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Hotel Mysteries #1
Murder at the Ritz
August 1940. On the streets of London, locals watch with growing concern as German fighter planes plague the city's skyline. But inside the famous Ritz Hotel, the cream of society continues to enjoy all the glamour and comfort that money can buy during wartime - until an anonymous man is discovered with his throat slashed open.
Detective Chief Inspector Coburg is called in to investigate, no stranger himself to the haunts of the upper echelons of society, ably assisted by his trusty colleague, Sergeant Lampson. Yet they soon face a number of obstacles. With the crime committed in rooms in use by an exiled king and his retinue, there are those who fear diplomatic repercussions and would rather the case be forgotten.
With mounting pressure from various Intelligence agencies, rival political factions and gang warfare brewing either side of the Thames, Coburg and Lampson must untangle a web of deception if they are to solve the case - and survive.
Detective Chief Inspector Coburg is called in to investigate, no stranger himself to the haunts of the upper echelons of society, ably assisted by his trusty colleague, Sergeant Lampson. Yet they soon face a number of obstacles. With the crime committed in rooms in use by an exiled king and his retinue, there are those who fear diplomatic repercussions and would rather the case be forgotten.
With mounting pressure from various Intelligence agencies, rival political factions and gang warfare brewing either side of the Thames, Coburg and Lampson must untangle a web of deception if they are to solve the case - and survive.
415 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2021
58 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Jim Eldridge
160 books152 followersJim Eldridge is the author of many books for children, including titles in the My Story series, the Warpath books, and How to Handle Grown-Ups. He has had 250 TV scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally for children's and teen television, and is also the creator and writer of Radio 4's long-running comedy-drama series, King Street Junior.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 24, 2021
Mixed feelings on this one. The setting of WW II London isn't one of my favorites, but gave it a try as I'm fond of the author's Museum Mysteries series. Let's start with what I liked...
Detective Coburg was a likeable enough protagonist, as was the lead female character, Rosa. His assistant, Lampson, grew on me; at first I found the narrator's authentic accent for him a bit grating. The setting is well done, if it's your thing. Wasn't wild about the story itself, but I cut writers slack with the first book, as those are about settling up a series.
The plot itself involved gangsters, specifically extortionists, which I try to avoid whenever possible. Having strong libra and cancer influences on my astrology, bullies are a major downer for me (no Nazi-themed books or films either). That aside, by the time we came to the end, the resolution served as an anti-climax, partially from having trouble keeping the characters straight.
So, it really didn't work for me. I'd have to be bored, or need to use up expiring Audible credits, to consider paying for a sequel. However, I can understand if others really like the setting and characters. Verdict: Your Mileage May Vary.
Detective Coburg was a likeable enough protagonist, as was the lead female character, Rosa. His assistant, Lampson, grew on me; at first I found the narrator's authentic accent for him a bit grating. The setting is well done, if it's your thing. Wasn't wild about the story itself, but I cut writers slack with the first book, as those are about settling up a series.
The plot itself involved gangsters, specifically extortionists, which I try to avoid whenever possible. Having strong libra and cancer influences on my astrology, bullies are a major downer for me (no Nazi-themed books or films either). That aside, by the time we came to the end, the resolution served as an anti-climax, partially from having trouble keeping the characters straight.
So, it really didn't work for me. I'd have to be bored, or need to use up expiring Audible credits, to consider paying for a sequel. However, I can understand if others really like the setting and characters. Verdict: Your Mileage May Vary.
December 11, 2021
I always enjoy reading novels set in London during and just after WWII and given that Jim Eldridge has written extensively about the period and has a huge back catalogue, I thought I was in safe hands.
This series opener begins in August 1940 with the Eton educated son of the Duke of Dawlish, Hon. Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe-Coburg (aka DCI Coburg), called to the Ritz following the discovery of an unknown corpse in one of the suites occupied by King Zog of Albania and his extensive retinue. The victim’s throat has been cut and although not part of the Albanian royal party, the body was discovered in the room of the King’s private secretary, Count Ahmed, who is currently away. Given King Zog was smuggled out of his home country and then France following the invasion of Mussolini’s troops, has been the subject of numerous assassination attempts and reportedly has two million in gold bullion and American dollars stored in his rooms, it’s anyone’s guess what the murdered man was after. When the victim is identified as a regular lackey for a South London criminal gang it complicates matters further, but not before Coburg has his superiors, MI5 and MI6 all sticking their oar in as to whether he should proceed with the investigation or simply back off.
Coburg’s memories of the WWI trenches are all too vivid and although his painfully working-class Sergeant, Ted Lampson, is itching to do his bit for the country, as a single father he is exempt from combat duties. Although Coburg is from an illustrious background there are no airs and graces about him and he goes out of his way to ensure he is not given preferential treatment, so much so that it becomes tiresome quite quickly as he asserts his man of the people credentials which feel a tad too woke for 1940. Likewise the sexual mores of Coburg and his female flame, Rosa, and the fact that pretty much every conversation seems to include a frank reference to their bedroom activity, or end up in bed, felt noticeably out of keeping with the era. The unwarranted salacious details of the gay bar in the basement of the Ritz also felt like a half-hearted attempt to sex the novel up! The book features a cameo by Commander Ian Fleming and a fleeting appearance by Guy Burgess, neither of which feel like anything over than name-dropping for the sake of it.
Sadly I found this whole novel decidedly amateurish from the clunky characterisation to the fact that Eldridge gave the reader a heavy-handed history lesson at every available opportunity (explanations of petrol rationing, the blackout and the role of an ARP warden all trotted out). Every discovery and revelation was overexplained and spelt out again and it gave the novel the feel of being aimed at a younger audience as well as slowing it down and taking far longer than it should have to put the investigation to bed. Whilst I feel unable to recommend this novel and am now reluctant to try more by the author, I would recommend The Blitz Detective by Mike Hollow for those seeking an alternative book with a 1940 London setting.
This series opener begins in August 1940 with the Eton educated son of the Duke of Dawlish, Hon. Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe-Coburg (aka DCI Coburg), called to the Ritz following the discovery of an unknown corpse in one of the suites occupied by King Zog of Albania and his extensive retinue. The victim’s throat has been cut and although not part of the Albanian royal party, the body was discovered in the room of the King’s private secretary, Count Ahmed, who is currently away. Given King Zog was smuggled out of his home country and then France following the invasion of Mussolini’s troops, has been the subject of numerous assassination attempts and reportedly has two million in gold bullion and American dollars stored in his rooms, it’s anyone’s guess what the murdered man was after. When the victim is identified as a regular lackey for a South London criminal gang it complicates matters further, but not before Coburg has his superiors, MI5 and MI6 all sticking their oar in as to whether he should proceed with the investigation or simply back off.
Coburg’s memories of the WWI trenches are all too vivid and although his painfully working-class Sergeant, Ted Lampson, is itching to do his bit for the country, as a single father he is exempt from combat duties. Although Coburg is from an illustrious background there are no airs and graces about him and he goes out of his way to ensure he is not given preferential treatment, so much so that it becomes tiresome quite quickly as he asserts his man of the people credentials which feel a tad too woke for 1940. Likewise the sexual mores of Coburg and his female flame, Rosa, and the fact that pretty much every conversation seems to include a frank reference to their bedroom activity, or end up in bed, felt noticeably out of keeping with the era. The unwarranted salacious details of the gay bar in the basement of the Ritz also felt like a half-hearted attempt to sex the novel up! The book features a cameo by Commander Ian Fleming and a fleeting appearance by Guy Burgess, neither of which feel like anything over than name-dropping for the sake of it.
Sadly I found this whole novel decidedly amateurish from the clunky characterisation to the fact that Eldridge gave the reader a heavy-handed history lesson at every available opportunity (explanations of petrol rationing, the blackout and the role of an ARP warden all trotted out). Every discovery and revelation was overexplained and spelt out again and it gave the novel the feel of being aimed at a younger audience as well as slowing it down and taking far longer than it should have to put the investigation to bed. Whilst I feel unable to recommend this novel and am now reluctant to try more by the author, I would recommend The Blitz Detective by Mike Hollow for those seeking an alternative book with a 1940 London setting.
December 22, 2020
This is the first in a new series, which begins in August 1940. Our main character is the Hon. Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe-Coburg; known to use as Detective Chief Inspector Coburg. His side kick is Sergeant Ted Lampson, who comes from a far less aristocratic background. Coburg went to Eton and fought in WWI and his memories of the trenches are still clear enough that he tells Lampson, a single father and so not in combat, to be grateful that he can continue his work in the police.
It is not only Lampson, though, that is thinking of war. While he kicks his heels in London and wonders how he can volunteer, Londoner’s scan the skies with nervous eyes. There is talk of when, rather than if, German bombers will be seen in the sky and you feel the population is braced. However, of course, life still goes on and, at the Ritz, people still sip tea beneath the palm trees and, oh yes, there is a body in one of the rooms…
Albanian’s King Zog, his retinue, and family, have taken over the third floor of the hotel and nobody seems aware of why someone has been murdered in one of the rooms or who, indeed, he is. Before long, Coburg finds himself warned off from investigating too deeply and finds himself entangled in a mystery featuring gangsters, MI5, Ian Fleming, a mysterious Albanian Count, a beautiful jazz singer and rumours of a fortune, smuggled out of Albania, along with the royal family. An enjoyable mystery, with an interesting setting and a believable historical background. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
It is not only Lampson, though, that is thinking of war. While he kicks his heels in London and wonders how he can volunteer, Londoner’s scan the skies with nervous eyes. There is talk of when, rather than if, German bombers will be seen in the sky and you feel the population is braced. However, of course, life still goes on and, at the Ritz, people still sip tea beneath the palm trees and, oh yes, there is a body in one of the rooms…
Albanian’s King Zog, his retinue, and family, have taken over the third floor of the hotel and nobody seems aware of why someone has been murdered in one of the rooms or who, indeed, he is. Before long, Coburg finds himself warned off from investigating too deeply and finds himself entangled in a mystery featuring gangsters, MI5, Ian Fleming, a mysterious Albanian Count, a beautiful jazz singer and rumours of a fortune, smuggled out of Albania, along with the royal family. An enjoyable mystery, with an interesting setting and a believable historical background. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
September 11, 2022
A disappointing start to a new series by Jim Eldridge. I have read all of his Museum Mysteries and while these are far from perfect, they are a good enough read. This book I found almost amateurish, which was surprising for so experienced a writer. Generally speaking, the problem with Jim Eldridge's Museum Mysteries and with this one also to a much greater extent, is that while they purport to be set in historical times, the attitudes, behaviour and social mores of the characters are very 21st century. For example, the relationship between Rosa Weekes and Edgar Coburg was very modern, in that they clearly indulged in casual, pre-marital sex to an extent that would have been frowned upon in the times that the book was set. In fact, this aspect of the book seemed strangely emphasised. There seemed such an obsession with casual sex to the point where it seemed to be a positive idée fixe of the writer. There was barely a scene between Rosa and Coburg that didn't end up with them in bed together, and while there were no actual details (surprisingly coy, for the number of times Eldridge took us there), there was some quite frank sexual commentary between characters, as well as their thoughts on the subject. Had this been a book set in contemporary times, this would all have been rather tame but in a book set during the Second World War it seems extremely incongruous, given the relatively repressive sexual attitudes of those times. It is as though the author is striving desperately to show his readers how liberal and modern an attitude he has, and it is actually a little pathetic. The romance angle also detracted from the tightness of the plot, which was actually quite good despite the shortcomings of other aspects of the book. It just seemed to get in the way for absolutely no reason at all, and it added nothing to the story.
The police procedure was also somewhat flawed, and again this was a surprise from a seasoned mystery story writer. He had the detectives blatantly break into a house and then search the premises. At that point their reason for doing so was extremely tenuous so it is unlikely that any official warrant to do such would have been granted, but after what amounted to an illegal entry and search, they then proceed to remove items from the premises. Each of these actions put them on the wrong side of the law themselves, but this is not at all acknowledged by either policeman. Even in those days there was official and legal police procedure, and this certainly was outside it. Incidentally, the item removed from the house was placed in an 'evidence bag'. Such things were not in existence at that time, since the first plastic bags appeared a good 10 years after the Second World War. A paper envelope possibly, but definitely not an evidence bag, Anyway, by this time this alleged 'evidence' would have been so far inadmissible, that such a precaution would have been rendered completely unnecessary.
Another unlikely occurrence was the existence of the obviously Gay bar cum pick-up joint, the Pink Sink, at the Ritz Hotel. Such an establishment, while it would definitely have existed, it is unlikely to have been located so openly in the basement of a hotel of the calibre of the Ritz, which held even more cachet then than now, and it is high falutin' enough today. At a time when homosexuality was a criminal offence, it is certain that the Ritz Hotel would not have hosted so risqué a bar within it's hallowed halls.
I found the tacit bickering and petty one-upmanship between the police and the various British intelligence factions to be somewhat puerile and immature, and the constant references to Coburg's family background and social status became extremely tedious. The whole thing became a bit 'Boy's Own' and I found it faintly ridiculous, if I'm honest. Coburg himself, while purporting to be just an ordinary policeman who puts his social status as the son of a Duke aside to work at a humble, working man's occupation, actually plays both ends against the middle as and when it suits him.
As aforementioned, the plot was not at all bad. There were several threads that each resulted in different enquiries which, unusually for books within this genre, did not actually converge at all. The reader expects that they will all come together but they actually never do, and remain separate incidents throughout. A little disjointed, but this did not detract - not when so much else did! The characters were likeable enough, although the mixing of fictional characters and actual historical figures was not handled as well as I have seen it done in other books - not least Eldridge's own! From the utter inconsequentiality of much of what went on in this book, it is clear that the ground is being prepared for a series, so much could be excused. However, as Jim Eldridge is not a novice in this arena, he could have been a touch more subtle in his handling of this aspect.
After this, I think I might read Hotel Mysteries no. 2, but not no. 3 if no.2 does not show a vast improvement, There is no excuse for such a sloppy book from this author.
I was given a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgally in return for an honest, unbiased review
The police procedure was also somewhat flawed, and again this was a surprise from a seasoned mystery story writer. He had the detectives blatantly break into a house and then search the premises. At that point their reason for doing so was extremely tenuous so it is unlikely that any official warrant to do such would have been granted, but after what amounted to an illegal entry and search, they then proceed to remove items from the premises. Each of these actions put them on the wrong side of the law themselves, but this is not at all acknowledged by either policeman. Even in those days there was official and legal police procedure, and this certainly was outside it. Incidentally, the item removed from the house was placed in an 'evidence bag'. Such things were not in existence at that time, since the first plastic bags appeared a good 10 years after the Second World War. A paper envelope possibly, but definitely not an evidence bag, Anyway, by this time this alleged 'evidence' would have been so far inadmissible, that such a precaution would have been rendered completely unnecessary.
Another unlikely occurrence was the existence of the obviously Gay bar cum pick-up joint, the Pink Sink, at the Ritz Hotel. Such an establishment, while it would definitely have existed, it is unlikely to have been located so openly in the basement of a hotel of the calibre of the Ritz, which held even more cachet then than now, and it is high falutin' enough today. At a time when homosexuality was a criminal offence, it is certain that the Ritz Hotel would not have hosted so risqué a bar within it's hallowed halls.
I found the tacit bickering and petty one-upmanship between the police and the various British intelligence factions to be somewhat puerile and immature, and the constant references to Coburg's family background and social status became extremely tedious. The whole thing became a bit 'Boy's Own' and I found it faintly ridiculous, if I'm honest. Coburg himself, while purporting to be just an ordinary policeman who puts his social status as the son of a Duke aside to work at a humble, working man's occupation, actually plays both ends against the middle as and when it suits him.
As aforementioned, the plot was not at all bad. There were several threads that each resulted in different enquiries which, unusually for books within this genre, did not actually converge at all. The reader expects that they will all come together but they actually never do, and remain separate incidents throughout. A little disjointed, but this did not detract - not when so much else did! The characters were likeable enough, although the mixing of fictional characters and actual historical figures was not handled as well as I have seen it done in other books - not least Eldridge's own! From the utter inconsequentiality of much of what went on in this book, it is clear that the ground is being prepared for a series, so much could be excused. However, as Jim Eldridge is not a novice in this arena, he could have been a touch more subtle in his handling of this aspect.
After this, I think I might read Hotel Mysteries no. 2, but not no. 3 if no.2 does not show a vast improvement, There is no excuse for such a sloppy book from this author.
I was given a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgally in return for an honest, unbiased review
January 28, 2021
This was a thoroughly engrossing read, which ticked all the boxes. DCI Coburg, who is distantly related to the royal family, is clearly a very capable chap. He’s been particularly wheeled in on this murder, as the murder victim is discovered in the suite of an exiled king at the Ritz, and is regarded as a safe pair of hands to deal with the shocked exile and members of his court. However, this case soon spirals off into involving the murkier world of criminal gangs and I really enjoyed the twisting plot that provided plenty of surprises along the way. Some I thought I saw coming – until they turned into something else more interesting. I always enjoy it when that happens.
The characterisation worked well, and Eldridge has given a convincing portrayal of life in London at a time just before rationing and the blitz really got going. There is a particular scene where one of the first bombings occur, where the horror and shock at the devastation caused is very well captured. Eldridge could have turned this into a much darker read by focusing on the fear engendered by the war and making the murders much grittier – but he chooses not to. While the deaths of the victims are not played down in any way, the overall tone of the book is generally upbeat. Eldridge achieves this by introducing a romantic thread and also giving us a shaft of glamour through DCI Coburg’s regular visits to lounge at the Ritz.
The balance between light and shade, the plot progression, the deft characterisation and the successful evocation of the period makes this a thoroughly satisfying read. Highly recommended for fans of well-written historical murder mysteries. While I obtained an arc of Murder at the Ritz from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
The characterisation worked well, and Eldridge has given a convincing portrayal of life in London at a time just before rationing and the blitz really got going. There is a particular scene where one of the first bombings occur, where the horror and shock at the devastation caused is very well captured. Eldridge could have turned this into a much darker read by focusing on the fear engendered by the war and making the murders much grittier – but he chooses not to. While the deaths of the victims are not played down in any way, the overall tone of the book is generally upbeat. Eldridge achieves this by introducing a romantic thread and also giving us a shaft of glamour through DCI Coburg’s regular visits to lounge at the Ritz.
The balance between light and shade, the plot progression, the deft characterisation and the successful evocation of the period makes this a thoroughly satisfying read. Highly recommended for fans of well-written historical murder mysteries. While I obtained an arc of Murder at the Ritz from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
October 16, 2021
2⭐ below average.
This was passed on to me by a relative. They loved it and immediately have bought others in the series.
For me... I thought it was a little slow and uneventful. I did however engage with the characters so will be giving the other books a go.
This was passed on to me by a relative. They loved it and immediately have bought others in the series.
For me... I thought it was a little slow and uneventful. I did however engage with the characters so will be giving the other books a go.
June 25, 2021
Set in 1940 when the Germans were beginning to bomb London, this is a police procedural that was okay, but I felt it wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped for. Some of the conversations and things that happened felt more modern than 1940. I did find the time period to be interesting.
June 3, 2023
This is the first time I have read this author and it won’t be the last. Very enjoyable book set in The War in London. I love books with some history included and this had plenty. It is highly recommended Murder and history wat a wonderful combination.
February 21, 2021
Having never read any previous books by this author, I came to it without preconceptions but had imagined it as a cross between Foyle's War and an Agatha Christie novel and was really looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, it didn't really live up to my expectations.
