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The Green Baize Door
In the fashionable mansions on Chestnut Hill, a simple green baize door separates the masters’ world from the servants’. That door is thrown wide when an elderly housekeeper is found brutally murdered on the first day of the new century. Marie Chevalier, the housekeeper’s poor but ambitious granddaughter, and James Lett, the mansion owner’s kind but indolent son, suspect the killer is connected to one of their families—but which one?
From drawing rooms to alleyways, their separate investigations lead them through the sometimes lavish, sometimes brutal, landscape of turn-of-the-century New England. When long-buried secrets begin to unravel the fragile threads that hold both households together, Marie and James must find a way to bridge the gulf between them—if only to prove that the murderer belongs not to their own world, but to that strange and foreign land on the other side of the green baize door.
Inspired by real-life events, The Green Baize Door is a richly layered historical mystery that explores themes of class identity, family loyalty, and the sometimes blurry line between virtue and vice.
From drawing rooms to alleyways, their separate investigations lead them through the sometimes lavish, sometimes brutal, landscape of turn-of-the-century New England. When long-buried secrets begin to unravel the fragile threads that hold both households together, Marie and James must find a way to bridge the gulf between them—if only to prove that the murderer belongs not to their own world, but to that strange and foreign land on the other side of the green baize door.
Inspired by real-life events, The Green Baize Door is a richly layered historical mystery that explores themes of class identity, family loyalty, and the sometimes blurry line between virtue and vice.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
7 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Birney
1 book29 followersEleanor Birney writes historical mysteries about class, moral ambiguity, and people who aren’t satisfied with life on their side of the green baize door. She received a BA in History from UC Berkeley, and works as a legal research attorney, a day job that feeds her love of precision, research, and puzzles. Growing up in foster care gave her a lifelong fascination with the way society steers people into assigned places—and how some of those people refuse to stay in them. She lives in Northern California with her family. The Green Baize Door is her debut novel and the first of the Marie Chevalier Mysteries.
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January 18, 2026The Green Baize Door (by Eleanor Birney) is a historical mystery set in turn-of-the-century New England, where a brutal murder of an elderly housekeeper on a wealthy Chestnut Hill estate bridges the rigid gap between masters and servants. Housekeeper granddaughter Marie Chevalier and indolent heir James Lett investigate the crime, uncovering secrets.
Key Aspects of The Green Baize Door (Novel):
Plot: The story follows the investigation into a murder, exploring the connections between the staff and the family.
Themes: Explores class identity, family loyalty, and the blurry lines between virtue and vice.
Setting: Turn-of-the-century New England.
Contextual Meaning of "The Green Baize Door":
Symbolism: In grand houses, this fabric-covered door was the dividing line between the "upstairs" (family) and "downstairs" (staff) worlds.
Function: It was designed to stifle noise and smell, allowing staff to move between areas without disturbing the residents.
Metaphor: It represents the social and physical barrier between servants and their employers.
Key Aspects of The Green Baize Door (Novel):
Plot: The story follows the investigation into a murder, exploring the connections between the staff and the family.
Themes: Explores class identity, family loyalty, and the blurry lines between virtue and vice.
Setting: Turn-of-the-century New England.
Contextual Meaning of "The Green Baize Door":
Symbolism: In grand houses, this fabric-covered door was the dividing line between the "upstairs" (family) and "downstairs" (staff) worlds.
Function: It was designed to stifle noise and smell, allowing staff to move between areas without disturbing the residents.
Metaphor: It represents the social and physical barrier between servants and their employers.
March 28, 2026
Book one in the series, The Green Baize Door is one of those novels that sweeps you into 1900 Philadelphia with such vivid detail that you can practically feel the soot settling on your clothes. The atmosphere is rich, the research is meticulous, and the writing has that steady, confident quality that makes you trust the author even when the story takes its time getting where it’s going.
And it does take its time.
This is a slow burn — not the romantic kind, but the “we’re building a world brick by brick, emotion by emotion” kind. Sometimes that works beautifully. Other times, you’re waiting for the plot to stop stretching and actually start walking.
Marie, our heroine, is a complicated one. She’s beautiful, hopeful, and caught between worlds, but she’s also frustratingly passive. She keeps getting swept along by other people’s choices, and while that’s historically accurate for a young woman of her class and circumstances, it can make her feel more like an observer than a driver of her own story. You want to root for her — and sometimes you do — but she doesn’t always give you much to hold onto.
James Lett, meanwhile, is kind and earnest, but he drifts through the narrative with a softness that doesn’t always match the stakes around him. His connection with Marie has potential, but it never quite sparks the way the book seems to want it to.
And then there’s William, who storms into scenes with all the subtlety of a thunderclap. He’s vivid, yes, but not in a way that makes you eager to spend time with him. He’s arrogant, self‑pitying, and absolutely convinced he’s the main character. Spoiler: he is not. His presence often slows the story rather than deepening it.
As a historical novel, the book shines. The social hierarchy, the legal system, the racial tension — all of it feels grounded and thoughtfully rendered. The author clearly knows the era, and the world feels lived‑in and real.
As a mystery, though, it struggles. The murder arrives late, the investigation is minimal, and the resolution leans more on confession than deduction. If you go in expecting a twisty, clue‑driven plot, you may find yourself waiting for a mystery that never fully materializes.
But here’s the thing: the bones are good. The writing is strong. The themes — class, race, gender, power — are handled with care. And even when the pacing wobbles, the world itself keeps you anchored.
For me, this lands in the 3-to-3.5-star range: beautifully crafted, atmospheric, and full of potential, but held back by slow pacing, muted character arcs, and a mystery that never quite steps into the spotlight. Still, there’s real talent here, and I’d absolutely keep an eye on what this author does next.
And it does take its time.
This is a slow burn — not the romantic kind, but the “we’re building a world brick by brick, emotion by emotion” kind. Sometimes that works beautifully. Other times, you’re waiting for the plot to stop stretching and actually start walking.
Marie, our heroine, is a complicated one. She’s beautiful, hopeful, and caught between worlds, but she’s also frustratingly passive. She keeps getting swept along by other people’s choices, and while that’s historically accurate for a young woman of her class and circumstances, it can make her feel more like an observer than a driver of her own story. You want to root for her — and sometimes you do — but she doesn’t always give you much to hold onto.
James Lett, meanwhile, is kind and earnest, but he drifts through the narrative with a softness that doesn’t always match the stakes around him. His connection with Marie has potential, but it never quite sparks the way the book seems to want it to.
And then there’s William, who storms into scenes with all the subtlety of a thunderclap. He’s vivid, yes, but not in a way that makes you eager to spend time with him. He’s arrogant, self‑pitying, and absolutely convinced he’s the main character. Spoiler: he is not. His presence often slows the story rather than deepening it.
As a historical novel, the book shines. The social hierarchy, the legal system, the racial tension — all of it feels grounded and thoughtfully rendered. The author clearly knows the era, and the world feels lived‑in and real.
As a mystery, though, it struggles. The murder arrives late, the investigation is minimal, and the resolution leans more on confession than deduction. If you go in expecting a twisty, clue‑driven plot, you may find yourself waiting for a mystery that never fully materializes.
But here’s the thing: the bones are good. The writing is strong. The themes — class, race, gender, power — are handled with care. And even when the pacing wobbles, the world itself keeps you anchored.
For me, this lands in the 3-to-3.5-star range: beautifully crafted, atmospheric, and full of potential, but held back by slow pacing, muted character arcs, and a mystery that never quite steps into the spotlight. Still, there’s real talent here, and I’d absolutely keep an eye on what this author does next.
November 11, 2025
What a memorable debut! It reads like a book written by a seasoned author, rather than a first attempt.
The prose is sharp and descriptive without being indulgent. The opening chapter set the scene and the tone immediately. I was impressed with how efficient the language was. The author establishes the setting, feel, and characters with economy. There is no wasted space, and nothing felt rushed. The prose fits the historical period well. It flows smoothly, but reads as an accurate facsimile of the time. Anachronistic language is a massive turn off for me in books set in a historical time period.
The examination of class was interesting and vivid. The lower class experience is grounded in a sense of grime and lack that is almost tangible, and the upper class in a malaise of entitlement and ennui.
The characters intrigued me. We get several point of view shifts, and the author does a great job of showing how an individual’s experiences with a different character colors their perception. There are characters who are intent on being a victim of others and of their circumstances. Things are never their fault. And it was fascinating to see their thoughts on a character who had boundaries and refused to let their behavior go, and vice versa. It made for layered and intricate characters. All of the characters are frustrating, but in a good way. They have distinct flaws, and make poor choices, and fail in recognizable ways.
Marie’s level of naivety was a stretch, given her background and upbringing. She is not as active a participant in events as she could have been, and is less compelling than I would have liked. She is easily misled and believes nearly everything said to her. It didn’t ring true to her environment.
The mystery was interesting, although not as much of a hook as the class and character conflicts. It’s not complicated, but it’s handled efficiently. I was engaged enough to stick with it to the end. The end, when it comes, was so utterly shocking that I actually found my mouth hanging open as I read. I don’t think it was set up or even hinted at in the process of the story, so it took me completely by surprise. It was so out of left field that it lowered my opinion of the book. I think it had the potential to work as a reveal if more care had gone in to establishing it. As is, I found it almost unbelievable.
The book also finishes very abruptly. I actually doublechecked to make sure there was nothing wrong with my Kindle because I assumed there had to be at least an epilogue. But no, it ends where it ends. The author is setting up a series, but it did the book a disservice. Overall, I was invested and I had fun reading this, but it wasn’t quite as great as it could have been.
The prose is sharp and descriptive without being indulgent. The opening chapter set the scene and the tone immediately. I was impressed with how efficient the language was. The author establishes the setting, feel, and characters with economy. There is no wasted space, and nothing felt rushed. The prose fits the historical period well. It flows smoothly, but reads as an accurate facsimile of the time. Anachronistic language is a massive turn off for me in books set in a historical time period.
The examination of class was interesting and vivid. The lower class experience is grounded in a sense of grime and lack that is almost tangible, and the upper class in a malaise of entitlement and ennui.
The characters intrigued me. We get several point of view shifts, and the author does a great job of showing how an individual’s experiences with a different character colors their perception. There are characters who are intent on being a victim of others and of their circumstances. Things are never their fault. And it was fascinating to see their thoughts on a character who had boundaries and refused to let their behavior go, and vice versa. It made for layered and intricate characters. All of the characters are frustrating, but in a good way. They have distinct flaws, and make poor choices, and fail in recognizable ways.
Marie’s level of naivety was a stretch, given her background and upbringing. She is not as active a participant in events as she could have been, and is less compelling than I would have liked. She is easily misled and believes nearly everything said to her. It didn’t ring true to her environment.
The mystery was interesting, although not as much of a hook as the class and character conflicts. It’s not complicated, but it’s handled efficiently. I was engaged enough to stick with it to the end. The end, when it comes, was so utterly shocking that I actually found my mouth hanging open as I read. I don’t think it was set up or even hinted at in the process of the story, so it took me completely by surprise. It was so out of left field that it lowered my opinion of the book. I think it had the potential to work as a reveal if more care had gone in to establishing it. As is, I found it almost unbelievable.
The book also finishes very abruptly. I actually doublechecked to make sure there was nothing wrong with my Kindle because I assumed there had to be at least an epilogue. But no, it ends where it ends. The author is setting up a series, but it did the book a disservice. Overall, I was invested and I had fun reading this, but it wasn’t quite as great as it could have been.
Review of advance copy
A long time employee of the Lett family is found murdered on New Years Day 1900. Her granddaughter, Marie, investigates the murder in an attempt to exonerate her ex-lover, father, and brother from suspicion. Separately, Jamie Lett investigates with his sister to determine if someone in his family is tied to the murder. Marie and Jamie eventually cross paths and must work together to solve the murder, even if it means someone in one (or both) of their families is to blame.
I enjoyed the historical setting of this mystery. The mystery itself was written in a classic whodunit manner - with several potential suspects and civilians using basic investigative skills to aid in the capture of the culprit.
The story deals with vices such as airs, graces, and entitlement. Other topics explored are the treatment of minorities by law enforcement in the late 1800s/early 1900s, the expectations of women in society and within family units, and the relationship between household staff and employers during this time period.
As with traditional whodunits, the focus is on the plot. The characters are developed just enough to draw suspicion but not with great detail. The turn of the century setting was something I like in any novel, so I found that enjoyable. The ending set the stage for more books in the future featuring Marie (and hopefully Jamie).
If you are looking for a historical mystery that involves a female sleuth, this will fit the bill. It did keep me guessing, which is what I look for in a good mystery.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the historical setting of this mystery. The mystery itself was written in a classic whodunit manner - with several potential suspects and civilians using basic investigative skills to aid in the capture of the culprit.
The story deals with vices such as airs, graces, and entitlement. Other topics explored are the treatment of minorities by law enforcement in the late 1800s/early 1900s, the expectations of women in society and within family units, and the relationship between household staff and employers during this time period.
As with traditional whodunits, the focus is on the plot. The characters are developed just enough to draw suspicion but not with great detail. The turn of the century setting was something I like in any novel, so I found that enjoyable. The ending set the stage for more books in the future featuring Marie (and hopefully Jamie).
If you are looking for a historical mystery that involves a female sleuth, this will fit the bill. It did keep me guessing, which is what I look for in a good mystery.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2026
At last, historical fiction written in prose that brought the past era to life (Philadelphia 1900) with characters that read like people, born during the late 19th century and not like 21st century inserts in costumes.
There is the FMC Marie, who dreams of riches while doomed to live in squalor together with her wastrel father and brother. If I were related to those two men, I would want them dead. But as characters in this story, they were great. Especially Charlie, who will make you laugh but won't hesitate too much to "stab" you in the back. I hated Marie's father, a conman, manipulative buffoon, and a professional bullshitter, but Birney didn't turn him into a simplistic villain. At times John was capable of showing flashes of humanity and even wit. And finally there is Marie's former heartthrob William, the tragic gigolo and pimp - a character that would feel at home in any of Dostoyevsky's novels.
When the murder happens this motley crew of characters collides with the sphere of the rich and we are introduced to the indolent but good-hearted Jamie (and an enjoyer of pulp fiction),
There is a lot more going on, but the beautiful prose and nuanced characters, was what pulled me in the most.
I think that even most ardent mystery and crime fiction readers will be shocked by the reveal at the end.
There is the FMC Marie, who dreams of riches while doomed to live in squalor together with her wastrel father and brother. If I were related to those two men, I would want them dead. But as characters in this story, they were great. Especially Charlie, who will make you laugh but won't hesitate too much to "stab" you in the back. I hated Marie's father, a conman, manipulative buffoon, and a professional bullshitter, but Birney didn't turn him into a simplistic villain. At times John was capable of showing flashes of humanity and even wit. And finally there is Marie's former heartthrob William, the tragic gigolo and pimp - a character that would feel at home in any of Dostoyevsky's novels.
When the murder happens this motley crew of characters collides with the sphere of the rich and we are introduced to the indolent but good-hearted Jamie (and an enjoyer of pulp fiction),
There is a lot more going on, but the beautiful prose and nuanced characters, was what pulled me in the most.
I think that even most ardent mystery and crime fiction readers will be shocked by the reveal at the end.
December 6, 2025
Now this had a good mystery vibe to this book which made it very hard for me to put down from the start to the very end of the books story.
The books plot was very hard gripping and very detailed.
The characters throughout made the book come to life and in the end it was all too real.
I want to thank netgallery for allowing me to read this book, I certain ly enjoyed it.
The books plot was very hard gripping and very detailed.
The characters throughout made the book come to life and in the end it was all too real.
I want to thank netgallery for allowing me to read this book, I certain ly enjoyed it.
December 2, 2025
Great story, I love a good suspense story and this was perfect. If I could have a would have read it in one sitting!
December 4, 2025
Received this ARC from the author through Book Sirens.
At first, the various POV had me wondering at the connection between the characters, until the story was a little more developed.
I enjoyed watching the way the mystery worked itself out, and the characters developed. I was surprised by the conclusion of the mystery, as I had an alternate idea all along. That’s good writing, when it keeps you guessing.
At first, the various POV had me wondering at the connection between the characters, until the story was a little more developed.
I enjoyed watching the way the mystery worked itself out, and the characters developed. I was surprised by the conclusion of the mystery, as I had an alternate idea all along. That’s good writing, when it keeps you guessing.
January 31, 2026
I requested an advance reader’s copy of The Green Baize Door because it was presented as a historical mystery set in turn-of-the-century America, with class divisions, cultural tension, and dual protagonists on intersecting paths. That premise—paired with the cover and summary—suggested intrigue, investigation, and perhaps even a slow-burn romantic thread. What the novel ultimately delivers, however, feels closer to historical fiction with legal drama elements than to a true mystery.
From a technical standpoint, the book is competently written and clearly well researched. The opening chapters are particularly strong. We first meet James Lett, a privileged young man accompanying an older colleague on a business trip when he witnesses suspicious behavior—and soon after, a shocking death. We then shift to Marie Chevalier, visiting her grandmother, Alozia Tompkins, who works as a housekeeper for the Lett family. Through Marie, the novel explores poverty, resentment, and the fragile hope of future inheritance. When another death strikes, the story’s central conflict is set in motion.
Birney’s prose is measured and effective. Descriptions are vivid without being excessive, and the historical settings—particularly Philadelphia and New York around 1900—are easy to visualize even for readers unfamiliar with the period. The author’s legal background is evident and, at times, genuinely illuminating. Court procedures, segregation laws, and the treatment of people across class and racial lines are portrayed with detail and clarity, and these sections were among the most engaging parts of the novel.
Unfortunately, strong research and solid prose were not enough to sustain my interest in the story itself.
My primary difficulty was with the characters. Despite being positioned as the main protagonists, Marie and James are surprisingly underdeveloped. Their emotional lives, motivations, and growth never fully take shape, which made it difficult to invest in their outcomes or potential future connection. While the blurb suggests that both conduct investigations, this never meaningfully materializes on the page. James does some document review, but Marie’s role is largely passive—limited to conversations with family members and her former beau. There is little deduction, no sense of mounting tension, and no real investigative arc.
Instead, the narrative devotes a disproportionate amount of time to William Jones, Marie’s former love interest and her brother’s best friend. William is vividly drawn—but not in a way that serves the story. He is portrayed as arrogant, misogynistic, and self-pitying, convinced of his own moral superiority. While this may be intentional, his frequent appearances slowed the pacing considerably. I found myself skimming his chapters, and when he was framed for the crime, I felt no emotional reaction at all. Marie’s sudden renewed concern for him felt unearned and frustrating, particularly given how little attention is paid to her relationship with James.
As a mystery, the novel falls short. The murder occurs relatively late, there is no sustained investigation, and the resolution arrives through a confession letter rather than discovery or deduction. The surprise, while unexpected, felt unsatisfying—less the result of narrative logic and more a narrative shortcut. Marie ultimately solves nothing, and the plausibility of the revealed culprit raises additional questions rather than providing closure.
Viewed strictly as historical fiction, the book fares better, but still not enough to recommend it. While the depiction of social inequality and law enforcement bias is thought-provoking, it often feels heavy-handed, driven more by message than by character or plot. Compounding this is the fact that none of the characters are particularly likable. By the midpoint, I found myself indifferent to who committed the crime, which drained the story of its stakes.
That said, readers who enjoy immersive historical settings, legal procedures of the early 1900s, and detailed depictions of social hierarchy may find value here. The author clearly has talent, and there is potential—especially if this series continues and deepens its characters and narrative focus.
For me, though, the lack of suspense, weak character investment, and mislabeling as a mystery made this a disappointing read. I’m glad others have enjoyed it, and I encourage prospective readers to consult multiple reviews.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From a technical standpoint, the book is competently written and clearly well researched. The opening chapters are particularly strong. We first meet James Lett, a privileged young man accompanying an older colleague on a business trip when he witnesses suspicious behavior—and soon after, a shocking death. We then shift to Marie Chevalier, visiting her grandmother, Alozia Tompkins, who works as a housekeeper for the Lett family. Through Marie, the novel explores poverty, resentment, and the fragile hope of future inheritance. When another death strikes, the story’s central conflict is set in motion.
Birney’s prose is measured and effective. Descriptions are vivid without being excessive, and the historical settings—particularly Philadelphia and New York around 1900—are easy to visualize even for readers unfamiliar with the period. The author’s legal background is evident and, at times, genuinely illuminating. Court procedures, segregation laws, and the treatment of people across class and racial lines are portrayed with detail and clarity, and these sections were among the most engaging parts of the novel.
Unfortunately, strong research and solid prose were not enough to sustain my interest in the story itself.
My primary difficulty was with the characters. Despite being positioned as the main protagonists, Marie and James are surprisingly underdeveloped. Their emotional lives, motivations, and growth never fully take shape, which made it difficult to invest in their outcomes or potential future connection. While the blurb suggests that both conduct investigations, this never meaningfully materializes on the page. James does some document review, but Marie’s role is largely passive—limited to conversations with family members and her former beau. There is little deduction, no sense of mounting tension, and no real investigative arc.
Instead, the narrative devotes a disproportionate amount of time to William Jones, Marie’s former love interest and her brother’s best friend. William is vividly drawn—but not in a way that serves the story. He is portrayed as arrogant, misogynistic, and self-pitying, convinced of his own moral superiority. While this may be intentional, his frequent appearances slowed the pacing considerably. I found myself skimming his chapters, and when he was framed for the crime, I felt no emotional reaction at all. Marie’s sudden renewed concern for him felt unearned and frustrating, particularly given how little attention is paid to her relationship with James.
As a mystery, the novel falls short. The murder occurs relatively late, there is no sustained investigation, and the resolution arrives through a confession letter rather than discovery or deduction. The surprise, while unexpected, felt unsatisfying—less the result of narrative logic and more a narrative shortcut. Marie ultimately solves nothing, and the plausibility of the revealed culprit raises additional questions rather than providing closure.
Viewed strictly as historical fiction, the book fares better, but still not enough to recommend it. While the depiction of social inequality and law enforcement bias is thought-provoking, it often feels heavy-handed, driven more by message than by character or plot. Compounding this is the fact that none of the characters are particularly likable. By the midpoint, I found myself indifferent to who committed the crime, which drained the story of its stakes.
That said, readers who enjoy immersive historical settings, legal procedures of the early 1900s, and detailed depictions of social hierarchy may find value here. The author clearly has talent, and there is potential—especially if this series continues and deepens its characters and narrative focus.
For me, though, the lack of suspense, weak character investment, and mislabeling as a mystery made this a disappointing read. I’m glad others have enjoyed it, and I encourage prospective readers to consult multiple reviews.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
I have not struggled quite as much reviewing and reading a book as I have with The Green Baize Door. Let’s start with the positives, the book is very well written, richly layered, and clearly very well researched. The reader is transported fully back into the early 1900s Philadelphia for all its grit and struggle, in particular when describing the poor and the racism that exists. The story is generally interesting and it is a very good first effort by a debut novelist. I absolutely do not want to dissuade Ms. Birney from continuing to hone her craft. She is clearly thoughtful in her approach to her characters and subject matter and interest in addressing themes of race, class, gender, and family.
I admittedly struggled to read and get into the story, which is quite unusual for me. The novel is somewhat disjointed jumping between multiple character points of view since it takes quite sometime for the reader to piece together that the loose connection between the storylines. Very little happens beyond world building and character development for the first 25% of the book and nearly all of the characters are unlikable and miserable, which drags the story down. I want to root for Marie and her sister, but Marie is naïve, haughty and easily misled. We are told she is the beauty while Eliza is the brains, but very little is developed further in this regard until the end of the book, aside from passing mentions.
James Lett on the other hand does not seem to be investigating the murder. Rather he and his sister are trying to understand what is happening with his father’s business and why the man running the company has suddenly gone on an extended holiday. James’s sister appears as a minor character and then disappears from the story almost entirely. I would be more interested in her story generally as she seems much more complex than any of the other characters. We are led to believe that James is interested in Marie because she takes the initiative sells her gifted hair comb and goes to see him (his father) in New York to ask for their help, but not for money. She is beautiful after all and he owes a debt to her grandmother for all her years of faithful service and essentially raising him. I can suspend my disbelief and the likely strict class hierarchy to believe that it might be possible, but their later meetings do not particularly suggest they have much chemistry or that Marie is really all that interested in him.
Finally, the book blurb is incredibly misleading and not really at all indicative of what happens in the book. Using “the green baize door” as a symbol or demarcation between rich and poor is not well incorporated into the story and is only mention once or twice. This element and its meaning is not woven into the story well enough to be a title or even a literary device. My biggest gripe is that neither James nor Marie are really investigating anything. Marie is going to the police and talking to her ex, brother, and father but they treat her poorly and she does little to pushback. James stumbles on the truth of the financial issues facing his family but neither he nor Marie solve the murder.
I understand that this novel is meant to be the first in a series where Marie possibly investigates mysteries, but I have trouble buying into this premise or this novel as a mystery. It is much more a crime/historical fiction. It does well in this lane, but I do not see or interpret Marie as ambitious and her push to truly change her life is entirely external and at the goodwill/torment of others. This book has good bones and a workable and interesting premise, but I think it needs more time to marinate and some reworking to become a true historical crime mystery. Alternatively, the book blurb could be altered to be more accurate to the story.
While I might have been critical in my review, I do genuinely think the author has a bright future and will continue to improve her storytelling that I am interested in reading her next novels. I am grateful to BookSirens and to the author for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily.
I admittedly struggled to read and get into the story, which is quite unusual for me. The novel is somewhat disjointed jumping between multiple character points of view since it takes quite sometime for the reader to piece together that the loose connection between the storylines. Very little happens beyond world building and character development for the first 25% of the book and nearly all of the characters are unlikable and miserable, which drags the story down. I want to root for Marie and her sister, but Marie is naïve, haughty and easily misled. We are told she is the beauty while Eliza is the brains, but very little is developed further in this regard until the end of the book, aside from passing mentions.
James Lett on the other hand does not seem to be investigating the murder. Rather he and his sister are trying to understand what is happening with his father’s business and why the man running the company has suddenly gone on an extended holiday. James’s sister appears as a minor character and then disappears from the story almost entirely. I would be more interested in her story generally as she seems much more complex than any of the other characters. We are led to believe that James is interested in Marie because she takes the initiative sells her gifted hair comb and goes to see him (his father) in New York to ask for their help, but not for money. She is beautiful after all and he owes a debt to her grandmother for all her years of faithful service and essentially raising him. I can suspend my disbelief and the likely strict class hierarchy to believe that it might be possible, but their later meetings do not particularly suggest they have much chemistry or that Marie is really all that interested in him.
Finally, the book blurb is incredibly misleading and not really at all indicative of what happens in the book. Using “the green baize door” as a symbol or demarcation between rich and poor is not well incorporated into the story and is only mention once or twice. This element and its meaning is not woven into the story well enough to be a title or even a literary device. My biggest gripe is that neither James nor Marie are really investigating anything. Marie is going to the police and talking to her ex, brother, and father but they treat her poorly and she does little to pushback. James stumbles on the truth of the financial issues facing his family but neither he nor Marie solve the murder.
I understand that this novel is meant to be the first in a series where Marie possibly investigates mysteries, but I have trouble buying into this premise or this novel as a mystery. It is much more a crime/historical fiction. It does well in this lane, but I do not see or interpret Marie as ambitious and her push to truly change her life is entirely external and at the goodwill/torment of others. This book has good bones and a workable and interesting premise, but I think it needs more time to marinate and some reworking to become a true historical crime mystery. Alternatively, the book blurb could be altered to be more accurate to the story.
While I might have been critical in my review, I do genuinely think the author has a bright future and will continue to improve her storytelling that I am interested in reading her next novels. I am grateful to BookSirens and to the author for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review: The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney
I decided to accept this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) of The Green Baize Door by this debut novel of new author Eleanor Birney based on the summary and cover. I was intrigued as it seemed to be a historic murder mystery set at turn-of the-century New England with class and cultural divides spanning the female main character (FMC) and male main character (MMC)… so I was also hoping for some romance as well.
And the story delivered this… somewhat, I felt. I really appreciate how it was well-written and researched, especially at the start when the author is introducing the characters. We first meet MMC, James Lett, a privileged young man who seems to have been dragged on a business trip with his father’s colleague to the back and beyond when he notices the colleague acting oddly… and then witnesses the death of a stranger who was trying to get his attention the night before. Then, we meet FMC, Marie Chevalier, who is visiting her Mémé (grandmother), Madame Alozia Tompkins, who is currently housekeeper to the Lett family. Marie’s family lives in poverty due to her father and brother’s arrogance and belief that they deserve better because they know they have a large inheritance to look forward to that Alozia inherited from a previous husband. Alas, death strikes, but this time to Marie’s family and the story plays out from there.
Birney’s writing style contains the right amount of descriptive elements to help the reader visualize the characters’ appearances and personalities without going over the top. I could also picture the surroundings and the main places (e.g., Philadelphia and New York City) in 1900 without becoming confused as a non-native. The author’s legal background shines as well as I learned a lot about turn-of-the century court proceedings and appalling segregation laws in the USA at the time as we discover more about the racism and prejudice Marie and her family face when the truth comes out that Alozia had Creole origins. Without leaving any spoilers, the murderer’s identity resolves towards the end and truly did surprise me.
Despite this, I really struggled to become invested in the characters and story overall. I felt too much time focused on the character of William Jones, Marie’s first beau and her brother’s best friend, especially as he seemed to be ‘God’s gift to women.’ I found myself skimming things when he appeared, and as he showed up a lot, this made the story drag for me. He was really annoying, and I did not care at all when he was framed for the murder, and then found myself frustrated with Marie for suddenly caring about him again when she saw him behind bars. The interactions between James and Marie were more mildly interesting, and could have redeemed the plot more for me if they had worked more in tandem to aid in James’ investigation (Marie didn’t really do any investigating at all as I thought would happen from the summary). The reader is led to believe Marie’s and James’ connection might continue in the next book, however, in spite of how well-written this story was, I really didn’t become invested enough in them to want to find out more.
Overall, I think this would appeal to readers who like reading about life and legal proceedings of 1900 in this part of the US. The author could do so much more with the class, identity and cross-cultural aspects, and perhaps, this might come through as this is meant to be a series. It’s too bad it wasn’t more compelling in this first book.
P.S. I am grateful to BookSirens for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of this story for which I am voluntarily writing this honest review.
P.S. 2: If you liked this, then please check out my other book reviews of stories about strong women and their handsome sidekicks!
I decided to accept this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) of The Green Baize Door by this debut novel of new author Eleanor Birney based on the summary and cover. I was intrigued as it seemed to be a historic murder mystery set at turn-of the-century New England with class and cultural divides spanning the female main character (FMC) and male main character (MMC)… so I was also hoping for some romance as well.
And the story delivered this… somewhat, I felt. I really appreciate how it was well-written and researched, especially at the start when the author is introducing the characters. We first meet MMC, James Lett, a privileged young man who seems to have been dragged on a business trip with his father’s colleague to the back and beyond when he notices the colleague acting oddly… and then witnesses the death of a stranger who was trying to get his attention the night before. Then, we meet FMC, Marie Chevalier, who is visiting her Mémé (grandmother), Madame Alozia Tompkins, who is currently housekeeper to the Lett family. Marie’s family lives in poverty due to her father and brother’s arrogance and belief that they deserve better because they know they have a large inheritance to look forward to that Alozia inherited from a previous husband. Alas, death strikes, but this time to Marie’s family and the story plays out from there.
Birney’s writing style contains the right amount of descriptive elements to help the reader visualize the characters’ appearances and personalities without going over the top. I could also picture the surroundings and the main places (e.g., Philadelphia and New York City) in 1900 without becoming confused as a non-native. The author’s legal background shines as well as I learned a lot about turn-of-the century court proceedings and appalling segregation laws in the USA at the time as we discover more about the racism and prejudice Marie and her family face when the truth comes out that Alozia had Creole origins. Without leaving any spoilers, the murderer’s identity resolves towards the end and truly did surprise me.
Despite this, I really struggled to become invested in the characters and story overall. I felt too much time focused on the character of William Jones, Marie’s first beau and her brother’s best friend, especially as he seemed to be ‘God’s gift to women.’ I found myself skimming things when he appeared, and as he showed up a lot, this made the story drag for me. He was really annoying, and I did not care at all when he was framed for the murder, and then found myself frustrated with Marie for suddenly caring about him again when she saw him behind bars. The interactions between James and Marie were more mildly interesting, and could have redeemed the plot more for me if they had worked more in tandem to aid in James’ investigation (Marie didn’t really do any investigating at all as I thought would happen from the summary). The reader is led to believe Marie’s and James’ connection might continue in the next book, however, in spite of how well-written this story was, I really didn’t become invested enough in them to want to find out more.
Overall, I think this would appeal to readers who like reading about life and legal proceedings of 1900 in this part of the US. The author could do so much more with the class, identity and cross-cultural aspects, and perhaps, this might come through as this is meant to be a series. It’s too bad it wasn’t more compelling in this first book.
P.S. I am grateful to BookSirens for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of this story for which I am voluntarily writing this honest review.
P.S. 2: If you liked this, then please check out my other book reviews of stories about strong women and their handsome sidekicks!
January 27, 2026
Manassas Edmunds, who had been a trusted employee for decades at Keystone Lumber Company, and James, often called Jamie, Lett, heir apparent of the company owned by his father, had arrived to inspect Conifer Lumber Mill in Upstate New York. After Jamie had rested for a bit at an inn, he went down to grab a bite to eat when he received a message that Manassa had left for another mill. Then, while Jamie is eating, he is approached by a man, possibly of South American descent, who asks about bonds and claims that his very life may depend on securing them. Jamie reluctantly agreed to meet with the man the next morning, but the man failed to show. Leaving for his tour of the mill the next morning, Jamie discovers that the man has been run over and killed. Could the death have anything to do with the mill despite bystanders insisting that the death is the man's own fault? The next day, while inspecting the mill's books, Jamie noticed some irregularities. If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend reading The Green Baize Door to find out.
I really like how the author, Eleanor Birney, has this book laid out. The opening chapter raises lots of interesting questions without getting bogged down in details. that I did not need to know yet. Then, in the following chapters, the author starts to provide more details at a rate that makes them easy to comprehend. A lot of the action takes place in Philadelphia, which I thought was a perfect symbolic choice for this book.
Since each chapter starts with a date, it is easy to tell when different events occur. This made the story even easier to follow. Furthermore, the author creates very believable settings. I especially loved the image of Jamie sitting in his father's office with jam-covered fingers surrounded by books with gilded pages.
There are many twists and turns in this story, so it easily kept my attention. For example, the man who confronted Jamie in Upstate New York is not the only person who ends up dead. The deaths could lead to drastic changes in the characters' lives.
The author weaves several themes into this story, including rich versus poor, white versus colored, and men versus women.
My favorite character in this story is Marie Chevalier. She is very hardworking, able to think on her feet, and very compassionate, especially toward her younger sister, Eliza, who dealt with the aftereffects of polio. Her deepest desire was that her father would become a respectable citizen. Still, to some, she could come off as pious as a missionary, a penitent lover, and a gloating vampire.
The editors have worked very hard on this book. Except for some inconsistent capitalization of one character's name, I didn't notice any grammatical errors.
I definitely never saw the ending coming. Yet, it makes perfect sense. I certainly hope there is a sequel in the works.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
I really like how the author, Eleanor Birney, has this book laid out. The opening chapter raises lots of interesting questions without getting bogged down in details. that I did not need to know yet. Then, in the following chapters, the author starts to provide more details at a rate that makes them easy to comprehend. A lot of the action takes place in Philadelphia, which I thought was a perfect symbolic choice for this book.
Since each chapter starts with a date, it is easy to tell when different events occur. This made the story even easier to follow. Furthermore, the author creates very believable settings. I especially loved the image of Jamie sitting in his father's office with jam-covered fingers surrounded by books with gilded pages.
There are many twists and turns in this story, so it easily kept my attention. For example, the man who confronted Jamie in Upstate New York is not the only person who ends up dead. The deaths could lead to drastic changes in the characters' lives.
The author weaves several themes into this story, including rich versus poor, white versus colored, and men versus women.
My favorite character in this story is Marie Chevalier. She is very hardworking, able to think on her feet, and very compassionate, especially toward her younger sister, Eliza, who dealt with the aftereffects of polio. Her deepest desire was that her father would become a respectable citizen. Still, to some, she could come off as pious as a missionary, a penitent lover, and a gloating vampire.
The editors have worked very hard on this book. Except for some inconsistent capitalization of one character's name, I didn't notice any grammatical errors.
I definitely never saw the ending coming. Yet, it makes perfect sense. I certainly hope there is a sequel in the works.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
April 27, 2026
5 Stars
Marie has long suffered the shenanigans of her father and brother, taking sewing jobs secretly in order to make her own money to keep both her and her sister afloat. One place of solace is seeing her grandmother. A housekeeper at a well-to-do house on Chestnut Hill, she has all but disowned her son and her grandson, keeping her husband's fortune to herself despite their efforts to relieve her of it. When Marie’s grandmother is found brutally murdered, Marie doesn’t know who to believe and who to trust, surrounded as she is by people who she isn’t sure wouldn’t stoop so low as to resort to violence to get hold of her grandmother's money. In her search for the truth, she crosses paths with James Lett, the son of the master of the household her mother worked for, and the two of them begin in earnest to untangle the truth of what truly happened at Chestnut Hill.
Wow. This book made me feel so many things! What an incredible write. Birney writes amazingly! This is an accomplished debut novel, and I am so excited to read more of her work. I wish I could put into words how much I enjoyed this book, but honestly, I am still reeling from just finishing it, so my thoughts are bouncing around like a pinball. Literally from the first page, I was hooked. Birney paints a scene so effortlessly that I was instantly transported into the story. The characters were also just stunning. I love, love, love shades of grey and imperfections in characters, when they reflect the moral ambiguities of life. I am instantly hooked, and Birney nailed this in her writing. Literally every character felt real and vibrant and full to bursting of insecurities, worries and nuance.
I am not usually a massive fan of mystery novels; I have found many of the plots done to death, and sometimes the narratives quickly spiral into over-the-top, ridiculous territory. Somehow, Birney managed to keep this story grounded in reality whilst still keeping the story engaging. Birney also captures the historical inequality of the time, highlighting the gaping chasm between the classes, as well as the social injustices faced by people of colour.
I pretty much loved all the characters, even those that I found wholly reprehensible. Marie and James specifically were great characters, and amazingly, I even found William a sympathetic character at times. Reprehensible he might have been, but he was as much a victim of circumstance and manipulation as others in this story, and it was a sorry affair to see this continue towards the end of the book. I really can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Birney has quickly made it to the list of my favourite writers, and I wait eagerly for whatever she releases next.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a historical mystery story, with unforgettable characters and just stunning writing. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Marie has long suffered the shenanigans of her father and brother, taking sewing jobs secretly in order to make her own money to keep both her and her sister afloat. One place of solace is seeing her grandmother. A housekeeper at a well-to-do house on Chestnut Hill, she has all but disowned her son and her grandson, keeping her husband's fortune to herself despite their efforts to relieve her of it. When Marie’s grandmother is found brutally murdered, Marie doesn’t know who to believe and who to trust, surrounded as she is by people who she isn’t sure wouldn’t stoop so low as to resort to violence to get hold of her grandmother's money. In her search for the truth, she crosses paths with James Lett, the son of the master of the household her mother worked for, and the two of them begin in earnest to untangle the truth of what truly happened at Chestnut Hill.
Wow. This book made me feel so many things! What an incredible write. Birney writes amazingly! This is an accomplished debut novel, and I am so excited to read more of her work. I wish I could put into words how much I enjoyed this book, but honestly, I am still reeling from just finishing it, so my thoughts are bouncing around like a pinball. Literally from the first page, I was hooked. Birney paints a scene so effortlessly that I was instantly transported into the story. The characters were also just stunning. I love, love, love shades of grey and imperfections in characters, when they reflect the moral ambiguities of life. I am instantly hooked, and Birney nailed this in her writing. Literally every character felt real and vibrant and full to bursting of insecurities, worries and nuance.
