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Ginger Gold Mystery #1-3

Ginger Gold Mystery Bundle

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MURDER ON THE SS ROSA

It's 1923 and young war widow fashionista Ginger Gold makes a cross-Atlantic journey with her companion Haley Higgins to London England to settle her father's estate. When the ship's captain is found dead, Ginger is only too happy to lend her assistance to the handsome Chief Inspector Basil Reed.

The SS Rosa delivers a convincing array of suspects - the wife, the mistress, a jealous crew mate. To Ginger's dismay, her name has been added to the list! With a little help from Ginger's dog Boss, Ginger and Haley navigate the clues (those wartime operative skills come in handy.) They must solve the case and clear Ginger's name before they dock--and oh, whatever shall she wear!

MURDER AT HARTIGAN HOUSE

There's a skeleton in the attic!

After a weeklong passage over the Atlantic from Boston to Liverpool, Ginger Gold arrives at her childhood London home--Hartigan House--to find decade-old remains from some poor woman on the floor in the attic. Ginger's Boston terrier, Boss, noses out a missing phalange from under the bed.

It's a mystery that once again puts Ginger alongside the handsome Chief Inspector Basil Reed. Who is the victim? And how did she end up in Ginger's home?

Clues lead Ginger and her good friend Haley Higgins to a soirée hosted in 1913 by Ginger's late father, George Hartigan. A shadow of suspicion is cast on her father's legacy, and Ginger isn't so sure she wants to know the truth about the man she dearly loved.

Ginger decides to host another soirée, inviting the guest list from ten years previous. Before the night is over, another person is dead.

MURDER AT BRAY MANOR

A poltergeist guilty of murder?

Ginger Gold receives a letter from her sister-in-law, Felicia, requesting Ginger come straightaway to her late husband's family home, Bray Manor. Dowager Lady Gold, Ginger's nervous grandmother through marriage, believes the old manor is haunted.

Ginger doesn't believe in ghosts, but is haunted nevertheless by memories of her husband and the lure of his gravesite she just can't bring herself to visit.

In order to keep Bray Manor afloat financially, Felicia and Ambrosia have opened the estate to the public for club meetings and special events. Knitters, stamp collectors and gardeners converge weekly--targets for the poltergeist that seems to find amusement in hiding small things from their owners.

Bray Manor hosts a dance to raise money for maimed soldiers who struggle with peacetime after the Great War. Felicia invites her flapper friends and her new beau, Captain Smithwick, a man Ginger has met before and definitely doesn't like.

When the dance ends with the discovery of a body, Ambrosia is certain the poltergeist is to blame, but Ginger is quite sure the murderer is made of flesh and blood.

617 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2017

1285 people are currently reading
451 people want to read

About the author

Lee Strauss

129 books2,342 followers
For fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.

NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold

For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com

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5 stars
416 (55%)
4 stars
228 (30%)
3 stars
84 (11%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Voirrey.
782 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2018
These are definitely light entertainment.

And they did make me smile - often not intentionally... I can accept that the heroine, having spent her formative years in the USA, might think of a gentleman wearing a 'tuxedo', or having her stockings held in place by four fastenings per leg on her 'garter', despite the English spelling suggesting that English words would be likely.

But such things as the idea that the open-topped buses in London in 1923 were for tourists (all double decker buses until the end of WW1 had open top decks), or that ex-servicemen would be referred to as 'Veterans', just made me shake my head and accept that the writer is an American and so is bound to get things about Britain wrong - and these ARE works of fiction after all :)
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
May 13, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/13/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Darien.
671 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2018
I like a nice period cozy mystery but this isn't it. Some details of the settings were good, but the character interactions are wooden. The author knows what will make a good character and story, but for me it is just not put together well on the page. There is a lot of giggling and smirking (author's words!) going on, especially in the first novella of this trilogy. The protagonists mysterious, dynamic spying past is hinted at, but we see no real evidence in the person before us. Time to go back and re-read the Phryne Fisher series, where the period and lead characters are depicted with verve and style.....
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2017
Review per book:

1. Loved it!

The story is set in the 1920s, but the writing style is luckily modern (it fits in that time but does not feel old-fashioned, stuffy or boring). It’s fresh and young.

