées abound and at one of them an intensely disliked matron is attacked and defends herself. When the attacker dies, Ella discovers that things may not have been what they seem.
This was a lovely read with some twists and turns that might have you reaching for a tissue. Highly recommend.
Ella’s home is abuzz with activity as she prepares for her impending nuptials with the Duke. His mother has come to stay and luckily, Ella and she get along well.
Parties and soirées abound and at one of them an intensely disliked matron is attacked and defends herself. When the attacker dies, Ella discovers that things may not have been what they seem.
This was a lovely read with some twists and turns that might have you reaching for a tissue. Highly recommend.
May 5, 2024
I have read and enjoyed every one of the Ella Shane Mysteries by Kathleen Marple Kalb so looked forward to the release of this latest one. I was not disappointed. This is a fun, easy to read, and thoroughly delightful story. Although the mystery is unique to this novel, this is a continuation of the Diva and Duke romance, and I found the book hard to put down. As usual, the characters are lovable and well written, my newest favorite being Gil’s mother. I also particularly love the historical detail which makes the literary environment so interesting. A great read and one I highly recommend!
June 1, 2024
Chsrming, romantic mystery
The fiercely independent Ella Shane is finally marrying her Wicked Duke, but not without some spills thrills and adventures. A death to investigate is only one of them, but it provides an intriguing mystery against which Ella and Gil spar. As always the crime is cleverly presented and the solution is satisfying.
With a happy ending at the altar almost in her grasp, complex feelings arise and there is much to resolve before the happy day!
The period detail and well drawn characters make this a hugely enjoyable read with lots of heart.
The fiercely independent Ella Shane is finally marrying her Wicked Duke, but not without some spills thrills and adventures. A death to investigate is only one of them, but it provides an intriguing mystery against which Ella and Gil spar. As always the crime is cleverly presented and the solution is satisfying.
With a happy ending at the altar almost in her grasp, complex feelings arise and there is much to resolve before the happy day!
The period detail and well drawn characters make this a hugely enjoyable read with lots of heart.
July 19, 2024
Strong storyline
I love a good romance, and that is what this book is. Indeed, more than one romance, add in a few thieves, a never do well prince, the acting and operatic world of New York City and a crime lord, plus all the nice things that happen at tea time. Mix liberally with one murder, and a Duke of her dreams, and Ella Shane pops to life after a worried three days waiting on word from her betrothed, who was on board a ship that sank in the northern Atlantic. The vintage clothing described herein fits perfectly in this novel.
I love a good romance, and that is what this book is. Indeed, more than one romance, add in a few thieves, a never do well prince, the acting and operatic world of New York City and a crime lord, plus all the nice things that happen at tea time. Mix liberally with one murder, and a Duke of her dreams, and Ella Shane pops to life after a worried three days waiting on word from her betrothed, who was on board a ship that sank in the northern Atlantic. The vintage clothing described herein fits perfectly in this novel.
May 22, 2024
Ella Shane is back in another adventure, which it great. This Gilded Age opera signer aways has great adventws and gets involved in mysteries. This time she is crosing the ocean to finally wed her Duke, Gil. Then as usual hijinks and murder happens, but with still a wonderful end. It was great.
September 26, 2024
Anther great cozy romcom murder mystery from Kathleen Marple Kalb. Multiple story lines of attraction overlap, adding to the plot complexity, but also to the complexity of human desire.
April 30, 2024
I was honoured to be offered an ARC copy of the long-awaited ���A Fatal Reception: An Ella Shane Mystery By Kathleen Marple Kalb’. I bought the Kindle copy on April 30th.
What can I say? It was fabulous!
A story of love and companionship, with a soupçon of murder and a mysterious warning about weddings.
Set in the early twentieth century, join Ella, Gill, Tommy, their friends and family for another mad adventure.
Marple Kalb has a knack for combining humour, mystery, angst and romance in just the right proportions to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In this tale, Ella, the American Opera Diva, and Gil, the British Duke, are finally heading for wedded bliss after a courtship that has been fraught with roadblocks. So you would think their final weeks before becoming man and wife would be smooth sailing.
Think again. One complication after another, including a murder, demands the Diva and Duke’s attention. Then, when a case of nerves hits the couple, you have to wonder if they will even make it to the altar or if it will be the wedding of the season.
I couldn’t put this book down. You must read this book if you enjoy a cosy mystery that will also tug at your heartstrings.
Bravo Katheleen!
What can I say? It was fabulous!
A story of love and companionship, with a soupçon of murder and a mysterious warning about weddings.
Set in the early twentieth century, join Ella, Gill, Tommy, their friends and family for another mad adventure.
Marple Kalb has a knack for combining humour, mystery, angst and romance in just the right proportions to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In this tale, Ella, the American Opera Diva, and Gil, the British Duke, are finally heading for wedded bliss after a courtship that has been fraught with roadblocks. So you would think their final weeks before becoming man and wife would be smooth sailing.
Think again. One complication after another, including a murder, demands the Diva and Duke’s attention. Then, when a case of nerves hits the couple, you have to wonder if they will even make it to the altar or if it will be the wedding of the season.
I couldn’t put this book down. You must read this book if you enjoy a cosy mystery that will also tug at your heartstrings.
Bravo Katheleen!
June 21, 2024
A delight!
A Fatal Reception combines a tender love story with a mystery (or two!) in a book that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. I especially enjoy the description of New York society in the Gilded Age and the fashions worn by our diva and her friends. Ella's relatives and friends are fully realized characters who illustrate different roles in that society. I hope we have more adventures with Ella and her duke.
A Fatal Reception combines a tender love story with a mystery (or two!) in a book that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens next. I especially enjoy the description of New York society in the Gilded Age and the fashions worn by our diva and her friends. Ella's relatives and friends are fully realized characters who illustrate different roles in that society. I hope we have more adventures with Ella and her duke.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews