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Ginger Gold Mystery #15
Murder at the Royal Albert Hall
Murder's a pain in the aria!
Nothing ruins a night at the opera faster than a duchess falling to her death. Mrs. Ginger Reed, also known by some as Lady Gold, is at the Royal Albert Hall with her husband, Basil Reed, a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, and the two of them are immediately at the scene. Was the Duchess of Worthington’s fall accidental? Where was the duke?
And what does Ginger’s grandmother-in-law, Ambrosia, the Dowager Lady Gold have to do with the sordid affair?
Something went terribly wrong with the dowager’s "sisterhood" of friends back in the 1860s, and it's all coming home to roost.
★★★★★
Researching for the Ginger Gold Mysteries has been so much fun. I hope you sense that as you read. Ginger Gold is smart, savvy, and delightful. The fashions, the dances, the CRIME. The character of Haley Higgins, a medical student at the London Medical School for Women allows me to further delve into another keen interest of mine: forensics. Never fear, the Ginger Gold Mysteries are COZY, so no scary, graphic on-stage violence. You'll find these books to be clean reads, with no swearing or sex. I hope you enjoy the Ginger Gold Mystery series!
Nothing ruins a night at the opera faster than a duchess falling to her death. Mrs. Ginger Reed, also known by some as Lady Gold, is at the Royal Albert Hall with her husband, Basil Reed, a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, and the two of them are immediately at the scene. Was the Duchess of Worthington’s fall accidental? Where was the duke?
And what does Ginger’s grandmother-in-law, Ambrosia, the Dowager Lady Gold have to do with the sordid affair?
Something went terribly wrong with the dowager’s "sisterhood" of friends back in the 1860s, and it's all coming home to roost.
★★★★★
Researching for the Ginger Gold Mysteries has been so much fun. I hope you sense that as you read. Ginger Gold is smart, savvy, and delightful. The fashions, the dances, the CRIME. The character of Haley Higgins, a medical student at the London Medical School for Women allows me to further delve into another keen interest of mine: forensics. Never fear, the Ginger Gold Mysteries are COZY, so no scary, graphic on-stage violence. You'll find these books to be clean reads, with no swearing or sex. I hope you enjoy the Ginger Gold Mystery series!
236 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
546 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
129 books2,341 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 19, 2024
Ginger and Basil Reed, along with Felicia and Ambrosia, are having a good time while attending the opera at Royal Albert Hall. When some of Ambrosia's old friends stop by to greet her, she is not happy to see them. As intermission is winding down, the Duchess of Worthington falls from a balcony to her death. People believe it was an accident, but Basil and Ginger think she may have been helped over the edge.
This is the 15th book in the series and probably my favorite so far. Through excerpts from Ambrosia's diary, we learn about a teenaged Ambrosia and her three friends who roomed together at school. Now years later, Ambrosia no longer talks to Deborah, Duchess of Worthington, and isn't happy to see that Miss Bess Garnet and Mrs. Josephine Pettigrew are back in London. While reading the diary, we learn some surprises about Ambrosia's past.
Basil and Ginger had their work cut out for them as they tried to discover who killed the Duchess. There were a handful of suspects. I kept changing my mind throughout the story. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is the 15th book in the series and probably my favorite so far. Through excerpts from Ambrosia's diary, we learn about a teenaged Ambrosia and her three friends who roomed together at school. Now years later, Ambrosia no longer talks to Deborah, Duchess of Worthington, and isn't happy to see that Miss Bess Garnet and Mrs. Josephine Pettigrew are back in London. While reading the diary, we learn some surprises about Ambrosia's past.
Basil and Ginger had their work cut out for them as they tried to discover who killed the Duchess. There were a handful of suspects. I kept changing my mind throughout the story. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
July 10, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
The Gold-Reed family (minus Scout) are excited for a night on the town at the Royal Albert Hall. It promises to be a fun and interesting evening because little does Felicia know but Lord Davenport-Witt plans to propose! The night is slightly marred when Ambrosia runs into old friends. Her reception of them is rather cooler than Ginger excepts and then Ambrosia subs the husband of another old friend! What on earth is wrong with her? When the Duchess of Worthington, Ambrosia's childhood friend, falls to her death in the theater, Basil suspects foul play. It's up to Ginger and Basil to pry information out of everyone who claims they saw nothing. Back in 1871, Ambrosia and her sisterhood of friends attended the opera at the Royal Albert Hall. She kept a diary of that time in her life and it reveals shocking secrets that will shake up the family if they find out but will it help Ginger find the killer? Can Ambrosia bring herself to turn her diary over to Ginger?