Ginger is clever and she knows how to get her own way. But her heart is in the right place.
I liked the interaction between Ginger and Inspector Reed.

For a prequel novella, it’s pretty elaborate. I loved it! The case gets enough attention.

It is actually really nice that it takes place in the 1920s. The whole atmosphere of this book exudes 1920s and I loved that!

I am actually a bit offended by the need of this author to compare herself to so many other authors, although I do understand. A sort of expectation gets created, but I think that’s not necessary. She has her own style which is unique and fun: a combination of the 1920s, a very confident young (30 is young, right?) woman, fashion (Ginger is a fashionista), murder solving, the difference between American and British. I like it and I hope that there are many more books to come in this series! So, I think there is no need to state: in the spirit of Agatha Christie.

2. She knocked it out of the park again!

It’s a good book, well written and enjoyable. The author makes you feel like you’re there, in the 1920s. Ginger is a lady, but she is by no means stuffy. She is kind and fun to be around. She’s got balls, wit and brains. She has lived in Boston for many years, but hasn’t forgotten her British upbringing. You can’t help but love her. An entertaining book (beautiful cover!) with lots of suspense at the end! Another home run!

3. Another home run!

I just LOVE Ginger, she’s so much fun. Her own dress shop, how fitting is that! Totally love it! But, she gets a letter from her late husband’s sister that she has to go Bray Manor. His grandmother is sure there is a poltergeist. Being at Bray Manor brings back a lot of memories of her late husband.

Of course she is accompanied by her good friend Haley. And, of course a murder happens… so: enter Inspector Reed!

The book is unputdownable! Once again you feel as if you’re there, in the 1920’s. Another home run!

I received a complimentary copy of these books and voluntarily posted an honest review.
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,336 reviews17 followers
November 2, 2019
The first three Ginger Gold Mysteries, and I loved every single one of them. The first one introduces the reader to widowed Lady Ginger Gold, her friend Haley, and Chief Inspector Basil Reed from Scotland Yard, while they solve the murder on the boat bringing them to England.
Book 2 finds Ginger trying to solve the mystery of a skeleton found at Hartigan House, her late father's home, and to clear her father's name - again with the help of her friend Haley, and the intriguing Basil Reed.
Book 3 gets her to her grandmother-in-law's house, where the trio is trying to find out who play poltergeist, and is suddenly confronted with murder, and Ginger's sister-in-law one of the suspects.
Murder mysteries in the roaring 1920ies, solved by an unlikely member of the high society, her American friend, and a Scotland Yard Chief Inspector - very well written, with a lot of humour and witty dialogues, good plots, in short, storytelling at its best.
I am addicted!
Profile Image for Holly.
431 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2021
Love this series!

The Ginger Gold series has everything I like about a good cozy mystery: likeable characters, a good story, good writing, good editing, and for me the bonus is being set in England in the early 20th century. This 3 book set is a wonderful introduction to Ginger, her friend Haley, her dog Boss, and her detective acquaintance Basil. I have read most of the series but read them out of order, which you can do since each story is complete with no cliffhangers. However, I recommend reading them in order, and this set gets you off to a good start. That way you get the backstory on the characters and can follow the characters ' development. Brava to Lee Strauss for an entertaining series!
Profile Image for Kelly Young.
Author 40 books54 followers
September 18, 2017
Murder on the SS Rosa: Well written with compelling characters, this non stop mystery has all the twists and turns you would like. The setting is unique among all of the mysteries all of there and the time in which it is set gives it a certain charm.

Murder at Hartigan House: This is a wonderful series set in a fascinating time in history. It is well written and fast paced, sweeping you along with the characters, who have depth and relatability.

