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Rosa Reed #3
Murder at the Bomb Shelter
Murder's a blast!Rosa Reed's holiday with the Forester Family in Santa Bonita has turned into an extended stay, and Rosa decides to make use of her Metropolitan Police training and sets up a private investigative business just like her mother! But she finds she's not the only one who keeps business in the family, and when one of the members of the prestigious Gainer family is found dead in his bomb shelter, Rosa is invited to take on the case much to Detective Miguel Belmonte's chagrin. If Rosa doesn't find the killer soon, the summer of '56 just might be her last.If you love early rock & roll, poodle skirts, clever who-dun-its, a charming cat and an even more charming detective, you're going to love this new series!
230 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2020
737 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
129 books2,339 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 23, 2020
Murder at the Bomb Shelter by Lee Strauss is the third book in the Rosa Reed cozy mystery series and does not disappoint.
Rosa Reed has opened her own private detective agency in Santa Bonita now that she has decided to remain in America. Her first client is a member of a distinguished Santa Bonita family to find a missing family member. It turns out to be so much more with murder, family members that are suspects and twists that will keep a reader turning the pages. Ms. Strauss has done her research and the descriptive writing includes fashion, music and slang that was all popular during the 1950s. An intriguing mystery that I couldn't put down until the end.
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.
Rosa Reed has opened her own private detective agency in Santa Bonita now that she has decided to remain in America. Her first client is a member of a distinguished Santa Bonita family to find a missing family member. It turns out to be so much more with murder, family members that are suspects and twists that will keep a reader turning the pages. Ms. Strauss has done her research and the descriptive writing includes fashion, music and slang that was all popular during the 1950s. An intriguing mystery that I couldn't put down until the end.
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.
September 24, 2021
I love this series! The author goes into great detail about the style of the time like the clothes and music. But she also portrays the tension and prejudice of the times as well. You feel you are right there alongside Rosa as she climbed down into the bomb shelter. The war is still on the minds of the characters and you can feel it as you read. A unique twist, having an English heroine coming to the US to solve mysteries, but it works. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 31, 2020
I'm so glad I found Lee Strauss!
I love this series and can't wait to read Ross's continuing adventures. She is a fun character and and her stories show a wonderful slice of history.
I love this series and can't wait to read Ross's continuing adventures. She is a fun character and and her stories show a wonderful slice of history.
January 10, 2025
Not quite as good as the previous books, but still liking the characters.
May 20, 2020
Rosa comes into her own in this her first case as a private detective. She faces down not only against the murderer, but also against an upper crust family that thinks its better than everyone else, against blatant sexism, and against feelings for her ex that just won't let her go.
This is a fast paced, intriguing mystery that provides insight into life in the 1950's. It is well researched and well written.
This is a fast paced, intriguing mystery that provides insight into life in the 1950's. It is well researched and well written.
Read
January 5, 2021CHAPTER ONE
Rosa Reed pedaled her Schwinn Deluxe Hollywood bicycle down the boulevard on another sunny Santa Bonita, California day. As she breathed in the sweet scent of sage and saline, she briskly rode down the slight incline toward Ron’s New and Used Cars. Over the last few weeks, she’d ridden by often, but today her heart fluttered with excitement as she approached the business establishment.
Yesterday, while heading home from a short shopping trip with her brown tabby kitten, Diego—who rode in the front basket with his fuzzy face into the wind—she’d spied a new arrival on the car lot. She’d simply had to stop for a look. That polo-white, two-door 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster convertible with red-leather interior had gripped her imagination, and at that moment, Rosa had fallen in love.
One of only three hundred made that year, the automobile, with its serial number of 76, was already considered a collector’s item. Rosa had slid into the red-leather seat with Diego safely tucked into her satchel. When she’d revved the engine, the frame rumbled, and the powerful sound roared through the tailpipe, causing her to smile mischievously.
With the top down, she’d test-driven the vehicle, riding north onto the Pacific Coast Highway—a warm August breeze mussing her short brown hair. She’d allowed herself a moment of thrill when she pressed harder on the accelerator. My mother would love this car! The thought made her laugh out loud as she thundered past the city limits sign, swirls of dust whipping in her disappearing wake.
Upon returning to the lot, Rosa had immediately phoned her Aunt Louisa, the matriarch of the Forrester mansion, to arrange for temporary financing until she could get the money wired from the London bank that held her trust fund.
“I’m part of the Forrester family,” she’d told the dealer. “I’ll be back tomorrow if you’d be kind enough to hold it for me.”
By the look of respect at the mention of the Forrester family name—and perhaps a little fear, after all, Aunt Louisa’s reputation in the town was formidable—the dealer promised to hold it.
