What do you think?
Rate this book
The Detection Club #1
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy
Discover the delightfully gripping new historical mystery series that's perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright and T E Kinsey.
Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect…
1926 – Christie is a darling of the literary circuit and the most desired guest in London’s glittering social scene. She can often be found at meetings of the Detection Club – where mystery writers come together to share ideas, swap secrets and drink copiously. But then a fellow author's initiation ceremony takes a gruesome turn, and one of the group ends up dead. Now, Agatha is no longer just the creator of great mystery plots – she’s a player in one.
And when Agatha disappears the day after the murder, she’s widely assumed to be guilty. Only Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case. But in a world where murder is the ultimate plot device, can Eliza piece together the evidence and find the killer before it’s too late?
Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect…
1926 – Christie is a darling of the literary circuit and the most desired guest in London’s glittering social scene. She can often be found at meetings of the Detection Club – where mystery writers come together to share ideas, swap secrets and drink copiously. But then a fellow author's initiation ceremony takes a gruesome turn, and one of the group ends up dead. Now, Agatha is no longer just the creator of great mystery plots – she’s a player in one.
And when Agatha disappears the day after the murder, she’s widely assumed to be guilty. Only Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case. But in a world where murder is the ultimate plot device, can Eliza piece together the evidence and find the killer before it’s too late?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2025
489 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Oliver
63 books423 followersKelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of four mysteries series:
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).
When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.
To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).
When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.
To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 4, 2025
3.2 Stars
One Liner: A decent start to a new series
1926
Eliza Baker has previously worked with the police. However, now she is forced to get a job as an assistant to Dorothy Sayers, the secretary of the Detection Club. Christie is a popular and regular attendee of the Detection Club, a place where mystery writers share ideas, swap notes, and enjoy their drinks. However, a writer falls dead during a meeting, and Christie disappears the next day. With too many clues and suspects, Eliza decides to solve the case and find the killer.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Eliza and Theo.
My Thoughts:
Well, Christie’s eleven-day disappearance has been a thing of fascination for writers, readers, and the general public. There have been quite a few books based on this, and quite many conspiracy theories.
This book too uses the same event but tries to make it a part of the central plot. While using Christie’s name in the title and blurb is a good marketing strategy, the book, as such belongs to the main character, Eliza Baker.
There are various real-life persons in this one to the point where I decided not to bother cross-checking the details. Use them the way you want. I won’t complain for now.
I like and dislike the FMC. The positives are that she is not a silly fan wanting attention from her favorite author(s). In fact, she dislikes mystery novels and thinks the writers are annoying. The not-so-positive part is the so-called lack of social cues. It’s a wonder people actually answer her questions considering how she interrogates them as if they are hardcore criminals. It is supposed to be a part of her arc, which means it is a deliberate choice. I can only hope, she finds a balance at some point soon.
The mystery is pretty decent or as much as it can be with OTT suspects. However, I don’t think people would be so eager to answer the questions. Eliza only has to ask, and they tell her. Maybe make her work a little more.
Chess is another major element in the book. Eliza and Theo are both great chess players. It’s not necessary to know the game to enjoy the book. While there’s some talk about pawns and strategic moves, it is limited to what’s necessary for the plot.
The social conditions are also touched upon. We get a brief peek into the backstories of both main characters. There will be a love track too as it often happens in a cozy mystery series. The foundation has been laid with a good dose of suspicion, so the next book should be interesting.
While it hasn’t been promoted as a series yet, the way it ends makes the intentions clear. The cover does say A Detection Club Mystery at the bottom (in red), something I saw after writing this point.
The author’s note is informative and talks about the real-life events and people used in the book.
To summarize, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a decent new cozy mystery set between the World Wars. It’s a fast read and works as a palate cleanser. Nothing great but not boring either.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheCaseOfTheChristieConspiracy
One Liner: A decent start to a new series
1926
Eliza Baker has previously worked with the police. However, now she is forced to get a job as an assistant to Dorothy Sayers, the secretary of the Detection Club. Christie is a popular and regular attendee of the Detection Club, a place where mystery writers share ideas, swap notes, and enjoy their drinks. However, a writer falls dead during a meeting, and Christie disappears the next day. With too many clues and suspects, Eliza decides to solve the case and find the killer.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Eliza and Theo.
My Thoughts:
Well, Christie’s eleven-day disappearance has been a thing of fascination for writers, readers, and the general public. There have been quite a few books based on this, and quite many conspiracy theories.
This book too uses the same event but tries to make it a part of the central plot. While using Christie’s name in the title and blurb is a good marketing strategy, the book, as such belongs to the main character, Eliza Baker.
There are various real-life persons in this one to the point where I decided not to bother cross-checking the details. Use them the way you want. I won’t complain for now.
I like and dislike the FMC. The positives are that she is not a silly fan wanting attention from her favorite author(s). In fact, she dislikes mystery novels and thinks the writers are annoying. The not-so-positive part is the so-called lack of social cues. It’s a wonder people actually answer her questions considering how she interrogates them as if they are hardcore criminals. It is supposed to be a part of her arc, which means it is a deliberate choice. I can only hope, she finds a balance at some point soon.
The mystery is pretty decent or as much as it can be with OTT suspects. However, I don’t think people would be so eager to answer the questions. Eliza only has to ask, and they tell her. Maybe make her work a little more.
Chess is another major element in the book. Eliza and Theo are both great chess players. It’s not necessary to know the game to enjoy the book. While there’s some talk about pawns and strategic moves, it is limited to what’s necessary for the plot.
The social conditions are also touched upon. We get a brief peek into the backstories of both main characters. There will be a love track too as it often happens in a cozy mystery series. The foundation has been laid with a good dose of suspicion, so the next book should be interesting.
While it hasn’t been promoted as a series yet, the way it ends makes the intentions clear. The cover does say A Detection Club Mystery at the bottom (in red), something I saw after writing this point.
The author’s note is informative and talks about the real-life events and people used in the book.
To summarize, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a decent new cozy mystery set between the World Wars. It’s a fast read and works as a palate cleanser. Nothing great but not boring either.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheCaseOfTheChristieConspiracy
February 28, 2025
EXCERPT: Eliza Baker tossed the book into the bin. She was no expert on detective fiction, but she knew the author was expected to 'play fair' with the reader. And Mrs. Agatha Christie was not playing fair.
Standing at the stove, she tapped the side of the coffee pot with one finger. Still warm. She lifted it and gave it a swirl. Not much left. She poured herself half a cup and saved the rest for her sister. After all, Jane had made the coffee, not to mention, it was Jane's percolator on Jane's stove in Jane's flat. And although Jane's sister insisted it was a 'pleasure' to have Eliza living with her, Eliza couldn't help but feel like a burden. She was the older sister, after all. She should be providing for Jane, and not the other way around. Hustling chess at The Gambit was not exactly a steady income. She absolutely had to get this job with the Detection Club, even if it meant complimenting Mrs. Christie on her unreliable narrator.
ABOUT 'THE CASE OF THE CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY': Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect…
1926 – Christie is a darling of the literary circuit and the most desired guest in London’s glittering social scene. She can often be found at meetings of the Detection Club – where mystery writers come together to share ideas, swap secrets and drink copiously. But then a fellow author's initiation ceremony takes a gruesome turn, and one of the group ends up dead. Now, Agatha is no longer just the creator of great mystery plots – she’s a player in one.
And when Agatha disappears the day after the murder, she’s widely assumed to be guilty. Only Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case. But in a world where murder is the ultimate plot device, can Eliza piece together the evidence and find the killer before it’s too late?
MY THOUGHTS: I almost DNF this at 18%. I struggled with the insufferably pompous and arrogant characters, with the exception of Mrs. Christie who is portrayed as rather weak and feeble. Which I am sure that, in real life, she was not.
However, as I try not to DNF a book before at least one third of the way through, I struggled on. Things do take a turn for the better once there is a body and an ensuing investigation, but only marginally. It was enough though to carry me reluctantly through to the end.
So, where do I start? Eliza comes across as either incredibly flippant or totally gung-ho. She has an amazing range of 'skills' including jujitsu and lock-picking and is a font of knowledge on almost every subject imaginable. I really didn't like her attitude towards mystery writers in general and Mrs. Christie in particular - she is dismissive and disparaging. Her interrogation techniques are abysmal, especially considering she has previous experience in the field. She is abrupt, accusatory and rude. What Theo sees in her is totally beyond me.
Mrs. Christie's real life disappearance and subsequent discovery at a luxury Harrogate Hotel and Spa is woven into the story, but it serves more as a distraction than an aid to the plot.
I quite liked the mystery. There is a large pool of suspects for Eliza and Theo to wade through and I enjoyed the resolution. The big reveal is done Agatha Christie style, at a Detection Club meeting with all the possible suspects (and the police) present.
The book continues on for several more chapters after the denouement, setting up for a series. This book would have had more impact had it stopped after the solving of the mystery. The ensuing chapters did nothing to entice me to read the next in the series.
Lovely cover art.
⭐⭐.3
#TheCaseoftheChristieConspiracy #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Kelly Oliver grew up in the Northwest, Montana, Idaho, and Washington states. Her maternal grandfather was a forest ranger committed to saving the trees, and her paternal grandfather was a logger hell bent on cutting them down. On both sides, her ancestors were some of the first settlers in Northern Idaho. In her own unlikely story, Kelly went from eating a steady diet of wild game shot by her dad to becoming a vegetarian while studying philosophy and pondering animal minds. Competing with peers who’d come from private schools and posh families “back East,” Kelly’s working-class backwoods grit has served her well. And much to her parent’s surprise, she’s managed to feed and clothe herself as a professional philosopher.
Kelly lives in Nashville with her partner, Benigno Trigo, and her furry family, Mischief, Mayhem, and Mr. Flan. (source: kellyoliverbooks.com - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I was able to combine reading with listening to The Case of the Christie Conspiracy written by Kelly Oliver and narrated by Penelope Rawlins. I greatly preferred reading rather than listening to this as I didn't find Penelope Rawlins' voices for the different characters very realistic or convincing.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Standing at the stove, she tapped the side of the coffee pot with one finger. Still warm. She lifted it and gave it a swirl. Not much left. She poured herself half a cup and saved the rest for her sister. After all, Jane had made the coffee, not to mention, it was Jane's percolator on Jane's stove in Jane's flat. And although Jane's sister insisted it was a 'pleasure' to have Eliza living with her, Eliza couldn't help but feel like a burden. She was the older sister, after all. She should be providing for Jane, and not the other way around. Hustling chess at The Gambit was not exactly a steady income. She absolutely had to get this job with the Detection Club, even if it meant complimenting Mrs. Christie on her unreliable narrator.
ABOUT 'THE CASE OF THE CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY': Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect…
1926 – Christie is a darling of the literary circuit and the most desired guest in London’s glittering social scene. She can often be found at meetings of the Detection Club – where mystery writers come together to share ideas, swap secrets and drink copiously. But then a fellow author's initiation ceremony takes a gruesome turn, and one of the group ends up dead. Now, Agatha is no longer just the creator of great mystery plots – she’s a player in one.
And when Agatha disappears the day after the murder, she’s widely assumed to be guilty. Only Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case. But in a world where murder is the ultimate plot device, can Eliza piece together the evidence and find the killer before it’s too late?
MY THOUGHTS: I almost DNF this at 18%. I struggled with the insufferably pompous and arrogant characters, with the exception of Mrs. Christie who is portrayed as rather weak and feeble. Which I am sure that, in real life, she was not.
However, as I try not to DNF a book before at least one third of the way through, I struggled on. Things do take a turn for the better once there is a body and an ensuing investigation, but only marginally. It was enough though to carry me reluctantly through to the end.
So, where do I start? Eliza comes across as either incredibly flippant or totally gung-ho. She has an amazing range of 'skills' including jujitsu and lock-picking and is a font of knowledge on almost every subject imaginable. I really didn't like her attitude towards mystery writers in general and Mrs. Christie in particular - she is dismissive and disparaging. Her interrogation techniques are abysmal, especially considering she has previous experience in the field. She is abrupt, accusatory and rude. What Theo sees in her is totally beyond me.
Mrs. Christie's real life disappearance and subsequent discovery at a luxury Harrogate Hotel and Spa is woven into the story, but it serves more as a distraction than an aid to the plot.
I quite liked the mystery. There is a large pool of suspects for Eliza and Theo to wade through and I enjoyed the resolution. The big reveal is done Agatha Christie style, at a Detection Club meeting with all the possible suspects (and the police) present.
The book continues on for several more chapters after the denouement, setting up for a series. This book would have had more impact had it stopped after the solving of the mystery. The ensuing chapters did nothing to entice me to read the next in the series.
Lovely cover art.
⭐⭐.3
#TheCaseoftheChristieConspiracy #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Kelly Oliver grew up in the Northwest, Montana, Idaho, and Washington states. Her maternal grandfather was a forest ranger committed to saving the trees, and her paternal grandfather was a logger hell bent on cutting them down. On both sides, her ancestors were some of the first settlers in Northern Idaho. In her own unlikely story, Kelly went from eating a steady diet of wild game shot by her dad to becoming a vegetarian while studying philosophy and pondering animal minds. Competing with peers who’d come from private schools and posh families “back East,” Kelly’s working-class backwoods grit has served her well. And much to her parent’s surprise, she’s managed to feed and clothe herself as a professional philosopher.
Kelly lives in Nashville with her partner, Benigno Trigo, and her furry family, Mischief, Mayhem, and Mr. Flan. (source: kellyoliverbooks.com - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I was able to combine reading with listening to The Case of the Christie Conspiracy written by Kelly Oliver and narrated by Penelope Rawlins. I greatly preferred reading rather than listening to this as I didn't find Penelope Rawlins' voices for the different characters very realistic or convincing.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 14, 2025
This is an interesting historical mystery set in London in 1926 with a group of authors of the day forming the Detection Club. When a murder is committed of one of the group members, Agatha Christie is a suspect. It is up to Eliza Baker, assistant to the secretary and formerly of Scotland Yard, and her friend Theo to find answers. The ending is a surprise for all. I enjoyed the narrator, Penelope Rawlin, and the mystery was unusual. I am looking forward to the next book. I listened to the audiobook via Chirp.
February 12, 2025
A cute little historical cozy centering on the Detection Club, a real-life organization of crime writers in London. The mystery is nicely plotted, very traditional, and I liked the use of Agatha Christie’s famous 1926 disappearance as part of the plot.
It’s a light, quick read with not a lot of depth and sometimes the romance felt a little cheesy, but overall it’s easy to follow and enjoyable.
‼️ BE WARNED the book discusses The Murder of Roger Ackroyd extensively. If you haven’t read it yet, this book will spoil it for you.
It’s a light, quick read with not a lot of depth and sometimes the romance felt a little cheesy, but overall it’s easy to follow and enjoyable.
‼️ BE WARNED the book discusses The Murder of Roger Ackroyd extensively. If you haven’t read it yet, this book will spoil it for you.
January 16, 2025
1926 – Troubled by her past and lack of funds, Eliza Baker gets a job as a secretary for Dorothy Sayers, the secretary for a club of mystery authors, the Detection Club. A firm believer in the truth and cold hard facts, Eliza begrudgingly listens to the rambling of the authors who spin stories of murder and mystery as if it were a mere game. But when a member of the club is shot to death, the illustrious Agatha Christie is the prime suspect, as are the rest of the distraught members who were present. Teaming up with her handsome friend and fellow chess player, Theodore Sharp, Eliza travels the streets of London to find the murderer, wondering who she can trust, who is lying, and who is the killer. It might be more complicated than it seems…
Being an avid fan of mysteries (Sherlock Holmes is still my favorite sleuth), I was excited to read this book about Agatha Christie since I have yet to read a book of hers. However, if you expect Christie to be a major character in this novel, I’m afraid you’ll be sorely disappointed. She is a suspect, yes, but that is all. We get glimpses of her character and how cool she is, but that is all. Eliza Baker is the main character/the main point of view, along with bits of Theodore Sharp’s point of view scattered in chapters. I also loved the allusions to chess and how the two used their skills as chess players to help them solve the mystery. ♟️
I really appreciated that the book wasn’t long. I don’t mind long books at all, but the middle portion of the novel was dragging just a bit, so if it was any longer, I would’ve been bored. It did seem, though, that when you start the book you are reading the sequel that never existed, but as the story progresses, it begins to flow. The end was the best part! I was left with mixed emotions because I was excited that I was right about my suspicions about who the killer was, but I was not expecting the book to leave me hanging on a cliffhanger. I’m not mad about it, though. 😏😉
The characters themselves were likable, for the most part. I liked Theodore, even if he was a bit of a simp 😂 Eliza? Well, it’s complicated. She reminded me of Enola Holmes, it being a good and a bad thing. I love strong female characters that kick butt, but–good grief girl!--have some tact! The problem with strong characters, male or female, is that they turn off the emotional part of the brain that reminds them to be discreet, cautious, and sensitive to other people’s feelings. Like Theodore, but not everyone can be like Theodore. Eliza is headstrong, firm in her beliefs, and blunt to the point of being cruel. All those are good things, don’t get me wrong. Truth is something we all should strive and fight for and I love reality the same as the next person, but goodness gracious, balance is good, too, girlfriend! She drove me crazy 😂 But the hint of romance sprinkled in was nice and it made the plot so much more interesting, besides the hunt for the killer.
In the end, I liked the book and I’ll be stoked if Kelly Oliver comes out with a sequel for this one! 😁
I received a free ARC from the publishers via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.
Being an avid fan of mysteries (Sherlock Holmes is still my favorite sleuth), I was excited to read this book about Agatha Christie since I have yet to read a book of hers. However, if you expect Christie to be a major character in this novel, I’m afraid you’ll be sorely disappointed. She is a suspect, yes, but that is all. We get glimpses of her character and how cool she is, but that is all. Eliza Baker is the main character/the main point of view, along with bits of Theodore Sharp’s point of view scattered in chapters. I also loved the allusions to chess and how the two used their skills as chess players to help them solve the mystery. ♟️
I really appreciated that the book wasn’t long. I don’t mind long books at all, but the middle portion of the novel was dragging just a bit, so if it was any longer, I would’ve been bored. It did seem, though, that when you start the book you are reading the sequel that never existed, but as the story progresses, it begins to flow. The end was the best part! I was left with mixed emotions because I was excited that I was right about my suspicions about who the killer was, but I was not expecting the book to leave me hanging on a cliffhanger. I’m not mad about it, though. 😏😉
The characters themselves were likable, for the most part. I liked Theodore, even if he was a bit of a simp 😂 Eliza? Well, it’s complicated. She reminded me of Enola Holmes, it being a good and a bad thing. I love strong female characters that kick butt, but–good grief girl!--have some tact! The problem with strong characters, male or female, is that they turn off the emotional part of the brain that reminds them to be discreet, cautious, and sensitive to other people’s feelings. Like Theodore, but not everyone can be like Theodore. Eliza is headstrong, firm in her beliefs, and blunt to the point of being cruel. All those are good things, don’t get me wrong. Truth is something we all should strive and fight for and I love reality the same as the next person, but goodness gracious, balance is good, too, girlfriend! She drove me crazy 😂 But the hint of romance sprinkled in was nice and it made the plot so much more interesting, besides the hunt for the killer.
In the end, I liked the book and I’ll be stoked if Kelly Oliver comes out with a sequel for this one! 😁
I received a free ARC from the publishers via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.
February 16, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for an opportunity to read Kelly Oliver's latest story ahead of publishing.
Golden Age mystery lovers, this one’s for you! As a huge fan of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, I couldn’t resist this ARC, and I’m happy to report—it was everything I hoped for and more. Engaging, cozy, and full of classic English mystery charm.
Bonus: seeing legendary writers I admire from the era come to life on the page was a total treat.
Golden Age mystery lovers, this one’s for you! As a huge fan of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, I couldn’t resist this ARC, and I’m happy to report—it was everything I hoped for and more. Engaging, cozy, and full of classic English mystery charm.
Bonus: seeing legendary writers I admire from the era come to life on the page was a total treat.
February 18, 2025
A new historical cosy mystery series, this time weaving fictional characters with the famous Golden Age Detection Club. The hook with this story being that Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case but as a suspect after a member of the club is found dead at their initiation ceremony. Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case especially after Christie mysteriously disappears the next day.
This was a solid series opener and was a quick and fun read. As a fan of Helena Dixon, Emily Organ and Verity Bright this definitely fits in with those style of stories and the lead, Eliza is a different kind of character. A little Augusta Peel with her secret wartime work but as a working class orphan she stands out amongst the traditional middle/upper class leads found predominantly in this corner of the mystery world.
Despite the premise and the characters I never quite felt connected to this story. Even with the short page count it felt a little stretched and I think our fictional characters need more room to breathe and develop. It seems like there will be more stories to come so I hope that we get more of Eliza and sidekick Theo as they are more interesting than our historical figures who have already been well covered over the years.
Liked but not loved but well worth reading if you enjoy a solid cosy mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this digital review copy of "The Case of the Christie Conspiracy" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
This was a solid series opener and was a quick and fun read. As a fan of Helena Dixon, Emily Organ and Verity Bright this definitely fits in with those style of stories and the lead, Eliza is a different kind of character. A little Augusta Peel with her secret wartime work but as a working class orphan she stands out amongst the traditional middle/upper class leads found predominantly in this corner of the mystery world.
Despite the premise and the characters I never quite felt connected to this story. Even with the short page count it felt a little stretched and I think our fictional characters need more room to breathe and develop. It seems like there will be more stories to come so I hope that we get more of Eliza and sidekick Theo as they are more interesting than our historical figures who have already been well covered over the years.
Liked but not loved but well worth reading if you enjoy a solid cosy mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this digital review copy of "The Case of the Christie Conspiracy" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
May 20, 2025
Bringing together the Golden Age writers of the Detection Club with Agatha Christie's disappearance, author Kelly Oliver uses former Scotland Yard police officer Eliza Baker to investigate the murder of one of the club's members after Agatha Christie becomes the prime suspect.
Eliza takes a job as Dorothy L. Sayers' secretary, and in this position she meets the Detection Club members. During an initiation ceremony, with actual weapons present, one of the members is murdered. Suspicion falls on Agatha Christie as she was disoriented and ill after, and, more importantly, considered for expulsion from the group, thanks to her "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", which some of the members felt broke rules all members of the club must follow in their novels.
Eliza immediately begins sleuthing, with Theo, a fellow chess enthusiast and budding mystery writer, helping her. He's got serious unrequited romantic feelings for her, to which Eliza is completely oblivious.
Eliza digs into the writers' lives and relationships, and uncovers medical issues, inheritance questions, and jealousies before she uncovers the perpetrator (which I intuited fairly early on).
This one did not work all that well for me. I liked Eliza, who is forthright and somewhat prickly. I, however, found Theo completely and utterly irritating, and this brought my enjoyment of the book considerably down.
The pacing is good, and there is some humour, and the romance which irritated me, and a nice use of historical figures and events.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Eliza takes a job as Dorothy L. Sayers' secretary, and in this position she meets the Detection Club members. During an initiation ceremony, with actual weapons present, one of the members is murdered. Suspicion falls on Agatha Christie as she was disoriented and ill after, and, more importantly, considered for expulsion from the group, thanks to her "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", which some of the members felt broke rules all members of the club must follow in their novels.
Eliza immediately begins sleuthing, with Theo, a fellow chess enthusiast and budding mystery writer, helping her. He's got serious unrequited romantic feelings for her, to which Eliza is completely oblivious.
Eliza digs into the writers' lives and relationships, and uncovers medical issues, inheritance questions, and jealousies before she uncovers the perpetrator (which I intuited fairly early on).
This one did not work all that well for me. I liked Eliza, who is forthright and somewhat prickly. I, however, found Theo completely and utterly irritating, and this brought my enjoyment of the book considerably down.
The pacing is good, and there is some humour, and the romance which irritated me, and a nice use of historical figures and events.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 30, 2025
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=3.25 | 😘=2 | 🤬=2 | ⚔️=3 | 🍺/🚬=2 | 14+
summary: a member of the Detection Club (group of golden age age detective mystery writers) is MURDERED at one of their meetings so our heroine has to solve the mystery (and many of the suspects are famous writers like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers! intriguing!)
thoughts: spent the first 90% of the novel going “why is this man here” but now I get it, but like it’s also unfortunate that all the interesting things with his character will inevitably have to happen in the next books and his only personality trait in this one was having a crush.
anyway! this is fine!! I didn’t hate the characterizations of Christie and Sayers, and the 1920s details were fun. basically any murder mystery—regardless of author tbh—that ends with suicide instead of confronting a murderer will always be a bit of a letdown, kind of deflating the tension, so that’s unfortunate, but like…this is fine?? I had fun, and I have an ARC for book two! so!!
