What do you think?
Rate this book
High Society Lady Detective #5
Omicidio a Mayfair: Giallo ambientato negli Anni Venti (Una Detective nell’Alta Società Vol. 5)
Cacce al tesoro a mezzanotte, feste eleganti e un omicidio di sangue blu . . .
Novembre 1923. Olive viene invitata a Londra da Gigi, una vecchia compagna di scuola, la cui nonna un po’ stramba teme per la sua vita – o almeno così sostiene la sua amica. Tuttavia, Olive scopre con sorpresa che l’anziana duchessa vedova è tutt’altro che svampita. L’acuta e imperiosa matriarca rifiuta di ammettere le sue preoccupazioni e chiede a Olive di andarsene.
Senza un cliente o un caso, Olive è trascinata nello stile di vita sfarzoso del jet set londinese e nei suoi eccessi decadenti. Ma poi, tra un cocktail e un bicchiere di champagne, viene commesso uno spietato omicidio e Olive capisce che i timori della duchessa erano fondati.
Riuscirà Olive a smascherare il colpevole prima che la festa sia finita per uno dei Bright Young People?
Omicidio a Mayfair è il quinto capitolo della popolare serie Una Detective nell’Alta Società della scrittrice Sara Rosett, autrice bestseller di USA Today. Unisciti a Olive e a Jasper, il suo affascinante partner, che si devono barcamenare tra le feste sfarzose dei giovani aristocratici e la loro relazione che forse sta per diventare qualcosa di più . . .
Novembre 1923. Olive viene invitata a Londra da Gigi, una vecchia compagna di scuola, la cui nonna un po’ stramba teme per la sua vita – o almeno così sostiene la sua amica. Tuttavia, Olive scopre con sorpresa che l’anziana duchessa vedova è tutt’altro che svampita. L’acuta e imperiosa matriarca rifiuta di ammettere le sue preoccupazioni e chiede a Olive di andarsene.
Senza un cliente o un caso, Olive è trascinata nello stile di vita sfarzoso del jet set londinese e nei suoi eccessi decadenti. Ma poi, tra un cocktail e un bicchiere di champagne, viene commesso uno spietato omicidio e Olive capisce che i timori della duchessa erano fondati.
Riuscirà Olive a smascherare il colpevole prima che la festa sia finita per uno dei Bright Young People?
Omicidio a Mayfair è il quinto capitolo della popolare serie Una Detective nell’Alta Società della scrittrice Sara Rosett, autrice bestseller di USA Today. Unisciti a Olive e a Jasper, il suo affascinante partner, che si devono barcamenare tra le feste sfarzose dei giovani aristocratici e la loro relazione che forse sta per diventare qualcosa di più . . .
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
353 people are currently reading
3437 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
48 books1,660 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
September 24, 2020
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. "An Old Money Murder in Mayfair" is very well written with subtle clues and extra diversions that cause you to keep changing your mind about who did it. Olive is sensible, likable and efficient. I appreciate the fact that while the setting of England in the 1920s with all it's colloquialism, etiquette, fashion and customs are described, they remain a backdrop to the story rather than becoming the focal point.
I listened to the audible audiobook for this one and the narration is excellent and establishes the atmosphere of the upper class London home the story is supposed to take place in in an incredible way. Looking forward to #6 with great anticipation!
I listened to the audible audiobook for this one and the narration is excellent and establishes the atmosphere of the upper class London home the story is supposed to take place in in an incredible way. Looking forward to #6 with great anticipation!
July 1, 2021
I am glad to see more of Olive's friends from the last book, I really actually like Gigi and her interactions with Olive. I also love how Jasper seems to just randomly slips into the book at the most opportune times.
February 18, 2023
I’d say rounding up to four stars for this one. I think Gigi’s character is fantastic. She’s got the frivolity of a Bright Young Thing but Rosett gives her plenty of real emotion and depth as the story progresses. I like where she ends up at the end of the story too.
Of course, Olive and Jasper are just the best! We get some developments in Olive’s personal life too that I really enjoyed. That thread was five stars! I’m so glad she’ll get to be more settled.
The mystery was less interesting to me in this story, but that may be because the mystery in book 4 was my favorite. I missed Inspector Longly in this one. He isn’t usually happy about Olive’s interference either but he treats her with respect. Thorn is dismissive at best. Ugh!
Continuing to enjoy this series so much! Well researched, good puzzle mysteries, cozy but compelling, and great characters.
Of course, Olive and Jasper are just the best! We get some developments in Olive’s personal life too that I really enjoyed. That thread was five stars! I’m so glad she’ll get to be more settled.
The mystery was less interesting to me in this story, but that may be because the mystery in book 4 was my favorite. I missed Inspector Longly in this one. He isn’t usually happy about Olive’s interference either but he treats her with respect. Thorn is dismissive at best. Ugh!
Continuing to enjoy this series so much! Well researched, good puzzle mysteries, cozy but compelling, and great characters.
September 1, 2021
I have been enjoying reading this series but this one was just okay for me. Olive is asked by her friend Gigi to stop in for a visit with her grandmother who thinks that someone is after her. Soon there is a mystery that she is on the case for and must help her friend out. I am looking forward to reading more in the series but this one was just okay.
August 15, 2020
This series has a lighthearted approach while incorporating serious topics such as the desperation of a person under the financial control of someone who can force decisions without regard as to the controlled person’s wishes. This book actually was an interesting study in personalities and also a fun read. It was my pleasure to receive this ARC and give my honest review.
January 22, 2022
I'll be honest and say this is my least favorite of the series so far. However, it's still very good and definitely deserves 4 stars! The previous books are just that hard to top!
I had figured out the who and how but failed to see the why until Olive pointed out the missing piece of the puzzle. And that, to me, makes for a very good mystery - when you can't figure it all out until the end!
I had figured out the who and how but failed to see the why until Olive pointed out the missing piece of the puzzle. And that, to me, makes for a very good mystery - when you can't figure it all out until the end!
February 6, 2021
Please someone turn these books into a show. The clothing, the music, the houses, the automobiles...the murder. I can’t get enough.
July 8, 2021
This series has really cool cover designs. This is a reliable series. (ie. doesn't improve w/each book but remains a good story that entertains)
I liked Mr. Quigley (the parrot) I thought it was a clever detail of the writer to make the pet a parrot instead of a cat/dog/regular bird.
And seriously, took long enough w/Jasper! About time!
I liked Mr. Quigley (the parrot) I thought it was a clever detail of the writer to make the pet a parrot instead of a cat/dog/regular bird.
And seriously, took long enough w/Jasper! About time!
October 2, 2020
An excellent read. Fun, light-hearted and with an intriguing murder plot.
Rosett’s writing sets the standard for mid-war cozy mysteries.
Rosett’s writing sets the standard for mid-war cozy mysteries.
March 8, 2021
Olive Belgrade finds herself having to defend a friend from school while also searching for a new place to live. A fun read.
April 5, 2024
Love the clever character intertwining and I love the tension between Olive and Jasper.
October 2, 2020
I love it when mystery is mixed with history. In this story we are swept back to 1923. From the outside it seems the upper class has it all, money, prestige and parties. However, the truth is a terribly controlling Dowager is ruining the lives of everyone around her. When the unthinkable happens and Lady Gina looks guilty it is up to her friend Olive to help before the narrow minded Inspector Thorn arrests the wrong person.
This story has it all with a strong plot, interesting characters and a touch of romance. Thanks to the author for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This story has it all with a strong plot, interesting characters and a touch of romance. Thanks to the author for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 3, 2021
This was my favorite in the series so far! An interesting mystery, some intriguing secondary characters, and we get to see more of Jasper. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
November 22, 2020
Another fun adventure and excellent mystery with Olive! I’d guessed the culprit quite early in this one, but hadn’t quite expected their motive to be what it was. In any case, I enjoyed seeing it all play out and following Olive’s process as she solves the mystery - she’s really getting better and better at this whole thing.
