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High Society Lady Detective #2
Murder at Blackburn Hall
A missing author and a sleepy English village rife
with secrets . . .
September, 1923. Despite closing her first case, high society lady detective Olive Belgrave hasn’t found a new client. She’s taken a job as a hat model to pay for her poky boarding house room. But then a job offer comes her way—make discreet inquiries about a famous author who’s disappeared.
Olive travels to the English countryside to hunt for the missing mystery author. But soon after she arrives in the sleepy village, a body is discovered. Then a second murder focuses the police’s attention on Olive, and she must clear her name before the murderer pens a plot that frames her.
Murder at Blackburn Hall is the second book in the High Society Lady Detective series, a lighthearted cozy historical mystery series set in 1920s England. If you love novels that take you back to the Golden Age of detective fiction with interesting plots, posh settings, and twisty mysteries, you’ll love the High Society Lady Detective Series from USA Today bestseller Sara Rosett.
with secrets . . .
September, 1923. Despite closing her first case, high society lady detective Olive Belgrave hasn’t found a new client. She’s taken a job as a hat model to pay for her poky boarding house room. But then a job offer comes her way—make discreet inquiries about a famous author who’s disappeared.
Olive travels to the English countryside to hunt for the missing mystery author. But soon after she arrives in the sleepy village, a body is discovered. Then a second murder focuses the police’s attention on Olive, and she must clear her name before the murderer pens a plot that frames her.
Murder at Blackburn Hall is the second book in the High Society Lady Detective series, a lighthearted cozy historical mystery series set in 1920s England. If you love novels that take you back to the Golden Age of detective fiction with interesting plots, posh settings, and twisty mysteries, you’ll love the High Society Lady Detective Series from USA Today bestseller Sara Rosett.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2019
543 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
48 books1,661 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
June 30, 2020
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Strong-willed, intelligent and stylish Olive Belgrave is back in action. This cozy mystery is filled with a variety of interesting supporting characters, detailed settings, and solid dialogue. The author takes time to fill-out her characters while keeping it all connected to the murder and facts.
Olive's childhood friend and erstwhile companion, Jasper Remington, has me hooked now. His interest in Olive is obvious and he has a few secrets of his own that are waiting to be revealed as the series progresses. I can't wait to see if my suspicions about him are spot on.
Another aspect that I like is the 1920's setting and the ins/outs of upper-class British society. Also, this is a time when young women have more freedom to explore other avenues besides marriage, service and spinsterhood. Being half-American makes Olive unique along with her education in the U.S. at a women's college. She has a level of independence and grit that make her perfect as a lady detective.
Can't wait to see what Olive gets up to next.
Strong-willed, intelligent and stylish Olive Belgrave is back in action. This cozy mystery is filled with a variety of interesting supporting characters, detailed settings, and solid dialogue. The author takes time to fill-out her characters while keeping it all connected to the murder and facts.
Olive's childhood friend and erstwhile companion, Jasper Remington, has me hooked now. His interest in Olive is obvious and he has a few secrets of his own that are waiting to be revealed as the series progresses. I can't wait to see if my suspicions about him are spot on.
Another aspect that I like is the 1920's setting and the ins/outs of upper-class British society. Also, this is a time when young women have more freedom to explore other avenues besides marriage, service and spinsterhood. Being half-American makes Olive unique along with her education in the U.S. at a women's college. She has a level of independence and grit that make her perfect as a lady detective.
Can't wait to see what Olive gets up to next.
February 24, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Olive Belgrave is back and off on the trail of a missing author thanks to her friend Jasper. The publisher of a hot series is concerned when the author misses their deadline. R. W. May is a recluse living in the guest house of Lord and Lady Holt and communicates completely through a solicitor. Since Lady Holt has contacted Hightower Books about a book of her own the publisher would like Olive to meet up and go over her manuscript while doing some discreet inquiries about May. Lady Holt keeps her very busy with the manuscript and social dinners. She never expected to fall into the middle of another murder investigation and certainly not two. The author she was sent to find is dead and another murder happens right in front of her. In fact, she is considered a suspect. She has very little time to get herself out of this mess and her investigation uncovers some very interesting things.
Our main character, Olive is a strong, independent woman trying to keep a roof over her head and food on her table. This time she runs into another strong woman in Lady Holt. Lady Holt rules over Blackburn Hall with an iron fist. Her way is right, everyone else’s way is wrong. She keeps the dinner conversations under her control and tries to keep her grown son under her thumb. She has written an etiquette book more than 500 pages long with “proper” illustrations and she is still adding chapters. Murders in her home or on her property are not tolerated, they need to be declared accidents immediately. It’s 1923 and roles of woman are changing and Ms. Rosett has created two women of very different status and the interplay between them is extraordinarily fun to read.
The characters are twisted up in a delightful mystery. Olive makes a shocking discovery that turns things upside down. Jasper arrives in time to help her sort things out and to try to keep her safe and out of trouble. She has a real keen sense that usually has her not thinking things entirely through before she leaps, but I did enjoy the way they worked together.
Again, the author’s writing style was very comfortable for me. The descriptions of the people, time, and places created clear pictures. Ties, pocket squares, a cottage, a pub, Blackburn Hall and all its residents and visitors truly came alive. I felt as if I was right there with Olive each step of the way.
The author’s tale kept me guessing and totally engaged. Entertaining and fun set in the roaring ’20s. The info about book 3 has me very intrigued. The Egyptian Antiquities Murder will be out April 15 and I have saved a spot on my reading calendar. I can hardly wait.
Olive Belgrave is back and off on the trail of a missing author thanks to her friend Jasper. The publisher of a hot series is concerned when the author misses their deadline. R. W. May is a recluse living in the guest house of Lord and Lady Holt and communicates completely through a solicitor. Since Lady Holt has contacted Hightower Books about a book of her own the publisher would like Olive to meet up and go over her manuscript while doing some discreet inquiries about May. Lady Holt keeps her very busy with the manuscript and social dinners. She never expected to fall into the middle of another murder investigation and certainly not two. The author she was sent to find is dead and another murder happens right in front of her. In fact, she is considered a suspect. She has very little time to get herself out of this mess and her investigation uncovers some very interesting things.
Our main character, Olive is a strong, independent woman trying to keep a roof over her head and food on her table. This time she runs into another strong woman in Lady Holt. Lady Holt rules over Blackburn Hall with an iron fist. Her way is right, everyone else’s way is wrong. She keeps the dinner conversations under her control and tries to keep her grown son under her thumb. She has written an etiquette book more than 500 pages long with “proper” illustrations and she is still adding chapters. Murders in her home or on her property are not tolerated, they need to be declared accidents immediately. It’s 1923 and roles of woman are changing and Ms. Rosett has created two women of very different status and the interplay between them is extraordinarily fun to read.
The characters are twisted up in a delightful mystery. Olive makes a shocking discovery that turns things upside down. Jasper arrives in time to help her sort things out and to try to keep her safe and out of trouble. She has a real keen sense that usually has her not thinking things entirely through before she leaps, but I did enjoy the way they worked together.
Again, the author’s writing style was very comfortable for me. The descriptions of the people, time, and places created clear pictures. Ties, pocket squares, a cottage, a pub, Blackburn Hall and all its residents and visitors truly came alive. I felt as if I was right there with Olive each step of the way.
The author’s tale kept me guessing and totally engaged. Entertaining and fun set in the roaring ’20s. The info about book 3 has me very intrigued. The Egyptian Antiquities Murder will be out April 15 and I have saved a spot on my reading calendar. I can hardly wait.
March 1, 2020
Olive Belgrave is having difficulty finding someone willing to have a high society lady solve their problems. She's in danger of becoming a pet detective when her friend Jasper intervenes. He knows a publisher who could use Olive's help. Mr. Hightower of Hightower Books has a problem. His leading author, a mystery writer Mr. May (Mayhew), has missed his deadline which never happens. Mr. Hightower fears some misfortune has befallen Mr. Mayhew and the delay or lost book will cause a deficient in his company's finances. He needs someone who can be discreet to travel to Hadsworth in Kent to recover the missing manuscript. Olive must pose as an editor and deal with Lady Holt of Blackburn Hall who is insistent her etiquette book would be a bestseller. Olive discovers Lady Holt is difficult to deal with to say the least and Mr. Mayhew is as mysterious in Hadsworth as he is in London. When a body is uncovered after a storm, it changes the course of Olive's investigation. She wants to know what happened and why. Then a guest at Blackburn Hall falls ill suddenly and dies. Inspector Langley believes Olive is involved. Olive is certain the two deaths are related and determined to solve the mystery.
I really really enjoyed this mystery and am glad I stuck with the series. This one is less populated by Bright Young Things and focuses on the inhabitants and visitors of Hadsworth. I could not put the book down. I never guessed who or why. The motive was a bit of a disappointment. It seems too simple somehow. I also was a bit disappointed the author chose not to be bold with Mayhew's character and go in a different direction. I recognized some of the real life incidents that inspired the plot but I was glad for the author's note explaining the history behind her story.
