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Lady Gold Investigates #4

Lady Gold Investigates, Volume 4

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Lady Gold Takes The Case in this 4th volume of Ginger Gold's popular short story mystery series! Join Mrs. Ginger Reed~aka Lady Gold, as she adventures with her husband Basil, her sister-in-law Felicia, and her curious dog Boss, to unravel these puzzling Christmas themed mysteries.

Lady Gold Investigates Volume Four presents The Case of Haunted Castle and The Case of the Missing Christmas Goose.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2020

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117 people want to read

About the author

Lee Strauss

129 books2,342 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,462 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2020
In this holiday book Lee and Norm Strauss provide readers with two short stories set near Christmas. The Case of the Haunted Castle is set in Edinburgh and provides readers with a ghostly winter tale of illusion, theft and revenge. The Missing Christmas Goose is set just a couple of days before Christmas. It was a sweet but sad story of class prejudice, jealousy and young love that tugged at my heart. I adore Ginger with her quick intelligence and determination to do the right thing. These stories are a lovely quick read for a winter afternoon.

Although the author provided me with a copy of this book to review, I chose to access the book through Kindle Unlimited instead. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Anne.
450 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2021
These were a couple of short stories. One of which had Scout go with her. He was darling and I wish he was in more of them in this capacity. Enjoyed both stories.
Profile Image for Lee Strauss.
Author 129 books2,342 followers
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November 8, 2020
Lady Gold Investigates #4: The Case of the Haunted Castle - CHAPTER ONE

With a blast of a blustery December wind, Basil and Ginger Reed arrived on schedule at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. They, along with their beloved Boston Terrier aptly named Boss, had left King’s Cross Station in London just over eight hours earlier and the trip had been a wonderful reminder of their wedding journey two years before. Only this time, thankfully, they didn’t have the intrigue of a dead body and a murder case to solve.

Ginger wore her slate-blue silk marocain coat that had sleeves and a hem stitched in curved scallops and tightened the snowy-white ermine collar around her neck. Basil waved down a taxicab. “The Baron’s Hotel, please.”

“Yes, sir.” The taxicab driver smiled at Boss, who, lulled by the rhythmic chugging of the train, had slept most of the way and was now wide awake and panting happily, his stubby tail wagging. Once Ginger was seated, Boss stood with his hind legs on her lap, his front legs perched on the sill of the taxi door, watching everything go by with keen interest.

Edinburgh was as enchanting as ever, and Ginger once again marvelled at the city’s almost theatrical beauty with its tall spires of dark stone and magnificent network of crescents, streets, and terraces. It almost seemed that some of the older sections of the city, dominated by Edinburgh Castle, were literally hewn out of the rocky crags and cliffs that overlooked the newer parts of the city built on the plain below. Now, as the evening darkness closed in, many of the great old buildings were lit up by gas lights, giving the city an even more dramatic and gothic appearance.

Soon the taxicab came to a stop and Basil paid the driver as Ginger took in the Permian sandstone façade of The Baron’s Hotel. Stamped with the date 1903, the building was comparatively new, and the marble-floored lobby added a touch of sophistication.

Their room had an unobstructed view of Edinburgh Castle and the markets below. The travel weariness Ginger had felt after stepping off the train vanished as she gazed at the sights, and she was suddenly energized to jump right in.

Turning to Basil she said, “Let’s go for a walk in the old town before turning in for the night.”

“Fabulous idea, love,” he returned

Leading Boss on his leash, they walked slowly arm in arm through quiet lantern-lit streets, Boss’ claws clicking softly on the cobblestones. Most of the shops were closed for the night so few people mingled about. Snowflakes fell in a slow, delicate dance.

“Thank you for joining me on this trip, Ginger,” Basil said. “I know I’ve already thanked you, but tonight, walking with you through these splendid surroundings, I’m newly reminded of what a lucky chap I am.”

Ginger leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. “It’s entirely my pleasure.”

When Basil had proposed that she come to Edinburgh with him she was all too happy to accept. As an esteemed chief inspector at Scotland Yard, Basil was in Edinburgh to train the city’s up-and-coming police detectives. Subjects to be lectured on included the latest techniques in fingerprint detection, what was new in forensics, and how to work with the medical examiner, along with general police department management.

As a private investigator, Ginger was keenly interested in the latest in police procedures, and she and Basil discussed the topic thoroughly many evenings over a glass of brandy, sitting beside the fireplace at Hartigan House.

“Lecturing a bunch of bored constables is not exactly a grand adventure,” Basil said.

“They will not be bored!” Ginger poked him in the ribs. “I am sure you will prove to be a very engaging lecturer, and I have no doubt the lot of them will soon fall under your professorial spell.”

“Professorial spell!” Basil laughed. “Now that would be a trick wouldn’t it?”

“I am very proud of you, you know.” Ginger put her head on his shoulder for a moment as they walked.

The training sessions took place in a rented conference room in another hotel close enough to where they were staying that Basil could simply walk there after breakfasting, so long as he wore his boots and bundled up in a wool coat and scarf. The next morning, he finished his cup of tea, then reached over to tuck a stray strand of Ginger’s red bob behind her ear.

“Please consider dropping in to one of the sessions,” he implored. “I would love to introduce you. I look very much more handsome with you on my arm.”

“You certainly do, Chief Inspector.” Ginger’s green eyes sparkled as she teased her husband.

“On Thursday, they want me to consult on some challenging cases that they have on file,” Basil added. “That will probably be the most interesting thing that happens all week.” He shook his head. “Apparently, there has been a spate of art thefts that have gone unsolved.”

“That sounds absolutely fascinating,” Ginger said, yawning for effect. “I will consider the offer if my schedule allows.”

Basil looked at her and then grinned. “You’re teasing me.”

“What? I wouldn’t.” She fluttered her eyelids innocently and then laughed.

Ginger was looking forward to empty days spending time exploring some of the interesting nooks and crannies of Edinburgh at a leisurely pace, and of course, doing a bit of Christmas shopping.

“If I don’t turn up, we’ll meet for dinner,” she said. “Somewhere romantic.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

He kissed her and waved goodbye as he placed his trilby on his head and put on his winter coat.

As Ginger finished her breakfast, she noticed a well-dressed young man staring at her from across the room. She made sure her wedding band was clearly visible, making a point of waving her long fingers towards the waiter. “Another coffee, please.”

Her demonstration did nothing to sway the man from leaving his table and approaching her, his black patent-leather Oxford shoes echoing off the marble floor. Ginger smiled politely.

The man had the nerve to sit in Basil’s empty chair, and without invitation! In his late twenties, he was handsome, with a ruddy face and thick blond hair, which he wore slicked back and parted on one side. He presented a casual affluence without the arrogance that money can often bring.

“Excuse me,” he said, removing his hat. “Are you Lady Gold?”
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Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,587 reviews1,564 followers
August 6, 2021
In The Case of the Haunted Castle Ginger and Basil are in Edinburgh for a police conference (Basil) and shopping (Ginger). Ginger is surprised to be approached by a stranger in need of help, her reputation preceding her. Charles McCallum needs help getting to the bottom of the mystery of his supposedly haunted castle in order to complete the renovations and turn the castle into an inn. Ginger and Boss are on the job. While Ginger doesn't believe in ghosts, there's certainly something strange going on and she's determined to get to the bottom of it.

This is a fun mystery. The ghost story, involving a visiting noblewoman murdered by a jealous gardener is creepy. This one reads like a Halloween story. I did figure out how the ghost appeared and partly who was behind it but none of the clues really led to the full reveal.

Suspects include Harold Macleod, the chief groundskeeper. He reveals information Ginger's client did not but seems a bit sinister. Like Ginger, I don't quite trust him and suspect he's involved in the mystery somehow. There's also Alfred Ferguson, a sensational journalist, eager to write a story on the haunting of Kirkbride Castle. The final suspect is Mr. Douglas Grier, the owner of the renovation company. All of them seem suspicious to me. I think Mr. Grier wants more money and I think Mr. Ferguson wants a haunted house story no matter what and Mr. Macleod may want a haunted castle to bring in more visitors.

Ginger is really sharp and clever as always. It's great to see her investigate alone again without any of the family with her. Boss is my favorite as usual. He's so adorable and his doggie senses help Ginger figure out what's going on.

The second story The Case of the Missing Christmas Goose involves the maid Lizzy's brother, Lewis, who is accused of stealing a goose from a butcher's shop. He maintains his innocence but won't say a word to defend himself. Lizzie turns to Ginger for help and she's determined to get the lad released.

This story isn't as interesting as the first story. It was pretty obvious to me that one of two scenarios had happened. Ginger eventually reaches the same conclusions. I liked seeing Scout in his urchin mode again assisting Ginger. He's very sweet. I had a few quibbles with historical accuracy in this one. First, a maid like Lizzy could be as young as 14 and Lewis, being her younger brother, wouldn't be described as "only" 18. 18 is an adult, even today, especially in the 1920s when children left school at 14. Another point that bothered me was the blowing snow. It doesn't snow that much in London and if ladies aren't out buying hats, why is Ginger out driving in that weather? Were mainstream British gentry and nobility eating Italian pastries in 1924? Most Americans were not but maybe London was different? I give bonus points for making me dream of my Nonnie's struffoli. Now I have to go find her recipe and make some.