I particularly enjoyed getting to know Olive’s friend Gigi better. We first met her in the previous book (Murder in Black Tie), where she came across as extremely ditzy, super flirty and not especially close with Olive. As it turns out, the two girls are better friends than I’d thought and Gigi herself is actually far smarter and more sensible and astute than she appears. I rather liked her and felt really sorry for her, considering how judgmental and harsh people around her were as a result of her flighty image. It definitely made me more sympathetic to her plight and I really rooted for Olive to clear her name as quickly as possible.
Now it’s probably not surprising at this stage that one of my favorite things about this series is Jasper (as well as the budding romance between him and Olive). There’s unfortunately not as much Jasper as there was in the previous book, but the author definitely made those brief moments count. Olive and Jasper’s interactions in this book carry an undercurrent of sweetness and unspoken attraction, particularly on Jasper’s side, even as they maintain the banter and friendship that made their sleuthing partnership so fun to read.
The development at the end is absolutely delightful (even though at the same time I’m disappointed that it was so brief because Olive’s annoying friend Essie can’t read the room). I’m excited to them take it further in the next book - hopefully without untimely interruptions. Also on the list of wishes for the next Christmas book is Inspector Longley - I never thought I’d miss him, but Inspector Thorn gives me high-blood pressure!
I particularly enjoyed getting to know Olive’s friend Gigi better. We first met her in the previous book (Murder in Black Tie), where she came across as extremely ditzy, super flirty and not especially close with Olive. As it turns out, the two girls are better friends than I’d thought and Gigi herself is actually far smarter and more sensible and astute than she appears. I rather liked her and felt really sorry for her, considering how judgmental and harsh people around her were as a result of her flighty image. It definitely made me more sympathetic to her plight and I really rooted for Olive to clear her name as quickly as possible.
Now it’s probably not surprising at this stage that one of my favorite things about this series is Jasper (as well as the budding romance between him and Olive). There’s unfortunately not as much Jasper as there was in the previous book, but the author definitely made those brief moments count. Olive and Jasper’s interactions in this book carry an undercurrent of sweetness and unspoken attraction, particularly on Jasper’s side, even as they maintain the banter and friendship that made their sleuthing partnership so fun to read.
The development at the end is absolutely delightful (even though at the same time I’m disappointed that it was so brief because Olive’s annoying friend Essie can’t read the room). I’m excited to them take it further in the next book - hopefully without untimely interruptions. Also on the list of wishes for the next Christmas book is Inspector Longley - I never thought I’d miss him, but Inspector Thorn gives me high-blood pressure!
January 11, 2021
Book 5 in the High Society Lady Detective series was a bit of a mixed bag for me, overall. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love Olive as a protagonist and highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries. I enjoyed the character developments in this book, especially between Olive and Jasper. This book is definitely a must-read if you have enjoyed Olive's other mysteries in the past. The sleuthing itself was fun and the events were a delight to read about.
The only thing that fell short for me was the actual mystery. From the moment the murder occurred, I could see where things were going, and I spent the entire book hoping I was wrong. Olive is a smart, clever young woman. For her not to consider the eventual outcome her sleuthing leads to sooner seemed too convenient for me.
I really love Rosett's characters, and I really look forward to Olive's next mystery in the hopes it gives her a greater challenge.
The only thing that fell short for me was the actual mystery. From the moment the murder occurred, I could see where things were going, and I spent the entire book hoping I was wrong. Olive is a smart, clever young woman. For her not to consider the eventual outcome her sleuthing leads to sooner seemed too convenient for me.
I really love Rosett's characters, and I really look forward to Olive's next mystery in the hopes it gives her a greater challenge.
September 28, 2025
Delightful and fulfilling cozy mystery. I think this series just keeps getting better.