The book is set during the Second world war and the lead protagonist is an ex-Etonian police officer with a royal name and aristocratic background. The plot begins with a murder at the Ritz hotel and centres around the deposed Albanian King and his entourage. A second strand centres around gangland criminals. All of this takes place against a backdrop of German bombing raids and wartime romances, with a variety of security services thrown I to the mix.
I had 2 main issues with the book. We all know that wartime acted to speed up relationships and that people are less likely to feel constrained by social mores but I don't find it at all likely that they were doing it openly as the author seems to suggest - especially an aristocratic senior policeman and a singer. The idea of them openly sleeping together/or living together didn't seem credible to me - certainly not without comment from anyone.
Additionally, I think it needs further editing. Research is great but throwing in big chunks of it where it doesn't move on the plot, is not. For example, when Ted goes to Ramsgate there are several pages where nothing at all happens other than the author summarising his research about the war.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
The book is set during the Second world war and the lead protagonist is an ex-Etonian police officer with a royal name and aristocratic background. The plot begins with a murder at the Ritz hotel and centres around the deposed Albanian King and his entourage. A second strand centres around gangland criminals. All of this takes place against a backdrop of German bombing raids and wartime romances, with a variety of security services thrown I to the mix.
I had 2 main issues with the book. We all know that wartime acted to speed up relationships and that people are less likely to feel constrained by social mores but I don't find it at all likely that they were doing it openly as the author seems to suggest - especially an aristocratic senior policeman and a singer. The idea of them openly sleeping together/or living together didn't seem credible to me - certainly not without comment from anyone.
Additionally, I think it needs further editing. Research is great but throwing in big chunks of it where it doesn't move on the plot, is not. For example, when Ted goes to Ramsgate there are several pages where nothing at all happens other than the author summarising his research about the war.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
Murder at the Ritz is the first book I've read by Jim Eldridge, but it won't be the last.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable 1940s murder-mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing throughout the story. I loved the way the author embedded the story into the events of the time, with the threat of air bombs, and the tragedies they brought. The book felt quite claustrophobic in places, with the threat of the German invasion never far away.
The story felt very complete, and well researched - the gangsters, the British Fascist party, MI5, MI6, the Foreign Office, and that's even without the events at the Ritz, and the murder!
Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable 1940s murder-mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing throughout the story. I loved the way the author embedded the story into the events of the time, with the threat of air bombs, and the tragedies they brought. The book felt quite claustrophobic in places, with the threat of the German invasion never far away.
The story felt very complete, and well researched - the gangsters, the British Fascist party, MI5, MI6, the Foreign Office, and that's even without the events at the Ritz, and the murder!
Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
April 8, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Fabulous start to Jim Eldredge's new series - Set in the 1940's during World War II the story focussed on Detective Inspector Coburg as he investigates a murder at the Ritz hotel.. With cameos from Ian Fleming and King Zog of Albania this was a delightful novel albeit one tinged with the sadness and harsh realities of war time Britain.
Highly recommended.
Fabulous start to Jim Eldredge's new series - Set in the 1940's during World War II the story focussed on Detective Inspector Coburg as he investigates a murder at the Ritz hotel.. With cameos from Ian Fleming and King Zog of Albania this was a delightful novel albeit one tinged with the sadness and harsh realities of war time Britain.
Highly recommended.
April 24, 2024
I finally got this one done and it's as good as I thought it would be. I really like this author and everything he does is sooo good if you're in the mood for a good British cozy series or British Police procedural this might be the series for you!!!! In this book Edgar decided to marry and Rosa gets shot in the arm while Edgar is trying to apprehend a killer without getting shot himself and Commander Ian Flemming lends a hand and a bullet very good book.....
March 30, 2025
Enjoyable murder mystery. WW2 is not usually a time period I go for, but I am enjoying Mr. Eldridge's DCI Coburg series. I like the MC and the recurring supporting characters. The tragedy and terror of the Battle of Britain provides a realism that I find interesting. The murder mysteries are puzzling, and it was fun watching DCI Coburg and Sargeant Lampson work their way thru the maze of suspects and motives.
May 17, 2024
Immersive WWII novel
A nice mix of England war time historical detail, crime solving and gentle romance.
Good character definition and builds to a satisfying conclusion..leaving one reaching for the next installment.
A nice mix of England war time historical detail, crime solving and gentle romance.
Good character definition and builds to a satisfying conclusion..leaving one reaching for the next installment.
January 12, 2025
ok
I enjoyed the book a good sent of main characters and some real life ones as well , which I think adds to these type of WWII books , will certainly move on to the next one in the series .
I enjoyed the book a good sent of main characters and some real life ones as well , which I think adds to these type of WWII books , will certainly move on to the next one in the series .
October 29, 2024
Characters were a bit weird, hate the way the women were written, but cool time period and setting.
December 12, 2025
loved this great book
February 21, 2021
Very enjoyable. Complicated plotting but well resolved.