Murder at Bray Manor: Well written and compelling, this is a great continuation of the series. The insights to another era give the books a unique perspective and background.
You can't go wrong with this series.
Profile Image for Deirdre E Siegel.
808 reviews
August 6, 2022
These are a 'no pondering' stories with interest, and fit very nicely between TE Kinsey's Lady H & Flo, and Alyssa Maxwell's Emmaline on my Audible library shelf.
The main cast are well educated, mannered and raised 30+ war - RAF, Intelligence and Medical veterans, some with family money, name and standing and some not, living in post World War I London.
The murders are refreshingly novel, related in UK English, there is so far ...no gratuitous drug use, sex or violence.
There are however meals, alcohol and family all the best requirements for Scotland Yard's intervention.
Nicely humourous with titters, tsks and tuttings, thank you Lee Strauss, much appreciated :-)
1,423 reviews9 followers
June 1, 2018
Should be a 3.5. I have little interest in high fashion, but enjoyed reading about the exploits of Ginger Gold, her family and good friend Haley. There is a boat voyage from Boston to Southampton, and a death on board. There are 2 different mysterious mutders at 2 other family owned estates and problems of aclimating to Britain after years in the states, dealing with still feeling the loss of her late husband, and a new possible love interest in an inspector at Scotland Yard. The 3 murders are solved and the plot, characters and settings make very enjoyable reading.
42 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2020
The first three books of a stylish historical mystery series set in 1923 about a woman who was brought up in England, moved to Boston and moved back to England with her husband, Lord Gold. Sadly, when the action opens, Lord Gold has been killed in World War I, Ginger, our protagonist, has just lost her father, so she is sailing from Boston to England to settle her father’s estate. She meets a handsome fellow who plays an important role in the murder mystery part of the series. Personally, I love the descriptions of Ginger’s 20s flapper fashions. An excellent series.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
June 8, 2023
Audible review

So wonderful
I did not know what to expect with this new series and author to me. I can honestly say I am overjoyed to have found it!

Ginger may appear as a fashionista but she has a lot of feelings and has a past not really revealed all the way from the war

Basil is an enigma also with a lot to be revealed but I adore how he does not put Ginger off when she decides to get in the middle of an investigation.

The third book left me with a tear. Now on to more. Narration perfect!
99 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2018
Delightful

I love the 1920s era. I love mysteries. The Ginger Gold Books unite them delightfully. I particularly like the American-British angle, it adds something extra to the mix. If Lee Strauss doesn't have a British connection, she has done good research, because it rings true. I am also reading Ginger's diary in her newsletter. I plan to read more and hope more will be coming.
Profile Image for Kelli.
18 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2019
Enjoyable characters, solid mysteries

The characters are well fleshed-out and have distinct personalities, and there aren't any surprising out-of-character moves. The plotting is fast paced without giving whiplash. The mysteries themselves are tightly written and have no glaring plot holes, at least no obvious ones.

Quite fun, I look forward to reading the next set.

These are quick reads - I read the whole thing on the plane ride home, which was a long flight, but still.
Profile Image for Avigail.
1,212 reviews58 followers
October 17, 2020
Ginger Gold Mysteries is an e-book set that I downloaded for free when I got a mail, and I was in a cozy mystery kick. This e-book set has the prequel and the two first of the series. The books are:
Murder on the SS Rosa -3.5 -stars.
Murder at Hartigan House - 3.5-stars.
Murder at Bray Manor - 4 - stars. The total for the e-book set is 3.5-stars.
The e-book set dis it's the job of eמtairtement as a cozy mystery. Even though the sleuth, Ginger Gold and her friend, Haley Higgins, work hand in hand with a hunky Scotland Yard chief inspector. Basil. Boss, Ginger's dog, is so cute.
The problem I had with the stories was the pacing. I sometimes felt it dragged without reason.
It is my first cozy mystery series that takes place after WWI. I might continue with the series, but for now, I am reading different genres.
Profile Image for Justine Peroni.
211 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2021
Another delightful trip back to the 1920s!

