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Higgins & Hawke Mystery #1
Death at the Tavern
Murder by Rum Running. . .
It’s the hot and humid East Coast summer of 1931 and seven years since Dr. Haley Higgins’ brother Joe was murdered. The case is cold. The Boston Police Department may have given up on finding Joe Higgins’ killer, but Haley never will. She’s serious and savvy and has what it takes to hold up under depressive times. At least she finds some satisfaction doing her part as the city pathologist’s assistant in solving other crimes.
Investigative reporter Samantha Hawke ~ byline Sam Hawke ~ is blond, beautiful and broke, no thanks to her no good husband who’s been on the lam for over six years. Her position at the Boston Daily Record is more than a job ~ it’s payback.
When a man is found dead at the Bell in Hand Tavern on Union Street, Haley and Samantha are both working the case. Haley’s looking for justice and Samantha’s after recognition and a raise. They may want the same thing ~ to catch a killer ~ but it turns out they may need each other to solve this case before becoming the next victims.
240 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2019
1173 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
129 books2,342 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 1, 2022
A lightweight, fairly enjoyable, murder mystery set in the Prohibition Era. The two female lead characters are interesting - Haley Higgins, Boston City’s Assistant Medical Examiner, and Samantha Hawke, a journalist. Both are strong women working in a man’s world, determined to prove their worth to themselves and others. Haley Higgins appears in another series by Lee Strauss when she previously lived in London, although I’ve only read Murder on the SS Rosa. Both are nice holiday reads but not much more than that. It’s what I was looking for at the time though.
January 27, 2019
Death at the Tavern by Lee Strauss is her new series based on Dr. Haley Higgins and her life in Boston. Those of us who read Ms. Strauss' Ginger Gold series are well acquainted with Haley; and I enjoyed having this opportunity to see Haley shine as the star detective in this book.
I admire Haley as the strong, independent and "thoroughly modern woman" that she is when women are just beginning to be recognized as more than wives and mothers. Set in the 1930's there is a strong theme of the Prohibition Era with ruthless mobs, rum running and speakeasies on every block. Samantha Hawke is a likable woman who is desperately trying to support herself, her daughter and her belligerent mother-in-law after her slug of a husband has disappeared. Sam is tenacious and determined to prove that she can be as good a crime reporter as any man. The plot was quickly paced, the clues well hidden, few suspects and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. This is a great start to a new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I admire Haley as the strong, independent and "thoroughly modern woman" that she is when women are just beginning to be recognized as more than wives and mothers. Set in the 1930's there is a strong theme of the Prohibition Era with ruthless mobs, rum running and speakeasies on every block. Samantha Hawke is a likable woman who is desperately trying to support herself, her daughter and her belligerent mother-in-law after her slug of a husband has disappeared. Sam is tenacious and determined to prove that she can be as good a crime reporter as any man. The plot was quickly paced, the clues well hidden, few suspects and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. This is a great start to a new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 23, 2019
The first book in a spin-off series from Lee Strauss' Ginger Gold series. Haley Higgins studied pathology and forensic science in England where they allowed women to take such degrees. When her youngest brother, Joe is murdered in the states, she heads back to Boston, bound to find her brother's killer. The time period here is during the 30s with prohibition and speakeasys a thread throughout the city-where bootlegging is a lucrative business for the mob. When a man is murdered in the Bell in Hand Tavern, Haley is the pathologist called out to the scene. Pushing her way in is Samantha Hawke, with a no good husband who took off before their daughter was born, poor trying to make a living for her daughter and her live-in opinionated mother-in-law as a reporter doing a women's column, women couldn't be "real" reporters back then much to Samantha's chagrin. Bound to change that opinion, she gets involved with Haley and together they try to solve the murder so Sam can get her own by-line and be taken seriously. But with the Boston mob, and sketchy characters, will Haley and Sam solve the crime or will they be caught up and silenced themselves. A wonderful new series that will keep you reading until the end. I could not put the book down once I started and you won't be able to either. I can't wait to see what is in store for Haley and Hawke next! I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
January 21, 2019
A new series by Lee Strauss. Dr Haley Higgins from the Ginger Gold series has moved to Boston. Haley is the assistant Medical assistant. There are 2 murders to solve and Haley joins up with reporter Sam (Samantha) Hawke.
Speakeasies, brothels and the mob are all involved in the story.
This book us well written and a good read. Very enjoyable. I did not want to put it down .
Speakeasies, brothels and the mob are all involved in the story.
This book us well written and a good read. Very enjoyable. I did not want to put it down .
February 26, 2019
This is the first book in a spin-off series from the Ginger Gold Mystery series by Lee Strauss. It's 1931 and Haley Higgins is now a doctor, having studied in England, but she's back in Boston working as an assistant pathologist (although it seems as if she's doing most of the work). Her work keeps her busy but she's determined to find out who killed her brother 7 years ago.
