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Lady Dunbridge Mystery #1
Ask Me No Questions
From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble, Ask Me No Questions is the first in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery series featuring a widow turned sleuth in turn-of-the-twentieth century New York City.
A modern woman in 1907, Lady Dunbridge is not about to let a little thing like the death of her husband ruin her social life. She’s ready to take the dazzling world of Gilded Age Manhattan by storm.
From the decadence of high society balls to the underbelly of Belmont horse racing, romance, murder, and scandals abound. Someone simply must do something. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
A modern woman in 1907, Lady Dunbridge is not about to let a little thing like the death of her husband ruin her social life. She’s ready to take the dazzling world of Gilded Age Manhattan by storm.
From the decadence of high society balls to the underbelly of Belmont horse racing, romance, murder, and scandals abound. Someone simply must do something. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
339 people are currently reading
1949 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Noble
31 books1,223 followersShelley Noble is a multi published fiction author whose books have been translated into seven languages. She writes women’s fiction as Shelley Noble and is also the author of several amateur sleuth mystery series, written as Shelley Freydont.
A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet.
Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.
She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.
A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet.
Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.
She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 25, 2018
ASK ME NO QUESTIONS by Shelley Noble is the first novel in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery Series, and it is due out October 16th 2018 by Forge Books.
Lady Philomena “Phil” Dunbridge is just out of mourning for her not-so-dearly departed husband, and she is ready for a fresh start in New York. Phil has just barely stepped off the ocean liner when her friend’s husband is shot to death while waiting to give them a ride. Phil’s friend, Beverly, quickly becomes the police’s number one suspect. And it doesn’t help matters when a second dead body is discovered in Bev’s townhouse. With the police investigating them and unknown people threatening them, it is up to Phil to find the real killer before her friend is arrested for a crime that Phil’s fairly certain Bev didn’t commit.
I’m a big fan of historical mysteries – especially ones set in the early 1900s – and I was excited to read ASK ME NO QUESTIONS. My excitement didn’t last very long. While the mystery itself was interesting – especially the parts about the horse racing and fixing the races – I found the writing to be bland and there were certain aspects of the two murders made no sense to me. One victim is shot to death in a crowded, well-populated area in broad daylight yet no one sees anything? And the wife and her friend become suspects despite arriving on scene AFTER the shot has been fired and then man is dead. Then the second victim is found shot to death in a house that is full of servants yet none of them heard the gunshot? I also had problems with the end of the novel when two characters commit arson to destroy some evidence. How they manage not to set the entire house on fire is the real mystery to me. Also, I just couldn’t bring myself to really care about any of the characters. I just didn’t think any of them were likable. And there was a lack of character development for all of the main characters. Phil came off as vapid and annoying. Bev wasn’t much better. The only character I actually liked was Phil’s maid, Lily. She has potential to be a fun, interesting character in later books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Lady Philomena “Phil” Dunbridge is just out of mourning for her not-so-dearly departed husband, and she is ready for a fresh start in New York. Phil has just barely stepped off the ocean liner when her friend’s husband is shot to death while waiting to give them a ride. Phil’s friend, Beverly, quickly becomes the police’s number one suspect. And it doesn’t help matters when a second dead body is discovered in Bev’s townhouse. With the police investigating them and unknown people threatening them, it is up to Phil to find the real killer before her friend is arrested for a crime that Phil’s fairly certain Bev didn’t commit.
I’m a big fan of historical mysteries – especially ones set in the early 1900s – and I was excited to read ASK ME NO QUESTIONS. My excitement didn’t last very long. While the mystery itself was interesting – especially the parts about the horse racing and fixing the races – I found the writing to be bland and there were certain aspects of the two murders made no sense to me. One victim is shot to death in a crowded, well-populated area in broad daylight yet no one sees anything? And the wife and her friend become suspects despite arriving on scene AFTER the shot has been fired and then man is dead. Then the second victim is found shot to death in a house that is full of servants yet none of them heard the gunshot? I also had problems with the end of the novel when two characters commit arson to destroy some evidence. How they manage not to set the entire house on fire is the real mystery to me. Also, I just couldn’t bring myself to really care about any of the characters. I just didn’t think any of them were likable. And there was a lack of character development for all of the main characters. Phil came off as vapid and annoying. Bev wasn’t much better. The only character I actually liked was Phil’s maid, Lily. She has potential to be a fun, interesting character in later books.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 24, 2018
Noble introduces her formidable sleuth, Lady Dunbridge, with a bang, quite literally, when the philandering, horse-mad husband of her American friend is shot in broad daylight. Her ladyship is quickly forced to take matters into her own hands, lest her friend be arrested for murder. This first book in a new series is deftly plotted, well-researched, sharp with wit, and teases at the possibility of future romance. Highly intriguing and entertaining.
December 1, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We meet Lady Dunbridge after mourning her husband’s death for two years. She and her “maid” and butler journey to Manhattan in 1907 where her friend Bev Reynolds will introduce her to all her high society friends. Right after they get off the ship gunshots ring out, she hears Bev scream, and chaos ensues. Getting through the crowd they find Bev’s husband dead in the arms of a floradora girl crying that he killed himself. The evidence doesn’t support that claim and the police set their sights on Bev as their main suspect. Lady Dunbridge may have just arrived but she knows her friend is not a killer. While making her introduction at all the dinners and balls she vows to keep her eyes and ears open to prove her friend’s innocence. Of course, she will do a bit of snooping too.
Ms. Noble has created an impressive amateur sleuth in Lady Dunbridge and teamed her up with excellent assistants in her “maid” Lily, and butler Preswick. Lily has many talents and Preswick does all he can to keep the both of them safe. All three are strong characters. The supporting cast includes Bev Reynolds, her staff, her husband’s staff, and their friends. They are a very eclectic group. Bev’s husband Reggie ran with a horse racing set and he seems to have owed everyone money. Bev friends are the elite set and the spouses of the men her husband seems indebted too. The author has really fleshed out these characters by the end of the story.
Solving the mystery takes us all around New York to the dinners and parties and out to the Reynold’s stable at Holly Farm where their horses are kept and trained. There is twist after twist after twist. I had my focus drawn to one character and then away and back again, yet the climax was surprising and exciting.
The author gives us so much detail throughout the whole story that every place came alive in my mind, The same with the people. Her words generated some wonderful imagery. She also kept true to the language of the time which I liked.
This series is off to an excellent start. The author has left doors open for future installments. I am excited to learn more about Lily and Lady Dunbridge and her life as she continues to live in New York.
We meet Lady Dunbridge after mourning her husband’s death for two years. She and her “maid” and butler journey to Manhattan in 1907 where her friend Bev Reynolds will introduce her to all her high society friends. Right after they get off the ship gunshots ring out, she hears Bev scream, and chaos ensues. Getting through the crowd they find Bev’s husband dead in the arms of a floradora girl crying that he killed himself. The evidence doesn’t support that claim and the police set their sights on Bev as their main suspect. Lady Dunbridge may have just arrived but she knows her friend is not a killer. While making her introduction at all the dinners and balls she vows to keep her eyes and ears open to prove her friend’s innocence. Of course, she will do a bit of snooping too.
Ms. Noble has created an impressive amateur sleuth in Lady Dunbridge and teamed her up with excellent assistants in her “maid” Lily, and butler Preswick. Lily has many talents and Preswick does all he can to keep the both of them safe. All three are strong characters. The supporting cast includes Bev Reynolds, her staff, her husband’s staff, and their friends. They are a very eclectic group. Bev’s husband Reggie ran with a horse racing set and he seems to have owed everyone money. Bev friends are the elite set and the spouses of the men her husband seems indebted too. The author has really fleshed out these characters by the end of the story.
Solving the mystery takes us all around New York to the dinners and parties and out to the Reynold’s stable at Holly Farm where their horses are kept and trained. There is twist after twist after twist. I had my focus drawn to one character and then away and back again, yet the climax was surprising and exciting.
The author gives us so much detail throughout the whole story that every place came alive in my mind, The same with the people. Her words generated some wonderful imagery. She also kept true to the language of the time which I liked.
This series is off to an excellent start. The author has left doors open for future installments. I am excited to learn more about Lily and Lady Dunbridge and her life as she continues to live in New York.
did-not-finish
October 13, 2021I gave it 100 pages. When I got to chapter 7, I realized that I didn’t like anyone in the book and was just itching to read something else.
There didn’t seem to be any chemistry between our heroine and her best friend or the detective who (Im guessing) will be her friend or love interest.
There didn’t seem to be any chemistry between our heroine and her best friend or the detective who (Im guessing) will be her friend or love interest.
December 11, 2018
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2U38Xdb
Ask Me No Questions is a fascinating mystery of the highest quality, atmospheric and witty, and it was like I was in another world as I poured through its pages. Shelley Noble effortlessly draws readers into the 1907 world of New York City through rich historical detail and vivid descriptions.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge (Phil) is a compelling lead character. She’s strong, determined, smart, and sly. Phil likes to flirt, lives life as she pleases, and is not easily intimidated by those in authority. While I wasn’t crazy about her in the beginning, she grew on me as I got to know her better, and she is loyal to a fault. I loved seeing our country through her eyes, as she was often amazed at “those Americans.”
Two strong supporting characters stand out and will be fun to watch in future stories – Lily, Phil’s lady’s maid, and Preswick, her butler. Lily’s background is somewhat mysterious, promising much more to come. I love British fiction, and although this story takes place in America, Phil and her staff are English to the core. It’s fun to watch the often frustrating interaction between Phil’s staff and that of her friend, Bev.
The murder of Bev’s husband, Reggie, is baffling in itself, as it took place in the middle of the day, in a crowded area, and seemingly no witnesses. The ensuing investigation follows the logical step-by-step questioning of suspects in a manner that I enjoyed. The author excels at introducing characters slowly, in a way that it’s easy to keep up with them all. The world of horse racing, especially some of the criminal elements associated with it, comes into play. I’m not sure Lady Dunbridge and I would have been friends in real life, but if I were about to be charged with a crime, I’d certainly want her in my corner. There are a lot of twists and turns, and my suspicions could never rest solely on one person.
I hope Ask Me No Questions is the beginning of a long series. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Ask Me No Questions is a fascinating mystery of the highest quality, atmospheric and witty, and it was like I was in another world as I poured through its pages. Shelley Noble effortlessly draws readers into the 1907 world of New York City through rich historical detail and vivid descriptions.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge (Phil) is a compelling lead character. She’s strong, determined, smart, and sly. Phil likes to flirt, lives life as she pleases, and is not easily intimidated by those in authority. While I wasn’t crazy about her in the beginning, she grew on me as I got to know her better, and she is loyal to a fault. I loved seeing our country through her eyes, as she was often amazed at “those Americans.”
Two strong supporting characters stand out and will be fun to watch in future stories – Lily, Phil’s lady’s maid, and Preswick, her butler. Lily’s background is somewhat mysterious, promising much more to come. I love British fiction, and although this story takes place in America, Phil and her staff are English to the core. It’s fun to watch the often frustrating interaction between Phil’s staff and that of her friend, Bev.
The murder of Bev’s husband, Reggie, is baffling in itself, as it took place in the middle of the day, in a crowded area, and seemingly no witnesses. The ensuing investigation follows the logical step-by-step questioning of suspects in a manner that I enjoyed. The author excels at introducing characters slowly, in a way that it’s easy to keep up with them all. The world of horse racing, especially some of the criminal elements associated with it, comes into play. I’m not sure Lady Dunbridge and I would have been friends in real life, but if I were about to be charged with a crime, I’d certainly want her in my corner. There are a lot of twists and turns, and my suspicions could never rest solely on one person.
I hope Ask Me No Questions is the beginning of a long series. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 8, 2020
New year - looking for new series - tried this author out for first time. It is well written; one can easily invest in the fate of Lady Dunbridge coming from England in the early 1900's to New York with a shocking beginning. Her friend from school days meets her at the dock but the welcome is tainted by the immediate discovery of her friend's husband getting shot to death. Thus begins Lady D's entry into the world of detection. There will be NY high society, horse track betting, break-ins, broken mistresses, shady followers, fashion houses and finery, waltzes and stolen kisses.
I may or may not move on to the second book.
Library Loan
I may or may not move on to the second book.
Library Loan
October 19, 2018
Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “Ask Me No Questions” “A Lady Dunbridge Mystery” by Shelley Noble
Shelley Noble, Author of “Ask Me no Questions”, ” A Lady Dunbridge Mystery” has written a witty, intriguing. entertaining, and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this Novel are Mystery, Fiction and Historical Fiction. The time line for this novel is the turn of the twentieth century. The author describes her quirky and colorful characters as complex, complicated and suspect.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge (Phil) arrives in the United States as a widow who has been mourning and grieving for her deceased husband for two years in England. Phil is with her loyal butler Preswick, and her newly hired maid Lily. They are headed to visit with Bev Reynolds, an old friend.
Hearing gunshots coming from Bev’s husband’s car, Phil and Bev run to find Bev’s husband shot and bleeding in his mistress’s areas. There is no driver in the car. Phil guides Bev away, and soon a detective comes to question them. Bev as well as the mistress seen to be suspects.
Phil feels it is her obligation to play detective and find who did this. Bev’s husband Reggie Reynolds, owed everyone money. He has a stable of horses, and one that everyone was counting on running and making a fortune. It looks like there is corruption within the law. Reggie Reynolds had some very suspect friends, and very angry friends. Even Bev’s father has been angry with him.
There are twists and turns, and highs and lows, There are characters who are loyal, and some have betrayed Bev. Who can be trusted? I would recommend this captivating and entertaining novel for those readers who love a great mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Shelley Noble, Author of “Ask Me no Questions”, ” A Lady Dunbridge Mystery” has written a witty, intriguing. entertaining, and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this Novel are Mystery, Fiction and Historical Fiction. The time line for this novel is the turn of the twentieth century. The author describes her quirky and colorful characters as complex, complicated and suspect.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge (Phil) arrives in the United States as a widow who has been mourning and grieving for her deceased husband for two years in England. Phil is with her loyal butler Preswick, and her newly hired maid Lily. They are headed to visit with Bev Reynolds, an old friend.
Hearing gunshots coming from Bev’s husband’s car, Phil and Bev run to find Bev’s husband shot and bleeding in his mistress’s areas. There is no driver in the car. Phil guides Bev away, and soon a detective comes to question them. Bev as well as the mistress seen to be suspects.
Phil feels it is her obligation to play detective and find who did this. Bev’s husband Reggie Reynolds, owed everyone money. He has a stable of horses, and one that everyone was counting on running and making a fortune. It looks like there is corruption within the law. Reggie Reynolds had some very suspect friends, and very angry friends. Even Bev’s father has been angry with him.
There are twists and turns, and highs and lows, There are characters who are loyal, and some have betrayed Bev. Who can be trusted? I would recommend this captivating and entertaining novel for those readers who love a great mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
November 3, 2018
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *
Every once in awhile, I like to read a good traditional mystery. While I might not read many of them, I do watch a ton of mystery TV shows and have since I was a kid, so reading them can feel nostalgic. I absolutely love diving deep in and trying to guess the villians from the clues.
This book provides a great atmosphere while also giving enough clues to let the reader play along. It is an entertaining book and kept me guessing. The historical detail was rich and, to my knowledge, accurate and the characters really shined through because of it. This time period is one in flux where things are changing, so it was nice to read about different ways of living, fashion, and protests for change.
I liked Lady Dunbridge, but she could be a bit too stuffy for my tastes-- this is totally a personal preference though and not something I'm holding against the book. As a character she is done well. Her friend Bev is one I didn't always have a handle on. Her personality seems to be different than what Phil keeps remembering. "She's so smart and clever" but then doesn't act it... almost ever. It was weird. Many of the other side characters I did really enjoy, especially those in Phil's care, which is a good thing since we will be seeing them more in the series.
I enjoyed the mystery, I enjoyed reading this, so why three stars instead of four? For some reason, it just didn't keep my attention. It was easy for me to put down. There were moments I was super into it, but most the time I wasn't deeply committed. This doesn't mean I don't think other people will like it!
If you like traditional mysteries and historical settings done accurately, then you should give this one a try! It is well worth trying out and I will probably read the sequel.
Every once in awhile, I like to read a good traditional mystery. While I might not read many of them, I do watch a ton of mystery TV shows and have since I was a kid, so reading them can feel nostalgic. I absolutely love diving deep in and trying to guess the villians from the clues.
This book provides a great atmosphere while also giving enough clues to let the reader play along. It is an entertaining book and kept me guessing. The historical detail was rich and, to my knowledge, accurate and the characters really shined through because of it. This time period is one in flux where things are changing, so it was nice to read about different ways of living, fashion, and protests for change.
I liked Lady Dunbridge, but she could be a bit too stuffy for my tastes-- this is totally a personal preference though and not something I'm holding against the book. As a character she is done well. Her friend Bev is one I didn't always have a handle on. Her personality seems to be different than what Phil keeps remembering. "She's so smart and clever" but then doesn't act it... almost ever. It was weird. Many of the other side characters I did really enjoy, especially those in Phil's care, which is a good thing since we will be seeing them more in the series.
I enjoyed the mystery, I enjoyed reading this, so why three stars instead of four? For some reason, it just didn't keep my attention. It was easy for me to put down. There were moments I was super into it, but most the time I wasn't deeply committed. This doesn't mean I don't think other people will like it!
If you like traditional mysteries and historical settings done accurately, then you should give this one a try! It is well worth trying out and I will probably read the sequel.
September 13, 2018
From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble, Ask Me No Questions is the first in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery series featuring a widow turned sleuth in turn-of-the-twentieth century New York City.
An enjoyable mystery novel with a fun set of characters. Looking forward to the next one in the series. I found it to a very enjoyable read.
An enjoyable mystery novel with a fun set of characters. Looking forward to the next one in the series. I found it to a very enjoyable read.
March 20, 2019
A butler who knew about fingerprints and secret compartments, a lady's maid who could pick locks and carried a stiletto. And a dowager countess who is an obnoxious twat. What a trio! 🙄
I made it a little over 100 pages in and couldn't take it anymore. If you're going to write a period story, how about at least attempting to make it authentic? Pretty sure butlers and maids didn't act like secretaries slash bodyguards with fully expressive features and a hint of the criminal. Not proper ones at least, which is what both Tuttle and Presweick (the warring butlers) are supposed to be. Lily the mysterious maid was someone Lady Dunbridge picked up as a stowaway on her ship sailing over from England, and of course she became her closest confidante inside a week. 🙄 🙄 🙄
I've yet to find a decent Gilded Age mystery series. Hope springs eternal, I suppose.
I made it a little over 100 pages in and couldn't take it anymore. If you're going to write a period story, how about at least attempting to make it authentic? Pretty sure butlers and maids didn't act like secretaries slash bodyguards with fully expressive features and a hint of the criminal. Not proper ones at least, which is what both Tuttle and Presweick (the warring butlers) are supposed to be. Lily the mysterious maid was someone Lady Dunbridge picked up as a stowaway on her ship sailing over from England, and of course she became her closest confidante inside a week. 🙄 🙄 🙄
I've yet to find a decent Gilded Age mystery series. Hope springs eternal, I suppose.
June 24, 2019
The first book in the Lady Dunbridge does show some potential as the characters are overall fun and there is definitely more to explore. However as a mystery it fell flat. Lady Dunbridge is a slightly scandalous widow who has moved to New York to visit her equally scandalous friend. When the friend's husband is murdered pretty much in front of them, they start trying to figure out why he was killed. If only they had spent more time actually thinking about the crime instead of the numerous conversations about how scandalous they are or could be. The solution was so obvious about halfway through the book that I then spent the rest of the book wondering when on earth she was going to put it all together.
February 14, 2019
This book was almost painfully slow. The characters were forgettable, and though there were a few interesting interactions between Phil and Lily her maid and John Atkins, overall it was a pretty bland mystery. First, there was no indication that horse racing would be so central to the plot, I don’t read Dick Francis novels for a reason. That coupled with a lack of good period details really made this a miss for me.
did-not-finish
July 6, 2020Got about 40 pages into this and decided I really couldn't stand anyone. I'm having enough trouble reading books, and am putting down enough that are better than this to bother trying to force myself to read something I'm really not enjoying. Everything just felt so sordid. I wanted to yell at the characters to show a little decorum. Which seemed to be in short supply. I don't know, in a historical, I guess I expect people to have better manners? This just felt too... loud.
December 15, 2019
3.5 stars
Ask Me No Questions by Shelley Noble is a charming and atmospheric, historic cozy mystery set in Manhattan at the turn of the twentieth century. It’s the first in the Lady Dunbridge series and offers a little bit of everything from mystery, to a touch of romance, with numerous historical references.
The spirited Lady Philomena Dunbridge is just over her public mourning period from the loss of her husband, though privately she feels no great loss, and is ready to start afresh in New York City. She takes a trip to visit her dear socialite friend Beverly before settling in on her own, when upon arrival, Bev’s husband is shot. With her newly employed and rescued lady maid in hand, “Phil” seeks to solve the mystery in order to keep her friend from being charged with murder.
This story is full of historic details perfectly suited to the era and is reminiscent of the Amory Ames sleuthing adventures. This particular story is also chock full of satirical and salacious high society norms of the day.
It’s well-written and intelligent with a strong-minded lady lead character and is in keeping with a light-hearted Agatha Christie type feel. It’s entertaining and ends with a delightful cliffhanger.
Ask Me No Questions by Shelley Noble is a charming and atmospheric, historic cozy mystery set in Manhattan at the turn of the twentieth century. It’s the first in the Lady Dunbridge series and offers a little bit of everything from mystery, to a touch of romance, with numerous historical references.
The spirited Lady Philomena Dunbridge is just over her public mourning period from the loss of her husband, though privately she feels no great loss, and is ready to start afresh in New York City. She takes a trip to visit her dear socialite friend Beverly before settling in on her own, when upon arrival, Bev’s husband is shot. With her newly employed and rescued lady maid in hand, “Phil” seeks to solve the mystery in order to keep her friend from being charged with murder.
This story is full of historic details perfectly suited to the era and is reminiscent of the Amory Ames sleuthing adventures. This particular story is also chock full of satirical and salacious high society norms of the day.
It’s well-written and intelligent with a strong-minded lady lead character and is in keeping with a light-hearted Agatha Christie type feel. It’s entertaining and ends with a delightful cliffhanger.
October 13, 2018
Ask Me No Questions is the first book in the A Lady Dunbridge Mystery series.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge has just finished a suitable period of mourning for her husband an article in the newspaper refers to her as Lady Dowager. At twenty-six years old, she feels that she is too young to be called a dowager. Philomena(Phil) decides that she will head for America and start a new life. She writes Bev Reynolds, they had attended the same finishing school, asking if she could stay with the Reynolds until she could get settled in. Once the ship docks and the passengers are descending the gangway, spots Bev in the crowd and they wave to each and then starts to run away. Phil follows her to a car and in the car is Reggie Reynolds dead from a gunshot and a female who later identified as his mistress, Mimi LaPonte. Quite naturally Bev becomes the #1 person of interest in the death of her husband.
Phil, along with her lady’s maid, Lily, and her butler, Preswick, set out to identify who the murderer is. Phil soon learns that Reggie has two very expensive hobbies, gambling, and his horse racing stable. Also, he has gotten money from his father-in-law for a manuscript that no one knows about. She soon discovers that some of the most powerful members of society may have wanted him dead. Also, some of these same members of society are also involved with Reggie in his horse breeding and racing. The book concludes with a very exciting showdown at the race track
I thought this was a well-told and plotted story with an interesting cast of characters. I’m looking forward to more of the “stiff upper lip” Preswick, Phil’s wonderful butler. Also, I am hoping to learn more about Lily’s backstory. I thought she was quite an interesting young lady.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this enjoyable new series.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge has just finished a suitable period of mourning for her husband an article in the newspaper refers to her as Lady Dowager. At twenty-six years old, she feels that she is too young to be called a dowager. Philomena(Phil) decides that she will head for America and start a new life. She writes Bev Reynolds, they had attended the same finishing school, asking if she could stay with the Reynolds until she could get settled in. Once the ship docks and the passengers are descending the gangway, spots Bev in the crowd and they wave to each and then starts to run away. Phil follows her to a car and in the car is Reggie Reynolds dead from a gunshot and a female who later identified as his mistress, Mimi LaPonte. Quite naturally Bev becomes the #1 person of interest in the death of her husband.
Phil, along with her lady’s maid, Lily, and her butler, Preswick, set out to identify who the murderer is. Phil soon learns that Reggie has two very expensive hobbies, gambling, and his horse racing stable. Also, he has gotten money from his father-in-law for a manuscript that no one knows about. She soon discovers that some of the most powerful members of society may have wanted him dead. Also, some of these same members of society are also involved with Reggie in his horse breeding and racing. The book concludes with a very exciting showdown at the race track
I thought this was a well-told and plotted story with an interesting cast of characters. I’m looking forward to more of the “stiff upper lip” Preswick, Phil’s wonderful butler. Also, I am hoping to learn more about Lily’s backstory. I thought she was quite an interesting young lady.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this enjoyable new series.
November 10, 2020
21st century sensibilities embedded in a flimsy pretense of 1907 New York society--manipulation for position even by the supposed heroines, who are already at the top of the heap; raggedly constructed plot and uneven characterizations. I listened to this book on Audible, and perhaps these flaws were accentuated by a narrator who read "properties" for what was obviously "propensities" and who carefully pronounced each word in "tout de suite." I won't be listening to the rest of the books in the series--an almost unheard-of decision on my part.
December 28, 2019
Disappointing. It felt like a weaker version of Come Hell or Highball. The characters didn’t pull me in quite enough, and there were too many different men for me to keep track of. I was waiting till the end to find out who the mystery man was, and the book ends without telling us! I’m not inclined to read Book #2 in this series.
December 16, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
Although this is the first book in a new series, it has a bit of the feeling of starting in the middle (in a good way), as Lady Philomena Dunbridge seems to have already solved at least one mystery ahead of the police when we first meet her. In London. Being lectured to and ordered about by her father.
Who seems to have forgotten that Phil is a widow of independent means, and no longer under his control. He also doesn’t seem to understand just how determined she is to stay that way.
In her determination, Phil takes herself off to America to stay with her best friend, Beverly Reynolds. Phil is hoping that Bev’s membership in the smart set of Gilded Age New York City will provide her with the entree that she needs into New York high society.
And far, far away from the stultifying traditions of “jolly olde England” where she will be forced, one way or another, to occupy the place reserved for dowager countesses. At 30ish, Phil is much, much too young to be a dowager, or to put herself on any kind of shelf.
She comes to New York to live.
Only to be greeted at the dock by the corpse of Bev’s husband, leaving her with a mystery to solve.
That Reggie Reynolds was shot by Bev’s gun would automatically make her a suspect, even if he hadn’t been found in the arms of his mistress.
At first, the police seem determined to pin Reggie’s murder on either Bev or the mistress. And while Phil has no compunctions about letting the poor floradora girl face the music if she’s guilty, it doesn’t seem possible. Especially when a second dead body turns up in Bev’s library, also shot with her gun.
And that’s where the story goes off to the races. Literally. Because Reggie had a horse running at Belmont, and Devil’s Thunder was favored to win. Favored to win enough that all of Reggie’s many, many creditors should have been paid off.
Unless, of course, that was the point of his murder after all.
Escape Rating A-: Phil reminds me a great deal of Phryne Fisher, and for this reader, that’s an excellent thing. Although the Lady Dunbridge series is set in Gilded Age New York, as is Joanna Shupe’s marvelous Four Hundred series, it’s Phil’s likeness to Phryne that sticks in my mind. And also more than a bit of Lydia Kang’s excellent A Beautiful Poison)
Both women are more than a bit cynical and jaded. While the both acknowledge benefits of kowtowing to society expectations, they also are very much aware of just how hollow and hypocritical those expectations are. Phil has to live by her wits a bit more than Phryne does, so she gives a bit more than lip service to those expectations, but their attitudes are similar.
And while Phil does not bed hop to the degree that Phryne does, it is clear that she also takes her pleasures where she finds them, if a bit more discreetly than her Australian counterpart.
Phil has also become an amateur detective, although in her first official outing she is still at the point where she becomes involved because a friend – and also herself – are under threat of being embroiled in the police investigation. She’s not yet taking paying clients – although there’s a hint that she may have an unofficial, semi-official paying client in future books.
What makes Phil so much fun is that she definitely has all of her wits about her, and never, ever looks down her nose at anyone who might be able to help her in her investigations. Like her butler and her lady’s maid, both of whom seem to be quite a bit more than they seem.
She also never looks a gift horse in the mouth, especially when it’s an actual horse – or at least an actual clue about a horse. The recommendation she receives from a mysterious stranger to read Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Silver Blaze is a bit of a clue-by-four, but her pursuit of said clue is every bit as much fun as her pursuit of the mysterious stranger.
I simply had a lot of good fun with Phil, much as I do with Phryne. If you enjoy historical mysteries featuring intelligent and cynical female detectives, this is a real gem and I sincerely hope the series continues. Soon.
Although this is the first book in a new series, it has a bit of the feeling of starting in the middle (in a good way), as Lady Philomena Dunbridge seems to have already solved at least one mystery ahead of the police when we first meet her. In London. Being lectured to and ordered about by her father.
Who seems to have forgotten that Phil is a widow of independent means, and no longer under his control. He also doesn’t seem to understand just how determined she is to stay that way.
In her determination, Phil takes herself off to America to stay with her best friend, Beverly Reynolds. Phil is hoping that Bev’s membership in the smart set of Gilded Age New York City will provide her with the entree that she needs into New York high society.
And far, far away from the stultifying traditions of “jolly olde England” where she will be forced, one way or another, to occupy the place reserved for dowager countesses. At 30ish, Phil is much, much too young to be a dowager, or to put herself on any kind of shelf.
She comes to New York to live.
Only to be greeted at the dock by the corpse of Bev’s husband, leaving her with a mystery to solve.
That Reggie Reynolds was shot by Bev’s gun would automatically make her a suspect, even if he hadn’t been found in the arms of his mistress.
At first, the police seem determined to pin Reggie’s murder on either Bev or the mistress. And while Phil has no compunctions about letting the poor floradora girl face the music if she’s guilty, it doesn’t seem possible. Especially when a second dead body turns up in Bev’s library, also shot with her gun.
And that’s where the story goes off to the races. Literally. Because Reggie had a horse running at Belmont, and Devil’s Thunder was favored to win. Favored to win enough that all of Reggie’s many, many creditors should have been paid off.
Unless, of course, that was the point of his murder after all.
Escape Rating A-: Phil reminds me a great deal of Phryne Fisher, and for this reader, that’s an excellent thing. Although the Lady Dunbridge series is set in Gilded Age New York, as is Joanna Shupe’s marvelous Four Hundred series, it’s Phil’s likeness to Phryne that sticks in my mind. And also more than a bit of Lydia Kang’s excellent A Beautiful Poison)
Both women are more than a bit cynical and jaded. While the both acknowledge benefits of kowtowing to society expectations, they also are very much aware of just how hollow and hypocritical those expectations are. Phil has to live by her wits a bit more than Phryne does, so she gives a bit more than lip service to those expectations, but their attitudes are similar.
And while Phil does not bed hop to the degree that Phryne does, it is clear that she also takes her pleasures where she finds them, if a bit more discreetly than her Australian counterpart.
Phil has also become an amateur detective, although in her first official outing she is still at the point where she becomes involved because a friend – and also herself – are under threat of being embroiled in the police investigation. She’s not yet taking paying clients – although there’s a hint that she may have an unofficial, semi-official paying client in future books.
What makes Phil so much fun is that she definitely has all of her wits about her, and never, ever looks down her nose at anyone who might be able to help her in her investigations. Like her butler and her lady’s maid, both of whom seem to be quite a bit more than they seem.
She also never looks a gift horse in the mouth, especially when it’s an actual horse – or at least an actual clue about a horse. The recommendation she receives from a mysterious stranger to read Sherlock Holmes’ Adventure of the Silver Blaze is a bit of a clue-by-four, but her pursuit of said clue is every bit as much fun as her pursuit of the mysterious stranger.
I simply had a lot of good fun with Phil, much as I do with Phryne. If you enjoy historical mysteries featuring intelligent and cynical female detectives, this is a real gem and I sincerely hope the series continues. Soon.
February 28, 2019
Lady Philomena Dunbridge might be a widow (good riddance to bad husbands) but she's not a dowager! She has no intentions of returning to her father's home, living in the moldy dower house with a "suitable" companion or living with her crazy great-aunt in the back of beyond. Luckily her grandmother has left Phil some money which Phil uses to pay for passage to New York! Along the way she picks up a mysterious new maid to assist her longtime butler, Prestwick, in helping her in her new life in America. Unfortunately for Phil, her arrival doesn't go as smoothly as one could wish when her friend and hostess, Mrs. Beverly Reynolds, finds her husband Reggie shot to death in his motorcar in the arms of his mistress. Bev is not so distraught, she has that in common with Phil, but the family fears scandal and will do anything to hush it up, including on removing the case from the only honest detective in New York. With the presence of a dead body in the library, killed with Bev's pistol, things don't look good for Bev. Phil works hard to ensure her friend doesn't end up in jail. She also tries to solve the mystery of the enigmatic and very handsome stranger who keeps disappearing on her, all while making a splash on New York society.