This is a really good mystery. I had my suspicions about whodunit but then I changed my mind a few times. The reveal was quite shocking and I was surprised by all the revelations even though the reader had been clued in to some of them. This story is rather sad. There are three murders and two are very tragic. One victim is unlamented and deserved to be killed (but not like that... in a war situation). Ambrosia's story is shocking! I never expected anything like that at all. It was pretty tragic. I liked reading her diary entries. Once again we get a tantalizing hint of Ginger's past but are left wanting more information! It keeps me reading! This story analyzes what it means to be a family, to be sisters and whether or how to be supportive of your "sister" when she does something you disagree with in regards to her personal life.
I REALLY wish this author would learn something about how the British aristocracy works. I'm American and I managed to figure it out. I know Lord Davenport-Witt's title is wrong. He should be Lord Charles Davenport-Witt, Earl of ___ (Witt? Is that even a place?) There's also the matter of Bray Manor which actually doesn't BELONG to anyone. It BELONGS to the Barony so if Felicia is the last of the line, is the title in abeyance or can it be recreated on her future son? Would the estate revert to the Crown? Does Ambrosia have dower rights? These things matter to these people in this society and I would appreciate it if the author could at least TRY to get it right and explain. She seems to understand the Duke and Duchess of Worthington titles and styles. There are also a couple of historical inaccuracies like Debbie saying "Mama will give her permission for the weekend." To quote Lady Violet Grantham "What is a weekend?" Weekend is a vulgar Americanism that implies one has to work for a living. Actually, Debbie's father might work. They're new money, industrial money but the word wasn't commonly used in 1871 or earlier. Also, rooms were not designed for shorter people. Ceilings in old houses were low to trap in heat.
Ginger is about 7 months pregnant here and still trying to hide it. She's eager for the baby to arrive but not so eager to give up her work. Basil is sweet and protective but knows Ginger well enough to know she's her own person and he can't control her actions, even if he means well. They're equal partners in this investigation. Felicia is still immature and bratty. I don't think she's ready for marriage yet. She needs to grow up first. Ambrosia's story was not what I expected. Her life was very difficult and sad. I didn't really like knowing so much about Artie, Lord Gold. (Why is his name Artemis? That's feminine, from the Greek goddess of the hunt). It makes me more sympathetic to Ambrosia and understand why she's so stuffy.
Ambrosia's girlhood friends were Deborah Harvey, now Duchess of Worthington; Miss Bess Garnet and Josephine Foster, now Mrs. Pettigrew. They were very close at finishing school and shared a bond. However, as often happens with young women, they grew apart. They haven't seen each other in 55 years! Bess is a sweetheart. I have a hard time thinking of her as a suspect. There's no way a sweet little old lady could push another lady over a theater railing. Josephine is rather odd, possibly she has dementia because she seemed fine as a young woman in 1871. Deborah was not a nice girl but I think she more than paid for it but because of the ridiculous rules of propriety of the Victorian era, none of them really knew anything about the others' adult lives. All four seem to have suffered in some way. I think perhaps Deborah the most. Not only that but Worthington represents imperialism at its worst and the sexist culture of Victorian England at its worst. He's truly unlikable. I had hoped the Berbers would kill him! His brother, Lord Percy, is suspicious. What younger son wouldn't want to inherit the Dukedom from his older brother who lacks heirs? Why kill Deborah though? Perhaps they were arguing and she fell by accident.
Other new characters include Mr. Smith, the waiter at the theater whose job it was to wait upon the Duke and Duchess. He CLAIMS to have seen nothing but he's spotted arguing with Lord Percy. Did Lord Percy pay Mr. Smith to push the Duchess? I think Mr. Smith knows more than he is willing to let on. The Duke's butler, Mr. Mumsford, is very loyal to his employer. He claims he didn't know the Duchess that well and doesn't seem interested in sharing what he knows. Does he know more about what happened to make someone want to murder his employers?
I'm hooked on Ginger's Journal and I hope we find out how she met Charles and what happened soon. The 1920s stories aren't as compelling but are nice, light bedtime reads.
The Gold-Reed family (minus Scout) are excited for a night on the town at the Royal Albert Hall. It promises to be a fun and interesting evening because little does Felicia know but Lord Davenport-Witt plans to propose! The night is slightly marred when Ambrosia runs into old friends. Her reception of them is rather cooler than Ginger excepts and then Ambrosia subs the husband of another old friend! What on earth is wrong with her? When the Duchess of Worthington, Ambrosia's childhood friend, falls to her death in the theater, Basil suspects foul play. It's up to Ginger and Basil to pry information out of everyone who claims they saw nothing. Back in 1871, Ambrosia and her sisterhood of friends attended the opera at the Royal Albert Hall. She kept a diary of that time in her life and it reveals shocking secrets that will shake up the family if they find out but will it help Ginger find the killer? Can Ambrosia bring herself to turn her diary over to Ginger?
This is a really good mystery. I had my suspicions about whodunit but then I changed my mind a few times. The reveal was quite shocking and I was surprised by all the revelations even though the reader had been clued in to some of them. This story is rather sad. There are three murders and two are very tragic. One victim is unlamented and deserved to be killed (but not like that... in a war situation). Ambrosia's story is shocking! I never expected anything like that at all. It was pretty tragic. I liked reading her diary entries. Once again we get a tantalizing hint of Ginger's past but are left wanting more information! It keeps me reading! This story analyzes what it means to be a family, to be sisters and whether or how to be supportive of your "sister" when she does something you disagree with in regards to her personal life.
I REALLY wish this author would learn something about how the British aristocracy works. I'm American and I managed to figure it out. I know Lord Davenport-Witt's title is wrong. He should be Lord Charles Davenport-Witt, Earl of ___ (Witt? Is that even a place?) There's also the matter of Bray Manor which actually doesn't BELONG to anyone. It BELONGS to the Barony so if Felicia is the last of the line, is the title in abeyance or can it be recreated on her future son? Would the estate revert to the Crown? Does Ambrosia have dower rights? These things matter to these people in this society and I would appreciate it if the author could at least TRY to get it right and explain. She seems to understand the Duke and Duchess of Worthington titles and styles. There are also a couple of historical inaccuracies like Debbie saying "Mama will give her permission for the weekend." To quote Lady Violet Grantham "What is a weekend?" Weekend is a vulgar Americanism that implies one has to work for a living. Actually, Debbie's father might work. They're new money, industrial money but the word wasn't commonly used in 1871 or earlier. Also, rooms were not designed for shorter people. Ceilings in old houses were low to trap in heat.
Ginger is about 7 months pregnant here and still trying to hide it. She's eager for the baby to arrive but not so eager to give up her work. Basil is sweet and protective but knows Ginger well enough to know she's her own person and he can't control her actions, even if he means well. They're equal partners in this investigation. Felicia is still immature and bratty. I don't think she's ready for marriage yet. She needs to grow up first. Ambrosia's story was not what I expected. Her life was very difficult and sad. I didn't really like knowing so much about Artie, Lord Gold. (Why is his name Artemis? That's feminine, from the Greek goddess of the hunt). It makes me more sympathetic to Ambrosia and understand why she's so stuffy.
Ambrosia's girlhood friends were Deborah Harvey, now Duchess of Worthington; Miss Bess Garnet and Josephine Foster, now Mrs. Pettigrew. They were very close at finishing school and shared a bond. However, as often happens with young women, they grew apart. They haven't seen each other in 55 years! Bess is a sweetheart. I have a hard time thinking of her as a suspect. There's no way a sweet little old lady could push another lady over a theater railing. Josephine is rather odd, possibly she has dementia because she seemed fine as a young woman in 1871. Deborah was not a nice girl but I think she more than paid for it but because of the ridiculous rules of propriety of the Victorian era, none of them really knew anything about the others' adult lives. All four seem to have suffered in some way. I think perhaps Deborah the most. Not only that but Worthington represents imperialism at its worst and the sexist culture of Victorian England at its worst. He's truly unlikable. I had hoped the Berbers would kill him! His brother, Lord Percy, is suspicious. What younger son wouldn't want to inherit the Dukedom from his older brother who lacks heirs? Why kill Deborah though? Perhaps they were arguing and she fell by accident.
Other new characters include Mr. Smith, the waiter at the theater whose job it was to wait upon the Duke and Duchess. He CLAIMS to have seen nothing but he's spotted arguing with Lord Percy. Did Lord Percy pay Mr. Smith to push the Duchess? I think Mr. Smith knows more than he is willing to let on. The Duke's butler, Mr. Mumsford, is very loyal to his employer. He claims he didn't know the Duchess that well and doesn't seem interested in sharing what he knows. Does he know more about what happened to make someone want to murder his employers?
I'm hooked on Ginger's Journal and I hope we find out how she met Charles and what happened soon. The 1920s stories aren't as compelling but are nice, light bedtime reads.
March 30, 2021
Murder at Royal Albert Hall by Lee Strauss is book #13 in her Ginger Gold cozy historical mystery series and was another engaging book. Ginger and Basil have a murder to solve during a performance with several theater patrons in attendance. The smoothly paced plot includes Ambrosia, Dowager Duchess of Gold, and her history with friends as young women. Ambrosia diary entries allowed me to finally get to know her more intimately than in previous books. She is still curmudgeonly but a more sympathetic character now. A few deft twists and turns lead Ginger and Basil on a merry chase through London but not before more dramatic events unfold. Another excellent escape into Lady Gold's world.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
July 2, 2023
When one of Ambrosia's friends from her youth falls to her death at the opera and it's determined she might've been pushed over the balcony, Basil and Ginger have quite the mystery on their hands. A couple more people turn up dead and they need to figure out if they were all killed by the same person or could there be two killers!!!