Olive is asked by her school chum, Gigi, to come and suss out if someone is trying to harm her Grandmother, a throwback Dowanger Duchess who rules with an iron fist. This works out perfect for Livie consdering she finds herself homeless yet again when the flat she thought she found was rented out from underneath her before she can move into it.
Moving in Gigi's family Mayfair townhome, Olive is surrounded by a random grouping of family and family adjacent residents when a murder occurs, and she must work alone to solve the crime while knowingly living with a killer.
Mystery was well crafted and while Jasper (the maybe love interest) pops up a couple of time, this one was all Olive and her wits.
Olive is asked by her school chum, Gigi, to come and suss out if someone is trying to harm her Grandmother, a throwback Dowanger Duchess who rules with an iron fist. This works out perfect for Livie consdering she finds herself homeless yet again when the flat she thought she found was rented out from underneath her before she can move into it.
Moving in Gigi's family Mayfair townhome, Olive is surrounded by a random grouping of family and family adjacent residents when a murder occurs, and she must work alone to solve the crime while knowingly living with a killer.
Mystery was well crafted and while Jasper (the maybe love interest) pops up a couple of time, this one was all Olive and her wits.
August 18, 2020
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book but my review is entirely voluntary. In this installment of the High Society Lady Detective series Olive is staying with her friend, Gigi, because Gigi's grandmother believes her life is in danger. Whatever doubts Olive may have are laid to rest as a murderer strikes during a party game. Now the race is on for Olive to solve the murder before someone else loses their live. The High Society Lady Detective series is always a fun, fast paced mystery and look at a time long gone in glittering society. I love the historic detail and humor in these stories. The mystery always keeps me guessing and I eagerly await Olive and Jasper's next adventure.
August 8, 2022
Miss Olive is invited by her good friend, Gigi (Lady Gina Alton) to stay with her while Olive looks for a flat in London. During her stay, there is a murder (more than one, it seems), and Olive, a budding detective, pieces together the clues to discover who really wanted someone out of the picture.
I enjoyed the 1920s London society setting, and the talk of gowns and parties, Olive's parrot, and Gigi (who seemed flighty, but genuinely kind). Gigi's dragon of a grandmother was definitely well-written!
This is a clean read and doesn't require reading previous books in the series to understand what's happening.
I enjoyed the 1920s London society setting, and the talk of gowns and parties, Olive's parrot, and Gigi (who seemed flighty, but genuinely kind). Gigi's dragon of a grandmother was definitely well-written!
This is a clean read and doesn't require reading previous books in the series to understand what's happening.
August 19, 2020
I have seen this series before and I am a fan of Sara Rosett's other series but I had not read any of the previous books in High Society Lady Detective. Well, I can say that I will be. I really enjoyed this mystery set in the early 1920s. The cast of characters is fun and well developed. Even though this is book 5 I was never lost as to who was who or felt I should have read the books before first. I like that in a series. Thank you for the ARC. My eyes have been opened to another great series.
November 25, 2020
These books just get better and better! I love listening to them on audio, I'am transported back to 1920's London and I love it! The mysteries are cozy so they are not that difficult to solve, but the atmosphere and Olive and Jasper make it worth the read!
June 15, 2024
I totally liked this book up until the end. I was so disappointed in the ‘who and the why’ of this murder mystery, that when I got to the ‘reveal’ all I could think was, “Are you kidding me? I stayed up till 3 am to finish this book?”
I’m off to sleep now. 😴
I’m off to sleep now. 😴
August 18, 2020
Another excellent mystery from Sara Rosett.
As in all her novels one is quickly caught up in the story. I found myself finishing this book on one sitting. Now, over the next few days, I will definitely be re-reading this entire series.
As in all her novels one is quickly caught up in the story. I found myself finishing this book on one sitting. Now, over the next few days, I will definitely be re-reading this entire series.
August 26, 2020
A charming addition to the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
This is a light hearted and fun cozy series set in early 20th century Britain, which nails all my sweet spots.
November 28, 2021
Parts of the story are based on a true story.
January 13, 2025
I liked how this mystery had a unique beginning, and I enjoyed the character development!