This is a great new mystery. I was not able to put the pieces together at all. I did figure out who but not so much why except in a vague sense. The mystery was a little more complicated than it needed to be in the end. The period details are seamlessly woven into the story. The author clearly did a lot of research on Gilded Age New York but at times I thought I was reading about the roaring 20s. I kept forgetting the story takes place in 1907. I didn't care for the racy dialogue and excessive drinking and I was left wanting more when not all the mysteries were solved. I guess that means I have to read the next book in the series whenever that comes out.
I liked Phil a lot. She's sensible and cares for her friend yet slightly mischievous. She doesn't seem to grow as a character yet though. Bev is less enjoyable. She's a member of the fast set and enjoys drinking to excess, partying, carrying on with men who are not her husband and seems to care for nothing. She doesn't seem to understand the gravity of the situation she's in and all Bev does is whine about being forced into mourning. By the end she shows some strength as she weariest of the fast crowd. Her husband Reggie was a bounder and a cad who cared more for his horses than his women. He openly cheated on her causing a scandal- a big no no in high society! Not only did he cheat on Bev, he cheated with a cheap chorus girl with a phony name and he owed money to just about everyone in New York. The rest of the family leaves a bit to be desired, caring more about scandal than anything else.
I love Phil's servants more than the high society people. Preswick is a very proper English butler. He's a loyal family retainer and obviously cares about Phil. Lily is enigmatic but she proves loyal as well. I wonder what her story is? It seems intriguing!
This is a great new mystery. I was not able to put the pieces together at all. I did figure out who but not so much why except in a vague sense. The mystery was a little more complicated than it needed to be in the end. The period details are seamlessly woven into the story. The author clearly did a lot of research on Gilded Age New York but at times I thought I was reading about the roaring 20s. I kept forgetting the story takes place in 1907. I didn't care for the racy dialogue and excessive drinking and I was left wanting more when not all the mysteries were solved. I guess that means I have to read the next book in the series whenever that comes out.
I liked Phil a lot. She's sensible and cares for her friend yet slightly mischievous. She doesn't seem to grow as a character yet though. Bev is less enjoyable. She's a member of the fast set and enjoys drinking to excess, partying, carrying on with men who are not her husband and seems to care for nothing. She doesn't seem to understand the gravity of the situation she's in and all Bev does is whine about being forced into mourning. By the end she shows some strength as she weariest of the fast crowd. Her husband Reggie was a bounder and a cad who cared more for his horses than his women. He openly cheated on her causing a scandal- a big no no in high society! Not only did he cheat on Bev, he cheated with a cheap chorus girl with a phony name and he owed money to just about everyone in New York. The rest of the family leaves a bit to be desired, caring more about scandal than anything else.
I love Phil's servants more than the high society people. Preswick is a very proper English butler. He's a loyal family retainer and obviously cares about Phil. Lily is enigmatic but she proves loyal as well. I wonder what her story is? It seems intriguing!
September 10, 2019
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is recently widowed and also in the midst of a new scandal when she helps solve a crime. At twenty-seven, she feels to young to be considered a dowager and too old to be back under the thumb of the father who married her to the much older and dissolute earl when she was seventeen.
Phil decides to travel to New York to visit an old school friend and start a new life for herself. Unfortunately she arrives just in time to find her old friend in the midst of a scandal of her own. Bev's husband Reggie is found dead in the arms of his mistress. He was shot with a gun he had given Bev. Worse yet, they return to Bev's home and enter her husband's locked office to find another dead man. This one is a stranger.
The police in the person of Detective Sergeant Atkins are convinced that Bev killed her philandering husband. Phil is certain that she did not and is going to clear her name and protect her own reputation. Phil is assisted by her new maid Lily and her butler Preswick who accompanied her to New York.
Phil finds herself looking into Reggie's life and especially his horse racing stable. He has the current favorite for an upcoming race. Phil is also being followed by a mysterious stranger who seems as comfortable with costumes and undercover work as the fictional Sherlock Holmes.
This story took us from the social scene of 1907 New York City and to the underbelly of corrupt police, racing conspiracies, and murder. Phil investigates the mistress, the right-hand man, Reggie's cousin Freddy and his wife Marguerite among many others as she tries to untangle a complex situation.
At first I wasn't too fond of Phil. I thought she was a little useless and aimless. But then I realized that she was a product of her environment which didn't place any more value on women than their appearance, reputation, and social clout. Once Phil decided to do something, she revealed some intelligence and skills at investigation.
I can't wait to see what happens next for her and her employees.
Phil decides to travel to New York to visit an old school friend and start a new life for herself. Unfortunately she arrives just in time to find her old friend in the midst of a scandal of her own. Bev's husband Reggie is found dead in the arms of his mistress. He was shot with a gun he had given Bev. Worse yet, they return to Bev's home and enter her husband's locked office to find another dead man. This one is a stranger.
The police in the person of Detective Sergeant Atkins are convinced that Bev killed her philandering husband. Phil is certain that she did not and is going to clear her name and protect her own reputation. Phil is assisted by her new maid Lily and her butler Preswick who accompanied her to New York.
Phil finds herself looking into Reggie's life and especially his horse racing stable. He has the current favorite for an upcoming race. Phil is also being followed by a mysterious stranger who seems as comfortable with costumes and undercover work as the fictional Sherlock Holmes.
This story took us from the social scene of 1907 New York City and to the underbelly of corrupt police, racing conspiracies, and murder. Phil investigates the mistress, the right-hand man, Reggie's cousin Freddy and his wife Marguerite among many others as she tries to untangle a complex situation.
