Murder in Hyde Park

Ginger Gold Mystery #14

by Lee Strauss

Murder's a fashion faux pas. . .

The summer of 1926 brings high fashion to Hyde Park. Ginger's Regent Street dress shop, Feathers & Flair, is a major sponsor, and when top designer Coco Chanel makes an appearance, the London fashion scene lights up.

Until a model's body is found and Miss Chanel is suspected of murder. The fashion icon hires Lady Gold Investigates to clear her name, but can Ginger discover the murderer before becoming a dead mannequin herself?

★★★★★


Researching for the Ginger Gold Mysteries has been so much fun. I hope you sense that as you read. Ginger Gold is smart, savvy, and delightful. The fashions, the dances, the CRIME. The character of Haley Higgins, a medical student at the London Medical School for Women allows me to further delve into another keen interest of mine: forensics. Never fear, the Ginger Gold Mysteries are COZY, so no scary, graphic on-stage violence. You'll find these books to be clean reads, with no swearing or sex. I hope you enjoy the Ginger Gold Mystery series!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2020

About the author

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

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger Reed is hosting a fashion show in Hyde Park. This show features several famous designers, including Coco Chanel. As the show progresses, one of the models stumbles. Suddenly several models fell on the stage. Tennis Star Irene Cummings, who was modeling sportswear designed by a French designer, dies. As Scotland Yard and Ginger investigate, they discover that Irene was hit by a poison dart. Was she the intended target? If so, who would want her dead?

The designers who participated in the fashion show have been asked not to leave town. Coco Chanel knows she is a suspect. She hires private investigator Ginger to find the real murderer.

This was a nice addition to the Ginger Gold series. Ginger gets to run the fashion show which features creations from her London store, along with using her sleuthing abilities to help her husband, Chief Inspector Basil Reed, solve this mystery. My rating: 4 Stars.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Hyde Park by Lee Strauss was another enticing cozy mystery that pulled me into the story from page one. Murder, fashion icons of the 1920's, and several twists kept me turning the pages made for a great afternoon read. Felicia provided a few humorous moments throughout the book as she is smitten by a new suitor. Oh, and there were hints dropped of a mysterious past for the Dowager Lady Gold that already have me wanting the next book in the series now.

The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have been a solid 4…until the mind-numbingly stupid cannabis angle. It was the most idiotic, “Reefer Madness”-level mischaracterization of cannabis I’ve read since I was in the D.A.R.E. program in the 80s. Ugh. Why!?

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author’s books are far better than many costing over £20. Will read all in this series.

[Stasia DeWitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my least favorite Ginger Gold. These books are like popcorn - fun and easy to consume. I could not get past the fact that Coco Chanel, a Nazi collaborator, is now a character who is friends with Ginger.

I dislike bringing real historical figures into stories so divorced from reality to begin with, but had a difficult time with this particular choice. I understand the books take place long before WWII but I can’t get past what side Coco Chanel took. Her spot could have easily been taken by a pretend fashion mogul, and then she could have been taken seriously as a suspect.

The murder was just silly. Silly time, silly weapon, silly motive, silly everything. It doesn’t deserve analysis because it’s so ridiculously flippant.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing since the murderer was obvious.

[Merry Chapman]

Lee Strauss has once again captured us from the beginning of this book! With Ginger expecting she still can't sit still! In charge of sponsoring. through her shop, Feathers and Flair, a big fashion show in Hyde Park. She worked very hard to put it all together. And the ever famous, Coco Chanel is due to present some of her fashions there as well! Among the models we have tennis athletes and Felicity who had to step in for a missing model. When Felicity trips and then one of the tennis player models falls as well as another model, something seems fishy. But when the tennis player is pronounced dead, and darts are found under the stage and in the grass, it becomes a homicide. Who in the world could have gotten close enough to shoot darts? And how? Could Coco or one of her entourage have something to do with it since her parasol is missing and she mentioned the handle is hollow? Could it be the Armstrong another famous tennis player, who was the murdered tennis player's boyfriend for a while before they split up? With so many people involved in the show and so many prospects Basil and Ginger have a lot on their plate to solve this one - especially since Coco Chanel becomes the number one suspect. With Ginger's secret past and her meeting back during the war with Coco Chanel, it seems she owes Coco a favor and Coco has come to ask for payback. She wants Ginger to investigate the murder on her behalf to clear her name. Begrudgingly, Coco finds she has to agree. So she and Basil are on the case. With incredibly detailed descriptions of not only the scenes around town, but the period clothing as well, the author paints a vivid picture as you try to unravel the mystery along with Ginger and Basil! I can't wait for the next episode in this fantastic series! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are sttrictly my own.