Now, as Rosa signed the papers for ownership and registration, anticipation rushed through her. The days that lay ahead of her! Her recent decision to stay in Santa Bonita and set up a private investigation office instead of returning to her job as a police officer in London was further cemented by the purchase of this car.
“You don’t mind stowing my bicycle for a day or so . . .” Rosa said, her voice a lively lilt. “. . . until I can arrange for it to be picked up.”
“Not at all, Miss Reed,” the dealer said with a firm handshake and a grin as sparkling as Santa Bonita bay.
Minutes later, Diego safely ensconced in her large satchel, Rosa pointed the Corvette toward the business district. She’d remembered to bring a silk headscarf, the same pink color as her lipstick—her mother would approve—so her hair stayed neatly in place. A pair of gray-and-green Polaroid tortoiseshell sunglasses sat on her nose, and she steered her new steed along the roadway with gloved hands.
She congratulated herself for staying in the right-hand lane. Rosa had learned to drive in America during the war years when she’d been shipped out of London to the safety her Aunt Louisa had offered. Shifting from her inclination to drive on the left was like riding a bike. Having a steering wheel on the left-hand side, rather than the right, helped with reorientation.
Shortly afterward, Rosa parked her Corvette along the curb in front of an office building. Now, standing by the front entrance, she paused to admire her new car before stepping inside. Diego meowed softly from his spot inside the designer pink-and-yellow striped satchel that matched Rosa’s outfit. Her rose-and-yellow polka dotted swing dress had a row of large white buttons running down the bodice and a white patent leather belt accentuating her narrow waist. She’d finished off the outfit with yellow heels, the ankle straps tied into dainty bows. Rosa had discarded her first ragged satchel, a temporary accessory used when the need was urgent, and had accumulated several new cat-carrying bags to replace it.
Her second-floor office was the last door on the left down the wide carpeted hallway that ran past several law firms and busy accounting businesses. A large window at the end of the hall overlooked the street below. Rosa stepped back to regard the freshly painted lettering on the frosted glass that made up the upper half of the oak door—Reed Investigations.
A few days ago, when the sign painters had put the final touches on the lettering, she had snapped a picture of it to send to her parents. She knew they would burst with pride at the sight of her name on the door. Rosa had spent a large part of her youth working with her mother, Ginger Reed, at the office of Lady Gold Investigations and credited that time for her apparent aptitude for sleuthing. She’d also learned from her work as a female member of the London Metropolitan Police. As her father, Basil Reed, a superintendent at Scotland Yard, liked to say, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
Rosa slid the key into the lock, opened the door, and gently put her satchel down on the blue, padded cushions of the teakwood, Danish-style sofa that served as reception area seating. Diego immediately jumped out to explore the room.
With Gloria’s help—her cousin had decided to study interior design, and Rosa couldn’t help but wonder how long this particular passion would last—Rosa had outfitted the office to match the Spanish mission design of the building. Brightened by sunlight streaming in from a large window, the room had an impressive view of Santa Bonita’s business district. Green, leather-padded chairs circled a Spanish-mission-inspired coffee table. Adjacent to that was a matching desk. A set of shelves lined a portion of one wall, which Rosa planned to fill with books.
She’d already ordered certain law reference books and other resources such as textbooks on modern forensics and police investigative practices. A few mysteries and detective novels she’d picked up at the local bookstore lined one of the shelves along with a set of history encyclopedias and certain literary works of famous authors like Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Rosa wanted the office to have a comfortable and inspiring ambiance. A kitchenette at one end of the office featured a small range, refrigerator, and cupboards for dishes and minimal food storage. A cast-iron bistro table sat in the corner with two chairs, which suited the Spanish terra-cotta tiling on the floor.
An adjoining door opened to a darkroom, much like the one in her mother’s office in London. Rosa had purchased an Argus 35mm camera, like the one she had used for her police work. Not only was she adept at using the camera, but she also did a fine job developing the photographs. It was much faster and easier than taking the film to a photograph processing lab.
Diego immediately curled up on a chair, while Rosa removed her sunglasses, scarf, and gloves and set them on a side table. Settling into her desk chair, she arranged her crinoline slip and her skirt then stared out of the window at the vehicles rumbling down the street.
Rosa’s gaze settled on the recently installed black telephone, which seemed to mock her with its silence. For a moment, she felt a twinge of doubt. Had she been presumptuous in her decision to stay in California? Who was she to think that her assisting the Santa Bonita Police would cause anyone to seek her out for private investigating? Not only was she not American (her English accent an instant giveaway), but she was also a woman. Two definite strikes against her when it came to competing for work. And then there was Detective Miguel Belmonte—her pulse raced a little at the thought of him.
The thought of returning to London made Rosa’s stomach twist. The social circle belonging to the elite in London was small, and she wasn’t ready to face her peers, or the tabloids who’d had a heyday after she’d abandoned her fiancé, Lord Winston Eveleigh, at the altar.
And there was Larry. Rosa and the assistant medical examiner, Dr. Larry Rayburn, had been on several dates since she’d given him her number back in June, and she found his Texas charm delightful.
Besides that, Aunt Louisa had made it clear that the Forrester mansion was Rosa’s home for as long as she wanted to stay. While her cousin Clarence had been indifferent, Gloria had been ecstatic. “Maybe I should take up journalism after all. We could work together!”
“Who knows?” Rosa had replied, laughing. Her cousin’s mind changed like the wind. “Anything is possible. Let’s see what happens.”
That seemed Rosa’s motto these days. Let’s see what happens, let the wind take the sails, or que sera sera, as she had recently heard Doris Day sing on the radio.
The shrill ring of the telephone, a sound she hadn’t yet heard, startled Rosa. Who could it be? She hadn’t even given out her number to anyone. Perhaps someone who’d seen the advertisement she’d placed in The Santa Bonita Gazette, but it had only come out this morning. This couldn’t already be a client?
“Miss Rosa Reed from Reed Investigations.” Rosa smiled to herself as she uttered the words for the first time.
“Hello, Miss Reed.” The voice was throaty and female. “My name is Mrs. Gainer. I hope you can help me.”
“I’ll do my best, Mrs. Gainer,” Rosa replied. “What is it that you need?”
“I have four brothers-in-law, and one of them, Dieter Braun, is a particularly odd character, you see. Every family has one of those, don’t they?”
Rosa agreed, her mind going to Aunt Louisa and Grandma Sally. “Sometimes, more than one.”
“Well, Dieter’s been missing for four days, and I think he’s in trouble.” Mrs. Gainer’s voice grew somber. “I think he’s been kidnapped or…maybe even worse!”
Rosa Reed pedaled her Schwinn Deluxe Hollywood bicycle down the boulevard on another sunny Santa Bonita, California day. As she breathed in the sweet scent of sage and saline, she briskly rode down the slight incline toward Ron’s New and Used Cars. Over the last few weeks, she’d ridden by often, but today her heart fluttered with excitement as she approached the business establishment.
Yesterday, while heading home from a short shopping trip with her brown tabby kitten, Diego—who rode in the front basket with his fuzzy face into the wind—she’d spied a new arrival on the car lot. She’d simply had to stop for a look. That polo-white, two-door 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster convertible with red-leather interior had gripped her imagination, and at that moment, Rosa had fallen in love.
One of only three hundred made that year, the automobile, with its serial number of 76, was already considered a collector’s item. Rosa had slid into the red-leather seat with Diego safely tucked into her satchel. When she’d revved the engine, the frame rumbled, and the powerful sound roared through the tailpipe, causing her to smile mischievously.
With the top down, she’d test-driven the vehicle, riding north onto the Pacific Coast Highway—a warm August breeze mussing her short brown hair. She’d allowed herself a moment of thrill when she pressed harder on the accelerator. My mother would love this car! The thought made her laugh out loud as she thundered past the city limits sign, swirls of dust whipping in her disappearing wake.
Upon returning to the lot, Rosa had immediately phoned her Aunt Louisa, the matriarch of the Forrester mansion, to arrange for temporary financing until she could get the money wired from the London bank that held her trust fund.
“I’m part of the Forrester family,” she’d told the dealer. “I’ll be back tomorrow if you’d be kind enough to hold it for me.”
By the look of respect at the mention of the Forrester family name—and perhaps a little fear, after all, Aunt Louisa’s reputation in the town was formidable—the dealer promised to hold it.
Now, as Rosa signed the papers for ownership and registration, anticipation rushed through her. The days that lay ahead of her! Her recent decision to stay in Santa Bonita and set up a private investigation office instead of returning to her job as a police officer in London was further cemented by the purchase of this car.
“You don’t mind stowing my bicycle for a day or so . . .” Rosa said, her voice a lively lilt. “. . . until I can arrange for it to be picked up.”
“Not at all, Miss Reed,” the dealer said with a firm handshake and a grin as sparkling as Santa Bonita bay.
Minutes later, Diego safely ensconced in her large satchel, Rosa pointed the Corvette toward the business district. She’d remembered to bring a silk headscarf, the same pink color as her lipstick—her mother would approve—so her hair stayed neatly in place. A pair of gray-and-green Polaroid tortoiseshell sunglasses sat on her nose, and she steered her new steed along the roadway with gloved hands.
She congratulated herself for staying in the right-hand lane. Rosa had learned to drive in America during the war years when she’d been shipped out of London to the safety her Aunt Louisa had offered. Shifting from her inclination to drive on the left was like riding a bike. Having a steering wheel on the left-hand side, rather than the right, helped with reorientation.
Shortly afterward, Rosa parked her Corvette along the curb in front of an office building. Now, standing by the front entrance, she paused to admire her new car before stepping inside. Diego meowed softly from his spot inside the designer pink-and-yellow striped satchel that matched Rosa’s outfit. Her rose-and-yellow polka dotted swing dress had a row of large white buttons running down the bodice and a white patent leather belt accentuating her narrow waist. She’d finished off the outfit with yellow heels, the ankle straps tied into dainty bows. Rosa had discarded her first ragged satchel, a temporary accessory used when the need was urgent, and had accumulated several new cat-carrying bags to replace it.
Her second-floor office was the last door on the left down the wide carpeted hallway that ran past several law firms and busy accounting businesses. A large window at the end of the hall overlooked the street below. Rosa stepped back to regard the freshly painted lettering on the frosted glass that made up the upper half of the oak door—Reed Investigations.
A few days ago, when the sign painters had put the final touches on the lettering, she had snapped a picture of it to send to her parents. She knew they would burst with pride at the sight of her name on the door. Rosa had spent a large part of her youth working with her mother, Ginger Reed, at the office of Lady Gold Investigations and credited that time for her apparent aptitude for sleuthing. She’d also learned from her work as a female member of the London Metropolitan Police. As her father, Basil Reed, a superintendent at Scotland Yard, liked to say, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
Rosa slid the key into the lock, opened the door, and gently put her satchel down on the blue, padded cushions of the teakwood, Danish-style sofa that served as reception area seating. Diego immediately jumped out to explore the room.
With Gloria’s help—her cousin had decided to study interior design, and Rosa couldn’t help but wonder how long this particular passion would last—Rosa had outfitted the office to match the Spanish mission design of the building. Brightened by sunlight streaming in from a large window, the room had an impressive view of Santa Bonita’s business district. Green, leather-padded chairs circled a Spanish-mission-inspired coffee table. Adjacent to that was a matching desk. A set of shelves lined a portion of one wall, which Rosa planned to fill with books.
She’d already ordered certain law reference books and other resources such as textbooks on modern forensics and police investigative practices. A few mysteries and detective novels she’d picked up at the local bookstore lined one of the shelves along with a set of history encyclopedias and certain literary works of famous authors like Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Rosa wanted the office to have a comfortable and inspiring ambiance. A kitchenette at one end of the office featured a small range, refrigerator, and cupboards for dishes and minimal food storage. A cast-iron bistro table sat in the corner with two chairs, which suited the Spanish terra-cotta tiling on the floor.
An adjoining door opened to a darkroom, much like the one in her mother’s office in London. Rosa had purchased an Argus 35mm camera, like the one she had used for her police work. Not only was she adept at using the camera, but she also did a fine job developing the photographs. It was much faster and easier than taking the film to a photograph processing lab.
Diego immediately curled up on a chair, while Rosa removed her sunglasses, scarf, and gloves and set them on a side table. Settling into her desk chair, she arranged her crinoline slip and her skirt then stared out of the window at the vehicles rumbling down the street.
Rosa’s gaze settled on the recently installed black telephone, which seemed to mock her with its silence. For a moment, she felt a twinge of doubt. Had she been presumptuous in her decision to stay in California? Who was she to think that her assisting the Santa Bonita Police would cause anyone to seek her out for private investigating? Not only was she not American (her English accent an instant giveaway), but she was also a woman. Two definite strikes against her when it came to competing for work. And then there was Detective Miguel Belmonte—her pulse raced a little at the thought of him.
The thought of returning to London made Rosa’s stomach twist. The social circle belonging to the elite in London was small, and she wasn’t ready to face her peers, or the tabloids who’d had a heyday after she’d abandoned her fiancé, Lord Winston Eveleigh, at the altar.
And there was Larry. Rosa and the assistant medical examiner, Dr. Larry Rayburn, had been on several dates since she’d given him her number back in June, and she found his Texas charm delightful.
Besides that, Aunt Louisa had made it clear that the Forrester mansion was Rosa’s home for as long as she wanted to stay. While her cousin Clarence had been indifferent, Gloria had been ecstatic. “Maybe I should take up journalism after all. We could work together!”
“Who knows?” Rosa had replied, laughing. Her cousin’s mind changed like the wind. “Anything is possible. Let’s see what happens.”
That seemed Rosa’s motto these days. Let’s see what happens, let the wind take the sails, or que sera sera, as she had recently heard Doris Day sing on the radio.
The shrill ring of the telephone, a sound she hadn’t yet heard, startled Rosa. Who could it be? She hadn’t even given out her number to anyone. Perhaps someone who’d seen the advertisement she’d placed in The Santa Bonita Gazette, but it had only come out this morning. This couldn’t already be a client?
“Miss Rosa Reed from Reed Investigations.” Rosa smiled to herself as she uttered the words for the first time.
“Hello, Miss Reed.” The voice was throaty and female. “My name is Mrs. Gainer. I hope you can help me.”
“I’ll do my best, Mrs. Gainer,” Rosa replied. “What is it that you need?”
“I have four brothers-in-law, and one of them, Dieter Braun, is a particularly odd character, you see. Every family has one of those, don’t they?”
Rosa agreed, her mind going to Aunt Louisa and Grandma Sally. “Sometimes, more than one.”
“Well, Dieter’s been missing for four days, and I think he’s in trouble.” Mrs. Gainer’s voice grew somber. “I think he’s been kidnapped or…maybe even worse!”
January 30, 2025
Good. Not as good as the first two but a decent mystery. I missed Gloria and the family. Also there were too many characters in this one. I couldn’t keep track of who was related to who.
September 22, 2020
The Rosa Reed Mystery Series is addictive! Once I started reading this story, I couldn’t quit until I finished it. I love the characters as they are well developed and most are relatable. The plot reminded me of what was happening in the mid 1950’s. With the various plot twists it was challenging to try to figure out who did it. Lee Strauss’ descriptions help me envision the clothes the characters are wearing in the various environments.
One thing I really like about this series as well as the Ginger Gold Mystery Series and the Higgins and Hawke Mystery Series, is that Lee Strauss includes at least one social problem or issue in her plots that is as relevant now as it is in the time period of these stories.
I was privileged to receive an advanced copy of this book. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
One thing I really like about this series as well as the Ginger Gold Mystery Series and the Higgins and Hawke Mystery Series, is that Lee Strauss includes at least one social problem or issue in her plots that is as relevant now as it is in the time period of these stories.
I was privileged to receive an advanced copy of this book. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
May 26, 2020
Rosa has decided to open up her own investigation business in California. She gets her first case, finding a lost relative of the prestigious Gainer family. But things get more complicated when she finds the missing family member dead in his bomb shelter. Now she is hired to find out who killed him, but the family isn't all that straight forward with her. She is warned about the family from the police. Will she find the killer or fail? You will have to read the book to see what happens. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 24, 2020
Book 3 in the Rosa Reed series is fast paced, intriguing and a great cozy murder mystery! This series is a spinoff of the Ginger Gold series where Rosa Reed, Basil and Ginger's daughter runs away from London and the alter where she was supposed to marry a person she just didn't love. Having been sent to California to her Aunt Louisa during the war for safety and schooling, she returns there to start a new life. I love the way the author weaves in Rosa's backstory so you miss nothing. Having decided to try her hand at investigations, she opens her own agency even though she will have to interact with her very first love, Detective Miguel,who she still loves deep own inside but who now has a fiance although we see he still cars for Rosa. When her first client comes in to hire Rosa to find her missing brother-in-law, Dieter, she realizes they are a part of a very influencial, if not shady family the Gainers. But, all she has to do is find Dieter, collect her check and that will be that. Or will it? This series takes place in the 50s, a time I lived through and know well and is beautifully researched and on the money. The third book here takes place during the nuclear war scare where people were into bomb shelters and fear. When she finds the missiing Dieter, it becomes a murder investigation and the patriarch of the Gainer family pays her a visit. He wants the police to stay out of the investigation and hires Rose to find out what happened even though he is a sexists through and through. With many twists and turns we are taken all over the place where everyone has alibis. Who killed Dieter and why? This is a great read and each book in this series gets better and better. This series is Highly recommended! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 20, 2020
Rosa solves another mystery
Once again Lee Strauss has written another entertaining cozy mystery. Rosa opens here own detective agency .Rosa and Diego are hired by the Gainer family to investigate the disappearance and Subsequent murder of Dieter at his homemade bomb shelter.
The book is interesting with the characters, the period clothing, and even the music featured in the book. I just love returning to the era of the fifties.
Once again, Rosa is working with the detectives Miguel and Sandoz. She goes out to eat with Larry the assist medical examiner and there is Miguel and his Movie star girlfriend at the same restaurant.
Rosa and the detective team up and solve the case. Another case solved, another awkward encounter with Miguel.
I Loved her car, the Corvette Convertible, very nice. I think Senora Gomez must be a good cook her cooking sounds amazing. The beautiful designer bags for Diego are very stylish.
The book was interesting to read, I enjoyed it and would recommend it for a nice afternoon read.
