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Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery #1
Eleanor and the Cold War
A brilliant 1950s Cold War historical mystery debut a female sleuth who is also an indispensable assistant to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Perfect for fans of Colleen Cambridge and Agatha Christie.
New York City and Washington, DC, 1951.Kay Thompson—secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt—is a young woman of conviction navigating the post-World War II period. But can she expose the dark truth about a transatlantic murder mystery unfolding before her eyes?
Previously fired for speaking out against workplace injustices, twenty-five-year-old Kay Thompson finds her true calling once appointed to support Eleanor Roosevelt, a champion of human rights known as ER among those in her inner circle. Kay fully embraces her new role as the former First Lady’s right hand—typing up daily columns and juggling a blur of political meetings, ribbon cuttings, and charitable dinners. It’s not until a dead body is discovered on a train that her most compelling task comes into focus . . .
Stunning Susie Taylor had star quality. Judging from her photos, it’s clear why she left Sweden with plans to make it big on Broadway. But when ER enlists Kay’s help on a discreet investigation about her sudden disappearance, the two suspect the up-and-comer was concealing secrets about her real identity and motives—all leading to her murder at Washington’s Union Station . . .
Plunged into a living Alfred Hitchcock film, an unseasoned Kay and a shrewd ER side with a handsome detective on a search for answers. What was Susie’s connection with a charismatic Soviet UN delegate and an atomic energy researcher? As ER makes it her mission to find out, danger looms upon the discovery of another body. Now, Kay must play a central role in exposing the killer—before she becomes the next rising beauty to meet a cruel fate . . .
New York City and Washington, DC, 1951.Kay Thompson—secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt—is a young woman of conviction navigating the post-World War II period. But can she expose the dark truth about a transatlantic murder mystery unfolding before her eyes?
Previously fired for speaking out against workplace injustices, twenty-five-year-old Kay Thompson finds her true calling once appointed to support Eleanor Roosevelt, a champion of human rights known as ER among those in her inner circle. Kay fully embraces her new role as the former First Lady’s right hand—typing up daily columns and juggling a blur of political meetings, ribbon cuttings, and charitable dinners. It’s not until a dead body is discovered on a train that her most compelling task comes into focus . . .
Stunning Susie Taylor had star quality. Judging from her photos, it’s clear why she left Sweden with plans to make it big on Broadway. But when ER enlists Kay’s help on a discreet investigation about her sudden disappearance, the two suspect the up-and-comer was concealing secrets about her real identity and motives—all leading to her murder at Washington’s Union Station . . .
Plunged into a living Alfred Hitchcock film, an unseasoned Kay and a shrewd ER side with a handsome detective on a search for answers. What was Susie’s connection with a charismatic Soviet UN delegate and an atomic energy researcher? As ER makes it her mission to find out, danger looms upon the discovery of another body. Now, Kay must play a central role in exposing the killer—before she becomes the next rising beauty to meet a cruel fate . . .
336 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2025
92 people are currently reading
7656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 15, 2025
Set in the post World War II years, this cleverly conceived novel presents an intriguing mystery which draws in the skills of capable and respected former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt and her personal secretary Kay Thompson.
Author Ellen Yardley skillfully blends real, well known people along with fictitious characters into the investigation of the murder of the daughter of an atomic scientist. The mystery will keep you guessing til the very last pages, while you also see the growth of Kay’s character from a young lady who only wants to find a husband to a confident young woman who sees many possibilities for her future. Factual information about some of the real characters is woven into the story and adds to the appeal of the novel.
Thank you to Goodreads first reads, Kensington Publishing Corp., and author Ellen Yardley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable novel.
Author Ellen Yardley skillfully blends real, well known people along with fictitious characters into the investigation of the murder of the daughter of an atomic scientist. The mystery will keep you guessing til the very last pages, while you also see the growth of Kay’s character from a young lady who only wants to find a husband to a confident young woman who sees many possibilities for her future. Factual information about some of the real characters is woven into the story and adds to the appeal of the novel.
Thank you to Goodreads first reads, Kensington Publishing Corp., and author Ellen Yardley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable novel.
January 1, 2025
This is a satisfying mashup of historical fiction and mystery. Fans of Eleanor Roosevelt will appreciate the insight into the former first lady. Her secretary/assistant, Kay makes a perfect sidekick: she's a natural sleuth, which means (in addition to clues) she's bound to start seeing the world--and what she wants from it--differently, which provides nice a nice character arc.
February 16, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Eleanor Roosevelt (ER) is a champion of human rights. Kay Thompson is a young woman who has been fired for calling out workplace violations. Kay has landed a new job as Eleanor’s secretary. She handles the former First Lady’s daily columns and correspondence while helping her stay on top of all the dinners, ribbon cuttings, and meetings for the United Nations. She learns there is much more to working for Eleanor Roosevelt when the body of a young woman is found on the Royal Blue train when it pulled into Washington D.C.
Susie Taylor was a young woman full of dreams. She left Sweden for America hoping to get her big break on Broadway. Her mother was a friend of Eleanor’s and asked for help finding her daughter who had disappeared. Susie Taylor was the young woman found dead on the train. One of the first detectives to arrive on the scene quickly made assumptions and theories. Detective O’Malley was more circumspect and listened to Kay and Eleanor who had their own theories. But the women knew if they didn’t embark on a journey to find the killer and the real motive for her death the wrong person would be accused or the case would go cold.
I love that this mystery series features Eleanor Roosevelt. I knew she was a strong and feisty woman and I hope the fictional Eleanor is close to how the real Eleanor was. I wish there was an Eleanor Roosevelt around today to shake up the world of politics to fight the injustices that are happening every day. I know she would be floored by what is happening after she fought so hard. Aside from her political good works, the woman is a fine amateur sleuth with drive knowing when to attack and when to have patience.
Kay Thompson is ER’s longtime secretary and friend Malvina “Tommy” Thompson’s niece. She has her own talents to bring to the investigation while taking on her normal tasks. She makes an excellent Watson to Eleanor’s Sherlock. She may also learn a lot about herself along the way.
Susie Taylor had some interesting connections that put her death very much in Eleanor’s wheelhouse. She believes there is much more to Susie’s story and that she had been keeping secrets and her mother was holding things back as well. I enjoyed the way Eleanor and Kay dug into the Soviet connection. A second murder opened up more questions than answers. I was surprised that Bobby and Jack Kennedy, and by extension, Ethel and Jackie ran in similar circles with Eleanor. The Kennedy brothers were part of some of Eleanor’s meetings with interesting input. ER was very interested in the details and we all know the devil is in the details. So even when the case appears wrapped she goes to Detective O’Malley with a new theory. I loved all the twists and turns Ms. Yardley penned in this mystery. I was kept guessing right up to the very end.
This first Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery has set this series off wonderfully. I appreciated how history was blended into this fictional account. The inclusion of prominent real people in the story pulled me in even more. I had to stop at one moment and check myself and remember it was a fictional story. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book. She explains how her imagination ” interweaves” with history.
Eleanor and the Cold War will appeal to anyone who enjoys history mixed with mystery and fans of the woman herself. Well-plotted and well-written – the book was A Perfect Escape! I can’t wait for the next book in this series and Eleanor and Kay’s next adventure.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Eleanor Roosevelt (ER) is a champion of human rights. Kay Thompson is a young woman who has been fired for calling out workplace violations. Kay has landed a new job as Eleanor’s secretary. She handles the former First Lady’s daily columns and correspondence while helping her stay on top of all the dinners, ribbon cuttings, and meetings for the United Nations. She learns there is much more to working for Eleanor Roosevelt when the body of a young woman is found on the Royal Blue train when it pulled into Washington D.C.
Susie Taylor was a young woman full of dreams. She left Sweden for America hoping to get her big break on Broadway. Her mother was a friend of Eleanor’s and asked for help finding her daughter who had disappeared. Susie Taylor was the young woman found dead on the train. One of the first detectives to arrive on the scene quickly made assumptions and theories. Detective O’Malley was more circumspect and listened to Kay and Eleanor who had their own theories. But the women knew if they didn’t embark on a journey to find the killer and the real motive for her death the wrong person would be accused or the case would go cold.
I love that this mystery series features Eleanor Roosevelt. I knew she was a strong and feisty woman and I hope the fictional Eleanor is close to how the real Eleanor was. I wish there was an Eleanor Roosevelt around today to shake up the world of politics to fight the injustices that are happening every day. I know she would be floored by what is happening after she fought so hard. Aside from her political good works, the woman is a fine amateur sleuth with drive knowing when to attack and when to have patience.
Kay Thompson is ER’s longtime secretary and friend Malvina “Tommy” Thompson’s niece. She has her own talents to bring to the investigation while taking on her normal tasks. She makes an excellent Watson to Eleanor’s Sherlock. She may also learn a lot about herself along the way.
Susie Taylor had some interesting connections that put her death very much in Eleanor’s wheelhouse. She believes there is much more to Susie’s story and that she had been keeping secrets and her mother was holding things back as well. I enjoyed the way Eleanor and Kay dug into the Soviet connection. A second murder opened up more questions than answers. I was surprised that Bobby and Jack Kennedy, and by extension, Ethel and Jackie ran in similar circles with Eleanor. The Kennedy brothers were part of some of Eleanor’s meetings with interesting input. ER was very interested in the details and we all know the devil is in the details. So even when the case appears wrapped she goes to Detective O’Malley with a new theory. I loved all the twists and turns Ms. Yardley penned in this mystery. I was kept guessing right up to the very end.
This first Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery has set this series off wonderfully. I appreciated how history was blended into this fictional account. The inclusion of prominent real people in the story pulled me in even more. I had to stop at one moment and check myself and remember it was a fictional story. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book. She explains how her imagination ” interweaves” with history.
Eleanor and the Cold War will appeal to anyone who enjoys history mixed with mystery and fans of the woman herself. Well-plotted and well-written – the book was A Perfect Escape! I can’t wait for the next book in this series and Eleanor and Kay’s next adventure.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
June 18, 2025
This book was not for me. Definitely a DNF and quite early on.
A Cold War era story sounded like a nice change of pace, and having Eleanor Roosevelt involved also interested me. The description of Kay, Eleanor's secretary made her sound like a strong, feminist female character in an era where that was a tough thing to be so I had high hopes for this story but they were not realized
Basically every character except Eleanor is a raging stereotype which I found supremely annoying. Kay for all her statements that she is a modern, independent and capable woman were undercut by the amount of time she spends worrying about how she looks, if her stiletto pumps will trip her up, making sure she reapplies her lipstick before speaking to the police about the woman's dead and bloodied body she was involved with discovering on a train. Honestly, Kay was the absolute opposite of a modern woman and she was very annoying.
Then there is the obnoxious and stereotypical police detective who assumes the women are stupid while making offensive comments and calling them rude names, and that the - black - train porters must be thieves and idiots while ALSO calling them rude names and speaking to them disrespectfully. Ugh.
The only character who didn't annoy the sh*t out of me was Eleanor Roosevelt and there wasn't enough of her to offset the other not-for-me characters in this book. Definitely a miss for me.
A Cold War era story sounded like a nice change of pace, and having Eleanor Roosevelt involved also interested me. The description of Kay, Eleanor's secretary made her sound like a strong, feminist female character in an era where that was a tough thing to be so I had high hopes for this story but they were not realized
Basically every character except Eleanor is a raging stereotype which I found supremely annoying. Kay for all her statements that she is a modern, independent and capable woman were undercut by the amount of time she spends worrying about how she looks, if her stiletto pumps will trip her up, making sure she reapplies her lipstick before speaking to the police about the woman's dead and bloodied body she was involved with discovering on a train. Honestly, Kay was the absolute opposite of a modern woman and she was very annoying.
Then there is the obnoxious and stereotypical police detective who assumes the women are stupid while making offensive comments and calling them rude names, and that the - black - train porters must be thieves and idiots while ALSO calling them rude names and speaking to them disrespectfully. Ugh.
The only character who didn't annoy the sh*t out of me was Eleanor Roosevelt and there wasn't enough of her to offset the other not-for-me characters in this book. Definitely a miss for me.
February 8, 2025
DNF. Made it about 1/3 of the way through the book and could not continue. So much focus on Kay’s clothing, makeup, body and sex appeal took away from the story.
Read
July 7, 2025Love this new mystery series with Eleanor Roosevelt and her trusty secretary as the investigators. Great period details and historical events and people. Fun series!
January 21, 2025
An excellent historical mystery featuring Eleanor Roosevelt as an amateur sleuth (aided by her young secretary) at the height of the Cold War. The historical background is fascinating, the mystery is engaging, and the depiction of Eleanor is wonderful and feels very grounded. She's a terrific pick for a mystery heroine!
April 22, 2025
Ugh ... another 2.5 stars rounded to 3 stars for GR.
The basics seem decent enough - Eleanor Roosevelt as Agatha Christie, with her own little junior detective in the form of Kay. Murder mystery. Washington Cold War political intrigue, enough name dropping from politics and pop culture to make Tahani from 'The Good Place' blush.
And yet ... it just never really took off. The characters were fairly thin and one-dimensional, very often dictated by their physical attractiveness. In a mid-book update I noted how in just the first few chapters the author talked about Kay's high heels about 15 times. And while the pace slowed her shoe choices were detailed throughout the remainder of the book.
The mystery was decently framed but overall not terribly satisfying. Overall an OK book but this will be the end of the line for me with this series.
The basics seem decent enough - Eleanor Roosevelt as Agatha Christie, with her own little junior detective in the form of Kay. Murder mystery. Washington Cold War political intrigue, enough name dropping from politics and pop culture to make Tahani from 'The Good Place' blush.
And yet ... it just never really took off. The characters were fairly thin and one-dimensional, very often dictated by their physical attractiveness. In a mid-book update I noted how in just the first few chapters the author talked about Kay's high heels about 15 times. And while the pace slowed her shoe choices were detailed throughout the remainder of the book.
The mystery was decently framed but overall not terribly satisfying. Overall an OK book but this will be the end of the line for me with this series.
April 7, 2025
I really wanted to like this. The idea of Eleanor Roosevelt solving crimes is adorable. However, all of the characters are vapid and one dimensional.
January 12, 2025
I want to thank Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Eleanor and the Cold War. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Eleanor and the Cold War appears to be the first book in a new historical mystery series. I was intrigued by the inclusion of Eleanor Roosevelt in a mystery novel. How she is presented in the book is how I would like to believe she was in real life. She was a strong woman who fought injustice in her own way. A bit feisty, Eleanor in this book reminded me of my grandmother, and that is a great thing.
Kay Thompson is a 25-year-old woman who has her future figured out. She wants to find the perfect husband, the polar opposite of the father who abandoned her and her mother. In her time with Eleanor, Kay learns that she wants more from life than to be a wife and mother. Kay wants to do more with her life.
You may recognize a few names in the book besides Eleanor Roosevelt, such as Bobby and Jack Kennedy. I enjoyed seeing them in the book, but it was surprising to realize they most likely moved in the same circles as Eleanor Roosevelt. Maybe I'm the only one who didn't realize that.
There are several possible suspects in Susie's murder. But who is the culprit? Can you figure it out before reaching the final few chapters? I can honestly say that I did not figure it out.
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What about starting a new series? Do you enjoy meeting characters who love watching movies? What about matching Hitchcock movies? If you've answered yes to any, especially all, you should read Eleanor and the Cold War!
Eleanor and the Cold War appears to be the first book in a new historical mystery series. I was intrigued by the inclusion of Eleanor Roosevelt in a mystery novel. How she is presented in the book is how I would like to believe she was in real life. She was a strong woman who fought injustice in her own way. A bit feisty, Eleanor in this book reminded me of my grandmother, and that is a great thing.
Kay Thompson is a 25-year-old woman who has her future figured out. She wants to find the perfect husband, the polar opposite of the father who abandoned her and her mother. In her time with Eleanor, Kay learns that she wants more from life than to be a wife and mother. Kay wants to do more with her life.
You may recognize a few names in the book besides Eleanor Roosevelt, such as Bobby and Jack Kennedy. I enjoyed seeing them in the book, but it was surprising to realize they most likely moved in the same circles as Eleanor Roosevelt. Maybe I'm the only one who didn't realize that.
There are several possible suspects in Susie's murder. But who is the culprit? Can you figure it out before reaching the final few chapters? I can honestly say that I did not figure it out.
Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What about starting a new series? Do you enjoy meeting characters who love watching movies? What about matching Hitchcock movies? If you've answered yes to any, especially all, you should read Eleanor and the Cold War!
April 8, 2025
Former First Lady and United Nations' delegate Eleanor Roosevelt is imagined as a woman investigating and solving a murder in the style of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, although that's my own opinion. Roosevelt keeps her thoughts to herself until she gathers the suspects and authorities in the end to reveal the real killer to everybody's surprise. The killer then pulls a gun on her to confirm the killer's guilt. Ellen Yardley's Eleanor and the Cold War begins a series.
I'm a fan of the real “ER” or “Mrs. R” as her temporary secretary refers to her. The story, though, has underwhelmed me. While I enjoyed the characters and mystery, it was told in second person by the beautiful secretary. Not my favorite perspective. It distanced me from the narrator.
I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the Cold War story set in 1951, such as meeting the Kennedy brothers and star reporter Jacqueline Bouvier as well as ER's real quotes.
The biggest problem was the implausibility of ER becoming like Poirot and how the three murders happened. Especially the first, which is supposed to make you think that the killer had no other choice. I didn't buy it. It's not that I think the Russians should always be the bad guys and that Americans can't be bad, and maybe the first victim was a bad person, but it didn't seem believable.
I may check out the next in the series if I spy it, but won't go looking for it. Mildly recommended.
I'm a fan of the real “ER” or “Mrs. R” as her temporary secretary refers to her. The story, though, has underwhelmed me. While I enjoyed the characters and mystery, it was told in second person by the beautiful secretary. Not my favorite perspective. It distanced me from the narrator.
I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the Cold War story set in 1951, such as meeting the Kennedy brothers and star reporter Jacqueline Bouvier as well as ER's real quotes.
The biggest problem was the implausibility of ER becoming like Poirot and how the three murders happened. Especially the first, which is supposed to make you think that the killer had no other choice. I didn't buy it. It's not that I think the Russians should always be the bad guys and that Americans can't be bad, and maybe the first victim was a bad person, but it didn't seem believable.
I may check out the next in the series if I spy it, but won't go looking for it. Mildly recommended.
June 14, 2025
Voto massimo perché questo libro mi ha piacevolmente sorpreso. Devo dire che all'inizio non lo avevo preso in considerazione perché il periodo storico non mi appassiona, ma leggendolo ho imparato diverse cose e in diversi punti mi ha ricordato quanto sta accadendo in questi giorni. In pratica ci sono due protagoniste: una è un personaggio fittizio (Kay, la segretaria), l'altra è realmente vissuta ed è una ex-first lady (Eleonor Roosevelt). Ci sono altri personaggi storici nella storia, ma io ho riconosciuto solo i Kennedy; però a fine libro c'è una nota esplicativa e la bibliografia. Devo dire che ho scoperto diverse cose su Eleonor Roosevelt, anche grazie ai brani in cima ai capitoli che sono tratti dai suoi scritti; in particolare non sapevo che è anche grazie a lei che abbiamo la Dichiarazione universale dei diritti dell'uomo. È una donna che farebbe comodo avere anche oggi in politica! Per quanto riguarda la storia, come dice il titolo, ci mostra l'inizio della guerra fredda, pur essendo fittizia. Ho imparato qualcosa di più della nostra storia, anche se sono passati "solo" 70 anni. Leggerò o
con piacere il seguito della serie.
con piacere il seguito della serie.
October 12, 2024
Eleanor and the Cold War
by Ellen Yardley is a great historical fiction cozy mystery that is the first book in a new series: An Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery.
This was such fun. I love starting new series as much as catching up with old friends in long-standing series. I also like historical fiction if done well. I was at first unsure if I could handle another post- WWII-era theme, but I am glad I gave this a go.
The 1950s in the US was every bit as dramatic as the decades beforehand, albeit in a different way. I enjoyed the way the author was able to meld fact and fiction, and to create a nice mystery to go along with it. There is room for character growth and further plots stemming from this gem.
Definitely recommend.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/21/25.
by Ellen Yardley is a great historical fiction cozy mystery that is the first book in a new series: An Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery.
This was such fun. I love starting new series as much as catching up with old friends in long-standing series. I also like historical fiction if done well. I was at first unsure if I could handle another post- WWII-era theme, but I am glad I gave this a go.
The 1950s in the US was every bit as dramatic as the decades beforehand, albeit in a different way. I enjoyed the way the author was able to meld fact and fiction, and to create a nice mystery to go along with it. There is room for character growth and further plots stemming from this gem.
Definitely recommend.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/21/25.
September 2, 2024
This fine debut hit my sweet spot, with its spectacular cover, Hitchcock-like tale, and a can't figure it out hist-mystery featuring former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her assistant in 1951's New York and D.C. Series, please!
February 1, 2025
As someone who can usually figure out the plot of a murder mystery relativity quickly, this book kept me hooked from start to finish!
March 2, 2025
Why did it take so long for someone to come up with this idea?? Found this by chance at my public library and thought it was great fun.
September 16, 2025
I only read part of the first chapter. Too much foul language.
dnf
October 29, 2025DNF @ 18%/56pgs
Sorry bookclub I’m so bored :( the writing is just falling flat for me
Sorry bookclub I’m so bored :( the writing is just falling flat for me
January 28, 2025
I listened to this and Shiloh James’ narration was FABULOUS
December 28, 2024
Eleanor and the Cold War, a new mystery, takes place in the early 1950s Cold War era of Washington DC. Eleanor Roosevelt plays a large role in the story, but also her temporary secretary Kay Thompson. I enjoyed a lot of the story with Eleanor, but felt Kay's characterization was a caricature of a 1950s female who only wants a good marriage. Though Kay grew through her interactions with Eleanor, it put me off the story a bit at the beginning. I thought the mystery was okay, but needed more well-rounded characters. I love learning about DC in this era, so would check out the next book in the series!
February 23, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/e...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is one of the best “first in a new series” mystery that I’ve read! This is set primarily in Washington DC in 1951, satisfying my yen for historical mysteries. It was intriguing, and the red herrings seemed so guilty! My interest in learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt, (sometimes called ER), is kindled. With the exception of some of the historical events, including her accomplishments as a United States delegate to the United Nations, this mystery and most of the people are fictitious.
Kay Thompson is a secretary in her mid-twenties, the niece of the secretary ER had for decades. While Kay’s aunt was recuperating from an illness, she recommended Kay for the temporary position.
The goals instilled in Kay were to find a handsome man with a good position to marry and give her a house in the country. She would be a wife and a mother, a career or job unnecessary, the dream of many mid-century women. She had other secretarial positions that were short-lived due to standing up for others not treated unfairly. When talking with the police detective about the murder, she turned down a date with him because he was in a very dangerous, low-paying job. After working for Eleanor for a short time, however, she had a significantly different outlook.
Kay was told by a man in the State Department to keep ER out of the spotlight or situations that could involve the police or the press. Senate approval was still pending on new or returning UN delegates, and he didn’t want anything to keep her from her important. Eleanor was the first Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, and was instrumental in developing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Eleanor was contacted by a long-time friend, Elsa, a famous atomic scientist. Her only child, Susan, had come to America and hoped to become an actress. Susan waitressed at a Georgetown tavern frequented by glamourous politicians and auditioned for roles in New York City. Susan disappeared three weeks ago, and neither her roommate or coworkers heard from her.
Susan finally called Eleanor, asking the former first lady to meet her train in DC when Eleanor had business in the Capital. The train was almost empty when Eleanor and Kay talked with Mr. Jeffers, a porter ER knew for many years. He sent her to a car where a young woman had been found dead minutes earlier. It was Susan, murdered, her body still warm.
Kay recognized the distinctive Caswell Massey Number Six cologne hanging in the air of the washroom, one favored by many men in DC. On the train platform, she noticed a man wearing it, gave chase, but lost him.
It was thought that, based on an earlier sighting and information gathered, Susan was dating a Soviet delegate at the UN who Eleanor knew. The man on the platform wearing Caswell-Massey was the assistant of the delegate. Both men were communists. Susan was also familiar with a scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory who had given atomic secrets to the Soviets. Even before her murder, Susan was considered a possible Communist spy. She also had a gentleman friend who promised to leave his wife and take Susan to California.
Some things they learned about Susan and her mother cut to Eleanor’s heart. Mr. Jeffers, the porter and her long-time friend was murdered, possibly by Susan’s killer. Eleanor promised Elsa she would find who killed Susan, even though the FBI had taken over the case.
The primary characters leap from the pages, very well defined for a first in series. I enjoyed watching Kay begin to change as a result of working for ER. Eleanor Roosevelt, was a fascinating woman, a former first lady, and an intelligent, courageous woman with her own accomplishments. What she did was for the betterment of others, not for accolades.
Eleanor and Kay were instrumental in finding who really killed Susan and Mr. Jeffers – and why. The results were devastating, including another murder, of one of Mrs. Roosevelt’s friends from the UN. I highly recommend this exciting, intriguing mystery!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is one of the best “first in a new series” mystery that I’ve read! This is set primarily in Washington DC in 1951, satisfying my yen for historical mysteries. It was intriguing, and the red herrings seemed so guilty! My interest in learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt, (sometimes called ER), is kindled. With the exception of some of the historical events, including her accomplishments as a United States delegate to the United Nations, this mystery and most of the people are fictitious.
Kay Thompson is a secretary in her mid-twenties, the niece of the secretary ER had for decades. While Kay’s aunt was recuperating from an illness, she recommended Kay for the temporary position.
The goals instilled in Kay were to find a handsome man with a good position to marry and give her a house in the country. She would be a wife and a mother, a career or job unnecessary, the dream of many mid-century women. She had other secretarial positions that were short-lived due to standing up for others not treated unfairly. When talking with the police detective about the murder, she turned down a date with him because he was in a very dangerous, low-paying job. After working for Eleanor for a short time, however, she had a significantly different outlook.
Kay was told by a man in the State Department to keep ER out of the spotlight or situations that could involve the police or the press. Senate approval was still pending on new or returning UN delegates, and he didn’t want anything to keep her from her important. Eleanor was the first Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, and was instrumental in developing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Eleanor was contacted by a long-time friend, Elsa, a famous atomic scientist. Her only child, Susan, had come to America and hoped to become an actress. Susan waitressed at a Georgetown tavern frequented by glamourous politicians and auditioned for roles in New York City. Susan disappeared three weeks ago, and neither her roommate or coworkers heard from her.
Susan finally called Eleanor, asking the former first lady to meet her train in DC when Eleanor had business in the Capital. The train was almost empty when Eleanor and Kay talked with Mr. Jeffers, a porter ER knew for many years. He sent her to a car where a young woman had been found dead minutes earlier. It was Susan, murdered, her body still warm.
Kay recognized the distinctive Caswell Massey Number Six cologne hanging in the air of the washroom, one favored by many men in DC. On the train platform, she noticed a man wearing it, gave chase, but lost him.
It was thought that, based on an earlier sighting and information gathered, Susan was dating a Soviet delegate at the UN who Eleanor knew. The man on the platform wearing Caswell-Massey was the assistant of the delegate. Both men were communists. Susan was also familiar with a scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory who had given atomic secrets to the Soviets. Even before her murder, Susan was considered a possible Communist spy. She also had a gentleman friend who promised to leave his wife and take Susan to California.
Some things they learned about Susan and her mother cut to Eleanor’s heart. Mr. Jeffers, the porter and her long-time friend was murdered, possibly by Susan’s killer. Eleanor promised Elsa she would find who killed Susan, even though the FBI had taken over the case.
The primary characters leap from the pages, very well defined for a first in series. I enjoyed watching Kay begin to change as a result of working for ER. Eleanor Roosevelt, was a fascinating woman, a former first lady, and an intelligent, courageous woman with her own accomplishments. What she did was for the betterment of others, not for accolades.
Eleanor and Kay were instrumental in finding who really killed Susan and Mr. Jeffers – and why. The results were devastating, including another murder, of one of Mrs. Roosevelt’s friends from the UN. I highly recommend this exciting, intriguing mystery!
December 14, 2024
This is a pleasant read with the very much added bonus of Eleanor Roosevelt as one of the main characters. Roosevelt, perhaps our greatest first lady, was a remarkable human being. In this novel, which takes place in 1951, we find her in the middle of the cold war, working for human rights in every possible manner, a widow and a former first lady. As the book opens, she and secretary, Kay Thompson, have discovered the body of a young woman in the bathroom of a train. The young woman was the daughter of a friend of Eleanor’s. The girl had been missing and the mother had asked Eleanor if she could help find her.
The secretary, Kay, is new to the job. She’s filling in for her aunt “Tommy” (Roosevelt’s real long time secretary). She’s young and beautiful and thinks maybe she’ll meet a husband while working for the former first lady. What she doesn’t expect, and what makes this novel a journey of identity, is that Mrs. R will change her outlook profoundly. Kay gets involved in the investigation of the girl’s death which appears to have Soviet ties. It’s the height of the Cold War and everything is fraught. When the jurisdiction changes from the local police to the FBI, an organization Eleanor is familiar with, she has a bit more leeway to investigate.
What Eleanor is even more familiar with, as Kay discovers, is human nature, and it’s her look at the characters involved that solve the crime. Meanwhile the author takes the reader on an authentic feeling tour of the early 1950’s. I remember my aunt saying she couldn’t watch Mad Men because the handsy, arrogant, sexist men were all too realistic and took her back to a place she didn’t want to be. As Kay struggles through some unwanted advances herself – advances she takes for granted though does not enjoy – my aunt’s observation came back to me.
Kay is deciding if she wants to be a pampered wife or a woman like Eleanor who owns her own home (very unusual for the time). Meanwhile, the book introduces real life characters like Jack and Bobby Kennedy and Jaqueline Bouvier, all very young and not yet attached to one another. Kat admires Jackie’s work as a photographer, and Jackie ends up helping her find a vital clue.
Sprinkled throughout – and bolstered by epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter – are Eleanor’s practical words of wisdom. Eleanor infuses the book through she is in fact the secondary character. It’s interesting to see the pairing of an older woman (Eleanor would have been in her mid 60’s at the time) with a young one figuring out her life. This is a solid read and a decent mystery with a solution that’s somewhat unexpected, though believable. The heartbreak of the dead woman is not ignored and the mechanics of an investigation involving the interference of a beloved former first lady are strong elements here. I liked meeting Kay and enjoyed seeing her begin her journey to full adulthood. This is a good start to a series.
The secretary, Kay, is new to the job. She’s filling in for her aunt “Tommy” (Roosevelt’s real long time secretary). She’s young and beautiful and thinks maybe she’ll meet a husband while working for the former first lady. What she doesn’t expect, and what makes this novel a journey of identity, is that Mrs. R will change her outlook profoundly. Kay gets involved in the investigation of the girl’s death which appears to have Soviet ties. It’s the height of the Cold War and everything is fraught. When the jurisdiction changes from the local police to the FBI, an organization Eleanor is familiar with, she has a bit more leeway to investigate.
What Eleanor is even more familiar with, as Kay discovers, is human nature, and it’s her look at the characters involved that solve the crime. Meanwhile the author takes the reader on an authentic feeling tour of the early 1950’s. I remember my aunt saying she couldn’t watch Mad Men because the handsy, arrogant, sexist men were all too realistic and took her back to a place she didn’t want to be. As Kay struggles through some unwanted advances herself – advances she takes for granted though does not enjoy – my aunt’s observation came back to me.
Kay is deciding if she wants to be a pampered wife or a woman like Eleanor who owns her own home (very unusual for the time). Meanwhile, the book introduces real life characters like Jack and Bobby Kennedy and Jaqueline Bouvier, all very young and not yet attached to one another. Kat admires Jackie’s work as a photographer, and Jackie ends up helping her find a vital clue.
Sprinkled throughout – and bolstered by epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter – are Eleanor’s practical words of wisdom. Eleanor infuses the book through she is in fact the secondary character. It’s interesting to see the pairing of an older woman (Eleanor would have been in her mid 60’s at the time) with a young one figuring out her life. This is a solid read and a decent mystery with a solution that’s somewhat unexpected, though believable. The heartbreak of the dead woman is not ignored and the mechanics of an investigation involving the interference of a beloved former first lady are strong elements here. I liked meeting Kay and enjoyed seeing her begin her journey to full adulthood. This is a good start to a series.
January 16, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Back in the day, I just loved Elliott Roosevelt’s murder mysteries involving his mother, Eleanor, because she definitely seemed like a person who would want to get to the bottom of a mystery put forth before her. That’s one of the reasons I requested this book. As many readers of the blog know, I have great respect for the Roosevelts in general, so this mystery was a slam dunk for me.
Eleanor’s longtime assistant, Tommy (nickname) is unavailable, so she sends her 25-year-old niece, Kay, to help out. Kay has a habit of losing jobs because she’s outspoken and confident in an era when women were still expected to mind their Ps and Qs. She normally dresses in a flashier manner, wearing figure hugging dresses and bright lipstick, but she’s toned it down for working with Eleanor. At least, at first, she does.
One of the things I loved about this book were the cultural references that any fan of the era would know. Because there’s been a murder on a train, Kay is constantly reflecting how this or that situation reminds her of a Hitchcock movie, which is a nice touch. And Kay has a way of projecting celebrity profiles onto people she has met, like the gorgeous police officer she thinks looks just like Montgomery Clift. I appreciated those touches throughout the story.
This Cold War murder mystery is full of intrigue and twists and turns I did not see coming. I loved the spunky Kay, whose brain is as big as her heart, and I loved the characterization of the former first lady. This is one of the better fictional Eleanor Roosevelt books I’ve read, and I certainly hope this series continues!
Back in the day, I just loved Elliott Roosevelt’s murder mysteries involving his mother, Eleanor, because she definitely seemed like a person who would want to get to the bottom of a mystery put forth before her. That’s one of the reasons I requested this book. As many readers of the blog know, I have great respect for the Roosevelts in general, so this mystery was a slam dunk for me.
Eleanor’s longtime assistant, Tommy (nickname) is unavailable, so she sends her 25-year-old niece, Kay, to help out. Kay has a habit of losing jobs because she’s outspoken and confident in an era when women were still expected to mind their Ps and Qs. She normally dresses in a flashier manner, wearing figure hugging dresses and bright lipstick, but she’s toned it down for working with Eleanor. At least, at first, she does.
One of the things I loved about this book were the cultural references that any fan of the era would know. Because there’s been a murder on a train, Kay is constantly reflecting how this or that situation reminds her of a Hitchcock movie, which is a nice touch. And Kay has a way of projecting celebrity profiles onto people she has met, like the gorgeous police officer she thinks looks just like Montgomery Clift. I appreciated those touches throughout the story.
This Cold War murder mystery is full of intrigue and twists and turns I did not see coming. I loved the spunky Kay, whose brain is as big as her heart, and I loved the characterization of the former first lady. This is one of the better fictional Eleanor Roosevelt books I’ve read, and I certainly hope this series continues!
January 1, 2025
Eleanor and the Cold War by Ellen Yardley is a fabulous debut novel. Set in New York City and Washington, DC, in 1951, the world is trying to move past World War II. Hollywood-style glamor sizzles, espionage is rampant and people are eager to advocate for human justice. One such woman is former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, ER to her friends. At first, she was known for her husband but became known for her tireless work and kindness. Her secretary is off convalescing and 25-year-old impulsive Kay is her temporary replacement. Kay knows she is gorgeous and turns heads but surprises with her cleverness and tenacity. The two women are an unlikely but dynamic duo who work on Eleanor's My Day column, organize and attend engagements, mix and mingle, and sleuth.
A woman on the same train as Eleanor is discovered dead. Astute Kay notices details most overlook. Detectives realize possible Soviet links, politics and espionage are factors. Eleanor has connections in high places which enable her to move in directions others can't. Conversely, her every move is under scrutiny.
Though the mystery aspect was intriguing, it lacked a bit of oomph. However, this is an enjoyable novel and era. The choice of Eleanor as sleuth actually makes sense as the role showcases her wisdom, humility, wit, advocacy and intelligence. The bright and quirky writing pulled me in, too.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this captivating novel.
A woman on the same train as Eleanor is discovered dead. Astute Kay notices details most overlook. Detectives realize possible Soviet links, politics and espionage are factors. Eleanor has connections in high places which enable her to move in directions others can't. Conversely, her every move is under scrutiny.
Though the mystery aspect was intriguing, it lacked a bit of oomph. However, this is an enjoyable novel and era. The choice of Eleanor as sleuth actually makes sense as the role showcases her wisdom, humility, wit, advocacy and intelligence. The bright and quirky writing pulled me in, too.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this captivating novel.
April 3, 2025
Buckle up, readers, you are in for a wild ride! Eleanor and the Cold War was such a thrilling and immersive story about Eleanor Roosevelt (former first lady) and her secretary Kay Thompson solving a mysterious death on a train.
1951: Kay Thompson is hired as a temporary secretary to former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, in place of her aunt who has taken ill. Kay is a beautiful, ambitious young woman who has lofty ideas of marrying well. When she falls under the tutelage of the former first lady, her ideas of society begin to change. Kay is cunning and is the perfect complement to her employer. When Kay and Eleanor are sent a message to meet the daughter of Eleanor's friend, their meeting ends in tragedy and the two are tasked with solving this crime in Washington D.C. Several deaths follow in the midst of their investigation and signs of Soviet operative espionage throws the women in a different direction, especially when many up and coming politicians are implicated in the murders.
I was glued to my seat when reading this story. I loved how the author used the guise of the Cold War witch hunt for communists as a the backdrop for this mystery and paired it with the wonderful personality of Eleanor Roosevelt. Turning Eleanor into an amateur sleuth was a brilliant idea. Most of all, I did not see the plot twist at the very end!
The book is left open for a possible sequel, and I am praying that the author will continue in this series.
If you are a fan of Eleanor Roosevelt, the Cold War, or light espionage, you will enjoy this mystery.
1951: Kay Thompson is hired as a temporary secretary to former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, in place of her aunt who has taken ill. Kay is a beautiful, ambitious young woman who has lofty ideas of marrying well. When she falls under the tutelage of the former first lady, her ideas of society begin to change. Kay is cunning and is the perfect complement to her employer. When Kay and Eleanor are sent a message to meet the daughter of Eleanor's friend, their meeting ends in tragedy and the two are tasked with solving this crime in Washington D.C. Several deaths follow in the midst of their investigation and signs of Soviet operative espionage throws the women in a different direction, especially when many up and coming politicians are implicated in the murders.
I was glued to my seat when reading this story. I loved how the author used the guise of the Cold War witch hunt for communists as a the backdrop for this mystery and paired it with the wonderful personality of Eleanor Roosevelt. Turning Eleanor into an amateur sleuth was a brilliant idea. Most of all, I did not see the plot twist at the very end!
The book is left open for a possible sequel, and I am praying that the author will continue in this series.
If you are a fan of Eleanor Roosevelt, the Cold War, or light espionage, you will enjoy this mystery.
October 23, 2024
Deliciously tangled and teasing, this historical novel of the early 1950’s Cold War combines fictional diplomats and spies with real-life Washington politicos and their cohorts in a messy murder-mystery sleuthed by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (currently working at the UN) and her new fill-in personal secretary, Kay Thompson. Rising young photojournalist Jacqueline Bouvier, her not-yet-husband Jack Kennedy & his brother Bobby with new bride Ethel, and Roosevelt pal Lorena Hickok all play juicy roles in the course of Eleanor’s freelance criminal investigation of the grisly stabbing death of a mysterious young woman acquaintance (with strongly likely espionage connections) inside a restroom aboard a train in D.C. Eleanor and Kay are doggedly trying to stay one step ahead of the questionable conclusions of the D.C. police and various McCarthy-leaning feds who have skin in this game and are deadset to protect their own. (Oh, but there is that one dead-handsome cop, Detective Tim O’Malley. . .nothing sinister about that particular straight-arrow guy, wink! wink!) Mrs. Roosevelt is nothing if not conscientious, wily, diplomatic, and determined, and Kay, clever and feisty in her own way, makes a terrific apprentice to her crime-fighting boss. Both these women have good hearts and admirable people skills; I leave you to guess whether they get the job done! If you like your ripping yarns with a hearty helping of history, this book will not disappoint.