February 25, 2021
Any novel which features - in no particular order - Commander Ian Fleming, King Zog of Albania, a dodgy lawyer called Pentangle Underhill, and a Detective Chief Inspector named The Hon. Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe-Coburg promises to be a great deal of fun, and Murder At The Ritz by Jim Eldridge didn't disappoint. It is set in London in August 1940, and Ahmet Muhtar Zogolli, better known as King Zog of Albania has been smuggled out of his homeland after its invasion by Mussolini's Italy, and he has now taken over the entire third floor of London's Ritz Hotel, complete with various retainers and bodyguards - as well as a tidy sum in gold bullion.
Anyone who has studied the history of Albania will know that it has always been a chaotic place. In the 1920s, while working at the League of Nations, the famous sportsman CB Fry was reputedly offered the throne. For a rather more serious memoir of Albania during WW2, Eight Hours From England by Anthony Quayle is well worth a read, and we all know - thanks to the Taken franchise, starring Liam Neeson, that Albania's chief export to the rest of the world is organised crome, drug-running, money laundering and people trafficking.
Back to the story, and when a corpse is discovered in one of the King's suites, Coburg is called in to investigate. The attempt to relieve the Albanian monarch of his treasure sparks off a turf war between two London gangs who, rather like the Krays and the Richardsons in the 1960s, occupy territories 'norf' and 'sarf' of the river. After several more dead bodies and an entertaining sub-plot featuring Coburg's romance with Rosa Weeks, a beautiful and talented young singer, there is a dramatic finale involving a shoot-out near the Russian Embassy. This is a highly enjoyable book that occupies the same territory as John Lawton's Fred Troy novels It is nowhere near as dark and dystopian as those books, but Murder At The Ritz is none the worse for that.
Since 2016 Jim Eldridge has concentrated on writing historical crime fiction for adults. Previously he worked as a scriptwriter and wrote books for children and young adults. As a scriptwriter he had over 250 TV and 250 radio scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally. Murder At The Ritz is published by Allison & Busby and is out now.
Anyone who has studied the history of Albania will know that it has always been a chaotic place. In the 1920s, while working at the League of Nations, the famous sportsman CB Fry was reputedly offered the throne. For a rather more serious memoir of Albania during WW2, Eight Hours From England by Anthony Quayle is well worth a read, and we all know - thanks to the Taken franchise, starring Liam Neeson, that Albania's chief export to the rest of the world is organised crome, drug-running, money laundering and people trafficking.
Back to the story, and when a corpse is discovered in one of the King's suites, Coburg is called in to investigate. The attempt to relieve the Albanian monarch of his treasure sparks off a turf war between two London gangs who, rather like the Krays and the Richardsons in the 1960s, occupy territories 'norf' and 'sarf' of the river. After several more dead bodies and an entertaining sub-plot featuring Coburg's romance with Rosa Weeks, a beautiful and talented young singer, there is a dramatic finale involving a shoot-out near the Russian Embassy. This is a highly enjoyable book that occupies the same territory as John Lawton's Fred Troy novels It is nowhere near as dark and dystopian as those books, but Murder At The Ritz is none the worse for that.
Since 2016 Jim Eldridge has concentrated on writing historical crime fiction for adults. Previously he worked as a scriptwriter and wrote books for children and young adults. As a scriptwriter he had over 250 TV and 250 radio scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally. Murder At The Ritz is published by Allison & Busby and is out now.
January 1, 2021
This is a great first book in a new series. Chief Inspector Coberg (2nd son of a peer and WWI honored officer), is picking up his Sargeant Ted Lampson, when there is a bomb alert. He helps get Lampson's son Terry and the woman next door to the shelter, before heading for the Ritz Hotel to investigate a murder. A man has been murdered in the room of Count Ahmed, secretary to King Zog of Albania. King Zog has booked a floor of rooms for his retinue, but the Count is currently away. On his way out of the hotel, Cobert sees Rosa Weeks, a jazz pianist and singer who Cobert had been very fond of before she went away on tour. She is performing in the Ritz, and they become very friendly.
Meanwhile, Cobert and Lampson have many obstacles to their investigation. They can't find Ahmed for a long time; the body of the murdered man has been taken away from the mortuary by four unknown men who claimed to be from MI5; there are rumors that King Zog has brought with him over $2 million and they have to draw information from the Foreign Office, MI5, and MI6. Finally, they get pictures of Albanians, and Rosa identifies the dead man as the date of one of her housemates at a party they had. Now, the housemate is in danger. The case is also complicated because two gangs across the Thames from each other begin to begin attacking each other. A dead man is found in the River, and there is another dead man at the Ritz, this time one of the cooks.
There is a lot of excitement brewing in London with gang warfare, German bombs, missing people, and murders to solve along with a little love interest.
I thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for providing the book for an honest review.
Meanwhile, Cobert and Lampson have many obstacles to their investigation. They can't find Ahmed for a long time; the body of the murdered man has been taken away from the mortuary by four unknown men who claimed to be from MI5; there are rumors that King Zog has brought with him over $2 million and they have to draw information from the Foreign Office, MI5, and MI6. Finally, they get pictures of Albanians, and Rosa identifies the dead man as the date of one of her housemates at a party they had. Now, the housemate is in danger. The case is also complicated because two gangs across the Thames from each other begin to begin attacking each other. A dead man is found in the River, and there is another dead man at the Ritz, this time one of the cooks.
There is a lot of excitement brewing in London with gang warfare, German bombs, missing people, and murders to solve along with a little love interest.
I thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for providing the book for an honest review.
January 16, 2021
Murder at the Ritz by Jim Eldridge
I have not read any of the Museum series by this author but was very entertained by this new offering which is the start of a new series. It is set in 1940 and the detective investigating the murders is Chief Inspector the Hon. Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe-Coburg. He is a distant relative of the British monarchy and the 2nd son of a Duke. Additionally he was a hero of the First World War, wounded in action. His heritage leads to him being chosen to investigate the discovery of a dead body in the rooms at the Ritz occupied by the retinue of King Zog.
His investigations lead him and his trusted Sergeant, plain old Ted Lampson, to uncover the machinations of M15, M16, the Foreign Office, the British Fascist Party and gang warfare north and south of the river. Along the way he manages to find time for romance with a talented singer at the Ritz with whom he has been “friends” for years.
We are introduced to some real characters along the way; such as Guy Burgess and Commander Ian Fleming. This was a well-researched book which was entertaining and came to a satisfying conclusion. I will recommend it to my book group members and look forward to reading future offerings. I would like to thank the author, Net Galley and Allison and Busby for allowing me to read the book in return for an honest review.
I have not read any of the Museum series by this author but was very entertained by this new offering which is the start of a new series. It is set in 1940 and the detective investigating the murders is Chief Inspector the Hon. Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe-Coburg. He is a distant relative of the British monarchy and the 2nd son of a Duke. Additionally he was a hero of the First World War, wounded in action. His heritage leads to him being chosen to investigate the discovery of a dead body in the rooms at the Ritz occupied by the retinue of King Zog.
His investigations lead him and his trusted Sergeant, plain old Ted Lampson, to uncover the machinations of M15, M16, the Foreign Office, the British Fascist Party and gang warfare north and south of the river. Along the way he manages to find time for romance with a talented singer at the Ritz with whom he has been “friends” for years.
We are introduced to some real characters along the way; such as Guy Burgess and Commander Ian Fleming. This was a well-researched book which was entertaining and came to a satisfying conclusion. I will recommend it to my book group members and look forward to reading future offerings. I would like to thank the author, Net Galley and Allison and Busby for allowing me to read the book in return for an honest review.
September 22, 2024
First book in this new series for Mr. Eldridge -- and I quite liked it! Detective Chief Inspector Coburg (an "Honorable," actually, with distant ties to the royal family) is an engaging character, suave and sophisticated while remaining enough down to earth to work alongside his rather more lower class Scotland Yard cohorts. (And class was still a very big thing, in 1940s Britain.) He's investigating a body found in a suite that's being occupied by a member of the King of Albania's "court" - yes, they were in exile in London during the war. So real history and fictional plot lines intersperse in Mr. Eldridge's engaging tale, and he handles it all extremely well.
It all comes down to a standoff at the end -- where Ian Fleming (yes, "that" Ian Fleming) performs some life-saving acts. Suffice it to say that our man gets everything sorted and lives to fight another day, even as the bombs begin to fall on London.
There's a touch of romance included for the Chief Inspector, with a beautiful singer. Things are looking up for him in that regard, too. I look forward to more books in the series.
It all comes down to a standoff at the end -- where Ian Fleming (yes, "that" Ian Fleming) performs some life-saving acts. Suffice it to say that our man gets everything sorted and lives to fight another day, even as the bombs begin to fall on London.
There's a touch of romance included for the Chief Inspector, with a beautiful singer. Things are looking up for him in that regard, too. I look forward to more books in the series.
July 17, 2024
Having read some Jim Eldridge books in the past, I thought I'd enjoy this book. I wasn't disappointed.
Set in London in August 1940, the Luftwaffe are making their attempt to defeat the RAF. The Blitz is happening in London and South East England to try and demoralise the British public, and then Detective Chief Inspector Edgar Coburg has a murder to solve. To make matters worse, the body is found inn the suite of King Zog of Albania's chief adviser. King Zog and his retinue are also believed to have left Albania with two million pounds in cash and bullion.
Detective Chief Inspector Coburg and his sergeant, Ted Lampson, start their investigation into the murder. As they do so, they meet with resistance from the security services, as well as from the local community, who are afraid of retribution from the London gangs if they talk.
Eventually, Edgar Coburg manages to get everyone working together. The investigation goes more smoothly, especially as there are more murders that may be linked to the first. Coburg and his team solve the crimes, in spite of the fact that his sergeant is badly injured in the course of amking an arrest.
Set in London in August 1940, the Luftwaffe are making their attempt to defeat the RAF. The Blitz is happening in London and South East England to try and demoralise the British public, and then Detective Chief Inspector Edgar Coburg has a murder to solve. To make matters worse, the body is found inn the suite of King Zog of Albania's chief adviser. King Zog and his retinue are also believed to have left Albania with two million pounds in cash and bullion.
Detective Chief Inspector Coburg and his sergeant, Ted Lampson, start their investigation into the murder. As they do so, they meet with resistance from the security services, as well as from the local community, who are afraid of retribution from the London gangs if they talk.
Eventually, Edgar Coburg manages to get everyone working together. The investigation goes more smoothly, especially as there are more murders that may be linked to the first. Coburg and his team solve the crimes, in spite of the fact that his sergeant is badly injured in the course of amking an arrest.
January 27, 2022
King Zog, self~proclaimed king of Albania and his household retinue were taken out into safety to escape the invading Mussolini forces by the daring feat of Commander Ian Fleming and were now billeted at the Ritz. Rumour had it that the King also absconded with 2M in gold bullion and American dollars from the Albanian National Bank. Given that the so~called king was not Royal at all but an opportunistic power~grabber and given that he also stole his people's money and given that money was in his suite at the Ritz... every self~respecting thief in London would be thinking of trying for it as well as other criminals and/or radicals. And so it happened that one day a man was found dead with his throat slit at the King's secretary's suite. Chief Inspector Edgar Walter Septimus Saxe~Coburg of Scotland Yard or just Chief Inspector Coburg was called in by that same secretary then he himself could not be available for an interview for he was out of London and the Police were not told of his whereabouts and not for want of trying.
December 31, 2023
I had discovered the Jim Eldridge Murder series a month or so ago and thoroughly enjoyed the first couple of London Underground Station Mysteries. The main characters were developing nicely. I then discovered that there were 2 precursors of DCI Coburg but they were in the Hotel Mysteries series. So I read this to see how the characters started out.
I'm glad I did do that, though in all honesty the books can be read independently I would have preferred to have read this before the Underground books.
This book I found very compelling and i have really binged on it and read it through in just over 3 days as I was enjoying it so much. I am now awaiting an Amazon delivery of the next of this series which is due in an hour or two.
I'm glad I did do that, though in all honesty the books can be read independently I would have preferred to have read this before the Underground books.
This book I found very compelling and i have really binged on it and read it through in just over 3 days as I was enjoying it so much. I am now awaiting an Amazon delivery of the next of this series which is due in an hour or two.
January 17, 2021
I read this as a free ARC via NetGalley and the publishers, in return for an unbiased review. It’s a decent story with likeable main characters, aristocratic Edgar and his working class colleague Ted, and Edgar’s love interest, Rosa, a singer. There were a few points where I felt a little tighter editing would have benefitted. And a few times where events seemed utterly implausible, such as the death of Rosa’s friend (decapitation by a flying shard of glass, seriously?!), or Ted’s attack because he put his gun away while arresting the man... those did detract a little for me. But overall a decent enough book.
September 11, 2021
This is the first in a period police detective series set in London during the 2nd WW. I enjoyed it hugely. It might be seen as a bit cliched with the chief inspector being from the aristocracy but I think it worked well. As in his Victorian museum series the plot is interwoven with real life characters and events from the period and it worked for me. There's plenty of mileage for further books I'm sure. The characters were well drawn and although there were no real cliff hangers in terms of plotting I found it went at a good pace. I'm certainly looking forward to the next one whichever hotel it's based around!
December 23, 2020
I love the Museum Mysteries Series and was happy to start a new series by Jim Eldridge.
It's an highly entertaining and gripping read that mixes historical characters, like King Zog, with fiction making it works and delivering a very enjoyable novel.
The mystery is complex and solid, the solution came as a surprise and I loved the well researched historical background.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's an highly entertaining and gripping read that mixes historical characters, like King Zog, with fiction making it works and delivering a very enjoyable novel.
The mystery is complex and solid, the solution came as a surprise and I loved the well researched historical background.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 9, 2022
Very enjoyable murder mystery and charactures who were new to me at the start but I fel I knew quite well by the end of the book. I can't understand how I haven't read any 'Jim Eldridge' books but I shall be reading more in the future.
I liked the main character from the start of the book 'Chief Inspector Coburg' . He reminded me of my heroes when I started to read detective novels in the 1950s, someone strong and protective who could be trusted at all costs.
Why this hasn't been turned into a TV series astonishes me.
I liked the main character from the start of the book 'Chief Inspector Coburg' . He reminded me of my heroes when I started to read detective novels in the 1950s, someone strong and protective who could be trusted at all costs.
Why this hasn't been turned into a TV series astonishes me.
April 18, 2021
I know that I am going to enjoy this series set in 1940s London and dealing with Inspector Coburg, old Etonian, first world war veteran and decent detective. Working with his sergeant Lampson a widower with the backdrop of the fears of Dunkirk and in the midst of the Battle of Britain the duo investigate the murder of an Albanian in the suite of King Zog of Albania at the Ritz, who is the .victim and why is every spy in London also interested in the case.
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