⭐️=3.25 | 😘=2 | 🤬=2 | ⚔️=3 | 🍺/🚬=2 | 14+
summary: a member of the Detection Club (group of golden age age detective mystery writers) is MURDERED at one of their meetings so our heroine has to solve the mystery (and many of the suspects are famous writers like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers! intriguing!)
thoughts: spent the first 90% of the novel going “why is this man here” but now I get it, but like it’s also unfortunate that all the interesting things with his character will inevitably have to happen in the next books and his only personality trait in this one was having a crush.
anyway! this is fine!! I didn’t hate the characterizations of Christie and Sayers, and the 1920s details were fun. basically any murder mystery—regardless of author tbh—that ends with suicide instead of confronting a murderer will always be a bit of a letdown, kind of deflating the tension, so that’s unfortunate, but like…this is fine?? I had fun, and I have an ARC for book two! so!!
February 17, 2025
It is the time for many of the new detective writers to make their name and conquer the world of detective stories. One of them is the young Agatha Christie who is becoming the name to know and is part of the Detection club where she meets other aspiring writers, talks about ideas and has a drink. Eliza is the new secretary during these meetings, at the same time her friend Theo, an aspiring writer, gets initiated in the club. She has been asked by her sister Jane, member of MI5, to get the job so she can find out who is passing on State secrets.
But when one of the writers gets murdered during this meeting, Eliza and Theo decide to team up and look for the killer. The clues they find aren't many or clear, the feelings between them which pop up aren't either. And while for the reader it is normally one hundred percent clear that Agatha Christie isn't the killer as she is writing the story....in this case nobody can be sure, as Agatha is a character in the new Kelly Oliver book and just as in real life, Agatha Christie disappeared after the murder was committed!
What an original choice of characters and a great, fun story! For the fans of Kelly Oliver....she has done it again! For those who don't know this writer yet...pick up one of her stories and enjoy.
But when one of the writers gets murdered during this meeting, Eliza and Theo decide to team up and look for the killer. The clues they find aren't many or clear, the feelings between them which pop up aren't either. And while for the reader it is normally one hundred percent clear that Agatha Christie isn't the killer as she is writing the story....in this case nobody can be sure, as Agatha is a character in the new Kelly Oliver book and just as in real life, Agatha Christie disappeared after the murder was committed!
What an original choice of characters and a great, fun story! For the fans of Kelly Oliver....she has done it again! For those who don't know this writer yet...pick up one of her stories and enjoy.
February 20, 2025
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a short, cozy mystery with a nod to the beloved queen of mysteries, Agatha Christie. She is after all, one of the central characters of this book and for the first time possibly a suspect.
Taking place in 1926, the book is a fictional who-did-it surrounding a former agent of Scotland Yard, a hope to be up and coming author, and the very real Detection Club of the 1930s. Eliza Baker joins the Detection club as a secretary, hoping to make enough money to move out of her sister's apartment with her dog, Queenie. Using her past a Scotland Yard member, she is tasked by her sister to not only be the clubs' secretary, but also MI5's eyes and ears as they believe that the Club is trading state secrets. Reluctantly agreeing, no sooner in her first week of Detection Club secretary does Eliza get tossed back into the police work world as one of the premier members is murdered. Diving into what she knows best, Eliza is on the trail of who did it and how when there were only so few people in the room.
This was an introductory 1st book to which I am assuming will follow with a cozy little series. This was my first by the author, and while I did enjoy the little Christie-esque twist, the overall story just fell flat. It was a quick easy read, but felt a little cut off in the writing. The sentences seemed to lack flow to carry the intrigue to the end. I am unsure if I would continue with the series, but I do feel that there is potential for it to grow in the cozy mystery community with the historical flair it brings along.
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy
By: Kelly Oliver
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: 2/16/2025
NetGalley ARC
Taking place in 1926, the book is a fictional who-did-it surrounding a former agent of Scotland Yard, a hope to be up and coming author, and the very real Detection Club of the 1930s. Eliza Baker joins the Detection club as a secretary, hoping to make enough money to move out of her sister's apartment with her dog, Queenie. Using her past a Scotland Yard member, she is tasked by her sister to not only be the clubs' secretary, but also MI5's eyes and ears as they believe that the Club is trading state secrets. Reluctantly agreeing, no sooner in her first week of Detection Club secretary does Eliza get tossed back into the police work world as one of the premier members is murdered. Diving into what she knows best, Eliza is on the trail of who did it and how when there were only so few people in the room.
This was an introductory 1st book to which I am assuming will follow with a cozy little series. This was my first by the author, and while I did enjoy the little Christie-esque twist, the overall story just fell flat. It was a quick easy read, but felt a little cut off in the writing. The sentences seemed to lack flow to carry the intrigue to the end. I am unsure if I would continue with the series, but I do feel that there is potential for it to grow in the cozy mystery community with the historical flair it brings along.
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy
By: Kelly Oliver
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub Date: 2/16/2025
NetGalley ARC
February 1, 2025
For this and other book reviews, subscribe to my blog, www.bargain-sleuth.com
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I seem to gravitate towards cozy mysteries set during the Golden Age, the 1920s. And what gravitated me towards this book was the plot device of using Agatha Christie as a suspect in a murder! I know, from other reading, that the Detection Club was a real thing in England at the time, and that Agatha was a member.
I did like the fact that the murder of one of the writers happened, and the next day is the beginning of the time frame when Agatha Christie disappeared. The main character, Eliza, previously worked for the government during WWI, and now she is secretary to Dorothy Sayers, who is also a member of the Detection Club. She immediately begins to investigate the murder, along with her male friend, who also seems to take a fancy to her.
If you like chess and cozy mysteries, you’d love this book, I think, because the characters in the book spend a lot of time playing chess, using chess as a metaphor, using their way of playing chess to critically think about the murder and what the next moves should be in their investigation. I myself do not play chess, so the repeated mentioning of the game were a distraction.
The story was good, and clearly, this book is meant to be the launch of the series based upon how the book ended. I’m not sure if I will continue on with the series because it just didn’t WOW me. Worth a read, but it will quickly be forgotten.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I seem to gravitate towards cozy mysteries set during the Golden Age, the 1920s. And what gravitated me towards this book was the plot device of using Agatha Christie as a suspect in a murder! I know, from other reading, that the Detection Club was a real thing in England at the time, and that Agatha was a member.
I did like the fact that the murder of one of the writers happened, and the next day is the beginning of the time frame when Agatha Christie disappeared. The main character, Eliza, previously worked for the government during WWI, and now she is secretary to Dorothy Sayers, who is also a member of the Detection Club. She immediately begins to investigate the murder, along with her male friend, who also seems to take a fancy to her.
If you like chess and cozy mysteries, you’d love this book, I think, because the characters in the book spend a lot of time playing chess, using chess as a metaphor, using their way of playing chess to critically think about the murder and what the next moves should be in their investigation. I myself do not play chess, so the repeated mentioning of the game were a distraction.
The story was good, and clearly, this book is meant to be the launch of the series based upon how the book ended. I’m not sure if I will continue on with the series because it just didn’t WOW me. Worth a read, but it will quickly be forgotten.
February 20, 2025
Eliza lands a job at the Detection Club as an assistant.
She’s surrounded by mystery writers all a little quirky.
This was a good mystery with several surprises. I liked Eliza and Theo and can tell they’ll make a good team.
I’m looking forward to where the next book in this series goes.
She’s surrounded by mystery writers all a little quirky.
This was a good mystery with several surprises. I liked Eliza and Theo and can tell they’ll make a good team.
I’m looking forward to where the next book in this series goes.
January 11, 2025
***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
There’s a surprisingly large genre of “Agatha Christie in fiction”, and I’ve read quite a few of them - some which are truly fantastic, and some less so. Unfortunately this falls into the latter category for me.
That said, for a book whose title and marketing leans heavily on the Christie name, this is only fleetingly related to Agatha Christie and her 11 day disappearance. The plot revolves around a murder set in the famous Detection Club, of which Christie was a member.
For me some of the background details don’t hang together - Christie’s disappearance was national news at the time, and a genuine mystery. That, in this plot, she disappears the day after the murder occurs and it is never considered particularly suspicious and little weight is placed on that feels off.
The main character is - in today’s parlance - something of a pick-me. She’s great at everything, seems to know everything from lock picking to jujitsu to medical terms and diseases, with no real explanation as to why. There’s a half-hearted romance subplot which at times threatens to overtake the main plot. Some of the speech and settings don’t feel quite right for the time period of 1926.
The actual murder mystery is - fairly - interesting, though I’d argue if you’ve read a few Christies in your time then you, like myself, will probably guess the outcome when a certain piece of information comes to light.
The ending suggests that this is likely to become a series. I’m not confident that I would be interested in reading more, however.
