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Lady Alkmene #4
Fatal Masquerade
Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois are back in a gripping new adventure facing dangerous opponents at a masked ball in the countryside.
Masked danger…Lady Alkmene Callender has always loved grand parties, but when she receives an invitation to a masked ball thrown by Franklin Hargrove – oil magnate, aviation enthusiast and father of her best friend, Denise – she’s never seen such luxury. The estate is lit up with Chinese lanterns in the gardens, boats operated by footmen float across the pond and the guest list features the distinguished, rich and powerful!
But below the glamour, evil is lurking. When a dead body is discovered, it forces Lady Alkmene to throw off her mask and attempt to find the true killer before Denise’s family are accused. If only her partner, Jake Dubois, weren’t hiding something from her…
This case might just be more dangerous than either of them could have imagined.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2017
81 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 12, 2017
Blog tour stop on October 16, 2017
I was in the mood for a good cozy mystery and I adored this one! It is #4 in the series, but I read it as a stand-alone and it was great! Loved the 1920's setting and the character of Lady Alkmene.
Lady Alkmene has been invited to party with the rich and famous at the beautiful estate of her best friend Denise's father. It is a masked ball and everyone arrives in costume to have a good time, but one masked guest is up to no good. A dead body has been found in the boathouse and Lady Alkmene will not stand for an innocent maid to take the blame and she will need her partner Jake to help her comb through all the clues.
Like the game of clue, many rooms and many clues will need to be investigated and suspects will need to be questioned. Why was a murder committed? Who had a motive?
Enjoyable light mystery with interesting characters and a fabulous cast of characters!
Thanks to Netgalley/Vivian Conroy/HQ Digital
Published on Oct.4,2017
I was in the mood for a good cozy mystery and I adored this one! It is #4 in the series, but I read it as a stand-alone and it was great! Loved the 1920's setting and the character of Lady Alkmene.
Lady Alkmene has been invited to party with the rich and famous at the beautiful estate of her best friend Denise's father. It is a masked ball and everyone arrives in costume to have a good time, but one masked guest is up to no good. A dead body has been found in the boathouse and Lady Alkmene will not stand for an innocent maid to take the blame and she will need her partner Jake to help her comb through all the clues.
Like the game of clue, many rooms and many clues will need to be investigated and suspects will need to be questioned. Why was a murder committed? Who had a motive?
Enjoyable light mystery with interesting characters and a fabulous cast of characters!
Thanks to Netgalley/Vivian Conroy/HQ Digital
Published on Oct.4,2017
October 3, 2017
I'm so glad Vivian Conroy came out with the fourth book featuring Lady Alkmene. I was highly anticipating this one. In this book we are invited to a masquerade ball with Alkmene and her best friend, Denise. However, once at Denise's home we find that it's not quite a happy atmosphere. Tensions run high as Denise and her stepmother argue, servants act above their station, psychologists probe where they shouldn't, and talk of murder at dinner sets guests on edge. Once the ball is underway, murder is afoot. To clear an innocent servant of the crime, Alkmene and the dashing, Jake Dubois, set to investigate the crime.
Really enjoyed this latest installment. I'm still loving Alkmene and Jake. And still hoping, that those two kids will explore feelings for each other:)
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Really enjoyed this latest installment. I'm still loving Alkmene and Jake. And still hoping, that those two kids will explore feelings for each other:)
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2017
Mysterious, atmospheric, and delightfully entertaining!
In this latest novel by Conroy, Fatal Masquerade, Lady Alkmene Callender finds herself immersed in a clue-like murder mystery, complete with a country estate, class tension, secrets, half-truths, a knife, a boathouse, and of course an enigmatic, handsome sidekick.
The writing style is light and descriptive. The setting and mood are vivid and superbly authentic. The characters, including the intelligent, independent heroine, are well-developed, complex, and intriguing. And the plot is a well-paced whodunit full of amateur sleuthing, red herrings, suspects, deduction, and a little romance.
Fatal Masquerade is the fourth book in the Lady Alkmene Mystery series, and if you love cozy mysteries, this novel will not disappoint. It is a quick, easy, fun read that is truly a lovely, refreshing change in a time when we seem to be inundated with psychological thrillers.
Thank you to Vivian Conroy and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
In this latest novel by Conroy, Fatal Masquerade, Lady Alkmene Callender finds herself immersed in a clue-like murder mystery, complete with a country estate, class tension, secrets, half-truths, a knife, a boathouse, and of course an enigmatic, handsome sidekick.
The writing style is light and descriptive. The setting and mood are vivid and superbly authentic. The characters, including the intelligent, independent heroine, are well-developed, complex, and intriguing. And the plot is a well-paced whodunit full of amateur sleuthing, red herrings, suspects, deduction, and a little romance.
Fatal Masquerade is the fourth book in the Lady Alkmene Mystery series, and if you love cozy mysteries, this novel will not disappoint. It is a quick, easy, fun read that is truly a lovely, refreshing change in a time when we seem to be inundated with psychological thrillers.
Thank you to Vivian Conroy and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
October 7, 2017
When Lady Alkmene Callender attends a masked ball thrown in the home of her best friend, Denise, the last thing she expects is to be thrown into a murder scene but that is exactly what happens. Surrounded by the trappings and beauty of wealth and privilege, a dark force writhes and slithers and it will be up to Alkmene with the help of the dashing Jake Dubois, to make sure an innocent person does not take the fall for the real murderer. But as they inch closer to the truth, they will find themselves in dangerous water and who knows what might happen...
Harking back to the mysteries of old, FATAL MASQUERADE by Vivian Conroy is a dynamic murder mystery that will have you playing detective alongside the esteemed Lady Alkene and Jake. With plenty of subterfuge, twists, and clues, I really got into this story and didn't notice the hours pass as I was transported back in time. The setting is amazing and really comes alive, and the cast of characters are hypnotic as always. While FATAL MASQUERADE is the fourth book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but when you find a wonderful series like this you should spoil yourself and buy the lot!