Samantha Hawke works at the Daily Record in Boston, using the byline Sam Hawke. She's the only newswoman at the paper, and writes stories for the women's column, but yearns to be an investigative reporter. She's the sole source of income for herself, her young daughter, and her slightly overbearing mother-in-law since her good for nothing husband ran out on them 6 years ago. Haley and Samantha team up to solve the murder that took place at the Bell in Hand Tavern.
Haley is a forensic pathologist and works in the morgue conducting autopsies. She's in a profession that was probably deemed unsuitable for women back in the 1930's. Samantha's in a position where she has to work to provide for her family. She fought to be promoted from receptionist to reporter for the women's column, but she wants to move into investigative reporting--another career that was a rare thing for a woman at this time in history.
The story takes place in the 1930's during prohibition, bootlegging, mobsters, and backroom speakeasies. Haley and Samantha find themselves in a tight spot but are both smart and fiesty enough to get out of it before it's too late. There were a lot of characters in the story and I didn't figure out who the killer was. Speaking of characters, Samantha's mother-in-law Bina is a hard character to like. Even though her son was in trouble with the law and left Samantha high and dry while pregnant, she's still hard on her for working. The woman needs to realize which side of her bread is buttered so to speak.
I like the Rizzoli and Isles feel, and look forward to reading more books in this new series. I hope the next books focus a little more on Haley working to solve her brother's murder.
Samantha Hawke works at the Daily Record in Boston, using the byline Sam Hawke. She's the only newswoman at the paper, and writes stories for the women's column, but yearns to be an investigative reporter. She's the sole source of income for herself, her young daughter, and her slightly overbearing mother-in-law since her good for nothing husband ran out on them 6 years ago. Haley and Samantha team up to solve the murder that took place at the Bell in Hand Tavern.
Haley is a forensic pathologist and works in the morgue conducting autopsies. She's in a profession that was probably deemed unsuitable for women back in the 1930's. Samantha's in a position where she has to work to provide for her family. She fought to be promoted from receptionist to reporter for the women's column, but she wants to move into investigative reporting--another career that was a rare thing for a woman at this time in history.
The story takes place in the 1930's during prohibition, bootlegging, mobsters, and backroom speakeasies. Haley and Samantha find themselves in a tight spot but are both smart and fiesty enough to get out of it before it's too late. There were a lot of characters in the story and I didn't figure out who the killer was. Speaking of characters, Samantha's mother-in-law Bina is a hard character to like. Even though her son was in trouble with the law and left Samantha high and dry while pregnant, she's still hard on her for working. The woman needs to realize which side of her bread is buttered so to speak.
I like the Rizzoli and Isles feel, and look forward to reading more books in this new series. I hope the next books focus a little more on Haley working to solve her brother's murder.
January 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Death at the Tavern and becoming reacquainted with Haley Higgins, now a little older and in her native setting of Boston. I felt that the author had captured the era well, and I found all the little historical facts, as well as the backdrop of Prohibition and the Depression, interesting.
Both Haley and the other main character, Samantha, are well presented and I shall look forward to getting to know them better as the series goes on. Mrs Strauss cleverly uses them to bring out one of the book’s major themes – women working in a man’s world. Some ninety years later it’s fascinating to see how such pioneering females persevered and helped to open up a whole new world for women in the professional arena.
As always with Mrs Strauss’ mysteries, there is a wonderfully varied cast of characters both those who are one-offs for the purpose of the mystery, and those who are set to become regulars. I particularly enjoyed Samantha’s colleague Johnny – even if I did feel like hitting him at times! The murder mystery itself takes us into some rather insalubrious places but, as always, the author does this delicately without sanitising things.
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries. It is a spin-off series from the Ginger Gold series, but you don’t have to have read any of those books to understand and enjoy this one. If you haven’t read them, you might want to go and look them up though…
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
Both Haley and the other main character, Samantha, are well presented and I shall look forward to getting to know them better as the series goes on. Mrs Strauss cleverly uses them to bring out one of the book’s major themes – women working in a man’s world. Some ninety years later it’s fascinating to see how such pioneering females persevered and helped to open up a whole new world for women in the professional arena.
As always with Mrs Strauss’ mysteries, there is a wonderfully varied cast of characters both those who are one-offs for the purpose of the mystery, and those who are set to become regulars. I particularly enjoyed Samantha’s colleague Johnny – even if I did feel like hitting him at times! The murder mystery itself takes us into some rather insalubrious places but, as always, the author does this delicately without sanitising things.
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries. It is a spin-off series from the Ginger Gold series, but you don’t have to have read any of those books to understand and enjoy this one. If you haven’t read them, you might want to go and look them up though…
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
November 3, 2021
This very much feels like it is set in America in the 1930’s. This is the prohibition era, with speakeasies ran by the mob being a part of everyday life. Where women felt a strong desire to prove their worth to grow out of their role as wife and mother. And it’s that last bit which really helps flesh out the main characters.
The story starts off strong with two murders and while the mystery plot is very intriguing, I do have to say the middle does drag a little bit. Luckily, the story picks up nicely towards the end and it ends with a rather satisfying conclusion.