November 8, 2020
Another easy palate cleanser of a book. Mysteries are nothing to write home about but the developing relationship between certain characters ( no spoilers) is interesting and amusing.
January 12, 2021
4.5 Stars - review to come!
August 16, 2020
Good book, but I love the cover. Reminds me of a George Rodrique painting of a yellow Rolls Royce. I love Sara and George, perfect combo!
December 30, 2020
3.5 stars
Olive's school chum Gigi (Lady Gina Alton) asks Olive to come help her grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Alton, figure out whether the strange accidents and illnesses that have beset her lately are real or imagined. Since Olive is currently homeless and Jasper is called away to visit his father, she accepts the invitation. However, the Dowager Duchess won't even consider talking to Olive, in spite of Gigi's assurances that Olive is discreet. Olive finds herself in the middle of family drama pitting Gigi and her cousin Felix against their grandmother who disapproves of everything about them and anything that isn't her suggestion. When the Dowager holds a dinner party for her grandchildren, Gigi and Olive are horrified to discover the Dowager's companion Clara dead in the library. The police come and start an awkward investigation, determined to pin the crime on Gigi. Olive has a niggling feeling that something is not quite right and when she recognizes one of the policemen as a stage actor, she calls the Dowager's bluff. The murder turns out to be a hoax to teach Gigi a lesson about her wild ways. Gigi is embarrassed and angry but isn't interested in giving up the Bright Young People set. Instead, she and Olive go out for a night of dancing and a treasure hunt. When they return at dawn, the house is alight and police are swarming the house. An Inspector informs Gigi her grandmother is dead and not by natural causes. Gigi assumes it's another prank designed to control her behavior but Olive, recognizing Inspector Thorn, knows it's for real this time. Once again, Gigi seems the most likely culprit for murderer and Thorn is determined to pin it on her. Olive knows she needs to sort out the clues to save her friend but Jasper warns her to look at all angles and not discount someone because they're a friend. Olive will have a devilish hard time solving this one and what will she do if it does turn out that Gigi murdered her grandmother?
This is another fun mystery. I stayed up late to finish it and didn't guess whodunit until the clue was dropped. The twist was a surprise and the motive was not easy to guess. If I hadn't been trying to read while my dad was muttering and yammering at me, the TV, and his phone, I probably would have picked up on more clues. The Bright Young People are exhausting and I'm too old to want to party with them. The story moves along quickly enough and the writing is fine but for me, it picked up when Jasper finally appears. I missed the detecting duo and their sweet, budding relationship. Olive is supposed to be so smart but she can't see how he feels for her! There are references to people and events from previous books but no spoilers. This book also references Olive and Jasper working on an art inventory for Sebastian and the author's note reveals that story is told in the most obscure of all novels Duplicity! I wouldn't recommend starting here though because you miss the character development. It works as a standalone if you want it though.
The Dowager Duchess of Alton is a tyrant. She's not a VICTORIAN dragon, she's a medieval dragon! The Dowager thinks she should be allowed to control every aspect of everyone's life, from the villagers to her servants to her family. No one is allowed any freedom or free will. None. She's a despot and a tyrant. Doesn't she know what happens to autocratic rulers? The most recent example would be the Romanovs, fresh in everyone's minds! Her grandchildren should remind her of that. There's also King Charles I and King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette should she need further reminders. The Dowager keeps threatening to change her will and disinherit her grandchildren. She doesn't see that they call her bluff and don't care. She doesn't see that this is a new era and in modern times women can have jobs and some can vote, men aren't tied to the land because land is worthless. I would feel bad for her for not being able to change with the times but because she's so ghastly and beastly to everyone, I don't feel sorry for her at all. Unlike Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess of Grantham, this woman has no heart and no family feeling whatsoever. I loathe her as much as her grandchildren do and I'm not surprised someone killed her. There are a lot of suspects!