[Jennifer Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous 1920s Murder Mystery series is on top form in Murder in Hyde Park. If you’ve read the blurb you’ll know that Ginger Gold, fashionista and private detective, acquires a very famous client - fashion designer Coco Chanel. I love the way Lee Strauss beautifully interweaves fiction with real-life of the era.

The plot is intriguing and kept me guessing to the end (as all good mysteries should, in my opinion!) and as usual, the author creates a world I just love to escape to. As always, too, there’s some dry humour to make me chuckle, plenty of sparkling dialogue, and characters I have come to know and love throughout the series. Oh and fashion!!

If you’re new to Lee Strauss it may help to know that this, like her other books, is well written, well researched, with none of the childish writing, careless grammar, or anachronisms I find in many cosy mysteries. It’s a fluent, easy-read mystery, very satisfying, and leaves me smiling.

This book totally stands alone. But there’s sheer joy in the development of the characters and their situations, so if you haven’t read this series - or the others by Lee Strauss - I’d suggest you start from the beginning and treat yourself to hours and hours of reading happiness!

I received an ARC of this book and was delighted to read it and share my views.

[Saralyn McMorris · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a short book there was a lot of repetition. And isn't Ginger tired of murders happening everywhere that she goes. I liked the fashion and tennis backdrop. I was also a little annoyed with Ginger for acting like taking the case would put her on the opposite side of her husband. Like that happens every time!!! Made no sense.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so enjoyable. Each book builds on the last. In this one Ginger is pregnant but still has to help solve a murder in partnership with her husband, Basil. Her client this time is the famous fashion designer, Coco Channel. The murder occurs at a fashion show in the park where one of the models and a famous tennis player is killed and several others, including Felicia face a close call. Although the person is killed by poison, the coroner is having a difficult time determining the poison. As usual there are plenty of suspects. I was somewhat surprised once the murderer was revealed.

The characters are always well developed. The descriptions of the characters’ clothing and their domiciles or offices help the reader experience the ambiance of the story.

I appreciate that this story highlights the accomplishments of women including female athletes and designers.

I was fortunate to read an Advanced Copy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all her murders I do really enjoy everyone I have read. Audible does need to get going on adding the rest of her books to their catalog. This one was a bit more tricky to figure out who was the culprit was but it made sense in the end.

[Lee Strauss]

CHAPTER ONE

The grand Summer Fashion Show, set in Hyde Park, was only one day away, and Feathers & Flair was abuzz with energy. In the back room of the Regent Street dress shop belonging to Mrs. Ginger Reed, last-minute details were being attended to. A red-velvet curtain hid the mayhem from the sophistication of the display room on the other side. Madame Roux, the shop manager, fussed and clicked her tongue, giving clipped French-accented instructions to Millie, the long and lithe model, to dress quickly and see to the customer standing by the tall windows awaiting a demonstration.

“A fashion show may be in our future, Miss Tatum,” Madame Roux said, “but we have customers today!”

Millie, dressed in a new, sparkling silk gown the colour of sea glass and as wispy as seaweed, passed through the velvet curtain to the vast display room with its shiny white-marble floors, high ceilings trimmed in gold, and lit with an electric chandelier. Dorothy West, the young shop attendant who lacked the model’s level of sophistication, assisted.

Ginger turned to her resident seamstress and designer, Emma Miller. A former student of fashion design, Miss Miller showed tremendous potential, and it was Ginger’s secret concern the girl would get a better offer and leave Feathers & Flair.

“They’re a whirlwind of excitement, aren’t they, Emma?” Ginger said.

For what seemed like the thousandth time, Emma scrutinised the rack of frocks—her own designs—ready for the fashion runway.

“Oh, madam, I don’t blame them. I’m quite flushed myself. Whenever I think of the show, and all the famous designers coming . . .” She ran a slender hand across her brow. “Especially Coco Chanel! Will she be there? Have you heard?”

Ginger bit her cheek to keep from grinning. Emma’s nerves shone through her uncharacteristic chattering.

“Mademoiselle Chanel isn’t one to make commitments, I’m afraid,” Ginger said. “Although, I’ve heard from the event organisers that her mannequins and designs are on their way if one can believe the French.”

Ginger often envied the joie de vivre of her French counterparts, their flair for life, and their little regard for rules or propriety. Being English could be rather dull in comparison.

Emma gasped. “Do you think we’ll see the little black dress?”

Coco Chanel had debuted the controversial frock that spring to the dismay of many and the delight of a few. Ginger counted herself among the latter.

“I certainly hope so,” Ginger replied. Her hand rounded her growing belly. The colour black created the illusion of slimness, though at the rate her little one inside was growing, she could hardly imagine that any colour could mask her condition in due time. She was thankful that the current trends were for straight lines that dropped from the shoulder. The earlier cinch-waisted gowns of the previous generation would be far less forgiving.

“I adore her, Mrs. Reed,” Emma said, her eyes glazed over as she placed her palms over her heart. “I shall simply die if she comes.”

This time, Ginger couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Well, that shall never do, Emma. We need you alive and well for this event. We have a lot of work to do.”

Ginger braced herself to face the small mountain of correspondence waiting for her on her desk in the back room’s tiny office. She held in a growing sense of frustration toward her former sister-in-law, Felicia Gold, who Ginger employed to help her in her investigative office around the corner. For this week, however, Ginger had asked for help in the dress shop, and Felicia had reassured her that she’d join in on the effort. But since she’d started stepping out with Lord Davenport-Witt, Felicia’s word had begun to mean nothing. Ginger understood the draw of new love, but that didn’t excuse one from keeping to one’s word and responsibilities.

Wanting to finish her desk work before the afternoon postal delivery and pickup, Ginger picked up her fountain pen and wrote several responses to letters waiting. By the time she’d finished her task, her hand was cramped.

Madame Roux stepped into the office, looking flushed.

“How is everything on the floor?” Ginger asked. “Is everything all right?”

“Oui, oui. It’s busy, and sales are brisk, but a new customer, one I’ve never seen before, has asked for you.” Madame Roux’s ski-jump nose pointed upwards. “She refused service from me. ‘Only the owner,’ she said.”

How odd, Ginger thought. She got to her feet, a little less gracefully than had come naturally before she was with child, and smoothed out her skirt. She wore a pretty powder-blue day frock with a floral pattern and pearl detailing, and when she walked through the velvet curtains to meet their demanding customer, she was glad she looked her best.

Before her stood a petite but formidable-looking lady in a summer hat with a narrow brim, wide ribbon, and an abundance of felt roses. A fringe of grey hair peeked out along her lined forehead. Despite her years, her posture was so straight that only a corset could be responsible. The lines on her face were plentiful and deep; however, it was clear by her high cheekbones and facial structure that she had been a beauty in her youth. And, unlike many women in their later years, this lady had a good grasp of fashion and was wearing a soft-grey silk frock with flaring, pleated leaves and a pleated, low-dropping skirt, tastefully highlighted with rose-coloured trim. Ginger recognised it as an Alice Bernard design she’d seen in a recent La Femme Chic magazine.

“Good afternoon,” Ginger said, a friendly smile pasted on her face. She’d learned to keep her voice low to keep it from carrying along the high ceilings. “I’m Mrs. Reed, the owner of this establishment.”

Ginger held out a hand, gloveless, but with fingers expertly manicured and a row of tasteful rings on her fingers.

The lady hesitated before accepting the handshake. “I’m Deborah, Duchess of Worthington. I was under the impression that a titled lady ran this shop.”

The skin around Ginger’s green eyes tightened. It was true. When she’d opened Feathers & Flair, her official legal title was Lady Gold, as widow of Lord Daniel Gold, a baron. Then she fell in love with Basil Reed. Though the grandson of a viscount, Basil worked as a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, which meant, to some, a slip down the ladder. However, Ginger had readily forfeited the title and the prestige that came with it to spend the rest of her life with him.

Most of the time, Ginger didn’t miss it.

“Yes,” Ginger answered politely. “But now it is run by me. Is there something I can help you find? We can order any of the latest fashions from all the esteemed designers, or our resident designer could help you with an original.”

Ginger didn’t bother to tell the highbrow lady that the upper floor contained racks of factory-made frocks, a new trend followed by the younger generation and those who appreciated the convenience of buying an outfit already sized, and that could be worn that very day.

“Are you new to London?” Ginger enquired. She’d encountered every lady of consequence in the city at some point.

“Until recently, my husband, the Duke of Worthington, and I lived in our villa in Morocco, but with the conflict there . . .” She flicked a hand as if she were bored with the subject. The Rif War between Spain’s colonial power and the regional Berber tribes had been ongoing for six years. Tiring of it, all of Europe hoped for an end to the conflict soon. “The Duke is busy in Barcelona, so I came here.”

She sniffed with an expression of displeasure. “London is still a rather filthy city, isn’t it?”

Propriety insisted that Ginger take the insult to her city on the chin. “There are many lovely places in London, and you might be interested in the fashion show coming to Hyde Park this Friday afternoon. It’ll be splendid.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about the event.” She glanced around the shop and then back at Ginger. “Perhaps.”

“Can I help you with your fashion needs, Your Grace?” Ginger asked, hoping to move this unpleasant encounter along.

“I think not. My driver is waiting in the motorcar. Coco Chanel’s London shop is dazzling, and near my home in Mayfair, where I’m currently staying. Good day, Mrs. Reed.”

Of course, Ginger knew of Coco Chanel’s connections in the area, particularly her alleged affair with Bendor, 2nd Duke of Westminster.

The Duchess of Worthington turned on her heel, never laying an eye on Madame Roux who’d remained several steps behind Ginger, nor the shop girls that watched, wide-eyed, at the back.

“Well,” Ginger said, facing her staff. “I doubt we’ll see her again.” To herself, she thought, good riddance.

The bell above the door rang as the postman entered.

“Dorothy,” Ginger said, “be a brick and grab the outgoing letters on my desk.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Reed,” the postman said, handing her a bundle of letters. He waited until Dorothy returned, handing him the outgoing post. “Very good,” he said. “Good day, ladies.”

“He’s a nice man, isn’t he?” Dorothy said with a soft sigh.

“Too short for me,” Millie quipped.

Ginger perused the post, stopping on one letter with a Paris return address. She recognised the neat cursive script. “Oh, Emma. I think it’s her.”

Emma stepped forward, her hands clasped highly in front of her frock. “Her, madam?”

Ginger removed the single card inserted inside and read aloud.

“My dearest Ginger.” Ginger paused on the next word, the pet surname written behind her name, LaFleur. Withholding that, she continued. “I’m pleased to tell you that I shall be returning to London shortly and shall attend your little fashion show along with my entourage. I look forward to sharing a glass of chardonnay with you. And a grotesque basket of your famous fish and chips!”

“You didn’t say that you and Mademoiselle Chanel were friends,” Madame Roux said. “Though I’m not surprised.”

“We met in Paris, long ago—before her Chanel N˚5 perfume shot her to fame and fortune.” Ginger’s mind went back to the moment they had met, before Ginger’s recruitment into the British secret service, during what seemed another lifetime. Ginger would hardly call them friends.

Emma gripped the edge of the sales counter. “Coco Chanel is coming. I think I’m going to faint.”

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger Gold may be in a delicate condition, but that's not slowing her down at all.
This time a famous fashion designer is one of the suspects in this fast paced who-done-it that keeps the reader guessing right to the end. It's a quick and fun read that leaves you wanting more.
Add to the intriguing mystery some humorous and astute observations involving technology, and hints at another upcoming mystery involving Ginger's grandmother-in-law's past, and you don't want to miss this book!

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ginger Gold Mysteries is a cozy little historical mystery series. The numbering is off because this is book 15. I started this series back in August 2022 and started this audiobook back in November 2022. I stepped away from it because the direction the author took the main characters started to annoy me.
--Heads up this review is more on a series up to this point than on this single book.--
I dislike that Ginger's best friend Haley went back to the US (for valid reasons) but then was never talked about again. Ginger can correspond with her half sister in America, but not her best friend?
The author did a spinoff series with Haley, but I have not been interested in reading it. Also, losing Haley's character really took away from the investigative side of things. Haley was in school and worked with the Chief Medical Examiner. Which leads me right into the loss of Dr Gupta. That was a perfect set up for Haley and Dr Gupta to be a power couple, but alas, he finds a wife, they start a family, and he moves away. The new CME is boring and adds nothing to the storyline. On the point of storylines, sister in law Felicia being described as a "bright young thing" (could start a drinking game with how often this phrase is used) and then having her get with a Lord instead of Constable Braxton?!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summer 1926: Ginger is growing more and more pregnant and exhausted by the day but Feathers & Flair is doing so well, she needs to be there to make sure everything runs smoothly, especially since they are participating in a fashion show in Hyde Park. While the day dawns sunny and bright, everything else that could possibly go wrong goes starting with bickering models and a late arrival by Coco Chanel. Ginger hopes the rest of the show will go smoothly. She has no idea it will end in the death of a rising tennis star and sportswear model. Basil suspects Coco Chanel had something to do with the suspicious death and Coco, wanting to clear her name, hires Ginger. Ginger agrees on the condition that if she finds evidence Coco was involved, she turn it over to Basil. Meanwhile, Felicia is mopey because her beau, Lord Davenport-Witt, has left London. An old friend of Ambrosia's arrives in London for the season only to be rebuffed. What's going on there and can Ginger help smooth ruffled feathers? At least Scout is content!

This murder was way too easy to solve. Once the murder weapon was found, it was such a no-brainer. I was briefly possibly distracted by a red herring but was positive I was right anyway. I could do without Felicia's drama and I really wish the author would make an effort to get the titles right after all this time. Lord Gold, a Baron, would not have the last name Gold. He would be Daniel Gold, Lord title, Baron title. Just as the Earl of Witt would not be Lord Davenport-Witt. I'm American and I managed to figure it out quickly enough! I did like the mysterious glimpses of Ginger's past and how she first crossed paths with Coco Chanel. I read that in her journal. I'm still intrigued by how she recognizes Lord Witt and what he's up to. I'm also mildly interested in the old lady drama and what happened to cause Ambrosia to cut Lady Worthington, a woman with a higher title and a living husband. It must have been something bad!

As always, Ginger is lovely. She tries hard to please everyone and be the peacemaker. She's struggling a bit to keep up her usual pace because of her pregnancy and she's trying to hide it from strangers. Boss provides love and comfort for those who need it. Basil is so much in love with her and a great dad to Scout already. No doubt he and Rosa will be close too, she being the only girl and following in his footsteps. Basil's major flaw is that he's a policeman and sees his cases in black and white. Evidence points to Coco Chanel therefore Coco must be involved somehow even if she isn't the murderer. Ginger knows better and looks at the bigger picture. Felicia is as annoying as ever. I feel bad for Constable Braxton. He's a nice young man and she could do worse. I don't trust this Lord Witt who calls himself Lord Davenport-Witt (cringe). Ginger hasn't totally warmed up to him. Ambrosia is stuffier than usual even forgetting in her day ladies played lawn tennis, as Ginger reminds her.

Obviously the murderer can't be a regular character or a real person. I don't know much about Coco Chanel except for what I've read in other novels. She seems kind of childlike in the sense that she feels the world revolves around her and she likes being the center of attention. Jean Patou was also a real 1920s designer. I get the impression, same as Ginger, he isn't interested in women romantically and I would expect a man of the world to know that. Suzanne Lenglen, a French tennis champ is on hand to model Jean Patou's tennis dress.

Fictional characters still abound though. Lady Deborah, Duchess of Worthington arrives haughtily on the scene at Feathers & Flair. She is incredibly rude and snobby. She's even estranged from her family and shows little feeling on the death of her great-niece, Irene. Irene Cummings is an up and coming tennis star who is modeling the latest sportswear fashions. She's cruelly murdered as she walks down the runway. She may not have been the loveliest person on the planet but she didn't deserve to be murdered. I doubt her great-aunt did it. Her partner, Nellie Booth, is distraught and taken to drink. Ginger is quite concerned about Nellie. Nellie has some issues, clearly, but why would she murder her tennis partner days before a big championship? Miss Alice White, a model, is a nasty woman. She's arrogant, vain and self-centered. She gets into a fight with Ginger's model, Millie! Millie is a sweet girl and Alice is not. I wouldn't put it past Alice to murder a rival. A serious suspect is Robert Armstrong, a male tennis player who knew Irene well. How well? How far would he go to further his own career if he thought a woman was interfering? Ginger thinks he's the one but can she prove it?

I'm not into 1920s fashion so this one just didn't appeal to me very much. I look forward to the next one though.

[Heather Belleguelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favourite characters, a fashion icon, sports stars, and a prime London location: this mystery has it all. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel in the Ginger Gold series – the best one for a while, in my opinion.

As is her custom, Mrs Strauss cleverly weaves together the personal lives of her regular characters with a completely new set of people who come with the murder mystery. There is a twist this time though and that’s that several of the characters involved in the mystery were real historical figures. The author has introduced us to true-life people before, but there has never been one she has used and brought to life in the way that Coco Chanel is featured here. I have no idea what Mlle Chanel was like in reality, but the author creates what feels like an apt persona for her here.

Throw in some interesting little historical snippets, a duchess, and some tennis players, and the scene is set for an intriguing and original case for Ginger and Basil to unravel – all while Ginger’s having to deal with the heat of summer and the fatigue that comes with expecting a child. This was an enjoyable book to read, and Mrs Strauss has tantalisingly set the scene, dropping hints not just for the next book but for the novel after that as well. Oh, and some beautiful fashion also makes an appearance, of course.

I can highly recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries, as well as, of course, to fans of this particular series. A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Model Mayhem

Ginger Reed and her Feather's and Flair team are sponsoring a fashion show with some of the most prominent fashion designer's including Coco Chanel. Everyone is nervous and when one of the models becomes ill Felicity must take over for her. Felicity unfortunately showing off for her newest flame falls down on the runway and twists her ankle. Every model falls after her one at a time. One of the models dies and Coco Chanel is a suspect. She hires Ginger to find the murderer and clear her name.

Ginger resists because she feels it would be a conflict of interest as her husband is investigating the case. Coco reminds her of a favor she once did Ginger, so Ginger agrees to help her, but tells her if she finds she is guilty she will go to the police herself.

Ginger doesn't realize that she is putting herself in danger. She has a close call once again. I love that there is always a bit of humor in these stories and a bit of suspense leading up to another book. Will we soon be reading about Felicity's new mysterious friend? I did not guess the end, so I was a bit surprised by it.

Another great mystery with Ginger, Boss, Felicity, and Ginger's handsome husband. Read the book and find out what happens. I love these cozy 1920's mystery stories. It has been a great series. I love the fashions and I am a fan of Boss.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I enjoy about the Ginger Gold book series is that each book brings us more of the main characters’ personalities. Murder in Hyde Park lets us see behind the fashion scene so we can understand more how Ginger’s shop, Feathers & Flair, operates. Attending a fashion show in the middle of a park sounds like a lot of fun, but when models take a tumble, tragedy ensues.
Reading Lee Strauss’ series is like a breath of fresh air which is especially welcome in these times. I enjoy each of the characters, even the creepy ones. I know that when Ginger suspects someone isn’t quite what he appears to be that we’ll eventually find out his shortcomings. One of my favorite characters is Boss, Ginger’s dog. He almost seems human, the way he seems to understand her and be there when she needs him.
Every time I finish one of these books, I find myself eagerly looking forward to the next one. Murder in Hyde Park is no exception. All through this book the reader is teased by a failed relationship between two old friends and as the book ends, we know this will be the subject of her next book. Looking forward to another book in this great series…

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Hyde Park is another entertaining Ginger Gold story! Ginger's dress shop is sponsoring a fashion show bringing many famous designers, including Coco Chanel, to London. The fashion, the models , the designers, their personalities are portrayed beautifully giving the reader a behind the scenes glimpse of the fashion world. When a model is murdered on the runaway the question arises if someone from fashion is competitive enough to commit murder. Although this story can be read as a stand alone I suggest reading the entire series. Lee Strauss includes details about the characters and their backstory in each book so the reader isn't lost. However, the character's relationships and growth are from book to book is one of the most enjoyable aspect of the series. With a unique mystery to solve each time the Lady Gold series never disappoints and I highly recommend these quick page-turners.

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep saying I’m done with this series, then after months I start them again with fine results. This book reminded me all the reasons I dislike these. This was boring, stale, and totally pointless. I swear, if Ginger says, “oh mercy!” one more time I’m gonna scream!

Plus, how many freaking times can “time in the war”, and “her time with the secret service” - which she can’t *ever* talk about - be said in one book (much less a series)?!
1. Find a new exclamation for goodness’s sake!
2. Either tell Basil about your war service or shut up about it!

I firmly believe the author has NO idea what Ginger was supposedly doing in the war, so she has to keep alluding to it without stating anything, because she can’t think of anything more plausible than “Ginger shot a gun, killed… somebody?… pretended to be French for some unknown reason and…” that’s all the author’s got.

UGH! When will I learn??!

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ginger Reed has organized the big Summer Fashion Show in Hyde Park. Both British designers and their Itlian and French competitors, Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel and Jean Patou, are taking part. Ginger's sister-in-law is modeling. Disaster strikes when someone fires three apparently poisoned darts at the runway models and three of them fall to the platform. One, an up-and-coming tennis star, dies. Basil investigates for Scotland Yard and soon the finger of guilt points toward Coco Chanel. She in turn hires Ginger to prove her innocence. Ginger and Basil proceed to join forces to solve the crime. It's 1926, flapper fashion is big business, women's tennis is just taking off, Ginger is just as bad a driver as ever, and suspects abound. The fizzy 1920s fun is just as enjoyable as ever and the solution to the murder is a bit formulaic.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As ever with this series an enjoyable read. Set in the 1920's this cosy mystery series is always a pleasure. If you enjoy the cosy mystery genre then this is for you.

An afternoon of high fashion in Hyde park turns into an afternoon of high drama and murder, when a model/tennis player is murdered. Ginger and Basil set out to investigate in their own ways with the added interest of the fashion designer Coco Chanel enlisting Gingers help to clear her of any involvement in the crime. There were some twists and turns until the killer is finally revealed.

All the usual characters are here with a tantalising mystery surrounding the Dowager Lady Gold - one that I think looks set to be explored in the next book.

If I had one criticism it was the constant references to Gingers pregnancy - mentioned in almost every chapter and I felt a bit unnecessary and repetitive.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

Ginger's dress shop Feathers and Flair is sponsoring a fashion show in Hyde Park. The star attraction is Coco Chanel who has promised to show up with her latest collection. On the catwalk, Felicia, replacing a model, was mugging around and lost her footing. Then other models also fell from the stage, and one later died. Basil discovered several blow darts on the ground and suspected murder afoot.

