What do you think?
Rate this book
High Society Lady Detective #4
Murder in Black Tie
Top hats and tails. Mink and murder . . .
November, 1923. An invitation to a house party at the estate of Parkview Hall is a welcome respite for Olive Belgrave, a newly minted working girl who’s become the solver of high society’s trickiest problems.
But when the sumptuous black tie event turns deadly, Olive’s cousin Peter becomes the main suspect. Olive must unmask a sophisticated killer before an innocent man takes the blame . . . because murder doesn’t RSVP.
Murder in Black Tie is the fourth standalone installment in the High Society Lady Detective series. If you like mysteries with elegant settings, charming characters, and a whodunit that will keep you guessing, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s series of delightful historical mysteries.
Escape into an elegant country home mystery with Murder in Black Tie.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2019
414 people are currently reading
2507 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
49 books1,668 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
August 18, 2020
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
What can I say? I can't say enough about this series. Olive Belgrave, vicar's daughter, lady detective, is fun, fabulous and feisty. I can't wait to see what she does next. The chemistry between Olive and her childhood chum, Jasper Remington, is simmering like a kettle on a stove. Her family is likable. I got see me more of her aunt, cousins and uncle in action. A few new faces arrive on the scene. Quite liked Gigi who resembles Phryne Fisher, wink.
In this one, Olive gets to play matchmaker. Her relationship with her stepmother takes an odd turn. The mysteries are not always terribly complex but they are interesting along with the setting. Sara Rosett has an amazing imagination and excellent research skills.
What can I say? I can't say enough about this series. Olive Belgrave, vicar's daughter, lady detective, is fun, fabulous and feisty. I can't wait to see what she does next. The chemistry between Olive and her childhood chum, Jasper Remington, is simmering like a kettle on a stove. Her family is likable. I got see me more of her aunt, cousins and uncle in action. A few new faces arrive on the scene. Quite liked Gigi who resembles Phryne Fisher, wink.
In this one, Olive gets to play matchmaker. Her relationship with her stepmother takes an odd turn. The mysteries are not always terribly complex but they are interesting along with the setting. Sara Rosett has an amazing imagination and excellent research skills.
March 15, 2022
With this book, Olive has established herself as a PI. She's not a success yet but at least she can support herself which is nice.
the mystery was so/so this time as I figured it out early on. But I think the narrator does a good job & keeps me entertained.
I really enjoy the author's note at the end in which she discussed her inspiration for the idea & gives a mini fact vs. fiction for the story.
FYI: this series is probably best read in order. While you won't be lost if you haven't read the previous books, the endings foreshadow Olive's next case/book which then picks up where the previous one left off.
the mystery was so/so this time as I figured it out early on. But I think the narrator does a good job & keeps me entertained.
I really enjoy the author's note at the end in which she discussed her inspiration for the idea & gives a mini fact vs. fiction for the story.
FYI: this series is probably best read in order. While you won't be lost if you haven't read the previous books, the endings foreshadow Olive's next case/book which then picks up where the previous one left off.
October 20, 2019
Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.
Murder in Black Tie is a highly intriguing mystery with entertaining characters and an English charm.
For me the mystery genre is either a hit or an excruciating miss. This one was a hit. I enjoyed the story, which was simple, yet perfectly enough for this short novel, and I felt interested in the characters, even though I had not read any of the previous books from the High Society Lady Detective series.
The story takes place during a gathering in the guest-house of the aunt of Olive Belgrave, our dear protagonist. Olive is in search of accommodation in London, however, she decides to visit her aunt's house and spend some time with family and friends. Soon after, however, her detective talents must be put to use as one of the guests has been murdered and she needs to solve the murder in order to save an innocent man from being blamed for it.
Olive is a pleasant and perceptive young woman, who, by the time of Murder in Black Tie, is already famous for her sleuthing skills. She includes her cousin Gwen in the search for justice, as well as Jasper, a seemingly carefree friend of Olive's, who is also her greatest partner in crime. I really liked the fact that alongside the mystery of the novel, we also had a good peek into the private lives of the characters. I feel that in a lot of mystery novels I've read, the characters' personalities are greatly underdeveloped and therefore shallow, but in this one I had the opportunity to learn more about them and their relationships, even not having read any other related novels, as I mentioned. This is where Jasper comes in the picture: the chemistry between him and Olive was pretty intense and I really enjoyed following their banter and casual flirting. The two seemed like an exciting future pair and I would continue reading the series just to find out if the author would decide to finally get them together. I was also interested in Gwen's relationship with Inspector Longly, which reminded me a bit of Jane and Mr Bingley's story full of longing and misunderstanding in Pride and Prejudice.
The detective side of the story was equally engaging and I was trying to figure out who the murderer was, even having considered the real one before the big reveal, so, even though I was lacking important information, I had justified suspicions, which shows that the ending was not out of nowhere and completely crazy, as it sometimes happens in mystery novels.
Murder in Black Tie is most likely the best mystery novel I've read this year, so I would definitely recommend it to others.
Murder in Black Tie is a highly intriguing mystery with entertaining characters and an English charm.
For me the mystery genre is either a hit or an excruciating miss. This one was a hit. I enjoyed the story, which was simple, yet perfectly enough for this short novel, and I felt interested in the characters, even though I had not read any of the previous books from the High Society Lady Detective series.
The story takes place during a gathering in the guest-house of the aunt of Olive Belgrave, our dear protagonist. Olive is in search of accommodation in London, however, she decides to visit her aunt's house and spend some time with family and friends. Soon after, however, her detective talents must be put to use as one of the guests has been murdered and she needs to solve the murder in order to save an innocent man from being blamed for it.