Inspector Thorn is a jerk. He hates the Bright Young People, he hates the aristocracy and in his mind Gigi represents all that is bad about the upper classes. He lets his bias against the aristocracy cloud his judgement. Still, his investigation seems fair enough even if he continues to think Gigi is a murderer. I don't think Gigi did it. She's used to her grandmother's threats and demands. She hasn't been willing to change before and doesn't take her grandmother seriously so why all of a sudden murder her grandmother? Just for embarrassing her? She knows another juicy piece of gossip will come along in a minute and distract everyone. Like Olive, I can see her pushing or shoving and accidentally killing her grandmother or even bashing her grandmother over the head, but arsenic poisoning is deliberate and cruel. I don't understand why in every other book, arsenic smells like bitter almonds and acts super fast, yet in this book no one seems to know how the Dowager Duchess died except for the doctor who based his guess on symptoms and no one knows specifically when she was poisoned. I think they had more forensics in the 1920s than Inspector Thorn seems to have available.
The next most likely suspect is Felix, the heir. He's young, moody and doesn't want to inherit. He thinks the aristocracy are dinosaurs and their day is over. He would rather be a playwright. Felix surprised me because even though he's angsty and angry a lot, he does work and is willing to work at his writing to make a living. He says he's always typing away but everyone else claims to tune it out. That leaves him without an alibi. I think he's more likely to have killed his grandmother than his cousin but he was also out on the town with them that evening. Another off chance for murderer is Clara, the companion. She's a poor relation and wears Gigi's old cast off gowns. That has to hurt being at the beck and call of a tyrannical old lady, having to do whatever she says and having to wear someone else's old gowns. Everyone will know how poor she is and perhaps she just is tired of it all and snapped. I wouldn't blame her.
A slightly more likely suspect is Captain Inglebrook's sister, Addie. Captain Inglebrook is flirting with Gigi but Olive isn't certain how serious either of them all. Neither seems to like the other flirting with someone else but the Captain hasn't made any formal moves and the Dowager wouldn't approve. His stepsister, Addie, is young, cheerful and optimistic. She's also poor and in love. Addie is perky and nice but rather naïve. She has a good motive for murder, more than the Dowager has for interfering in Addie's life.
I don't want any of those people to be the murderer. I'd prefer it if it was Elrick, the creepy butler or Dowd the Dowager's nosy maid. Both of them are ostensibly loyal to the Dowager. Dowd is so devoted as to spy on Felix and Gigi and report back to the Dowager. Dowd tries to frame Gigi for the murder and that makes Dowd a suspect in my book. What if the Dowager was going to leave the servants money in her will and then changed her mind? Or what about the other way around and Dowd killed her before she changed her will again? What if the Dowager's jest about leaving everything to Clara made her devoted servants uneasy? Inspector Thorn is more likely to consider Stella, a "difficult" housemaid who wants to be a lady's maid. She's young and eager for advancement. Because her dreams have been denied and because she's young, she shows her feelings in her work. She's lazy because she's unfulfilled in her job. I feel very sorry for her. Her story is the saddest one.
Other characters include Mr. Tower, the Dowager's lawyer, is quiet and dutiful but only to a certain point. He hates to see injustice and is willing to speak up when necessary. I quite like him even though he's boring. I sense another romance blooming! Dr. Benhurst, the Dowager's doctor is a longshot for murderer but he's the one who recognizes the symptoms of arsenic poisoning and attended the Dowager when she was ill. Can he be trusted? I'm not sure. He doesn't seem very up-to-date with his medical knowledge and what happens next when a person is believed to have been murdered. He was old school, I think and so the Dowager trusted him but what if she refused to pay him or what if she knew secrets about him and he killed her before she could ruin him?
Essie, Olive and Gigi's school chum who is now a gossip columnist. Essie is unethical and not a friend. I had more sympathy for her when we first met her. This time she's just eager for a juicy story. Mr. Quigley, Olive's parrot appears in a few scenes. I don't find him funny or that charming. Sebastian, of Archly Manor, pops up again. He is a good friend who has sobered since Olive first met him. I like him better now.
I'm DYING to read Murder on a Midnight Clear, especially after what happens at the end of Old Money Murder! I will this weekend. I'd like to read Olive's portion of Duplicity but I can't get it.
Olive's school chum Gigi (Lady Gina Alton) asks Olive to come help her grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Alton, figure out whether the strange accidents and illnesses that have beset her lately are real or imagined. Since Olive is currently homeless and Jasper is called away to visit his father, she accepts the invitation. However, the Dowager Duchess won't even consider talking to Olive, in spite of Gigi's assurances that Olive is discreet. Olive finds herself in the middle of family drama pitting Gigi and her cousin Felix against their grandmother who disapproves of everything about them and anything that isn't her suggestion. When the Dowager holds a dinner party for her grandchildren, Gigi and Olive are horrified to discover the Dowager's companion Clara dead in the library. The police come and start an awkward investigation, determined to pin the crime on Gigi. Olive has a niggling feeling that something is not quite right and when she recognizes one of the policemen as a stage actor, she calls the Dowager's bluff. The murder turns out to be a hoax to teach Gigi a lesson about her wild ways. Gigi is embarrassed and angry but isn't interested in giving up the Bright Young People set. Instead, she and Olive go out for a night of dancing and a treasure hunt. When they return at dawn, the house is alight and police are swarming the house. An Inspector informs Gigi her grandmother is dead and not by natural causes. Gigi assumes it's another prank designed to control her behavior but Olive, recognizing Inspector Thorn, knows it's for real this time. Once again, Gigi seems the most likely culprit for murderer and Thorn is determined to pin it on her. Olive knows she needs to sort out the clues to save her friend but Jasper warns her to look at all angles and not discount someone because they're a friend. Olive will have a devilish hard time solving this one and what will she do if it does turn out that Gigi murdered her grandmother?
This is another fun mystery. I stayed up late to finish it and didn't guess whodunit until the clue was dropped. The twist was a surprise and the motive was not easy to guess. If I hadn't been trying to read while my dad was muttering and yammering at me, the TV, and his phone, I probably would have picked up on more clues. The Bright Young People are exhausting and I'm too old to want to party with them. The story moves along quickly enough and the writing is fine but for me, it picked up when Jasper finally appears. I missed the detecting duo and their sweet, budding relationship. Olive is supposed to be so smart but she can't see how he feels for her! There are references to people and events from previous books but no spoilers. This book also references Olive and Jasper working on an art inventory for Sebastian and the author's note reveals that story is told in the most obscure of all novels Duplicity! I wouldn't recommend starting here though because you miss the character development. It works as a standalone if you want it though.
The Dowager Duchess of Alton is a tyrant. She's not a VICTORIAN dragon, she's a medieval dragon! The Dowager thinks she should be allowed to control every aspect of everyone's life, from the villagers to her servants to her family. No one is allowed any freedom or free will. None. She's a despot and a tyrant. Doesn't she know what happens to autocratic rulers? The most recent example would be the Romanovs, fresh in everyone's minds! Her grandchildren should remind her of that. There's also King Charles I and King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette should she need further reminders. The Dowager keeps threatening to change her will and disinherit her grandchildren. She doesn't see that they call her bluff and don't care. She doesn't see that this is a new era and in modern times women can have jobs and some can vote, men aren't tied to the land because land is worthless. I would feel bad for her for not being able to change with the times but because she's so ghastly and beastly to everyone, I don't feel sorry for her at all. Unlike Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess of Grantham, this woman has no heart and no family feeling whatsoever. I loathe her as much as her grandchildren do and I'm not surprised someone killed her. There are a lot of suspects!