There’s a surprisingly large genre of “Agatha Christie in fiction”, and I’ve read quite a few of them - some which are truly fantastic, and some less so. Unfortunately this falls into the latter category for me.
That said, for a book whose title and marketing leans heavily on the Christie name, this is only fleetingly related to Agatha Christie and her 11 day disappearance. The plot revolves around a murder set in the famous Detection Club, of which Christie was a member.
For me some of the background details don’t hang together - Christie’s disappearance was national news at the time, and a genuine mystery. That, in this plot, she disappears the day after the murder occurs and it is never considered particularly suspicious and little weight is placed on that feels off.
The main character is - in today’s parlance - something of a pick-me. She’s great at everything, seems to know everything from lock picking to jujitsu to medical terms and diseases, with no real explanation as to why. There’s a half-hearted romance subplot which at times threatens to overtake the main plot. Some of the speech and settings don’t feel quite right for the time period of 1926.
The actual murder mystery is - fairly - interesting, though I’d argue if you’ve read a few Christies in your time then you, like myself, will probably guess the outcome when a certain piece of information comes to light.
The ending suggests that this is likely to become a series. I’m not confident that I would be interested in reading more, however.
March 31, 2025
I almost didn’t finish this book. I enjoyed the story and the characters but felt like it needed to go into the detail of things a little more. I wanted to know more about the history of the two main characters as it was alluded to an awful lot but never really scratched the surface. There were quite clearly two story lines going on at the same time, but one was neglected until the very end and then picked back up what seemed to be quite sporadically and just not really done justice. I just struggled to feel engaged and felt like it needed a little more *something*..
March 12, 2025
I seem to be in the minority with this one, but I really didn’t like it and ended up skimming the last half (it was that or not finishing). I was expecting good things, given that it was about the Detection Club, but found it to be sadly disappointing. All the real people were portrayed as pretty unlikeable and the protagonist was arrogant and intensely irritating. Way too much “purple prose” in the romantic subplot and the main plot was predictable. Very disappointing.
July 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Kelly Oliver, and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy.
3.5 stars. Overall, I enjoyed this book! I love the references to Agatha Christie. That's what initially drew me to this book. I predicted the outcome near the beginning, but I enjoyed watching the characters solve it. However, I didn't particularly care for the characters. Like, I didn't connect with them, and that made it hard to care what happened.
3.5 stars. Overall, I enjoyed this book! I love the references to Agatha Christie. That's what initially drew me to this book. I predicted the outcome near the beginning, but I enjoyed watching the characters solve it. However, I didn't particularly care for the characters. Like, I didn't connect with them, and that made it hard to care what happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Eliza Baker is told to accept an assistant's position at the Detection Club as part of her undercover duties to ferret out which one of it's famous members is leaking military secrets to the enemy. But before she can make much headway, a routine initiation ceremony takes it own deadly turn when one of group is shot dead during the ceremony. Next day, Agatha Christie disappears and suspicion falls on her. With help from her friend, fellow chess player and the newest member of the Detection Club Theo, Eliza takes it upon herself to solve the murder and figure out Agatha's whereabouts.
This was a decent start to a brand new cozy historical mystery series. Eliza and her younger sister both work for the government intelligence department but their backstory is still a bit foggy. It will be interesting to see how the author develops it further alongwith Theo's arc.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books and the author for the digital ARC of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
This was a decent start to a brand new cozy historical mystery series. Eliza and her younger sister both work for the government intelligence department but their backstory is still a bit foggy. It will be interesting to see how the author develops it further alongwith Theo's arc.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books and the author for the digital ARC of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
January 6, 2026
1.5 stars because I’m generous
February 2, 2025
As a longtime fan of Agatha Christie and classic mysteries, I couldn’t resist picking up The Case of the Christie Conspiracy, and I’m so glad I did! Kelly Oliver delivers an engrossing historical whodunit that perfectly blends real-life literary figures with a clever fictional mystery.
The story follows Eliza Baker, a former police employee turned assistant to none other than Dorothy L. Sayers, secretary of the famed Detection Club. Right away, I was hooked by Eliza’s intelligence and determination—she’s the kind of protagonist I love to root for. Alongside her is Theo Sharp, a fellow chess enthusiast whose strategic thinking makes him an excellent investigative partner. Their dynamic was one of my favorite aspects of the book, full of intellectual chemistry and subtle romantic tension that added depth to the mystery.
What I enjoyed most was how Oliver brings 1920s London and the literary elite to life. The glimpses into the Detection Club, featuring legendary mystery writers like Christie and Sayers, made my book-loving heart so happy. The mystery itself is well-plotted, filled with twists, red herrings, and sharp dialogue that kept me guessing. I also appreciated how Oliver wove in themes of female independence and ambition, making Eliza’s journey feel both inspiring and relevant.
This book was an absolute joy to read. If you love historical mysteries with strong female leads, clever plotting, and a touch of literary nostalgia, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a must-read. I’ll definitely be looking for more of Kelly Oliver’s books!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
The story follows Eliza Baker, a former police employee turned assistant to none other than Dorothy L. Sayers, secretary of the famed Detection Club. Right away, I was hooked by Eliza’s intelligence and determination—she’s the kind of protagonist I love to root for. Alongside her is Theo Sharp, a fellow chess enthusiast whose strategic thinking makes him an excellent investigative partner. Their dynamic was one of my favorite aspects of the book, full of intellectual chemistry and subtle romantic tension that added depth to the mystery.
What I enjoyed most was how Oliver brings 1920s London and the literary elite to life. The glimpses into the Detection Club, featuring legendary mystery writers like Christie and Sayers, made my book-loving heart so happy. The mystery itself is well-plotted, filled with twists, red herrings, and sharp dialogue that kept me guessing. I also appreciated how Oliver wove in themes of female independence and ambition, making Eliza’s journey feel both inspiring and relevant.
This book was an absolute joy to read. If you love historical mysteries with strong female leads, clever plotting, and a touch of literary nostalgia, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a must-read. I’ll definitely be looking for more of Kelly Oliver’s books!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
February 6, 2025
I grew up honing my love of mysteries by reading Agatha Christie. I have always been interested in that mysterious period of her life in 1926 when she went missing for a while. Oliver has created an interesting mystery plot around it. I did not know about the Detection Club nor the chess dens popular in London at the time. Oliver has included a number of historical characters in this novel. Dorothy Sayers runs around on a motor cycle and Gilbert (G.K.) Chesterton talks about God. It was fun to see how their fictional characters corresponded to what I knew about them.
This is an entertaining novel involving historical mystery writers actually solving a mystery. They revealed some of their own ideas and rules for mystery and plot development. I enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is an entertaining novel involving historical mystery writers actually solving a mystery. They revealed some of their own ideas and rules for mystery and plot development. I enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 20, 2025
Yay, I actually started a series on the first book and not on the second, or third!
I had absolutely no idea that the Detection Club was actually a real group. Founded in 1930 by a group of British crime writers and is still in existence today.
It's a cosy mystery that was an easily enjoyable and engaging read. Sadly it was over all too soon.
The characters include many of our renowned great authors, with none other than Agatha Christie finding herself on the receiving end of accusation rather than writing it.
A great start to a promising new series, brilliant plot and as we've come to expect from the greats plenty of red herrings and twists to throw us off the scent.
I had absolutely no idea that the Detection Club was actually a real group. Founded in 1930 by a group of British crime writers and is still in existence today.
It's a cosy mystery that was an easily enjoyable and engaging read. Sadly it was over all too soon.
The characters include many of our renowned great authors, with none other than Agatha Christie finding herself on the receiving end of accusation rather than writing it.
A great start to a promising new series, brilliant plot and as we've come to expect from the greats plenty of red herrings and twists to throw us off the scent.
January 22, 2025
An interesting mix of fact, fiction, history, and mystery....with a dash of romance. Don't let the title confuse you. Although Agatha Christie does make an appearance, she's hardly the central character. That spot falls to Eliza Baker, secretary/assistant to mystery author Dorothy Sayers. While the plot centers about happenings at the Sayers' created Detective Club of mystery authors, including Christie. Eliza is there simply as Sayers' secretary. In fact, she's not even a fan of the genre though you'd never know it when she does turn sleuth.Theo Sharpe, an aspiring mystery writer who has an obvious crush on Eliza, becomes her sleuthing partner/competitor. It really does seem at times like they're more in competition than cooperating, to be honest. In addition to their sleuthing skills, both play a mean game of chess although Theo refuses to play Eliza for reasons that slowly emerge.