I am not usually a massive fan of mystery novels; I have found many of the plots done to death, and sometimes the narratives quickly spiral into over-the-top, ridiculous territory. Somehow, Birney managed to keep this story grounded in reality whilst still keeping the story engaging. Birney also captures the historical inequality of the time, highlighting the gaping chasm between the classes, as well as the social injustices faced by people of colour.
I pretty much loved all the characters, even those that I found wholly reprehensible. Marie and James specifically were great characters, and amazingly, I even found William a sympathetic character at times. Reprehensible he might have been, but he was as much a victim of circumstance and manipulation as others in this story, and it was a sorry affair to see this continue towards the end of the book. I really can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Birney has quickly made it to the list of my favourite writers, and I wait eagerly for whatever she releases next.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a historical mystery story, with unforgettable characters and just stunning writing. I cannot recommend this book enough.
April 1, 2026
3 Stars
‘Inspired by real-life events, The Green Baize Door is a richly layered historical mystery that explores themes of class identity, family loyalty, and the sometimes blurry line between virtue and vice.’
The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney is a historical mystery set in 1899, where a single door — covered in green baize — divided the opulent world of the ‘masters’ from the hidden lives of their servants.
When an elderly housekeeper is found murdered on New Year’s Day, the story ambles into a layered exploration of class boundaries, family secrets, and moral ambiguity.
Being a debut novel, I really didn’t know what I could expect from one of Ms. Birney’s stories – but I love historical fiction, and as the cover is so gorgeous(unfortunately though, I couldn’t help wondering if it is AI ‘art’) and the blurb ticked all the boxes – I eagerly dove in to find out what lay between these covers.
Ms. Birney’s strengths seem to lie in her atmospheric detailing and her ability to evoke the rigid social hierarchies of the era. The setting felt authentic, from the polished drawing rooms to the bustling kitchens below stairs – and everything in-between.
However, the story was slow to get going, and there were parts where the pacing/storytelling lagged and dragged – pulling me out of the story. It got quite ‘wordy’ in parts, with a lot of ‘info dumping’ that, again, slowed the flow and interrupted the storyline. Some characters, while aptly introduced, never developed beyond this initial introduction, which was a bit of a missed opportunity for the author to add some more interest and intrigue to her story. It also made it hard to feel invested in them or the outcome of the story.
Also, as a ‘historical mystery’, I found the ‘mystery’ and ‘investigation’ elements of the story to be quite a bit of a let-down as I really expected more ‘real’ investigation and stronger ‘mystery’. I felt this area lacked ‘meat’, and more drama, tension, and a stronger ‘mystery would have definitely elevated this story to a whole new level. Then the revelation/resolution to the mystery felt underwhelming and somewhat anti-climactic - leaving me frustrated and a little disappointed.
But I put most of these issues down to this being a debut novel, experiencing a few hiccups as the author finds her feet.
Overall, though, this is a solid read for fans of historical stories and who appreciate rich period detail and themes of class and loyalty. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or storytelling heights it aims for, or that I might have expected, it does offer an engaging glimpse into a world where a single door defined a person’s standing in society.
Happy Reading…
‘Inspired by real-life events, The Green Baize Door is a richly layered historical mystery that explores themes of class identity, family loyalty, and the sometimes blurry line between virtue and vice.’
The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney is a historical mystery set in 1899, where a single door — covered in green baize — divided the opulent world of the ‘masters’ from the hidden lives of their servants.
When an elderly housekeeper is found murdered on New Year’s Day, the story ambles into a layered exploration of class boundaries, family secrets, and moral ambiguity.
Being a debut novel, I really didn’t know what I could expect from one of Ms. Birney’s stories – but I love historical fiction, and as the cover is so gorgeous(unfortunately though, I couldn’t help wondering if it is AI ‘art’) and the blurb ticked all the boxes – I eagerly dove in to find out what lay between these covers.
Ms. Birney’s strengths seem to lie in her atmospheric detailing and her ability to evoke the rigid social hierarchies of the era. The setting felt authentic, from the polished drawing rooms to the bustling kitchens below stairs – and everything in-between.
However, the story was slow to get going, and there were parts where the pacing/storytelling lagged and dragged – pulling me out of the story. It got quite ‘wordy’ in parts, with a lot of ‘info dumping’ that, again, slowed the flow and interrupted the storyline. Some characters, while aptly introduced, never developed beyond this initial introduction, which was a bit of a missed opportunity for the author to add some more interest and intrigue to her story. It also made it hard to feel invested in them or the outcome of the story.
Also, as a ‘historical mystery’, I found the ‘mystery’ and ‘investigation’ elements of the story to be quite a bit of a let-down as I really expected more ‘real’ investigation and stronger ‘mystery’. I felt this area lacked ‘meat’, and more drama, tension, and a stronger ‘mystery would have definitely elevated this story to a whole new level. Then the revelation/resolution to the mystery felt underwhelming and somewhat anti-climactic - leaving me frustrated and a little disappointed.
But I put most of these issues down to this being a debut novel, experiencing a few hiccups as the author finds her feet.
Overall, though, this is a solid read for fans of historical stories and who appreciate rich period detail and themes of class and loyalty. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or storytelling heights it aims for, or that I might have expected, it does offer an engaging glimpse into a world where a single door defined a person’s standing in society.
Happy Reading…
December 5, 2025
The Green Baize Door is one of those rare mysteries that digs not only into who committed the crime but also into why the world around them allowed it to happen in the first place. The opening murder is violent, shocking, and deeply symbolic. It tears away the fragile calm of Chestnut Hill’s finest mansion and forces every character to face the kinds of secrets that polite society would rather bury. This is not comfortable reading. It scratches at the polished surface of privilege, and what it reveals can be unsettling.
Marie Chevalier lingers in my mind. She is poor, but her dignity is unshakeable. She carries nothing but her name and the memory of her grandmother, and that is enough to push her forward. Following her through the halls and alleyways as she tries to understand who among the masters or the servants could commit such an act feels both urgent and heartbreaking. James Lett, with all his wealth and his wavering morals, ended up surprising me. His hesitation, his guilt, and his eventual realization of the injustice around him give his character a bittersweet but meaningful arc.
The divide between upstairs and downstairs is drawn with remarkable clarity. You feel it in every whisper, every sharp look, and every door that stays locked. The mystery winds through lies and secrets like smoke, and it never lets you settle. It pushes you not only to guess who committed the crime but also to question whether any resolution can feel clean in a world built on hierarchy and silence.
There are moments when the investigation slows down, and the distance between suspicion and proof narrows in a way that feels a little too neat. Still, the final reveal of the culprit lands with force. It also leaves a lingering ache for the people on both sides of the green baize door, because the weight of truth does not fall evenly on everyone.
I am grateful to NetGalley for the ARC, and I am glad I had the chance to read this early. If you are drawn to historical mysteries that expose the rot beneath refinement, examine the harshness of class divisions, and refuse to shy away from moral complexity, this novel will stay with you long after the last page.
Marie Chevalier lingers in my mind. She is poor, but her dignity is unshakeable. She carries nothing but her name and the memory of her grandmother, and that is enough to push her forward. Following her through the halls and alleyways as she tries to understand who among the masters or the servants could commit such an act feels both urgent and heartbreaking. James Lett, with all his wealth and his wavering morals, ended up surprising me. His hesitation, his guilt, and his eventual realization of the injustice around him give his character a bittersweet but meaningful arc.
The divide between upstairs and downstairs is drawn with remarkable clarity. You feel it in every whisper, every sharp look, and every door that stays locked. The mystery winds through lies and secrets like smoke, and it never lets you settle. It pushes you not only to guess who committed the crime but also to question whether any resolution can feel clean in a world built on hierarchy and silence.
There are moments when the investigation slows down, and the distance between suspicion and proof narrows in a way that feels a little too neat. Still, the final reveal of the culprit lands with force. It also leaves a lingering ache for the people on both sides of the green baize door, because the weight of truth does not fall evenly on everyone.
I am grateful to NetGalley for the ARC, and I am glad I had the chance to read this early. If you are drawn to historical mysteries that expose the rot beneath refinement, examine the harshness of class divisions, and refuse to shy away from moral complexity, this novel will stay with you long after the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
I enjoyed "The Green Baize Door" by
Eleanor Birney, because I am a fan of historical fiction and murder mysteries.
The first chapter completely confused me, but I guess, as it was meant, "the mustachioed man" all made sense in the course of time.
The book is centred around two main characters - Jamie Lett, the son and heir of a wealthy business family, and Marie Chevalier, who skimps and saves through life working at sewing and living with a younger sister, drunk and gambling father and no better brother, Charles.
We are introduced to Jamie and Marie pre-murder and follow them as they come together in discovering the truths of their families, to unmask the killer.
Family loyalties are tested as curtains of deception are thrown wide open. Jamie realizes there is a connection between the crime scene and suspicious activity in his family’s business.
Additionally, Marie's past love William is caught up in dodgy dealings and stands accused. His life and love add a dark element to a smorgasbord of class socioeconomic levels.
For some reason I read the book as if set in England but it is actually set in eastern areas of USA and references to business dealings in South America as the Pananma canal deal was being tossed about 1899 to 1900.
There are themes of people's colour causing descrimination. Coloured people can actually look white as any Caucasian, but their bloodline still means they must be better than the white folk, but not so good that they feel threatened. Living between two worlds of class identity (as symbolised by the green baize door of the Chestnut Hill house) is an added complication.
The ending was brilliant! This killer had crossed my mind.....but the reason for killing Meme gave sudden clarity as to how the Chevalier family were perceived. Selfishness, vanity and pride can cause a great undoing when others are desperate to survive.
Ultimately for all, a different place can create the space to forget, when new opportunities show themselves in the west of USA. I'd love to read, what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley, Parlor and Dock Press and Eleanor Birney for my copy. I look forward to another book by this new author
Eleanor Birney, because I am a fan of historical fiction and murder mysteries.
The first chapter completely confused me, but I guess, as it was meant, "the mustachioed man" all made sense in the course of time.
The book is centred around two main characters - Jamie Lett, the son and heir of a wealthy business family, and Marie Chevalier, who skimps and saves through life working at sewing and living with a younger sister, drunk and gambling father and no better brother, Charles.
We are introduced to Jamie and Marie pre-murder and follow them as they come together in discovering the truths of their families, to unmask the killer.
Family loyalties are tested as curtains of deception are thrown wide open. Jamie realizes there is a connection between the crime scene and suspicious activity in his family’s business.
Additionally, Marie's past love William is caught up in dodgy dealings and stands accused. His life and love add a dark element to a smorgasbord of class socioeconomic levels.
For some reason I read the book as if set in England but it is actually set in eastern areas of USA and references to business dealings in South America as the Pananma canal deal was being tossed about 1899 to 1900.
There are themes of people's colour causing descrimination. Coloured people can actually look white as any Caucasian, but their bloodline still means they must be better than the white folk, but not so good that they feel threatened. Living between two worlds of class identity (as symbolised by the green baize door of the Chestnut Hill house) is an added complication.
The ending was brilliant! This killer had crossed my mind.....but the reason for killing Meme gave sudden clarity as to how the Chevalier family were perceived. Selfishness, vanity and pride can cause a great undoing when others are desperate to survive.
Ultimately for all, a different place can create the space to forget, when new opportunities show themselves in the west of USA. I'd love to read, what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley, Parlor and Dock Press and Eleanor Birney for my copy. I look forward to another book by this new author
November 11, 2025
A solid debut historical mystery novel. I enjoyed the way it established the turn of the century setting, and how it included social conflicts around class and race. It had more of a courtroom drama flavor than the amateur sleuths I was expecting, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable.
We get to experience this story from the 3rd-person points of view of a varied cast of characters. And all of them were well-drawn and believable as individuals (even if some were very unlikeable with the way they always portrayed themselves as victims, using that as an excuse for their almost complete lack of redeemable qualities). But I didn't always feel like their relationships and how they reacted to each other rang true. Especially Marie's reactions and feelings to some of the more unlikeable characters (who shall remain unnamed here) felt off somehow. And every time the book tried bringing in undertones of romantic history or romantic feelings between two characters it felt like the cliché of "all telling, no showing". The characters I found most interesting and compelling in the end were Jamie Lett and his sister. I wish we'd seen a bit more of her.
The pacing felt a little uneven, with the first half of the book moving very slowly and the second half feeling a bit rushed. Then towards the very end it felt like it lost momentum again and tapered off, making me worry for a moment that we wouldn't even get to learn the identity of the murderer. And when we finally did, while the killer's identity was a surprise to me, the passive way in which it was revealed left me disappointed (almost wishing the question had remained unanswered after all).
I liked the writing overall, so I'd definitely consider picking up another book by this author. But I'm not sure I find these characters, especially Marie, compelling enough to carry a series, so I'm not sure I'd pick up another "Marie Chevalier mystery".
Thank you to the publisher, Parlor & Dock Press, for providing a review copy via NetGalley. This review reflects my honest opinion.
We get to experience this story from the 3rd-person points of view of a varied cast of characters. And all of them were well-drawn and believable as individuals (even if some were very unlikeable with the way they always portrayed themselves as victims, using that as an excuse for their almost complete lack of redeemable qualities). But I didn't always feel like their relationships and how they reacted to each other rang true. Especially Marie's reactions and feelings to some of the more unlikeable characters (who shall remain unnamed here) felt off somehow. And every time the book tried bringing in undertones of romantic history or romantic feelings between two characters it felt like the cliché of "all telling, no showing". The characters I found most interesting and compelling in the end were Jamie Lett and his sister. I wish we'd seen a bit more of her.
The pacing felt a little uneven, with the first half of the book moving very slowly and the second half feeling a bit rushed. Then towards the very end it felt like it lost momentum again and tapered off, making me worry for a moment that we wouldn't even get to learn the identity of the murderer. And when we finally did, while the killer's identity was a surprise to me, the passive way in which it was revealed left me disappointed (almost wishing the question had remained unanswered after all).
I liked the writing overall, so I'd definitely consider picking up another book by this author. But I'm not sure I find these characters, especially Marie, compelling enough to carry a series, so I'm not sure I'd pick up another "Marie Chevalier mystery".
Thank you to the publisher, Parlor & Dock Press, for providing a review copy via NetGalley. This review reflects my honest opinion.
November 27, 2025
I do love a good historic murder mystery, and The Green Baize Door is certainly that. Told from multiple points of view, we follow the various characters, both those who are rich and live an easy life and those who are struggling, while we find out who murdered a housekeeper. She was a grandmother to one of the poorer families and a housekeeper for the richer. I felt swept into the time period of this book which is something I really love.
It isn't a murder mystery in the classic sense of the word. There is a murder, although in many ways, that almost seems secondary to the rest of the action here. We also don't follow anyone trying to solve it as such, although there are hints. In some ways, this book feels as much a study of race and poverty as it does anything else. I didn't work out who the murderer was, but I didn't feel that I was being guided to do so in any case. Rather, the story itself carried me along.
This is very much an American book, which again helps build the feel of the time. One of the main characters, Marie, passes as white, but has a 'coloured' grandmother. As a result, she ends up feeling that she fits nowhere. I know that race (or perhaps skin colour would be more accurate) is still a hugely contentious issue in the US, and the idea of someone's identity being based on their ancestors' ethnicity, rather than their own reality, is something that is viewed rather differently in the rest of the world. We certainly see some of the roots of that here.
The book ends at a point where I assume that it's all finished, but there is still scope to follow the fortunes of the characters in the future. I'm not sure if that is the intention, or if it will finish here; I think either way would work.
This was a great read and one that I didn't want to put down. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
It isn't a murder mystery in the classic sense of the word. There is a murder, although in many ways, that almost seems secondary to the rest of the action here. We also don't follow anyone trying to solve it as such, although there are hints. In some ways, this book feels as much a study of race and poverty as it does anything else. I didn't work out who the murderer was, but I didn't feel that I was being guided to do so in any case. Rather, the story itself carried me along.
This is very much an American book, which again helps build the feel of the time. One of the main characters, Marie, passes as white, but has a 'coloured' grandmother. As a result, she ends up feeling that she fits nowhere. I know that race (or perhaps skin colour would be more accurate) is still a hugely contentious issue in the US, and the idea of someone's identity being based on their ancestors' ethnicity, rather than their own reality, is something that is viewed rather differently in the rest of the world. We certainly see some of the roots of that here.
The book ends at a point where I assume that it's all finished, but there is still scope to follow the fortunes of the characters in the future. I'm not sure if that is the intention, or if it will finish here; I think either way would work.
This was a great read and one that I didn't want to put down. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
April 29, 2026
Birney provides the reader with two intertwined mysteries in one.
Philadelphia, November 24, 1899: James (Jamie) Lett is setting out on an inspection tour of his father’s timber processing businesses accompanied by his father's long-time friend and CFO, Manassas Edmunds. Due to his father’s (a.k.a. The Captain) failing health, this is Jamie’s first official business trip. During the first night, Edmunds mysteriously takes his leave, and the following day Jamie is approached by a mustachioed man demanding, “Do you have the bonds with you?” Knowing nothing regarding the matter, Jamie is able to put him off until the following day, but before he can gain more information, the man is trampled to death by a carriage. For weeks, the CFO does not return to the company.
Christmas Eve, 1899: Meme Alozia, the Creole housekeeper for the Lett family, is found murdered in the Lett home, oddly the only items taken appear to be pocket change and a silver watch. Growing more and more suspicious, Jamie teams with Meme’s granddaughter Marie Chevalier (daughter of fly-by-night, huckster John Chevalier, Meme’s son). Eventually additional characters are drawn into the melee which ensues as the two try to unravel the connections between both whodunits.
This is a well planned and executed murder mystery. There are multiple twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprise ending. The Green Baize Door provides powerful imagery for the entire novel. For those who are not aware, baize is the material used to surface gaming and billiard tables. In this instance, it also serves to divide the manor house servant area from the family. Reminiscent of the emerald-green curtain in The Wizard of Oz, it separates the servants from the imagined amazing, mysterious life enjoyed by the family of the estate. But a peek behind the curtain reveals a life, not so far removed from the hustle of the masses. I greatly enjoyed this novel. It kept me entertained, kept me guessing, and set itself up for a possible sequel. Definitely 5-Stars.
Philadelphia, November 24, 1899: James (Jamie) Lett is setting out on an inspection tour of his father’s timber processing businesses accompanied by his father's long-time friend and CFO, Manassas Edmunds. Due to his father’s (a.k.a. The Captain) failing health, this is Jamie’s first official business trip. During the first night, Edmunds mysteriously takes his leave, and the following day Jamie is approached by a mustachioed man demanding, “Do you have the bonds with you?” Knowing nothing regarding the matter, Jamie is able to put him off until the following day, but before he can gain more information, the man is trampled to death by a carriage. For weeks, the CFO does not return to the company.
Christmas Eve, 1899: Meme Alozia, the Creole housekeeper for the Lett family, is found murdered in the Lett home, oddly the only items taken appear to be pocket change and a silver watch. Growing more and more suspicious, Jamie teams with Meme’s granddaughter Marie Chevalier (daughter of fly-by-night, huckster John Chevalier, Meme’s son). Eventually additional characters are drawn into the melee which ensues as the two try to unravel the connections between both whodunits.
This is a well planned and executed murder mystery. There are multiple twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprise ending. The Green Baize Door provides powerful imagery for the entire novel. For those who are not aware, baize is the material used to surface gaming and billiard tables. In this instance, it also serves to divide the manor house servant area from the family. Reminiscent of the emerald-green curtain in The Wizard of Oz, it separates the servants from the imagined amazing, mysterious life enjoyed by the family of the estate. But a peek behind the curtain reveals a life, not so far removed from the hustle of the masses. I greatly enjoyed this novel. It kept me entertained, kept me guessing, and set itself up for a possible sequel. Definitely 5-Stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ A brutal murder. Secrets in every corner. And a story that kept me guessing till the very end. ✨
🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Green Baize Door by @eleanor.birney.author
Pub Date: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Parlor & Dock Press Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) Historical Fiction Mystery & Thriller
Thanks to @NetGalley and the Parlor & Dock Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My Thoughts: I once again fell for a gorgeous cover and a murder-mystery premise, and I’m glad I did.