Women in a man’s world is the major theme of this historical cozy mystery novel. Would recommend if you’re into this sort of story.
The story starts off strong with two murders and while the mystery plot is very intriguing, I do have to say the middle does drag a little bit. Luckily, the story picks up nicely towards the end and it ends with a rather satisfying conclusion.
Women in a man’s world is the major theme of this historical cozy mystery novel. Would recommend if you’re into this sort of story.
November 20, 2019
I received an electronic copy of this historical mystery novel from the author and La Plume Press. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my personal opinion of this work. Death at the Tavern is the first of a series - I can't want to tackle the rest. This story is upbeat, crisp and hard to put aside.
Lee Strauss is an author I am happy to recommend to friends and family. She writes a tight, compelling mystery, this one set in 1930s Boston and featuring Haley Higgins, Bostons' first female physician/pathologist, and Samantha Hawke, a single Mom with her mother-in-law also dependant on her support. Sam Hawke is a reporter at The Daily Record currently tied to weddings and fashion but determined to cover real news.
Both our protagonists are full of grit and gumption, neither have much in the way of a support system and the word 'no' doesn't seem to have a place in their vocabulary. Bostonians find themselves on the leading edge of the revocation of the 18th amendment with everyone but the rum runners in favor of again legalizing alcohol. Unfortunately, the Mob isn't giving up easily. People are starting to die...
Haley and Sam know they are capable of covering both the science and the news coverage of real-life issues, but they have a long way to go, convincing depression era men (and some women) who want all females at home, leaving the jobs for the heads of families - the male heads of the family. Just as we see today, equality between the sexes does not flow freely.
Reviewed on November 20, 2019, at Goodreads, AmazonSmiles, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo or GooglePlay.
Lee Strauss is an author I am happy to recommend to friends and family. She writes a tight, compelling mystery, this one set in 1930s Boston and featuring Haley Higgins, Bostons' first female physician/pathologist, and Samantha Hawke, a single Mom with her mother-in-law also dependant on her support. Sam Hawke is a reporter at The Daily Record currently tied to weddings and fashion but determined to cover real news.
Both our protagonists are full of grit and gumption, neither have much in the way of a support system and the word 'no' doesn't seem to have a place in their vocabulary. Bostonians find themselves on the leading edge of the revocation of the 18th amendment with everyone but the rum runners in favor of again legalizing alcohol. Unfortunately, the Mob isn't giving up easily. People are starting to die...
Haley and Sam know they are capable of covering both the science and the news coverage of real-life issues, but they have a long way to go, convincing depression era men (and some women) who want all females at home, leaving the jobs for the heads of families - the male heads of the family. Just as we see today, equality between the sexes does not flow freely.
Reviewed on November 20, 2019, at Goodreads, AmazonSmiles, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo or GooglePlay.
January 25, 2019
This book was rather like a dish into which a chef has lovingly put lots of well chosen and tasty ingredients which end up cancelling each other out and result in a finished product which fails to ignite the taste buds.
The ingredients here are good quality. Two feisty leading characters, Haley and Sam, are women battling their way in spheres dominated by men, facing up to and beating off prejudice- but they are not enough of a contrast, and, to my mind, each merits her own book. There is fascinating background in the Boston of 1931, with gang rivalries, illicit alcohol, brothels, and the economic problems of the Depression era- but it did not feel very exciting or dangerous. There are a few possibly interesting males around, but none of them leaped off the page.
Perhaps the problem is that this is the first in a projected series, and so there are lots of plot lines and characters with the potential for development. This raises my expectations for the future , but this one did not quite work for me.
Some great ideas and a good choice of murderer (although the motive was a bit weak), but I think the detection element needs to be beefed up a bit. I also found it irritating that the unsolved murder of Haley’s brother, seven years prior to the time of this story, is dangled before us, but really does not feature. Sam and Haley do not yet feel like a “team” as they seemed to be working fairly independently, while trying to get to know each other better.
I do want to read more about these characters, but this initial outing left me a tad disappointed.
Thank you to the author for the digital review copy, received in advance of publication.
The ingredients here are good quality. Two feisty leading characters, Haley and Sam, are women battling their way in spheres dominated by men, facing up to and beating off prejudice- but they are not enough of a contrast, and, to my mind, each merits her own book. There is fascinating background in the Boston of 1931, with gang rivalries, illicit alcohol, brothels, and the economic problems of the Depression era- but it did not feel very exciting or dangerous. There are a few possibly interesting males around, but none of them leaped off the page.
Perhaps the problem is that this is the first in a projected series, and so there are lots of plot lines and characters with the potential for development. This raises my expectations for the future , but this one did not quite work for me.
Some great ideas and a good choice of murderer (although the motive was a bit weak), but I think the detection element needs to be beefed up a bit. I also found it irritating that the unsolved murder of Haley’s brother, seven years prior to the time of this story, is dangled before us, but really does not feature. Sam and Haley do not yet feel like a “team” as they seemed to be working fairly independently, while trying to get to know each other better.
I do want to read more about these characters, but this initial outing left me a tad disappointed.
Thank you to the author for the digital review copy, received in advance of publication.
February 3, 2019
I want to like Death at the Tavern more than I did. Perhaps if I had come to the story brand new instead of following Haley Higgins from the Ginger Gold novels, I would have.
When I last saw Haley, she was a medical student racing home from London to Boston to deal with the aftermath of her brother’s murder. In Death at the Tavern, years have passed. Haley is now a fully qualified doctor and an assistant medical examiner in Boston.
Conveniently, she’s has inherited enough money to not be suffering from the economic down turn of the depression, she has established a relationship with the Boston police department that allows her the freedom and reputation to step beyond her role as medical examiner, and she has developed the skills and know how to get herself out of many sticky situations. Her brother’s murder, while still unsolved, stands as a distant wound on her otherwise easy life. In short, Haley is boring, and even the sweet moment at the end of this story can’t change that.
On the other hand, Samantha Hawke, the feisty reporter and Haley’s counterpart in this series is far more fascinating. She has bills to pay, a child and mother-in-law to care for, and a deadbeat thief of a husband who disappeared years earlier leaving Sam to pick up the pieces. She is constantly fighting to find her place as a female newspaper reporter in a male dominant field. She must balance a wish to get ahead with the need to care for and protect her daughter, while keeping a roof over her family’s heads. Sam’s vulnerabilities and mistakes make her interesting to follow and in the end she, not Haley, is the one I wanted to read more about.
Death at the Tavern is a good weekend read, but at the end I felt bad that even in her own series, at least in my opinion, Haley plays second fiddle. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this novel and appreciate the opportunity to have read it.
When I last saw Haley, she was a medical student racing home from London to Boston to deal with the aftermath of her brother’s murder. In Death at the Tavern, years have passed. Haley is now a fully qualified doctor and an assistant medical examiner in Boston.
Conveniently, she’s has inherited enough money to not be suffering from the economic down turn of the depression, she has established a relationship with the Boston police department that allows her the freedom and reputation to step beyond her role as medical examiner, and she has developed the skills and know how to get herself out of many sticky situations. Her brother’s murder, while still unsolved, stands as a distant wound on her otherwise easy life. In short, Haley is boring, and even the sweet moment at the end of this story can’t change that.
On the other hand, Samantha Hawke, the feisty reporter and Haley’s counterpart in this series is far more fascinating. She has bills to pay, a child and mother-in-law to care for, and a deadbeat thief of a husband who disappeared years earlier leaving Sam to pick up the pieces. She is constantly fighting to find her place as a female newspaper reporter in a male dominant field. She must balance a wish to get ahead with the need to care for and protect her daughter, while keeping a roof over her family’s heads. Sam’s vulnerabilities and mistakes make her interesting to follow and in the end she, not Haley, is the one I wanted to read more about.
Death at the Tavern is a good weekend read, but at the end I felt bad that even in her own series, at least in my opinion, Haley plays second fiddle. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this novel and appreciate the opportunity to have read it.
November 5, 2020
I came to this after the Ginger Gold mystery series.
I loved Haley Higgins in that series, and I was disappointed when her character left. So I was thrilled to realise she had her own series.
This is billed as a 1930's Rizolli and Isles. That's quite close, to be honest.
As in all other Lee Strauss books, the characters are very well rooted in the culture of the time. As women, they also have to face many trials. And as a woman in the 21st century it is fascinating to read that. So I really appreciate the backdrop to the story.
Both Haley and Samantha are believable characters, and they make their good and bad decisions.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I loved Haley Higgins in that series, and I was disappointed when her character left. So I was thrilled to realise she had her own series.
This is billed as a 1930's Rizolli and Isles. That's quite close, to be honest.
As in all other Lee Strauss books, the characters are very well rooted in the culture of the time. As women, they also have to face many trials. And as a woman in the 21st century it is fascinating to read that. So I really appreciate the backdrop to the story.
Both Haley and Samantha are believable characters, and they make their good and bad decisions.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 27, 2019
This is a spin off of the Ginger Gold series following her good friend Haley after her return to the States. I love the characters and the descriptions of the time era it is set in. Great beginning of a new series.
November 12, 2019
1931 was a difficult time. People struggled with Prohibition and the Great Depression. It was a dark and dangerous world. Samantha Hawke, an investigative reporter, is frustrated when she's held back in her job because she's a woman. Her first break as a crime reporter involves the murder of a man at the Bell in Hand Tavern. I liked her spunk. She is the bread winner. She supports her daughter and her mother-in-law after her husband abandoned them. I admired her bravery, I felt bad that she couldn't spend much time with her daughter. When she meets Dr. Haley Higgins at the murder scene, they work together and make a formidable pair. Haley works as the pathologist's assistant for the Boston Police. She intelligent and has an eye for detail. I enjoyed seeing these ladies in the center of the action. They may have different approaches but they are unstoppable when they work together. I was pulled into this mystery. Lee Strauss has written strong women characters that I admired. The story is fast paced and suspenseful. It wasn't easy to determine who committed the crimes and why. I can't to see what happens next.
April 15, 2025
I didn’t love the reader of the audiobook…. I also thought that Hailey and Sam didn’t do much actual investigating… but I liked the mystery.
October 27, 2021
I have read a few of this author’s books and although I often find them initially interesting, in the end I am usually disappointed as they turn into boring romances. I decided to try this book as I thought the interaction between the two main female characters might be interesting. Unfortunately for the vast majority of the book there were two separate stories with the two women only meeting occasionally.
They are finally forced together towards the end of the story, but then it’s all about survival.
Overall this wasn’t a bad story, but not really what I was hoping for, maybe the next book will have more contact between the two women. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
They are finally forced together towards the end of the story, but then it’s all about survival.
Overall this wasn’t a bad story, but not really what I was hoping for, maybe the next book will have more contact between the two women. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
January 29, 2019
kindle unlimited or will be as far as know, sometimes bit of delay while she's making sure the non ku users get a chance to buy it {once on ku it can't be put out anywhere else}, noticed some issues, mainly that it states Higgins is 6 feet tall, which absolutely cannot be correct since she wore a dress of Ginger's in the very first book Murder on the SS Rosa, and since proper ladies did not show even knees and barely a 'well turned ankle' no way the dress would have fit both Ginger and Haley though no further mention was made of it, tho again in the next book and possibly others Haley once again borrows a dress, and it wasn't until this series {in 1930's} that mentioned her height, and again from different parts of different Lady Gold books there was not supposed to be some huge height difference, then just overall not sure what the book means to accomplish to go along with the previous and still going series because not getting the same reading vibe, though basically sans clothing/makeup is about the same type, mystery wise, but also first book of new series so don't want to act as if won't be able to get into it, don't know yet.
Death by Rum Running. . . It’s the hot and humid East Coast summer of 1931 and seven years since Dr. Haley Higgins’ brother Joe was murdered. The case is cold. The Boston Police Department may have given up on finding Joe Higgins’ killer, but Haley never will. She’s serious and savvy and has what it takes to hold up under depressive times. At least she finds some satisfaction doing her part as the city pathologist’s assistant in solving other crimes. Investigative reporter Samantha Hawke ~ byline Sam Hawke ~ is blond, beautiful and broke, no thanks to her no good husband who’s been on the lam for over six years. Her position at the Boston Daily Record is more than a job ~ it’s payback.
When a man is found dead at the Bell in Hand Tavern on Union Street, Haley and Samantha are both working the case. Haley’s looking for justice and Samantha’s after recognition and a raise. They may want the same thing ~ to catch a killer ~ but it turns out they may need each other to solve this case before becoming the next victims.
1 - Murder on the SS Rosa (prequel novella)
2 - Murder at Hartigan House
3 - Murder at Bray Manor
Ginger Gold Mysteries 1-3
4 - Murder at Feathers & Flair
5 - Murder at the Mortuary
6 - Murder at Kensington Park
Ginger Gold Mysteries 4-6
7 - Murder at St. George's Church
7.5 - The Wedding of Ginger & Basil: a companion novella
8 - Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman
Higgins & Hawke Mysteries
1 - Death at the Tavern
2 - Death on the Tower
Perception Trilogy {0.5-3}, Nursery Rhyme suspense stories {short story I Spy with my Little Eye Books plus 4 more in series}, Clockwise series {5 plus a novella, time travel type}. Not only are the books available individually but also in various sets
Death by Rum Running. . . It’s the hot and humid East Coast summer of 1931 and seven years since Dr. Haley Higgins’ brother Joe was murdered. The case is cold. The Boston Police Department may have given up on finding Joe Higgins’ killer, but Haley never will. She’s serious and savvy and has what it takes to hold up under depressive times. At least she finds some satisfaction doing her part as the city pathologist’s assistant in solving other crimes. Investigative reporter Samantha Hawke ~ byline Sam Hawke ~ is blond, beautiful and broke, no thanks to her no good husband who’s been on the lam for over six years. Her position at the Boston Daily Record is more than a job ~ it’s payback.
When a man is found dead at the Bell in Hand Tavern on Union Street, Haley and Samantha are both working the case. Haley’s looking for justice and Samantha’s after recognition and a raise. They may want the same thing ~ to catch a killer ~ but it turns out they may need each other to solve this case before becoming the next victims.
1 - Murder on the SS Rosa (prequel novella)
2 - Murder at Hartigan House
3 - Murder at Bray Manor
Ginger Gold Mysteries 1-3
4 - Murder at Feathers & Flair
5 - Murder at the Mortuary
6 - Murder at Kensington Park
Ginger Gold Mysteries 4-6
7 - Murder at St. George's Church
7.5 - The Wedding of Ginger & Basil: a companion novella
8 - Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman
Higgins & Hawke Mysteries
1 - Death at the Tavern
2 - Death on the Tower
Perception Trilogy {0.5-3}, Nursery Rhyme suspense stories {short story I Spy with my Little Eye Books plus 4 more in series}, Clockwise series {5 plus a novella, time travel type}. Not only are the books available individually but also in various sets
January 30, 2019
This is an interesting new series by Lee Strauss featuring Dr Haley Higgins who we met in the Ginger Gold Mystery Series. Haley is now the Assistant Medical Examiner of Boston. It’s now Haley’s turn to be the main person solving murder mysteries. She does have help from a female reporter, Samantha Hawke, who is a single mother trying to make it in a man’s world during the 1930’s. It’s the time of prohibition and speakeasies.
There were several murders to solve and I didn’t guess who the murderer was. There were some interesting clues that led the reader in the wrong direction.
The two main characters are well developed. The auxiliary characters are being developed. Samantha’s mother-in-law reminds me of Ginger Gold’s mother-in-law. I’m sure she and Samantha’s daughter will be further developed in the series.
I’m looking forward to both Haley and Samantha having love interests. Haley does have someone who takes her out but we don’t know much about him yet. There are several possibilities for Haley although she is still legally married to a crook who ran out on her and their daughter.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this Series develops.
There were several murders to solve and I didn’t guess who the murderer was. There were some interesting clues that led the reader in the wrong direction.
The two main characters are well developed. The auxiliary characters are being developed. Samantha’s mother-in-law reminds me of Ginger Gold’s mother-in-law. I’m sure she and Samantha’s daughter will be further developed in the series.
I’m looking forward to both Haley and Samantha having love interests. Haley does have someone who takes her out but we don’t know much about him yet. There are several possibilities for Haley although she is still legally married to a crook who ran out on her and their daughter.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this Series develops.
April 20, 2019
Borrowed this as my April pick in the Kindle Owner's Lending Library. Definitely a good choice.
As the first in a series, of course a lot of it was introducing and getting to know characters. The main two are Dr Haley Higgins and Miss Samantha Hawke. Higgins is a Boston medical examiner -- unusual for a woman in her day. She's 40 something, unmarried, no kids and reasonably comfortable financially considering it's set in the early 30s, just before the repeal of Prohibition.
Hawke is a reporter, generally relegated to the "Women's pages" but she'd very much like to have a shot at some investigative reporting. She's got a daughter and also supports her mother-in-law as her husband ran off and left the three of them. She and MiL don't get along that well, but each knows they depend on the other.
Both of these unusual-for-the-time women get drawn into the investigation of the death of a disowned member of a local mob family and learn that they can definitely help each other out in getting to a solution.
A second novel in the series comes out in a week or two; I'll definitely have it on my list to to read.
As the first in a series, of course a lot of it was introducing and getting to know characters. The main two are Dr Haley Higgins and Miss Samantha Hawke. Higgins is a Boston medical examiner -- unusual for a woman in her day. She's 40 something, unmarried, no kids and reasonably comfortable financially considering it's set in the early 30s, just before the repeal of Prohibition.
Hawke is a reporter, generally relegated to the "Women's pages" but she'd very much like to have a shot at some investigative reporting. She's got a daughter and also supports her mother-in-law as her husband ran off and left the three of them. She and MiL don't get along that well, but each knows they depend on the other.
Both of these unusual-for-the-time women get drawn into the investigation of the death of a disowned member of a local mob family and learn that they can definitely help each other out in getting to a solution.
A second novel in the series comes out in a week or two; I'll definitely have it on my list to to read.
November 12, 2021
Enjoyable first book in a new series
I've enjoyed the Ginger Gold mystery series for a while now, and liked the interaction between Ginger and her American friend Haley Higgins. Now Haley has her own series, set in Boston, and this book sets up the future partnership between medical examiner Haley and investigative reporter Sam Hawke. Together they learn to trust each other while working to solve a couple of apparently unrelated murders. Lee Strauss brings the 1930s to life and writes strong female characters. The story is a good one, with crisp writing and excellent editing. It's a fast read and one you will want to finish in one sitting. There are a few references to Ginger and Haley's life in London while studying at the women's medical school there, but it you haven't read the Ginger Gold series, don't worry, it won't interfere with your enjoyment of the book. I admit I miss Haley in the Gold books, but people change and their lives take different turns, so this is a logical progression for both Ginger and Haley. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I've enjoyed the Ginger Gold mystery series for a while now, and liked the interaction between Ginger and her American friend Haley Higgins. Now Haley has her own series, set in Boston, and this book sets up the future partnership between medical examiner Haley and investigative reporter Sam Hawke. Together they learn to trust each other while working to solve a couple of apparently unrelated murders. Lee Strauss brings the 1930s to life and writes strong female characters. The story is a good one, with crisp writing and excellent editing. It's a fast read and one you will want to finish in one sitting. There are a few references to Ginger and Haley's life in London while studying at the women's medical school there, but it you haven't read the Ginger Gold series, don't worry, it won't interfere with your enjoyment of the book. I admit I miss Haley in the Gold books, but people change and their lives take different turns, so this is a logical progression for both Ginger and Haley. I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 1, 2019
A Successful Spinoff of the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries!
Fast forward seven years and you will find Dr. Haley Higgins, first met in the Ginger Gold Mystery series, in the morgue in Boston working as the assistant pathologist. Prohibition is the law in America and organized crime has found lucrative markets in rum running and speakeasies. The mob and crime are on the rise. Samantha Hawke, bi-line Sam Hawke, working as a women’s column reporter for The Daily Record is looking for her big break. After covering a shooting which suspiciously looks to be mob related, she meets and teams up with Dr. Higgins to investigate. Can they solve the murder or will they become the next victims? Loved this book and have high expectations of this new series! In Higgins & Hawke Mystery Book 1 Lee Strauss has created an interesting team with two strong women set in a fascinating timeframe. I personally can’t wait to read Book 2!
Fast forward seven years and you will find Dr. Haley Higgins, first met in the Ginger Gold Mystery series, in the morgue in Boston working as the assistant pathologist. Prohibition is the law in America and organized crime has found lucrative markets in rum running and speakeasies. The mob and crime are on the rise. Samantha Hawke, bi-line Sam Hawke, working as a women’s column reporter for The Daily Record is looking for her big break. After covering a shooting which suspiciously looks to be mob related, she meets and teams up with Dr. Higgins to investigate. Can they solve the murder or will they become the next victims? Loved this book and have high expectations of this new series! In Higgins & Hawke Mystery Book 1 Lee Strauss has created an interesting team with two strong women set in a fascinating timeframe. I personally can’t wait to read Book 2!
February 9, 2019
A New Dynamic Duo
Finally, Haley Higgins is back. As Asst. Medical Examiner in Boston, Haley keeps busy at her job while continuing to brood over the cold case of her brother’s murder. Enter Samantha ‘Sam’ Hawke, woman’s reporter for The Daily Record. Abandoned by her husband before their daughter’s birth, Sam now needs to work to support Talia & her mother-in-law, Bina Rosenbaum. The two women meet over the murder of an outcast brother of the Mafia Marchesi family. Sam wants a byline and an investigative reporter gig while Haley’s sense of justice drives her to find answers. Both women have misconceptions of the other as they find themselves in speakeasies & brothels chasing down clues to a typically Prohibition style murder. Can they find a working partnership?
This story seemed to fly by. I cam’t wait for the second one.
Finally, Haley Higgins is back. As Asst. Medical Examiner in Boston, Haley keeps busy at her job while continuing to brood over the cold case of her brother’s murder. Enter Samantha ‘Sam’ Hawke, woman’s reporter for The Daily Record. Abandoned by her husband before their daughter’s birth, Sam now needs to work to support Talia & her mother-in-law, Bina Rosenbaum. The two women meet over the murder of an outcast brother of the Mafia Marchesi family. Sam wants a byline and an investigative reporter gig while Haley’s sense of justice drives her to find answers. Both women have misconceptions of the other as they find themselves in speakeasies & brothels chasing down clues to a typically Prohibition style murder. Can they find a working partnership?
This story seemed to fly by. I cam’t wait for the second one.
January 30, 2019
Unlikely investigators
Haley Higgins the assistant medical examiner, and Samantha Hawke an investigative reporter, find an unlikely friendship, while surviving in occupations that are mostly held by men.
Look out Boston, this dynamic duel is going to be the next great team to solve murders in the 1930's.
Lee Strauss has again penned a new delightful but very entertaining mystery series.
Any genre Lee decides to write is always a thrill ride of it's own. Far from a one trick pony, I would recommend any of her series, because she can satisfy anyone's cup of tea, or coffee!
A very good read!!
Haley Higgins the assistant medical examiner, and Samantha Hawke an investigative reporter, find an unlikely friendship, while surviving in occupations that are mostly held by men.
Look out Boston, this dynamic duel is going to be the next great team to solve murders in the 1930's.
Lee Strauss has again penned a new delightful but very entertaining mystery series.
Any genre Lee decides to write is always a thrill ride of it's own. Far from a one trick pony, I would recommend any of her series, because she can satisfy anyone's cup of tea, or coffee!
A very good read!!
Read
October 29, 2021Engrossing Mystery
Being stuck in a house without any power because of an autumn norm Easter wasn't so bad because I had fully charged my Kindle Just in case! Fortunately, I also had downloaded this book! Great distraction from the cold! I read the whole book and still have 24% battery power left! Sure hope the power gets turned back on before it dies or I freeze! It really sucks to have no heat , no way to cook, and the generator won't start! This story was well written and kept me guessing! I'd be adding the next book in the series as soon as I finish this review if the power were on and I had Internet!
Being stuck in a house without any power because of an autumn norm Easter wasn't so bad because I had fully charged my Kindle Just in case! Fortunately, I also had downloaded this book! Great distraction from the cold! I read the whole book and still have 24% battery power left! Sure hope the power gets turned back on before it dies or I freeze! It really sucks to have no heat , no way to cook, and the generator won't start! This story was well written and kept me guessing! I'd be adding the next book in the series as soon as I finish this review if the power were on and I had Internet!