I really like Olive. She's intelligent and rational, for the most part. I'm firmly convinced Jasper has a big secret and surprised Olive hasn't figured it out. It seems obvious at the end so maybe she'll come to the same conclusion I did in the next book. I like how she stays calm in the face of the difficulties she faces and how compassionate and kind she is towards Anna. Jasper may seem lazy but yet she shows up wherever Olive is investigating after a dead body turns up, helps her investigate and disappears again. He's more astute than she realizes and I do believe he might be there in official capacity. I like how they're just pals, at least for now. He recognizes her intelligence and good sense but worries about her safety. When she doesn't back down, he accepts that she will investigate and he will be the Watson to her Sherlock. Inaccurate for the time? Probably but I like Jasper.
In Hadsworth, Olive meets Lady Holt, the tyrant of the village. Lady Holt is the leading authority on etiquette and won't let anything uncomfortable happen. If she ignores unpleasant things then they will just go away and seem like it never happens. She bullies everyone, including Olive and her own son. "Zippy" is an adult but doesn't act like one. He's a Bright Young Thing who enjoys golfing and drinking. He seems to have a secret friend his mother does NOT approve of. I don't like Zippy very much. He's lazy and stupid. He lets his mother bully him. The Holts butler, Bower, is Lady Holt's right hand man. He is very very good at his job and very loyal. He would do anything for Lady Holt. This makes him appear a bit sinister in Olive's opinion. Lady Holt's sister Serena is far more likable. A scientist, inventor and spinster, Serena lives life on her own terms. She's eccentric without being over-the-top. I love her brilliant, scientific brain but she does react strangely to the dead body she finds on the riverbank. I don't want her to be a murderer because I really relate to her and like her a lot. Olive makes friends with Anna Finch, the local doctor's daughter who dreams of life in a big city. Anna works as the mysterious Mr. Mayhew's typist but she seems nervous and jumpy about something. Anna is hiding a secret and I hope it's not that she's a murderer. She has a good motive as Olive points out but Anna is a nice girl and wouldn't dream of something like that, would she? Her father has secrets too, secrets he is bound to protect by his Hippocratic oath. No one seems to understand the concept of Hippa and they keep asking why he didn't tell anyone. He was asked not to so he doesn't. It's no one's business. He's a doctor and vowed to first do no harm so I don't think he's a murderer. I hope not because it would hurt Anna and I like her.
Mr. Mayhew, aka R.W. May, the famous author, did not deserve to die. He was a quiet, introverted soul trying to make a living writing. He was kind and made a friend when he needed one. I like how he had an eccentric clothing style, always wearing a bit of color with his tweeds. I liked how there is a story within this story of a Golden Age mystery writer in a novel set in the 1920s. May's disappearance surely was inspired by Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance.
Mr. Mayhew left all his business dealings in the hands of a local solicitor, Mr. Donald Pearce. Mr. Pearce recently sustained an injury and Olive has a hard time tracking him down. When she finally meets him, he isn't at all what she expected, nor I either. He is one of my least favorite characters. His wife, Emily, is described as "rabbity." I wonder why? She doesn't appeal to me or Olive. Olive finally meets Mr. Leland Busby who works for Hightower Books. I suspect he is jealous and suspicious of Olive. He isn't very nice or welcoming.
Colonel Shaw seems to be the local magistrate. Why not Lord Holt? I kept forgetting there IS a Lord Holt. He's dominated by his wife. His name rhymes with his intelligence level. Mrs. Shaw seems more shrewd than her husband. Her intelligence and the situation she's in gives her a good opportunity to murder the second person. Inspector Longly has a tough time solving this case. He sets his sights on Olive but is torn between duty and desire. I can't imagine his feelings are requited or would he be approved of by the lady's family. I appreciate his attention to detail in the murder cases but accusing Olive when she was so obviously innocent was just stupid. In Hadworth there's a golf course where people come and go all the time. Anyone could be a murderer! I did not enjoy the description of Olive learning how to golf but it was interesting how it helped her see more clearly.
Whodunit?
The end of the story sets up the next one and I am eager to read it!
I really really enjoyed this mystery and am glad I stuck with the series. This one is less populated by Bright Young Things and focuses on the inhabitants and visitors of Hadsworth. I could not put the book down. I never guessed who or why. The motive was a bit of a disappointment. It seems too simple somehow. I also was a bit disappointed the author chose not to be bold with Mayhew's character and go in a different direction. I recognized some of the real life incidents that inspired the plot but I was glad for the author's note explaining the history behind her story.
I really like Olive. She's intelligent and rational, for the most part. I'm firmly convinced Jasper has a big secret and surprised Olive hasn't figured it out. It seems obvious at the end so maybe she'll come to the same conclusion I did in the next book. I like how she stays calm in the face of the difficulties she faces and how compassionate and kind she is towards Anna. Jasper may seem lazy but yet she shows up wherever Olive is investigating after a dead body turns up, helps her investigate and disappears again. He's more astute than she realizes and I do believe he might be there in official capacity. I like how they're just pals, at least for now. He recognizes her intelligence and good sense but worries about her safety. When she doesn't back down, he accepts that she will investigate and he will be the Watson to her Sherlock. Inaccurate for the time? Probably but I like Jasper.
In Hadsworth, Olive meets Lady Holt, the tyrant of the village. Lady Holt is the leading authority on etiquette and won't let anything uncomfortable happen. If she ignores unpleasant things then they will just go away and seem like it never happens. She bullies everyone, including Olive and her own son. "Zippy" is an adult but doesn't act like one. He's a Bright Young Thing who enjoys golfing and drinking. He seems to have a secret friend his mother does NOT approve of. I don't like Zippy very much. He's lazy and stupid. He lets his mother bully him. The Holts butler, Bower, is Lady Holt's right hand man. He is very very good at his job and very loyal. He would do anything for Lady Holt. This makes him appear a bit sinister in Olive's opinion. Lady Holt's sister Serena is far more likable. A scientist, inventor and spinster, Serena lives life on her own terms. She's eccentric without being over-the-top. I love her brilliant, scientific brain but she does react strangely to the dead body she finds on the riverbank. I don't want her to be a murderer because I really relate to her and like her a lot. Olive makes friends with Anna Finch, the local doctor's daughter who dreams of life in a big city. Anna works as the mysterious Mr. Mayhew's typist but she seems nervous and jumpy about something. Anna is hiding a secret and I hope it's not that she's a murderer. She has a good motive as Olive points out but Anna is a nice girl and wouldn't dream of something like that, would she? Her father has secrets too, secrets he is bound to protect by his Hippocratic oath. No one seems to understand the concept of Hippa and they keep asking why he didn't tell anyone. He was asked not to so he doesn't. It's no one's business. He's a doctor and vowed to first do no harm so I don't think he's a murderer. I hope not because it would hurt Anna and I like her.
Mr. Mayhew, aka R.W. May, the famous author, did not deserve to die. He was a quiet, introverted soul trying to make a living writing. He was kind and made a friend when he needed one. I like how he had an eccentric clothing style, always wearing a bit of color with his tweeds. I liked how there is a story within this story of a Golden Age mystery writer in a novel set in the 1920s. May's disappearance surely was inspired by Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance.
Mr. Mayhew left all his business dealings in the hands of a local solicitor, Mr. Donald Pearce. Mr. Pearce recently sustained an injury and Olive has a hard time tracking him down. When she finally meets him, he isn't at all what she expected, nor I either. He is one of my least favorite characters. His wife, Emily, is described as "rabbity." I wonder why? She doesn't appeal to me or Olive. Olive finally meets Mr. Leland Busby who works for Hightower Books. I suspect he is jealous and suspicious of Olive. He isn't very nice or welcoming.
Colonel Shaw seems to be the local magistrate. Why not Lord Holt? I kept forgetting there IS a Lord Holt. He's dominated by his wife. His name rhymes with his intelligence level. Mrs. Shaw seems more shrewd than her husband. Her intelligence and the situation she's in gives her a good opportunity to murder the second person. Inspector Longly has a tough time solving this case. He sets his sights on Olive but is torn between duty and desire. I can't imagine his feelings are requited or would he be approved of by the lady's family. I appreciate his attention to detail in the murder cases but accusing Olive when she was so obviously innocent was just stupid. In Hadworth there's a golf course where people come and go all the time. Anyone could be a murderer! I did not enjoy the description of Olive learning how to golf but it was interesting how it helped her see more clearly.
Whodunit?
The end of the story sets up the next one and I am eager to read it!
July 1, 2021
This one wasn't as good as the first one probably because she was around strangers mostly in this one but the murder itself was more interesting than the first one. There were some places I got a little confused but overall I really liked this one.
July 31, 2020
3.5 stars
It’s no easy task to find a palatable light read when you major in more serious or dark reading material. This one did the trick pretty well.
The set-up of the bright young English aristocrat newly “poor” and in need of work, to the horror and resistance of those around here, and falling into an uncanny ability to solve crimes, is certain cliche, as is a lot of the dialogue. But it’s not overly fluffy and the mystery was a pretty good one.
I enjoyed it a bit more than this critique leaves room for. I’ll probably come back to this series sometime when I’m looking for that elusive light read.
It’s no easy task to find a palatable light read when you major in more serious or dark reading material. This one did the trick pretty well.
The set-up of the bright young English aristocrat newly “poor” and in need of work, to the horror and resistance of those around here, and falling into an uncanny ability to solve crimes, is certain cliche, as is a lot of the dialogue. But it’s not overly fluffy and the mystery was a pretty good one.
I enjoyed it a bit more than this critique leaves room for. I’ll probably come back to this series sometime when I’m looking for that elusive light read.
August 14, 2020
Rating: 3.4 / 5
Okay, I admit it: I confess myself bored with this one.
Although the mystery element is "upped" a bit, you could say, I nevertheless was not quite as compelled by this book because...well, there's no personal stake in it for Olive, making her very much a distant bystander in what's happening. The location, characters, and everything else feels more or less like a copy-and-paste from the first book, and therefore I had trouble maintaining an interest and atmosphere in everything.
Not sure whether I'll continue with this series or not, because it was hard slogging through this read.
Okay, I admit it: I confess myself bored with this one.
Although the mystery element is "upped" a bit, you could say, I nevertheless was not quite as compelled by this book because...well, there's no personal stake in it for Olive, making her very much a distant bystander in what's happening. The location, characters, and everything else feels more or less like a copy-and-paste from the first book, and therefore I had trouble maintaining an interest and atmosphere in everything.
Not sure whether I'll continue with this series or not, because it was hard slogging through this read.
February 19, 2019
The second book of the Olive Belgrave series finds doesn't disappoint the same quick fun read. Olive was watching her expenses as the only cases she has are for finding missing dogs. Jasper suggested she the owner of Hightower Publishing company. She accepted the position of looking for a missing author. She goes to Blackburn Hall to go study a book of proper manners. While their SECRETS are revealed that date back several years and Olive is considered the main suspect in a murder. What happened? Olive needs to clear her name before she disappears.
November 1, 2020
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first in this series. I love that Rosett does lots of period research, but it felt like there was a bit too much thrown into this novel.
January 7, 2025
Great mystery! I enjoy how each book is its own mystery, yet the series is well connected. I love these characters!
May 27, 2022
This audiobook does not require a lot of effort on my part - which is what I require at the moment.
Audiobook
Narrated by Elizabeth Klett
Duration: 07:55:28
Audiobook
Narrated by Elizabeth Klett
Duration: 07:55:28
October 4, 2023
Olive thought her detective career would be soaring, but instead all she's been doing is searching for lost pets. Jasper offers her a chance for something different - his publisher friend needs help tracking down a missing author.
Olive heads to the country incognito as and editor checking out a possible manners book. That gets her foot in the door, but her real mission is to track down the author. Bad news though, the missing author isn't actually missing. When a second murder takes place Olive finds herself in the crosshairs of the police so she only has one option - solve the murders herself!
I didn't enjoy this book as much the first one but I'll still continue on with the series. This novel was a bit meandering.
Olive heads to the country incognito as and editor checking out a possible manners book. That gets her foot in the door, but her real mission is to track down the author. Bad news though, the missing author isn't actually missing. When a second murder takes place Olive finds herself in the crosshairs of the police so she only has one option - solve the murders herself!
I didn't enjoy this book as much the first one but I'll still continue on with the series. This novel was a bit meandering.
January 24, 2023
I enjoyed this just as much as the first book in the series! The tone and content is just perfect for me for a mystery. Nothing too gruesome or too suspenseful. It’s more about the puzzle and the personalities of the suspects. I am really enjoying the recurring characters and can’t wait to pick up with them again in Book 3!
October 25, 2020
Now that we're in the 20's, it's very interesting to see what life was like in the other 20's, a hundred years ago. Who knew about cigarettes especially for asthma, which sounds totally contradictory. Also, masks are surfacing but as a way for disfigured soldiers coming home after the war.
April 22, 2021
I only gave this a 3 because although I like the characters, I found there was too much ‘filler’ and I kept losing track of the murder mystery. I found the book to be a bit too long.
January 6, 2021
I absolutely loved this mystery, it was such a wholesome story (as much as a murder mystery can be wholesome :D ). It managed to surprise me (I definitely did not see the final plot twist coming), the setting was amazing and the main story was revolving around a missing recluse of a writer (how amazing is that?). Overall, I highly recommend it. The first book in this series was just ok, but this one was absolutely fantastic.
August 25, 2021
I quite enjoyed this breezy mystery, set in the 1920s, about a young, educated woman forced to work for her living. A friend gives her name to a publisher and our heroine finds herself in a small town in England tracking down a reclusive novelist. Twists and turns keep the story interesting, and there's a nice, but not too large, mix of locals to provide suspects.
NB - I haven't read the first book in this series yet, it was checked out, so I jumped to this entry. I'm happy to say the book works just fine this way. And the author was even clever enough not to give away the solution to the first mystery, though she refers a couple of times to the trouble at Archley Manor. So you can read this first, spoiler free!
NB - I haven't read the first book in this series yet, it was checked out, so I jumped to this entry. I'm happy to say the book works just fine this way. And the author was even clever enough not to give away the solution to the first mystery, though she refers a couple of times to the trouble at Archley Manor. So you can read this first, spoiler free!
November 6, 2022
I enjoyed this book more than the first one, it had an interesting and layered mystery, as well as more interesting side characters. I also am enjoying seeing Olive develop a bit more as a character.
Will definitely continue this series, the setting makes it a lot of fun.
Will definitely continue this series, the setting makes it a lot of fun.
September 24, 2019
5/5 ⭐️
I liked this one a tad bit more then the first one
I liked this one a tad bit more then the first one
February 10, 2020
I am enjoying this series; it was a good find after I’d exhausted the Lady Hardcastle series.
October 24, 2020
I enjoyed this very much... Olive gets a commission with Hightower Books through her friend Jasper to go to Blackburn Hall. She's ostensibly there to work with Lady Holt, who is hoping to publish an etiquette manual with Hightower. But she's really being sent there to seek the whereabouts of Mr. Mayhew, a popular mystery series writer who has missed his last deadline and seems to have disappeared. I enjoyed all the characters in this. And the historical details worked well; who knew there was ever such a thing as asthma cigarettes? I will definitely continue with this series.
October 24, 2020
Another fun adventure with Olive! I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first, and the best part? My wish for more Jasper came true! Not just more Jasper, but Olive and Jasper actually teaming up at various points to do some sleuthing, which is one of my favourite cozy mystery tropes.
The mystery at Blackburn Hall feels somewhat different compared to the first one at Archly Manor; this one is much less personal for Olive and she's there primarily in a professional capacity, and the crowd is a much older country set than the colourful "bright young things" of the previous novel. The upside is that she makes better calls here, since she's not blinded by loyalty to her cousins, though the downside is that the stakes are lower and I found most of the supporting characters less memorable. The rather intriguing circumstances surrounding the murder(s) are somewhat letdown by the actual culprits and their weak and not-nearly-as-interesting motives, but at least I didn't guess the murderer this time.
Where the story really excels is the always-likable and generally remarkably sensible Olive, who continues to impress me with how much she manages to avoid the common errors of her fellow cozy mystery heroines (who tend to break laws left, right and center in the name of investigation, continuously place themselves in danger and generally do stupid things). It was nice seeing Olive in slightly better economic circumstances in comparison to the first book, and I do hope her professional achievements here bodes well for her future career.
Now, moving along to my other favourite part - Jasper. As I'd hoped, we saw far more of him in this book; he's there right from the outset and is actually the one to nudge Olive in the direction of her new job, turns up conveniently to "hang out" and help her investigate, and sticks around right up to the end. Better yet, he's clearly protective of Olive and worries about her, but is smart enough to recognize that she's not going to back off from investigating and openly offers to be the Watson to her Sherlock. I love that he'd rather work as a team and keep her safe that way since she's not going to step back anyway - it's honestly a delightful surprise after getting so used to cozy mystery heroes turning on their Angry Patriarch mode but never helping until too late. There's also the slightest hint of flirting from Jasper's end, which I'm veeeery interested in seeing more of. Hopefully we get to know him even better in book 3.
It looks like Olive's next mystery will delve into Egyptology, which as an archaeologist I obviously adore, so I can't wait to get cracking on that one.
The mystery at Blackburn Hall feels somewhat different compared to the first one at Archly Manor; this one is much less personal for Olive and she's there primarily in a professional capacity, and the crowd is a much older country set than the colourful "bright young things" of the previous novel. The upside is that she makes better calls here, since she's not blinded by loyalty to her cousins, though the downside is that the stakes are lower and I found most of the supporting characters less memorable. The rather intriguing circumstances surrounding the murder(s) are somewhat letdown by the actual culprits and their weak and not-nearly-as-interesting motives, but at least I didn't guess the murderer this time.
Where the story really excels is the always-likable and generally remarkably sensible Olive, who continues to impress me with how much she manages to avoid the common errors of her fellow cozy mystery heroines (who tend to break laws left, right and center in the name of investigation, continuously place themselves in danger and generally do stupid things). It was nice seeing Olive in slightly better economic circumstances in comparison to the first book, and I do hope her professional achievements here bodes well for her future career.
Now, moving along to my other favourite part - Jasper. As I'd hoped, we saw far more of him in this book; he's there right from the outset and is actually the one to nudge Olive in the direction of her new job, turns up conveniently to "hang out" and help her investigate, and sticks around right up to the end. Better yet, he's clearly protective of Olive and worries about her, but is smart enough to recognize that she's not going to back off from investigating and openly offers to be the Watson to her Sherlock. I love that he'd rather work as a team and keep her safe that way since she's not going to step back anyway - it's honestly a delightful surprise after getting so used to cozy mystery heroes turning on their Angry Patriarch mode but never helping until too late. There's also the slightest hint of flirting from Jasper's end, which I'm veeeery interested in seeing more of. Hopefully we get to know him even better in book 3.
It looks like Olive's next mystery will delve into Egyptology, which as an archaeologist I obviously adore, so I can't wait to get cracking on that one.
January 2, 2019
I do not know what drew me into the first book exactly, but when I got a chance to support the author and in exchange be given access to an advance copy of the next book I jumped at the chance. This does not mean my review is biased in any form. I just really like Olive.
Olive is still broke but not as badly off as before since her initial foray into detective work. Jasper makes an early entry into the tale. I think its their delicate (budding) relationship that is making me enjoy this series. Jasper has an idea, he feeds Olive and then directs her attention to a man in need of her discreet enquiring services. She follows through and ends up in the middle of yet another suspicious death. This time she is also a possible suspect. There are a lot of conversations in this book (as in the last one) and putting them in between the rest of narration can get stilted in my opinion. I am a little sensitive to that ratio and have not really liked quite a few 'cozy mysteries' because of that. I am not sure if I am being clear enough but if anyone has faced the same issue they may identify with my predicament. This series has got the style down just right, I feel involved in the story, appreciate the nicer people, dislike the possible villains and their motives and root for Olive and Jasper to get together ASAP!
It was a breeze to read this, while being equally difficult to predict the actual culprit. Overall a great book in its genre and time well spent. I look forward to getting my hands on the third.
Olive is still broke but not as badly off as before since her initial foray into detective work. Jasper makes an early entry into the tale. I think its their delicate (budding) relationship that is making me enjoy this series. Jasper has an idea, he feeds Olive and then directs her attention to a man in need of her discreet enquiring services. She follows through and ends up in the middle of yet another suspicious death. This time she is also a possible suspect. There are a lot of conversations in this book (as in the last one) and putting them in between the rest of narration can get stilted in my opinion. I am a little sensitive to that ratio and have not really liked quite a few 'cozy mysteries' because of that. I am not sure if I am being clear enough but if anyone has faced the same issue they may identify with my predicament. This series has got the style down just right, I feel involved in the story, appreciate the nicer people, dislike the possible villains and their motives and root for Olive and Jasper to get together ASAP!
It was a breeze to read this, while being equally difficult to predict the actual culprit. Overall a great book in its genre and time well spent. I look forward to getting my hands on the third.
May 26, 2021
I read the first book in the series earlier this year and I enjoyed it. It was a solid start to a new cozy mystery series. It reminds me a lot of another series called Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen. The High Society Lady Detective is not as strong as that one but still enjoyable. We follow Olive this time around as she is looking into the case of a missing author. The publishing house has hired her because they need the newest book in a mystery series but the author is not responding to messages. My main issue with this book is that I figured everything out early on and as a result it was not that interesting. It took me a long time to finish it. I am still interested in Olive and I will be picking up the next book in the series I hope it is stronger.
September 9, 2019
This is so obviously a knock-off on the Royal Spyness Series (Rhys Bowen), that I'm tempted to hold it against them -- except that cozy mysteries are all so formulaic that it's hard to fault them for it. And really, it's just fun to have more mysteries of that ilk. This was a pretty good one, though it doesn't have quite the same cheek as Bowen's. I'll still get more as they become available because they're fun and light when I need something easy.
July 9, 2020
Even better than book 1!
July 6, 2025
The 2nd book of the High Society Lady Detective filled in all the gaps in that stuck out to me in the first book.
Olive, who is our determined protagonist amateur trying to turn professional investigator, was much more well rounded in this installment. We learned a bit more of her backstory as we also get to know her better. Her upper society background shines here as she investigates, using her innate knowledge of her peers to finesse her inquiries. The rest of the characters were also better developed without adding unnecessary page time to the pacing. Jasper, Olive's long time "friend" (he clearly plans to be more than friends) appears in time to offer up just the right amount of assistance to the investigation. His appearance gives Olive a comrade in arms while still allowing Olive to do the heavy lifting. Olive is currently more focused on making her own way in the world, taking advantage of the options available to her without jumping into a marriage and doesn't seem to notice Jasper's machinations to be by her side. I absolutely love Olive's independent streak that the author, so far, hasn't allowed to stray into TSTL. As I suspected in book 1, Jasper was not idle during the war or after, and we will be finding out more about his secret profession in the future.
The mystery was, in my own very amateur opinion, nicely done and again... I was kinda wrong. I'm gonna get one of these right, dang it!
I loved the 1920's setting and the inclusion of different products that were mentioned and inspired a little googling for more details. The mystery about a mystery writer and all that surrounds that angle was also well done.
Olive, who is our determined protagonist amateur trying to turn professional investigator, was much more well rounded in this installment. We learned a bit more of her backstory as we also get to know her better. Her upper society background shines here as she investigates, using her innate knowledge of her peers to finesse her inquiries. The rest of the characters were also better developed without adding unnecessary page time to the pacing. Jasper, Olive's long time "friend" (he clearly plans to be more than friends) appears in time to offer up just the right amount of assistance to the investigation. His appearance gives Olive a comrade in arms while still allowing Olive to do the heavy lifting. Olive is currently more focused on making her own way in the world, taking advantage of the options available to her without jumping into a marriage and doesn't seem to notice Jasper's machinations to be by her side. I absolutely love Olive's independent streak that the author, so far, hasn't allowed to stray into TSTL. As I suspected in book 1, Jasper was not idle during the war or after, and we will be finding out more about his secret profession in the future.
The mystery was, in my own very amateur opinion, nicely done and again... I was kinda wrong. I'm gonna get one of these right, dang it!
I loved the 1920's setting and the inclusion of different products that were mentioned and inspired a little googling for more details. The mystery about a mystery writer and all that surrounds that angle was also well done.
August 29, 2019
I really enjoy this series! I love listening to them because it feels like I'm in a BBC mystery TV show! I especially love the fact that at the end of the book the author tells you the inspiration to the story, a lot of it is based on true events minus the murder part. So your getting a history lesson as well as a mystery! I will say again like her first book in this series the murder mystery itself is not gripping, so I would not recommend it if you want a really good mystery. it's more like if your in the mood for a story about a clever girl in England during the 1920's who just happens to solve murders! It reminds me a lot of Miss Fisher's murder mysteries and Poirot mixed together. I look forward to the next one! The author also has Pinterest boards of each book in the series and pictures of people and things from the 1920's England that were inspiration for the stories. Very cool!!
June 2, 2021
Slow start again.
I like Olive & hope her new job as a PI will take off.
Usually, the characters in these have money & freedom, etc so it's a nice change of pace that while Olive comes from a "high society" family background, she's like any regular person-trying to earn a living, eating light to save money, etc...
Another interesting mystery with some surprises and like the previous story, little clues lead to the big reveal.
Glad Insp Longley is back. I do like him!
The ending leaves off on a hint about the next story so you'll want to read the next one post haste.
I liked the afterward chapter by the writer to explain her inspirations for the book. (ie. the true historical facts)
This is a solid historical mystery cozy series for those who like that.
I like Olive & hope her new job as a PI will take off.
Usually, the characters in these have money & freedom, etc so it's a nice change of pace that while Olive comes from a "high society" family background, she's like any regular person-trying to earn a living, eating light to save money, etc...
Another interesting mystery with some surprises and like the previous story, little clues lead to the big reveal.
Glad Insp Longley is back. I do like him!
The ending leaves off on a hint about the next story so you'll want to read the next one post haste.
I liked the afterward chapter by the writer to explain her inspirations for the book. (ie. the true historical facts)
This is a solid historical mystery cozy series for those who like that.
January 29, 2025
Ah, it’s always cozies when I need winter comfort. I read the first in this series 2 days ago and liked it. It had a similar sparkle to the early Daisy Dalrymple mysteries, which I loved.
But this second outing for Olive Belgrave is a bit of another level. More complex mystery, a little poking fun at the genre itself, and more of a page turner towards the end.
I got a 3-book combo for a good price on Book Bub, so I’m off to the next one soon.
But this second outing for Olive Belgrave is a bit of another level. More complex mystery, a little poking fun at the genre itself, and more of a page turner towards the end.
I got a 3-book combo for a good price on Book Bub, so I’m off to the next one soon.
October 24, 2019
Fresh off the success of solving her first murder case, Olive is ready to officially take on the role of lady detective. She doesn't have long to wait for her next case. A writer of popular mysteries has gone AWOL and unless Olive can find him quickly, the publishing house may go under. Sara Rosett once again provides an enjoyable adventure in the English countryside, complete with snobs, rogues and of course a murder.
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