Adelphi: A Historical Mystery

by Carol Maginn

Where better to work than the famous Adelphi Hotel?

Alistair Monroe is keen to make his way in Nineteenth Century Liverpool. The Adelphi is a landmark known for its grandeur, drawing many visitors, including Clemency Martin, an American psychic.

She too needs to make her way. But Alistair discovers that power and darkness lie at the heart of the hotel, and he must finally take risks to bring the truth to light. Step into the atmospheric world of the Adelphi…

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

Reviews

[Margo Laurie]

Something was wrong. Creaking became audible. The whole of the chandelier, including the gas pipe, was beginning to detach from the beams...

A cozy crime novel which flows along in entertaining style. I loved the setting of the luxurious Adelphi Hotel in 19th-century Liverpool, and affable amateur sleuth Alistair (a hotel clerk). I think this would appeal to fans of Downton Abbey, L.B. Hathaway and Colette Clark. It's not clear whether it's the start of a series, but I hope it will be.

[Pauline Morris]

A most enjoyable read. My kind of book; a delicious blend of historical fact balanced with a fanciful supernatural aspect bound up with a sound cloak and dagger mystery.

I felt I had entered the Adelphi hotel of yesteryear and particularly enjoyed the juxtaposition of the social classes; the opulent consumption and power of those with money, witnessed by the all-seeing eyes of the excellently drawn character of the protagonist, who treads a fine line between the upper, middle and working classes.

As an aside my husband who prefers cryptic crosswords to reading any book, finished the read in one go before me! So it's a great page turner that has you guessing right to the very end.

Beautifully written. Highly recommended.

[Peter Frost]

I really enjoyed this historical mystery centred around the famous Adelphi Hotel. It's got great historical references along with believable characters and a gentle mystery that makes for an entertaining read. I've got a bookshop and have recommended this to many customers who have enjoyed it as much as I did.

[Jenny Smith]

It took me a short while to get into this book, only as I haven’t read any historical fiction for a while! Having been to the Adelphi a few times in recent years, I really wanted to imagine it as it was in its heyday! The characters were very believable and full of depth. I really enjoyed it.

[Amber Raynes]

Simplicity of a story at its best. I loved Alistair and Clemency's building romance and the ending (no spoilers!) makes me want them to lead happy future lives together. Very mysterious and the characters really are very diverse in the way they interact.

[CharlieJLZ]

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