Inspector Thorn is a jerk. He hates the Bright Young People, he hates the aristocracy and in his mind Gigi represents all that is bad about the upper classes. He lets his bias against the aristocracy cloud his judgement. Still, his investigation seems fair enough even if he continues to think Gigi is a murderer. I don't think Gigi did it. She's used to her grandmother's threats and demands. She hasn't been willing to change before and doesn't take her grandmother seriously so why all of a sudden murder her grandmother? Just for embarrassing her? She knows another juicy piece of gossip will come along in a minute and distract everyone. Like Olive, I can see her pushing or shoving and accidentally killing her grandmother or even bashing her grandmother over the head, but arsenic poisoning is deliberate and cruel. I don't understand why in every other book, arsenic smells like bitter almonds and acts super fast, yet in this book no one seems to know how the Dowager Duchess died except for the doctor who based his guess on symptoms and no one knows specifically when she was poisoned. I think they had more forensics in the 1920s than Inspector Thorn seems to have available.
The next most likely suspect is Felix, the heir. He's young, moody and doesn't want to inherit. He thinks the aristocracy are dinosaurs and their day is over. He would rather be a playwright. Felix surprised me because even though he's angsty and angry a lot, he does work and is willing to work at his writing to make a living. He says he's always typing away but everyone else claims to tune it out. That leaves him without an alibi. I think he's more likely to have killed his grandmother than his cousin but he was also out on the town with them that evening. Another off chance for murderer is Clara, the companion. She's a poor relation and wears Gigi's old cast off gowns. That has to hurt being at the beck and call of a tyrannical old lady, having to do whatever she says and having to wear someone else's old gowns. Everyone will know how poor she is and perhaps she just is tired of it all and snapped. I wouldn't blame her.
A slightly more likely suspect is Captain Inglebrook's sister, Addie. Captain Inglebrook is flirting with Gigi but Olive isn't certain how serious either of them all. Neither seems to like the other flirting with someone else but the Captain hasn't made any formal moves and the Dowager wouldn't approve. His stepsister, Addie, is young, cheerful and optimistic. She's also poor and in love. Addie is perky and nice but rather naïve. She has a good motive for murder, more than the Dowager has for interfering in Addie's life.
I don't want any of those people to be the murderer. I'd prefer it if it was Elrick, the creepy butler or Dowd the Dowager's nosy maid. Both of them are ostensibly loyal to the Dowager. Dowd is so devoted as to spy on Felix and Gigi and report back to the Dowager. Dowd tries to frame Gigi for the murder and that makes Dowd a suspect in my book. What if the Dowager was going to leave the servants money in her will and then changed her mind? Or what about the other way around and Dowd killed her before she changed her will again? What if the Dowager's jest about leaving everything to Clara made her devoted servants uneasy? Inspector Thorn is more likely to consider Stella, a "difficult" housemaid who wants to be a lady's maid. She's young and eager for advancement. Because her dreams have been denied and because she's young, she shows her feelings in her work. She's lazy because she's unfulfilled in her job. I feel very sorry for her. Her story is the saddest one.
Other characters include Mr. Tower, the Dowager's lawyer, is quiet and dutiful but only to a certain point. He hates to see injustice and is willing to speak up when necessary. I quite like him even though he's boring. I sense another romance blooming! Dr. Benhurst, the Dowager's doctor is a longshot for murderer but he's the one who recognizes the symptoms of arsenic poisoning and attended the Dowager when she was ill. Can he be trusted? I'm not sure. He doesn't seem very up-to-date with his medical knowledge and what happens next when a person is believed to have been murdered. He was old school, I think and so the Dowager trusted him but what if she refused to pay him or what if she knew secrets about him and he killed her before she could ruin him?
Essie, Olive and Gigi's school chum who is now a gossip columnist. Essie is unethical and not a friend. I had more sympathy for her when we first met her. This time she's just eager for a juicy story. Mr. Quigley, Olive's parrot appears in a few scenes. I don't find him funny or that charming. Sebastian, of Archly Manor, pops up again. He is a good friend who has sobered since Olive first met him. I like him better now.
I'm DYING to read Murder on a Midnight Clear, especially after what happens at the end of Old Money Murder! I will this weekend. I'd like to read Olive's portion of Duplicity but I can't get it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews