A Toast To Trouble

A Right Royal Cozy Investigation #14

by Helen Golden

Before they were sleuthing partners, he was her number one suspect…

Heiress Lucinda Hamilton Prepares to Turn 30
Lucinda’s exclusive birthday party is taking place at Francis Court, the home of Charles Astley (59), the Duke of Arnwall, and his wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Helen (58), the sister of King James. Their eldest daughter, Lady Sarah Rosdale (35), who lives on the estate with her family, is organising the prestigious event, along with local party planners, Posh and Fabulous.

All is not well in the run up to Lucinda’s party. So when the birthday girl’s custom-built cake is bashed in with a heavy-duty saucepan, it’s clear someone is out to sabotage the event. Is it an attack on Francis Court’s reputation? A bid to ruin the prestigious event planners Posh & Fabulous? Or is the culprit driven by a personal vendetta against the high-maintenance birthday girl?

Busy with trying to fix the damage already done, Sarah asks her younger sister, Lady Beatrice, to find the culprit. As the disasters pile up, Bea starts to suspect someone on the inside… But is it Perry Juke, Sarah’s newly promoted executive assistant, who has told Sarah he will find the troublemaker?

With Perry and Bea working against each other, can they still save the party—or will it be ruined beyond repair along with Francis Court’s reputation as a gold-standard venue?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Animals, Novella

130 pages, Kindle Edition

About the author

Helen Golden spins crimes that are charmingly British, delightfully deadly, and served with a twist of humour.

With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces. Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.

Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.

If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic prequel to the Right Royal Cozy Investigation series which introduces us to the main characters. Lady Sarah Rosdale who manages events at Francis Court and her assistant, Perry are tasked with planning the birthday party of all birthday parties for Heiress Lucinda Hamilton. But things start to go wrong, as if her party is being sabotaged. Sarah calls on her sister, Lady Beatrice to help find the culprit and with Perry, they start investigating. Lucinda was not the most loved person and we are treated to a slew of potential suspects. This is a fun, page turning. fun prequel that you just can't put down. I can't wait to read more. I received an ARC of this prequel but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one disaster after another happens with the organization of Lucinda “A Dragon in Gucci” Hamilton’s birthday party, Perry and Bea want to find out why. It makes for a suspenseful and twist-filled read with delightful humour. A lovely, well written prequel to the Right Royal Cozy Investigation Mystery series.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Antonia Chitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun quick read in the Right Royal cosy mystery series. We meet Lady Beatrice - known as Bea - when she is still reticent about doing anything high profile after the death of her husband some years back. And Perry is working in a new role as Lady Sarah’s executive assistant, a promotion from his role as a tour guide at Frances Court.
Neither Bea nor Perry trust or like each other but they are both working to solve who could be trying to sabotage a big event Lady Sarah is running.
It’s a good intro to the whole series or can be read as a standalone… but I recommend you keep going as the whole series is lots of fun with compelling characters and interesting mysteries.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, which was fast moving and full of intrigue, plus, no murder, but a cast full of characters with questionable motives.Who was trying to stop the party with destructive acts? With a few red herrings the plot moved along quickly, as the anticipation built to the final reveal. It has laid down the foundations for future episodes! Brilliant!

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big event is being planned at Francis Court & lady Sarah & her assistant Perry are having troubles. Someone is definitely trying to sabotage the event. Lady Sarah asks her sister Lady Beatrice to help & so Bea starts trying to solve just what is happening. As the event is about to start the culprit is found, which is good for the venue! An enjoyable, easy to read book, setting the scene for others which have followed it.

[M G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling read from Helen in her Right Royal Cozy Investigation series. Love the characters and the way they gel together, with a good pace this makes for a fine addition to the series.

[rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

PERRY IS WORKING FOR SARAH AND PERRY & BEA ARE WORKING AGAINST EACH OTHER INSTEAD OF TOGETHER

THIS IS ANOTHER ANNOYING BOOK THAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE RIGHT ROYAL MYSTERY SERIES STARTED

HOW CRAZY TO LIST IT AS BOOK 14 WHEN IT IS A SHORT STORY THAT HAPPENS FOR BEFORE BOOK 1 IN THE SERIES

WHY THE AUTHOR CHOSE TO THINK HER READERS ARE THAT DENSE THAT THEY WOULD NOT FIGURE OUT THIS IS NOT BOOK 14 IN SERIES NOR IS BOOK 13 IN ROW IN SERIES

BOTH BOOKS 13 & 14 TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE SERIES START AND ARE SHORT STORIES. SORT OF INTERESTING, JUST RIDICULOUS TO TRY TO PUSH IT OFF AT BOOKS THAT ARE CONTINUATIOIN OF BOOK 12 NOT

BOOK IS OKAY

JUST FRUSTRATED WITH AUTHOR WHO LISTS BOOKS 13 & 14 AS MORE OF THE SERIES

READERS EXPECTING A CONTINUATION OF BOOK 12 THEY ARE NOT THEY HAPPEN BEFORE BOOK # 1 IN THE SERIES

COME ON HELEN, YOUR READERS ARE NOT THAT DENSE TO NOT FIGURE THAT OUT -

IF YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE A BOOK 13 & 14 (WHICH WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE SERIES CONTINUE) MAKE THEM A CONTINUATION OF THE SERIES NOT LITTLE NOVELLAS THAT HAPPENED BEFORE BOOK ONE - AND DON'T MAKE A LOT OF SENSE

SO DISSAPOINTED

[Lori Hendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable story that takes place prior to Lady Bea and Perry Juke becoming friends. Lady Sarah Rosale is managing the 30th birthday party for Linda Hamilton, which is to take place at Francis Court. It is evident that someone is trying to sabotage the event as a series of mishaps occur which threaten to ruin the party and Sarah’s reputation. Independently, both Lady Bea and Perry undertake investigations to determine who is trying to sabotage the event and to make sure that the party is a success. What ensues is a delightful, funny story and showcases the beginning of Lady Bea’s and Perry’s friendship.

[Antonia Chitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun prequel to Helen Golden’s right royal series of cosy mysteries, this book introduces Lady Beatrice and Perry, before the know each other and before they team up to solve mysteries.

The book is a great quick read as Bea and Perry work separately to try and stop someone sabotaging a party at Frances Court, run by Bea’s sister Lady Sarah.

There are lots of clues and a few red herrings along the way.

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery prequel. Lady Bea is asked by her sister to help find the one responsible for causing havoc before a huge special event party. The story flowed well and there were several suspects to analyze. The author described both the setting and her characters very well.

I received a free advance copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 bk 23. I love a good pre-quel and that is just what a Toast to Trouble is. Golden goes back in time to the case that almost brings our beloved pair of sleuths together - well, it does and doesn't.
Delightful details, familiar setting. A joyful read on one of the last coolish days of winter.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I like the plot and characters. Who is sabotaging the birthday party for Lucinda? Bea, with the help of her dog Daisy, investigate. Perry , assistant to Sarah, who is Bea's sister, also investigates. o like the surprises. The story kept me guessing who did it. I recommend this mystery to those who like pets in their, and to those who like a mystery without a murder in it.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so fun to read this short mystery that takes place before Lady Beatrice and Perry are mystery solving BFFs.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A birthday party, a mystery and a bit of humour. What more could you ask for in a story that will keep your interest.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun preview to this series and how it came to be.

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Enjoyed reading a bit of backstory on Bea and Perry. Still adore Daisy 🌼!

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous read, great characters, loved it

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story, with intrigue , a Societal 30 birthday bash what could go wrong, someone isn’t happy and the cake gets smashed and the chandeliers get smashed, the cooks get sent home due to food poisoning. It’s up to Bea, and Sarah’s assistant Perry to solve it and find the saboteur before the party starts. Great writing . Worth a read.

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent quick read. Filled with excellent storytelling that is compelling and features quality techniques to give it pace, while developing characters and creating a little tension. So compelling that I read this book more quickly than usual. It held my interest throughout and was completely entertaining.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen just finished her first book. She attended a webinar that told her that she needed to write a book to give away for free. So she started writing. Lady Lucinda’s birthday cake is found destroyed in walk in refrigerator. Bea has to tell her. Sarah about it. They are the party planners. First the guest list was sabotaged, then the centerpiece and now the cake. Sarah asks Bea to find out who is doing this. Sarah’s assistant Perry feels like someone is trying to ruin the party Theresa are multiple set backs which Bea and Perry are trying to get to the bottom of. An exciting read.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute preview novella to Golden’s right royal cozy series. Everything is just hinted at here… personalities, relationships, etc. My main complaint is the speed with which the two protagonists decided they needed to behave like “real” detectives and make suspect lists with motive and opportunity, was unbelievable. A longer development would have been more realistic. This could have been a short novel rather than a sketch.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this, clever plot, very well written, love the way we are treated to the thought processes as well.
Helen captures atmosphere and injects suspense very cleverly. Her knowledge of journalism, the way the press releases are written, is especially professional and adds a further dimension to the characters, super novelette.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written series which just gets better with each book. The debut of Francis Court as an elegant party venue is in trouble - peculiar things are happening and getting lost which could put the high-society birthday celebration in danger and ruin their reputation. Fortunately, our wonderful crew of Lady Beatrice, Perry and Simon use their varying talents to go after the source. But the suspense builds as things keep happening up until zero hour. Read and find out who, what, and how! (If you've never read any of this series, A Cocktail to Die For is a good introduction, despite being written later.)- I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great prequel to the popular Right Royal Cozy Mystery series. There’s lots going on at Francis Court. Both Perry Duke and Lady Beatrice are investigating the events, but separately on this occasion. They both arrive at the same suspect at the same time! It’s a fast-paced read and highly entertaining. Recommend. I received a review copy from the author. Many thanks Helen. My review is my honest opinion and voluntary. Great addition to the series.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is my first story by Helen Golden, but I will be looking for more from her. I quickly got caught up in all the havoc of this birthday party, and no, I didn’t figure out who the culprit was!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great origin story to the wonderful Right Royal cozy series by Helen Golden. I love the introduction where you get a small insight into the writer's world.

There is trouble brewing in the days leading up to a prestigious event that Lady Sarah is hosting at the beautiful Francis Court and she has asked her sister, Lady Beatrice and her (Lady Sarah's) assistant, Perry, to help figure out what's going on before the event and her budding business is destroyed.

The characters are so well done, I wasn't ready for the early relationship of the later books main characters but I love it! One of my favorite features of the author's books are the character list in the back, so even if you read the books out of order you will never get lost. The books are standalone too

My favorite line is where a certain character is called a 'dragon in Gucci ', lol! It fits!

Set aside the two hours or so to read this straight through because you won't want to stop reading until it's done.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is set between "Tuck Tick Mystery Clock" and "Spruced Up for Murder". Perry has just become Lady Sarah's executive assistant, and Simon has not yet appeared on EliteChef. Perry doesn't yet know Lady Beatrice, so this story represents an important step in character development for for both Perry and Lady Beatrice. It's also a very well-written, quick, and entertaining read. I loved it!

[Roselady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pick your enemies and friends carefully! This event will make Francis Court THE VENUE for fancy events. Everything must be perfect for this client—she is particular—and for Lady Sarah Rosdale who manages events at Francis Court. Only members of the highest society are invited to this birthday party. Uh-oh, something is missing, something is wrong! Is someone trying to sabotage this party? Who could it possibly be? Doesn’t everyone who is invited like Lucinda? Are they in competition with Francis Court? Sarah is loved by everyone she meets. So, what is happening, who is making it happen, and why is it happening? You need to read this extremely captivating story. You will be glad you did. Thank you, Helen, for writing this wonderful novelette. It does a great job of introducing your characters.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fun easy read. An introduction of the cast of the early Right Royal Cozy Investigation mysteries while they are trying to prevent the sabotage of an important event hosted by Lady Sarah. Wonderful characters with a really exciting and fun storyline. A wonderful book to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving and fun read. I enjoyed reading this book and the characters in the story.