Thanks to Lee Strauss for allowing me to read an advance copy for an honest review
Once again Lee Strauss has written another entertaining cozy mystery. Rosa opens here own detective agency .Rosa and Diego are hired by the Gainer family to investigate the disappearance and Subsequent murder of Dieter at his homemade bomb shelter.
The book is interesting with the characters, the period clothing, and even the music featured in the book. I just love returning to the era of the fifties.
Once again, Rosa is working with the detectives Miguel and Sandoz. She goes out to eat with Larry the assist medical examiner and there is Miguel and his Movie star girlfriend at the same restaurant.
Rosa and the detective team up and solve the case. Another case solved, another awkward encounter with Miguel.
I Loved her car, the Corvette Convertible, very nice. I think Senora Gomez must be a good cook her cooking sounds amazing. The beautiful designer bags for Diego are very stylish.
The book was interesting to read, I enjoyed it and would recommend it for a nice afternoon read.
Thanks to Lee Strauss for allowing me to read an advance copy for an honest review
May 28, 2020
I am really enjoying the Rosa Reed Mystery series by Lee Strauss. It is enjoyable immersing myself in a different era when a female detective was an uncommon profession. Rosa demands respect from her peers with her highly intelligent investigations and her skills in solving a mystery. I love how she brings her kitten, Diego, with her on many of her interviews and fears for his mischievous ways in her aunt's home. This book introduces us to her new office and new car, details that add enjoyment to the story. One of my favorite scenes is Rosa's performance on the shooting range. She is such a delight!
Strauss is a great writer and tells a convincing story. As usual in a mystery, there are twists and turns while the reader tries to figure out who did it. It's refreshing to read a well-edited book with no grammar or spelling errors.
I am excited to continue to read the rest of the books in this series.
Strauss is a great writer and tells a convincing story. As usual in a mystery, there are twists and turns while the reader tries to figure out who did it. It's refreshing to read a well-edited book with no grammar or spelling errors.
I am excited to continue to read the rest of the books in this series.
May 19, 2020
Rosa Reed has decided to stay in Santa Bonita.
She decided to open up a private investigation office, following in her mother's footsteps.
Along with a new job, she traded her bicycle in for a convertible corvette.
Her first client is a missing persons case, which she found, dead.
Then the grandfather of the same rumored untouchable family, hires her to find the murderer, with in the family, to keep the police out of their business.
Thinking she will only meet with dead ends, they don't realize how thorough Rosa can be!
Lies and jealousy go hand in hand the deeper Rosa digs into this families secrets.
I love the writings of Lee.Strauss and would recommend this newer series, along with any of her other series, to readers of cozy mysteries.
Lee writes her characters and plots with flowing ease. As always patiently waiting for the next book!
She decided to open up a private investigation office, following in her mother's footsteps.
Along with a new job, she traded her bicycle in for a convertible corvette.
Her first client is a missing persons case, which she found, dead.
Then the grandfather of the same rumored untouchable family, hires her to find the murderer, with in the family, to keep the police out of their business.
Thinking she will only meet with dead ends, they don't realize how thorough Rosa can be!
Lies and jealousy go hand in hand the deeper Rosa digs into this families secrets.
I love the writings of Lee.Strauss and would recommend this newer series, along with any of her other series, to readers of cozy mysteries.
Lee writes her characters and plots with flowing ease. As always patiently waiting for the next book!
May 19, 2020
Murder at the Bomb Shelter is the thrid book in the Rosa Reed Mystery Series.
I really love this mystery series set in the 1950's.
Rosa is working her first case as a new private detective and she is dealing with a lot. It is the 1950;s and Rosa is facing sexism and there and the class seperation is clear and apparent as Rosa deals with a wealthy family that isn't exactly nice.
The story is well written , and the research is apparent to this reader.
The characters are consistent with the time period and I really do enjoy Rosa and her character's style.
She is persistent and smart.
I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves a historical cozy mystery because no one writes historicals like Lee Strauss.
Really looking forward to the next book in this series to see what Rosa is up to next!
I really love this mystery series set in the 1950's.
Rosa is working her first case as a new private detective and she is dealing with a lot. It is the 1950;s and Rosa is facing sexism and there and the class seperation is clear and apparent as Rosa deals with a wealthy family that isn't exactly nice.
The story is well written , and the research is apparent to this reader.
The characters are consistent with the time period and I really do enjoy Rosa and her character's style.
She is persistent and smart.
I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves a historical cozy mystery because no one writes historicals like Lee Strauss.
Really looking forward to the next book in this series to see what Rosa is up to next!
June 3, 2020
Murder at the Bomb Shelter, the next mystery in this fabulous series (with Rosa Reed, her cute little kitten Diego and the rather lovely Detective Belmonte) is a real treat. The plot is intriguing as always, and I’m loving the characters and the relationship between Rosa and Miguel.
