Murder in Trafalgar Square: Secrets, Scandals, and Sleuthing in a Brand-New Cozy Mystery Series from Michelle Salter

by Michelle Salter

Discover a BRAND NEW page-turning cosy mystery series from Michelle Salter A murdered suffragette. A missing politician. A stolen artwork.

London, 1910

Coral Fairbanks is a contradiction. As well as a suffragette, she's a bit-part actress and nude model, earning her the disapproval of her fellow suffragettes.

Guy Flynn is an artist. He’s also a detective inspector at Scotland Yard, who doesn’t always see eye to eye with fellow officers in the Metropolitan Police.

When Home Secretary Winston Churchill orders the police to terrorise the suffragettes during an afternoon of violence that becomes known as Black Friday, the battlelines are drawn – and Coral Fairbanks and Guy Flynn are on different sides.

But when a young suffragette is found murdered in the National Portrait Gallery and one of their paintings is stolen – Fairbanks and Flynn must put their differences aside and combine their knowledge to track down the killer.

Introducing an iconic detective duo in Fairbanks and Flynn, this is an exciting and gripping historical mystery, which will delight fans of Agatha Christie, Benedict Brown and T. E. Kinsey

Praise for Michelle

'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison

'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the Suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright

‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Love a good mystery? You're in the right place!

Michelle Salter is a bestselling author of historical crime fiction and cozy crime novels. Her acclaimed Edwardian and 1920s murder mysteries feature suffragettes, pioneering women, Scotland Yard detectives, and shocking secrets from the First World War.

Each book can be read as a STANDALONE even if it's part of a series.

Michelle has gained a dedicated following of readers who enjoy gripping stories driven by captivating characters and ending with satisfyingly devious plot twists.

When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys researching history, exploring Britain’s heritage, and sharing fascinating facts from the Edwardian era and Roaring Twenties on her blog and social media.

She lives in Hampshire, England, and loves reading classic crime novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and Golden Age whodunits.

If you enjoyed reading one of Michelle's books, please take a moment to leave a review or rating.

If you'd like to receive news on competitions, signed copies, latest releases, plus a free Iris Woodmore Mystery short story, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲🔪
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'A fabulous murder mystery with twists and turns that had me turning the pages faster and faster.' Catherine Coles, bestselling author said of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

'If you enjoy 1920s mysteries…I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, bestselling author of the Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries.

'Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely murder mystery by a gifted writer.' Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries.

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, bestselling author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries.

'Fans of Anna Lee Huber and Downton Abbey will enjoy this engrossing historical crime mystery.' Tantor Media.

Reviews

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter is a delightful and engaging start to the new Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series. Set in London in 1910, the story weaves together the suffragette movement, the London art scene, and a gripping murder mystery, creating a rich historical backdrop that feels both authentic and immersive.

Coral Fairbanks is a charming and unconventional heroine—suffragette, bit-part actress, and nude model—whose wit and determination shine throughout the story. Detective Inspector Guy Flynn, an accomplished artist and Scotland Yard detective, provides a perfect foil to Coral’s fiery personality. Their dynamic is both clever and enjoyable, with hints of a potential romance simmering beneath the surface.

The plot is full of twists and surprises, from the murder of a young suffragette to a stolen painting at the National Portrait Gallery. Salter skillfully balances historical events, such as Black Friday and the early suffragette protests, with an entertaining and clever mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. The attention to detail in both the period setting and character development really elevates the story.

This novel is perfect for fans of historical cozy mysteries, particularly those who enjoy a blend of social history, art, and suspense. Coral and Flynn are a duo I’m eager to follow in future installments, and I can’t wait to see where Salter takes them next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

London, 1910
Suffragette and gallery worker Coral Fairbanks doesn't consider herself a violent person but believes a little civil unrest never hurt anyone. Detective Inspector Guy Flynn is horrified when the home secretary, Winston Churchill, orders the police to break up a Suffragette rally using any means available but when he's asked to investigate the death of a protester at the National Portrait Gallery he knows he has to take the victim’s allegiances into account. An artist in his spare time, Flynn met Coral Fairbanks at the gallery hosting his first exhibition and is soon working with her to try and solve the killing of her friend. Not everyone feels as Coral does about peaceful demonstrations, however, and they soon find themselves drawn into a dangerous hunt for the truth.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but have to admit to struggling with it a bit as unfortunately the two main protagonists who are very similar to those in a lot of other cosy crime series didn't engage me in the way I'd like. As is necessary with the first in any new series there is a lot of detail here, which was interesting, detailed and informative and because of that I will give the series another try with book two in the hopes of Flynn and Coral growing on me a little more. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it took me a bit to warm up to main character Coral Fairbanks, I see a lot of promise to this new series. As with any new series, there is a lot of information and characters to digest, so it requires focus. I definitely appreciated the character list at the beginning. It was quite helpful as side characters came and went. I actually found myself liking male lead Guy Flynn far more than Coral in the beginning. You may agree when you read the action packed opening. Let's just say, nothing shy and retiring about Coral. She's feisty and opinionated. She's also a suffragette, a topic that gets lots of space in this opening to this new series. I'm not overly familiar with that movement in England, so there was quite a bit of history I had to digest, including a not yet overly powerful Winston Churchill's involvement with the movement.

I won't elaborate the plot other than to say there's a murder involved. Big surprise, huh? Grin. Besides the women's battle for equal rights and the vote, there's intrigue, backstage wrangling of politicians, love and lust gone wrong, jokes taken too far, violence, and, well, more. The time is 1910, London, so it was interesting to time travel not only backwards for me but to drop in on a country where many of my Pilgrim ancestors came from so many years before but realize that some of the then battles could be equally compelling today. The author does a good job setting the scene, from the horse and carriages that still line the streets and the growing number of automobiles angling for space, to political wrangling and names anyone familiar with history knows the future of. There are quite a few characters but after some initial confusion, they quickly sorted themselves out in my mind and, for the most part, seemed both likable and strong enough to provide interest in future plots.

Guy Flynn, not only a detective for Scotland Yard but an artist and raising a daughter on his own after his wife's death, was a unique twist and I'm looking forward to seeing how his roles play into those same future plots. Coral was, as noted, slow to grow on me but had come into her own by the end and emerged a strong, multi-layered woman with both a heart of gold and strong will. Watching her work her way through the unfamiliar scenario of being both a potential suspect and gaining Flynn's trust and becoming involved was interesting. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at this brand new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where this tricky beginning takes us. Loved the ending!

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I really appreciate it.

I loved the true history reflected in this book, apart from the use of boyfriend. At that time time period that wouldn't have been used as it is. I also really loved this band of characters in the authors newest series. Especially Coral and Flynn. I really loved watching the potential start to a new relationship occur between the two of them.

The downfalls for me with this book are that well the mysteries are fantastic and well thought out, there's barely any ability to actually assume what might have actually happened either correctly or incorrectly. As you're given the most important information from a couple of conversations near the last 60 pages of the book. Where it's then pieced together, instead of little bits here and there. However I still really enjoyed it, it reminds of how Murdoch Mysteries the show goes, and that's way better than the Murdoch books. There's is a few instances of random filler descriptions that are honestly not needed. Like one instances of coral inviting Flynn in, and saying oh would you like x? Then Flynn responds, makes a comment and before coral decides to respond, she needs to all of a sudden take her coat off. This would be a situation where it would have been assumed that would have happened or could have been written to occur as she was asking him if he would like x. Instead of well after the fact mixed with a lot of internal thought.

Besides all of that, I really did love the well researched history, minus the usage of boyfriend, the actual mystery, even if it took a while to get there, and I really loved the relationship between Coral and Flynn. I just wish parts were toned down more and more attention was paid to the actual mystery side of this book all throughout it rather than mainly near the end.

Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I really appreciate it. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for more from this series!

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first in a new series, Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries. It takes place in 1910 London, the height of the suffragette movement. Tensions between the government and the suffragettes are high. We get to visit a very interesting and powerful point in history. It's here we meet Coral Fairbanks, a widow in her mid 30s, who works part time at an art gallery and occasionally works as an actress and nude model on the side as well as having an actress as a boarder in her home her husband left her when he passed. Coral has become a part of the suffragette movement and is involved in one of their pranks where a nude painting of Winston Churchill will be put up in the National Portrait Gallery. Everything seems to be going to plan when one her fellow suffragette's, Marion Dean, is found dead in a cloakroom. What happened to young Marion and who would want to kill her. Coral has always felt motherly toward Marion, and she is determined to find out who did this and get justice for Marion. She meets Guy Flynn a Scotland Yard Detective, and a widowed father who is an artist whose paintings are in the gallery where she works. He is also determined to bring the killer to justice.

This is a fantastic story! I can't say enough good things about it. It gives an insight into history as well as a mystery that has lots of twists and turns. There are secrets, affairs, arson, and family dramas. It will keep you turning pages until you finish...so be warned! I loved Coral from the start. She is a complex character just like all of us. She is loyal and a good friend but ahead of her time. I liked Guy Flynn but there were times I wasn't sure how I felt about him. I do think they will make a great team but there are things they need to work out. I was surprised about the who and why of the mystery. Did not guess it! The secondary characters were also well developed, and I look forward to getting to know them better in the next books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC and chance to give my opinion.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Trafalgar Square is book one in Michelle Salter's new Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series, and in my opinion it's a great introduction to the series.

Set in England in the early twentieth century, the book opens in the middle of a riot involving a protest for women's rights. Coral Fairbanks is a participant in the suffragette movement, and she and her friend barely escape serious harm in the confrontation with the police and male bystanders.

Guy Flynn is a Detective Inspector at Scotland Yard tasked with investigating the suffragettes. By some strange coincidence his art is displayed at the gallery where Coral works, and they meet when his daughter brings him by the shop to show him his paintings on display.

When one of the suffragettes is killed while on a low risk mission to place an embarrassing painting in the National Gallery, Coral finds herself determined to find the young woman's killer.

The story is told from two points of view, those of Coral and Guy so that the reader gets insight into all aspects of the investigation.

It's clear rather early on that there is an attraction between Coral and Guy. It's not a main focus of the book, but by the end of the book there is a hint that we will see their relationship continue to develop in the next book in the series.

The mystery itself was intriguing. With so many possible threads running through it, it was hard to determine who the murderer was.

I found this book one of the more interesting mysteries I've read lately. I found the time period a great setting for a mystery, and loved how it combined some real world events into the story. Murder in Trafalgar Square was more of a traditional mystery and I think any mystery lover would enjoy it. I'm looking forward to more books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts on the 18th November 1910, an actual event known as Black Friday.
300 women, dressed in green, white and purple have arrived at the Houses of Parliament to demonstrate, they want the right to vote, and the government have abandoned their promise to introduce such a bill. The police is out in force on the orders of Winston Churchill, to disrupt the plans of these Suffragettes.
Coral Fairbanks is a 36 year old widow, part time actress and an artists muse. She is also a member of the WSPU, but not in the inner circle. She works at the Stanmore Art Gallery that shows paintings by artists who show real promise.
One such painter is Guy Flynn, he is also a Detective Inspector of the Metropolitan police force. He and Coral meet, and there is an immediate attraction between them both, he thinks he would like to meet her again, but he can have no idea that they will both become involved in trying to solve various crimes, namely, the theft of a painting, two deaths, arson, the display of an “ au naturel “ portrait of the Prime Minister, blackmail and Suffragettes schemes.
There is much to like about this story. The two main characters compliment each other perfectly, they even have a habit of finishing each others thought processes, a wonderful investigative duo is on the way!!
The murder took me by surprise, there are some very effective red herrings employed in this story and they are a good distraction. There is humour, respect, and a lightness of touch with a hint of romance- what a start to a new series! The research done is very interesting and adds a further dimension to this novel.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Murder in Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter is the first book in the Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series.

This new cozy mystery blends historical detail with intrigue, centering on the murder of a suffragette, a missing politician, and a stolen artwork.

Coral Fairbanks, a dedicated suffragette fighting for women’s rights, finds herself drawn into danger when the movement comes under attack after Winston Churchill orders the police to suppress them. The struggle intensifies when one of the suffragettes is found murdered. Determined to uncover the truth and defend her cause, Coral steps in to help with the investigation. Fortunately, she finds an ally in Detective Inspector Guy Flynn of Scotland Yard, who, unlike many of his peers, listens to her perspective rather than rushing to judgment. Together, Coral and Guy work to solve her friend’s murder and expose the false accusations aimed at the suffragettes.

This is a wonderful historical cozy mystery with a well-matched detective duo. The plot is engaging, the world-building vivid, and the steady pacing allows the story to unfold naturally. The characters stand out, especially Coral and Guy—opposites in many ways, yet connected by shared values. Coral is a strong but thoughtful fighter who deeply cares for her friends, while Guy, though a man of order, reveals a more sensitive side beneath his exterior. Their chemistry feels genuine and adds depth to the story. The ending also managed to surprise me.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a historical backdrop, this is definitely one to pick up.

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Trafalgar Square is a new and exciting historical mystery series that had me intrigued from the very first page. Having a penchant for stories surrounding women's rights, I was drawn to this plot where a suffragette was murdered in a riot and where a painting simultaneously goes missing from the National Portrait Gallery.

The two main characters are such a dynamic duo. Coral Fairbanks is an actress, model, and a suffragette, whereas Guy Flynn is a detective inspector who happens to also be an artist. The book opens in the middle of a riot (Black Friday), and the crime committed in London in 1910 brings this unlikely pair to work on the case together on this thrilling mystery.

There was a bit of groundwork that needed to be laid for the characters but this did not affect the pacing of the story. The women's suffrage movement was such a volatile time in history, and there was a great deal of politics surrounding the matter that both infuriated and sucked me right into the story. Guy has quite an interesting background, which intrigued me more than Coral's but towards the end of the book, I grew attached to her. The plot and future of this series is so promising, I can see myself getting completely wrapped up in this new series.

If you are a fan of historical mysteries set during women's rights, you will love this book.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

London 1910: Coral Fairbanks is a contradiction. As well as a suffragette, she's a bit-part actress and nude model, earning her the disapproval of her fellow suffragettes.

Guy Flynn is an artist. He's also a detective inspector at Scotland Yard, who doesn't always see eye to eye with fellow officers in the Metropolitan Police.

When Home Secretary Winston Churchill orders the police to terrorise the suffragettes during an afternoon of violence that becomes known as Black Friday, the battlelines are drawn - and Carol Fairbanks and Guy Flynn are on different sides. But when a young suffragette is found murdered in the National Portrait Gallery and one of the paintings stolen - Fairbanks and Flynn must put their differences aside and combine their knowledge to track the killer

I liked our two main characters - Carol Fairbanks, a suffragette, bit-part actress and nude model. Guy Flynn is a detective inspector at Scotland Yard and an artist.

In this well-written murder mystery there were lists of twists and some surprises along the way. I quite enjoyed reading about the true events that took place, especially about the suffragettes.

Published 25th September 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichelleSalter for my ARC of #MurderInTrafalgarSquare in exchange for an honest review.

[Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to Murder in Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter:

1. The time and place: The book takes us to 1910 London and for once we are not in the drawing rooms of high society or the downstairs kitchens, we are out in the streets, marching with the suffragettes.

2. The protagonist: Coral Fairbanks is not only a suffragette, a bit-part actress and an artist's muse, she is the most endearing character. Overcoming a painful past, she finds a new family among the suffragettes, where she proves herself a loyal friend, a voice for reason, and good fun.

3. The potential love interest: Guy Flynn is a detective inspector at Scotland Yard. He is also a talented artist and everything you can want in a character - handsome, open-minded, calm and clever.

4. The plot: When a young suffragette is found murdered in the National Portrait Gallery and one of their paintings is stolen, at a time when tensions between the police and the movement run high, Fairbanks and Flynn must climb their sides of the fence and find a way to work together.

5. The series: This is the first book in a new series and I'm already looking forward to the second. The engaging mystery, the charming characters, the suffragette movement, the art scene, the hint of romance, this book has it all.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this new cozy historical mystery series, readers follow Coral Fairbanks, actress, suffragette, and artist’s muse, as she copes with her husband’s death through her various activities. Guy Flynn, a Scotland Yard detective, has a lot going on as well, and they soon find themselves on opposite sides of the law when police are allowed to react violently against protesting suffragettes. However, when one of Coral’s suffragette friends winds up dead in the National Portrait Gallery, Guy and Coral must combine their strengths and knowledge to find who killed her. Coral is a unique and complicated protagonist, and her vibrant and entertaining personality will really pull readers into the story and her glamorous world of suffragism, art, and culture in early twentieth-century London. The mystery itself is fascinating, and the historical backdrop of the suffrage movement adds some great tension and excitement to the story. The other characters and the various conflicts and friendships in the book really help build out the novel’s setting and the investigative partnership between Coral and Guy in ways which readers will really love. Entertaining and packed with twists and turns, fans of cozy historical mysteries will love this new series starring Coral Fairbanks and Guy Flynn from Michelle Salter.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Trafalgar Square is the first book in Michelle Salter's new mystery series, set in 1910, and what a fabulous first entry into a series it is.

For this series we have two main characters, Cora, a young widow who is a suffragette, works in a gallery and has also been an actress but is currently deemed, at 36, to be too old to play the ingenue on stage, and too young to be a harridan. (I sense we're still not really that far beyond that even now).

Guy Flynn, our detective inspector, is equally a many layered individual, also a widower with a daughter to raise alone, and he's a painter too. The pair have some lovely facets to their characters and they make for an intriguing duo as we read chapters from alternative points of view. They're flung together when a body is found at the National Gallery and it makes all the headlines, as opposed to the suffragette stunt with a most amusing painting (I'm not spoiling it).

The mystery unfolds at a good pace, as Cora and Guy endeavour to unpick the information they gain, while endeavouring to stay on the right side of the government.

This is such a fabulous new book, and I'm so excited to read more of Cora and Guy. I love the Iris Woodmore series by the author, but it's possible I might love this one even more.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and the first that I've read by this author. Set around the suffrage movement in 1910 London a prank in the National Portrait Gallery turns sour when a young suffragette is found murdered.
This is is a stark reminder of how recently it is that women received the vote and what they had to do to achieve this. Starting with Black Friday when a women's march was met by police brutality it moves on to actions that the suffragettes in the story took as part of their civil disobedience. The main characters in the story are Coral Fairbanks, a young widow involved in the movement, and Guy Flynn, a detective inspector at Scotland Yard. There is a hint of romance between these two as they combine forces to try to solve the murder. It was good to read that not all men were against the idea of women getting the vote , but equally many were against this. Following the clues also leads to another missing person and the two are trying to find if these cases are linked. This is a great start to a new series and one that I will definitely follow.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The suffragette with other interests and the Inspector who is also an artist come to have a tenuous working relationship in the process of investigating the murder at the National Portrait Gallery. The policeman also has to solve a missing politico and the theft of a painting by someone who left in its place a nude painting of Churchill. The characters are well done, but not quite the lively personalities I'd hoped for. Their personal lives and interests are clearly portrayed and investigation is well done but gets bogged down at times. All in all, I think that is a good first in new series and I look forward to more.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
#MurderinTrafalgarSquare by @michellesalter_writer #FairbanksandFlynnMysteriesBk1 @theboldbookclub Pub Date Sep 25 2025 #newseries #historicalmystery #cozymystery #london #1910 #suffragettes #actress #nudemodel #artist #detectiveinspector #ScotlandYard #attheft #murderinvestigation #politics #reporters #arson #protests #humor

[Sarah Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before it's released.

I love cozy mystery books, but I fear historical cozy mysteries are not for me. I really struggled with finishing this. The story was good and while I was reading it, I enjoyed myself. But I wasn't feeling myself reaching for it when not reading.

I enjoyed Coral and Guy and following them each throughout the story. The dual point of view was nice and not something normally done in the cozy mysteries I've read before.

Coral is a suffragette who gets up to some trouble and Guy is detective. They should be on opposite sides of the law, but when a fellow suffragette is killed and a painting is stolen, they have to work together to find out if the two crimes are connected.

The story is well paced and if you are an art lover, this would be a great book for you. I enjoyed the story and while I do want to see what the future holds for our main characters, I'm not sure if I will continue this series.

[Beachcomber · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars rounded up. I really enjoy Michelle’s other series, so was excited to see she has a new series out soon, set slightly earlier in history. This one features the suffragettes in 1910 with some of their disruptions and activities. One of their group is killed and a painting is discovered missing at the same time in the National Portrait Gallery, and so we see suffragette Coral Fairbanks work with Detective Inspector Guy Flynn, to learn to trust each other and solve the mysteries.

The characters are endearing, and I quickly started rooting for Coral and Guy to become more than just collaborators, and I see definite potential for future romance! I’m already looking forward to reading more about this in book 2…

The mystery was good with several strands which meant you were kept guessing throughout. It’s clear Michelle knows her history as well, which grounds the story nicely.

In short - more please! Quickly 😉

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Mystica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story covers a period of history I particularly like. The suffragette era, the perilous journey which got women the vote in England. Which incidentally paved the way for us in Sri Lanka to get it with no battle cries at all.

Coral Fairbanks is one such suffragette, a feminist who also sits for artists nude. Not a stance which makes her popular with fellow feminists. Guy is a wonderful painter, who hides his talent as he is a Scotland Yard detective and his painting abilities will not go down well with the powers that be.

When a young woman is found murdered at the National Art Gallery and a painting stolen in broad daylight, the Yard is called in. This sets the investigation which looks into the suffragette movement, the appalling behavior of the cops at the instigation of Winston Churchill, a look at the behavior of the upper crust of English society and in the process unraveling a can of worms.

Described as a cozy, I’d say it’s much more than that. A very interesting read putting the genres of detection, mystery murder and history together.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coral is so much more than just good looks. She is a former actress/model turned suffragette. Guy is a DI with an artistic side. They are both determined to find out who killed one of Coral’s friends during a prank that was meant to be in good fun. It takes a while for the two of them to realize they each bring something to the investigation above and beyond the attraction each feels for the other.

At the same time a politician disappears after a violent confrontation between police and the suffragettes.. While there was no immediate connection, they begin to wonder how those two events intertwine. In a thoroughly enjoyable romp through Edwardian London, they have to sort through political shenanigans and deadly intent. When a second body is discovered, it becomes clearer. I did pick up on a throw-away clue and was not surprised at the person behind the crimes. But it was exciting how the characters put it all together.

I suspect this is the first of a series and I am looking forward to seeing how the characters develop. Five purrs and two paws up.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the "Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries" series. It involves the English suffragette movement but also art. It really should have been titled "Murder at the National Portrait Gallery" as paintings play a big part in the plot. There is good character development and interesting twists and turns. I didn't guess the murder nor the motive.

The two main characters, Scotland Yard DI Guy Flynn and suffragette Coral Fairbanks, are more alike than they realize, and as they co-operate on solving the mysteries they become closer, which is a highlight of this historical cozy mystery book. I am glad that the more well-known people in the movement are kept in the background. I've learned enough of them in non-fiction books and TV series.

Recommended for fans of the 1910 era and its politics. I eagerly await book two in the series.

I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the publisher's blurb or give away the plot!

I read a lot of "cosy" murders, and was drawn to this one by the suffragette-era setting, and also by the fact that it is the start of a new series.

The characters are well written, and Coral Fairbanks and Guy Flynn already feel like I know them of old - perhaps their dynamic reminds me of detective pairings in other novels, but it definitely works.

Although the plot initially centres around a murder, there are several other subplots on the go at the same time. I found the Winston Churchill "portrait" plot amusing, though it did conjure up a rather unappealing image in the mind's eye!

I haven't read any other novels by this author before, but am eagerly awaiting the next in this series, and plan to seek out other works tool.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Jess Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women’s rights, turn of the century London, art, murder, crime, and a little romance - this book covered it all!

I really loved all the strong women characters in this book and the background on the suffragettes. Coral is lovable, clever, and fair and when a fellow suffragette is found murdered, she works with detective inspector (and artist) Guy Flynn to unravel the many moving pieces.

I really enjoyed how Coral and Flynn worked together and were sympathetic to each other and their approaches and circumstances. The story has a lot going on with so many events happening at once, but it made for a fun read (though it took me a few chapters to really get into it).

Overall a fun read and great time period to set a cozy in. I loved the tie-in to the suffragette movement!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Boldwoodbooks for an ARC

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery has substance and well-developed characters. A Suffragette prank in retaliation for Winston Churchill's ordered rough handling by the police of Suffragettes during a protest ends in murder at the National Portrait Galley. Coral, one of the participants in the prank, teams up with Guy Flynn, a detective inspector with Scotland Yard, to find out who and why. What they discover are political skullduggery, broken hearts, infidelities and scandals. Any of them might be reason for murder. But who did it will keep you guessing to the exciting end.

Not only did this have a very solid mystery it had lots of interesting information about how Suffragettes were treated by politicians and the police. This was a very promising start for a new series set in the 1910s.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for and ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start of what promises to be a hugely engaging and entertaining cozy crime series, set during the war and featuring an array of characters both real and fictional.

A highly readable story which was written with great attention to detail regarding the politics of the time and was interesting to learn more about the suffragette movement and the treatment of women at the time. I loved the blossoming relationships developing and the main protagonists who were strong female role models.

I look forward to reading more from this author and will be recommending this to those who enjoy a cozy crime series.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a most enjoyable read. I enjoyed the balance that was achieved. There was a great deal on the suffragette movement and while the focus was on a particular group within the movement it soon became evident that they didn't all agree on the best ways to draw attention to the rights they were trying to achieve. And they all had secrets.

The role of the politicians and police was outlined and again, their approach was not uniform,

Interesting.

Coral and Guy are just lovely!

I have read books by Michelle Salter before and that motivated me to try this series. I'm glad I did and I look forward to seeing where the storyline goes next.

With thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my copy. The view expressed are my own.

Its four our of five for me

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good first entry in a new series. The plot, set in 1910 in London, includes suffragettes, the London art scene, and various configurations of love affairs. Coral, the amateur detective in the novel, works with Detective Inspection Flynn to solve several crimes which appear to be intertwined, and watching the two leads slowly untangle the various threads as their relationship develops is a pleasure. I particularly liked Coral's character; she is sensible and thoughtful and her experiences as a widow and an aging actress (in her 30s!) ring true. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping murder mystery set in the aftermath of Black Friday in November 1910 when 300 suffragettes marched on Westminster and were effectively attacked by the police. The book explored the attitudes and activities of a suffragette cell and their fight for the vote against a strongly prejudicial government and wider society. The plot pictures a murder of one member of this cell as they were undertaking a daring demonstration in the national portrait gallery. There were plenty of twists and turns on the way and a love interest is developed between a detective and widowed suffragette leading to the possibility of a sequel or series. All 8n all, a really enjoyable read.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the first book in the new Fairbanks and Flynn historical mystery series. It is set in 1910 in London and features events around the Suffragette Movement and the government of the day's attempts to thwart them. A suspicious death brings a pair of unlikely cohorts together, but they make an effective investigative team. I appreciate the historical setting and the inclusion of historical events and figures, as well as the dynamic between Fairbanks and Flynn, which offers numerous possibilities, and the immersive mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first instalment in this new series by Michelle Salter. It’s a solid period cozy mystery with a great Edwardian London backdrop and a nice tie-in to the suffrage movement. Coral Fairbanks, a committed suffragette, is drawn into a murder investigation with Scotland Yard’s Guy Flynn when a missing activist is found dead and a painting disappears from the National Portrait Gallery. The story is well told, moves at a good pace, and I liked Coral and Guy together as an investigative duo. A fun weekend read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for this e-arc.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this exciting historical mystery set in 1910 London. The story kept me engaged and the main characters were interesting and credible. It weaves the suffragette activities in with British politicians, and the Art World. There’s plenty of twists and surprises including murder and art theft. I am looking forward to Book 2 in this Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series. Highly recommend.