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The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is the irresistible debut from Kate Westbury that seamlessly layers mystery, romance, and a dash of academia to introduce the Crown’s newest undercover operatives.
Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.
Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.
Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.
Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.
Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.
Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
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12124 people want to read
About the author
Kate Westbury
1 book61 followersKate Westbury grew up a voracious reader of detective fiction, and unraveling plot twists became her favorite pastime. She now puts her whodunnit obsession to good use writing historical mysteries. Beyond the page, Kate teaches Latin and dreams of moving to an English village with crimes to solve.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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March 17, 2026Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, for sending me this ARC. Mystery, romance, and a dash of academia? Yes, please.
Pub Date Sep 01 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
Pub Date Sep 01 2026
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
thanks to the author and publisher for inviting me to read this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own
4⭐
a super fun historical novel with a strong fmc, supportive mmc, a little rivalry and academic vibe. at times it was a little slow or confusing to read, but i can also blame that on my switching between genres and not reading a historical novel in a while. i recommend for a fun 1920's novel with a fun mystery! < 3
4⭐
a super fun historical novel with a strong fmc, supportive mmc, a little rivalry and academic vibe. at times it was a little slow or confusing to read, but i can also blame that on my switching between genres and not reading a historical novel in a while. i recommend for a fun 1920's novel with a fun mystery! < 3
March 7, 2026
This little ARC landed in my inbox and has surprised and completely charmed me. If you like Masterpiece Mystery shows, particularly Endeavor or Granchester, you are going to love this. My only issue is with an ending like that I’ll need more Gin and Sidney immediately!
Did not finish
March 24, 2026DNF at 55%
Two Oxford students tasked with spying to root out a member of their Uni that's committing treason and leaking intel to Russia. AND has even gone as far as killing the previous agent that had gotten too close.
All that said, this book SHOULD'VE made for a compelling read as murder-mysteries are my jam! Unfortunately, I have to agree with Gin here (the FL) when it came to expecting more subterfuge and excitement with her spying. Whereas, the story was mainly a watch and investigate from the shadows kind of tale. For a book centered around treason and a murder there was very little action or actual intensity to keep the readers interested. I kept reading on and giving the book more time, but I genuinely don't care to read about sneaking into empty houses in the middle of the night and looking for clues. OR at least have that and then have someone shoot at them or capture one of them or SOMETHING to actually reveal those treacherous stakes that are supposedly at place!
No star rating as I dropped. But! Had I finished this would've gotten a 2 star rating as the characters were well-written and felt realistic but the story itself was slow and boring.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc. All opinions are my own.
Two Oxford students tasked with spying to root out a member of their Uni that's committing treason and leaking intel to Russia. AND has even gone as far as killing the previous agent that had gotten too close.
All that said, this book SHOULD'VE made for a compelling read as murder-mysteries are my jam! Unfortunately, I have to agree with Gin here (the FL) when it came to expecting more subterfuge and excitement with her spying. Whereas, the story was mainly a watch and investigate from the shadows kind of tale. For a book centered around treason and a murder there was very little action or actual intensity to keep the readers interested. I kept reading on and giving the book more time, but I genuinely don't care to read about sneaking into empty houses in the middle of the night and looking for clues. OR at least have that and then have someone shoot at them or capture one of them or SOMETHING to actually reveal those treacherous stakes that are supposedly at place!
No star rating as I dropped. But! Had I finished this would've gotten a 2 star rating as the characters were well-written and felt realistic but the story itself was slow and boring.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
thank you netgalley for the ARC! this was a cool setting for a mystery. i did not fully understand the ending but the lead up to who all the characters meant to each other was good!
March 8, 2026
Pending review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you St Martin's Press and Kate Westbury for the ARC.
Post war Oxford. A possible Soviet spy. And two students who were never meant to work together.
📚 The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury
Genre: Historical mystery with romantic tension
Vibes: post WWII academia, MI5 intrigue, opposites attract, secret investigations, British espionage
Oxford, 1951.
Ginevra Bishop arrives with sharp wit, red lipstick, and a determination to prove she is more than a society girl following her mother’s footsteps.
Sidney Braithwaite arrives carrying war scars, a working class past, and a fierce desire to build a life far from the mining village he came from.
Then MI5 recruits them both to find a Soviet spy hiding within the university.
What makes this debut so compelling:
🎓 A richly atmospheric Oxford setting in post war Britain
🕵️♂️ Secret investigation woven into academic life
⚖️ Class differences shaping every interaction
🔥 Slow building chemistry between two unlikely partners
🧩 Plenty of suspects, misdirection, and clever red herrings
Gin and Sidney could not be more different on paper. She is sharp tongued, socially polished, and used to privilege. He is guarded, serious, and shaped by the realities of war and class struggle. Watching their reluctant partnership turn into mutual respect and something quietly romantic is one of the most satisfying parts of the story.
The mystery itself is engaging and layered. Every clue raises new questions about who can be trusted inside Oxford’s historic halls.
The surrounding cast adds even more intrigue. Their friend groups feel alive with potential for future stories, and the mysterious figure known as the Rook introduces questions that linger long after the final page.
I flew through this because I needed to know who the spy was.
If you love historical mysteries with academic settings, clever characters, and espionage tension simmering under the surface, this is a debut to watch.
💬 Do you prefer historical mysteries that lean more toward espionage or classic whodunit investigation?
#KateWestbury #TheOxfordGuideToScandalAndLies #HistoricalMystery #OxfordFiction #Bookstagram
Post war Oxford. A possible Soviet spy. And two students who were never meant to work together.
📚 The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury
Genre: Historical mystery with romantic tension
Vibes: post WWII academia, MI5 intrigue, opposites attract, secret investigations, British espionage
Oxford, 1951.
Ginevra Bishop arrives with sharp wit, red lipstick, and a determination to prove she is more than a society girl following her mother’s footsteps.
Sidney Braithwaite arrives carrying war scars, a working class past, and a fierce desire to build a life far from the mining village he came from.
Then MI5 recruits them both to find a Soviet spy hiding within the university.
What makes this debut so compelling:
🎓 A richly atmospheric Oxford setting in post war Britain
🕵️♂️ Secret investigation woven into academic life
⚖️ Class differences shaping every interaction
🔥 Slow building chemistry between two unlikely partners
🧩 Plenty of suspects, misdirection, and clever red herrings
Gin and Sidney could not be more different on paper. She is sharp tongued, socially polished, and used to privilege. He is guarded, serious, and shaped by the realities of war and class struggle. Watching their reluctant partnership turn into mutual respect and something quietly romantic is one of the most satisfying parts of the story.
The mystery itself is engaging and layered. Every clue raises new questions about who can be trusted inside Oxford’s historic halls.
The surrounding cast adds even more intrigue. Their friend groups feel alive with potential for future stories, and the mysterious figure known as the Rook introduces questions that linger long after the final page.
I flew through this because I needed to know who the spy was.
If you love historical mysteries with academic settings, clever characters, and espionage tension simmering under the surface, this is a debut to watch.
💬 Do you prefer historical mysteries that lean more toward espionage or classic whodunit investigation?
#KateWestbury #TheOxfordGuideToScandalAndLies #HistoricalMystery #OxfordFiction #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
As soon as I finished this book, I looked at my husband and said, “This better be a series!” I wanted more of these wonderful characters.
Sidney and Ginevra are from two different worlds yet share common struggles with family, past trauma, and how to find their place in 1950s Post War Britain as its rigid class system was unraveling. These two characters get recruited to uncover if there is a Soviet spy at Oxford where they both are studying.
Westbury includes an interesting friend group, both his and hers, rife with potential future stories. And of course the enigmatic character of the Rook, who generates unanswered questions about what he knows about both Gin and Sidney from the past. There is a friendship that develops between the MCs and romantic sparks. I hope the author allows them to progress romantically since they are wonderful together.
Characters I became invested in, lots of suspects, and red herrings…could not put this book down.
Thank you Edelweiss+ and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sidney and Ginevra are from two different worlds yet share common struggles with family, past trauma, and how to find their place in 1950s Post War Britain as its rigid class system was unraveling. These two characters get recruited to uncover if there is a Soviet spy at Oxford where they both are studying.
Westbury includes an interesting friend group, both his and hers, rife with potential future stories. And of course the enigmatic character of the Rook, who generates unanswered questions about what he knows about both Gin and Sidney from the past. There is a friendship that develops between the MCs and romantic sparks. I hope the author allows them to progress romantically since they are wonderful together.
Characters I became invested in, lots of suspects, and red herrings…could not put this book down.
Thank you Edelweiss+ and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC.
Set in post-WWII Oxford, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies follows undergraduate students Ginevra Bishop and Sidney Braithwaite. Sidney is a veteran who wants to leave his intelligence work during the war behind. Ginevra is the daughter of a viscount who desperately wants to achieve independence from her father. After ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time the pair agrees to work together to help solve a chilling murder - one reluctantly, one eagerly.
I really enjoyed Kate Westburys first book. The mystery kept me guessing and was ultimately satisfying, I loved the setting, and Gin and Sidney were really likeable main characters with great chemistry. They both had depth to them and I enjoyed their dynamic and how it evolved throughout the novel. I would eagerly spend more time with Gin and Sidney (and their charming friends) if this series is continued!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC.
Set in post-WWII Oxford, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies follows undergraduate students Ginevra Bishop and Sidney Braithwaite. Sidney is a veteran who wants to leave his intelligence work during the war behind. Ginevra is the daughter of a viscount who desperately wants to achieve independence from her father. After ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time the pair agrees to work together to help solve a chilling murder - one reluctantly, one eagerly.
I really enjoyed Kate Westburys first book. The mystery kept me guessing and was ultimately satisfying, I loved the setting, and Gin and Sidney were really likeable main characters with great chemistry. They both had depth to them and I enjoyed their dynamic and how it evolved throughout the novel. I would eagerly spend more time with Gin and Sidney (and their charming friends) if this series is continued!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️
A cozy little mystery set in 1950s Oxford! We have our two students turned spies, Geneva and Sidney, looking for clues to figure out who's selling secrets to Great Britain's enemies.
Geneva and Sidney start as quasi-enemies. Not quite academic rivals as their in different programs at Oxford, but they've bumped into each other before and have not gotten along. Nevertheless they decide they'll accomplish more if they actually work together and figure that out at least by the end.
The mystery itself I thought was fine- to be honest I got a little lost in the minute details but understood the general idea. Sometimes it felt more like Sidney and Geneva just happened upon the clues instead of actively fining them by being good at their tasks?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cozy little mystery set in 1950s Oxford! We have our two students turned spies, Geneva and Sidney, looking for clues to figure out who's selling secrets to Great Britain's enemies.
Geneva and Sidney start as quasi-enemies. Not quite academic rivals as their in different programs at Oxford, but they've bumped into each other before and have not gotten along. Nevertheless they decide they'll accomplish more if they actually work together and figure that out at least by the end.
The mystery itself I thought was fine- to be honest I got a little lost in the minute details but understood the general idea. Sometimes it felt more like Sidney and Geneva just happened upon the clues instead of actively fining them by being good at their tasks?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this one! I felt like the pacing was a bit slow at times, but it worked well with the story and helped build up Gin and Sidney’s frustration with their progress. Speaking of Gin and Sidney - I found them to be wonderful main characters. They were likable enough and had their own backgrounds/lives outside of the primary plot that helped to gain your interest. The side characters were fleshed out well enough to help you want to know more about them without it being too heavy-handed. I got the impression that if there are future books with Gin and Sidney, you’d learn more about those they spend their time with. The main mystery was also well done, and I enjoyed piecing it together as we went along.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2026
A lighthearted mystery set in Oxford England. The juxtaposition of the sunny and outgoing Ginevra with the brooding and introverted Sidney lead you to believe that indeed, opposites do attract! While searching for who is leaking secrets to Russia, there are stake outs, break ins, and code breaking! Along the way, quite a few characters are introduced which are difficult to keep straight without keeping your own detective notes. And the English vernacular sometimes distracts and gets confusing when you don’t know what they are talking about. About half way though I got a little bored and started speed reading which led to more confusion and not understanding what was going on. But by the end I think I got the gist of it and they were able to solve to mystery! Overall an ok book. But not my favorite. Three stars for me.