At first I wasn't too fond of Phil. I thought she was a little useless and aimless. But then I realized that she was a product of her environment which didn't place any more value on women than their appearance, reputation, and social clout. Once Phil decided to do something, she revealed some intelligence and skills at investigation.
I can't wait to see what happens next for her and her employees.
March 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. A good start to a new series.
Lady Dunbridge is a good, solid, likable main character, and the situation the author has placed her in offers lots of good opportunity for interesting situations in the future. I can definitely see Phil having some entertaining adventures, given how this book wraps up.
The "fish out of water" component is handled in a light-hearted and fun way, with Brit Phil having to deal with the Americans' odd ways and language, and them having to deal with her idiosyncrasies. If makes for some fun moments as the book goes along.
The murder and its investigation are better than many of this type of book that I've read. Phil doesn't do a bunch of really foolish things to try to identify the murderer, and she is smart and sensible about what she does do in trying to ferret out the killer. I really liked Phil, and could relate to her as she went along. The British in her meant she was always polite and subtle and that is a refreshing change over many cozy-type mysteries where the main characters tend to be pushy and over-the-top. Sometimes that's fine, but a low-key amateur investigator is a nice change of pace. Phil gets things done but for the most part she avoids stepping on too many toes in the process.
The supporting characters here are also really strong. Particularly mysterious lady's maid Lily obviously has a backstory that we will learn more about - presumably - in future books. I also like Phil's butler Prestwick who looks out for her when needed.
Overall, this was just a fun, well-plotted and interesting murder mystery, and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
Format note: I listened to this as an audio book as my library had the audio version available and the narrator is excellent! If you like audio books, this is a good one!
Lady Dunbridge is a good, solid, likable main character, and the situation the author has placed her in offers lots of good opportunity for interesting situations in the future. I can definitely see Phil having some entertaining adventures, given how this book wraps up.
The "fish out of water" component is handled in a light-hearted and fun way, with Brit Phil having to deal with the Americans' odd ways and language, and them having to deal with her idiosyncrasies. If makes for some fun moments as the book goes along.
The murder and its investigation are better than many of this type of book that I've read. Phil doesn't do a bunch of really foolish things to try to identify the murderer, and she is smart and sensible about what she does do in trying to ferret out the killer. I really liked Phil, and could relate to her as she went along. The British in her meant she was always polite and subtle and that is a refreshing change over many cozy-type mysteries where the main characters tend to be pushy and over-the-top. Sometimes that's fine, but a low-key amateur investigator is a nice change of pace. Phil gets things done but for the most part she avoids stepping on too many toes in the process.
The supporting characters here are also really strong. Particularly mysterious lady's maid Lily obviously has a backstory that we will learn more about - presumably - in future books. I also like Phil's butler Prestwick who looks out for her when needed.
Overall, this was just a fun, well-plotted and interesting murder mystery, and I look forward to reading future books in the series.
Format note: I listened to this as an audio book as my library had the audio version available and the narrator is excellent! If you like audio books, this is a good one!
October 12, 2018
This was a fun mystery with a charming and likable protagonist. I was reminded of the Miss Fisher murder mysteries mixed with Elizabeth Peter’s books about archaeologist and sleuth, Amelia Peabody.
Lady Dunbridge travels to New York City to escape a potential scandal and to be free of her father. The moment she arrives, chaos ensues. Her friend’s husband is shot, his mistress disappears, and Lady Dunbridge has no choice but to solve the mystery before her friend’s reputation is tarnished.
This was a fun, quick read. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy a courageous female protagonist, mystery, and rich historical details.
4 ⭐️
Lady Dunbridge travels to New York City to escape a potential scandal and to be free of her father. The moment she arrives, chaos ensues. Her friend’s husband is shot, his mistress disappears, and Lady Dunbridge has no choice but to solve the mystery before her friend’s reputation is tarnished.
This was a fun, quick read. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy a courageous female protagonist, mystery, and rich historical details.
4 ⭐️
December 27, 2018
A fun, fast mystery, but I did feel there should have been some timeline editing done. And at times I felt more sorry for Detective Atkins than Lady Dunbridge, as she was stubbornly annoying. But further installments in series may iron out some of that. (Own)
December 4, 2019
I am a fan of the “Amory Ames” Mystery series. I thought the character in this story might be similar.
This was the first in this series.
Although it didn’t work for me, I may try another novel by this author!
This was the first in this series.
Although it didn’t work for me, I may try another novel by this author!
November 20, 2024
Great opening book for a series. British countess moves to America after the death of her husband and immediately gets thrown into a murder investigation. The culture difference are fun and the time period is very interesting.
December 10, 2020
Entertaining, full of wit and rich historical atmosphere. Lady Dunbridge is as effervescent as a glass of champagne. Fans of the Miss Fisher mysteries will love this book.
January 29, 2022
Great historical read with mystery/mild suspense! Was pretty slow at times but I liked the character and plot development. Not sure if I’ll read the next in the series or not.
September 2, 2019
I just enjoy turn of the century mystery/romance. I have enjoyed several of the authors books. The only downfall is that she went from one publisher to another and left me hanging on two different series she was writing. Very frustrating.
February 25, 2020
Flashes of potential, but a bit of a mishmash and some strangely abrupt plot developments made it a harder read than it should have been. I love a historical mystery series and I wanted to like this more but it just didn’t click.
Might drop back in in a few books time.
****copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review*****
Might drop back in in a few books time.
****copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review*****
October 8, 2019
An early 20th century mystery with a spunky recently widowed English countess reinventing herself in New York. It has a bit of Downton Abbey in it, and a little Sherlock Holmes, too. I took a while for me to get on board with the story, but I ended up liking it enough that I'll read the sequel when it comes out later this year.
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