We also find out a lot more about Ambrosia, the Dowager Duchess, and I was very surprised at the revelations from her diaries. It explains her coldness towards the women she was close to in her late teens and found the reason behind the feud quite sad.
This is another good addition to the Ginger Gold series. I listened to the audiobook from my library through the Hoopla app.
We also find out a lot more about Ambrosia, the Dowager Duchess, and I was very surprised at the revelations from her diaries. It explains her coldness towards the women she was close to in her late teens and found the reason behind the feud quite sad.
This is another good addition to the Ginger Gold series. I listened to the audiobook from my library through the Hoopla app.
March 30, 2021
Ambrosia's Friends
Who doesn't love the Opera. The beauty of the opera house, the music and the gowns worn. When the Duchess of Worthington, one of Ambrosia's friends falls to her death Ginger and Basil are on the scene.
Another great mystery by Lee Strauss featuring Ambrosia this time. What secrets has she kept and how will they involve her in this murder. You won't want to miss the surprises in this book.
I always enjoy Lee's cozy mysteries, they are good clean reading with wonderful detail to surroundings and clothing. It was nice to read more about the younger Ambrosia.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Lee Strauss for allowing me to read an early copy of the book for a review.
Who doesn't love the Opera. The beauty of the opera house, the music and the gowns worn. When the Duchess of Worthington, one of Ambrosia's friends falls to her death Ginger and Basil are on the scene.
Another great mystery by Lee Strauss featuring Ambrosia this time. What secrets has she kept and how will they involve her in this murder. You won't want to miss the surprises in this book.
I always enjoy Lee's cozy mysteries, they are good clean reading with wonderful detail to surroundings and clothing. It was nice to read more about the younger Ambrosia.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Lee Strauss for allowing me to read an early copy of the book for a review.
June 15, 2022
This addition to the Ginger Gold myteries was a just okay entry to the series for me. There seemed to be a lot more time spent on rehashing what had gone on in prior books, and the rehash went on multiple times.
I had almost figured out the complex plot twist by the end. I did enjoy learning more about Ambrosia's (Dowager Lady Gold) early life.
I can't wait for Ginger and Basil's baby to arrive. Maybe he/she will make an apperance in the next book?
I had almost figured out the complex plot twist by the end. I did enjoy learning more about Ambrosia's (Dowager Lady Gold) early life.
I can't wait for Ginger and Basil's baby to arrive. Maybe he/she will make an apperance in the next book?
March 24, 2025
It was nice to have some backstory for Ambrosia, it made her character more human. I really enjoyed the mystery of this story and how things unfolded. That Lord Worthington was a dirty dog!
April 1, 2021
This is a well-written series which not only describes the surroundings but the clothing of the day with extreme accuracy that when you read the books from this series you actually run a movie in your mind as you read! This 13th book of the series is amazing. It is so deftly written with so many twists and turns you can't stop reading once you start. This time we get a backstory with Ginger pregnant, and we get to understand a little more about Ambrosia, The Dowager Lady Gold's past life. We begin with a visit to the opera with Ambrosia, Ginger and Chief Inspector Basil her husband, Ginger's sister in-law from her first marriage, Felicia and Charles an Earl who loves Felicia sitting in a box engrossed in the first act with Ambrosia running into some old friends she long ago lost track of when the Duchess of Worthington is pushed over the second floor railing to her death. Now it gets VERY twisty. We hear about Ambrosia and the sisterhood and a peak at why she seems to always be so surly and how does this fit in with the murders, or is it just background. Then there is a second murder. How is everything connected? Ginger and Basil are on the case taken from London to smaller towns on the outskirts and back again, facing belligerent suspects and missing suspects and strange alliances. Will they be able to figure out who murdered the Duke and Duchess? Are the deaths even related? What does the sisterhood have to do with anything? Why does Ambrosia take Ginger in her confidence? Will Ginger be able to accept Charles into their family or lose Felicia? So many twists, so many threads to pull! What a great surprise ending. I can't wait to see what Ginger an Basil come up against next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed are strictly my own.
April 18, 2021
I have been in a book funk recently but as always Lee Stauss delivers a brilliant story to get me out of it.
Ginger is attending a music concert at The Royal Albert Hall with her husband Basil Reed, her grandmother the dowager Gold and Felicia her sister in law from her previous marriage with Daniel. Ginger is expecting a thrilling evening with a suprise planned for Felicia but she didn't expect the evening to end with a terrible accident. But in true Ginger Gold fashion there's more to it. This time we see a bit of the Dowager Golds life in the 1860s with excerpts from her diary and the sisterhood. This was an amazing book with so much information about the era and also the 1860s and a brilliant insight into the prim and proper society rules. Loved it as always. I received an Arc copy of this book from the author but the opinion expressed is my own.