Olive is a pleasant and perceptive young woman, who, by the time of Murder in Black Tie, is already famous for her sleuthing skills. She includes her cousin Gwen in the search for justice, as well as Jasper, a seemingly carefree friend of Olive's, who is also her greatest partner in crime. I really liked the fact that alongside the mystery of the novel, we also had a good peek into the private lives of the characters. I feel that in a lot of mystery novels I've read, the characters' personalities are greatly underdeveloped and therefore shallow, but in this one I had the opportunity to learn more about them and their relationships, even not having read any other related novels, as I mentioned. This is where Jasper comes in the picture: the chemistry between him and Olive was pretty intense and I really enjoyed following their banter and casual flirting. The two seemed like an exciting future pair and I would continue reading the series just to find out if the author would decide to finally get them together. I was also interested in Gwen's relationship with Inspector Longly, which reminded me a bit of Jane and Mr Bingley's story full of longing and misunderstanding in Pride and Prejudice.
The detective side of the story was equally engaging and I was trying to figure out who the murderer was, even having considered the real one before the big reveal, so, even though I was lacking important information, I had justified suspicions, which shows that the ending was not out of nowhere and completely crazy, as it sometimes happens in mystery novels.
Murder in Black Tie is most likely the best mystery novel I've read this year, so I would definitely recommend it to others.
October 15, 2019
Very good
This whole series is very good. Strong realistic female protagonist who doesn't need to be "saved" by a man at the end, the two main characters work together well. Fun characters, good mystery that had me guessing until the end.
This whole series is very good. Strong realistic female protagonist who doesn't need to be "saved" by a man at the end, the two main characters work together well. Fun characters, good mystery that had me guessing until the end.
August 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Olive Belgrave is about to be homeless as her landlady is getting married and selling the boardinghouse. She packs up and heads back to Nether Woodsmoor to visit her family at Parkview Manor. Aunt Caroline and cousin Gwen are hosting a house party for a small group of friends and family, including Olive's father and his wife Sonia. Olive is happy to see her cousin Peter recovering from the trauma of the war but he isn't himself yet and when a guest is murdered, Peter becomes the number one suspect. Gwen begs Olive to investigate to clear Peter's name. The investigation threatens Gwen's budding romance with Inspector Lucas Longly. Can Olive solve the mystery, clear Peter's name and help Gwen and Lucas reconnect without getting into trouble? Good thing her pal Jasper Rimington is on hand to help her sleuth.
This is a typical 1920s country house party murder mystery with a far more limited cast than Archly Manor. The story is chock full of period details, especially fashion. I really liked learning more about how Parkview was used as a hospital during the war and what the characters were doing at that time. The mystery is more tight than I expected given the limited number of suspects. Obviously it's not the family or their servants. I thought I knew whodunit but I missed the big clue! I was surprised at how devious the murderer was and what the murder was actually about. I didn't suspect THAT at all. As I've mentioned elsewhere, Parkview was apparently based on Chatsworth, the estate of the Duke of Devonshire. The home of a Duke is far more grand than the home of a baronet. Researchers say Chatsworth is more grand than even Pemberley. It doesn't make sense for the baronet to have a grand conservatory, especially after the war. This story contains an homage to Austen. See if you spot it! (Hint: Emma) I'm not sure it was intentional but I think it was! The scene turns out quite differently than Austen's though.
The characters are what makes this story shine. Olive is lovely. She's independent and enjoys helping people. She has a brain and isn't afraid to use it. Her poverty, thanks to her father's poor investment of her inheritance, is very palpable and it's interesting how she's found a way to support herself in a time that wasn't very kind to women. I have just discovered Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence series and Olive is a literary sister of Tuppence! They're both intelligent, sharp-witted, kind young women who need to work for a living following the Great War. Marrying for money just isn't their thing. Olive's pal Jasper is still a bit of an enigma. I quite like him and find his charming wit appealing. I still think he's hiding what he really does but I think in this novel, he actually is coincidentally in the right place at the right time, whereas previously I think he was sent to investigate.
Olive's cousin Gwen is still sweet and kind but she has a spine of steel. She's stubborn and super loyal to her family. She isn't interested in the truth for truth's sake like Olive. Gwen just wants her brother cleared of suspicion. Peter is a nice young man with a keen interest in estate management. He must be the grandfather of the baronet in Death in the English Countryside, so we know he's not a murderer! Peter still has some trauma from the war. He has flashbacks and moments when he blacks out. Unfortunately, this makes him a prime suspect for murder since he can't remember what he was doing just before the murder and how he happened to be at the crime scene. I like him a lot because he's not one of the idle rich and I feel bad that no one seems to understand his PTSD. It seems someone wants to frame him for murder and I don't know why. Is it just because he's an easy target or is someone jealous or afraid he'll remember something from the war that someone doesn't want brought to light? Aunt Caroline is a little distracted but she's sharp enough when she needs to be. She loves her children even though she doesn't always understand them. I think she's a good mother compared to many others of her generation. Sir Leo is a sweetheart but he is not a good businessman or a good judge of character. I do appreciate his hands-off approach to parenting his adult children.
Olive's father, Cecil, is kind but absent-minded. He's more like Sir Harold, with a one-track mind. I feel bad for Olive that her father isn't there for her when she needs him. Olive is getting to know Sonia better now. I'm not sure I like Sonia any more than Olive does. Sonia has a nasty streak a mile wide. She's an excellent nurse and good for Cecil but like Olive, I wouldn't want Sonia as a stepmother. Inspector Longly is grumpy and Olive thinks he's jealous that Gwen has been keeping company with another man. I think it's more than that and I don't know why he's like that. He's very stiff and formal. He's a good investigator but very black and white. He needs hard facts and evidence put before his eyes. He needs Olive's knowledge of the house and guests to truly solve the murder.
Everyone else is a new character. The murder victim, Vincent Payne, is a businessman in the antique map business. He claims to have spent time at Parkview when it was a hospital during the war. He seems keen on looking at his old room and some old photos of that time but I suspect he's a villain casing the house looking for things to steal and sell to other unsuspecting gentlemen. Mr. Payne is a slimy, sleazy sort of man. He has his moments of sympathy but overall, I don't think anyone will miss him. Sir Leo should not have invited this man to Parkview.
Olive and Gwen's old friend Dinah (Deena) Lacey is an eccentric heiress. She has pots of money and loves to show it off through her couture clothing. She even owns a parrot she does on, Mr. Quigley. Deena seems shallow and eager to latch on to the popular crowd. She seems to be throwing herself at one of the male guests. Deena does seem devoted to Mr. Quigley though and tries hard to make him happy. Lady Gina (GiGi) Alton is a man eater. She may be an old school chum of Olive and Gwen's but she doesn't have Gwen's lovely goodness or Olive's smarts. Gigi is interested in fashion, money and men. Watch out for her! She flirts with Captain Inglenook and goes off alone with him! Apparently she has enough social cachet not to ruin her reputation. I wouldn't trust her around a gentleman I liked.
Captain Thomas Inglebrook is a new friend. He seems a little too handsome and charming. He flirts with Deena and Gigi, he's charming to Gwen and Olive too. Perhaps that's just his personality but something about him seems off, especially since he was childhood pals with Inspector Longly and they are no longer close. I think Captain Inglenook is a good suspect for murderer.
Miss Marion Miller, an older spinster, is a friend of Lady Caroline's. Miss Miller acts incredibly ditzy. She claims she got turned around in the house and couldn't find her room. Like Miss Bates, she rambles on and on, especially about her late brother. She's timid yet bold enough to get what she wants. Is she really that dotty or is it an act?
I can not wait to read the next book in the series. Fortunately it comes out next week and I'm trying to be good and NOT read the excerpts the author sent to her newsletter subscribers! Fans of 1920s lady detective cozies will enjoy this one. Downton Abbey fans may also enjoy this one for the setting and the wartime hospital, inspired by Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle.
Olive Belgrave is about to be homeless as her landlady is getting married and selling the boardinghouse. She packs up and heads back to Nether Woodsmoor to visit her family at Parkview Manor. Aunt Caroline and cousin Gwen are hosting a house party for a small group of friends and family, including Olive's father and his wife Sonia. Olive is happy to see her cousin Peter recovering from the trauma of the war but he isn't himself yet and when a guest is murdered, Peter becomes the number one suspect. Gwen begs Olive to investigate to clear Peter's name. The investigation threatens Gwen's budding romance with Inspector Lucas Longly. Can Olive solve the mystery, clear Peter's name and help Gwen and Lucas reconnect without getting into trouble? Good thing her pal Jasper Rimington is on hand to help her sleuth.
This is a typical 1920s country house party murder mystery with a far more limited cast than Archly Manor. The story is chock full of period details, especially fashion. I really liked learning more about how Parkview was used as a hospital during the war and what the characters were doing at that time. The mystery is more tight than I expected given the limited number of suspects. Obviously it's not the family or their servants. I thought I knew whodunit but I missed the big clue! I was surprised at how devious the murderer was and what the murder was actually about. I didn't suspect THAT at all. As I've mentioned elsewhere, Parkview was apparently based on Chatsworth, the estate of the Duke of Devonshire. The home of a Duke is far more grand than the home of a baronet. Researchers say Chatsworth is more grand than even Pemberley. It doesn't make sense for the baronet to have a grand conservatory, especially after the war. This story contains an homage to Austen. See if you spot it! (Hint: Emma) I'm not sure it was intentional but I think it was! The scene turns out quite differently than Austen's though.
The characters are what makes this story shine. Olive is lovely. She's independent and enjoys helping people. She has a brain and isn't afraid to use it. Her poverty, thanks to her father's poor investment of her inheritance, is very palpable and it's interesting how she's found a way to support herself in a time that wasn't very kind to women. I have just discovered Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence series and Olive is a literary sister of Tuppence! They're both intelligent, sharp-witted, kind young women who need to work for a living following the Great War. Marrying for money just isn't their thing. Olive's pal Jasper is still a bit of an enigma. I quite like him and find his charming wit appealing. I still think he's hiding what he really does but I think in this novel, he actually is coincidentally in the right place at the right time, whereas previously I think he was sent to investigate.
Olive's cousin Gwen is still sweet and kind but she has a spine of steel. She's stubborn and super loyal to her family. She isn't interested in the truth for truth's sake like Olive. Gwen just wants her brother cleared of suspicion. Peter is a nice young man with a keen interest in estate management. He must be the grandfather of the baronet in Death in the English Countryside, so we know he's not a murderer! Peter still has some trauma from the war. He has flashbacks and moments when he blacks out. Unfortunately, this makes him a prime suspect for murder since he can't remember what he was doing just before the murder and how he happened to be at the crime scene. I like him a lot because he's not one of the idle rich and I feel bad that no one seems to understand his PTSD. It seems someone wants to frame him for murder and I don't know why. Is it just because he's an easy target or is someone jealous or afraid he'll remember something from the war that someone doesn't want brought to light? Aunt Caroline is a little distracted but she's sharp enough when she needs to be. She loves her children even though she doesn't always understand them. I think she's a good mother compared to many others of her generation. Sir Leo is a sweetheart but he is not a good businessman or a good judge of character. I do appreciate his hands-off approach to parenting his adult children.