While I won't detail the plot, it's wicked clever. It even centers about the Detective Club and its members, including Sayers and Christie. In fact, the inevitable murder occurs during the initiation of Theo into the organization. Who killed jokester and mystery writer Neville Lively? Christie? I mean, almost the last word from Neville's mouth was "Agatha". Other clues emerge, many pointing to Agatha, others in other directions. It was interesting and almost surprising to see Eliza switch gears from the seemingly bored assistant to sleuth in the blink of an eye (gunshot?). Seeing how evidence was collected and evaluated in 1926 was also interesting, even if readers may be uncertain as to where she gained her skills at this point. At best we know she once worked for Scotland Yard but quit after her partner was killed, an event she blames herself for. To be honest, if the book blurb itself hadn't stated this was a new series, I'd have been sure I'd missed a first book.
The characters involved, both real and fictional, were an interesting lot. Sayers stands out but it's Theo that drew most of my attention. He's SO besotted with Eliza. While he comes from a titled family with money, he's turned his back on all that to write. Unlike Eliza, who believes life is about living it, not writing about it, he's more feelings based. Eliza tends to be procedural and fact driven while he has great respect for hunches. Eliza's sister Jane remains a bit of an enigma, perhaps because she works for British intelligence, something sure to provide plenty of interesting situations for Eliza to become involved in as the series progresses. As for the other characters, largely mystery writers and their family and/or friends, while not fully fleshed out, they seemed likable enough and were easy to differentiate. The author did manage to work in a reference to Christie having enjoyed surfing in Hawaii, I noted, a fun, humanizing aspect. I've always enjoyed Oliver's ability to weave history into her plot but be sure to read her Author's Note at the end to find out who was real and who wasn't if you're unsure.
While I was a bit put off by the frequency the wannabe romance between Eliza and Theo took center stage, it was interesting to get both points of view at times. It was also a bit disconcerting to see Eliza's sudden, abrupt shift from no real interest in mysteries to being this talented, direct sleuth, even to the point of being almost cruel, when questioning suspects. Had to wonder why they simply answered her questions instead of showing her to the door. Grin. Hopefully that will get better, of course, and there will be less focus on the romance, at least less intensity, although to each their own.
Bottom line, despite my minor quibbles an excellent start to a new series, even if somewhat bewildering at times. The characters and story drew me in and kept my attention. I've always enjoyed author Oliver's ability to somehow weave together a sensible plot that involves real life character in fictional situations, something that definitely attracts this history buff. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early intro and peek into the lives of Eliza, Theo, and the rest, including Eliza's dog Queenie. I'm already looking forward to the next book to see how Oliver continues the idea of the Detective Club and what members may become recurring characters. Sayers, surely, especially as Eliza's employer.
While I won't detail the plot, it's wicked clever. It even centers about the Detective Club and its members, including Sayers and Christie. In fact, the inevitable murder occurs during the initiation of Theo into the organization. Who killed jokester and mystery writer Neville Lively? Christie? I mean, almost the last word from Neville's mouth was "Agatha". Other clues emerge, many pointing to Agatha, others in other directions. It was interesting and almost surprising to see Eliza switch gears from the seemingly bored assistant to sleuth in the blink of an eye (gunshot?). Seeing how evidence was collected and evaluated in 1926 was also interesting, even if readers may be uncertain as to where she gained her skills at this point. At best we know she once worked for Scotland Yard but quit after her partner was killed, an event she blames herself for. To be honest, if the book blurb itself hadn't stated this was a new series, I'd have been sure I'd missed a first book.
The characters involved, both real and fictional, were an interesting lot. Sayers stands out but it's Theo that drew most of my attention. He's SO besotted with Eliza. While he comes from a titled family with money, he's turned his back on all that to write. Unlike Eliza, who believes life is about living it, not writing about it, he's more feelings based. Eliza tends to be procedural and fact driven while he has great respect for hunches. Eliza's sister Jane remains a bit of an enigma, perhaps because she works for British intelligence, something sure to provide plenty of interesting situations for Eliza to become involved in as the series progresses. As for the other characters, largely mystery writers and their family and/or friends, while not fully fleshed out, they seemed likable enough and were easy to differentiate. The author did manage to work in a reference to Christie having enjoyed surfing in Hawaii, I noted, a fun, humanizing aspect. I've always enjoyed Oliver's ability to weave history into her plot but be sure to read her Author's Note at the end to find out who was real and who wasn't if you're unsure.
While I was a bit put off by the frequency the wannabe romance between Eliza and Theo took center stage, it was interesting to get both points of view at times. It was also a bit disconcerting to see Eliza's sudden, abrupt shift from no real interest in mysteries to being this talented, direct sleuth, even to the point of being almost cruel, when questioning suspects. Had to wonder why they simply answered her questions instead of showing her to the door. Grin. Hopefully that will get better, of course, and there will be less focus on the romance, at least less intensity, although to each their own.
Bottom line, despite my minor quibbles an excellent start to a new series, even if somewhat bewildering at times. The characters and story drew me in and kept my attention. I've always enjoyed author Oliver's ability to somehow weave together a sensible plot that involves real life character in fictional situations, something that definitely attracts this history buff. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early intro and peek into the lives of Eliza, Theo, and the rest, including Eliza's dog Queenie. I'm already looking forward to the next book to see how Oliver continues the idea of the Detective Club and what members may become recurring characters. Sayers, surely, especially as Eliza's employer.
February 4, 2025
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy sounded promising, yet was ultimately a disappointing cozy mystery. From the title, I knew the general idea of what it would be about. In real life, in 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared in bizarre circumstances (obviously re-appearing), and I was excited to read a cozy novel around that real life mystery. Instead this was a confusing and anti-climactic whodunnit and Christie's disappearance was mostly a side note.
In 1926 Eliza Baker, a failed police officer or something like that- I think, the book was muddled enough I was confused about what her background was supposed to be- lives with her sister, an M15 agent, and while in urgent need of employment answers an ad from Dorothy Sayers (an actual contemporary of Agatha Christie) who is hiring an assistant for her Detection Club (a real club Sayers was in with Christie and other notable mystery authors of the time). She is hired and at one of her first meetings of the club, a member is murdered and shortly after that Christie disappears.
Here is where the plot goes sideways. I was very confused about whether or not this was in the middle of a series or the beginning (it is in fact the beginning) because the way Eliza's past is explained as well as her relationship to her friend Theo Baker, her sidekick throughout whose perspective we occasionally see, is all written like there are prior books explaining all of this and in this book it's just a recap. In addition to the primary characters being explained poorly, I was having trouble following the relationships of all of the other characters which seemed unnecessarily convoluted.
The plot also contains very little action and is mostly just Eliza and Theo travelling to different homes to speak to suspects. One of their trips serves the purpose of exploring whether or not Eliza and Theo have more to their relationship than just friends, however it is written in a way that comes across very forced.
Christie's disappearance, what I thought the mystery would focus on, or at least play a larger role, is essentially just a minor plot point that is treated like no big deal which is extremely confusing.
I rated this book three stars because it wasn't so confusing or muddled that I didn't want to know what happened. It has a solid idea for a plot and themes, I just felt that it could have more action, a clearer idea of who some of these people even were, and a more interesting way of explaining and resolving Christie's disappearance.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion
In 1926 Eliza Baker, a failed police officer or something like that- I think, the book was muddled enough I was confused about what her background was supposed to be- lives with her sister, an M15 agent, and while in urgent need of employment answers an ad from Dorothy Sayers (an actual contemporary of Agatha Christie) who is hiring an assistant for her Detection Club (a real club Sayers was in with Christie and other notable mystery authors of the time). She is hired and at one of her first meetings of the club, a member is murdered and shortly after that Christie disappears.
Here is where the plot goes sideways. I was very confused about whether or not this was in the middle of a series or the beginning (it is in fact the beginning) because the way Eliza's past is explained as well as her relationship to her friend Theo Baker, her sidekick throughout whose perspective we occasionally see, is all written like there are prior books explaining all of this and in this book it's just a recap. In addition to the primary characters being explained poorly, I was having trouble following the relationships of all of the other characters which seemed unnecessarily convoluted.
The plot also contains very little action and is mostly just Eliza and Theo travelling to different homes to speak to suspects. One of their trips serves the purpose of exploring whether or not Eliza and Theo have more to their relationship than just friends, however it is written in a way that comes across very forced.
Christie's disappearance, what I thought the mystery would focus on, or at least play a larger role, is essentially just a minor plot point that is treated like no big deal which is extremely confusing.
