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Lady Gold Investigates #1

Lady Gold Investigates, Volume 1

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Ginger Gold has opened her own private investigation office! 

This short story companion series to Ginger Gold Mysteries has the clever Mrs. Ginger Reed, aka Lady Gold, and her adventurous sister-in-law Felicia taking on clients who've got all sorts of troubles. This first volume consists of The Case of the Boy who Vanished and The Case of the Missing Fox Stole.

A companion series to Ginger Gold Mysteries, each volume is approximately 20 thousand words or 80 pages. A bite size read perfect for a transit commute home, time spent waiting at an appointment, or to settle into sleep at night. Get your coffee, tea or glass of wine and snuggle in!

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2019

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About the author

Lee Strauss

130 books2,343 followers
For 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

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5 stars
385 (49%)
4 stars
239 (30%)
3 stars
122 (15%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Robin.
1,987 reviews98 followers
November 27, 2020
This book contains two (very) short stories in the Lady Gold Mystery series.

The Case of the Vanishing Boy - After opening her new investigations office, Ginger is hired by Rev. Oliver Hill to look into the disappearance of a young boy who vanished into thin air.

The Case of the Missing Fox Stole - A beautiful fox stole has disappeared from a mannequin at Feathers & Flair, a designer dress shop owned by Ginger Reed. Ginger uses her sleuthing ability to interview three customers who were at the shop the day of the disappearance.

These stories are approximately 45 pages each. They are just the right length if you want a quick read before going to sleep. They also fit well in the Lady Gold Mystery series. My rating: 3 Stars
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,464 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2019
Lady Gold Investigates by Lee Strauss are two novellas about small crimes that are brought to Lady Gold Investigations. The office is now open and both Ginger and Felicia are ready to help solve the mysteries.

Both novellas are quickly paced with the first one being straightforward from beginning to end. I enjoyed the fact that Ginger got to use her expertise in disguises in this one. In the second there were a few clues and only a couple of twists before Ginger resolved the issues. I confess in the second one I didn't pick up on all of the clues before the reveal. This was a really lovely afternoon read. Ms. Strauss' writing is descriptive and the plots are always well-crafted.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,712 reviews110 followers
October 27, 2019
I received a free electronic copy of this short historical novel from the author, Lee Strauss. Thank you so much for sharing your hard work with me. I have read these two novelettes of my own volition, and this review reflects my personal opinion of this work.

The Case of the Vanishing Boy and The Case of the Missing Fox Stole are both shorts leading into the series "Lady Gold Investigates", set in London in the late 1920s, early 1930s and involving Ginger Gold Reed with her intrepid debut-author sister-in-law, Felicia Gold. These stories are sweet, clean, fast-paced and interesting. Think Miss Fisher without the frisky. Lee Strauss brings us a welcome change of pace from the trials and tribulations of daily life today.

I like the idea of the Widow Lady Ginger Gold setting up shop - an upscale clothing shop - named Feathers and Flair, marrying a policeman named Basil Reed and opening her own private investigator's office around the corner from F&F so she can keep her thumb on the pulse of both her businesses. Oh, and we can't leave out Boss. A Boston Terrier, Boss lives up to his name and does his best to keep everyone with their noses to the grindstone.

I thoroughly enjoyed these introductory stories to this series, and look forward to reading them all. Lee Strauss is an author I will follow.

Reviewed on Goodreads, October 26, 2019. Reviewed on October 27, 2019, at AmazonSmile and BookBub. Although they carry other Lee Strauss novels, Lady Gold Investigates was not available for review on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
Profile Image for Samantha (bookstasamm).
1,014 reviews88 followers
March 13, 2021
I haven’t read any of the Ginger Gold Mysteries, and this book was two short cozy mysteries based off of those books. I don’t think you need to read the main books first though as this book was easy to follow. I do wish the stories were a tad longer with more focus on the mysteries, but they were a cute and quick read.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,381 reviews30 followers
December 8, 2020
This is first in a series of short stories which are apparently a companion to the Ginger Gold Mysteries series. They are set in the 1920's in London and have a nice old fashioned flavor to them. This volume has two short stories, one involving finding a missing street urchin, and one seeking out a shoplifter. It was only a little over 100 pages, so a very quick but enjoyable read. 3.5 stars
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,591 reviews1,565 followers
August 5, 2019
This volume features two short cozy mysteries without murders. Ginger's first case since setting up her own official office involves a local street lad who has not been seen taking meals at St. George's Church in weeks. Ginger's friend Oliver is very worried about the boy. Can Ginger find him? This story takes Ginger and Felicia into the seedier side of London.