Ginger is attending a music concert at The Royal Albert Hall with her husband Basil Reed, her grandmother the dowager Gold and Felicia her sister in law from her previous marriage with Daniel. Ginger is expecting a thrilling evening with a suprise planned for Felicia but she didn't expect the evening to end with a terrible accident. But in true Ginger Gold fashion there's more to it. This time we see a bit of the Dowager Golds life in the 1860s with excerpts from her diary and the sisterhood. This was an amazing book with so much information about the era and also the 1860s and a brilliant insight into the prim and proper society rules. Loved it as always. I received an Arc copy of this book from the author but the opinion expressed is my own.
April 13, 2021
These are still likeable and interesting characters but the plot was a bit convoluted and more than a little unlikely. There is a lot of repetition of background infomation from previous books that gets irritating if you have already read them. Seems almost like "filler" to get the required number of words for a complete book rather than a novella.
April 2, 2021
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
The book begins at an evening at the opera at the Royal Albert Hall. Attending is Ginger Reed, who owns a fashion house as well as a detective agency, her husband Basil Reed, who is a Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard. Also attending is her late husband's mother, Lady Ambrosia Gold, who is surprised to see four of her childhood friends are there as well. Ginger Reed is intrigued by her reaction to the presence of her friends that she hasn't seen in years. Lady Gold appears to have no interest in talking to any one of them. During the intermission, one of her friends, Duchess Deborah of Worthington, falls to her death off a balcony. Upon examination, it's discovered that a jeweled encrusted broach is missing. Did the Duchess simply stumble and fall to her death in a tragic accident? Was she killed for her priceless broach? Or was she deliberately killed by someone she knew for an unknown reason? Ginger Reed and her husband, Basil Reed, team up to solve this mystery!
I have read all previous 12 books in this series and this is a great addition. I enjoyed learning more about the character of Lady Ambrosia Gold and her experiences growing up in the Victorian Age. I also love the descriptions of all the current fashions worn by the women in the Victorian Age as well as the 1920's. I would highly recommend this book.
The book begins at an evening at the opera at the Royal Albert Hall. Attending is Ginger Reed, who owns a fashion house as well as a detective agency, her husband Basil Reed, who is a Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard. Also attending is her late husband's mother, Lady Ambrosia Gold, who is surprised to see four of her childhood friends are there as well. Ginger Reed is intrigued by her reaction to the presence of her friends that she hasn't seen in years. Lady Gold appears to have no interest in talking to any one of them. During the intermission, one of her friends, Duchess Deborah of Worthington, falls to her death off a balcony. Upon examination, it's discovered that a jeweled encrusted broach is missing. Did the Duchess simply stumble and fall to her death in a tragic accident? Was she killed for her priceless broach? Or was she deliberately killed by someone she knew for an unknown reason? Ginger Reed and her husband, Basil Reed, team up to solve this mystery!
I have read all previous 12 books in this series and this is a great addition. I enjoyed learning more about the character of Lady Ambrosia Gold and her experiences growing up in the Victorian Age. I also love the descriptions of all the current fashions worn by the women in the Victorian Age as well as the 1920's. I would highly recommend this book.
March 30, 2021
The thirteenth of the Ginger Gold vintage Murder mystery series might be unlucky for its victims, but it’s a royal treat for its readers!
Murder at the Royal Albert Hall has all the elements we’ve come to know and love in this series - twisty plotting with a satisfying conclusion, convincing characters, well written dialogue, vivid description, 1920s flair, fashion, authentic locations, society events and - of course - mystery and murder.
This book has the added bonus of a spotlight on Ambrosia, the dowager duchess. I confess she has always been a favourite of mine. Though only a support character, I’ve always enjoyed the way she’s written, bringing humour and pace to every scene she’s in. So a mystery that delves more into her history and character depth is intriguing and makes extremely good reading.
This is yet another wonderfully feelgood mystery written by Lee Strauss. I was delighted to receive an ARC but I wouldn’t miss any of the Ginger Gold series if you paid me to! These, along with the author’s Higgins & Hawke and Rosa Reed books, are most definitely on my ‘essential reading’ list!
Murder at the Royal Albert Hall has all the elements we’ve come to know and love in this series - twisty plotting with a satisfying conclusion, convincing characters, well written dialogue, vivid description, 1920s flair, fashion, authentic locations, society events and - of course - mystery and murder.
This book has the added bonus of a spotlight on Ambrosia, the dowager duchess. I confess she has always been a favourite of mine. Though only a support character, I’ve always enjoyed the way she’s written, bringing humour and pace to every scene she’s in. So a mystery that delves more into her history and character depth is intriguing and makes extremely good reading.