November 2, 2021
Death at the Tavern: A 1930's Cozy Murder Mystery ( A Higgins & Hawke Mystery Book 1)
Big fan of the Ginger Gold series, and this new series proves to be just as entertaining. With Haley Higgins, back in Boston, as the city's assistant medical examiner, life for the good doctor is providing to be just as exciting as when she lived in London, with Lady Gold. When Dr. Higgins responds to a murder at a tavern, she meets Samantha Hawke, a reporter on her first crime story. As they both investigate, from different angles, they eventually work the case together. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend! Happy reading.
Big fan of the Ginger Gold series, and this new series proves to be just as entertaining. With Haley Higgins, back in Boston, as the city's assistant medical examiner, life for the good doctor is providing to be just as exciting as when she lived in London, with Lady Gold. When Dr. Higgins responds to a murder at a tavern, she meets Samantha Hawke, a reporter on her first crime story. As they both investigate, from different angles, they eventually work the case together. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend! Happy reading.
January 28, 2019
I have loved the Ginger Gold series from Ms. Strauss since the beginning. Haley Higgins, one of the characters in the books, has always been a favorite. Now, she has her own book and has teamed up with the delightful Ms. Sam Hawke. These are two talented women that are not only smart, but have the desire to succeed in field that are not always accepting of women.
This book is captivating from the first word to the last. There are many more stories to be told about their adventures and I, for one, can hardly wait to read them.
This book is captivating from the first word to the last. There are many more stories to be told about their adventures and I, for one, can hardly wait to read them.
February 23, 2019
Interesting new series!
Haley is a familiar person from the Ginger Gold series. Haley is back in Boston and we meet her 6 years after her London adventures. She is Assistant Medical Examiner and encounters a young reporter, Samantha Hawke. They work together to solve a series of murders, connected or not, is part of their problem. Interesting adventure for women in 1931 Boston. I enjoyed reading about the excessive discrimination they met and how they handled it! Two new strong, female sleuths!
Haley is a familiar person from the Ginger Gold series. Haley is back in Boston and we meet her 6 years after her London adventures. She is Assistant Medical Examiner and encounters a young reporter, Samantha Hawke. They work together to solve a series of murders, connected or not, is part of their problem. Interesting adventure for women in 1931 Boston. I enjoyed reading about the excessive discrimination they met and how they handled it! Two new strong, female sleuths!
July 30, 2020
Higgins & Hawke
What a great start to the offshoot of the Ginger Gold series. Haley Higgins came back to Boston when she found out her brother, Joseph, had been murdered. Although she has not solved that case (yet) she is working as the assistant medical examiner and will have many cases to work on. This story brings her together with Sam (Samantha) Hawke, a ladies columnist to solve a couple of murders. It looks like they’re going to be a great team. And, as with the Ginger Gold series, this looks like Ms Strauss has a new hit.
What a great start to the offshoot of the Ginger Gold series. Haley Higgins came back to Boston when she found out her brother, Joseph, had been murdered. Although she has not solved that case (yet) she is working as the assistant medical examiner and will have many cases to work on. This story brings her together with Sam (Samantha) Hawke, a ladies columnist to solve a couple of murders. It looks like they’re going to be a great team. And, as with the Ginger Gold series, this looks like Ms Strauss has a new hit.
May 19, 2021
Easy read
There were a few discrepancies with the era. This was a woman supporting three people on one third of the amount of money of her contemporaries. A fifty cent tip was a LOT of money during the depression. The references to the cost of drinks to the comments of trying to feed her family are inconsistent. The additional purchase of sunglasses is ludicrous. I’ve been very poor and when faced with feeding and clothing family members or purchasing alcohol and sunglasses there was an obvious choice.
There were a few discrepancies with the era. This was a woman supporting three people on one third of the amount of money of her contemporaries. A fifty cent tip was a LOT of money during the depression. The references to the cost of drinks to the comments of trying to feed her family are inconsistent. The additional purchase of sunglasses is ludicrous. I’ve been very poor and when faced with feeding and clothing family members or purchasing alcohol and sunglasses there was an obvious choice.
January 29, 2019
I fell in love with Haley during the Ginger Gold mysteries, and Lee Strauss has pulled out all of the stops to set Haley up as the main heroine in her new series. She’s partnered up with Sam, a single mother who holds her own and owns her sex appeal. The plot was fantastic, well researched for the time period of the tail end of Prohibition. The characters were fantastic, and the mystery was top notch. I am super excited to continue the series!
January 29, 2019
I enjoy Lee Strauss' mysteries. This one is no exception. The period detail of the 30's is fun and the strong female characters are well written. The action moves along well and I picked-up on the killer at the same time Haley did. I was thrilled! This was a very good first story for the series and I hope there will be many more.
I received an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review because I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review because I enjoyed it.
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