Olive's father, Cecil, is kind but absent-minded. He's more like Sir Harold, with a one-track mind. I feel bad for Olive that her father isn't there for her when she needs him. Olive is getting to know Sonia better now. I'm not sure I like Sonia any more than Olive does. Sonia has a nasty streak a mile wide. She's an excellent nurse and good for Cecil but like Olive, I wouldn't want Sonia as a stepmother. Inspector Longly is grumpy and Olive thinks he's jealous that Gwen has been keeping company with another man. I think it's more than that and I don't know why he's like that. He's very stiff and formal. He's a good investigator but very black and white. He needs hard facts and evidence put before his eyes. He needs Olive's knowledge of the house and guests to truly solve the murder.
Everyone else is a new character. The murder victim, Vincent Payne, is a businessman in the antique map business. He claims to have spent time at Parkview when it was a hospital during the war. He seems keen on looking at his old room and some old photos of that time but I suspect he's a villain casing the house looking for things to steal and sell to other unsuspecting gentlemen. Mr. Payne is a slimy, sleazy sort of man. He has his moments of sympathy but overall, I don't think anyone will miss him. Sir Leo should not have invited this man to Parkview.
Olive and Gwen's old friend Dinah (Deena) Lacey is an eccentric heiress. She has pots of money and loves to show it off through her couture clothing. She even owns a parrot she does on, Mr. Quigley. Deena seems shallow and eager to latch on to the popular crowd. She seems to be throwing herself at one of the male guests. Deena does seem devoted to Mr. Quigley though and tries hard to make him happy. Lady Gina (GiGi) Alton is a man eater. She may be an old school chum of Olive and Gwen's but she doesn't have Gwen's lovely goodness or Olive's smarts. Gigi is interested in fashion, money and men. Watch out for her! She flirts with Captain Inglenook and goes off alone with him! Apparently she has enough social cachet not to ruin her reputation. I wouldn't trust her around a gentleman I liked.
Captain Thomas Inglebrook is a new friend. He seems a little too handsome and charming. He flirts with Deena and Gigi, he's charming to Gwen and Olive too. Perhaps that's just his personality but something about him seems off, especially since he was childhood pals with Inspector Longly and they are no longer close. I think Captain Inglenook is a good suspect for murderer.
Miss Marion Miller, an older spinster, is a friend of Lady Caroline's. Miss Miller acts incredibly ditzy. She claims she got turned around in the house and couldn't find her room. Like Miss Bates, she rambles on and on, especially about her late brother. She's timid yet bold enough to get what she wants. Is she really that dotty or is it an act?
I can not wait to read the next book in the series. Fortunately it comes out next week and I'm trying to be good and NOT read the excerpts the author sent to her newsletter subscribers! Fans of 1920s lady detective cozies will enjoy this one. Downton Abbey fans may also enjoy this one for the setting and the wartime hospital, inspired by Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle.
October 10, 2019
Get ready to be swept up in the 1920's thanks to the vivid descriptions that quickly pull you into 1923 high society. The story unfolds at Parkview Hall in the village of Nether Woodsmoor. When a house party is interrupted with a murder, guest Olive Belgrave, who works as a discreet problem solver for high society, springs into action hoping to clear a lifelong friend from suspicion of murder.
The plot develops nicely as secrets are revealed along the way that cause the list of possible suspects to keep growing. The setting is perfect and there is an interesting cast of characters. Overall the High Society Lady Detective series is very entertaining.
Thanks to the author for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
The plot develops nicely as secrets are revealed along the way that cause the list of possible suspects to keep growing. The setting is perfect and there is an interesting cast of characters. Overall the High Society Lady Detective series is very entertaining.
Thanks to the author for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 4, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series, and will definitely keep reading.
February 8, 2023
My favorite one yet! I love that this takes place at Parkview Hall with Olive’s Uncle Leo, Aunt Caroline, and cousins Gwen and Peter. Olive’s father and stepmother Sonia are staying at Parkview as well and there are positive developments between Sonia and Olive. I really hope they can keep up their truce since they clearly both love and want the best for Olive’s father. He’s an endearing if absentminded man! His interactions with Mr Quigley-the-Scripture-quoting parrot were amusing.
I love that this book continues to explore the effects of WWI, especially with Peter’s character. There is one scene with Peter towards the beginning that I found especially moving. I loved the details about how Parkview Hall was a hospital during the war.
There is another relationship development in this novel that I am very happy with. Very very happy! There was such a funny part of it too. The last page was hilarious as well. I wonder if said amusing thing will show up in the next book. 🤔😆
I love that this book continues to explore the effects of WWI, especially with Peter’s character. There is one scene with Peter towards the beginning that I found especially moving. I loved the details about how Parkview Hall was a hospital during the war.
There is another relationship development in this novel that I am very happy with. Very very happy! There was such a funny part of it too. The last page was hilarious as well. I wonder if said amusing thing will show up in the next book. 🤔😆
April 29, 2021
Not an extremely exciting mystery, but I like the characters and appreciate the stories are clean and well researched.
January 13, 2025
Another good mystery! I enjoyed the setting and the introduction of some new characters.
March 3, 2020
Olive is back once again in this high society lady detective series! I've listened to all of them so far, I love the backdrop to these books! The roaring twenties in England, you can't get better than that! I think as the series goes on, the writing and the mystery gets better and better!
July 1, 2021
I like that this time around Olive is with family and childhood friends, makes it more interesting than when she's around strangers. I didn't care for the murdered man but I loved the interactions Olive had with the other people.
May 24, 2020
I avoid book series unless it's one of the biggies (Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc.). It feels bad to end a book on a cliffhanger without moving to the next immediately. But doing that leaves me restless -- too much time on one set of characters, one kind of atmosphere, etc. A girl needs variety. So I wait, read something else, usually many something elses. By the time I read the next book, it's been too long, I can't remember who people are, I cry, I become irresponsible, I do crime ... it's not pretty.
Enter a delightful exception: The High Society Lady Detective series isn't a "biggie," but I love it. Sadly, while the book ends with a clear indicator that there could be a book 5, I have found no evidence that one is in the works.
Murder in Black Tie is a "cozy mystery" (Only after reading four of them did I exert the effort to google what that actually is) and bears all the hallmarks: likable lead character you would love meet for coffee or martinis; fun supporting cast; the teeniest dot of romance; and murder, but only the fun kind with highly sanitized violence. So good for escapism. It's easy reading and The HSLD series is filled with lovely imagery and enough historical accuracy that I can almost convince myself they make me smarter. Each book ends with Sara Rosett explaining the historical touchstones contained throughout the book. So again: smartness. Many elements of Murder in Black Tie brought to mind Downton Abbey, and sure enough, there's a link.
I suppose I'll move onto other Sara Rosett series -- there are three more -- but, Sara, if you're listening, please don't forget to bring back Olive and the gang -- I already miss them.
Enter a delightful exception: The High Society Lady Detective series isn't a "biggie," but I love it. Sadly, while the book ends with a clear indicator that there could be a book 5, I have found no evidence that one is in the works.
Murder in Black Tie is a "cozy mystery" (Only after reading four of them did I exert the effort to google what that actually is) and bears all the hallmarks: likable lead character you would love meet for coffee or martinis; fun supporting cast; the teeniest dot of romance; and murder, but only the fun kind with highly sanitized violence. So good for escapism. It's easy reading and The HSLD series is filled with lovely imagery and enough historical accuracy that I can almost convince myself they make me smarter. Each book ends with Sara Rosett explaining the historical touchstones contained throughout the book. So again: smartness. Many elements of Murder in Black Tie brought to mind Downton Abbey, and sure enough, there's a link.
I suppose I'll move onto other Sara Rosett series -- there are three more -- but, Sara, if you're listening, please don't forget to bring back Olive and the gang -- I already miss them.
December 29, 2020
A house party at Parkview Hall offers Olive a new opportunity to put her sleuthing talents to good use when a fellow guest is murdered and once again one of her cousins is the prime suspect. Along the way she learns an unexpected secret about her unloved stepmother's past that just might lead to a new understanding between them.
Several of the basic plot elements - setting at a house party, a murdered guest, a cousin of Olive's the prime suspect - were a bit too reminiscent of the first High Society Lady Detective book, but somehow Rosett nevertheless managed to not make it feel all that repetitive. Another entertaining entry in the series.
Several of the basic plot elements - setting at a house party, a murdered guest, a cousin of Olive's the prime suspect - were a bit too reminiscent of the first High Society Lady Detective book, but somehow Rosett nevertheless managed to not make it feel all that repetitive. Another entertaining entry in the series.
January 17, 2021
Olive must really work hard for this case, as her cousin Peter is the suspect!
I really enjoyed getting to see the subtle possibilities between Olive and Jasper in this book! He’s always there for her!
I really enjoyed getting to see the subtle possibilities between Olive and Jasper in this book! He’s always there for her!
November 26, 2022
Olive Belgrave welcomes the invitation to a house party at Parkview Hall, home of Sir Leo and Lady Caroline Stone. She's about to be homeless because the owner of her boarding house is giving up the business in favor of a new marriage and it will be good to get out of London and away from the worry about where she will live next. Parkview Hall feels like a second home--she grew up spending loads of time there with her cousins Gwen and Peter Stone. Other guests include her father and stepmother, Cecil and Sonia Belgrave; Deena Lacey, a local young heiress; Inspector Lucas Longly (whom Gwen longs for...); Captain Thomas Inglebrook, a dashing young man whom Lady Caroline prefers for her daughter; Miss Marion Miller, a dithery spinster who's often asked to help even numbers at table and to make a fourth at bridge; Lady Gigi (Gina) Alton, childhood friend of Olive and Gwen; Vincent Payne, gentleman who sells antique maps on the side; and Jasper Rimington, family friend and often Olive's partner in crime...solving.
When Vincent Payne is found dead in the conservatory from the proverbial blunt instrument, Peter Stone is the main suspect. Peter suffers from trauma from the Great War and after having blacked out in the conservatory was found hunched over Payne's body. He has bruising around his eye and the state of the room indicates that a struggle has taken place. Peter has "episodes" where he believes himself to be back in the trenches--could he have thought Vincent was the enemy and killed him during an episode? Olive and his friends and family can't believe he did, but there is no motive apparent at first glance.
Several of the house party ask Olive to investigate and prove Peter innocent. Olive isn't sure that is what an investigation will prove, but she does want to make sure that the truth--whatever that may be--comes out. Jasper, as ever, is ready to help her and it isn't long before they discover that motives abound. Vincent's rare maps weren't quite as rare as advertised--the maps are indeed antique, but most of them come with famous autographs--that aren't as real as the maps. Would someone kill over a fraud? Vincent also liked to indulge in a spot of blackmail whenever the opportunity arose and more than one of the house party has a secret they'd prefer to keep hidden. And some of those secrets date back to the war when Parkview Hall was turned into a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers.
This was another enjoyable entry in a historical mystery series that is set during the Golden Age of crime fiction. It follows the typical country house murder mystery with plenty of suspects milling around the house and grounds and lots of motives cropping up. The culprit's motive may be a typical one but the actions that provided the motive have a surprising setting and background. Olive is a clever, interesting character who has grown quite a bit as a detective since her first outing. She definitely caught a clue that missed--but given the nature of the clue, I'm not surprised that I missed it. It simply wasn't something I normally pay much attention to anyway. I enjoyed learning more background about her friends and family as well as learning about the transformation of the country house into a hospital during the war. A good, solid mystery. ★★★ and 1/2. (rounded up)
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
When Vincent Payne is found dead in the conservatory from the proverbial blunt instrument, Peter Stone is the main suspect. Peter suffers from trauma from the Great War and after having blacked out in the conservatory was found hunched over Payne's body. He has bruising around his eye and the state of the room indicates that a struggle has taken place. Peter has "episodes" where he believes himself to be back in the trenches--could he have thought Vincent was the enemy and killed him during an episode? Olive and his friends and family can't believe he did, but there is no motive apparent at first glance.
Several of the house party ask Olive to investigate and prove Peter innocent. Olive isn't sure that is what an investigation will prove, but she does want to make sure that the truth--whatever that may be--comes out. Jasper, as ever, is ready to help her and it isn't long before they discover that motives abound. Vincent's rare maps weren't quite as rare as advertised--the maps are indeed antique, but most of them come with famous autographs--that aren't as real as the maps. Would someone kill over a fraud? Vincent also liked to indulge in a spot of blackmail whenever the opportunity arose and more than one of the house party has a secret they'd prefer to keep hidden. And some of those secrets date back to the war when Parkview Hall was turned into a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers.
This was another enjoyable entry in a historical mystery series that is set during the Golden Age of crime fiction. It follows the typical country house murder mystery with plenty of suspects milling around the house and grounds and lots of motives cropping up. The culprit's motive may be a typical one but the actions that provided the motive have a surprising setting and background. Olive is a clever, interesting character who has grown quite a bit as a detective since her first outing. She definitely caught a clue that missed--but given the nature of the clue, I'm not surprised that I missed it. It simply wasn't something I normally pay much attention to anyway. I enjoyed learning more background about her friends and family as well as learning about the transformation of the country house into a hospital during the war. A good, solid mystery. ★★★ and 1/2. (rounded up)
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
November 14, 2020
4.5 stars. Murder in Black Tie is definitely my favourite in this series so far! It had everything that I'd been looking for - a murder mystery for Olive to solve where she had higher stakes than mere personal or professional curiosity, a fun setting where she's comfortable and surrounded by at least one or two friendly faces, an interesting cast of suspects and (last but not least) more Jasper. Can never have enough Jasper.
This book sends Olive back home to Parkview Hall, where once again one of her cousins find themselves a prime suspect and therefore in hot water with Inspector Longley. (The poor Stone family - maybe even Gwen will get a turn one of these days?) Parkview Hall is actually her cousins' home, but Olive spent much of her childhood there and, thanks to her stepmother, is far more comfortable there now than in her own home. That comfort and familiarity really jumps off the pages and adds an extra layer to the story, since we are learning more about Olive's past, her childhood moments with her cousins and Jasper and their favourite haunts, even as Olive herself is investigating the murder. It also made the sleuthing process a lot less strained and deliberate; Olive naturally has far more freedom of movement at Parkview in comparison to Mulvern House, Blackburn Hall or Archly Manor.
Since one of her cousins is at risk, there is obviously much more pressure for Olive to find the truth in time before they are wrongfully arrested - I like Inspector Longley, but boy does he go tearing off in the wrong direction every time he investigates. The pacing is faster and the mystery always remained at the forefront, which I really enjoyed, and the cast of suspects is interesting and varied. I particularly liked the way the murder investigation brought to light a number of mysteries hidden in several suspects' pasts, all tied in with WWI. Because Olive is surrounded by friends and family this time, it also made the social activities that were interwoven throughout the search for the murderer much more fun as well; I liked seeing Olive interact more with Gwen, her aunt and uncle and also her friend Gigi.
Best of all, we get a goodly amount of Jasper this time! Olive and Jasper really do have a great "investigative duo" dynamic going; not only does Olive have someone to compare notes and skulk around the corridors with, but she can count on Jasper to have her back in tense moments, even if she can generally take care of herself. The relationship between them also takes a definite step in the romantic direction in this book, which is a welcome development and a solid step up from the bare hints we got previously. Really looking forward to seeing how that will go in the next book.
This book sends Olive back home to Parkview Hall, where once again one of her cousins find themselves a prime suspect and therefore in hot water with Inspector Longley. (The poor Stone family - maybe even Gwen will get a turn one of these days?) Parkview Hall is actually her cousins' home, but Olive spent much of her childhood there and, thanks to her stepmother, is far more comfortable there now than in her own home. That comfort and familiarity really jumps off the pages and adds an extra layer to the story, since we are learning more about Olive's past, her childhood moments with her cousins and Jasper and their favourite haunts, even as Olive herself is investigating the murder. It also made the sleuthing process a lot less strained and deliberate; Olive naturally has far more freedom of movement at Parkview in comparison to Mulvern House, Blackburn Hall or Archly Manor.