March 23, 2026
4.5*
Ohhh, Gin and Sidney - I see myself quickly falling in love with this series... and it BETTER be a series after that ending. What a way to suck a reader in even more in the last 10 or so percent of the book. Drop a piece of info and slap ya with a few chapters later - I'm here for it.
I have a soft spot for anything to do with the Bodleian Library (a place I have never been) and for that I'd have to thank a Discovery of Witches. It was exciting to see this as a location so early into this book, it's where Gin and Sidney meet - and it's where they get invited to their new job. And what fun it is to see these 2 solving the mysteries that unfold as the book progresses.
Really looking forward to spending more time with Gin and Sidney as more of their personal lives interfere with their professional.
Thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for this book.
Ohhh, Gin and Sidney - I see myself quickly falling in love with this series... and it BETTER be a series after that ending. What a way to suck a reader in even more in the last 10 or so percent of the book. Drop a piece of info and slap ya with a few chapters later - I'm here for it.
I have a soft spot for anything to do with the Bodleian Library (a place I have never been) and for that I'd have to thank a Discovery of Witches. It was exciting to see this as a location so early into this book, it's where Gin and Sidney meet - and it's where they get invited to their new job. And what fun it is to see these 2 solving the mysteries that unfold as the book progresses.
Really looking forward to spending more time with Gin and Sidney as more of their personal lives interfere with their professional.
Thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for this book.
March 23, 2026
This book ticked all the boxes for me. Set in post WW2 England, the story follows Oxford students Ginevra Bishop (a debutant with complex family issues) and Sidney Brathwaite (a veteran spy who is haunted by his past) as they set out to expose a Soviet spy embedded within the University. Working together proves a challenge at first as Sidney, reluctant to accept the assignment, keeps Ginevra at a distance. Looking to prove that she is more than capable of working undercover, Ginevra takes a more proactive approach to information gathering. As more clues are uncovered the pair start learning to work as a team - and of course, it's hard not to start falling for the person you have put your trust in.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies” was an enjoyable book. I liked Gin and Sidney and how their friendship and working relationship changed as the story progressed, as well as the misunderstandings that colored the relationship. There were plenty of lies and scandals, with both past and present treacheries to uncover. The story will keep you guessing, especially the unexpected connections between certain characters and the various subplots. I was very glad the book ended in a manner that strongly suggested there will be a sequel, and that Ginevra’s family history is more interesting than she realizes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the ARC!
A gripping post-WW2 mystery I absolutely fell in love with the characters and setting! It was the perfect blend of academic aesthetics mixed with Cold War-intrigue. Gin and Sidney's tentative friendship I really loved, if it did suffer at some points due to the mystery taking more precedence over the characters. Their slow change to enemies to reluctant co-workers to friends to being mutually enamored with each other really compelled me!
If your a fan of historical fiction, mystery novels, and espionage then you'll find this book a super enjoyable read like I did!
A gripping post-WW2 mystery I absolutely fell in love with the characters and setting! It was the perfect blend of academic aesthetics mixed with Cold War-intrigue. Gin and Sidney's tentative friendship I really loved, if it did suffer at some points due to the mystery taking more precedence over the characters. Their slow change to enemies to reluctant co-workers to friends to being mutually enamored with each other really compelled me!
If your a fan of historical fiction, mystery novels, and espionage then you'll find this book a super enjoyable read like I did!