I do so love these novels and being taken back to the 1920s. Ginger is quite a gal, as they would say! In this instalment Ginger has to deal with a poltergeist and a murder. Aided with the help of Hayley her friend and Basil from Scotland Yard, it makes for a delightful read! Loving the chemistry between Ginger and Basil and how it will progress! Enjoy.
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
February 9, 2021
Wonderful Mysteries in the Age of Flappers

But Lady Gold is an aristocrat, and acts very much the lady. I love reading about her dresses and hats. And her devotion to her deceased husband, who died in the war. But I suspect Lady Gold is fighting an attraction to an inspector of Scotland Yard, also a war veteran. The mysteries are good. Not overly complex, but not obvious who done it either. The joy is in the setting and the journey.
441 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2021
Love it!

After having read several of the Ginger Gold mysteries, I can honestly say that there’s nothing I don’t enjoy about them. The characters are so easy to like, well maybe not Ambrosia so much. But they are quite realistic. Much of the 1920’s lifestyle in England is well described. As an avid mystery fan, I’m always amazed at the identity of the perpetrator. All in all, you can’t go wrong with Lee Strauss books.
881 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2022
Incredible read. Lee has a great way of describing the clothing worn during the 1920's. The characters are very interesting and funny at times. Lady Gold seems to find dead bodies wherever she goes and teams up with Basil Reed of Scotland Yard to find the killers. Will they become a couple in the next books. Need to find out so I will be reading book 4 to find out. Recommend these books to anyone who likes mystery and intrigue. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Katie Thompson.
361 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2018
Clever Mysteries

Lee Strauss is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Her cozy mysteries are intriguing, fresh, and quite clever. Lady Ginger Gold is a marvelously well written character. She is sure, strong, and smart, and yet a self aware fashionista. Haley, her dear friend, is smart and clever, working her way to becoming a doctor. The stories are fantastic.
113 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2018
Very pleasant set of mysteries

I like Lee Strauss as a writer. I have read her other books and genuinely liked them. The Ginger Gold series are a bit similar to Miss Fisher series, but Ginger is actually a more realistic, likable and relatable heroine. And I really like all the small things about post World War I world. And fashions, of course!
Profile Image for Jeanne  Brewer.
272 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2019
A 1920s fashionista with a guarded past and a talent for crime-solving

Ginger Gold is a classy product of both London and Boston and still uncertain where her home really is. Add a friend from the U.S., her extended family and a hunky Scotland Yard chief inspector and watch the crimes get solved, sometimes with help from Boss, her Boston terrier. Recommended
Profile Image for Brian Davis.
939 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2018
☺☺☺☺

Ginger, Haley, Basil and Boss make up a delightful cast of characters in these mysteries, set against the backdrop of society England following WW1. Fingers sense of fashion is almost as important as gathering clues. Light low key reading that will hold your interest.
123 reviews
March 23, 2018
Tremendous read!

This was an incredible read. The characters were full of life, and very likeable. The plot was engaging, and kept me guessing until the end. I read this straight through, only stopping when life made me. Highly recommended!
8 reviews
May 14, 2019
A great series

I enjoyed reading the first 3 books of this series. Looking forward to reading more. The changing class system after the Great War and moving into modern times makes for interesting reading.
248 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2019
The books are also a romance

The characters are interesting and fun. There is the beginning of a love story in the first 3 books. I plan on reading the whole series because the author has hooked me with the unique murders and the developing love story.
Author 2 books
May 21, 2019
These books are always a good read

I enjoyed all three stories. I like that I can take a peek what it was like after the war in England. Since Im a yank, it is nice to read about other cultures.
243 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2019
Stories hold up

I had read the first story in this trio and enjoyed it. Lady Gold arriving in England to a dead body and later traveling to her late husband’s estate to investigate a poltergeist held up as well. A good taste of post war times from the view of young women.
199 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2019
1920's Mysteries

Ginger, (Georgia) Lady Gold, war window, seems to have a knack for finding bodies, and in the process joins a handsome, Scotland Yard detective in solving the crimes. I look forward to more of these.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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