I rated this book three stars because it wasn't so confusing or muddled that I didn't want to know what happened. It has a solid idea for a plot and themes, I just felt that it could have more action, a clearer idea of who some of these people even were, and a more interesting way of explaining and resolving Christie's disappearance.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion
February 16, 2025
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This story is a 1920s murder mystery, but Agatha Christie is one of the suspects, rather than the author, along with other well-known names like Dorothy L. Sayers and G. K. Chesterton.
The main characters are Eliza – master chess player, reluctant new secretary to the Detection Club and part-time undercover spy – and Theo – also a superb chess player, secret heir to aristocracy, would-be author and secretly in love with Eliza. So they both have plenty to uncover and investigate before a single death occurs!
Within the fictional murder mystery plot, the author cleverly weaves in events (as well as people) from real life, with the Detection Club bickering over the ‘fairness’ of Agatha Christie’s famous novel The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (one of my favourites and not at all ‘cheating’! This story does give away the plot of that one, but if you’re a Christie fan then you will have definitely already read it), and Agatha Christie disappearing for days only to turn up in a spa, just as she did in 1926 in reality (and this book doesn’t offer an answer to that real-life unsolved mystery).
I really liked Eliza’s drive and her no-nonsense, brusque attitude, which contrasted well with Theo’s affability and imagination, and their chemistry together was really sweet. I did actually solve the main mystery before the reveal this time, but the story set up plenty of other puzzles too, from whether the lovebirds would ever declare their feelings to why Dorothy Sayers had to rush off in a hurry. And there is an espionage sub-plot which is introduced sporadically throughout the story but not developed further until a teaser at the end, so the story clearly sets up some intriguing plot threads to lead the reader into sequels.
In fact, the only real issue I had with this book was Eliza’s dismissive attitude towards mystery fiction, which – as a massive fan – thoroughly irritated me! Perhaps Theo can open her mind towards it, via “Emily and Leo”?
Minor difference of opinion with the main character aside (!), this was a really fun murder mystery and I love that the setting involves books and writers (including two of my personal favourite crime queens), so I would definitely read more from the Detection Club and Kelly Oliver in future.
This story is a 1920s murder mystery, but Agatha Christie is one of the suspects, rather than the author, along with other well-known names like Dorothy L. Sayers and G. K. Chesterton.
The main characters are Eliza – master chess player, reluctant new secretary to the Detection Club and part-time undercover spy – and Theo – also a superb chess player, secret heir to aristocracy, would-be author and secretly in love with Eliza. So they both have plenty to uncover and investigate before a single death occurs!
Within the fictional murder mystery plot, the author cleverly weaves in events (as well as people) from real life, with the Detection Club bickering over the ‘fairness’ of Agatha Christie’s famous novel The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (one of my favourites and not at all ‘cheating’! This story does give away the plot of that one, but if you’re a Christie fan then you will have definitely already read it), and Agatha Christie disappearing for days only to turn up in a spa, just as she did in 1926 in reality (and this book doesn’t offer an answer to that real-life unsolved mystery).
I really liked Eliza’s drive and her no-nonsense, brusque attitude, which contrasted well with Theo’s affability and imagination, and their chemistry together was really sweet. I did actually solve the main mystery before the reveal this time, but the story set up plenty of other puzzles too, from whether the lovebirds would ever declare their feelings to why Dorothy Sayers had to rush off in a hurry. And there is an espionage sub-plot which is introduced sporadically throughout the story but not developed further until a teaser at the end, so the story clearly sets up some intriguing plot threads to lead the reader into sequels.
In fact, the only real issue I had with this book was Eliza’s dismissive attitude towards mystery fiction, which – as a massive fan – thoroughly irritated me! Perhaps Theo can open her mind towards it, via “Emily and Leo”?
Minor difference of opinion with the main character aside (!), this was a really fun murder mystery and I love that the setting involves books and writers (including two of my personal favourite crime queens), so I would definitely read more from the Detection Club and Kelly Oliver in future.
May 23, 2025
I wasn't too sure about this at the beginning, but it perked up. Eliza has a hazy background. Parents died when she was young and sort of brought herself up. Thus, doesn't really trust people. Except, possibly for sister Jane, and of course their beagle, Queenie. Eliza had, at one time, been with Scotland Yard but left under a cloud, after her partner was killed. Jane has a job with MI5 (or some other such secret organization) and arranges a job interview for Eliza with founder of the Detection Club, Dorothy L. Sayers. Jane (or perhaps her boss) wants to use Eliza (and her detecting skills) to find out if someone in the Club is leaking information. She is focused on Christie.
Eliza isn't much of a mystery reader. She read the new Christie book, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and threw it in the trash. (My reaction of first reading was to throw it across the room. I was in my compartment on the train so it was a small room.) She's not much impressed by Sayers and gets the job.
Eliza has been paying the rent by playing chess at a club called Gambit. She and Theo Sharp seem to be the primary winners at the Gambit. And they're not playing each other. Eliza keeps asking to play him but he won't. Theo also has a shady past. But from the other side of the tracks from Eliza. He is a would-be mystery writer, with apparently one book under his belt. His father, a lord, does not approve of Theo's way of life.
Theo is about to be inducted into the Detection Club and this is the affair that Dorothy needs help with. Eliza is tasked with obtaining the necessary props, including a skull. During the induction ceremony a prank playing author is killed. Eliza takes it upon herself, in competition with Theo, to resolve the murder. And it is a merry chase.
The author has done her research. Lots of personal details are thrown into the story regarding Sayers, Christie, Chesterton, Berkeley, etc. This includes Christie's disappearance on the day after the crime. Suspicion is thrown upon her, hence the title.
It was a fun story. I believe there are two books in this series, so far. I'll read the next one.
Eliza isn't much of a mystery reader. She read the new Christie book, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and threw it in the trash. (My reaction of first reading was to throw it across the room. I was in my compartment on the train so it was a small room.) She's not much impressed by Sayers and gets the job.
Eliza has been paying the rent by playing chess at a club called Gambit. She and Theo Sharp seem to be the primary winners at the Gambit. And they're not playing each other. Eliza keeps asking to play him but he won't. Theo also has a shady past. But from the other side of the tracks from Eliza. He is a would-be mystery writer, with apparently one book under his belt. His father, a lord, does not approve of Theo's way of life.
Theo is about to be inducted into the Detection Club and this is the affair that Dorothy needs help with. Eliza is tasked with obtaining the necessary props, including a skull. During the induction ceremony a prank playing author is killed. Eliza takes it upon herself, in competition with Theo, to resolve the murder. And it is a merry chase.
The author has done her research. Lots of personal details are thrown into the story regarding Sayers, Christie, Chesterton, Berkeley, etc. This includes Christie's disappearance on the day after the crime. Suspicion is thrown upon her, hence the title.
It was a fun story. I believe there are two books in this series, so far. I'll read the next one.
February 26, 2025
THE CASE OF THE CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY by Kelly Oliver
The First Detection Club Mystery
Tragedy has left Eliza Baker listless and unmotivated, living and being supported by her younger sister, Jane. Forced to find a job, Eliza has an interview for the position of secretary to the secretary of The Detection Club. While Eliza thinks these crime writers are a bunch of silly people, her sister believes someone in the group is selling state secrets and wants Eliza to find out who the traitor is. All Eliza finds are a dictatorial boss in the person of Dorothy Sayers and a bunch of squabbling writers playing games. But on the night of her friend Theo's initiation to the club another member winds up dead. The next day Agatha Christie goes missing. A sign of guilt as the victim was trying to expel her from the club? Eliza is determined to not only solve the murder, but find the missing author.
I love historical mysteries and one in which Agatha Christie as a murder suspect? Yes, please. Being somewhat familiar with the Detection Club and its rituals, I was delighted seeing it and them in action...and enjoyed watching Eliza having to gather some of the rather unusual props. Eliza is a unique protagonist. She's smart with a scientific and logical mind. She finds the authors childish and their books just as bad. I like the relationship between her and Theo Sharp which could be likened to a chess match, except each player thinks they're playing a different game!
While I found activities surrounding the Detection Club and its members pretty much spot on one comment did throw me. A character was described looking just like Santa Claus. But this is England, he should be described as looking like Father Christmas! Still, I enjoyed being in England in the 1920s and am looking forward to watching Eliza evolve.
THE CASE OF THE CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY brings together some favorite authors from the golden age of detective fiction along with some memorable new characters in a devilishly clever mystery.
The First Detection Club Mystery
Tragedy has left Eliza Baker listless and unmotivated, living and being supported by her younger sister, Jane. Forced to find a job, Eliza has an interview for the position of secretary to the secretary of The Detection Club. While Eliza thinks these crime writers are a bunch of silly people, her sister believes someone in the group is selling state secrets and wants Eliza to find out who the traitor is. All Eliza finds are a dictatorial boss in the person of Dorothy Sayers and a bunch of squabbling writers playing games. But on the night of her friend Theo's initiation to the club another member winds up dead. The next day Agatha Christie goes missing. A sign of guilt as the victim was trying to expel her from the club? Eliza is determined to not only solve the murder, but find the missing author.
I love historical mysteries and one in which Agatha Christie as a murder suspect? Yes, please. Being somewhat familiar with the Detection Club and its rituals, I was delighted seeing it and them in action...and enjoyed watching Eliza having to gather some of the rather unusual props. Eliza is a unique protagonist. She's smart with a scientific and logical mind. She finds the authors childish and their books just as bad. I like the relationship between her and Theo Sharp which could be likened to a chess match, except each player thinks they're playing a different game!
While I found activities surrounding the Detection Club and its members pretty much spot on one comment did throw me. A character was described looking just like Santa Claus. But this is England, he should be described as looking like Father Christmas! Still, I enjoyed being in England in the 1920s and am looking forward to watching Eliza evolve.
THE CASE OF THE CHRISTIE CONSPIRACY brings together some favorite authors from the golden age of detective fiction along with some memorable new characters in a devilishly clever mystery.
February 12, 2025
I've read several other novels by Kelly Oliver - in her "Fiona Figg" series.
This book - the first in a new series - is a cosy murder (sounds incongruous I know!) novel. set in London in the 1920s.
The main character - Eliza Baker - is a determined young lady and aspiring writer, trying to make her way in London. Her sister (who works for the secret services) helps her to get a job - which turns out to be assisting the real-life author Dorothy L Sayers with the recently established "Detection Club". As Eliza has previously worked with Scotland Yard, she has valuable skills to offer, and together with her friend Theo (a mysterious chess ace), sets to work investigating a murder - and the disappearance of none other than Agatha Christie.
I enjoyed this novel. The premise was interesting - though the timelines have been tweaked to fit the plot (the Detection Club wasn't formed until later). I liked the way that real-life characters appear throughout the story - a feature of other novels by Kelly Oliver. The inclusion of the chess club was also interesting - and given the popularity of the "Queen's Gambit" tv series I was familiar with some of the terminology.
My only small complaint is that the language used is not entirely correct - featuring many Americanisms, and phrases that would not have been used in 1920s Britain - so a good editor needs to winkle those out in future if aiming at the UK market.
Recommended for fans of "cosy mystery" novels.
This would be an ideal novel to take on a journey or on holiday. I'm looking forward to reading about further adventures of Eliza and Theo.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This book - the first in a new series - is a cosy murder (sounds incongruous I know!) novel. set in London in the 1920s.
The main character - Eliza Baker - is a determined young lady and aspiring writer, trying to make her way in London. Her sister (who works for the secret services) helps her to get a job - which turns out to be assisting the real-life author Dorothy L Sayers with the recently established "Detection Club". As Eliza has previously worked with Scotland Yard, she has valuable skills to offer, and together with her friend Theo (a mysterious chess ace), sets to work investigating a murder - and the disappearance of none other than Agatha Christie.
I enjoyed this novel. The premise was interesting - though the timelines have been tweaked to fit the plot (the Detection Club wasn't formed until later). I liked the way that real-life characters appear throughout the story - a feature of other novels by Kelly Oliver. The inclusion of the chess club was also interesting - and given the popularity of the "Queen's Gambit" tv series I was familiar with some of the terminology.
My only small complaint is that the language used is not entirely correct - featuring many Americanisms, and phrases that would not have been used in 1920s Britain - so a good editor needs to winkle those out in future if aiming at the UK market.
Recommended for fans of "cosy mystery" novels.
This would be an ideal novel to take on a journey or on holiday. I'm looking forward to reading about further adventures of Eliza and Theo.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Read
March 10, 2025The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a fantastic new historical mystery by Kelly Oliver.
It’s 1926 and Agatha Christie is the toast of the literary world. Feted by critics and adored by readers, her name is on everyone’s lips, but nothing gives the author greater pleasure than meeting up with her fellow mystery writers at the Detection Club where they share ideas, agonise over plot twists and drink copiously. However, things soon take a sinister turn when an author’s initiation veers towards the gruesome and one of the members of the group is found dead!
Agatha’s gone from writing about crime to being a player in a mystery plot straight from one of her novels. When she disappears a day after the murder, the finger of suspicion begins to point firmly in her direction, however, Eliza Baker, secretary of mystery virtuoso Dorothy Sayers, is convinced that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Can she find out whodunnit before it’s too late? Or will this case end up baffling even someone as enigmatic and intelligent as Eliza?
Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers are two of my favourite crime writers so I absolutely devoured Kelly Oliver’s engaging and immensely enjoyable mystery. A must-read for fans of the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a nail-biting tale of dangerous motives, twisted lies and deadly deceptions from Kelly Oliver every single member of the Detection Club would have been proud to put their name to.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s 1926 and Agatha Christie is the toast of the literary world. Feted by critics and adored by readers, her name is on everyone’s lips, but nothing gives the author greater pleasure than meeting up with her fellow mystery writers at the Detection Club where they share ideas, agonise over plot twists and drink copiously. However, things soon take a sinister turn when an author’s initiation veers towards the gruesome and one of the members of the group is found dead!
Agatha’s gone from writing about crime to being a player in a mystery plot straight from one of her novels. When she disappears a day after the murder, the finger of suspicion begins to point firmly in her direction, however, Eliza Baker, secretary of mystery virtuoso Dorothy Sayers, is convinced that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Can she find out whodunnit before it’s too late? Or will this case end up baffling even someone as enigmatic and intelligent as Eliza?
Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers are two of my favourite crime writers so I absolutely devoured Kelly Oliver’s engaging and immensely enjoyable mystery. A must-read for fans of the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is a nail-biting tale of dangerous motives, twisted lies and deadly deceptions from Kelly Oliver every single member of the Detection Club would have been proud to put their name to.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 26, 2025
Eliza Baker takes on the role of secretary for the Detection Club whih includes illustrious detective novelists such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers. But at one meeting an author is shot dead: one of the Club must be responsible and Agatha goes missing...
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is the first book in a new series set in London in the 1920s.
Eliza becomes employed to be the secretary of the Detection Club. She takes the job at the request of her sister to help her get over events of the recent past, earn some money but also spy on the novelists who may be passing on state secrets. It took me a little while to settle into the book as Eliza has some issues from the past whch are not initially explained but have obviously had a big impact on her emotionally.
Added into the mix is Theo, an aspiring writer who is desperately in love with Eliza but she has no idea. The murder throws the pair together as they vie to find out the truth. I enjoyed the gently simmering romantic tension between the two and look forward to seeing how this develops in later books.
The chess motif weaves through the book as both Eliza and Theo are keen players. The Club discusses elements of detective fiction which is fun to then apply to this book itself. I liked the mix of real and fictional characters and the way that the book explains Agatha's real disappearance. (Additional note: there are major spoilers about Agatha's book The Murder of Roger Ackroyd as it is critiqued by the other authors.)
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is an entertaining start to a new series and I look forward to following the escapades of Eliza and Theo.
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is the first book in a new series set in London in the 1920s.
Eliza becomes employed to be the secretary of the Detection Club. She takes the job at the request of her sister to help her get over events of the recent past, earn some money but also spy on the novelists who may be passing on state secrets. It took me a little while to settle into the book as Eliza has some issues from the past whch are not initially explained but have obviously had a big impact on her emotionally.
Added into the mix is Theo, an aspiring writer who is desperately in love with Eliza but she has no idea. The murder throws the pair together as they vie to find out the truth. I enjoyed the gently simmering romantic tension between the two and look forward to seeing how this develops in later books.
The chess motif weaves through the book as both Eliza and Theo are keen players. The Club discusses elements of detective fiction which is fun to then apply to this book itself. I liked the mix of real and fictional characters and the way that the book explains Agatha's real disappearance. (Additional note: there are major spoilers about Agatha's book The Murder of Roger Ackroyd as it is critiqued by the other authors.)
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy is an entertaining start to a new series and I look forward to following the escapades of Eliza and Theo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews