Murder at the Maharaja's Courts

by Lee Strauss

Murder is a world away...

Lady Ginger Gold never imagined her journey to Rajasthan would draw her into the glittering yet perilous world of a royal court. Invited with her husband Basil to a lavish celebration at a maharaja’s palace, she is swept into a realm of jewelled elephants, opulent banquets, and the thrill of a tiger hunt in the desert.

But when a guest is gunned down during the hunt, whispers ripple through the gilded halls. Was the bullet meant for the victim—or for the maharaja himself? As Ginger unravels a web of intrigue, she uncovers dangerous British officials with secrets to hide, courtiers with shifting loyalties, and whispers of rebellion against the Crown.

Amid growing rebellion and corruption, Ginger must unmask a killer before palace intrigue turns deadly.

★★★★★

Researching for the Ginger Gold Mysteries has been so much fun. I hope you sense that as you read. Ginger Gold is smart, savvy, and delightful. The fashions, the dances, the CRIME. The Ginger Gold Mysteries are COZY, so no scary, graphic on-stage violence. You'll find these books to be clean reads, with no swearing or sex. I hope you enjoy the Ginger Gold Mystery series!


Hop aboard the 1920s!

THE GINGER GOLD MYSTERY SERIES

Murder on the SS Rosa (Book 1)
Murder at Hartigan House (Book 2)
Murder at Bray Manor (Book 3)
Murder at Feathers & Flair (Book 4)
Murder at the Mortuary (Book 5)
Murder at Kensington Gardens (Book 6)
Murder at st. George’s Church (Book 7)
The Wedding of Ginger & Basil (Book 7.5)
Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman (Book 8)
Murder at the Boat Club (Book 9)
Murder on Eaton Square (Book 10)
Murder by Plum Pudding (Book 11)
Murder on Fleet Street (Book 12)
Murder at Brighton Beach (Book 13)
Murder at Hyde Park (Book 14)
Murder at Royal Albert Hall (Book 15)
Murder in Belgravia (Book 16)
Murder on Mallowan Court (Book 17)
Murder at the Savoy (Book 18)
Murder at the Circus (Book 19)
Murder at the Boxing Club (Book 20)
Murder in France (Book 21)
Murder at Yuletide (Book 22)
Murder at Madame Tussaud's (Book 23)
Murder at St. Paul's Cathedral (Book 24)
Murder at the Olympics (Book 25)
Murder at the Cave of Harmony (Book 26)
Murder in the Painted Masque (Book 27)

Higgins & Hawke in the 1930s!
Death at the Tavern (Book 1)
Death on the Tower (Book 2)
Death on Hanover (Book 3)
Death by Dancing (Book 4)
Death on Tremont Rows (Book 5)
Death at Kings Chapel (Book 6)


A 1950s mystery series!

THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES

Murder at High Tide (Book 1)
Murder on the Boardwalk (Book 2)
Murder at the Bomb Shelter (Book 3)
Murder on Location (Book 4)
Murder and Rock 'n Roll (Book 5)
Murder at the Races (Book 6)
Murder at the Dude Ranch (Book 7)
Murder at in London (Book 8)
Murder at the Fiesta (Book 9)
Murder at the Weddings (Book 10)

Don't miss LADY GOLD INVESTIGATES, the short story companion series!

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

About the author

For fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.

NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold

For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com

Reviews

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best developed plots in the Ginger Gold series. It takes place in India and many political implications of a murder make the solving of it by Ginger and Basil more complex. Very little is as it seems. There are further complications as Basil’s father is a suspect. Although the murder was solved, how it was resolved is unique in this series.

The character descriptions and general descriptions of the scenery and fashion help the reader feel they are part of the drama.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series.

[Emily Gawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply fantastic! Lee Strauss has done it again!

Murder at the Maharaja’s Court is outstanding! One of the things I loved most about this book is the fact that you get to see the story from the points of view of both Ginger and Basil. I love seeing how Basil processes everything and how he sees Ginger. This book is one of the more adventurous and outgoing stories in this collection. It was thrilling to travel to India through Ginger and Basil’s eyes.

Each book in this series is marvelous and I cannot wait to see where it takes us next.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

Happy reading! 📖

[Lee Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Ginger Reed, known in some London circles as Lady Gold, sat at her large oak desk in the office of Lady Gold Investigations, her papers neatly stacked beside her, and her fountain pen hovered above the ledger.

Magna Jones, her assistant, lounged at the adjacent desk, one leg draped carelessly over the other, a grin tugging at her mouth. “You’ve written ‘suspicious footsteps’ twice.” Her voice carried the faintest hint of a Belgian French accent, though her words landed sharp as pins. With dark hair cut in a blunt bob, skin pale as parchment, and a gaze that could chill a room, she had the sort of presence that unsettled the uninitiated. Even after years of acquaintance—stretching back to the Great War—Ginger occasionally felt herself affected by it.