FATAL MASQUERADE by Vivian Conroy is everything you want in a murder mystery and I highly recommend it!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
Harking back to the mysteries of old, FATAL MASQUERADE by Vivian Conroy is a dynamic murder mystery that will have you playing detective alongside the esteemed Lady Alkene and Jake. With plenty of subterfuge, twists, and clues, I really got into this story and didn't notice the hours pass as I was transported back in time. The setting is amazing and really comes alive, and the cast of characters are hypnotic as always. While FATAL MASQUERADE is the fourth book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but when you find a wonderful series like this you should spoil yourself and buy the lot!
FATAL MASQUERADE by Vivian Conroy is everything you want in a murder mystery and I highly recommend it!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.com
October 11, 2017
Nothing should disrupt the masquerade ball which Lady Alkmene Callender is attending with her best friend Denise Hargrove, but that wouldn’t be much of a story, would it? Get ready for blackmail, family arguments, mystery and murder in this brilliant read, the fourth Lady Alkmene mystery.
Set in 1920s England, members of the nobility enthusiastically congregate to participate in the Masquerade ball hosted by Franklin Hargrove, the wealthy oil magnate who is also the father of Denise. From the very start, Lady Alkmene senses the unease and rifts which permeate the Hargrove home - some of the arguments are loud and vociferous, so she could hardly miss them. When she also discovers the murdered body of one of their servants, the party atmosphere is definitely ruined! The police are led to believe the perpetrator is a quiet maid but Alkmene doesn’t agree and sets out to clear the young lady’s name - with the help of her journalist investigating partner, Jake Dubois, though he is keeping secrets from her, too.
This is another superb cosy mystery, with brilliant characters and a plot full of twists and turns. Hints and clues are slowly revealed, misdirection frequently occurs until the dangerous face off at the end endangers Lady Alkmene, too! Can they discover who the murder is? What was their motivation? Who else is involved? So many questions waiting to be answered as the story progresses and danger lurks for all concerned.
This is the fourth book in the series but it is so well written that I believe it would also work well as a standalone. Having said that, it is such a great read that readers who haven’t read the earlier books may well be tempted to read them, too. I know I’ll definitely be looking out for more in this series or by this author in future. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone looking for a high class murder mystery to read.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Set in 1920s England, members of the nobility enthusiastically congregate to participate in the Masquerade ball hosted by Franklin Hargrove, the wealthy oil magnate who is also the father of Denise. From the very start, Lady Alkmene senses the unease and rifts which permeate the Hargrove home - some of the arguments are loud and vociferous, so she could hardly miss them. When she also discovers the murdered body of one of their servants, the party atmosphere is definitely ruined! The police are led to believe the perpetrator is a quiet maid but Alkmene doesn’t agree and sets out to clear the young lady’s name - with the help of her journalist investigating partner, Jake Dubois, though he is keeping secrets from her, too.
This is another superb cosy mystery, with brilliant characters and a plot full of twists and turns. Hints and clues are slowly revealed, misdirection frequently occurs until the dangerous face off at the end endangers Lady Alkmene, too! Can they discover who the murder is? What was their motivation? Who else is involved? So many questions waiting to be answered as the story progresses and danger lurks for all concerned.
This is the fourth book in the series but it is so well written that I believe it would also work well as a standalone. Having said that, it is such a great read that readers who haven’t read the earlier books may well be tempted to read them, too. I know I’ll definitely be looking out for more in this series or by this author in future. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone looking for a high class murder mystery to read.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
September 21, 2017
I have read scores of country house mysteries and as many "series" mysteries, so I think I am schooled in the genre. I was completely flummoxed when I arrived at the last page of this book---there was so much unresolved "business" that I thought I missed a chapter, or my book was incomplete.
Nope. The author just chose to leave a few cliff-hangers. . . . which I found a totally unsatisfactory manner to end a light mystery novel. That might have been overlooked if I had been smitten with the book in other ways, but the writing was pedestrian and the characters lifeless. I love a period mystery with a sassy, well-bred heroine (and her upstart companion who is not quite a gentleman), but this book left me with nothing but disappointment.
Net galley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nope. The author just chose to leave a few cliff-hangers. . . . which I found a totally unsatisfactory manner to end a light mystery novel. That might have been overlooked if I had been smitten with the book in other ways, but the writing was pedestrian and the characters lifeless. I love a period mystery with a sassy, well-bred heroine (and her upstart companion who is not quite a gentleman), but this book left me with nothing but disappointment.
Net galley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2017
When Lady Alkmene Callender and Jake Dubois attend a glamourous masked ball, the last thing they expect is to end up involved in the murder of a servant. As the one who finds the body, Lady Alkmene herself is under suspicion and, following the arrest of an innocent young maid, Alkmene and Dubois are determined to do everything in their power to catch the real murderer and save an innocent life.
I already loved the Lady Alkmene mysteries since reading Book #1, and Fatal Masquerade does not disappoint. The glitz and glamour of the 1920’s upper class, combined with the Agatha Christie style cosy mystery is a winning combination.
I absolutely adore the fashion and glamour, and what better way to showcase it than a ball? The descriptions of Alkmene’s (and others’) outfits are beautiful and easy to picture, but aren’t too long or boring to read. The general atmosphere is also brilliant for a cosy detective novel: mysterious and a little bit dark, but not gloomy or distressing at all.
Alkmene and Dubois are both likeable leads (I’m becoming quite desperate for a romance to happen there too). The rest of the characters range from sweet and helpless, to smarmy and detestable, but that doesn’t make it easy to guess who the real culprit is.
The one and only thing I didn’t like about this book was the relationship between Alkmene and Denise. Alkmene refers to Denise as her best friend, and seems to really value the friendship, but Denise is awful to her. She makes snide remarks about Alkmene’s friendship with Dubois and doesn’t seem to appreciate her presence at all. This was a little bit confusing because why are they such great friends if they don’t get on? (It was very easy to get past this, though).
Full of secrets and red-herrings, Fatal Masquerade is a fun, light and yet brilliantly detailed murder mystery. Perfect for snuggling up under a blanket in front of a fire.
I received a copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I already loved the Lady Alkmene mysteries since reading Book #1, and Fatal Masquerade does not disappoint. The glitz and glamour of the 1920’s upper class, combined with the Agatha Christie style cosy mystery is a winning combination.
I absolutely adore the fashion and glamour, and what better way to showcase it than a ball? The descriptions of Alkmene’s (and others’) outfits are beautiful and easy to picture, but aren’t too long or boring to read. The general atmosphere is also brilliant for a cosy detective novel: mysterious and a little bit dark, but not gloomy or distressing at all.
Alkmene and Dubois are both likeable leads (I’m becoming quite desperate for a romance to happen there too). The rest of the characters range from sweet and helpless, to smarmy and detestable, but that doesn’t make it easy to guess who the real culprit is.
The one and only thing I didn’t like about this book was the relationship between Alkmene and Denise. Alkmene refers to Denise as her best friend, and seems to really value the friendship, but Denise is awful to her. She makes snide remarks about Alkmene’s friendship with Dubois and doesn’t seem to appreciate her presence at all. This was a little bit confusing because why are they such great friends if they don’t get on? (It was very easy to get past this, though).
Full of secrets and red-herrings, Fatal Masquerade is a fun, light and yet brilliantly detailed murder mystery. Perfect for snuggling up under a blanket in front of a fire.
I received a copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2017
After reading A Proposal to Die For I was excited to read another book by Vivian and return to the world of Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois. Luckily, Fatal Masquerade proved to be an exciting addition to the Lady Alkmene Mystery Series. Combining together a new mystery as well as a mystery from the past, Fatal Masquerade had me dying for the big finale the whole way through.
Just like the first one Fatal Masquerade almost immediately jumps into action. It's the classic case of a murderous dinner party...a certain number of people arrive at the start of the night and one less walks out by the end. Everyone is a suspect - EVEN Lady Alkmene who was unlucky (or lucky?) enough to find the dead body! In addition to the murder mystery, Jake has arrived to the party with own mysterious intentions - ones that he absolutely refuses to tell Lady Alkmene about. That caused for some interesting tension and drama, as not only was Lady Alkmene bitter about not being in the know but it was always fun to guess what exactly Jake was hiding.
Lady Alkmene was just as strong willed, nosy, and bent on crime solving as in the first one. I just utterly love her spunk - she's a woman who knows what she wants to do in life and won't let anyone stop her from having her fun. I also enjoyed the mysterious vibe Jake took on this. It added a new fun layer to his character. The side characters introduced added to the overall enjoyment of the book; however, I will say I just couldn't stand Lady Alkmene's friend Denise. I understood that she had a lot to be angry about, but gosh, was she abrasive and reckless at times....to the point where I even began to get slightly annoyed.
In all, Fatal Masquerade is another fun, fast paced addition to the Lady Alkmene Mystery series. And with the cliffhanger like feel of the ending, I will most definitely be tuning into the fifth book!
Grade: B
Just like the first one Fatal Masquerade almost immediately jumps into action. It's the classic case of a murderous dinner party...a certain number of people arrive at the start of the night and one less walks out by the end. Everyone is a suspect - EVEN Lady Alkmene who was unlucky (or lucky?) enough to find the dead body! In addition to the murder mystery, Jake has arrived to the party with own mysterious intentions - ones that he absolutely refuses to tell Lady Alkmene about. That caused for some interesting tension and drama, as not only was Lady Alkmene bitter about not being in the know but it was always fun to guess what exactly Jake was hiding.
Lady Alkmene was just as strong willed, nosy, and bent on crime solving as in the first one. I just utterly love her spunk - she's a woman who knows what she wants to do in life and won't let anyone stop her from having her fun. I also enjoyed the mysterious vibe Jake took on this. It added a new fun layer to his character. The side characters introduced added to the overall enjoyment of the book; however, I will say I just couldn't stand Lady Alkmene's friend Denise. I understood that she had a lot to be angry about, but gosh, was she abrasive and reckless at times....to the point where I even began to get slightly annoyed.
In all, Fatal Masquerade is another fun, fast paced addition to the Lady Alkmene Mystery series. And with the cliffhanger like feel of the ending, I will most definitely be tuning into the fifth book!
Grade: B
October 26, 2017
This is the fourth in the “Lady Alkmene Mystery” series of books. I have read the first one “A Proposal to Die For”, so was interested to see what, if anything had changed or been carried through from the first one, as well as the more important on going character developments.
Alkmene is on her first visit to Hargrove Eastate with her relatively new friend, Denise Hargrove. She is the daughter of the landowner but does not get on with his second wife, her step mother, Cecily. Not getting on is an understatement, at times their relationship boarders on vicious. There is to be a masked ball at the estate, a large elaborate and lavish event that Alkmene is looking forward to. The chance to get away from London and the investigations she is spending more time on. She is surprised to see that Jake is also there, this is not the sort of event he would be socially invited to, so why was he there ? Then the inevitable happens, a murder!
As events come to pass Alkemene and her social status comes into play as she can talk more freely to guests, or should I say potential suspects. Jake Dubois sudden appearance is ideal for Alkmene to bounce ideas and thoughts off as the duo are once again in the thick of it. In this book, Lady Alkmene takes more a front seat, leading lady role as far as the investigative side of the plot is concerned.
I do think that Alkmene has grown a little stronger and more confident, she has lost some of her naivety but still manages to rush headlong into situations without thinking things through. This is a book I really enjoyed reading, the thing that makes it work for me is the 1920’s old style mystery feel it has. There are quite a lot of different events that have been cleverly twisted together to make for some really good mystery. Once again Vivian has created some very interesting characters who you will love, like and loathe. Again touching on the social class differences of the time, she has managed to find the right balance that was still a prominent aspect of the time.
I would recommend this book to readers who like a slower, gentler paced mystery, that is well written, with good plots and several twists. A cosy, deductive mystery with a female sleuth.
Alkmene is on her first visit to Hargrove Eastate with her relatively new friend, Denise Hargrove. She is the daughter of the landowner but does not get on with his second wife, her step mother, Cecily. Not getting on is an understatement, at times their relationship boarders on vicious. There is to be a masked ball at the estate, a large elaborate and lavish event that Alkmene is looking forward to. The chance to get away from London and the investigations she is spending more time on. She is surprised to see that Jake is also there, this is not the sort of event he would be socially invited to, so why was he there ? Then the inevitable happens, a murder!
As events come to pass Alkemene and her social status comes into play as she can talk more freely to guests, or should I say potential suspects. Jake Dubois sudden appearance is ideal for Alkmene to bounce ideas and thoughts off as the duo are once again in the thick of it. In this book, Lady Alkmene takes more a front seat, leading lady role as far as the investigative side of the plot is concerned.
I do think that Alkmene has grown a little stronger and more confident, she has lost some of her naivety but still manages to rush headlong into situations without thinking things through. This is a book I really enjoyed reading, the thing that makes it work for me is the 1920’s old style mystery feel it has. There are quite a lot of different events that have been cleverly twisted together to make for some really good mystery. Once again Vivian has created some very interesting characters who you will love, like and loathe. Again touching on the social class differences of the time, she has managed to find the right balance that was still a prominent aspect of the time.
I would recommend this book to readers who like a slower, gentler paced mystery, that is well written, with good plots and several twists. A cosy, deductive mystery with a female sleuth.
October 11, 2017
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Oh my goodness this book was fabulous!! I simply adored it - the story was brilliant and the descriptive nature used brought the 1920s to life and I really felt as though I was living the story with the characters!
This was the first book that I had read in the series and even though it is book 4 it can most definitely be read as a stand alone! I read a lot of darker crime books and psychological thrillers but I do like to go for lighter and more cosy crime/mystery reads when the and this really did meet that brief.
I thought that this was brilliantly written and I absolutely loved it - 5 stars no hesitation and I am so glad that the author invited me on to the blog tour to allow me to discover Lady Alkmene - certainly not the last book I'll read from the series as I have added the rest to my wishlist ready!!
Oh my goodness this book was fabulous!! I simply adored it - the story was brilliant and the descriptive nature used brought the 1920s to life and I really felt as though I was living the story with the characters!
This was the first book that I had read in the series and even though it is book 4 it can most definitely be read as a stand alone! I read a lot of darker crime books and psychological thrillers but I do like to go for lighter and more cosy crime/mystery reads when the and this really did meet that brief.
I thought that this was brilliantly written and I absolutely loved it - 5 stars no hesitation and I am so glad that the author invited me on to the blog tour to allow me to discover Lady Alkmene - certainly not the last book I'll read from the series as I have added the rest to my wishlist ready!!
October 10, 2017
Recieved in return for an honest review
Naughtiness 1*
Absutely fantastic read . The more books I read by Vivian the more I'm becoming addicted and I'm already collecting and seriously wondering if Vivian is a reincarnation of Agatha Christie, these books are fantastic.
As always I will not give spoilers but will say that this story grips you and pulls you in and in many directions, one moment you think know, then something else comes in and your back to square one, in the best possible water, it keeps you guessing at, who what when where and why. Utterly brilliant and I cant wait to read more and still very much shipping Alkmene and Jake.
Thank you truly for writing this book Vivian and offering me the chance of reading it xxx
Naughtiness 1*
Absutely fantastic read . The more books I read by Vivian the more I'm becoming addicted and I'm already collecting and seriously wondering if Vivian is a reincarnation of Agatha Christie, these books are fantastic.
As always I will not give spoilers but will say that this story grips you and pulls you in and in many directions, one moment you think know, then something else comes in and your back to square one, in the best possible water, it keeps you guessing at, who what when where and why. Utterly brilliant and I cant wait to read more and still very much shipping Alkmene and Jake.
Thank you truly for writing this book Vivian and offering me the chance of reading it xxx
November 10, 2017
This is the fourth instalment of the Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois mystery but I personally think it can be read as a standalone story if you haven’t read the other books. The book gives us enough knowledge of each character to not spoil too much in the previous cases they have worked on.
I really warmed to Lady Alkmene Callender and found her a feisty character, a sort of younger version of Miss Marple (another character I love!). Her relationship with Jake Dubois is written brilliantly and I loved their interactions with each other even though they are from completely different ends of the ‘social’ scale.
Once again they are thrown into a murder mystery following a grand ball at the family home of Denise Hargrove, Lady Alkmene’s slightly snobby best friend. Herself and Jake are determined to stop an innocent person from being convicted of the crime.
I found this to be a lovely cosy crime, which I adore reading and I was kept guessing until the last pages. A really enjoyable caper and it left me wanting more!
Hopefully there will be more to come from this talented writer and the characters of Alkmene and Jake.
I really warmed to Lady Alkmene Callender and found her a feisty character, a sort of younger version of Miss Marple (another character I love!). Her relationship with Jake Dubois is written brilliantly and I loved their interactions with each other even though they are from completely different ends of the ‘social’ scale.
Once again they are thrown into a murder mystery following a grand ball at the family home of Denise Hargrove, Lady Alkmene’s slightly snobby best friend. Herself and Jake are determined to stop an innocent person from being convicted of the crime.
I found this to be a lovely cosy crime, which I adore reading and I was kept guessing until the last pages. A really enjoyable caper and it left me wanting more!
Hopefully there will be more to come from this talented writer and the characters of Alkmene and Jake.
May 17, 2023
I don’t understand the great reviews. To me this book has poor grammar, poorly developed characters and little to no background information. I only finished it because it was short.
December 11, 2017
Fatal Masquerade puts me in mind of a good old-fashioned whodunit, with a single location, a limited selection of suspects and a classic bit of misdirection. What’s not to love?!
Based in the 1920’s, we join Lady Alkmene Callender as she arrives at the family home of her young friend, Denise Hargrove, in order to attend a masquerade ball hosted by Denise’s wealthy father and his new wife.
There are a number of guests at the house party and they certainly are a bit of an odd bunch, including nervy aunt Felicia, serious lawyer Mr Keegan, to the supercilious psychiatrist, Theobald Zeilovsky. Lady Alkmene’s colleague/investigative partner Jake Dubois then appears on the scene, refusing to tell Lady Alkmene the real reason behind his presence there.
The party takes a sinister turn when one of the servants is found dead in the boathouse. When a young maid is accused of the murder, Lady Alkmene isn’t convinced of her guilt and sets out to discover the real perpetrator of the grisly crime. Cue some intrigue, blackmail and some very shady characters.
As Lady Alkmene and Jake question the suspects and comb through the clues, the reader is left to wonder why the servant was killed and who had a motive to kill him?
Fatal Masquerade is a light and entertaining read. The characters are fun and the plot is satisfyingly twisty. Chances are, it will keep you guessing until the end! Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
The book is the fourth in a series. I think it works fine as a standalone novel, however reading the earlier books will give you a bit of background about Lady Alkmene and her investigative talents. I hope to find the time to catch up on those earlier novels.
Based in the 1920’s, we join Lady Alkmene Callender as she arrives at the family home of her young friend, Denise Hargrove, in order to attend a masquerade ball hosted by Denise’s wealthy father and his new wife.
There are a number of guests at the house party and they certainly are a bit of an odd bunch, including nervy aunt Felicia, serious lawyer Mr Keegan, to the supercilious psychiatrist, Theobald Zeilovsky. Lady Alkmene’s colleague/investigative partner Jake Dubois then appears on the scene, refusing to tell Lady Alkmene the real reason behind his presence there.
The party takes a sinister turn when one of the servants is found dead in the boathouse. When a young maid is accused of the murder, Lady Alkmene isn’t convinced of her guilt and sets out to discover the real perpetrator of the grisly crime. Cue some intrigue, blackmail and some very shady characters.
As Lady Alkmene and Jake question the suspects and comb through the clues, the reader is left to wonder why the servant was killed and who had a motive to kill him?
Fatal Masquerade is a light and entertaining read. The characters are fun and the plot is satisfyingly twisty. Chances are, it will keep you guessing until the end! Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
The book is the fourth in a series. I think it works fine as a standalone novel, however reading the earlier books will give you a bit of background about Lady Alkmene and her investigative talents. I hope to find the time to catch up on those earlier novels.
October 4, 2017
Book four in the Lady Alkmene Mysteries sees our lady sleuth invited to a masquerade party at the home of the wealthy Franklin Hargrove as soon as she steps through the front door it is instantly clear that there is something very wrong with the household which intrigues our Alkmene and when journalist Jake Dubois turns up under the pretence of writing a story about the lords new foray into motor engines she knows that something is amiss. Why would Jack be there just to write a story about a motor engine? Especially as Jack has unashamedly can’t stand the aristocracy and he too is acting rather secretive.
Just like with book one; A Proposal to Die For, the atmosphere between Jake and Alkmene crackles. There is something there between these two, from the little looks and the thoughts that crosses Alkmene’s mind right at the end, you know that there something must happen. There is a blossoming romance between them and I hope that if we get a fifth instalment that Jake and Alkmene finally get the chance to give it a go.
I thoroughly enjoy this series, its like being transported to another, more glamorous and deadly time. With twists and unexpected turns Fatal Masquerade keeps you hooked from page one to the very last and beyond as you are still wondering where we are going from here. The writing is riveting and charming especially Alkmene and Jake who are still fun and engrossing.
Another winner and highly recommended.
Just like with book one; A Proposal to Die For, the atmosphere between Jake and Alkmene crackles. There is something there between these two, from the little looks and the thoughts that crosses Alkmene’s mind right at the end, you know that there something must happen. There is a blossoming romance between them and I hope that if we get a fifth instalment that Jake and Alkmene finally get the chance to give it a go.
I thoroughly enjoy this series, its like being transported to another, more glamorous and deadly time. With twists and unexpected turns Fatal Masquerade keeps you hooked from page one to the very last and beyond as you are still wondering where we are going from here. The writing is riveting and charming especially Alkmene and Jake who are still fun and engrossing.
Another winner and highly recommended.
September 13, 2018
Another country house, another cast of characters, another murder to solve, and oh, what fun it is! The fourth outing in the Lady Alkmene Cosy Mystery series treats the reader to a bit of an upstairs-downstairs story, as Alkmene and reporter Jake Dubois both end up attending a masked ball thrown at the country estate of the upper crust Hargrove family.