July 13, 2025
Full Disclosure: I'm not a fan of plucking up a real historically known person and cloaking them in detective garb inside an invented murder mystery. So. Ms Yardley, or whoever he/she is in real life has truly researched this period and matched up the factual events well, but the attempts at Mad-Men-Mysogyny stylings and spontaneous romance felt...well, a bit wonky and, to be honest, a bit weird.
Eg: the 'tall man in a trenchcoat acting suspiciously' reported by a witness as if he were Humphrey Bogart is off: Bogart was a short man.
Eg: Detective O'Malley (handsome beyond belief complete with an Irish lilt) chases after Kay to ask her out after a truly brief meeting.
I dropped the book with an 'ooooorrg' out loud. I'm sorry...the author might be bending over backwards to imitate the era but this beggars belief. Ewwww!
Clearly overall, the author is trying to reveal a sub-text of a young intelligent woman who realises that her proven abilities support greater ambitions than being a coddled wife. And while that goal is admirable, I have to wonder how inspiring a message it might be for today's readers.
The excessive use of historical characters kinda leaves me coldly unable to suspend my disbelief. As a planned series from a publishing corporation that churns out over 300 titles a year (good grief)...I suspect it's pretty much par for their course.
Eg: the 'tall man in a trenchcoat acting suspiciously' reported by a witness as if he were Humphrey Bogart is off: Bogart was a short man.
Eg: Detective O'Malley (handsome beyond belief complete with an Irish lilt) chases after Kay to ask her out after a truly brief meeting.
I dropped the book with an 'ooooorrg' out loud. I'm sorry...the author might be bending over backwards to imitate the era but this beggars belief. Ewwww!
Clearly overall, the author is trying to reveal a sub-text of a young intelligent woman who realises that her proven abilities support greater ambitions than being a coddled wife. And while that goal is admirable, I have to wonder how inspiring a message it might be for today's readers.
The excessive use of historical characters kinda leaves me coldly unable to suspend my disbelief. As a planned series from a publishing corporation that churns out over 300 titles a year (good grief)...I suspect it's pretty much par for their course.
November 12, 2024
This was a wonderful read, a great mystery but I also learnt a lot! This story follows Kay, a secretary on the hunt for a husband to look after her, and her employer Eleanor Roosevelt as they seek the truth in the murder of a young woman. Set in 1950s America, during a time of increased tension with the Soviet Union amid the race to develop nuclear arms, this story grapples with other social issues of the time including the role of women. Eleanor Roosevelt is a character filled with charm and compassion who mentors the pragmatic Kay to realise there’s more options for a woman than marriage. While the mystery of the story was great, I also really enjoyed an insight into American politics of yesteryear, especially while simultaneously watching America grapple with who it is in real time (I read this during the 2024 election). I loved the historical insight and have found myself in an online rabbit hole of researching the Roosevelts and Kennedys ever since finishing the book!
If you’re after an intriguing mystery that interweaves real life characters with fiction and throws in a dash of romance, then this book is for you! I highly recommend and hope there’s another instalment out soon!
With thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
If you’re after an intriguing mystery that interweaves real life characters with fiction and throws in a dash of romance, then this book is for you! I highly recommend and hope there’s another instalment out soon!
With thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
Read
March 10, 2025In this new historical fiction novel featuring Kay Thompson, secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt, readers join her in 1951 New York City and Washington, D.C., at the height of the Red Scare post-World War II. Having been fired from past jobs for speaking out against workplace injustice, this new job supporting Eleanor Roosevelt might be the perfect position for Kay. However, when Susie Taylor winds up dead on a train that the former First Lady is also on, Kay must figure out how to run a discreet investigation into Susie’s life and navigate the dangers of Cold War politics before someone else winds up dead. With a complicated and relatable protagonist, readers of other historical mysteries will love this new release for the tension and historical detail present on every page. Kay is understandably young and inexperienced, which makes this more interesting because she has to deal with the learning curve and the political theatrics in some very interesting ways. Excellently written with great tension and drama, Yardley has brought the intrigue and secrecy of the Cold War to life in her central mystery and in the fantastic suspects and side characters in this exciting, high stakes, and thrilling adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the advance copy.
November 28, 2024
3 1/2 stars
The latest in historical mysteries featuring a well known armchair detective. This story is centered around the former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt after leaving the White House but still very involved on the hill. While helping locate an old friend's missing daughter she and her new assistant are shocked to discover the daughter's body on a train. Mrs. Roosevelt's new assistant Kay is hoping to snag a rich husband and instead ends up chasing the First Lady while she meets with Soviet spies, Washington political heavyweights (like the Kennedy brothers) and the police. The police are quick to blame the black porter until his and other bodies start turning up. Quick paced and a nice nod to the often overlooked intelligence and kindness of Eleanor Roosevelt. This falls into the cozy end of historical murder mysteries that covers a wide array of characters and Cold War territory. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
The latest in historical mysteries featuring a well known armchair detective. This story is centered around the former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt after leaving the White House but still very involved on the hill. While helping locate an old friend's missing daughter she and her new assistant are shocked to discover the daughter's body on a train. Mrs. Roosevelt's new assistant Kay is hoping to snag a rich husband and instead ends up chasing the First Lady while she meets with Soviet spies, Washington political heavyweights (like the Kennedy brothers) and the police. The police are quick to blame the black porter until his and other bodies start turning up. Quick paced and a nice nod to the often overlooked intelligence and kindness of Eleanor Roosevelt. This falls into the cozy end of historical murder mysteries that covers a wide array of characters and Cold War territory. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
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