Death Was Not on the Guest List

by Jenni L. Walsh

From USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh comes a witty Jazz Age mystery where rivalry, ambition, and deceit glitter under every chandelier…and no one gets out until the killer is unmasked.

In Chicago’s Gold Coast district, twenty of the city’s most glamorous socialites gather for a charity whist drive at the Bellevue House mansion. Brightest among them are Ginevra King Mitchell and Edith Cummings, real-life debutantes who inspired Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby.

But when their sharp-tongued hostess turns up dead and a blizzard traps everyone inside, suspicion and gossip give way to fear. After all, one guest has a habit of burying husbands, another a proclivity for poison. Their charming veneers belie jealousies, ambitions, and deceits aplenty, enough to drive any one of them to kill.

As whispers turn to accusations, the police start closing in. Ginevra and Edith compete to solve the murder, uncovering secrets far more dangerous than the gossip columns ever revealed. But when a second body is found—strangled with Ginevra’s own pearls—their restless rivalry becomes a race for survival. Who’s next? And is the answer hidden in Fitzgerald’s exasperating novel?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Jenni L. Walsh is the USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books for adults and children, spending her days knee deep in words in Philadelphia’s suburbia. Beyond words, Jenni is a mama (of a soulful twelve-year-old, a soccer-loving ten-year-old, and six needy furbabies), a wife, a Philly and 'Nova sports fan.

But where did it all begin? Jenni was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to reading and writing. She didn't find her passion until the Vampire craze. Yes, vampires. Since then, she's been a voracious reader and writer, for both young readers and adults.

For the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable ​is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.

For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.

Reviews

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am beyond happy to have gotten an early read into this novel. I can’t wait for it to come out. This genre intersecting novel blends historical fiction with mystery and it’s a fun, wild romp back into the 1920s!

I’ve always been a Fitzgerald fan because I think F. Scott based so much of his characters and stories on his real life Hearing about the real Jordan baker and Daisy has given me a different perspective in the novel. One of the reasons Gatsby was one of my favorite novels of all time was because of the mystery element and the satirical look at society. I think Walsh captures that perfectly in this novel/ I was hooked from
Page one.

I will be spending some time reading up on the BIG FOUR and the hi jinx of the 1920s.

A cross between satire of 1920s society, historical fiction, and thriller… Jenni l Walsh’s romp will take you back to a time when image was everything and appearances - meant your status. If you are a fan of the great Gatsby meet the women who inspired him and their hi jinx travel down rabbit holes and come out on the other side

This is a fast paced cozy mystery with so many layers you’ll be guessing til the end

June 2026 ain’t no party like a Gatsby party unless death IS on the guest list

[Tiffany Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie and Hercule Peroit, as well as The Great Gatsby-esq novels this one is going to make you joyous! It truly feels like a re-writing of Gatsby, set at the same timeframe, even mentioning Gatsby and the man character having dated him. So, you are in the 1918-1920 era, prohibition, with women meeting for a card game night during a snow storm. Everything is “just so” until murder comes knocking. The characters start to unravel, show their true selves, and all the lies that are carefully kept from proper society come out of the dark
We have a bumbling detective, a group of strong female
Leads who take matters into their own hands, and a night of shadows and whodunnit. Really a great nod to the classic Christie style of writing, where clues abound and you must use your deduction to put them together to find out the culprit.
Really good fun and the first of its kind done well since Murder on the Orient Express. A great mystery done with style!

[Mae B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I wasn’t a huge fan of the slower pace of the story and only really became invested near the end. Gotta say that ending wrapped it up well. But the whole time I was wondering why they couldn’t just mind their own business.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um, I’m not sure where I should begin with this review—because on paper this book sounds like catnip for me: Jazz Age Chicago, a locked-room blizzard setup, cutthroat socialites, and a meta wink at The Great Gatsby. And yet, my reading experience ended up being a little more complicated than that.

The premise is genuinely fun, and the author nails the glossy, claustrophobic atmosphere of a society party that curdles into paranoia. I loved the constant undercurrent of etiquette-as-weapon—compliments that are really insults, alliances that shift in a sentence, and the sense that everyone is performing a role even while they’re terrified.

Once the storm hits and the guests are effectively locked in, the story moves quickly—clues, rumors, and side-eyes pile up fast. The central mystery kept me turning pages, especially because the suspects are so good at hiding in plain sight. That said, there were stretches where the investigation felt a bit circular (a lot of theorizing, not quite enough new ground), and I occasionally wanted a cleaner trail of evidence to latch onto.

Ginevra and Edith are the best parts of the book, and the main point of view is told from their prospective. Their rivalry-turned-reluctant partnership has real bite, and it’s entertaining to watch two women with sharp instincts and sharper pride try to outmaneuver each other while the body count rises. The wider cast is deliciously gossipy, though so large—and so uniformly adept at being “charming”—that some guests blurred together for me. I found myself wishing a handful of supporting characters had been given more distinct emotional stakes beyond status and scandal.

My biggest issue was consistency of tension. For a story set in a sealed mansion with a killer on the loose, there were moments when the danger didn’t land as intensely as it could have, because the social sparring stayed in the foreground. I also clocked a few reveals that felt a touch convenient—more “dramatic unmasking” than inevitable conclusion—so the ending didn’t fully deliver the punch I’d hoped for.

I wasn’t a fan of the storyline, but I appreciated the writing style. There were times I felt the story was a bit boring and didn’t hold my interest and some of the characters came off as nitwits with some humor sprinkled about.

If you like historical mysteries with strong atmosphere, messy rich-people drama, and a competitive duo of amateur sleuths, you’ll probably have a great time. If you prefer tightly plotted, clue-forward detective work (or you want the Gatsby connection to be central rather than thematic), your mileage may vary. Eh, it was just ok for me.

[VexPerex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of a free copy provided through NetGalley.

"Dead Was Not on the Guest List" lands between light mystery and character‑driven historical fiction. If you enjoy mysteries where the setting and social dynamics matter as much as the crime itself, this book delivers exactly that experience.

Highlights that stood out to me:
• The setting is genuinely fun with all the social rules and the sense of being trapped in a glamorous place with secrets simmering underneath.
• The heroines are observant, capable, and quietly challenging the expectations of their era.
• The mystery holds together well, offering fair clues without any logic‑breaking surprises.

The part I enjoyed the most - this book echoes the classic mystery atmosphere that Agatha Christie fans will fall in love immediately. It follows the familiar Christie‑style setup: a closed‑circle environment with a defined cast of characters and shifting motives, creating that “anyone could be the culprit” feeling. Every character has a purpose, and even small interactions feel like potential clues. The protagonists watch people closely, notice small details, and piece things together through observation rather than force, following Christie’s classic “quiet intelligence” vibe. Christie’s mysteries are built on clues rather than shock twists, and this book follows the same tradition: it is structured, logical, and clue‑driven.

Where it differs from Christie’s typical DNA: Christie is razor‑sharp and puzzle‑focused, while this book is gentler, more about atmosphere and character relationships. Christie rarely dives deep into her characters’ inner lives; this book gives each heroine more emotional texture and personal stakes. That is exactly what places this book more in the “historical cozy mystery” category than in the classic Golden Age puzzle.

"Dead Was Not on the Guest List" is an elegant, cozy‑leaning mystery with a steady, slow‑unraveling pace. It is not dark, gritty, or twist‑heavy. Readers who enjoy classic settings, subtle clues, polite society and intelligent heroines will find much to appreciate, while those seeking high tension or dramatic reveals may find it too gentle. If you are looking for fast pace, shocking reveals or a very twisty plot, this book is probably not a good choice.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review.

As Fergie once said, “A little party never killed nobody”… until it did. This story feels like Pretty Little Liars meets And Then There Were None, with a Great Gatsby-esque 1920s flair.

At a 1920's high-society card game gala, a sudden blackout leaves one guest dead and the killer trapped among them. Our two narrators are being considered as suspects, so they take it upon themselves to uncover the truth and clear their names.

I appreciated the sharp wit of the characters in this story and the bonds we saw in the various characters we are introduced to. I also think the story did a good job throughout the novel of showing the tensions beneath the surface, which are likely akin to those in high-society groups of the 20's (and even in current times).

The latter half of the novel is where the plot shines. The clues begin to come together, the right questions are finally being asked, and when we reach the reveal, there are a few twists I didn’t anticipate that made the story all the more entertaining. Some aspects of the mystery are fairly predictable early on, almost telegraphed if you’re paying close attention or questioning certain convenient details, but it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

I appreciated the dedication to the 1920's that the story

That said, as engaging as the second half is, the first half feels slow and somewhat forgettable. Much of it blends together, and some elements feel repetitive, to the point where the same ideas are almost beaten into your mind. I found one of the two narrators a bit unlikable, and while I think that may have been intentional, it did not make the story feel any less annoying, particularly in the earlier sections. I also think the story tries to pack in a few twists toward the end, though they remain entertaining, if slightly excessive.

Overall, this was a fairly fun read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a historical mystery rooted in messy interpersonal dynamics, Gatsby references, and (very) light touches of commentary on class and privilege.

[Emma Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Death Was Not on The Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh is set in 1920s Chicago and centres on a charity party for high-society women that takes a deadly turn when one of them is murdered. Trapped together, the remaining attendees realise that the killer must be among them. Suspects themselves, Ginevra and Edith (considered to be the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker) compete to uncover the killer first and clear their own names.

This murder mystery feels like an enjoyable blend of Agatha Christie, Gatsby, and feminist historical fiction. It’s witty and entertaining whilst also offering insight into the expectations and constraints placed on high-society women of the 1920s. I enjoyed the exploration of how far the characters would go to protect themselves and the question of whether any of them are truly innocent.

I felt that Jenni L. Walsh successfully develops distinct central characters within a relatively short book, especially through the perspectives of Ginevra and Edith who narrate the story. I appreciated the predominantly female cast, although this did make it difficult to remember who was who among the secondary characters.

At times the references to F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby seemed a little overstated. Initially I wasn’t aware that Ginevra and Edith were based on real historical figures, and I think my reading experience would have been enhanced by knowing this from the outset; I would have benefitted from a brief historical note at the beginning to contextualise these characters and their connections and make them more impactful.

The novel starts somewhat slowly but gains momentum throughout, with the latter half delivering more intrigue and twists. Some of the twists came in quick succession and I found I had to occasionally reread sections to fully follow the developments.
Overall, this is a clever, twisty, and fun-to-read historical mystery with an interesting premise and distinctive characters and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy historical murder mysteries with strong female leads.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Was Not on the Guest List is an absolute delight—witty, atmospheric, and steeped in the glittering excess of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Jenni L. Walsh gathers twenty of the city’s most dazzling socialites for a charity whist drive at the opulent Bellevue House, and from the moment the doors close and the snow begins to fall, you can feel the tension humming beneath the pearls and champagne.

At the centre of it all are Ginevra King Mitchell and Edith Cummings, real‑life inspirations for Fitzgerald’s Daisy and Jordan, and here they’re every bit as sharp, charming, and competitive as you’d hope. When their razor‑tongued hostess is found dead and a blizzard traps the guests inside, the evening shifts from playful rivalry to genuine peril. Every guest has a secret, every alibi has cracks, and the house becomes a glittering cage full of motives.

Walsh balances the sparkle with a deliciously dark undercurrent. The suspects range from poison enthusiasts to serial husband‑burier, and the gossip that once felt frivolous suddenly becomes evidence. Ginevra and Edith’s race to unmask the killer is clever, spirited, and full of Jazz Age bite—especially once a second body appears, strangled with Ginevra’s own pearls.

The novel captures the era’s glamour while never losing sight of the danger simmering beneath the surface. It’s brisk, stylish, and wonderfully fun, with just enough menace to keep you turning pages long past bedtime.

A perfect pick for readers who love their mysteries sparkling, smart, and steeped in vintage intrigue.

With thanks to Jenni L Walsh, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jen Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a devoted reader and fierce protector of Fitzgerald's masterpiece, I'm always equal parts intrigued and nervous about novels that take inspiration from the original. So I was pleased to finish reading Walsh's take feeling as though she had meaningfully added a new dimension to his story.

Set soon after the publication of Gatsby, readers are introduced to The Big Four, a group of Chicago socialites who unwittingly find themselves at a party where the host winds up leaving far earlier than expected. Naturally, two of these formidable ladies decide to do whatever they can to crack the case, and the first two-thirds of the book offers a twisting, turning procedural that was, to me, only mildly interesting. While I kept hoping for her to better round out the characters as they went about the various facets of their investigation, the author's focus was definitely more on dropping clues and building suspense.

Luckily, the last third of the story makes up for the slower burn of the start. As the mystery unravels, we get to dig into the Gatsby parallels Walsh was hoping to set up, and I appreciated being able to understand Gatsby's obsession with keeping Daisy pure in a new way. I also loved seeing these strong women recognize both their own flaws as well as the limitations society has pressed upon them to come into their own. My only sliver of disappointment was seeing Myrtle Wilson once again relegated to the role of the defeated pursuer. Instead of getting a chance like the other women to redeem herself, she's left to take yet another fall.

3.5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cari Zuckerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

When The Big Four, a group of four popular society ladies and best friends, attend an evening whist fundraiser in 1920s Chicago, they don’t expect to soon be at the center of a murder investigation. Edith, Ginevra, Courtney, and Peg may have little love for conniving Sarah Cudahy, but surely none of them wanted her dead…did they? When a snowstorm traps them inside with the body and a lone detective, Edith and Ginevra place a bet on which of them can solve the murder. But it appears that Sarah is not the only one in danger in the house full of ladies.

I didn’t know until the author’s note that The Big Four were real socialites ruling the town in 1920s Chicago and that F. Scott Fitgerald based Daisy and Jordan, from The Great Gatsby, on Ginevra and Edith. I would have been more fascinated by these characters if I had known that going in!

I’ve enjoyed Walsh’s work in the past and had a good time with this, her first mystery. I found that alternating between Edith and Ginevra got a little confusing at times- I always needed a few paragraphs to really settle in to who I was following, and with short chapters, it meant a lot of settling in. This was a fast-paced story with new information being added with each chapter and many characters of whom to keep track. Overall, it was a pleasant read that probably won’t stick with me long.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Was Not on the Guest List is an entertaining mystery with several mentions of the Jazz Age's famous Great Gatsby. Be sure to read the author notes at the end. Ms. Walsh mentions that the book is intended to be a story based on Chicago's Big Four of debutantes in 1914, who viewed themselves the most attractive and socially desirable.

Walsh's story visits these women in the late 20's at an evening charity event that brings danger as more than one hidden secret is slowly revealed, when death paid an unexpected call. At first I found the large cast of characters rather disconcerting, with all of the clues and red herrings seemingly disjointed like dropped threads in a tapestry. Yet they skillfully are woven together as the plot thickens and comes to a climax and all is revealed in a Christie-like finale.

While this can be classified a cozy mystery, a romp into the Jazz Age and all of its glamour, it still has a profound message masterfully tucked within the pages. I appreciated the author's satirical look at the life style these women led, as her story points a mirror to the many flaws and shallowness that society held. A must read for fans of The Great Gatsby and Agatha Christie mysteries.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

I went into this expecting historical fiction and instead got a very fun, very theatrical 1920s murder mystery that basically reads like a version of Clue — and honestly, I had a great time with it.
This is a fast, entertaining read full of socialites, secrets, affairs, gossip, blackmail, and a murder that leaves everyone looking suspicious. The mystery itself is twisty without taking itself too seriously, and the whole book leans into that slightly campy, sleuthy energy in the best way. The characters feel intentionally larger-than-life at times, almost like nods to the classic Clue archetypes, which actually worked really well with the tone of the story.

What I found most interesting is that the dual POV characters are inspired by real historical figures who were said to have influenced some of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s characters, including Daisy Buchanan. That element added a fun historical layer, even though this feels much more like a murder mystery with historical inspiration than a traditional historical fiction novel.

The character depth and world-building weren’t the strongest parts for me, and the dual first-person POV occasionally blurred together, but overall this was quick, engaging, and genuinely fun to read. If you want a light historical whodunit with glamorous 1920s drama and strong Clue vibes, this is worth picking up.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying this one overall.

The setting felt really well done, and I loved the idea of pulling in real-life figures who inspired The Great Gatsby. It added an extra layer that made it feel a little more interesting than your typical historical mystery. The main four characters were especially strong—each one felt distinct and had their own personality and secrets that kept things engaging.

That said, there are a lot of characters, and some of the side ones definitely started to blur together for me. I also found the mystery itself a bit hard to follow at times. The solution felt pretty convoluted, and there were a few moments that pulled me out of the story.

But I actually appreciated the book more after I finished it. The author’s note at the end, where she talks about using real people and even characters from the board game Clue as inspiration for her characters, made everything click in a way I wish I’d known going in. I think I would’ve had even more fun with it if I’d had that context from the start.

You don’t have to know The Great Gatsby to enjoy this, but it definitely adds something if you do. And honestly, the book made me curious enough to want to read more about F. Scott Fitzgerald and the real people in his life.

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that the author wrote a historical mystery, I had to read it!

I have previously read Sonora and Ace, Marvel, Spy; two historical fiction books that I thoroughly enjoyed. Then Walsh tempts me with a cozy mystery with nods to Great Gatsby, and I couldn't resist.

Death Was Not on the Guest List is a fantastic glimpse into the lives of women (specifically upperclass, glamorous socialites) during the Jazz Age and set in the Gold Coast area of Chicago. Seeing as I used to live in Chicago, this had an added allure for me.