I was surprised Ginger let Felicia investigate the workhouses on her own. Felicia seems to be growing more mature. Ginger's feelings about motherhood are becoming stronger. She feels more maternal towards these street boys. Her investigation was clever but crazy and risky. I was a bit surprised by her solution. Boss plays the hero in this story. I love him!

The second mystery The Case of the Missing Fox Stole brings us back into upper class London. Feathers & Flair has recently received a new shipment of fabrics and scarves, including one fox stole which Ginger's staff places on a mannequin to show-off one of their beautiful dresses. When the fox stole vanishes Ginger thinks it's a simple matter of reviewing the receipts but the when none is found, Ginger knows the shop has been robbed. The police note several small thefts at shops in the area and Ginger fears one of her customers may be involved. Which one is up to her to find out. She needs to keep this quiet for the sake of her shop's reputation and the reputation of the presumably wealthy/good family perpetrator.

This story had a few more twists and turns that I was expecting. It ended up being rather straightforward and predictable in the end. I came up with a much better story involving Boss. He IS a terrier after all. I liked getting to know some of the clients and even the surprise person Ginger meets along the way.

These stories are short enough to read both in one sitting if so inclined. They're less than the length of one novel. I enjoyed the pleasant diversion enough to want to read the second volume.
37 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2019
Lady Gold Investigates is the brand new companion to the fabulous series of Ginger Gold 1920s mysteries. Ginger, in true pioneering spirit, has sent up her private investigation agency, along with her sister in law, Felicia. This book begins what I hope will turn out to be a long running series of cases!

As a massive fan of the full-length mysteries, I’ve been looking forward to reading about Lady Gold’s cases. There’s 2 crime stories to enjoy in the novella, each one about 80 pages - and each with all the charm and style (in both the writing and the outfits!) of the original series. They’re great little mysteries. Sometimes short story mysteries feel like a waste of time to me because they’re too simple, but these are properly plotted with great intrigue and characters. Perfect for a complete read on a lazy afternoon. Right now for me it’s a mini heatwave, and there’s nothing to beat a laze in the shade with iced coffee and Lady Gold!

I love that old fans can recognise and enjoy much loved characters, while new readers can pitch in here and enjoy the stories without feeling at all lost. (Though I’m betting you’ll want to go back and read the original Ginger Gold series from the beginning after this!)

Looking forward to more :)
58 reviews
August 10, 2019
I can do better!!!

You know the saying, "Anything you can do, I can do better?" I find it fits Lady Gold investigations!
Married to Chief Inspector Basil Reed of Scotland Yard, Ginger often accompanied Basil on his cases, and they work well together,
But the itch of the crime scene is in her blood, and she opened up her own establishment.
Many people prefer a woman's delicate touch to some matters, and with her former sister in law Felicia Gold, they make a great team.
In this first book, they take on cases of a missing boy, and a stolen Fox stole.
I would recommend this new series along with the Ginger Gold books, or anything Lee Strauss writes.
She is successful penning many genres, no matter what you like.
From mysteries or romance, to futuristic and weird, she is an accomplish authress.
I truly wait anxiously for the next book in several of her ongoing series.
Well done Lee!!!!!!
541 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2020
Bite Sized Mysteries