“If you’re padding the expenses,” Magna went on, “at least vary the vocabulary.”

Ginger lifted her head, pushed a loose wave of red hair behind her ear, and arched a brow. “It’s not padding, it’s thoroughness. Our clients expect precision.”

“They expect results,” Magna countered, folding her arms. “And we gave them that, didn’t we? Caught the poor man’s secretary red-handed.”

“Blue-inked, actually,” Ginger replied, the corners of her lips twitching into a smile.

From his cushion in the corner, Boss, her Boston terrier, gave a soft woof of agreement and promptly rolled onto his back, paws in the air, demanding tribute.

“You see? Even he’s tired of ledgers,” Magna said, rising to stretch. She crossed the room with her usual purposeful stride and rubbed the little dog’s belly.

“I rather think Boss likes seeing me work,” Ginger murmured, dipping her pen once more. “It assures him someone is keeping the world in order.”

“Then he’s more optimistic than I am,” Magna retorted, brushing a bit of dog hair from her skirt. “Because nothing about this world is in order, Ginger—and you know it.”

Before Ginger could reply, the bell over the front door jangled.

The lady who entered brought the cool damp of a foggy London February day with her, along with an unmistakable air of drama. She wore a travelling cloak of ivory wool trimmed in sable, and a champagne-coloured cloche shaded a pale and striking face. Soft lines about her eyes suggested she was in her early forties, only a few years Ginger’s senior. With unhurried grace, she removed her gloves, one finger at a time.

Ginger stood, presenting her customary warm smile. “Good afternoon.”

The lady cut in before Ginger could say more. “You don’t know me, Lady Gold.” Her voice carried the polish of Mayfair society but with a darker note beneath. “But you will have heard of me. I am Lady Alice Pembroke.”

Ginger concealed her amusement at the presumption. Yet Lady Alice was not mistaken—the name was familiar enough: a widow with impeccable connections, whispers of a scandalous inheritance, and rumours of adventures spanning Cairo to Calcutta.

Ginger gestured towards Magna. “This is my assistant, Miss Jones. What may we do for you, Lady Alice?”

The newcomer’s lips, red with glossy lipstick, tightened a fraction. “It is a matter of delicacy. I am leaving soon to travel to India, to attend a celebration at the palace of His Highness the Maharaja of Rajasthan near Alwar. It is said certain heirlooms of my family have found their way into his collection. I cannot be seen to pry…but you, Lady Gold, could make inquiries. Your reputation for discretion and success is well known.”

Boss gave a small huff, unimpressed by her polished delivery. Ginger, however, felt that familiar quickening of the pulse that always came when intrigue sidled in through her office door. Rajasthan. A maharaja’s palace.

“India?” Magna interjected. “You expect her to go to India? That’s a two weeks journey at the very least, one way.”

“I am aware of the distance, Miss Jones,” Lady Alice said coolly. “Rest assured, Lady Gold—and her husband, naturally—would be handsomely compensated.”

Ginger purposefully glanced away from Magna, whose absence from that particular invitation had been made abundantly clear.

“Do sit down, Lady Alice,” Ginger said, reclaiming her seat. “I find your proposal interesting but require more detail.”

Lady Alice glided into the empty leather chair opposite Ginger’s desk and arranged herself with effortless elegance. “It is precisely as I said. A valuable emerald necklace belonging to my grandmother, a miniature portrait… it is not only their monetary value, you understand, but they are dear to me. Someone whose opinions I trust informed me of having seen them at the palace. I cannot risk offence by inquiring personally, but I want them returned.”

“How do you know this, Lady Alice?” Magna asked, her tone edged with scepticism. “Have you been there of late?”

“Not for some years,” the lady replied, “but I have, shall we say, eyes and ears on the ground.”

“Are you often in India?” Ginger asked. “Are you connected with the Maharaja of Rajasthan?”

A flicker of something crossed Lady Alice’s eyes—annoyance, perhaps, or bemusement. She withdrew a slim silver case from her reticule, produced a card, and turned it idly in her fingers without offering it across. “Connected?” she repeated. “Let us say I am… beguiling. His Highness finds me diverting, and I in turn find his court a perpetual source of fascination. And yes, I’ve been a guest several times since ’23 and expect to be for much of the next coming decade as well.”

Magna leaned back in her chair, arms folded, gaze cool as winter rain. “And you think he’s pilfered your jewels while you weren’t looking?”

The lady’s chin lifted. “Not pilfered, Miss Jones. Acquired—perhaps through unscrupulous intermediaries. Whatever the means, they are mine. I cannot risk the appearance of mistrust, but I want them back.”

“And you suppose,” Ginger said gently, “that I can stroll into a maharaja’s collection and make discreet enquiries on your behalf?”

“Not suppose,” Lady Alice corrected. “I rely upon it. You are known for moving with equal ease in drawing rooms and darker quarters. Besides,” she lowered her voice just enough to set the air humming. “It is not only my heirlooms that concern me. The palace will be brimming with guests from both England and India. Where there are jewels and politics, there is mischief. I would very much like a fresh set of eyes on this situation; it would make me feel infinitely safer.”

Magna tapped her pen sharply against the ledger. “Sounds more like you want a watchdog than a detective. And forgive me, Lady Alice, but India really is rather a long way from Mayfair.”

“Precisely why discretion and intelligence are required,” Lady Alice said, snapping her case shut. “Two qualities Lady Gold is said to possess in abundance.”

Ginger felt the familiar thrill rise within her—the scent of trouble dressed as opportunity. She met Magna’s steady gaze across her desk, then turned back to her visitor.

“Very well, Lady Alice,” Ginger said at last, folding her hands atop the ledger. “Leave the particulars with me. I shall give you my answer tomorrow.”

Lady Alice’s expression softened with relief. At last, she extended her card, laying it carefully on the desk. “You may reach me at this address. I shall await your response.”


Once the work of the day was completed, Ginger stepped out onto Regent Street. It bustled with shoppers and motorcars, ladies in fur-trimmed coats hurrying into cafés, and clerks darting about with packages under their arms. The air was sharp with petrol fumes and the promise of rain.

Waiting at the kerb was her Crossley, its white paintwork gleaming despite the winter grime. Ginger gathered her skirts, Boss hopping onto the passenger seat, and settled onto the red leather upholstery.

The motor started with a purr. She nosed into the traffic, immediately startling a cabbie by swerving into the road in front of him.

“Do keep your side of the road, won’t you!” the cabbie bellowed, shaking a fist as she sailed past.

Ginger merely smiled, adjusting her cloche in the rear-view mirror. “Some people are so touchy, Boss.”

They rattled past Piccadilly Circus, where neon signs blazed advertisements for Bovril and Guinness, then down the Haymarket and onto Pall Mall, startling a pair of gentlemen in bowler hats who leapt aside as she cut rather closer to the kerb than was strictly polite. Rounding Trafalgar Square, she braked sharply to avoid a cart piled with flowers, sending Boss sliding against the door with a yelp.

“Terribly sorry!” she called to the flower-seller, who looked far from mollified.

By the time they reached the Embankment, the fog had lifted, and the Thames glittered in a single ray of the setting sun breaking through the cloud. Ginger slowed only slightly to admire the view, much to the alarm of a policeman who raised his arm in protest as she swerved round a tram.

“Perfectly under control,” she assured Boss, whose ears had flattened in suspicion.

At that moment, a faint droning hummed above the city. Ginger glanced skyward, her eyes catching on the silvered outline of an aeroplane, its wings glinting as it banked gracefully across the clouds. She was struck by a thought. “Would you look at that, Boss. Do you know what, I have a good mind to try this mode of travel myself! I could be soaring above the Channel, skimming across Europe, the whole world laid out beneath me.”

Boss pressed his nose against the window, as if he too longed to take to the skies.

Ginger pressed her foot to the accelerator with renewed determination. “But for now, old friend, we must make do with wheels—and my excellent sense of direction.”

A horn blared behind her as she missed the turning for South Kensington and swerved back across the lane. She only laughed, cheeks flushed with the thrill of motion.

“Really,” she said gaily, “driving is simply a matter of confidence.”

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Lee Strauss has not only done it again with her newest Ginger Gold Mysteries book Murder at the Maharaja's Courts, but this could be the best book of the series yet.
The book has everything a reader could want - favourite characters transported to an exotic and foreign local, missing jewels, political maneuvering and intrigue, family tensions, and a murder mystery with plenty of suspects for Ginger and Basil to wade through. The descriptions of the Indian countryside, as well as animals such as elephants and camels, and the palace where the couple is staying, are rich and detailed and transport the reader beyond the pages.
Strauss has clearly done a thorough job of research for this book, and has woven it into her storyline exquisitely and brilliantly.
Thank you to the author for the ARC of Murder at the Maharaja's Courts. As always, I highly recommend this entire series, and this book in particular.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Ginger Gold series you just can't put down. This story takes place in India where there are undertones of a rebellion against the crown. While sitting in her PI office in London talking to Magna, Lady Alice comes in and wants to hire Ginger to go to India and see if she can discreetly find her stolen jewels which she thinks is at the Maharaja's palace. Of course, Basil goes with her, especially since he is concerned about the undertones in India. But to add to their task, one of the guests is murdered. Ginger and Basil take to investigating and find themselves in potential trouble since they uncover some political secrets. Can they catch a murderer, find the stolen jewels and get out of the country safely? This is a wonderful must read that I highly recommend. In fact, I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[T M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. Ginger is hired to travel to India to investigate missing family heirlooms and she and Basil spend time at the Maharaja’s court. The colour, the pageantry, the heat, the realities of travel to a far away land - beautifully depicted.

Lee Strauss captures the political tensions of the time, the conflict, the ugliness of colonialism, perfectly. It’s a history lesson without the dryness of a textbook.

I love that the Ginger series is properly researched. Every story feels authentic which makes the characters feel real. Ginger and Basil have lost none of their charm over the years and continue to work together seamlessly to figure out “whodunnit” in increasingly complex situations.

You need to read this book. In fact, work your way through the series! You won’t regret it.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

a darker Ginger Gold

There is rebellion in the air, not in England of course, but in India. The 20’s were the beginning of a moepre active movement towards independence that would culminate in 1947. This story shows how the rot of the Empire was interwoven with the rot of the Indian ruling class - they did not trust each other but each benefitted from suppressing the working class. This was not a clear cut case for Ginger and Basil and is, indeed, the most sober of the Ginger Gold mysteries. I have not traveled to India (much less the Indias if the 1920’s but the details provided do draw a more exotic setting.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Alice Pembroke hires Ginger to travel to India to discretely locate hidden jewels from her collection which are rumored to be seen at the Maharaja's palace. Basil is invited to accompany Ginger as well. This is fortuitous since there is an undercurrent of deception concerning the palace and the Crown at play. The setting of India and the guests present at the palace make for an interesting read. When one of the guests is murdered Basil and Ginger find themselves in danger as they uncover political secrets. This book is more ominous than the rest of the series and we are left with a sense of foreboding. I enjoyed the shift in the series to reflect what the environment was at the time. I love the Ginger Gold series and highly recommend them to fans of cozy mysteries. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gail Souter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending lets it down

The book never had an ending! There was no final outcome! It ended abruptly and without resolution! Shame as it was interesting reading about India at that time when they were starting to rise up against the Empire. I felt like I read half a book and am waiting for the rest of it! Very unsatisfactory!

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of India made me want to travel there and the characters were strange and mysterious. The story moves along at a good pace and keeps you engaged. I couldn't put it down. This was an excellent mystery for Ginger and Basil. I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different type of investigation for both Ginger and Basil. When a member of the party out tiger hunting in Rajasthan is shot, the Maharaja asks Ginger and Basil to determine whether it was an accident or not. But at a time when India is pushing for independence, who can Ginger and Basil trust?

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ledger, ledger, who's got the ledger!

This was number 28 in the series but, my introduction to the characters. The historical setting and attention to details captured my attention from the start. A couple of times the couple were unforgivable in their lack of security measures. It was still an enjoyable read!

[Sue Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry & Procedure in a World of Fragile Peace

This particular Lady Gold intrigue took me back in time in history to India on the brink of revolution, of dismantling the British yoke. Many descriptions pure poetry. It's a story not to be missed, rather to devour its words, delicious on the tongue, satisfying the craving of the mind.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love These Mysteries

I have read every single one of these Gibger Gold mysteries, and this one had me on the edge of my seat. The sights and sounds of India made me feel it. The global ramifications of a death and the political intrigue make one think about how our world is like a giant chessboard at times. This story is just so good.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good.

At first I wasn’t so sure about this one but of corse once I started I couldn’t put it down. I always enjoy seeing Ginger and Basil working together. They make a formidable team. The descriptions of life in India back then were so interesting. I really liked it.

[Cheryl Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ginger Gold Mysteries

The intriguing of India at a pivotal moment in history….the twists and turns of the story woven into the turbulence of the time made the story more interesting. As usual it was an amazing read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Yet!

Ginger Gold rattles cages in India, comes away virtue intact. Chief Inspector Reed lends a helping hand as the two tread the narrow path between Crown interests and rising nationalism.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fake Crown Jewel

Absolutely one of the best of Basil and Ginger's adventures. India, so different fron England, capivates the Reeds in the beginning. Differences so exotic to overwhelm the senses. The the murder happens and it a game of truth and disaster.

[Tonya Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure

This was a colorful, stylish, exciting adventure. This book described the history and majesty of India during the late twenties in beautiful detail.

[Sandee Dolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books in this series. Really enjoyed reading it.

[Kestrelmorn Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little tenser and scarier, but in a good way

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rare that a cozy mystery puts a stake in the ground politically albeit this is after the fact, but still.

Bravo!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

exotic location in this series entry

Great use of the setting. Never sure who the villain is. Solid use of India and Britain past history. Diverting book.