Omicidio a Mayfair: Giallo ambientato negli Anni Venti (Una Detective nell’Alta Società Vol. 5)

High Society Lady Detective #5

by Sara Rosett, Chiara Vitali (translator)

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 . . .

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2020

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Judith von Kirchbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jude: The Epic Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please someone turn these books into a show. The clothing, the music, the houses, the automobiles...the murder. I can’t get enough.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Shandare · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Fun, light-hearted and with an intriguing murder plot.
Rosett’s writing sets the standard for mid-war cozy mysteries.

[Lori S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olive Belgrade finds herself having to defend a friend from school while also searching for a new place to live. A fun read.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the clever character intertwining and I love the tension between Olive and Jasper.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Linniegayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah Nealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Bobbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

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. 😴

[Dorris · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming addition to the series.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a light hearted and fun cozy series set in early 20th century Britain, which nails all my sweet spots.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parts of the story are based on a true story.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how this mystery had a unique beginning, and I enjoyed the character development!

[Anna Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🤩. Really good! Would recommend.

[Regina Tapoohi · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Taylor - Muse Ignited Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - review to come!

[Elizabeth Bailes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!