The 50s backdrop is just perfect for these mysteries- there’s a charm, an optimism, a frivolousness ... but history holds its serious undercurrents and Lee Strauss always manages to draw this into her stories. Like others in this series and the two related series (Ginger Gold, and Higgins and Hawke) this is a hugely entertaining whodunnit that’s light without ever being empty. Love it! Read the series, you won’t regret it :) Oh and incidentally, aren’t the covers gorgeous?!
I received an advance readers copy of Murder at the Bomb Shelter and am delighted to give my honest opinion on the book.
The 50s backdrop is just perfect for these mysteries- there’s a charm, an optimism, a frivolousness ... but history holds its serious undercurrents and Lee Strauss always manages to draw this into her stories. Like others in this series and the two related series (Ginger Gold, and Higgins and Hawke) this is a hugely entertaining whodunnit that’s light without ever being empty. Love it! Read the series, you won’t regret it :) Oh and incidentally, aren’t the covers gorgeous?!
I received an advance readers copy of Murder at the Bomb Shelter and am delighted to give my honest opinion on the book.
May 19, 2020
I really enjoy the Rosa Reed series. Set in the 50’s, this story involves the finding of a body in a newly built/almost finished bomb shelter. As a school child during this time, the pictures the authors paint of the fallout scares, the anti-German feelings, and school bomb drills took me right back to 6th grade (and the dusty floors) at Cecil School. The authors paint such accurate word pictures that I wish present day high school students were given this to read. But—to the story. A quick and enjoyable read. The villain of the piece is a surprise to everyone, me included. AND, Rosa buys a ‘Vette!!
I highly recommend this book. A great way to spend a rainy day!
I highly recommend this book. A great way to spend a rainy day!
May 22, 2020
book 3 in the Rosa Reed series by Lee Strauss. a delightful cozy mystery set in 1950s California with humorous overtones.
in book 1 Rosa arrives in California after leaving her finance at the altar in England.
Now Rosa has decide to stay and open her own detective agency.
Her first case involves a missing member of a prominent family. Rosa finds the body and determines that it is murder.
Enter Rosas former teenage love interest Miguel Belamonte as the investigating officer..
Sparks continue to fly while both Rosa and Miguel are stonewalled at every turn
Delightful and funny I thoroughly enjoyed the book and cant wait for the next one.
in book 1 Rosa arrives in California after leaving her finance at the altar in England.
Now Rosa has decide to stay and open her own detective agency.
Her first case involves a missing member of a prominent family. Rosa finds the body and determines that it is murder.
Enter Rosas former teenage love interest Miguel Belamonte as the investigating officer..
Sparks continue to fly while both Rosa and Miguel are stonewalled at every turn
Delightful and funny I thoroughly enjoyed the book and cant wait for the next one.
June 18, 2021
In what's basically Rosa's first official day in her new office for her private investigator business.
Rosa gets a phone call from a woman connected to a powerful family in the town.
One of her brother-in-law's has been missing for a few days.
When she accepts the job, she has no idea that she will also be accepting a job to continue after finding his body, from the patriarch of the family himself. And she does it to protect the persons job and reputation that she had cared about several years earlier when she was in California during the war.
A fun story with developed characters, and a solid plotline.
Rosa gets a phone call from a woman connected to a powerful family in the town.
One of her brother-in-law's has been missing for a few days.
When she accepts the job, she has no idea that she will also be accepting a job to continue after finding his body, from the patriarch of the family himself. And she does it to protect the persons job and reputation that she had cared about several years earlier when she was in California during the war.
A fun story with developed characters, and a solid plotline.
May 20, 2020
I’m loving this series set in the 1950s and this book is no exception. The story is well written and the mystery well plotted. The dialogue, clothing, cars, and mannerisms stay true to period throughout.
Rosa has decided to stay in Santa Bonita for the foreseeable future and sets herself up following in her mother’s footsteps as a private investigator. Her first case, a murder investigation is for a family with shady business dealings and a propensity for circling the wagons to protect there own.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Rosa has decided to stay in Santa Bonita for the foreseeable future and sets herself up following in her mother’s footsteps as a private investigator. Her first case, a murder investigation is for a family with shady business dealings and a propensity for circling the wagons to protect there own.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
May 22, 2020
Murder at the Bomb Shelter is another entertaining, fast paced installment of the Rosa Reed cozy series. Rosa opens up her own private investigation business in California. Her first client hires her to find a missing family member which quickly becomes a murder investigation. To keep the police at bay , "the head of the family" hires her to solve the murder. I enjoyed solving this mystery as the likable, smart Rosa sorts through the clues she uncovers. The extraordinary attention to detail adds an elemental fun- if you love the 50's and solving mysteries this one is for you.