Lizzie's brother is a nice lad, much like her and clearly innocent of stealing. However, at 18, he's old enough to know how the world works and not to bring home a goose he finds on the doorstep! I suspect he knows who left it and is protecting someone. The other new characters come from the butcher's shop. Nels Stanwick is clearly jealous of Lewis and an egotistical, self-important young man. He likes Frances, the daughter of the shopkeeper. The butcher is a nasty, temperamental man who believes his word is law. He's stuck in the past when women stayed home and dependents knew their place. UGH! His wife is a better judge of character and his daughter Frances is lovely. I hope one day she escapes her tyrannical father.

These short stories were a nice bit of bedtime reading. It was a bit confusing reading them out of order though. They take place just before the events of Murder by Plum Pudding.
Profile Image for Veronica Barton.
Author 18 books72 followers
September 8, 2021
In this charming, Christmas, mystery collection, Lady Gold, aka Mrs. Ginger Reed, is off to investigate The Case of the Haunted Castle and The Case of the Missing Christmas Goose with her curious dog, Boss; her chief inspector husband, Basil, and sister-in-law Felicity.

While in Scotland on a pre-Christmas, business trip with husband, Basil, Lady Gold is approached by Charles McCallum, who has recently inherited a castle that had been in his family for generations. He's renovating the castle to open as a hotel for guests. The problem he and his construction crews face--ghosts! When Ginger travels to the scene to investigate, the specters begin to appear. Will she be foiled by the ghostly fiends as she uncovers the mysterious clues?

In the days before Christmas, Lady Gold's maid, Lizzie Weaver breaks down in despair. Her brother, Lewis has been arrested for stealing a Christmas goose from the butcher shop. As Ginger and Felicity visit the scene of the crime, they find there are more than a few secrets that are being kept that led to Lewis being charged with the theft. Will she find the evidence to bring justice, or be on a wild goose chase?

Two cozy, Christmas tales sure to bring a smile to your face--highly recommended!
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
423 reviews29 followers
November 27, 2020
This book containing two short stories featuring Ginger Reed was a quick, fun read that entertained me during a stressful time. Ginger, with her straightforward ways is enjoyable to follow as she solves the mysteries that life throws her way.
The first story, The Case of the Haunted Castle, showed Lady Gold at her finest, refusing to be intimidated by the men who questioned her ability to solve the case. I loved how she confronted them all after solving the mystery in just a couple days.
The second story, The Case of the Christmas Goose, allowed Ginger to use her skills to solve the problem of why a young man was arrested for stealing a goose that he said he didn’t steal. Ginger was able to resolve the problem while taking us on a visit to the local department store. The reader gets to enjoy a look into past history as well as experience the triumph of Lady Gold as she finds the answer to the mystery.
Profile Image for Helen Drake.
984 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2020
These Lady Gold short stories are always enjoyable. They involve interesting mysteries without a murder. This collection of two stories is even better than the other three volumes. The first story, The Case of the Haunted Castle, kept me enthralled. Once I started it, I had to keep reading until I finished it. It had a unique solution. It’s a perfect Halloween mystery.

The second story, The Case of The Missing Christmas Goose, is a heartfelt Christmas mystery. It involves Lewis, the brother of Ginger’s maid, Lizzie, being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Ginger with the help of her former sister-in-law Felicia, and her ward, Scout solves the mystery. Ginger uses her wits to have Lewis released when the butcher who accused Lewis is reluctant to have the truth revealed. It is a quick and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Heather Belleguelle.
189 reviews10 followers
November 23, 2020
The Lady Gold Investigates series continues with two varied short stories set in the run-up to Christmas, both of which I enjoyed reading. The ghost story was rather fun, and the authors have certainly put a lot of thought into its intricacies. It’s also a great opportunity to see Ginger at work in a setting away from London. On the other hand, the goose story starts right at home and is a rather poignant one. Both stories allow readers to see Ginger interacting with rather different types of people as well as different members of her family and household. I can recommend this little volume as a perfect read as the Christmas season approaches.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
90 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2020
A welcome Christmas reading list addition to ease cosy mystery readers into the Christmas spirit. Lady Gold Investigates volume 4 contains two short stories, both the perfect length for reading when one needs a quick break from Christmas shopping or decorating the tree. Set in 1925, the tales make for delightful reading, particularly if combined with activities such as nibbling on mince pies and sipping a festive beverage. Ginger Gold solves the mysteries with her usual aplomb and as always Basil, Scout and Felicia, along with doggy bodyguard Boss, are there to support her.
Read as a free ARC but this review is voluntary.
956 reviews14 followers
November 23, 2020
Ginger (Lady Gold) finds herself engaged in solving two different mysteries in this engaging 4th volume. The first is a ghost of a tale transporting the reader to Edinburgh. Ginger is approached by a gentleman to investigate the strange going ons in the Castle he inherited. I particularly enjoyed the Case of the Missing Christmas Goose. It shows Ginger's compassion towards those who are not of the same status as she is. As always the small details are what make these delightful reads and the perfect read for a snowy afternoon!
90 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2020
Mystery collection of short stories volume 4.

Lady Gold short stories volume 4 is two stories set around Christmas time. A wonderful ghost story in a Edinburgh haunted castle are always fun to read about. So who was the ghost you need to get the book to find out.

The second story is "The case of the missing Christmas Goose". Who stole the Goose.

Two great mysteries by authors Lee and Norm Strauss not to be missed
Profile Image for Holly.
430 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2022
Another excellent addition to the Ginger Gold series!

This collection of two short mysteries set at Christmastime are quite a great for readers of the Ginger Gold series. And if you haven't read these books yet, why not? Well written, satisfying endings, and a very fast read. We get Ginger, husband Basil, dog Boss, ward Scout, and sister-in-law Felicia in these two stories. Ginger and her family are like old friends now.
Profile Image for Kelly Young.
Author 40 books54 followers
November 10, 2020
I was lucky to get an ARC of this book!
It's always fun to read little snippets of Ginger's world while we await her next larger adventure! Each of the two stories are mini mysteries of their own, intriguing and fast paced. The bonus of having a Christmas case for Ginger to solve as we approach the holiday season is an added bonus in a year in which we need something good.
540 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2020
Excellent

Excellent short stories, well written, no adult language, nothing objectionable, well developed characters. Simply fun stories that take just a short period of time to read but take you back to a simpler time, but still a strong cozy with fun mysteries such as this one with a story about a missing Christmas goose from a butcher shop, love these bite sized stories.
9 reviews
November 23, 2020
2 very different Christmas based stories featuring Ginger Gold

I enjoyed this latest installment of the Ginger Gold mysteries. 2 very different Christmas based stories including a haunted castle and a story about a stolen goose. My only complaint is that the book is too short. I’m ready for more!
44 reviews
November 26, 2020
Two more short stories that will hold over the fans of Lady Gold, a.k.a., Ginger Reed, till the next full mystery is out. There are two mystery stories in this book, which don't have as much meat in them as one of the normal books but they are still well written with enough detail pulling you into the picture in your mind as if you were there. The authors do not disappoint!
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,923 reviews9 followers
November 28, 2020
Several shorter Lady Gold stories set in various times in her investigative career. As always from this author the stories are well written and the mysteries well plotted. While I always enjoy the Lady Gold books there is something particularly satisfying about these 'bite sized' chunks.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Profile Image for Marie Smith.
150 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
A Delightful Read

Two short stories with our favorite, always well dressed, lady detective, Mrs. Reed, aka Lady Gold. They take place during the Christmas season. The first story concerns a haunted castle. Who can resist that? The second story concerns a stolen Christmas goose with interesting descriptions of holiday shopping at a large department store, Selfridges.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
November 26, 2020
If you enjoy fashion, and a strong leading lady then this book is for you. There are four short mysteries with a mystery and as always with Lady Gold fashion. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jane.
11 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2020
Love this series and all of the characters! These short stories keep me going between books. I read both over a day and thoroughly enjoyed them. They can also stand-alone, so if you're not reading the series, not to worry. But you should read the series! LOL
Profile Image for Jill.
382 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2020
Great Christmastime Stories

I really enjoyed these two short stories. Reminds me of the stories that used to be published in women's magazines. Didn't realize how much I missed them.
Profile Image for Sheryl Smith.
1,156 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2020
Two special tales

These two short stories are absolutely delightful, as are all of the Ginger Gold stories. The stories are the perfect length for curling up by the fire for a little break and quick read.
63 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2021
Christmas Mysteries

I liked this volume of stories as it dealt with the Christmas Holidays. I really liked the story of The Christmas Goose as it told more about how the goose was decorated for the holiday by the butcher shop.
Profile Image for Kate.
629 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2021
I am counting the 8 Lady Gold Investigates stories as one book. Like a box of chocolates, pleasant, easy to swallow and rounds out the dessert course of these light, cozy mysteries with a large dollop of fashion whipped cream.
Profile Image for Louisa Jones.
856 reviews
January 31, 2022
Loved this little Christmas edition. There were two compact stories; one of which included Scamp helping Ginger. I enjoyed both stories. There were no deaths involved, and the book retained the joyous holiday season.
82 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2020
I absolutely love reading all of Lee Straus's books. She is on a par with Dorothy Sayers or Agatha Christie.A little romance is included with your clues too!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,193 reviews
December 15, 2020
My review of Lady Gold Christmas Edition

I loved it! A wonderful Christmas edition! Full of Christmas spirit and cheer. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
36 reviews
December 21, 2020
Ginger investigates two different Christmas mysteries in this volume of the Lady Gold Investigates series. Another fun read with some of my favorite characters: Ginger, Basil, Felicia and Boss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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