This is yet another wonderfully feelgood mystery written by Lee Strauss. I was delighted to receive an ARC but I wouldn’t miss any of the Ginger Gold series if you paid me to! These, along with the author’s Higgins & Hawke and Rosa Reed books, are most definitely on my ‘essential reading’ list!
March 25, 2021
The murders keep coming and there are suspects aplenty!
But it's the insights we get into the Dowager Lady Gold that really make this book. Up until this point in the series, she's been an almost inconsequential supporting character, and one that we didn't particularly like at that. That all changes within these pages.
Through flashbacks we get to see another side to Ambrosia, and she becomes a more sympathetic character as a result. The details of her youth, and the far reaching effects of the events of the past, promise to hold repercussions beyond just this book.
She's still abrasive and gruff, but we understand her more now.
The mystery itself keeps you guessing, and I'm pretty sure that when it's all unraveled, you will be surprised!
Another well-written and entertaining book from Lee Strauss.
But it's the insights we get into the Dowager Lady Gold that really make this book. Up until this point in the series, she's been an almost inconsequential supporting character, and one that we didn't particularly like at that. That all changes within these pages.
Through flashbacks we get to see another side to Ambrosia, and she becomes a more sympathetic character as a result. The details of her youth, and the far reaching effects of the events of the past, promise to hold repercussions beyond just this book.
She's still abrasive and gruff, but we understand her more now.
The mystery itself keeps you guessing, and I'm pretty sure that when it's all unraveled, you will be surprised!
Another well-written and entertaining book from Lee Strauss.
September 22, 2024
There is usually not a lot of real mystery in these books but I like the characters and the glimpse of 1920s London. That said this book has got to be the weakest entry to the series so far - and that's saying a lot. The motive was ridiculous and the melodrama involving Ambrosia and her friends as young women was straight out of a True Confessions tearjerker. And I am sorry but come on this was the 1920s Ginger would have been enjoying her cocktails and champagne with the best of them despite being pregnant.
In the previous entry in the series Deborah, the Duchess has a great niece murdered. In this book though we never hear mention of this (even though it was literally weeks in the past) and we never hear mention of her sister or other relatives. Why bother having had her even connected to the victim in the earlier book?
In the previous entry in the series Deborah, the Duchess has a great niece murdered. In this book though we never hear mention of this (even though it was literally weeks in the past) and we never hear mention of her sister or other relatives. Why bother having had her even connected to the victim in the earlier book?
October 1, 2024
3.25 stars.
I did find this one a bit more interesting than the others. Primarily because it takes us back to Ambrosia's past when she was young and still full of dreams about the future.
The first victim, the Duchess of Worthington fell from the balcony inside the Royal Albert Hall, just after Felicia accepted her marriage proposal from her Earl. We knew from the previous book that the Duchess used to be friends with Ambrosia but had fallen out for some reason. Not long afterwards, the Duke is also murdered. And Ambrosia decided to give Ginger her old diary that contained a long-held family secret and is pertinent to the animosity between Ambrosia and the Duke and Duchess.
This one was a bit harder to figure out because there were several people with motives. But this book does remind me that we were all young and hopeful once.
I did find this one a bit more interesting than the others. Primarily because it takes us back to Ambrosia's past when she was young and still full of dreams about the future.
The first victim, the Duchess of Worthington fell from the balcony inside the Royal Albert Hall, just after Felicia accepted her marriage proposal from her Earl. We knew from the previous book that the Duchess used to be friends with Ambrosia but had fallen out for some reason. Not long afterwards, the Duke is also murdered. And Ambrosia decided to give Ginger her old diary that contained a long-held family secret and is pertinent to the animosity between Ambrosia and the Duke and Duchess.
This one was a bit harder to figure out because there were several people with motives. But this book does remind me that we were all young and hopeful once.
November 14, 2025
Best Plot & Twists in the Whole Series so far
Reading a different point of view according to Ambrosia's diary is a refreshing change in addition to the main characters and storyline. Great plot though a bit confusing at the end. Maybe I was too tired.
Did truly get tired of reading about what Ginger is wearing and she keeps on admiring herself in the mirror. Though kinder than others of her social status, she is still a closet elitist. The class distinctions are tiring but I'm sure accurate according to the timeline.
As a mystery though you'll entirely enjoy reading. Ambrosia's diary breaks up the monotony of the normal text and also helps the reader understand what's going on more clearly than later dialogues.
This may seem like a negative review with a five-star rating but the book is thoroughly enjoyable and the best in the series so far.
Reading a different point of view according to Ambrosia's diary is a refreshing change in addition to the main characters and storyline. Great plot though a bit confusing at the end. Maybe I was too tired.
Did truly get tired of reading about what Ginger is wearing and she keeps on admiring herself in the mirror. Though kinder than others of her social status, she is still a closet elitist. The class distinctions are tiring but I'm sure accurate according to the timeline.