May 26, 2020
A fast-paced, entertaining read featuring Rosa's first case as a fully fledged PI. Working privately does not, however, mean that she is able to avoid spending time in the company of a certain Detective! Deputy Diego continues to add feline charm and amusement to the narrative. I find the details of fashion, vehicles and music popular in that era and little bits of history woven into the story absolutely fascinating.
All in all a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
I received an ARC free of charge. This review is voluntary and my honest opinion
May 29, 2020
Another good read from the author Lee Strauss. This is the third in the Rosa Reed series and I'm looking forward to more. Although the books can be read as stand alone books, they are much better to read from the beginning to fully understand the characters and their background. Rosa is now living in California and is working closely on crimes with her ex boyfriend. Will they get back together? The author has done her research and completely pulls you into the 1950's time frame. I would recommend to anyone interested in light hearted reading.
May 26, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series and was looking forward to the next with eager anticipation. I was not disappointed as Team Strauss have delivered another great cozy featuring Rosa Reed, sidekick Deputy Diego, and many other favourite regular characters.
The mystery this time centres on a family the likes of which one would expect to find in a John Grisham novel. Rosa certainly has her work cut out for her as she seeks to discover the truth about the death of one of the family members. As ever, the authors have also picked a topic to explore which is relevant to the time and place the book is set, namely the great 1950’s fear of nuclear attack.
As well as the mystery to keep readers turning the pages, Rosa’s love life continues to be of great interest. And then, of course, there’s cute little Diego to keep us happy. This novel is a wonderful addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next instalment in the life and work of Rosa Reed.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
The mystery this time centres on a family the likes of which one would expect to find in a John Grisham novel. Rosa certainly has her work cut out for her as she seeks to discover the truth about the death of one of the family members. As ever, the authors have also picked a topic to explore which is relevant to the time and place the book is set, namely the great 1950’s fear of nuclear attack.
As well as the mystery to keep readers turning the pages, Rosa’s love life continues to be of great interest. And then, of course, there’s cute little Diego to keep us happy. This novel is a wonderful addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next instalment in the life and work of Rosa Reed.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
May 21, 2020
Rosa is starting a new business in the family business. As a PI Rose is following in her parents' footsteps. I can't wait to see how she does.This time there is a family with secrets and a murder to be solved. Rosa is a sweetheart and the supporting characters are well fleshed out. She also has one of my favorite cars! The mystery runs along at a quick pace. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more in sunny 1950's California.
May 26, 2020
I love cozy mysteries, but I also love history. I’m thankful Lee takes the time to research the time period of her setting. I was reminded of growing up during the Cold War and thinking about the bomb shelters I knew about. I’m also thrilled with the saga of Rosa and Miquel and anxious to see how that turns out in future books.
May 30, 2020
I love Rosa
I am enjoying this series immensely. The fashion references are fun and hearing about the music Rosa loved brings me back. The mystery was good. I love that Rosa is a private detective and that she word with Miguel. I highly recommend this series and the Ginger Gold mysteries as well.
I am enjoying this series immensely. The fashion references are fun and hearing about the music Rosa loved brings me back. The mystery was good. I love that Rosa is a private detective and that she word with Miguel. I highly recommend this series and the Ginger Gold mysteries as well.
June 3, 2020
Really enjoying this new series by Lee Stauss. So unique to have read about Basil and Ginger in the Ginger Gold series and now be watching the development of their daughter's story in post war West Coast United States. The Rosa Reed series offers the same great writing, character development, and intricate plots as the other Lee Strauss books.
June 10, 2020
Rosa Reed, private investigator, has her first case and is, once again, working with detective Belmonte. Their relationship is beginning to annoy. He's engaged and I honestly think the supposed tension between them just distracts. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
July 16, 2020
Not enough substance, too much cat
I like the books so far except for Diego. Being very familiar with feline behavior, the Diego character is complete fantasy and an annoying distraction. If she must have a companion pet, it would be far more believable to have chosen a dog,not unlike Bossy, Ginger Food's dog.
I like the books so far except for Diego. Being very familiar with feline behavior, the Diego character is complete fantasy and an annoying distraction. If she must have a companion pet, it would be far more believable to have chosen a dog,not unlike Bossy, Ginger Food's dog.
December 25, 2024
I love this adorable series! I know it's funny to call a murder mystery "adorable," but I stand by that adjective. Rosa Reed disarms everyone with her impeccable outfits, her charm, and the cat she carries in her fashionable handbag as she zips around Santa Bonita, California in her cherry red Corvette. Please make this a Hallmark mystery series!
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