I was instantly drawn in by the 1900s settings and the murder mystery, and I loved how vividly the early 1900s world was portrayed the class divide, family pressure, and hidden secrets felt real. I was deeply invested in Marie,and jamie. and I truly lived through each character’s POV. The investigation and court scenes were gripping, and I suspected almost everyone yet completely failed to guess the real murderer. While William’s POV slowed the story for me and broke some tension, the final twist caught me off guard. I wished Marie and Jamie had ended up together, but I also understand her choice after everything she endured. Some characters made me genuinely angry, especially father, son, house owner and the murderer.
For a debut novel, this was an excellent achievement. Eleanor Birney’s writing has a classic mystery feel and often reminded me of Agatha Christie especially in the way suspicion shifts and secrets slowly surface.
👏 Congratulations to Eleanor Birney on a strong debut.
I suggest this book to readers who love historical murder mysteries with Agatha Christie vibes.
#TheGreenBaizeDoor #Bookstagram #NetGalley #HistoricalMystery #debutauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Green Baize Door by @eleanor.birney.author
Pub Date: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Parlor & Dock Press Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) Historical Fiction Mystery & Thriller
Thanks to @NetGalley and the Parlor & Dock Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My Thoughts: I once again fell for a gorgeous cover and a murder-mystery premise, and I’m glad I did.
I was instantly drawn in by the 1900s settings and the murder mystery, and I loved how vividly the early 1900s world was portrayed the class divide, family pressure, and hidden secrets felt real. I was deeply invested in Marie,and jamie. and I truly lived through each character’s POV. The investigation and court scenes were gripping, and I suspected almost everyone yet completely failed to guess the real murderer. While William’s POV slowed the story for me and broke some tension, the final twist caught me off guard. I wished Marie and Jamie had ended up together, but I also understand her choice after everything she endured. Some characters made me genuinely angry, especially father, son, house owner and the murderer.
For a debut novel, this was an excellent achievement. Eleanor Birney’s writing has a classic mystery feel and often reminded me of Agatha Christie especially in the way suspicion shifts and secrets slowly surface.
👏 Congratulations to Eleanor Birney on a strong debut.
I suggest this book to readers who love historical murder mysteries with Agatha Christie vibes.
#TheGreenBaizeDoor #Bookstagram #NetGalley #HistoricalMystery #debutauthor
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I requested this ARC on NetGalley, I requested it because it was listed as a mystery/thriller. I like historical fiction on its own sometimes, but really the main draw for me here was that it was a mystery. I personally think calling this a mystery is not a proper categorization.
While there is a murder that occurs, this is missing pretty much every other aspect of a mystery. The largest two of these though is that we do not follow a central detective figure, and there is no deduction. The description of the book states that Marie and James run separate investigations, but I don't really feel either of them actually investigated. Of the two, I would say James maybe did a bit more investigating because he was going through files, but all Marie did was talk to her dad, her brother, and her ex. Overall, I felt no suspense and no actual intrigue associated with a mystery. I would say this is more akin to legal drama, or just purely historical fiction.
Looking at it through a historical fiction lens alone, I did not find anything to be all that special about this in large part because what it appears are supposed to be our main characters, Marie and James, are not really developed. The only character who we are given much in-depth detail on is William. And William....sucks. He's written well, I guess, if you are trying to write an unsympathetic preacher's son who blames everyone else for the troubles in his life and hates women while viewing himself as a ladies man/protector. I hated reading his chapters. They were not enjoyable, and they did not drive the story forward.
While there is a murder that occurs, this is missing pretty much every other aspect of a mystery. The largest two of these though is that we do not follow a central detective figure, and there is no deduction. The description of the book states that Marie and James run separate investigations, but I don't really feel either of them actually investigated. Of the two, I would say James maybe did a bit more investigating because he was going through files, but all Marie did was talk to her dad, her brother, and her ex. Overall, I felt no suspense and no actual intrigue associated with a mystery. I would say this is more akin to legal drama, or just purely historical fiction.
Looking at it through a historical fiction lens alone, I did not find anything to be all that special about this in large part because what it appears are supposed to be our main characters, Marie and James, are not really developed. The only character who we are given much in-depth detail on is William. And William....sucks. He's written well, I guess, if you are trying to write an unsympathetic preacher's son who blames everyone else for the troubles in his life and hates women while viewing himself as a ladies man/protector. I hated reading his chapters. They were not enjoyable, and they did not drive the story forward.
Review of advance copy
In “The Green Baize Door,” Marie Chevalier is struggling to keep her family together, but her skills with a needle will only take them so far. Her father wastes his money on games, drink, and the always just out of reach investment that will lift the family out of poverty. Her brother is similar and, not too long in the past, lost his job for suspected criminal activity. Her sister is young and really needs to get away to reach her full potential. The one bright spot is Marie’s grandmother, the housekeeper at one of the nicer homes on Chestnut Hill. She offers no nonsense comfort and hope to Marie and her sister.
When her grandmother is murdered, Marie is faced with family secrets and Jamie, the son of the family for whom her grandmother worked. They each look for clues that will reveal who killed the housekeeper while trying to convince police to look at actual evidence, not just the easiest suspect. Soon, Jamie realizes there is a connection between the crime scene and suspicious activity in his family’s business.
This was an enjoyable read. I liked Marie and Jamie; they are smart and ultimately kind individuals who are trying to find their way in the world. Both discover they are more resilient than they thought and find ways to move forward with their lives. The book blurb promises this is the first in a series. I hope so because I am looking forward to seeing where life takes Marie.
This book is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries, particularly those taking place in the United States.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, Netgalley, and Parlor and Dock Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When her grandmother is murdered, Marie is faced with family secrets and Jamie, the son of the family for whom her grandmother worked. They each look for clues that will reveal who killed the housekeeper while trying to convince police to look at actual evidence, not just the easiest suspect. Soon, Jamie realizes there is a connection between the crime scene and suspicious activity in his family’s business.
This was an enjoyable read. I liked Marie and Jamie; they are smart and ultimately kind individuals who are trying to find their way in the world. Both discover they are more resilient than they thought and find ways to move forward with their lives. The book blurb promises this is the first in a series. I hope so because I am looking forward to seeing where life takes Marie.
This book is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries, particularly those taking place in the United States.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, Netgalley, and Parlor and Dock Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2026
The Green Baize Door is a thoughtful historical mystery set at the turn of the 19th century in New York and Philadelphia, weaving together themes of class identity, family loyalty, racial inequality, and the complex space between right and wrong. The setting feels well realized without becoming overly heavy-handed, incorporating historical realities (eg. Plessy v. Ferguson & the resulting "separate but equal”) and social tensions in ways that strengthen the story’s atmosphere (Atmosphere 8/10). The characters are equally well crafted, each distinct and developed with a clear sense of individuality that helps bring the larger narrative to life (Character 8/10).
The writing is straightforward and effective, allowing the story and mystery to remain the central focus (Writing 7/10). The plot is engaging throughout, and I found myself regularly considering my own list of suspects between reading sessions, which speaks to the strength of the mystery elements (Plot 8/10, Intrigue 7/10). While I would have liked slightly more from the final reveal rather than having it arrive so close to the end, the story ultimately ties its threads together in a satisfying way.
The internal logic holds together well, and even the courtroom scenes prompted reflection on how legal and social systems have evolved over time (Logic 9/10). Overall, The Green Baize Door is an enjoyable and well-balanced mystery that combines historical depth with a compelling central puzzle tied up in every character's back story. It is an easy recommendation for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with meaningful historical context (Enjoyment 8/10, Genre-specific 8/10).
The writing is straightforward and effective, allowing the story and mystery to remain the central focus (Writing 7/10). The plot is engaging throughout, and I found myself regularly considering my own list of suspects between reading sessions, which speaks to the strength of the mystery elements (Plot 8/10, Intrigue 7/10). While I would have liked slightly more from the final reveal rather than having it arrive so close to the end, the story ultimately ties its threads together in a satisfying way.
The internal logic holds together well, and even the courtroom scenes prompted reflection on how legal and social systems have evolved over time (Logic 9/10). Overall, The Green Baize Door is an enjoyable and well-balanced mystery that combines historical depth with a compelling central puzzle tied up in every character's back story. It is an easy recommendation for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with meaningful historical context (Enjoyment 8/10, Genre-specific 8/10).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a murder mystery set at the turn of the 19th to 20th century. It is set up as a contrast between a rich family and a poor one, in which the poor family’s grandmother, working as a housekeeper for the rich family (the Letts), is found murdered in the Lett’s home.
I found this first novel a very interesting read. There are 2 mysteries to unravel involving 2 families at opposite ends of the social spectrum. As the mysteries unfold, we begin to see the connections between the two converge. There are several suspects that are considered, but the ending is a surprise!
The author did a good job in character development. The main female and male characters were well drawn and very likable. The negative aspects of the secondary characters effectively set off the differences between the “good” people and the “bad”. There were no explicit scenes, making this a book that I would feel comfortable recommending to younger teens.
The unraveling of the murder that is the connection between the 2 families is a shock—at least I didn’t see it coming! The ending of the book (it seems to me) left the relationship between the H & h unresolved—will they ever get their HEA? I suspect that we will see a follow book further exploring that thread! A very good first book and I hope to read another from this author.
I received an early copy of this book from BookSirens. My review is voluntary, and the opinions my own.
I found this first novel a very interesting read. There are 2 mysteries to unravel involving 2 families at opposite ends of the social spectrum. As the mysteries unfold, we begin to see the connections between the two converge. There are several suspects that are considered, but the ending is a surprise!
The author did a good job in character development. The main female and male characters were well drawn and very likable. The negative aspects of the secondary characters effectively set off the differences between the “good” people and the “bad”. There were no explicit scenes, making this a book that I would feel comfortable recommending to younger teens.
The unraveling of the murder that is the connection between the 2 families is a shock—at least I didn’t see it coming! The ending of the book (it seems to me) left the relationship between the H & h unresolved—will they ever get their HEA? I suspect that we will see a follow book further exploring that thread! A very good first book and I hope to read another from this author.
I received an early copy of this book from BookSirens. My review is voluntary, and the opinions my own.
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC/pdf version for The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney for FREE from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney is a work of historical fiction and it also falls into the mystery genre as well. The release date for The Green Baize Door is on January 27, 2026.
I am a fan of historical fiction novels and also mystery novels, which is why I was drawn to The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney as this novel falls into both genres equally.
Eleanor Birney is a new to me author. What better way to explore a new to me author than by reading the ARC edition for FREE to see how I enjoy their writing?
I was hoping for more when it came to The Green Baize Door. I was drawn to this novel's cover, the storyline, the fact that it has a female leading character, and the genres it falls into. However, I found the first 30% of this novel to be kind of boring after the first chapter or two, which made me not want to continue reading it. I'm glad that I did finish reading The Green Baize Door as the storyline did pick up and become more engaging and continued to be more captivating as the story moved along.
I enjoyed the characters of both James Lett and Marie Chevalier. I didn't expect the murderer to be the person revealed at the end of the novel!!
The writing was good overall for The Green Baize Door, but I won't go out of my way to read another novel by Eleanor Birney.
The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney is a work of historical fiction and it also falls into the mystery genre as well. The release date for The Green Baize Door is on January 27, 2026.
I am a fan of historical fiction novels and also mystery novels, which is why I was drawn to The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney as this novel falls into both genres equally.
Eleanor Birney is a new to me author. What better way to explore a new to me author than by reading the ARC edition for FREE to see how I enjoy their writing?
I was hoping for more when it came to The Green Baize Door. I was drawn to this novel's cover, the storyline, the fact that it has a female leading character, and the genres it falls into. However, I found the first 30% of this novel to be kind of boring after the first chapter or two, which made me not want to continue reading it. I'm glad that I did finish reading The Green Baize Door as the storyline did pick up and become more engaging and continued to be more captivating as the story moved along.
I enjoyed the characters of both James Lett and Marie Chevalier. I didn't expect the murderer to be the person revealed at the end of the novel!!
The writing was good overall for The Green Baize Door, but I won't go out of my way to read another novel by Eleanor Birney.
January 28, 2026
A mystery with a strong, intelligent female character will always catch my attention. The Green Baize Door is a book written with attention to historical details, and a clever story line and it kept my interest as Eleanor Burney introduces readers to the characters in her story. However, I found that I only really liked two characters, Marie's grandmother and James Lett. Marie's father, brother and ex- beau are awful people who slide through life constantly blaming others for their misfortunes. Marie comes off as naive, sheltered and uppish although she is living in poverty- like conditions. James at least has a good head on his shoulders and outlook on life, but it is soon shaken as he faces an unfathomable treachery concerning his family's business.
I will say that it almost seemed like two different mysteries told side to side with only Marie and James to hold it together. There are twists and turns with plenty of unexpected developments to keep a reader guessing. I, however, was taken surprise by the abrupt ending and honestly thought that my ARC was missing the ending pages. I have since realized that the author has given the reader a cliffhanger that will be addressed in the next book in her Marie Chevalier Mystery Series. I do want to find out what Marie does next.
I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my personal reading experience.
I will say that it almost seemed like two different mysteries told side to side with only Marie and James to hold it together. There are twists and turns with plenty of unexpected developments to keep a reader guessing. I, however, was taken surprise by the abrupt ending and honestly thought that my ARC was missing the ending pages. I have since realized that the author has given the reader a cliffhanger that will be addressed in the next book in her Marie Chevalier Mystery Series. I do want to find out what Marie does next.
I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my personal reading experience.
February 13, 2026
Marie’s grandmother works for a rich family as a housekeeper, earning their respect and kindness. Her son and grandson were avaricious, only looking for the wealth they thought she had accumulated over the years. Marie loved her grandmother for who she was and nothing else. When she was found brutally murdered, marie did not want to believe that her family were involved but the facts pointed to them having some kind of role in the murder.
When both her brother, father and her brothers closest friend were found to be suspects, Marie appealed to the family for help to get them out. James Lett was attracted to Marie and believed in her, though he had reservations about her kin. The green baize door separated the masters from those who worked for them, and the demarcation was very definite. James and Marie had to work together to find the murderer and both had to keep within their boundaries. Class identity, the gap between the two were marked characteristics of the story. The grinding poverty prevalent amongst the working class was another sad commentary of the times. A feature of the story is also the effect of having a coloured ancestry and how it affected your entire life, from finding a job to finding a decent place to live. It did not matter that you appeared white, even the suspicion of being coloured was enough to blight your existence.
The book was a social commentary apart from the murder connotations. A good one.
When both her brother, father and her brothers closest friend were found to be suspects, Marie appealed to the family for help to get them out. James Lett was attracted to Marie and believed in her, though he had reservations about her kin. The green baize door separated the masters from those who worked for them, and the demarcation was very definite. James and Marie had to work together to find the murderer and both had to keep within their boundaries. Class identity, the gap between the two were marked characteristics of the story. The grinding poverty prevalent amongst the working class was another sad commentary of the times. A feature of the story is also the effect of having a coloured ancestry and how it affected your entire life, from finding a job to finding a decent place to live. It did not matter that you appeared white, even the suspicion of being coloured was enough to blight your existence.
The book was a social commentary apart from the murder connotations. A good one.
April 24, 2026
This book took me awhile to really get into the groove and I almost put it in the DNF pile but I persevered and I'm glad that I did. The writing is very well done but the character development is what took some time to get to where it needed to be. This isn't foreign to books that focus on historical events, places, and people, especially when it's trying to be done as respectfully and accurately as this story. Once everything got moving, this really captured my interest and I am excited to pick up future books in this series.
Set in the early 1900's, Marie's grandmother has been found dead. Actually, she is brutally murdered but who would do such a thing? She was the loving housekeeper for many years. Marie doesn't want her family to be blamed so she sets out to prove their innocence, all the while James a.k.a. Jamie is doing the same. Jamie is the son of the mansion owner and he, too, wants to make sure there is no blood on the hands of his family. Once Jamie and Marie meet up, they realize that one or both of their families may be involved.
As I previously mentioned, the writing is very well done. There is a lot to the class system of the day and describing all the different aspects, traditions, rules, etc. also takes some time. The meaning of the Green Door is also explained. I really appreciated this book but the ending was rather abrupt! It does make for needing to know more of the story immediately though!
Set in the early 1900's, Marie's grandmother has been found dead. Actually, she is brutally murdered but who would do such a thing? She was the loving housekeeper for many years. Marie doesn't want her family to be blamed so she sets out to prove their innocence, all the while James a.k.a. Jamie is doing the same. Jamie is the son of the mansion owner and he, too, wants to make sure there is no blood on the hands of his family. Once Jamie and Marie meet up, they realize that one or both of their families may be involved.
As I previously mentioned, the writing is very well done. There is a lot to the class system of the day and describing all the different aspects, traditions, rules, etc. also takes some time. The meaning of the Green Door is also explained. I really appreciated this book but the ending was rather abrupt! It does make for needing to know more of the story immediately though!
January 11, 2026
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I did enjoy this book. It's set in 1900, or rather it actually started at the end of 1899, the author gives a good sense of the times, manners, behaviours and society. The story begins with one story and apparently turns to another, unconnected and completely different. The two slowly converge as the year moves along with the date the beginning of every chapter. The characters on one side suffer unimaginable poverty while on the other, a life of ease and wealth - until a beloved coloured housekeeper is murdered and everything changes. At the same time another, different servant had been taken In by a huge financial scam. A certain senator got a law passed that said One Drop of coloured blood made a person coloured and therefore, must be segregated from white people. This really sounds horrific today. The effect on people with that One Drop, like the family of the housekeeper, is explored in this story, as is what can become of the wealthy if they fall and the similarities in the attitudes of society to both. The only thing that lost the book a star for me is that I turned the last page expecting more - and found it was the end. Perhaps there will be a second book - a good reason for such an end, but personally I dislike what happens next being left for me to imagine.
January 23, 2026
REVIEW- 2.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
Unfortunately, the author didn't deliver what was promised in the synopsis. The investigation on the murder was subpar and disappointing. But, the investigation into the fraud by Jsmes Lett was still okay. The book was actually easy to read, I had no problems with that.
However, the storyline was just scattered and annoying because it was really disappointing. The characters were disappointing, too, when delivering the storyline
CHARACTERS:
The FMC, Marie, was just there. To be honest, it didn't feel like she added anything. She didn't solve anything or find any evidence. I found how she believed the best of her father and brother despite evidence to the contrary annoying. But, she was a good sister and homemaker.
The MMC, James Lett was much better, and I liked him. He was okay, and I liked the work he did on his father's company cade.
I must say, the villains were well written too.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay. There was no issue with it
SETTINGS:
The settings were okay, and I liked that the author showed the realities of people with mixed races and the racism.
OVERALL:
I didn't really like this book. It was better in the beginning, but it all turned downhill as I continued.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
Unfortunately, the author didn't deliver what was promised in the synopsis. The investigation on the murder was subpar and disappointing. But, the investigation into the fraud by Jsmes Lett was still okay. The book was actually easy to read, I had no problems with that.
However, the storyline was just scattered and annoying because it was really disappointing. The characters were disappointing, too, when delivering the storyline
CHARACTERS:
The FMC, Marie, was just there. To be honest, it didn't feel like she added anything. She didn't solve anything or find any evidence. I found how she believed the best of her father and brother despite evidence to the contrary annoying. But, she was a good sister and homemaker.
The MMC, James Lett was much better, and I liked him. He was okay, and I liked the work he did on his father's company cade.
I must say, the villains were well written too.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay. There was no issue with it
SETTINGS:
The settings were okay, and I liked that the author showed the realities of people with mixed races and the racism.
OVERALL:
I didn't really like this book. It was better in the beginning, but it all turned downhill as I continued.
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