When Coco Chanel learned she's a suspect, she convinced Ginger to prove her innocence. Apparently, Ginger owed Coco Chanel a favor for not uncovering her covert activities during the war.

I found the most interesting thing about this case is the use of the flamboyant Coco Chanel as one of the main suspects. And interesting descriptions of the gowns and accessories of the Chanel label. It does make me envious of Ginger's wardrobe.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Hyde Park

A murder set in the roaring 1920s in Hyde Park by Author Lee Strauss has done it again with the Ginger Gold series. When reading this series you can feel yourself slipping back to the 1920s and this time your at a fashion show sponsored through Ginger Golds shop Feathers and Flair which brings famous fashion designers such as Coco Chanel and others.

There is good and bad news first there is a murder who was it and who did it? Second Ginger is pregnant and with the help of husband Basil they will solve the grime.

Fashion was a big thing in the roaring 20s so it was great to get behind scenes for a look to see how it is run and you can be sure Ginger and Basil will leave no stone unturned.

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of cozy mystery

A model is killed right in front of Ginger, Basil and a lot of other people. What a great setup for this book. This story focuses on the fashion world and we get a guest appearance by Coco Channel, who hires Ginger. Which puts Ginger at odds with Basil. They handle it really well, though, and Ginger doesn't keep any secrets. I love these characters so much. They have become like extended family. Ginger's driving cracks me up and little Boss tagging along is so cute. Felicia gets some scenes and Ambrosia has a secret that she is not sharing. It's all so much fun.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fashion and mystery

Ginger Reed is the most fashionable detective, owning both a boutique and a detective agency. In spite of her pregnancy, she serves as the hostess for a grand fashion show outside at Hyde Park, featuring four designers, including Coco Chanel. When a guest model, a female athlete, is murdered while walking the runway, Chanel becomes one of the suspects and hires Ginger to help exonerate her. As as often the case, Ginger’s attention is split between helping both her client and her husband find the murderer. Another enjoyable historical cozy from Lee Strauss, furthering the drama that always exists in the Reed home with Felicia and Ambrosia.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book clearly shows that I am a glutton for punishment and that I also have kindle unlimited and too much time on my hands. So very bad. I am already sick to death of the constant references to Ginger's wartime service and Why It Must Remain A Secret even though in almost every book we meet someone who knew her in France during the war. Sheesh!!! And the murder and the murder weapon - please. Take a lesson from the late, great Agatha Christie who, in Death in the Air, did it better and made it make sense. As usual the mystery is weak and the motivation even less plausible than usual.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger Reed arranged to have a fashion show in Hyde Park. Things went pretty well except for two things. The first one very famous designer is late causing some timing issues, and the big thing is a model ended up dead. At first, they thought it was an accident with the runway, but when Basil Reed starts to investigate he finds evidence of murder. There are many fashions and some secrets from Ginger's past that comes out in this story. But can they find the murderer? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Model Murder

Ginger Reed aka Lady Gold is hosting a fashion show in Hyde Park. When tennis star Irene Cummings, is modeling sportswear for a famous French designer, she falls dead on the runway. Among the designers is the famous Coco Chanel. Since all the designers are also suspects, Coco lightly strongarms the pregnant Ginger whom she knew in the Great War, to prove her innocence. Why was Irene killed with a poison dart & was Coco's parasol the weapon?
Another intriguing adventure for Ginger that has some sneaky twists plus a secret involving the staid Ambrosia, Dowager Lady Gold. This series continues to keep a high standard of plot & characters.

[Janice Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger is running a fashion show and ends up with a murder investigation. Along the way she must deal with her own pregnancy problems and a manipulative old acquaintance . This story is an enjoyable little mystery, but I was disappointed to figure it out quickly. Usually it takes me a while. I did still like the story as I enjoy the family setting and lives of the regular characters. They have become like family to me.

I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.