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High Society Lady Detective #6
Murder on a Midnight Clear
A snowbound country mansion, a missing butler, and a Christmas case . . .
Olive and Jasper have never been closer—except in one area. Jasper is still reticent about his frequent disappearances from polite society. With the holidays approaching and no paying client on the books, Olive decides to shadow Jasper when he’s unexpectedly called away. Her search brings her to Holly Hill Lodge where an eclectic group has gathered to celebrate an old-fashioned English Christmas.
The guest list includes a celebrated lawn tennis champion, a fussy scientist studying snowflakes, a persuasive luggage salesman, a famous lady explorer, and the family’s eccentric aunt who has a fondness for the newfangled drinks called cocktails.
When the butler goes missing, Olive and Jasper must work together to solve the Christmas crime—as well as the secret Jasper hides. Murder on a Midnight Clear is the latest installment in USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s popular High Society Lady Detective series.
Unwrap this 1920s Christmas mystery with all the trimmings—carols, a Yule log, plum pudding . . . and murder.
Olive and Jasper have never been closer—except in one area. Jasper is still reticent about his frequent disappearances from polite society. With the holidays approaching and no paying client on the books, Olive decides to shadow Jasper when he’s unexpectedly called away. Her search brings her to Holly Hill Lodge where an eclectic group has gathered to celebrate an old-fashioned English Christmas.
The guest list includes a celebrated lawn tennis champion, a fussy scientist studying snowflakes, a persuasive luggage salesman, a famous lady explorer, and the family’s eccentric aunt who has a fondness for the newfangled drinks called cocktails.
When the butler goes missing, Olive and Jasper must work together to solve the Christmas crime—as well as the secret Jasper hides. Murder on a Midnight Clear is the latest installment in USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s popular High Society Lady Detective series.
Unwrap this 1920s Christmas mystery with all the trimmings—carols, a Yule log, plum pudding . . . and murder.
8 pages, Audiobook
First published December 1, 2020
419 people are currently reading
4114 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
49 books1,668 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
November 19, 2023
Actually 3.7 rounded to 4 stars.
Pleasant Christmas cozy mystery set in the early 1920s.
The snow and the warm atmosphere of the rich country estate, just before Christmas, were the backdrop to a well-articulated double mystery, with some kisses and a romantic couple as a protagonist.
___THE PLOT___ December 1923, England .
While Olive secretly follows her boyfriend Jasper to find out what he is hiding from her about his private life, she is involved in a car accident.
Nothing serious, but the drivers of the other car, who are guests in a beautiful country villa (where Jasper is also a guest together with an actress friend of his), insist that she be examined by a doctor and take her right to Holly Hill Lodge , the aforementioned estate.
It turns out that the butler of the mansion is missing since the day before, a weird thing, that will be resolved with the discovery of the butler's body.
Olive already enjoys a certain reputation as a whodunit solver and intends to investigate together with Jasper while waiting for the police to arrive in the following days (in the meantime the roads were blocked by the massive snowfall).
Added to this is the complication of a spy organization plotting against the King and the country.
---> At the beginning it took me a while to get into the story (let's say the first 20% of the book), but I think that's because this is the installment #6 in the series and even if it's perfectly readable as a standalone, being already fond of the characters after having read the previous ones brings an advantage: one is already involved in their personal stories and is able to get excited from the first lines.
In my case, however, I spent the first chapters getting to know the two protagonists and only after a while did I feel involved in their feelings and attitudes. As a result, I finally felt comfortable in the story, with a pleasant atmosphere of a villa full of almost eccentric guests and of a hospitable landlady followed by her cute dogs.
___ OLIVE and JASPER , the 2 MAIN CHARACTERS __ I liked this modern couple from the 1920s. They have only been a couple for a short time, but they have known each other since they were children and the level of confidence between them is perceivable.
It's true that Jasper hides something from Olive, but it's only because he's forced for work by forces greater than his personal will. Olive, for her part, feels that something isn't entirely clear and it's obvious that as his friend and now his girlfriend, she wants to know more.
She manages to discover the truth and this is good for both of them and for their relationship which is strengthened, because as always truth and honesty are the things that give stability to relationships between people.
A renewed complicity is born between them, which gives the reader the good feeling that they complete each other.
__ MYSTERY and DETECTION PART___ From 25% of the book on wards the intrigue begins and then the investigation on two fronts: the solution to the murder and the discovery of the spy, an enemy of the country, who was carrying information abroad.
This obviously continually teased my mind so that I too could discover useful clues and formulate hypotheses.
What made me feel like the book was missing something in the conclusion is the fact that:
Instead, none of this happens and the epilogue is totally useless.
But of course this is my personal dissatisfaction, probably other readers felt 100% satisfied with the ending.
Despite this little reproach of mine to the writer, I enjoyed reading it, the general atmosphere is festive and Christmassy enough to be able to recommend it as a December reading (oh there are many books that take place during the days of Christmas and Boxing Day, however they are not at all Christmassy and it might seem like they take place at any other time of the year.
----> As I said, it's readable as a standalone, but if you're not in a rush to read something festive, start with book 1 of the series, it'll definitely be more enjoyable.
(NOTE : I'm from Italy and I'm writing my review in a language that is not my native tongue, please forgive any errors in my text . Thanks )
Pleasant Christmas cozy mystery set in the early 1920s.
The snow and the warm atmosphere of the rich country estate, just before Christmas, were the backdrop to a well-articulated double mystery, with some kisses and a romantic couple as a protagonist.
___THE PLOT___ December 1923, England .
While Olive secretly follows her boyfriend Jasper to find out what he is hiding from her about his private life, she is involved in a car accident.
Nothing serious, but the drivers of the other car, who are guests in a beautiful country villa (where Jasper is also a guest together with an actress friend of his), insist that she be examined by a doctor and take her right to Holly Hill Lodge , the aforementioned estate.
It turns out that the butler of the mansion is missing since the day before, a weird thing, that will be resolved with the discovery of the butler's body.
Olive already enjoys a certain reputation as a whodunit solver and intends to investigate together with Jasper while waiting for the police to arrive in the following days (in the meantime the roads were blocked by the massive snowfall).
Added to this is the complication of a spy organization plotting against the King and the country.
---> At the beginning it took me a while to get into the story (let's say the first 20% of the book), but I think that's because this is the installment #6 in the series and even if it's perfectly readable as a standalone, being already fond of the characters after having read the previous ones brings an advantage: one is already involved in their personal stories and is able to get excited from the first lines.
In my case, however, I spent the first chapters getting to know the two protagonists and only after a while did I feel involved in their feelings and attitudes. As a result, I finally felt comfortable in the story, with a pleasant atmosphere of a villa full of almost eccentric guests and of a hospitable landlady followed by her cute dogs.
___ OLIVE and JASPER , the 2 MAIN CHARACTERS __ I liked this modern couple from the 1920s. They have only been a couple for a short time, but they have known each other since they were children and the level of confidence between them is perceivable.
It's true that Jasper hides something from Olive, but it's only because he's forced for work by forces greater than his personal will. Olive, for her part, feels that something isn't entirely clear and it's obvious that as his friend and now his girlfriend, she wants to know more.
She manages to discover the truth and this is good for both of them and for their relationship which is strengthened, because as always truth and honesty are the things that give stability to relationships between people.
A renewed complicity is born between them, which gives the reader the good feeling that they complete each other.
__ MYSTERY and DETECTION PART___ From 25% of the book on wards the intrigue begins and then the investigation on two fronts: the solution to the murder and the discovery of the spy, an enemy of the country, who was carrying information abroad.
This obviously continually teased my mind so that I too could discover useful clues and formulate hypotheses.
What made me feel like the book was missing something in the conclusion is the fact that:
Instead, none of this happens and the epilogue is totally useless.
But of course this is my personal dissatisfaction, probably other readers felt 100% satisfied with the ending.
Despite this little reproach of mine to the writer, I enjoyed reading it, the general atmosphere is festive and Christmassy enough to be able to recommend it as a December reading (oh there are many books that take place during the days of Christmas and Boxing Day, however they are not at all Christmassy and it might seem like they take place at any other time of the year.
----> As I said, it's readable as a standalone, but if you're not in a rush to read something festive, start with book 1 of the series, it'll definitely be more enjoyable.
(NOTE : I'm from Italy and I'm writing my review in a language that is not my native tongue, please forgive any errors in my text . Thanks )
July 3, 2021
This was my favorite so far because: Jasper. I wish there was a little more flirting and dating before they got this comfortable in their relationship but I'm not complaining too much. This was also a Christmas book which is always an added bonus.
December 13, 2020
A little curiosity leads Olive to follow Jasper to the country and try to find out what he's up to when he suddenly cancels a luncheon as he is going out of town.
She arranges to see a friend's remodel project for her new home that just happens to be a little away from where Jasper is staying.
An unexpected accident causes Olive to be a guest in the same home that Jasper is staying in.
When Jasper and Olive look into the butler's disappearance, they come across his body and are now involved in the murder of a person that Jasper has been trying to find information on.
Now the question is? Is the butler a spy? Or was he doing something else to attract the attention of someone who would want him dead?
Well developed characters, a little humor, some intrigue, and a good plotline.
She arranges to see a friend's remodel project for her new home that just happens to be a little away from where Jasper is staying.
An unexpected accident causes Olive to be a guest in the same home that Jasper is staying in.
When Jasper and Olive look into the butler's disappearance, they come across his body and are now involved in the murder of a person that Jasper has been trying to find information on.
Now the question is? Is the butler a spy? Or was he doing something else to attract the attention of someone who would want him dead?
Well developed characters, a little humor, some intrigue, and a good plotline.
December 6, 2020
Another great addition to the High Society Lady Detective series. The colorful descriptions will pull you back to the 1920's where Olive is helping her sweetheart, Jasper, look into a crime but that is not the only thing she wants to investigate.
Thanks to the author for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to the author for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 17, 2021
Olive finds herself in the midst of another murder mystery as she attempts to flesh out Jasper’s secrets…
I love how the author continues to keep things clean romantically, staying true to the time period, and thoroughly keeps you engaged throughout the story!
I love how the author continues to keep things clean romantically, staying true to the time period, and thoroughly keeps you engaged throughout the story!
November 28, 2021
Entertaining! A lively story & pleasant narrator.
January 8, 2022
Actually, it was closer to 4 stars, if I take the whole story into account. However, I am being overly generous since it gave me such cozy holiday vibes and I generally love this series and its characters. Cozy mysteries aren't supposed to blow your mind, after all. Cheers to a great new book year starting!
February 9, 2021
What I LOVED about this book was how it developed Jasper & opened the door for further mysteries and intrigue of all sorts. Very fun, and as always, meticulously researched.
June 8, 2021
3.55 stars
Olive and Jasper are finally sweethearts! Their relationship is progressing satisfactorily except for the fact Jasper won't open up to Olive and explain why he mysteriously disappears from London unexpectedly. When tailing him around London doesn't reveal any answers, Olive clandestinely follows Jasper to Holly Hill Lodge, home of Frank and Julia Searsby, where he will be experiencing a real English Christmas. Um?? what??? So Olive follows him, stopping at Gigi's on her way to see her family as an excuse. When an unexpected auto accident brings Olive to Holly Hill Lodge to recuperate, she finds Jasper involved in intrigue she never expected! When his official partner comes down with a cold and can't leave her room, Olive joins Jasper in a search for the missing butler who is involved in unsavory business the government wants stopped. When the pair find his dead body in the snow and Jasper's partner doesn't seem to care who the murderer is, Olive puts herself forward to solve the problem for the hosts and keep it quiet. It's a race against the clock before the snow melts and Scotland Yard arrive to cause a scandal! Can they solve the mystery in time?
Hooray! Finally! This is the story I've been waiting for pretty much since we first met Olive and Jasper. They're officially sweethearts (dating, in modern parlance)! We get answers - more or less- about what Jasper's been up to and another country house mystery. The story started off a little slow for me. Then the mystery picks up and I had a hard time putting the book down. I enjoyed all the good old English country Christmas details and the atmosphere of these strangers being snowed in together. The murder mystery was less intriguing than the one the government wants stopped. The motive has been done before too many times, but even so, WHO the murderer was and the specific reason was a big surprise. I never guessed it at all. I was on a different track entirely and thought for most of the book, it was too obvious. Boy was I wrong! Still, it wasn't my favorite of the mysteries but I loved the relationship aspect and seeing Olive and Jasper sleuthing together again. I missed that in the last book.
Olive annoyed me this time around, at least in the beginning. I disliked Olive's snooping and spying on Jasper. If she was really as clever as she seems, she would have figured it out a lot sooner. I reasoned it out right away. Olive lets jealously cloud her good judgment and I didn't care for that. If Jasper COULD tell her, he would! I was a little surprised by the reveal. I expected more from Jasper than that and he didn't quite explain why he suddenly turns up places where Olive is staying even after he declined an invitation or claimed he was busy elsewhere. Is it government related or is he motivated by wanting to see Olive and help her out? Jasper is still fun and swoony. I like his sense of humor and his decency. I think he downplays his clandestine activities and downplays his own intelligence too much. It was different to see him act serious but get out of control for a change. Olive's level-headnesses balances out Jasper's frustrations. She's good for him and of course, he adores her and admires her intelligence. Olive has a heart of gold and I think Jasper admires that too. He had a rough childhood and being around Olive makes him feel all is right with the world.
At Holly Hill Lodge, we have the hosts showing a bunch of strangers a typical English Christmas. Julia Searsby is kind and has a big heart. She collects waifs and strays and brings them under her wing. She's very generous and kind to Olive who almost literally crashes the party. Her husband, Frank, a businessman, is not so kind. I found him rough and tough and even suspect he may be involved in something nefarious. Their daughter, Francie, may be a Bright Young Person. She's young and maybe a bit naïve and headstrong. I like her but I'm not sure I don't trust her to do the wrong thing out of misguided loyalty.
Bankston the butler was a truly horrible person. He may have been efficient at his job so everyone liked him, but morally, he was not a good person. Bankston was selfish and probably had a high opinion of his own intelligence. I did like the introduction of crossword puzzles into his plot. They were quite new at the time and it was fun to see Olive and Jasper discover them and try to figure out the clues.
The first guests Olive meets are Madge Lambert and Tommy Phillips, lawn tennis champions. The young couple are friendly and helpful towards Olive but it's clear they're hiding something and may be involved in the butler's murder. I didn't quite trust them. Mr. Eggers is a nerdy, nervous, fussy sort of man. He's a snowflake scientist, photographing snowflakes to show no two are alike. I know I've heard of this person but whether his name was Me. Eggers or the author borrowed a real occupation from someone else, I can't tell you. He doesn't seem like the type to commit murder. He's too nervous. Theo Culwell is a young American luggage salesman who claims to have developed a new type of travel case that doesn't need a porter to carry. It's an aeroplane case and he's eager to talk it up and sell it to anyone who will listen. Francie seems entranced by Theo. Theo seems young and enthusiastic but he has a temper. He may not be who he says he is. I kind of liked him, he is kind of like an overgrown puppy wanting to please people. Beatrix "Blix" Windway, a lady traveler arrives late on the scene, after the murder has been committed but she could be involved in the other intrigue. She travels around the world and that would be a perfect cover. She isn't overly friendly or concerned about being involved in the festivities. She's a bit of a mystery. Mr. Sprigg, a neighbor, is kind of sleazy. He seems to enjoy flirting with women and attempting to flatter them. I can't stand that. He's hanging around, mooching off his neighbors when he lives nearby. I'm not sure why he's there except he seems to live alone. He's new money and recently purchased his property. I did not like him or trust him. He's the only one I really wanted to be the murderer. My favorite character is Julia's great-aunt Prudence Brinkle. She was my favorite party guest. She's lively, fun and eccentric. I don't think she could have killed anyone.
My favorite character was Zeus, the Jack Russell terrier. He's so cute and eager for attention. Dog lovers will enjoy how he gets incorporated into the mystery late in the book. I was surprised and worried when he appeared on the scene but how it all came out was fun.
This concludes the story arc started in book 1 so I'm satisfied for now. I will likely want to read book 7 when it is eventually published!
Olive and Jasper are finally sweethearts! Their relationship is progressing satisfactorily except for the fact Jasper won't open up to Olive and explain why he mysteriously disappears from London unexpectedly. When tailing him around London doesn't reveal any answers, Olive clandestinely follows Jasper to Holly Hill Lodge, home of Frank and Julia Searsby, where he will be experiencing a real English Christmas. Um?? what??? So Olive follows him, stopping at Gigi's on her way to see her family as an excuse. When an unexpected auto accident brings Olive to Holly Hill Lodge to recuperate, she finds Jasper involved in intrigue she never expected! When his official partner comes down with a cold and can't leave her room, Olive joins Jasper in a search for the missing butler who is involved in unsavory business the government wants stopped. When the pair find his dead body in the snow and Jasper's partner doesn't seem to care who the murderer is, Olive puts herself forward to solve the problem for the hosts and keep it quiet. It's a race against the clock before the snow melts and Scotland Yard arrive to cause a scandal! Can they solve the mystery in time?
Hooray! Finally! This is the story I've been waiting for pretty much since we first met Olive and Jasper. They're officially sweethearts (dating, in modern parlance)! We get answers - more or less- about what Jasper's been up to and another country house mystery. The story started off a little slow for me. Then the mystery picks up and I had a hard time putting the book down. I enjoyed all the good old English country Christmas details and the atmosphere of these strangers being snowed in together. The murder mystery was less intriguing than the one the government wants stopped. The motive has been done before too many times, but even so, WHO the murderer was and the specific reason was a big surprise. I never guessed it at all. I was on a different track entirely and thought for most of the book, it was too obvious. Boy was I wrong! Still, it wasn't my favorite of the mysteries but I loved the relationship aspect and seeing Olive and Jasper sleuthing together again. I missed that in the last book.
Olive annoyed me this time around, at least in the beginning. I disliked Olive's snooping and spying on Jasper. If she was really as clever as she seems, she would have figured it out a lot sooner. I reasoned it out right away. Olive lets jealously cloud her good judgment and I didn't care for that. If Jasper COULD tell her, he would! I was a little surprised by the reveal. I expected more from Jasper than that and he didn't quite explain why he suddenly turns up places where Olive is staying even after he declined an invitation or claimed he was busy elsewhere. Is it government related or is he motivated by wanting to see Olive and help her out? Jasper is still fun and swoony. I like his sense of humor and his decency. I think he downplays his clandestine activities and downplays his own intelligence too much. It was different to see him act serious but get out of control for a change. Olive's level-headnesses balances out Jasper's frustrations. She's good for him and of course, he adores her and admires her intelligence. Olive has a heart of gold and I think Jasper admires that too. He had a rough childhood and being around Olive makes him feel all is right with the world.
At Holly Hill Lodge, we have the hosts showing a bunch of strangers a typical English Christmas. Julia Searsby is kind and has a big heart. She collects waifs and strays and brings them under her wing. She's very generous and kind to Olive who almost literally crashes the party. Her husband, Frank, a businessman, is not so kind. I found him rough and tough and even suspect he may be involved in something nefarious. Their daughter, Francie, may be a Bright Young Person. She's young and maybe a bit naïve and headstrong. I like her but I'm not sure I don't trust her to do the wrong thing out of misguided loyalty.
Bankston the butler was a truly horrible person. He may have been efficient at his job so everyone liked him, but morally, he was not a good person. Bankston was selfish and probably had a high opinion of his own intelligence. I did like the introduction of crossword puzzles into his plot. They were quite new at the time and it was fun to see Olive and Jasper discover them and try to figure out the clues.
The first guests Olive meets are Madge Lambert and Tommy Phillips, lawn tennis champions. The young couple are friendly and helpful towards Olive but it's clear they're hiding something and may be involved in the butler's murder. I didn't quite trust them. Mr. Eggers is a nerdy, nervous, fussy sort of man. He's a snowflake scientist, photographing snowflakes to show no two are alike. I know I've heard of this person but whether his name was Me. Eggers or the author borrowed a real occupation from someone else, I can't tell you. He doesn't seem like the type to commit murder. He's too nervous. Theo Culwell is a young American luggage salesman who claims to have developed a new type of travel case that doesn't need a porter to carry. It's an aeroplane case and he's eager to talk it up and sell it to anyone who will listen. Francie seems entranced by Theo. Theo seems young and enthusiastic but he has a temper. He may not be who he says he is. I kind of liked him, he is kind of like an overgrown puppy wanting to please people. Beatrix "Blix" Windway, a lady traveler arrives late on the scene, after the murder has been committed but she could be involved in the other intrigue. She travels around the world and that would be a perfect cover. She isn't overly friendly or concerned about being involved in the festivities. She's a bit of a mystery. Mr. Sprigg, a neighbor, is kind of sleazy. He seems to enjoy flirting with women and attempting to flatter them. I can't stand that. He's hanging around, mooching off his neighbors when he lives nearby. I'm not sure why he's there except he seems to live alone. He's new money and recently purchased his property. I did not like him or trust him. He's the only one I really wanted to be the murderer. My favorite character is Julia's great-aunt Prudence Brinkle. She was my favorite party guest. She's lively, fun and eccentric. I don't think she could have killed anyone.
My favorite character was Zeus, the Jack Russell terrier. He's so cute and eager for attention. Dog lovers will enjoy how he gets incorporated into the mystery late in the book. I was surprised and worried when he appeared on the scene but how it all came out was fun.
This concludes the story arc started in book 1 so I'm satisfied for now. I will likely want to read book 7 when it is eventually published!
January 10, 2026
Oh "Murder on a Midnight Clear".... you and I might be a case of wrong time (Christmas is just over, blech) or I just wasn't that into you.
The 6th installment of the High Society Lady Detective, a cozy mystery series that is for sure a favorite... was set at a country house party over the Christmas holiday. The mystery is two fold: a spy and a blackmailer. Are they the same person?
Anyway, I kept zoning out of this book and even hit the rewind button a couple of times to try to recapture the vibe but for whatever reason, it just didn't hit for me and I kind of limped my way to the resolution. The mystery was cleverly done and maybe on a reread, will catch my imagination.
Chalking this up to a "it's me, not you Christmas mystery book" and looking forward to book 7.
The 6th installment of the High Society Lady Detective, a cozy mystery series that is for sure a favorite... was set at a country house party over the Christmas holiday. The mystery is two fold: a spy and a blackmailer. Are they the same person?
Anyway, I kept zoning out of this book and even hit the rewind button a couple of times to try to recapture the vibe but for whatever reason, it just didn't hit for me and I kind of limped my way to the resolution. The mystery was cleverly done and maybe on a reread, will catch my imagination.
Chalking this up to a "it's me, not you Christmas mystery book" and looking forward to book 7.
July 16, 2021
This time around, Olive inserts herself into Jasper's business & begins an investigation. And speaking of Jasper, I had a theory about him so was glad this book answered that question. (sorry, no spoilers...)
It has a Christmas theme & moves at a fast pace.
how funny to think about how suitcases weren't common until someone invented them? One of the characters is an American who has come up w/the idea of what became our modern suitcases. (ie. able to carry bags w/pockets, easily transportable, etc.)
It has a Christmas theme & moves at a fast pace.
how funny to think about how suitcases weren't common until someone invented them? One of the characters is an American who has come up w/the idea of what became our modern suitcases. (ie. able to carry bags w/pockets, easily transportable, etc.)
January 13, 2025
I liked the Christmas setting, and I enjoyed getting to know Jasper better. The mystery had some fun twists!
February 8, 2022
Olive and Jasper are building a relationship. She has a reputation as a private investigator. Right now, she is investigating what are Jasper’s secrets? She has taken to following him around London. All she knows is that there are secrets.
It is nearly Christmas of 1923 and Olive has a serious auto accident. Fortunately, she will be taken to Holly Hill Lodge. That just happens to be where Jasper is scheduled to be staying.
This is a terrific mystery. There is a murder. There is espionage. There is a cast of characters who have back stories which are quite interesting. No one is exactly as they appear.
There is humor and a strong sense of involvement among the characters. It seems that everyone has an idea about the dead man. And not all those ideas are kindly.
The atmosphere is wonderful. There is a sense of being in the 1920’s. The conversations are perfectly on point. The slang is quite educational. These people are fun.
The cast of characters are quite adept at moving the story along. Each one is a part of the fabric of the time and place.
Olive and Jasper are a good team. He has skills and she is an observer of the smallest details. The fact they like one another makes it all even easier to enjoy.
The secondary characters are each a specific English type. And every single one is a wonderful example of their type.
The dialog is entertaining and interesting. Every conversation shows the reader who these people really are.
When the deep snow arrives to the country estate, the reader knows things will become even more entertaining. After all, everyone is part of a captive audience to the action. And everyone likes to talk.
I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of cozies which are set in the years between the Wars. And if they are set in England, even better.
It is nearly Christmas of 1923 and Olive has a serious auto accident. Fortunately, she will be taken to Holly Hill Lodge. That just happens to be where Jasper is scheduled to be staying.
This is a terrific mystery. There is a murder. There is espionage. There is a cast of characters who have back stories which are quite interesting. No one is exactly as they appear.
There is humor and a strong sense of involvement among the characters. It seems that everyone has an idea about the dead man. And not all those ideas are kindly.
The atmosphere is wonderful. There is a sense of being in the 1920’s. The conversations are perfectly on point. The slang is quite educational. These people are fun.
The cast of characters are quite adept at moving the story along. Each one is a part of the fabric of the time and place.
Olive and Jasper are a good team. He has skills and she is an observer of the smallest details. The fact they like one another makes it all even easier to enjoy.
The secondary characters are each a specific English type. And every single one is a wonderful example of their type.
The dialog is entertaining and interesting. Every conversation shows the reader who these people really are.
When the deep snow arrives to the country estate, the reader knows things will become even more entertaining. After all, everyone is part of a captive audience to the action. And everyone likes to talk.
I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of cozies which are set in the years between the Wars. And if they are set in England, even better.
January 24, 2021
Murder on a Midnight Clear is a wonderful escape! The High Society Lady Detective books are my favorite cosy mysteries by far. I've read a few lately that have heroines who seem downright dumb. Not so with Olive; she's sharp as a tack. Add to that her relationship with Jasper, fun and flirty with very few complications, and the backdrop of the 1920's English Countryside, and you have a delightful page-turner. In this, book 6 of the series, Olive is determined to find out what Jasper isn't telling her about how he spends his time. Her endeavors land her -- and Jasper -- smack in the middle of a luxurious home, a murder, and a cast of interesting (and shady) characters.
While this book takes place at Christmas, I think it's a good read any time of year. Certainly the current cold and dreary weather is a great match for the book's winter chill.
While this book takes place at Christmas, I think it's a good read any time of year. Certainly the current cold and dreary weather is a great match for the book's winter chill.
April 16, 2021
The big question Olive Belgrave wants an answer to centers around Jasper Rimington. The relationship between Olive and Jasper has taken a serious turn, and Olive wants to find out why Jasper is reticent to share details about trips he makes so she follows him. While spying on Jasper, Olive ends up in a car accident and is taken to Holly Hill Lodge where Jasper is staying. Olive is recruited into helping Jasper with an investigation involving the clandestine activities of the butler who works at the lodge. When Olive and Jasper find the butler’s dead body, Olive’s amateur detective skills are beneficial in trying to figure out who wanted the butler dead. Are the butler’s conspiratorial activities and demise related? Will the investigation come to fruition?
Murder on a Midnight Clear includes conundrums, romance, blackmail, and unexpected death. This delightful whodunit takes place in England during the 1920’s Christmas season and is the sixth book in the High Society Lady Detective Series featuring Olive Belgrave. Olive has an excellent reputation as an amateur sleuth, which she earned due to her involvement in murder cases. In all the locations where the action takes place, readers can easily create images in their minds and experience what the characters are going through. This book can be read as a stand-alone. However, anyone who wants to know more not only about these cases and follow how Olive evolved as a character over the course of the series but also has their interest piqued in learning more of the supporting characters’ backstories will want to read the first five books. The story builds up to an exciting climax, and the ending lends itself to another book in the series. Sara Rosett provides insights behind the writing of the story, which I find quite interesting.
Murder on a Midnight Clear includes conundrums, romance, blackmail, and unexpected death. This delightful whodunit takes place in England during the 1920’s Christmas season and is the sixth book in the High Society Lady Detective Series featuring Olive Belgrave. Olive has an excellent reputation as an amateur sleuth, which she earned due to her involvement in murder cases. In all the locations where the action takes place, readers can easily create images in their minds and experience what the characters are going through. This book can be read as a stand-alone. However, anyone who wants to know more not only about these cases and follow how Olive evolved as a character over the course of the series but also has their interest piqued in learning more of the supporting characters’ backstories will want to read the first five books. The story builds up to an exciting climax, and the ending lends itself to another book in the series. Sara Rosett provides insights behind the writing of the story, which I find quite interesting.
April 11, 2021
Murder on a Midnight Clear by Sara Rosett is a little murder, a little espionage. It takes place in 1923, at Christmas time. It is oddly formal, but pleasantly relaxed. It puts me in mind of Tommy and Tuppence by Agatha Christie. Its protagonists are Jasper and Olive. Jasper is a man-about-town who appears to live off his inheritance and not do much. Olive is a private investigator who is enamored with Jasper, but suspicious that he is up to something and so has taken to following him. He does behave suspiciously. After he calls and breaks a date with her, something has come up; she manages to pry the information from his cleaning lady that has gone to a place called Holly Hill Lodge. By visiting a friend, Olive manages to get herself near Holly Hill Lodge for a little spying. She may see more than she wants, then manages to get into an automobile accident and taken to that same lodge for recovery, where she is invited to stay for Christmas. Upon discovering the body of the butler in what appears to have been an "arranged" accident, the duo investigates. Everyone has secrets and it turns out the butler knew what they were and forced people to pay for his silence. There is so much more.
This was a delightful novel: one of my favorite time periods for a mystery. Olive is very clever, but it turns out Jasper is, too. Both very likable, they turn out to work well together to solve a decent mystery and make progress with the espionage case as well. People are seldom what they seem and this book exemplifies this in spades. Puzzles, murder, secrets...it has it all. Very enjoyable read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Murder on a Midnight Clear by Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
This was a delightful novel: one of my favorite time periods for a mystery. Olive is very clever, but it turns out Jasper is, too. Both very likable, they turn out to work well together to solve a decent mystery and make progress with the espionage case as well. People are seldom what they seem and this book exemplifies this in spades. Puzzles, murder, secrets...it has it all. Very enjoyable read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Murder on a Midnight Clear by Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
November 28, 2021
This is the sixth book in a delightful, lighthearted historical mystery series which I love. This is a Christmas book - I received it after Christmas season ended last year so I was waiting for the right moment and this was it - seasonal reading has officially started for me !
The main character, Olive Belgrave, is intelligent, honorable and courageous and despite all these virtues - fun ! The mysteries are well developed and plotted and immerse the readers in early 1920s Britain - this one is set Christmas 1923. Every time a a date was mentioned i thought my grandmother whose birthday it would have been next Tuesday would have been born and in the newborn stage. I hope there are many more in this series- I love that this historical mystery series comes with a satisfying romance that is developing believably for the 1920s through the series without being a constant on again off again struggle that I see in some series and don’t appreciate much over the long run.
Something that made me appreciate this book even more is that it mentions “Snowflake Bentley” an American (Vermonter, of course 😉) scientist and photographer, who was the first known person to take detailed photographs of snowflakes and record their features.
The main character, Olive Belgrave, is intelligent, honorable and courageous and despite all these virtues - fun ! The mysteries are well developed and plotted and immerse the readers in early 1920s Britain - this one is set Christmas 1923. Every time a a date was mentioned i thought my grandmother whose birthday it would have been next Tuesday would have been born and in the newborn stage. I hope there are many more in this series- I love that this historical mystery series comes with a satisfying romance that is developing believably for the 1920s through the series without being a constant on again off again struggle that I see in some series and don’t appreciate much over the long run.
Something that made me appreciate this book even more is that it mentions “Snowflake Bentley” an American (Vermonter, of course 😉) scientist and photographer, who was the first known person to take detailed photographs of snowflakes and record their features.
March 20, 2021
Murder on a Midnight Clear is the 6th in the High Society Lady Detective series, but the first in the series I've read. It was a bit difficult to get into the story at first - trying to understand why Olive might be following Jasper, what their relationship was, who Gwen (cousin) is, Gigi (friend) and what was Jasper's and Olive's situation in life. But it only took a few pages before all was made clear and I fell into the book, reading it in one setting. It was a wonderful book and I will definitely go back and read the other 5 while awaiting number 7!
Disappearing butlers, mysterious trips out of town, Christmas at a country manor with a cast of characters and in attendance and coded messages, combined with blackmail and murder make Midnight Clear a very engrossing and engaging read. Who wouldn't like a story with all of these elements?
The characters are well-developed, their interactions and dialogue pull you into the story. The setting is well-described and one can easily picture the Christmas party at the country house, the traipses through the snow, the climb up the belvedere and the "night watch" in the gallery. The book is very well written, combining several story-lines that keep you guessing till the end who committed the crimes.
I would highly recommend this book and am looking forward to more adventures with Olive and Jasper!
Disappearing butlers, mysterious trips out of town, Christmas at a country manor with a cast of characters and in attendance and coded messages, combined with blackmail and murder make Midnight Clear a very engrossing and engaging read. Who wouldn't like a story with all of these elements?
The characters are well-developed, their interactions and dialogue pull you into the story. The setting is well-described and one can easily picture the Christmas party at the country house, the traipses through the snow, the climb up the belvedere and the "night watch" in the gallery. The book is very well written, combining several story-lines that keep you guessing till the end who committed the crimes.
I would highly recommend this book and am looking forward to more adventures with Olive and Jasper!
April 9, 2021
I was given a review copy of this book, Murder on a Midnight Clear.
If you enjoy an Agatha Christie type whodunit then this is the book for you.
Set in 1920s England; there are rolling hills, a manor house, a room full of suspects and, of course, a butler. But this is not a case of ‘the butler did it’ but ‘who did for the butler?’
In the fourth of Sara Rosett’s books featuring Olive and Jasper, the pair are stranded at a country house in time for Christmas, and a bit of clue solving in the form of a heinous crime. I haven’t read the previous books in this series but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying this one other than a bit of detecting of my own to work out the main characters’ relationships early on.
The only thing which rankled me was the use of US spelling throughout. I read plenty of American novels and expect US spelling, but in an English novel set in England and with very English characters it felt out of place and wrong. I’m sure US readers can manage to translate British English as easily as I do American English without the need for this.
Rant over, recommended.
If you enjoy an Agatha Christie type whodunit then this is the book for you.
Set in 1920s England; there are rolling hills, a manor house, a room full of suspects and, of course, a butler. But this is not a case of ‘the butler did it’ but ‘who did for the butler?’
In the fourth of Sara Rosett’s books featuring Olive and Jasper, the pair are stranded at a country house in time for Christmas, and a bit of clue solving in the form of a heinous crime. I haven’t read the previous books in this series but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying this one other than a bit of detecting of my own to work out the main characters’ relationships early on.
The only thing which rankled me was the use of US spelling throughout. I read plenty of American novels and expect US spelling, but in an English novel set in England and with very English characters it felt out of place and wrong. I’m sure US readers can manage to translate British English as easily as I do American English without the need for this.
Rant over, recommended.
April 6, 2021
Murder on a Midnight Clear is Book #6 in Sara Rosett’s “High Society Lady Detective” series, following Olive and her beau, Jasper, as they stumble upon a dead body and a murder mystery at Christmas. The book was set at the Holly Hill Lodge, during a Christmas snow storm. Many houseguests were at the lodge, which allowed for many suspects for the murder.
I had not previously read any books by Sara Rosett, nor any books in this series. I think I was able to catch on quickly with the characters and enjoyed the Olive and Jasper and their relationship. The mysteries involved in the story were well written and intriguing. This book is set in the 1920s London, in a very different time and place than where we are in present day. I think some of the terminology used, whether it be for the time period, or the location, was hard to pick up on. Some words I had no idea what they were talking about. While it didn’t take away from the story, I think it would have been more enjoyable in those moments to know what they were saying.
Overall, I liked this murder mystery, and would recommend it to those who especially like books set in the 1920s London era.
I had not previously read any books by Sara Rosett, nor any books in this series. I think I was able to catch on quickly with the characters and enjoyed the Olive and Jasper and their relationship. The mysteries involved in the story were well written and intriguing. This book is set in the 1920s London, in a very different time and place than where we are in present day. I think some of the terminology used, whether it be for the time period, or the location, was hard to pick up on. Some words I had no idea what they were talking about. While it didn’t take away from the story, I think it would have been more enjoyable in those moments to know what they were saying.
Overall, I liked this murder mystery, and would recommend it to those who especially like books set in the 1920s London era.
January 7, 2023
Murder on a Midnight Clear is the sixth book in The High Society Lady Detective series set in the 1920's. This particular novel is a Christmas murder mystery that happens on the days leading upto Christmas in 1923.
Olive follows the elusive Jasper to a country mansion, hoping to find if he is a spy. But an accident causes Olive to stay at the Holly Hill Loadge, where the butler goes missing. Amdist an eclectic group of guests gathered to celebrate Christmas, Olive and Jasper have to find the murderer.
This book takes Olive and Jasper's relationship to the next level. They have a lovely chemistry. The characters are quirky and make up for an ideal bunch of suspects. The writing is atmospheric. The story has all the perfect elements for a Christmas mystery. This would make for a perfect Christmas cozy read. But I don't think this could be read as a standalone. I do recommend this series. It's a mix of cozy and historical mystery with charming characters.
Olive follows the elusive Jasper to a country mansion, hoping to find if he is a spy. But an accident causes Olive to stay at the Holly Hill Loadge, where the butler goes missing. Amdist an eclectic group of guests gathered to celebrate Christmas, Olive and Jasper have to find the murderer.
This book takes Olive and Jasper's relationship to the next level. They have a lovely chemistry. The characters are quirky and make up for an ideal bunch of suspects. The writing is atmospheric. The story has all the perfect elements for a Christmas mystery. This would make for a perfect Christmas cozy read. But I don't think this could be read as a standalone. I do recommend this series. It's a mix of cozy and historical mystery with charming characters.
March 26, 2021
The latest installment in the High Society Lady Detective Series is a delightful romp back in time when things appeared simpler. One would swear that Miss Marple trained Olive. Olive can put things together that others miss. Full of twists and turns and a touch of romance Murder on a Midnight Clear is fast paced, fun reading. The descriptions of the manor and the Christmas festivities transport you back to the 1920s. This novel stands on its own perfectly. You know there is more to Olive's story but that doesn't take away from this story.
December 29, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this holiday murder mystery. I had not read any books written by this author before I received this book in a giveaway. I am so glad I won a copy because I loved the characters, the mystery, and the writing. It was a quick, enjoyable read, and I will definitely be reading more by the author! So glad to have a new mystery series to dive into.
April 17, 2021
This was the first book I have read by Sara Rosett. I was a little leery at first because I have not read historical mysteries. I thought this genre was something that I would not like but I was willing to give it a try because the story sounded good. I admit to being pleasantly surprised to really enjoy this book. I hope to read more by this author. I thought that the two main characters, Olive and Jasper, really related well together. It was very interesting to see how all of the characters interacted. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I could not figure things out until the answer to the mystery was revealed.
March 12, 2025
The mystery was good, but I was not a fan of Olive's stalking behaviors. People are allowed to have secrets. Also, I felt like Olive and Jasper spent a lot of time alone, for this time period. She would have been "ruined".
January 5, 2021
Love this series
February 27, 2021
4 stars
April 30, 2021
An enjoyable visit with Olive and Jasper as they rush to find a murderer and possibly stop a treasonous plot.
March 16, 2023
An excellent Christmas mystery (and Christmas present). I loved all the twists and turns in this one. Having the butler be a focal character but not actually a player in the novel was a good idea.
May 12, 2024
3.75
It started off a bit slow but picked up once they started trying to solve the murder. Despite this being book 6 in the series, it’s the first book of it that I’ve read, and I didn’t feel lost at all. And I enjoyed the characters enough to want to read the rest.
It started off a bit slow but picked up once they started trying to solve the murder. Despite this being book 6 in the series, it’s the first book of it that I’ve read, and I didn’t feel lost at all. And I enjoyed the characters enough to want to read the rest.
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