While I know this author(s) is/are well known for many mystery books, I am just discovering them. I am not a fan of historical mysteries but I am enjoying the two books I have read. I am a fan of the novella because it is just the right size to read (and finish) before going to sleep for the night is when I read a lot for fun. It is a relaxing activity to me and thus this book fits the bill. The mysteries are well written, clean, nothing gory, no adult language just the spinning of an interesting tale. I love Boss, the dog and in fact, he reminds me of my first dog, who was also a Boston terrier. I enjoyed this short story book so much, I am heading over to Kindle Unlimited (a great way to try out books and read several books a month for a lot less than if you bought them outright) and pick up another Lady Gold short story or two.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,596 reviews24 followers
July 24, 2019
Lady Gold Investigations is an off-shoot from the Lady Gold Mystery series. What a fun and fast read with just as much red-herings and mystery and the longer series. Lady Gold opened up her Investigation business and her first client is her friend, the local pastor, Oliver. Seems a young waif is missing. So, Ginger and Felicia throw themselves into the case. The second case happened in Ginger's Dress Shop. With lots of twists and turns and a surprises, we are treated to the two short stories in the Ginger Gold style! Love this short story idea which runs side by side with the Ginger Gold Mysteries! A GREAT fast read for a nice break from your day. I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Helen Drake.
984 reviews15 followers
July 31, 2019
Lee Strauss’ writing is excellent whether in her full length novels or this Novella. The stories are well crafted with descriptions that help you feel like you are seeing the stories. The characters are well developed including her little dog Boss who adds so much to the stories. The first story deals with orphaned children and workhouses as a street orphan who has been attending the free meals at St George’s Church disappears. The second story deals with shop lifting as well as problems of the elderly who are losing touch with reality. Both stories deal with social problems of the day which gives more substance to these cozy mysteries.

I always look forward to reading Lee Strauss’ books and she is one of my favorite authors!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,398 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2019
This is a boxset of two short stories that accompany the Ginger Gold Mysteries series. It comprises:
- The Case of the Missing Boy - a case that sees the intrepid sleuth teaming up with her sister-in-law and dog Boss to find a missing homeless boy.
- The Case of the Missing Fox Stole - a case that sees the intrepid sleuth teaming up with her sister-in-law and the team from Feathers and Flair to solve the mystery of a rash of thefts from local shops, including that of a fox stole from F&F.
These are great stories, and the perfect length for reading on your commute or at mealtimes. Highly recommended for all cozy mystery lovers!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Profile Image for Sheryl Smith.
1,170 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2020
What fun!

I enjoyed both short mysteries, although the first one, about the missing boy, did make me a bit sad. The conditions of the institutions of the time were so horrible, yet being a youth alone on the streets was just as bad. I guess I resonate with this story because my grandfather was a street urchin in the 20’s. He managed to keep just out of reach of the law and the workhouses, fortunately. I enjoyed the second story and it’s revelation of the oddities and predilections of some of the people in society we tend to believe are above such things. It makes the upper crust of society seem more human and normally imperfect. I like seeing Felicia involved and doing something productive rather than just being a flapper. Her character has a lot of promise.
Profile Image for Susan Stokell.
81 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2019
2 short stories by Lee Strauss. They are a good introduction to the Lady Gold Mysteries. The heroine is Mrs Basil Reed the former Lady Gold. These stories cover her new enterprise Lady Gold Investigations. The stories take place in the 1920's in England. Lee does an excellent job at bringing this time period to life for her readers.
The Lost Boy deals with the plight of orphans in England at this time. The second deals with theft at Fashion and Flair Ginger's dress shop.
At just 80 pages each the are a very quick read. A great read to while away an afternoon.
Profile Image for Shirley McAllister.
1,087 reviews166 followers
July 25, 2019
I really liked this book. It was such a fun comfortable read. I know this book was called a cozy mystery, but these books almost always make me smile...this one made me laugh. The descriptions are so realistic and the characters so wonderful. I couldn't help laughing at the disguise that Ginger came up with for investigating the workhouse and rescuing Eddie. I could picture that whole scene in my mind and laughed until I had tears. Than the way that they decided to investigate the missing fox fur was fantastic. The description of the ladies was wonderful. It was a delight to read.
44 reviews
July 24, 2019
Lady Gold Investigates Vol. 1 contains two 80 page novellas that are companion stories to the Ginger Gold Mystery series. Perfect when you just need a little taste of the 1920's life in England. The division of the classes, the treatment of women and children in the workplace, and Ginger's quest for helping anyone and everyone that she can. These two shorts gives you a clear picture of life as it was, making me very glad to be alive now.
169 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2019
I was fortunate to snag an ARC of this second book of the Lady Gold Investigates series. I would say that these short stories, two to a book, are reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith's "No.1 Ladies Detective Agency" series. The stories are short and provide the reader with subtle and not so subtle clues. I like that we are allowed into the daily life of our favorite historical lady sleuth while she investigates and interrogates non-murder mysteries.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,297 reviews69 followers
November 20, 2020
Two short stories involving the Lady Gold Investigations -
1 - The case of the Vanishing Boy - Reverend Oliver Hill is concerned when one of the street boys has failed to appear for his twice weekly meals.
2 - The Case of the Missing Fox Stole - A fox stole disappears from Lady Gold's fashion shop and by a process of elimination she has results in three possible suspects.
Enjoyable cozy mystery stories.
Profile Image for 'Manda.
85 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2025
I enjoy the Ginger Gold mystery series so I thought I would give the short story series a go. I was not disappointed.
There are two short stories in this collection - both very typically Ginger! The stories were very different In nature as the first was about a missing boy and the second about a shop lifter but both as good as the other. There are another six books in this collection, so will definitely read the rest soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
13 reviews
July 23, 2019
I enjoyed the first volume of Lady Gold Investigates. These snack-size Ginger Gold mysteries are just the right length for when you need to escape into another world for an hour. Each story is self-contained, making them perfect for readers who are brand new to the Lady Gold series and long term fans.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,925 reviews9 followers
July 25, 2019
This is a delightful spinoff from the original series. It highlights Ginger and Felicia in their roles as private investigators. Two cases are highlighted in this first book, both of which are unusual and takes some imagination on the part of the investigators to solve.

Can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Profile Image for Eirlys.
1,763 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2019
Two short stories as Lady Gold and her sister in law open their detective agency. Their first case is to locate a street urchin who is missing, he is only one of a number of disappeared children of the streets. This leads them into an adventure which is both funny and dangerous. The second story is equally entertaining. I was given an ARC but am voluntarily giving an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Marian.
20 reviews
August 4, 2019
Sometimes I'm tired and staying awake to read doesn't go as planned. I happen to love Lee Strauss's books, reading, and reading mysteries, especially mysteries with Ginger Gold as the main character. This novella allowed me to read a couple of great mystery stories--by Lee Strauss, featuring my fav investigator--without falling asleep because of being overly tired. I got my reading in!
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
August 24, 2019
kindle unlimited

lady gold investigates, which was only 2 story 'collecttion' which was not worth the time nor energy I gave it, it is not even 'a lick and a promise' as old cleaners used to say, so best give it is 2 stars. I will not bother with any more of these, it took more time to write the review than to read it.
Profile Image for Lisa Lockwood.
103 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2019
Fabulous

I do enjoy the Lady Gold stories and these bite sized stories are a perfect dip into Lady Gold investigations when you don't have the time to read a full sized novel. Two great little stories that as always provides you with some historical knowledge Of the era and a mystery to solve too.
Profile Image for Cyn McDonald.
674 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2020
Disappointing

I didn't care for this book. Granted it is just two very short stories and intended for readers already familiar with the series, but I felt that the characters were more like caricatures --especially the shop manager with the bad and inconsistent French accent -- and the social commentary was heavy handed. I definitely did not get the feel of 1920s London.
1 review1 follower
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August 13, 2021
This book was the key to my sanity during the worst of COVID. I literally binged read through the whole series! The characters are lovable and clever, solving crimes with a touch of class. The historical references gave me a feel for the time period. Lee Stauss, please keep the books coming! I can’t wait for the next read!
Profile Image for Christine Goodnough.
Author 4 books18 followers
August 24, 2023
I enjoyed these two short, interesting mysteries. After reading this book I read the first of the original series, Murder on the SS Rosa, and definitely prefer these briefer tales. Lady Gold seemed such a spoiled socialite in the SS Rosa mystery, with detailed descriptions of every fancy gown she wore. In these shorter tales we don't see as much of her life of privilege.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,273 reviews98 followers
July 25, 2019
Lady Gold and Felicia are busy investigation two cases in this novella. It is set in England and has all the charm and interesting characters as in her longer books. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Kandy.
1,393 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2019
The perfect addition to the Lady Gold series. Such fun short stories to tide us over while we wait for the next book in this series. I love that Felicity is helping out at the detective agency and doing a great job. She has found her niche.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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