Since one of her cousins is at risk, there is obviously much more pressure for Olive to find the truth in time before they are wrongfully arrested - I like Inspector Longley, but boy does he go tearing off in the wrong direction every time he investigates. The pacing is faster and the mystery always remained at the forefront, which I really enjoyed, and the cast of suspects is interesting and varied. I particularly liked the way the murder investigation brought to light a number of mysteries hidden in several suspects' pasts, all tied in with WWI. Because Olive is surrounded by friends and family this time, it also made the social activities that were interwoven throughout the search for the murderer much more fun as well; I liked seeing Olive interact more with Gwen, her aunt and uncle and also her friend Gigi.
Best of all, we get a goodly amount of Jasper this time! Olive and Jasper really do have a great "investigative duo" dynamic going; not only does Olive have someone to compare notes and skulk around the corridors with, but she can count on Jasper to have her back in tense moments, even if she can generally take care of herself. The relationship between them also takes a definite step in the romantic direction in this book, which is a welcome development and a solid step up from the bare hints we got previously. Really looking forward to seeing how that will go in the next book.
December 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much more than the previous Egyptian one, and that makes me very happy, because I think this series has a lot going for it. It follows the traditional English country house style, with an amateur detective and a smart guy from Scotland Yard who kind of work together. But it has some refreshing angles, too.
First, there's our heroine, a well-to-do young lady who has come down in the world and ends up trying to make a living solving problems for people. These problems always seem to turn into a murder for her to solve, of course. I like the post WWI time frame. This book, in particular, used occurrences during the war and the effects of it on various people, to good effect. We also get some flapper styles and nice details that help the books stand out a bit from the crowd. Then there are the lovely recurring characters, relatives and friends of the MC, who keep things interesting.
I have found that the emphasis of the books is more on the details of their lives, not so much the mystery. Some readers may become impatient with this, but I enjoy it very much. And, as the writer makes clear at the end of the books, she tries very hard to get the details right and let the reader feel she's entered a different world for a few hours. The mystery in this books was solvable, but not too obvious. All in all an enjoyable read that has me happy to dive into the next story.
NB - I've found I enjoyed the narrator for this book, so I think the problem with the previous one was pacing, not narration.
First, there's our heroine, a well-to-do young lady who has come down in the world and ends up trying to make a living solving problems for people. These problems always seem to turn into a murder for her to solve, of course. I like the post WWI time frame. This book, in particular, used occurrences during the war and the effects of it on various people, to good effect. We also get some flapper styles and nice details that help the books stand out a bit from the crowd. Then there are the lovely recurring characters, relatives and friends of the MC, who keep things interesting.
I have found that the emphasis of the books is more on the details of their lives, not so much the mystery. Some readers may become impatient with this, but I enjoy it very much. And, as the writer makes clear at the end of the books, she tries very hard to get the details right and let the reader feel she's entered a different world for a few hours. The mystery in this books was solvable, but not too obvious. All in all an enjoyable read that has me happy to dive into the next story.
NB - I've found I enjoyed the narrator for this book, so I think the problem with the previous one was pacing, not narration.
January 9, 2022
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 (4/5)
Genre: Detective Fiction, Murder Mystery
Book Series: High Society Detective Fiction: Book 4
#review
Murder in Black Tie is another enchanting murder mystery by Sara Rosett that keeps you hooked until the very end. Like the other books in this series, the author has maintained a light-hearted, breezy tone with the classic English charm.
Apart from the case that’s under inspection, I enjoy the way the background story proceeds. It’s great to see the various characters evolve together. Especially, I have started to enjoy the witty yet funny interactions between Jasper and Olive. Also, I adored Gwen's relationship with *Inspector Longly*, which felt like an inspiration from Jane and Mr Bingley's story full of longing and misunderstanding in Pride and Prejudice. Considering the author’s thorough researching technique, I’m guessing that this could have been a deliberate play. The story has multiple references to World War I and Jane Austen’s works were most sought after during that period.
One thing that was a little put off in this book was the way the suspense was broken. Unlike the other books in this series, I felt that the climax was a little rushed in this one. I would have enjoyed a little more action in the play. Nevertheless, I would recommend this one if you’re looking to solve a murder mystery in a classic old detective style.
Genre: Detective Fiction, Murder Mystery
Book Series: High Society Detective Fiction: Book 4
#review
Murder in Black Tie is another enchanting murder mystery by Sara Rosett that keeps you hooked until the very end. Like the other books in this series, the author has maintained a light-hearted, breezy tone with the classic English charm.
Apart from the case that’s under inspection, I enjoy the way the background story proceeds. It’s great to see the various characters evolve together. Especially, I have started to enjoy the witty yet funny interactions between Jasper and Olive. Also, I adored Gwen's relationship with *Inspector Longly*, which felt like an inspiration from Jane and Mr Bingley's story full of longing and misunderstanding in Pride and Prejudice. Considering the author’s thorough researching technique, I’m guessing that this could have been a deliberate play. The story has multiple references to World War I and Jane Austen’s works were most sought after during that period.
One thing that was a little put off in this book was the way the suspense was broken. Unlike the other books in this series, I felt that the climax was a little rushed in this one. I would have enjoyed a little more action in the play. Nevertheless, I would recommend this one if you’re looking to solve a murder mystery in a classic old detective style.