Concern for the increasingly erratic behavior of Denise Hargrove, Alkmene's best friend who has entered into an undesirable romantic entanglement, has prompted her father to call on Jake Dubois. But the influence of "the psychologist with the diabolical beard" and the suspicious behavior of his wife throw complications in Alkmene and Jake's way as a body is found murdered during the party. With strife within the family and tensions among the servants, the duo has their work cut out for them and what results is a serious and seriously amusing 1920's country house mystery. And the "London Blackmailer" just might be involved.
While this could be read as a stand alone, enjoyment will be enhanced if this series of novels is read in order. I seem to have a growing taste for historical cozy mysteries and though this is the last of the Lady Alkmene mysteries from Vivian Conroy, she has left room for a return. So, I'll just be over here quietly hoping that this won't be the last I read of Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois.
This review refers to a library e-book copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Concern for the increasingly erratic behavior of Denise Hargrove, Alkmene's best friend who has entered into an undesirable romantic entanglement, has prompted her father to call on Jake Dubois. But the influence of "the psychologist with the diabolical beard" and the suspicious behavior of his wife throw complications in Alkmene and Jake's way as a body is found murdered during the party. With strife within the family and tensions among the servants, the duo has their work cut out for them and what results is a serious and seriously amusing 1920's country house mystery. And the "London Blackmailer" just might be involved.
While this could be read as a stand alone, enjoyment will be enhanced if this series of novels is read in order. I seem to have a growing taste for historical cozy mysteries and though this is the last of the Lady Alkmene mysteries from Vivian Conroy, she has left room for a return. So, I'll just be over here quietly hoping that this won't be the last I read of Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois.
This review refers to a library e-book copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2017
Fatal Masquerade is the fourth Lady Alkmene book but the first I have read and can be enjoyed as a standalone. Most of the crime books I read tend to be quite dark but now and again I like to mix it up with a cosy mystery and Fatal Masquerade certainly fits the bill. I love the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries TV series and this is very much in the same vein. The setting for the book will also invite comparisons with Downton Abbey. It's the sort of book where you just have to allow yourself to be swept away by the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Lady Alkmene has been invited to a lavish ball by her best friend, Denise Hargrove. As soon as she arrives it's apparent that this is a house of secrets. Denise and her young stepmother argue bitterly, the staff seem to be behaving oddly, and as the guests start to arrive it seems more than one of them is concealing something. A dinner party discussion about a recent murder case causes upset and is ended abruptly by Mrs Hargrove. Lady Alkmene is also confused by the appearance of her sometime crime-fighting partner, Jake Dubois. This isn't the sort of social circle he usually mixes in and she recognises immediately that his reason for being there is a cover story. She's infuriated when he refuses to tell her the truth behind his appearance but before long she has something much more important to occupy her, when she finds a body on the night of the party. Although the police suggest that the victim may have been the victim of a bodged break in, Lady Alkmene suspects it's far more likely the perpetrator is a guest at the party.
What follows is a deliciously fun closed circle mystery with all the expected ingredients in place - the wrong-footed police investigation meaning Lady Alkmene is forced to conduct her own enquiries, the innocent person wrongly accused, a list of suspects who all seem to have their dreadful secrets, blackmail, red herrings and an exciting denouement as the killer is finally unmasked.
To be honest, I'd worked out who the murderer was before the reveal but it didn't matter, I still enjoyed the cast of quirky characters, the relationship between Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois and the escapism of this glitzy setting. Although the murder is solved, the book finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Lady Alkmene has been invited to a lavish ball by her best friend, Denise Hargrove. As soon as she arrives it's apparent that this is a house of secrets. Denise and her young stepmother argue bitterly, the staff seem to be behaving oddly, and as the guests start to arrive it seems more than one of them is concealing something. A dinner party discussion about a recent murder case causes upset and is ended abruptly by Mrs Hargrove. Lady Alkmene is also confused by the appearance of her sometime crime-fighting partner, Jake Dubois. This isn't the sort of social circle he usually mixes in and she recognises immediately that his reason for being there is a cover story. She's infuriated when he refuses to tell her the truth behind his appearance but before long she has something much more important to occupy her, when she finds a body on the night of the party. Although the police suggest that the victim may have been the victim of a bodged break in, Lady Alkmene suspects it's far more likely the perpetrator is a guest at the party.
What follows is a deliciously fun closed circle mystery with all the expected ingredients in place - the wrong-footed police investigation meaning Lady Alkmene is forced to conduct her own enquiries, the innocent person wrongly accused, a list of suspects who all seem to have their dreadful secrets, blackmail, red herrings and an exciting denouement as the killer is finally unmasked.
To be honest, I'd worked out who the murderer was before the reveal but it didn't matter, I still enjoyed the cast of quirky characters, the relationship between Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois and the escapism of this glitzy setting. Although the murder is solved, the book finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next!
November 18, 2017
Lady Alkmene has been invited to a masked ball at the family home of best friend Denise Hargrove. With a houseful of suspects guests and more invited for the actual ball, the setting reminded me of other well known ‘Whodunnit’ style mysteries like Miss Marple or Johnathan Creek.
During the ball a murder occurs at the boat house; Lady Alkmene discovers the body and is first on the scene, or so it appears. The police are bumbling and incompetent, allowing Lady Alkmene and her partner, journalist Jake Dubois, to try solving the case themselves. Their search for the murderer reveals some interesting motifs for more than one character. Can Lady Alkmene be sure the police have arrested the wrong person?
This is the first book I have read in the series. The use of a partnership like the one between Lady Alkmene and Jake, and the style of their investigation has proved to be a winning formula in cosy mysteries. There were a few American terms used in the writing which, it could be argued, didn’t fit with the English location, but not every reader will notice.
I found the writing style and sentence structure easy to read, but simplistic at times, and felt with a little re-wording the story would flow more easily. This would lift this book, for me, from an okay read to one ready to compete in what has become a rather saturated genre.
During the ball a murder occurs at the boat house; Lady Alkmene discovers the body and is first on the scene, or so it appears. The police are bumbling and incompetent, allowing Lady Alkmene and her partner, journalist Jake Dubois, to try solving the case themselves. Their search for the murderer reveals some interesting motifs for more than one character. Can Lady Alkmene be sure the police have arrested the wrong person?
This is the first book I have read in the series. The use of a partnership like the one between Lady Alkmene and Jake, and the style of their investigation has proved to be a winning formula in cosy mysteries. There were a few American terms used in the writing which, it could be argued, didn’t fit with the English location, but not every reader will notice.
I found the writing style and sentence structure easy to read, but simplistic at times, and felt with a little re-wording the story would flow more easily. This would lift this book, for me, from an okay read to one ready to compete in what has become a rather saturated genre.
October 19, 2017
Lovely read, I enjoyed this book very much.
When you take a set of wonderful and witty characters, glamorous masquerade ball, and devious murder - you've got yourself a perfect detective story. And speaking of a detective - what a charming, smart, goodhearted and sassy little investigator we found in a face of Lady Alkmene! This is a 4th book featuring Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois "partnership". However, this is the first book of the series that I've read. The first 3 books are already on my to-read list.
So, back to the story. Great and twisted plot. Lady Alkmene and Jake are reunited at the masquerade ball that is taking place at Alkmene's friend Denise's family house outside of London. At midnight Lady Alkmene come across a breathless body of the servant in the bathhouse. A young maid is arrested. Lady Alkmene is convinced in young girl's innocence and has set her mind to resolve the murder mystery to free harmless maid. Lady Alkmene and Jake work as a team, following clues and uncovering Hargrove family secrets in order to find a real murderer.
I'm not sure about other readers, but I really want to know what happened to Denise at the end? Has Jake succeeded and prevented her and count's marriage? I need answers.
When you take a set of wonderful and witty characters, glamorous masquerade ball, and devious murder - you've got yourself a perfect detective story. And speaking of a detective - what a charming, smart, goodhearted and sassy little investigator we found in a face of Lady Alkmene! This is a 4th book featuring Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois "partnership". However, this is the first book of the series that I've read. The first 3 books are already on my to-read list.
So, back to the story. Great and twisted plot. Lady Alkmene and Jake are reunited at the masquerade ball that is taking place at Alkmene's friend Denise's family house outside of London. At midnight Lady Alkmene come across a breathless body of the servant in the bathhouse. A young maid is arrested. Lady Alkmene is convinced in young girl's innocence and has set her mind to resolve the murder mystery to free harmless maid. Lady Alkmene and Jake work as a team, following clues and uncovering Hargrove family secrets in order to find a real murderer.
I'm not sure about other readers, but I really want to know what happened to Denise at the end? Has Jake succeeded and prevented her and count's marriage? I need answers.
October 21, 2017
The cosy mystery is often delegated to the inconsequential, fluffy and comfortable read shelf. It simply isn’t given its dues. It is actually a really popular sub-genre of the crime and mystery genre.
Not everyone wants to read brutal psychological stories that mess with your head and make your little grey cells ask for a break, although admittedly I love those a lot.
Some readers want the eloquence and eccentricities of Christie-like characters combined with the quirky scenarios of Beaton, witty reads that leave you with a smile.
Conroy delivers the kind of characters you remember and enjoy. An ode to Tuppence and Tommy, but perhaps a little less suave and with a lot more cheek.
In this fourth book in the Lady Alkmene Mystery series, the reader is spoilt with choices of possible culprits, which means the amateur detectives have to work a lot harder to discover who did the deed.
Lady Alkmene accompanies her friend to a masquerade ball, which becomes a wee bit more serious when a dead body turns up and the hostess and her family become the main suspects.
If you’re looking for a bit of mystery, a dead body now and again, and a set of colourful characters then you should give Conroy a try.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.*
Not everyone wants to read brutal psychological stories that mess with your head and make your little grey cells ask for a break, although admittedly I love those a lot.
Some readers want the eloquence and eccentricities of Christie-like characters combined with the quirky scenarios of Beaton, witty reads that leave you with a smile.
Conroy delivers the kind of characters you remember and enjoy. An ode to Tuppence and Tommy, but perhaps a little less suave and with a lot more cheek.
In this fourth book in the Lady Alkmene Mystery series, the reader is spoilt with choices of possible culprits, which means the amateur detectives have to work a lot harder to discover who did the deed.
Lady Alkmene accompanies her friend to a masquerade ball, which becomes a wee bit more serious when a dead body turns up and the hostess and her family become the main suspects.
If you’re looking for a bit of mystery, a dead body now and again, and a set of colourful characters then you should give Conroy a try.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.*
September 23, 2017
I love all Vivian Conroy's writing, but Fatal Masquerade was hard to get into and the plot wasn't as compelling as previous Lady Alkmene books. I finished it, and enjoyed it, because it improved at the end as the story line wrapped up.
Lady Alkmene is going to a masked ball with her friend Denise Hargrove. The ball will be held at palatial Hargrove estate. The family and guests are wealthy and prestigious, and the ball should be an extravagant affair. Sometime during the festivities, Lady Alkene steps out and finds one of the servants dead under mysterious circumstances. One of the maids is arrested, but Lady Alkmene is sure she's innocent.
Who killed Cobb and why? Was it the housekeeper? The psychiatrist from London who seems to study everyone very carefully? Lady Alkmene doesn't know, but with the help of her friend and partner Jake, she'll find out.
The setting and descriptions were lovely, but the plot didn't come together for me until the end. I recommend this book if you're already a Lady Alkmene fan.
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Alkmene is going to a masked ball with her friend Denise Hargrove. The ball will be held at palatial Hargrove estate. The family and guests are wealthy and prestigious, and the ball should be an extravagant affair. Sometime during the festivities, Lady Alkene steps out and finds one of the servants dead under mysterious circumstances. One of the maids is arrested, but Lady Alkmene is sure she's innocent.
Who killed Cobb and why? Was it the housekeeper? The psychiatrist from London who seems to study everyone very carefully? Lady Alkmene doesn't know, but with the help of her friend and partner Jake, she'll find out.
The setting and descriptions were lovely, but the plot didn't come together for me until the end. I recommend this book if you're already a Lady Alkmene fan.
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2017
If you enjoy the Miss Fisher Mysteries you will enjoy Vivian Conroy’s charming series featuring Lady Alkmene and reporter Jake Dubois. Set against the glittering backdrop of England in the 1920’s these stories have murder, suspense and just a hint of romance.
In Fatal Masquerade, Lady Alkmene accompanies her friend Denise to a grand party at her father’s estate. No expense is spared in preparing for the event, and a who’s who of business and aristocracy is expected to attend. Lady Alkmene’s first surprise is finding her friend Jake Dubois in attendance. Her second is finding yet another body - that of an insolent footman with an eye for the finer things in life and a taste for blackmail.
Vivian Conroy is a good writer of cosy mysteries, but I have to say her Lady Alkmene Demysteries are the best I’ve read so far. The plots are complex without being over complicated, and the settings and characters have an authentic 1920s feel. If you like light historical mysteries with just a dash of romance, you will enjoy Fatal Masquerade.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Fatal Masquerade from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
October 15, 2017
This was a truly cozy mystery, part of a series, but with well developed and likeable characters. The action moved along, not too swiftly, but quick enough to not get bored or bogged down with overly elaborate narrative. The plot also fit well with the time period. It is definitely a stand alone book, although references do indicate that Lady Alkmene and Jake have had previous adventures. There is a real equality between the two of them, neither "rescuing" the other or getting in dangerous situations that seriously risk life and limb. The other characters in the book were nicely fleshed out, again without overly descriptive or boring discussion. I definitely was in a relaxed mood while reading this, anticipating the action, but not having to really think or question the mystery. The author is a true fan of Agatha Christie and I did see a similarity to her writing. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Conroy. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the advance reader's copy to enjoy and provide this review.
October 4, 2017
I got started with my love of mysteries when I read my mother's collection of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Cozies, especially ones set in England of the 1920's and 1930's, get my attention every time. I've read the previous three in this series and, while this entry can be read out of order, I would urge starting from the beginning so that you get the most out of the relationship between our sleuthing duo of Lady Alkmene and Jake DuBois. Be still my heart. But I digress....Lady Alkmene is invited to a masquerade ball at a country house. Of course a body is found, suspects abound and the team of Lady Alkmene and Jake are on the case. I love the descriptions, the setting, all of the elements are here for a very satisfying period mystery. Now to wait for the next installment.
My thanks to the publisher HQ Digital and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher HQ Digital and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2017
Oh these are fun books! You don't need to have read the earlier ones- Conroy has a nice way of making you know her characters very quickly. Lady Alkmene and her friend Jake Dubois (sigh) have come to a ball, invited by her friend Denise. Since it's a cozy, you know there's going to be a murder, that Denise is going to be a suspect, and that Lady Alkmene and Jake will investigate. What makes it different is that it's set in the 1920s in a castle! There's an upstairs/downstairs issue, there are poseurs, there's just a neat little mystery here. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Try this one for a cozy with a twist.
August 2, 2018
This was my first book in this murder mystery series and it wasn't that hard to figure out the relationships. The main characters were interesting and I might read the next book in the series because of them. My big problems were with the mystery itself. It was so not subtle that by the time the book gets to the big reveal of the murderer I wasn't surprised in the least. Usually, the murderer is the one that isn't brought up as suspect or is too easily discounted. Instead the murderer is the one of the people the main character can't stop saying is suspicious. Is this how the mysteries in this series usually end up?
March 29, 2019
I wish I could give this a higher review, I enjoyed our two H’s. She’s an upper class aristocrat who is smart unspoiled and savy. He’s a reporter with a shady past who is a match for our Heroine. Set in a country estate they work a murder mystery ehith a host of disparate characters above and below stairs. One of my quarrels with the whole thing is every character are stereotypes they are also all unlikeable. Without sympathy for at least one family member or staff I really wasn’t invested in the proceedings, the discussions between our two H’s went on ad nauseum and the action was minimized. Too much discussion and no revelations on how she got there at the end.
October 19, 2017
I always enjoy this series when I am looking for some light, easy reading. This installment is a classic manor house mystery trying to determine whodunit from the dinner guests. This series is not heavy on details or settings, but the characters are engaging, as you follow them and the clues to its satisfying conclusion. The plot moves along at a nice pace, and the secondary plot lines are not distracting. Alkmere and Jake make a good team and their developing emotions for each other a pleasant additions.
October 2, 2017
In this 1920's set cozy mystery, Lady Alkmene Callender has been invited to a masked ball, held by the family of her new best friend, Denise. But the discovery of a body is not the only suspicious activity that is occuring. Why is her partner, Jake Dubois, at the house under false pretenses. Can they together find the guilty party.
An enjoyable easy to read mystery, with some likeable characters, and some quite awful ones.
A NetGalley Book
An enjoyable easy to read mystery, with some likeable characters, and some quite awful ones.
A NetGalley Book
October 21, 2017
I'm glad Lady Alkmene and Jake are back, plus Fatal Masquerade returns to the blackmailing ring first mentioned in book one. I can't wait to read book five in this digital shorts cozy mystery series. There are several unresolved aspects from this mystery. I hope book five comes soon, I need find out more about the Hargroves and the Zeilovskys.
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