Ginevra and Edith are the two main female characters who are both entertaining and fascinating. You can understand how they may have inspired the characters Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby. As an avid member of book clubs, I think it would be incredibly interesting to pair this book with the reading of The Great Gatsby. There would be so much to talk about!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are entirely my own. I think readers who enjoy Agatha Christie books will really enjoy this story that is also rich in history.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ This was a really enjoyable read with a fun premise. I haven’t read The Great Gatsby, but I never felt lost or confused, which I appreciated. The characters were all very interesting, and I especially enjoyed diving into the dynamics of messy, wealthy lives (I’m a sucker for these types of characters). Despite there being a large cast, each character felt distinct. The alternating perspectives between Edith and Gin kept me engaged throughout.

I liked how quickly the book established the relationship dynamics and conflicts. It hooked me from the beginning. Everyone had a motive, and uncovering their secrets and piecing together what happened was really entertaining. The pacing felt consistent from start to finish, although it did feel slightly too long and could have benefited from being trimmed by about 30 to 50 pages. Some of the twists came across as a bit predictable or cliché, but others genuinely surprised me, which balanced it out.

I also really enjoyed the epilogue and the character growth displayed there. It felt like a really great ending to the story.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Chicago in the Jazz Age, this historical mystery has the hostess turning up dead at a socialite charity whist drive. The rest of the upper crust women in attendance have to figure out who the killer is since they are trapped because of a severe snowstorm. Two of the debutantes are real women who inspired characters in The Great Gatsby. All the women seem to have secrets and special talents, and you never really know who knows what about whom. This was an entertaining mystery once I figured out the cast of characters. Each woman invited to the event had motive to off the hostess and Edith and Ginevra competed to see who could figure it out first.
I never knew there were debutantes named the Big Four in Chicago in the 1920s, but I learned quite a bit about these ladies. I thoroughly enjoyed the mansion where they were snowed in, and having the power go out just added to the intrigue. I think my favorite character was Edith Cummings. She was an amateur golf champ so she had this competitive streak I could relate to and the ability to plot things out I enjoyed. Courtney was a character trying to write a book so she kept track of the clues uncovered. I wished there had been more happening with this character. I send kudos to the author for trying a new genre and writing an entertaining read!
If you are a fan of "who dun it" mysteries, you will enjoy this one!

#GuestwasnotontheGuestList #NetGalley
Thank you Jenni L. Walsh and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I was very eager to read Death Was Not on the Guest List. I liked the time period and the murder mystery idea, as well as having two character’s points of view. I also loved the references to the board game, Clue.

In the Author’s Note, we learn that the characters were based on a real group that called themselves the Big Four. I did some researching after I read the novel to learn a bit more about them. I enjoyed the characters of Ginevra and Edith, but wished Courtney and Peg had bigger roles.

There were times the story was a bit slow and there were quite a few secondary characters to remember. I did figure out some of the twists before they were revealed in the story. The end of the story wrapped up nicely. If you enjoy F. Scott Fitzgerald, there are many references as the real Ginevra and Edith inspired characters in The Great Gatsby. I would read another novel by Jenni L. Walsh.


Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC of Death Was Not on the Guest List. All opinions are my own.

[Jacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book! Setting in the 1920’s with the feel of the Great Gatsby meets a murder mystery dinner party this book focuses on a group of women who find themselves in a situation of one of them being murdered. The book is set in two POV’s of two best friends giving the feel of Sherlock and Watson trying to figure out who the murderer is. The first half of the book is pretty slow and then it picks up. I did enjoy the references of the Great Gatsby and the game Clue. It felt like I was in a game of Clue trying to figure the how and why of everything in the book. I will say since there were so many characters it was hard to follow each woman. I’m not sure if that was just me but there were a lot of different lives to make connections on. Overall I did like the book! The second half of it really picks up and the ending wasn’t what I was expecting!

[KELLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you LOVE Murder Mysteries this book is for you! 5 stars.

This story centers on four best friends—Courtney, Peg, Ginevra, and Edith who gather for a lavish, socialite-style ladies’ night: a charitable, competitive card game during a snow storm. Because it's a Murder Mystery of course someone dies.

This murder mystery thriller hooked me from page one. The characters feel instantly familiar - the kind you recognize from your own friend group, each with their own quirks, secrets, and affairs. The writing is sharp and engaging, packed with clever banter, subtle side-eye, everyone has a motive with something to hide, alliances shift, so it kept me thoroughly entertained the entire time. Especially enjoyed the narrative being told by Ginevra and Edith.

Thank you Jenni L. Walsh, Thomas & Mercer, and Netgalley for this fantastic murder mystery book! Book to Movie please.

[Kheyra Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley. I gave Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh a solid four stars because it is such a clever, atmospheric locked-room mystery that perfectly captures the "Golden Age" whodunnit vibe. I loved being transported to a glamorous, secluded estate where the tension between the guests was just as sharp as the mystery itself. The pacing was excellent, with just enough red herrings and secrets to keep me constantly second-guessing who to trust. It felt like a classic Agatha Christie-style puzzle but with a fresh, modern energy that made it incredibly fun to solve. I’m only holding back that fifth star because I wanted a slightly deeper dive into a few of the secondary characters, but it was an altogether gripping and sophisticated read that kept me guessing until the very end.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh is a fantastic historical mystery set in the 1920's.

The story is about four best friends—Courtney, Peg, Ginevra, and Edith who attend socialite charitable, competitive card game during a snowstorm. Ladies only.

There is a dual point of view, Ginevra and Edith which really adds to the story.

The Great Gatsby and Scott F. Fitzgerald are references and I can tell the author has done her research.

High society locked room mystery set in the 20's, I could not put this book down.

The characters were well written to the time and place and the history was so well done.

This one kept me turning the pages until the final reveal.

Highly recommend!

[Sarah J Callen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death was Not on the Guest List is a cozy mystery that follows a group of intrepid friends who find themselves trapped in a house where a murder had occurred. Throughout their investigation, they uncover each other’s long-hidden secrets, and have to work together in order to discover who the culprit is.

It’s an engaging mystery that will keep you entertained as the women take matters into their own hands. The character changes at the end of the book felt forced and a little unearned to me, but it was still an enjoyable book.

If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted, easy-to-read cozy mystery, this could be a good book for you.

[Beth Gerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not aware of The Big Four as a concept and thought as a jumping off point that this was fascinating. Loved the locked door mystery and the Agatha Christie style of writing. I thought the parallels and pulling from F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gatsby were so smart and interesting.

The writing was quick and the pacing was swift. I thought there were enough characters involved to keep it interesting but not so many that you got lost or confused by the details. While the twist at the end was broadcast slightly, I was not disappointed by the ending. I would happily read more books were this a series following the Big Four.

I received an ARC from NetGalley

[Emily J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an e-ARC via NetGalley.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
The premise of this book had me hooked because I love a good mystery; however, it was extremely slow moving and I realize historical murder-mysteries are just not my jam.

I very much enjoyed the story, although it became a bit repetitive regarding certain aspects, as if the reader was going to forget something huge that would be a clue. The characters were likable and relatable.

Seeing this is the author’s first dabble into murder-mystery, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t my favorite. Give it a read if you like historical pieces!

[Olivia Pinguli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this fun murder mystery! I got really lost with all of the many characters, but I loved the dual pov and many twists and turns. My biggest issue, however, is that one character was described to be crocheting throughout the entire novel, but any time the action was described, it was clear the character was knitting. As someone who does both, this aggravated me. It was also unrealistic for an entire blanket to be crafted over the course of one night, but I digress.

[Andrea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new Agatha Christie style mystery set in the 1920s in Chicago. The two main characters, Edith and Ginerva are desperately trying to solve a murder that happens at a card game night before there is another victim or they are framed for the murder. A blizzard starts and the power is cut. Another body turns up. Lots of twists and turns. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. Expected publication in the US 6.26.2026

[Madeline Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best kind of whodunit caper, with sharp-witted female sleuths on the case. Death Was Not on the Guest List serves up a dazzling cast of take-charge women determined to unmask a killer, even as the body count rises. Clever and exciting, this page-turner kept me guessing alongside Ginevra and Edith as they pieced together a wonderfully tangled mystery.

[Patricia Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this story and couldn't wait to post a review! This was such an entertaining read, blending historical fiction with a fictional murder! Strong women lead the cast of this page-turner which has been just the break I needed in these trying times. Books are always the best escape and Jenni never disappoints.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything this author can't write? Not in my estimation! I thoroughly adored this Jazz Age mystery with 1920s glamour and flash and characters who inspired two from Fitzgerald's "Gatsby." A delight!

[Kat A · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) Review of ARC from Netgalley

I liked the era of this story and the characters. If you've ever read an Agatha Christie book, you'll know what to expect in this locked door mystery. I found it to be a quick read, although I did figure it out pretty early on.