August 8, 2025
"Murder in Black Tie" delivered another fast paced, pleasing mystery story. The story was tightly delivered with interesting history woven into the setting. Olive is visiting her Aunt and Uncle's for a house party, Gwen and her policeman are on the outs and we have a few other characters, some new faces but a couple from previous books. These cozy mysteries are just fun... Olive is experiencing growth in a myriad of ways as she is learning to stand on her own feet in a world that makes that extremely hard for women of any class. Her confidence in herself has grown significantly yet she never tries to be TSTL, which makes her one of my faves. Book 5 is going on my TBR.
The narrator does good work.
The narrator does good work.
January 9, 2021
I enjoy this series so much... in this installment Olive is invited to a house party given by her aunt, Lady Caroline at Parkview, their country house. One of the guests, Mr. Payne, is a purveyor of antique maps that he hopes to sell to Lord Leo, the master of the house. When Mr. Payne is found dead in the conservatory, Olive and her cousin Gwen do what they can to work alongside the police to solve the mystery. The story features the history of Parkview as a hospital during WWI, the conservatory and gardens, and a parrot who quotes the Bible. It's an entertaining, light read that captures the time period beautifully. Looking forward to more in the series.
January 10, 2021
Loving this series...I promise reviews to come!!
May 5, 2021
Another enjoyable cozy mystery in this series. My only problem was that it took a good 2 hours of listening before the murder even happened, and at that point on it picked up.
September 21, 2021
Author’s note was as interesting as the story.
January 30, 2020
4 stars
October 15, 2019
I received a free copy of this book but my review is entirely voluntary. Murder in Black Tie is the fourth book of this series but can definitely stand alone. Olive's invitation to a weekend house party turns out to be murder. Now she must put her sleuthing skills to work to clear her cousin who is the prime suspect. Murder in Black Tie is wonderfully written and easily transports the reader to a more elegant time in the English countryside while still being a well crafted mystery that will keep the reader guessing to the end. I heartily recommend Murder in Black Tie.
October 20, 2019
An entertaining read with interesting details dating back to the use of country houses as hospitals during the first World War. I'm already looking forward to the next one, especially to see if the relationship between Olive and Jasper develops into more than a working partnership.
August 8, 2024
Another good mystery. It is clean, not Christian, so one guy got drunk to get information. I like the hidden identity and suspecting literally anyone.
February 13, 2022
Olive Belgrave is invited to a dinner party and weekend at Parkview with friends and family. Since she will soon lose her apartment, she welcomes the escape to a house in the country even if the opening dinner ends up having an "unlucky 13" when Olive's friend Jasper is delayed by car trouble. The next day, however, one of the guests is murdered in the conservatory. Olive's childhood friend Peter is found unconscious and confused near the body. And since Peter is also suffering from PTSD from his service in World War I, the police seem ready to take the easy way out and blame Peter.
Olive is on the case with some help from her friend, Jasper, and her cousin, Gwen. Olive investigates, determining that at least two other people were in the conservatory. She also discovers that someone destroyed all the photographs of Parkview during the war and it's service as a hospital - including pictures of the men cared for and the nurses and volunteers who worked there.
It doesn't take long for Olive and Jasper to figure out the case, especially when they find additional wartime records in the attic. When the murderer attacks Olive and spills the beans, the police and Jasper step in and make the arrest.
This was a fun, light, enjoyable mystery set in 1920s England. I enjoyed the characters - Olive, Jasper, Gwen, Peter, and even Olive's stepmother Sonja and her Aunt Caroline are all becoming regulars in this series. One problem with this particular book (besides it being bit short) was with the restricted cast there was really a very restricted suspect pool, since it was highly unlikely that one of Olive's relatives or close friends murdered someone and tried to frame Peter (badly). So the murderer had to be a guest. But it was still a good read and I enjoyed it. I recommend this series.
Olive is on the case with some help from her friend, Jasper, and her cousin, Gwen. Olive investigates, determining that at least two other people were in the conservatory. She also discovers that someone destroyed all the photographs of Parkview during the war and it's service as a hospital - including pictures of the men cared for and the nurses and volunteers who worked there.
It doesn't take long for Olive and Jasper to figure out the case, especially when they find additional wartime records in the attic. When the murderer attacks Olive and spills the beans, the police and Jasper step in and make the arrest.
This was a fun, light, enjoyable mystery set in 1920s England. I enjoyed the characters - Olive, Jasper, Gwen, Peter, and even Olive's stepmother Sonja and her Aunt Caroline are all becoming regulars in this series. One problem with this particular book (besides it being bit short) was with the restricted cast there was really a very restricted suspect pool, since it was highly unlikely that one of Olive's relatives or close friends murdered someone and tried to frame Peter (badly). So the murderer had to be a guest. But it was still a good read and I enjoyed it. I recommend this series.
February 2, 2022
I have been listening to this series for awhile now, and since book 1. This is the 4th book in this series set in 1923 in England. Olive Belgrave is an appealing character, and I always love to revisit her and her life. Things have moved on a bit with her relationship with Jasper since the last book, but they still have not acknowledged how they feel about each other. Olive is asked by her cousin Gwen to attend a house party at her family home. When Olive arrives, the stage has already been set for murder. A guest at the house for the party is found dead by the fountain in the conservatory. Who wanted to kill the map seller? That is what Olive needs to know, especially when suspicion falls on Gwen's brother Peter who is suffering from "shell shock" from WWI where he served. Olive and Jasper dig deeper into the history of the murder victim until they uncover a few viable suspects. So, again at great risk to herself, Olive unmasks the murderer, and everything is again set in order. I know this sounds cliche, but these books are totally delightful. I love the characters, especially plucky Olive, and when I finish one I can't wait to move on to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews