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The First Ladies' Murder Club Mysteries #1
The First Ladies' Guide to Murder
Not yet published
Expected 24 Nov 26Amid the lavish environs of Gilded Age-era Washington, the Capitol’s most influential women – none other than First Lady Frances Cleveland and her predecessor, Julia Dent Grant – band together to solve the suspicious murder of a young maid in this dazzling new series from USA Today bestselling and multi-Agatha and Edgar Award-winning author Amanda Flower.
1894, Washington: This is not the kind of homecoming Nellie Grant hoped for. The only daughter of former President Ulysses S. Grant, Nellie has left England after being granted a divorce from her abusive husband. She plans to hide away with her three children at the home of her mother, Julia Dent Grant. However, Julia, the unofficial queen mother of Washington’s elite, has other ideas—and convinces Nellie to attend a White House dinner in honor of the current president, Grover Cleveland.
The lavish event turns somber when First Lady Frances Cleveland discovers that her prized Tiffany brooch is missing. Young maid Kitty Thorn is accused of theft and dismissed on the spot. The next morning, Kitty is found drowned, her death ruled a suicide.
Frances calls upon Nellie and Julia to implore them for help. She doesn’t believe Kitty stole the brooch—or committed suicide. She believes Kitty was framed and murdered. For while the authorities deem the victim a woman of no consequence, despite her lowly status, Kitty saw and knew a great deal. She was a keeper of secrets—and in the capital, every secret has a price.
Nellie especially feels a tie to Kitty, who years ago did her a kindness that she hopes to repay by finding her killer. But the risks will be great, for this crime has ramifications for all the First Ladies . . .
1894, Washington: This is not the kind of homecoming Nellie Grant hoped for. The only daughter of former President Ulysses S. Grant, Nellie has left England after being granted a divorce from her abusive husband. She plans to hide away with her three children at the home of her mother, Julia Dent Grant. However, Julia, the unofficial queen mother of Washington’s elite, has other ideas—and convinces Nellie to attend a White House dinner in honor of the current president, Grover Cleveland.
The lavish event turns somber when First Lady Frances Cleveland discovers that her prized Tiffany brooch is missing. Young maid Kitty Thorn is accused of theft and dismissed on the spot. The next morning, Kitty is found drowned, her death ruled a suicide.
Frances calls upon Nellie and Julia to implore them for help. She doesn’t believe Kitty stole the brooch—or committed suicide. She believes Kitty was framed and murdered. For while the authorities deem the victim a woman of no consequence, despite her lowly status, Kitty saw and knew a great deal. She was a keeper of secrets—and in the capital, every secret has a price.
Nellie especially feels a tie to Kitty, who years ago did her a kindness that she hopes to repay by finding her killer. But the risks will be great, for this crime has ramifications for all the First Ladies . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 24, 2026
About the author
Amanda Flower
67 books3,043 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE FIRST LADIES’ GUIDE TO MURDER (The First Ladies’ Murder Club Mysteries Book #1) by Amanda Flower is the first book in a new historical cozy mystery series featuring several First Ladies and the daughter of a President in 1894 Washington, D.C. coming together to solve the murder of a long-term White House maid accused of theft. I have enjoyed many other historical mysteries by this author and was excited to dig into this one, but I was left disappointed.
The historical backdrop of this story was interesting and described extremely well as it pulled me right into the Washington, D.C. of this period. The main protagonist is Nellie Grant, the only daughter of President Ulysses S. Grant on her return to Washington with her children after twenty years of a disastrous marriage in England. I liked Nellie’s substantial growth during the book, and I fell in love with her mother, Julia Grant. The other two main ladies left me cold. They were at times quite rude and inconsiderate, which you could attribute to their higher stations in society, but I find it difficult to believe they would treat Nellie in that way. I would hardly want to create a club with them.
The murder plot in this story had a slow beginning, but I find that is usual in the first book of almost any new historical or fantasy series as the characters and their world are introduced. Many of the discoveries in this plotline though felt rushed in the final quarter of the book.
Overall, just an average historical cozy mystery read for me, but I would like to see Nellie and her mother again.
The historical backdrop of this story was interesting and described extremely well as it pulled me right into the Washington, D.C. of this period. The main protagonist is Nellie Grant, the only daughter of President Ulysses S. Grant on her return to Washington with her children after twenty years of a disastrous marriage in England. I liked Nellie’s substantial growth during the book, and I fell in love with her mother, Julia Grant. The other two main ladies left me cold. They were at times quite rude and inconsiderate, which you could attribute to their higher stations in society, but I find it difficult to believe they would treat Nellie in that way. I would hardly want to create a club with them.
The murder plot in this story had a slow beginning, but I find that is usual in the first book of almost any new historical or fantasy series as the characters and their world are introduced. Many of the discoveries in this plotline though felt rushed in the final quarter of the book.
Overall, just an average historical cozy mystery read for me, but I would like to see Nellie and her mother again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A terrific first in a new historic cozy mystery series by one of my fav authors. It's 1894 in Washington, and First Lady Frances Cleveland and Julia Dent Grant, who held the position before her, collaborate to uncover who killed a young maid named Kitty, falsely accused of stealing Mrs. Cleveland's Tiffany brooch, then found drowned the next day in what is deemed to be a suicide. Highly recommended for fans of histfic mysteries set in the Gilded Age.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The First Ladies’ Guides to Murder is the first book in Amanda Flower’s new murder mystery series, and it’s a killer. ;)
The setting is Washington, D.C., March 1894. Grover Cleveland is president. As the novel opens, Nellie Grant Sartoris and Julia Grant (daughter and widow of General Grant) are heading to the White House for a state dinner at the invitation of First Lady Frances Cleveland. During the event, a maid is accused of stealing the First Lady’s Tiffany designed orchid brooch. When the maid is found dead the next day, Nellie finds herself the public face of a murder investigation. It isn’t a role she wants, but it wouldn’t be fitting for the sitting First Lady and a former First Lady to seen investigating a murder. The situation makes for a great historical fiction read mixed with a sense of humor.
Flower does a great job at immersing the reader into the historical details of the time. Horse drawn carriages are still the primary mode of transportation. Washington in the spring of 1894 is a muddy mess. The country is in the middle of a financial meltdown due to the stock market crash the previous August. Arriving at the White House for the state dinner brings back memories of the father Nellie still mourns. But her previous residence is what makes her the ideal investigator for the case coming her way.
Flower takes on on class issues when a maid is accused of stealing Mrs. Cleveland’s brooch and dismissed on the spot. Nellie was a close friend of Kitty, the fired maid, and doesn’t believe she is a thief. But because of Kitty’s low social standing, she’s blamed for the theft, and when her body is found in a fountain not far from the White House, the police conclude she committed suicide out of guilt.
Frances (Frank to her friends) Cleveland isn’t convinced of Kitty’s guilt either, but since the police have closed the case, Frank, Julia, and a reluctant Nellie decide to open their own investigation. Nellie’s knowledge of the White House and staff makes her the ideal investigator. It’s a tricky case, sending Nellie down multiple dead ends. But as she continues, she begins to uncover secrets that led to Kitty’s death, secrets a killer doesn’t want exposed. Nellie also discovers investigating this murder also changes her.
Nellie returned to DC in shame two months ago. After twenty years in an abusive marriage, she divorced her English husband and returned to the United States The gossips had a field day at Nellie’s expense. Her new role as investigator, combined with her determination to find out what happened to her friend, forced her out of the house and into interacting with others. She changed from a woman filled with shame at her status as a divorced woman to successful investigator.
The First Ladies’ Guide to Murder is solid start to a new series, and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
The setting is Washington, D.C., March 1894. Grover Cleveland is president. As the novel opens, Nellie Grant Sartoris and Julia Grant (daughter and widow of General Grant) are heading to the White House for a state dinner at the invitation of First Lady Frances Cleveland. During the event, a maid is accused of stealing the First Lady’s Tiffany designed orchid brooch. When the maid is found dead the next day, Nellie finds herself the public face of a murder investigation. It isn’t a role she wants, but it wouldn’t be fitting for the sitting First Lady and a former First Lady to seen investigating a murder. The situation makes for a great historical fiction read mixed with a sense of humor.
Flower does a great job at immersing the reader into the historical details of the time. Horse drawn carriages are still the primary mode of transportation. Washington in the spring of 1894 is a muddy mess. The country is in the middle of a financial meltdown due to the stock market crash the previous August. Arriving at the White House for the state dinner brings back memories of the father Nellie still mourns. But her previous residence is what makes her the ideal investigator for the case coming her way.
Flower takes on on class issues when a maid is accused of stealing Mrs. Cleveland’s brooch and dismissed on the spot. Nellie was a close friend of Kitty, the fired maid, and doesn’t believe she is a thief. But because of Kitty’s low social standing, she’s blamed for the theft, and when her body is found in a fountain not far from the White House, the police conclude she committed suicide out of guilt.
Frances (Frank to her friends) Cleveland isn’t convinced of Kitty’s guilt either, but since the police have closed the case, Frank, Julia, and a reluctant Nellie decide to open their own investigation. Nellie’s knowledge of the White House and staff makes her the ideal investigator. It’s a tricky case, sending Nellie down multiple dead ends. But as she continues, she begins to uncover secrets that led to Kitty’s death, secrets a killer doesn’t want exposed. Nellie also discovers investigating this murder also changes her.
Nellie returned to DC in shame two months ago. After twenty years in an abusive marriage, she divorced her English husband and returned to the United States The gossips had a field day at Nellie’s expense. Her new role as investigator, combined with her determination to find out what happened to her friend, forced her out of the house and into interacting with others. She changed from a woman filled with shame at her status as a divorced woman to successful investigator.
The First Ladies’ Guide to Murder is solid start to a new series, and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
September 18, 2026
In 1894 Washington, D.C., Nellie Grant and her children are living in the home of her mother and former First Lady Julia Dent Grant. After a troubled marriage Nellie is looking for a fresh start when a visit to the White House turns deadly—and current First Lady Frances Cleveland asks Nellie to investigate the death of the trusted maid. This cozy historical mystery is immersive with historical details and figures.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
***Advance Reader Copy from Publisher***
First of all, I LOVE the premise of this series. The historical fiction-murder mystery hybrid is clever, and I appreciate that this book focuses on women from the Gilded Age era. Yeah, we've all heard of Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland, ad nauseum (respectfully), so it's a nice change of pace to read about Julia Grant, Nellie Grant, Mary Harrison McKee, and Frances Cleveland.
And they get to solve a murder! In the White House. Yes, please!
But, I do have questions and concerns:
STOP HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS!
In a nutshell: An enjoyable, quick read, not super-brilliant, but I'm in love with the premise, so I'll tune in to the next in the series.
1. How exactly the brooch was stolen right from the chest of the First Lady was NEVER explained.
2. No surprise, but more than one crime was committed in this book...and at least one of the villains involved was pretty obvious almost right from the start.
3. Readers had no way of guessing the main culprit, because they were not introduced until the very end of the book's Scooby-Doo Big Reveal. Not a literary technique I'm a fan of.
4. The stakes are relatively low in this book...the FMC is never truly in danger even thought she's poking into a dangerous business. Also, the FMC is definitely a reluctant detective (pushed into it by her mother) and the only thing really keeping the FMC in the game is "justice for her friend"...even though they had spoken in over twenty years. I found it tenuous and I kept wondering why the FMC didn't tell her mom off and get back to the business of healing her own trauma.
First of all, I LOVE the premise of this series. The historical fiction-murder mystery hybrid is clever, and I appreciate that this book focuses on women from the Gilded Age era. Yeah, we've all heard of Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland, ad nauseum (respectfully), so it's a nice change of pace to read about Julia Grant, Nellie Grant, Mary Harrison McKee, and Frances Cleveland.
And they get to solve a murder! In the White House. Yes, please!
But, I do have questions and concerns:
STOP HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT SPOILERS!
In a nutshell: An enjoyable, quick read, not super-brilliant, but I'm in love with the premise, so I'll tune in to the next in the series.
1. How exactly the brooch was stolen right from the chest of the First Lady was NEVER explained.
2. No surprise, but more than one crime was committed in this book...and at least one of the villains involved was pretty obvious almost right from the start.
3. Readers had no way of guessing the main culprit, because they were not introduced until the very end of the book's Scooby-Doo Big Reveal. Not a literary technique I'm a fan of.
4. The stakes are relatively low in this book...the FMC is never truly in danger even thought she's poking into a dangerous business. Also, the FMC is definitely a reluctant detective (pushed into it by her mother) and the only thing really keeping the FMC in the game is "justice for her friend"...even though they had spoken in over twenty years. I found it tenuous and I kept wondering why the FMC didn't tell her mom off and get back to the business of healing her own trauma.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was privileged enough to receive an early preview copy from the publisher so I could provide a blurb for the printed ARC coming out in a few months. I love Amanda Flower's historical mysteries, and I think this one is the best yet. It stars Nellie Grant Sartoris, the daughter of U.S.S. and Julia Grant. She's just come home from England disgraced and divorced (even though her ex-husband died shortly afterward). Although they don't live in the White House anymore, Nellie is invited to a state dinner there and encounters her childhood friend, Kitty Thorn. Kitty was a maid in the White House and continues to work there--at least until she's found dead. Nellie, her mother, and two other formidable First Ladies vow to find out what happened. I loved all the facts and tidbits about "the residence" and all the historical references. I always learn a lot from Flower's books too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Washington, D.C. 1894. The country is in a financial shambles, as the stock market crashed the early 1890s. Grover Cleveland is president. Julia Dent Grant, widow of former president Ulysses Grant, and her daughter, Nellie Grant Sartoris, are invited to a White House state dinner. Nellie has returned to Washington from England, where she had been living. She is newly divorced and this has created quite the scandal. Attending the White House dinner as guests of First Lady Frances (Frankie) Cleveland, they are made to feel welcome. At some point in the evening, the First Lady's Tiffany-designed brooch is stolen from her dress and Kitty, the maid, is accused, immediately dismissed from her position and forced to leave the White House. Nellie knows the maid from her previous time living there and she knows Kitty could not possibly have stolen the brooch. Kitty is found drowned some time later and Nellie plays a part in identifying the body. The police declare it must be suicide.
Frances Cleveland determines to investigate the crime and she calls on Nellie and her mother to assist. Nellie is the perfect one to help, as she spent several years living in the White House, and knows many of the nooks and crannies, as well as many of the people who are employed there. Even so, Nellie discovers cubbies she never knew about and it is these hidden spaces which help determine who's innocent and who's guilty.
Nellie discovers she is good at investigating and ultimately, brings the culprit or culprits, to justice. It is up to the reader to follow the clues and solve this murder for themselves. Did Kitty drown herself for the shame? Or is there something more nefarious going on in the White House?
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, in exchange for a review.
Frances Cleveland determines to investigate the crime and she calls on Nellie and her mother to assist. Nellie is the perfect one to help, as she spent several years living in the White House, and knows many of the nooks and crannies, as well as many of the people who are employed there. Even so, Nellie discovers cubbies she never knew about and it is these hidden spaces which help determine who's innocent and who's guilty.
Nellie discovers she is good at investigating and ultimately, brings the culprit or culprits, to justice. It is up to the reader to follow the clues and solve this murder for themselves. Did Kitty drown herself for the shame? Or is there something more nefarious going on in the White House?
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The First Ladies Guide to Murder, by Amanda Flower is the start of a new series. I do enjoy the Gilded Age era, so this book drew me in from the start. The book combines the history of the presidents with the social restrictions/etiquette of day ---I found that fascinating. The book is a mystery that is character driven and relatable, each with distinct motivations and quirks. I especially appreciated how the author gave depth to both the main and supporting characters, making their interactions feel authentic and engaging.
Nellie Grant Santori is the only daughter of former President Ulysses S. Grant. Returning home after divorcing her abusive husband, Nellie and her children make their home with her mother, Julia. Feeling disgraced, Nellie would rather hide at home than go out in public, but Julia insists that she accompany her to a White House dinner at First Lady Frances Cleveland's request. During the course of the evening a stolen broach is discovered on the First Lady's maid--someone Nellie played with as a child--she is fired and killed the next day. Is it a suicide, or a murder? The Frances Cleaveland engages Nellie and Julia to investigate. The story keeps you guessing as Nellie becomes entangled in the investigation, uncovering secrets about the White House staff and the social elite. Each clue raises new questions, and the tension builds with unexpected twists that make it hard to put the book down.
I would recommend this to readers of historical fiction, mystery/thrillers, or the Gilded Age. A great start to this new series. Thank you for the advanced copy I requested. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nellie Grant Santori is the only daughter of former President Ulysses S. Grant. Returning home after divorcing her abusive husband, Nellie and her children make their home with her mother, Julia. Feeling disgraced, Nellie would rather hide at home than go out in public, but Julia insists that she accompany her to a White House dinner at First Lady Frances Cleveland's request. During the course of the evening a stolen broach is discovered on the First Lady's maid--someone Nellie played with as a child--she is fired and killed the next day. Is it a suicide, or a murder? The Frances Cleaveland engages Nellie and Julia to investigate. The story keeps you guessing as Nellie becomes entangled in the investigation, uncovering secrets about the White House staff and the social elite. Each clue raises new questions, and the tension builds with unexpected twists that make it hard to put the book down.
I would recommend this to readers of historical fiction, mystery/thrillers, or the Gilded Age. A great start to this new series. Thank you for the advanced copy I requested. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 29, 2026
The First Wives’ Guide to Murder has a great premise and is chock-full of delicious period detail. It’s very clear that Flower has done her research and has honed the mystery and period genre points in her writing.
That being said, while it is a very readable book, the characters never quite landed for me. I can’t quite describe why, but they never felt very vivid to me. I think part of it was the dialogue — it was pretty bad for most of the book, easily the weakest part—and part was the lack of urgency or stakes in the plot. It read like bored housewives finding themselves something to do, not people seeking justice or caring deeply.
I think I’d read another instalment, if Flower chooses to follow it up, in hopes of the characters growing and deepening.
Thank you to the author, to Kensington Publishing, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this DRC. All opinions are mine alone and written in this review without AI.
That being said, while it is a very readable book, the characters never quite landed for me. I can’t quite describe why, but they never felt very vivid to me. I think part of it was the dialogue — it was pretty bad for most of the book, easily the weakest part—and part was the lack of urgency or stakes in the plot. It read like bored housewives finding themselves something to do, not people seeking justice or caring deeply.
I think I’d read another instalment, if Flower chooses to follow it up, in hopes of the characters growing and deepening.
Thank you to the author, to Kensington Publishing, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this DRC. All opinions are mine alone and written in this review without AI.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
While only two-thirds of the amateur crime-solving team in this winning historical mystery are technically First Ladies, (The third and pivotal member, Nellie Grant, is a President’s daughter.) there is no quibbling with the resourcefulness, bravery, and smarts with which these women crack their first murder case, smack-dab in our nation’s capital. There are red herrings aplenty here to satisfy the most avid mystery aficionados, and every historical detail painstakingly conveyed with accuracy and affection. With attributes like loyalty, warmth, empathy, and organizational acumen to spare, these three ladies might not be literally the power behind their respective Presidential “thrones,” but their charisms are obviously a key component to the success of their husbands’/father’s terms in office. . .and they are great fun to watch defying the feminine custom of the day and “sticking it to The Man,” as it were, while closing in on their perpetrator.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
This is an unusual historical cozy featuring ex- and current First Ladies Frances Cleveland and Julia Grant. Grant's daughter Nellie has just returned to the U.S. after a failed marriage to an alcoholic British nobleman.
They are invited to a White House state dinner, where not only is a priceless piece of jewelry ostensibly stolen by a maid, but the maid's body is found nearby later. The young woman in question was a friend of the Grants and they don't like the heavy-handed police investigation assuming she committed suicide.
There are several mysterious characters hanging around - an unpleasant White House steward, and a man who keeps cropping up who works for the Postal Service. First Lady Frances begs Julia and Nellie to help investigate as she knows the White House staff will tell them things they would hide from the police.
The domestic background is Nellie's weariness and lack of confidence after her embarrassing divorce, her problems with her impatient teenage children, and her trying to fit back in to the social scene. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an unusual historical cozy featuring ex- and current First Ladies Frances Cleveland and Julia Grant. Grant's daughter Nellie has just returned to the U.S. after a failed marriage to an alcoholic British nobleman.
They are invited to a White House state dinner, where not only is a priceless piece of jewelry ostensibly stolen by a maid, but the maid's body is found nearby later. The young woman in question was a friend of the Grants and they don't like the heavy-handed police investigation assuming she committed suicide.
There are several mysterious characters hanging around - an unpleasant White House steward, and a man who keeps cropping up who works for the Postal Service. First Lady Frances begs Julia and Nellie to help investigate as she knows the White House staff will tell them things they would hide from the police.
The domestic background is Nellie's weariness and lack of confidence after her embarrassing divorce, her problems with her impatient teenage children, and her trying to fit back in to the social scene. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mrs Grant, her daughter Nellie and Mrs Cleveland work together to find who stole the broach and killed the ladies maid. Mrs Cleveland wants be in the background since she is the current First Lady which leave Nellie doing most of the detecting with her mother making appointments and telling her where to go. Nice beginning to a new mystery series by Amanda Flower.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intriguing concept as former US first ladies and a president's daughter band together to solve the murder of a White House maid. The mystery was intriguing enough, but I didn't feel like I actually was immersed in the historical setting. I enjoyed the book enough that if I stumble across a future series entry, I would read it, but it's not a series I would search out.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nellie Grant returns to Washington with her tail between her legs hoping to re-enter society quietly after her divorce in England. Instead ,she is immediately invited to a state dinner at the White House along with her mother , former First Lady Julia Grant, where a theft, firing and death of a staff member occurs. Police have ruled her death as a suicide but the Grant women and First Lady Francis Cleveland don't believe it and join forces to search for answers. The mystery is interesting as is the gilded age time period and the side stories of behind the scenes at the White House and the birth of the Smithsonian Museums are equally fascinating. A clever story of interesting and astute women operating under the radar due to social norms and their sex. These are not fragile little hothouse flowers but instead determined women banding together to right a wrong. The first of a series that I am looking forward to reading more of. Fans of The Gilded Age tv series as well as White House history like UPSTAIRS AT THE WHITE HOUSE and historical fiction showcasing strong women behind the scenes will find much to love here. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Really enjoyed this historical fiction murder mystery. I liked the characters and it reminded me of India Holton‘s Victorian stories.
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September 6, 2026Review to come November 24, 2026
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October 1, 2026A fun, quick read along the lines of a cozy mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Two First Ladies and a first daughter teaming up to solve a murder? I knew I was going to love this book from the premise and it did not disappoint! So fun and full of historical details, this murder mystery where Julia Grant and her daughter, Nellie, work with First Lady Frances Cleveland to solve the strange death of a White House maid was fast-paced and witty. As a first ladies’ enthusiast, I loved feeling like I was actually getting to know these famous women. I am so excited that this is the first book of a new series and can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fans of Amanda Flowers cozy and historical mystery titles will not be disappointed in The First Ladies' Guide to Murder, the first in the new A First Ladies' Murder Club Mystery series. Readers are introduced to Nellie Grant, the only daughter of President Ulysses S Grant and Julia Grant, who has returned from Europe with her three children after many years of suffering in a terrible marriage. As a former First Lady, Julia is called on to represent "the General" for events, and to advise the current First Lady, Frances "Frank" Cleveland. It's 1894 Washington DC, and while the South has been emancipated in name, many Black Americans are still treated as 2nd class citizens, as are many women. When a Tiffany brooch goes missing from Frank's bodice during an event at the White House, suspicion falls on Kitty, who not only is serving as the First Lady's maid, but was also Nellie's dearest friend when she was a young girl during Grant's presidential term. When Kitty is found drowned in a pond, it is quickly called a suicide, but Nellie will not accept it. With Julia's urging, the ladies decide to conduct their own investigation. As Nellie gains confidence, her actions become bolder and instincts sharper, attracting the attention of deputy postmaster, Frank Hatch Jones, who also seems to have an interest in Kitty's case (and perhaps Nellie herself). Flowers nails the historic details of the time, tying in the political and financial struggles of the Panic of 1893 and the reality of bread lines, a broken stock market, and corrupt government workers. (Sound familiar?) Nellie makes for a very relatable character - while she initially has self-doubts as a mother and sleuth, her personal growth once freed from the confines of her marriage is remarkable, and admirable. This is a terrific start to the series, peopled with characters and a time in history which will resound with readers.
July 31, 2026
The First Ladies' Guide to Murder by Amanda Flower is agreat historical, cozy murder/mystery that is the first book in the new The First Ladies' Murder Club Mysteries series.
I love how this series starts…with the introduction of several First ladies (past and present) and how they all work together to solve the mystery and murder of a beloved friend and associate. I really enjoyed how the author was able to weave history into a fictional narrative involving Former First Lady Julia Grant and her daughter Nellie and First Lady Frances (Frank) Cleveland.
The setting of Washington DC in 1894 really added to the story and gave the reader an immersive experience into what life was like at the Capital during this time, not just the political landscape, but also how society existed and the roles that women were permitted to play. Even with those limitations, these three women used their intellect and talents to find alternative ways to solve the wrongs towards Kitty, find justice for her, and her find the person that took her from them way too soon.
This is such a great start, to what I hope will be, a wonderful new cozy mystery series.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/24/2026.
I love how this series starts…with the introduction of several First ladies (past and present) and how they all work together to solve the mystery and murder of a beloved friend and associate. I really enjoyed how the author was able to weave history into a fictional narrative involving Former First Lady Julia Grant and her daughter Nellie and First Lady Frances (Frank) Cleveland.
The setting of Washington DC in 1894 really added to the story and gave the reader an immersive experience into what life was like at the Capital during this time, not just the political landscape, but also how society existed and the roles that women were permitted to play. Even with those limitations, these three women used their intellect and talents to find alternative ways to solve the wrongs towards Kitty, find justice for her, and her find the person that took her from them way too soon.
This is such a great start, to what I hope will be, a wonderful new cozy mystery series.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/24/2026.
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