Read
March 23, 2026Somewhere around the 50% mark I was tired of how much it was dragging and I was fairly sure I’d determined most of the major beats, so I jumped forward a bunch and read to the end. I was largely right although there were some details I hadn’t guessed. But the big things had been a little too well telegraphed and/or were painfully obvious so I’d worked them out.
I liked Gin and Sidney and the setting and time period and with tighter editing could be convinced to read more, since this is clearly a series set up, but the pacing is GLACIAL and often for no good reason. It’s too bad, because this has a lot to recommend it, but the whole was less than the sum of the parts.
I liked Gin and Sidney and the setting and time period and with tighter editing could be convinced to read more, since this is clearly a series set up, but the pacing is GLACIAL and often for no good reason. It’s too bad, because this has a lot to recommend it, but the whole was less than the sum of the parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a delightful mix of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew! The story starts out with two students at Oxford in a conflict over a study spot in the library and leads in to a delightful mystery involving murder and espionage. The story takes place at the end of the war which is a perfect setting for hunting down spies. The main characters were engaging and the plot had me hooked until the end. Personally I am not a fan of graphic violence and I appreciated that this wasn’t that sort of book. I can only assume, based on the ending, that this is the first in a series. I look forward to reading the next book! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A historical mystery set n post war Oxford. Enter into two different worlds as they collide in this world of scandals and secrets. Nothing is what it seems in this intriguing tale of romance and espionage. Two unlikely people will end up working together to bring down a Soviet spy as they find love among danger. It is a charming read.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A historical mystery set n post war Oxford. Enter into two different worlds as they collide in this world of scandals and secrets. Nothing is what it seems in this intriguing tale of romance and espionage. Two unlikely people will end up working together to bring down a Soviet spy as they find love among danger. It is a charming read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a cute, well-written romantic murder mystery, but badly titled. A "guide" should be aimed more directly at the reader, to, um, guide them? Just my curmudgeonly side coming out. And it probably is considered historical fiction, which annoys me because I was alive in this period.
The dual close third narration is well done and wasn't used to sneak any clues past the reader, but more to strengthen the romantic part of the story. There's a great room-full-of-suspects conclusion that turns out not to be the end, with a good twist. All in all a great series launch with good characters.
The dual close third narration is well done and wasn't used to sneak any clues past the reader, but more to strengthen the romantic part of the story. There's a great room-full-of-suspects conclusion that turns out not to be the end, with a good twist. All in all a great series launch with good characters.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*Review of advance copy received from the publisher*
A delightfully fresh take on historical mystery, done with cleverness and style. I loved sinking into Oxford life in the 1950s, and the added layers of espionage enriched an already engaging story. Ginevra and Sidney are some of the most likeable characters I’ve met in a long time, and it was a pleasure to spend time with them.
A delightfully fresh take on historical mystery, done with cleverness and style. I loved sinking into Oxford life in the 1950s, and the added layers of espionage enriched an already engaging story. Ginevra and Sidney are some of the most likeable characters I’ve met in a long time, and it was a pleasure to spend time with them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.After reading some of the stellar reviews I couldn't wait to get into this book, but unfortunately it wasn't what I expected. It's a sweet read with two likely protagonists, but quite mild and from my standpoint, rather bland. The writing is good and the story has promise, but it was not what I had been hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ginevra and Sidney do not disappoint! I love historical fiction and mysteries and this is a charming combination of both. Beginning in Oxford University in the 1950s we meet these characters, along with the mysterious Rook, and their adventure never stops. I look forward to a wonderful series starring them both.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an entertaining spy novel, if a bit meandering. I loved Gin’s and Sidney’s characters.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhh, Kate Westbury is a new must read for me! I absolutely adored Gin and Sidney, who are that perfect combination of soft and strong. I loved how fully real they felt with deep backstories—and such sweet chemistry! The story was fun and mysterious and I could not put it down!
March 17, 2026
It was an interesting concept, but found it mostly boring. Maybe I just couldn’t connect with the main characters and it really deterred me from filling enjoying this read..
Thanks NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.
Thanks NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.
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