As a mystery though you'll entirely enjoy reading. Ambrosia's diary breaks up the monotony of the normal text and also helps the reader understand what's going on more clearly than later dialogues.
This may seem like a negative review with a five-star rating but the book is thoroughly enjoyable and the best in the series so far.
April 24, 2021
Ten Stars!
I had read all the previous books in this series. I started reading another series set in the 1930's. It was just ok. When I finally got back to this series I was more than thrilled. I had missed the characters. I was afraid I had forgotten the backstory but the author cleverly lets you know the important things that happened in the past without being redundant. This was actually the best installment of them all. Going from the present day with Ginger to the past when the Lady Dowager (Ambrosia) was young was used as a masterful literary device. And oh what a tale it was! Interesting, exciting, suspenseful it was all there. Plus I never did correctly figure out 'who done it'. A must read.
I had read all the previous books in this series. I started reading another series set in the 1930's. It was just ok. When I finally got back to this series I was more than thrilled. I had missed the characters. I was afraid I had forgotten the backstory but the author cleverly lets you know the important things that happened in the past without being redundant. This was actually the best installment of them all. Going from the present day with Ginger to the past when the Lady Dowager (Ambrosia) was young was used as a masterful literary device. And oh what a tale it was! Interesting, exciting, suspenseful it was all there. Plus I never did correctly figure out 'who done it'. A must read.
February 24, 2023
I really like these books. They’re an easy and entertaining way to pass a couple of hours. However, the author is so incredibly repetitive. I understand the need to establish backstory and continuity for potential new readers, but even within one volume stories are repeated several times. I found it especially egregious in this one, the story of Scout being a “street urchin” was repeated twice, maybe thrice? in this book alone. I think by this number in the series, most readers know what’s going on. I’ll continue to finish out the books, but it’s definitely an annoyance that causes me to skim large swathes of the book. I will say, positively, this one had some good twists and I enjoyed the switches between current narration and past diary entries.
March 11, 2023
This book is exactly what it is advertised as, a cozy mystery set in 1920s with beautifully described art deco designs. It's a quick read, entertaining and a good break, for me, from denser books like Babel. I will say that the ending did seem a bit abrupt. As of three chapters from the end, the detectives still didn't know who did it then, somehow, in the last two chapters they realize who it is and get full confessions. I think that's just how mysteries roll, but it felt a bit off from the leisurely pace of the previous chapters. I do appreciate that you can read this series out of order, and the author includes a great deal of context so readers don't necessarily have to read the previous 12 books to understand who the characters are.
April 8, 2021
This is the latest edition to this wonderful series. What makes this story so interesting is that we learn about Ambrosia Gold’s past and how it intersects with the murders of a Duke and Duchess. The relationships from the past are complicated. The plot is well developed.
As usual the setting and costumes are described so well, it’s easy to imagine what they looked like.
This series often deals with social issues and this one does as well. It would reveal too much of the plot to mention them in this review.
Many changes are happening in the lives of Ginger and Basil, as well as Felicia. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
As usual the setting and costumes are described so well, it’s easy to imagine what they looked like.
This series often deals with social issues and this one does as well. It would reveal too much of the plot to mention them in this review.
Many changes are happening in the lives of Ginger and Basil, as well as Felicia. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 8, 2021
This book helped us to understand more of Ambrosia’s past. Ginger’s grandmother-in-law lives with her and Basil (and Felicia, too) at Hartigan House. When she starts acting suspiciously, and one of the four members of the “sisterhood” is murdered, Ginger does what she does best. As she investigates the murder, more facts of Ambrosia’s youth appear, helping Ginger to understand the relationship among the four women and helping to solve the murder.
As usual, I enjoyed this mystery. Ginger and her family are always interesting to read about and the book was entertaining. I am looking forward to future books in this series.
As usual, I enjoyed this mystery. Ginger and her family are always interesting to read about and the book was entertaining. I am looking forward to future books in this series.
September 13, 2022
Family intrigue again.
A quiet night for a concert at the Royal Albert Hall becomes tumultuous when Lady Deborah is pushed from a balcony. It has been a strange night, with Ambrosia avoiding the three ladies with whom she had shared a room at school so long ago. Then, the four had been close, calling themselves the Sisterhood. But stolen loves and jealousy had brought enmity into the group and Ambrosia wanted nothing to do with the other three. Multiple murders require Ginger to find the backstory to the ladies’ relationships so she can help her husband find the murderer.
A quiet night for a concert at the Royal Albert Hall becomes tumultuous when Lady Deborah is pushed from a balcony. It has been a strange night, with Ambrosia avoiding the three ladies with whom she had shared a room at school so long ago. Then, the four had been close, calling themselves the Sisterhood. But stolen loves and jealousy had brought enmity into the group and Ambrosia wanted nothing to do with the other three. Multiple murders require Ginger to find the backstory to the ladies’ relationships so she can help her husband find the murderer.
March 30, 2021
Stop the presses! Another wonder Ginger Gold mystery has just arrived!
I was so excited to read this book as it focused on Ambrosia Gold, a character who typically has been placed in the background. What we have seen of Ambrosia in the past has not always been complimentary and this book allows us to see the reasoning behind some of the things she’s done. I love that Lee Strauss takes on another era and combines two timelines in this book. It gives it a definite edge. I would love to see more books that focus on auxiliary characters. Wonderful job again on an intriguing read!
I was so excited to read this book as it focused on Ambrosia Gold, a character who typically has been placed in the background. What we have seen of Ambrosia in the past has not always been complimentary and this book allows us to see the reasoning behind some of the things she’s done. I love that Lee Strauss takes on another era and combines two timelines in this book. It gives it a definite edge. I would love to see more books that focus on auxiliary characters. Wonderful job again on an intriguing read!
March 30, 2021
An excellent book. The story was well written and the mystery complex and interesting. The characters have depth and are multidimensional.
Ambrosia reunites with the young women she attended finishing school with in her youth. One member of their group is murdered at Royal Albert Hall when they are all in attendance. Then her husband the Duke is killed in his home. Ginger and Basil investigate and try to solve the case before anyone else dies.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Ambrosia reunites with the young women she attended finishing school with in her youth. One member of their group is murdered at Royal Albert Hall when they are all in attendance. Then her husband the Duke is killed in his home. Ginger and Basil investigate and try to solve the case before anyone else dies.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
May 26, 2021
An enjoyable read.
A good mystery as always but I enjoyed the family storyline most. Learning more of Ambrosia"s history made me see her very differently. The lack of a fifth star is only due to my feeling the books are becoming a bit too short and simple. Perhaps Strauss is trying to slow down the pace to build anticipation the new baby but I miss her stories from the beginning that seemed to have more complexity. I also miss her doctor friend Hailey, I think it was. Felicia"s cute but never seems to mature.
A good mystery as always but I enjoyed the family storyline most. Learning more of Ambrosia"s history made me see her very differently. The lack of a fifth star is only due to my feeling the books are becoming a bit too short and simple. Perhaps Strauss is trying to slow down the pace to build anticipation the new baby but I miss her stories from the beginning that seemed to have more complexity. I also miss her doctor friend Hailey, I think it was. Felicia"s cute but never seems to mature.
June 2, 2021
Ginger Gold mystery series book 1 to 15
I have just finished reading this series for the second time. These books are even better the second reading. They are easy to get into. The storyline is well developed. The characters are likeable and also have enough of their own backgrounds to enrich the overall story.
The books are clean, cozy stand alone or read as a series. There's a good chance I might read them all again when the next two are released. Why don't
you join me?
I have just finished reading this series for the second time. These books are even better the second reading. They are easy to get into. The storyline is well developed. The characters are likeable and also have enough of their own backgrounds to enrich the overall story.
The books are clean, cozy stand alone or read as a series. There's a good chance I might read them all again when the next two are released. Why don't
you join me?
March 31, 2021
This is another great book in the Ginger Gold series. This time we learn a bit about Ambrosia's past and it is a bit scandalous! Her old acquaintance is murdered and the suspects are numerous. Ginger has her hands full as she confronts the problems of pregnancy and the strange actions of her late husband's grandmother. The book twists around and leaves you questioning who did it till the end. I loved it.
April 1, 2021
Another great book in this series. Ginger and Basil are investigating a murder of an old friend of Ambrosia's. This leads to many old secrets that come out as the investigation continues. I enjoyed reading this book, it is easy to read and the plot held my attention. I like the characters and the interaction they have amongst themselves. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and all opinions are my own.
April 1, 2021
The crime solving team of Ginger Gold (investigator extraordinaire) and her husband Chief Inspector Basil Reed of Scotland Yard are involved in solving a murder investigation that hits very close to home. This book will take us back in time giving a clear picture of the dowager and her relationship to the murder.
This is another great book in the Ginger Gold series that is hard to put down once started. As an adult I love this series and feel it would appeal to the YA group.
This is another great book in the Ginger Gold series that is hard to put down once started. As an adult I love this series and feel it would appeal to the YA group.
April 5, 2021
Amazing!! First, a lady at around 6-7 months pregnant was that agile! Good on you!! Ambrosia’s diary really did give us a most intriguing backstory and explains quite a bit. Is also went to show that rivalries among friends are nothing new. Can’t go into too much without wandering into spoiler area, but you MUST not miss this one. I have a feeling that some icebergs might eventually start to thaw!
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