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Rosa Reed #9

Murder at the Fiesta

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CHAPTER ONE

“Do you, Rosa Mary Anna Reed, take Miguel Rico Belmonte to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Rosa stared at Miguel with wide-eyed admiration. So handsome in his suit, his loose trousers with cuffs resting on leather loafers, a rose boutonniere pinned to the lapel of his jacket, the last button unfastened. The morning sun streamed through the colorful stained-glass windows of St. George’s Church, filling the near-empty nave with ethereal light. The church, a stone structure, was older than any building found in Santa Bonita.

Rosa had to pinch herself to prove she wasn’t dreaming.

She wasn’t.

She was getting married!

Miguel’s idea was to marry in London and return to Santa Bonita as husband and wife. In his words, he’d waited over a decade for Rosa to be his bride already, and since they would be living in his home country, it was only fitting that they tied the knot in her home country.

Her parents, Ginger and Basil Reed, were exceedingly supportive, but that was something Rosa had grown to expect. After the shock of their engagement announcement and their plans to marry soon wore off, both Ginger and Basil were blissful in their approval.

Rosa worried that her American relatives would feel slighted, but they’d already gone to the trouble and expense of coming to London slightly over a year earlier. Rosa had been about to marry Lord Winston Eveleigh, who was left in the chapel, waiting for a bride who had fled.

They weren’t likely to risk another potentially scandalous wedding, and besides, Rosa feared her Aunt Louisa and Grandma Sally wouldn’t be in favor of her choice of groom, a man who, in their minds, came from “the other side of the tracks.”

“What will your family think?” Rosa had asked of Miguel. “And your mother? I haven’t even had the chance to meet them. They’ll think you’ve eloped with a foreigner.”

“Sure, they will be shocked at first—you’re the first non-Catholic in the family—but they’ll be fine,” he’d said. “They’ll love you.” He squeezed her shoulders. “How could they not? I’ll send a telegram letting them know the happy news.”

Rosa wasn’t as confident about their acceptance, but her fiancé knew his family, and since she did not, she’d have to trust him.

Ultimately, Rosa was convinced to proceed when Ginger had pulled her aside and confided that Basil had been having health issues, which was why he had finally retired from his position as a superintendent at Scotland Yard.

“Nothing to worry about,” she’d said. “The doctor says he only needs to rest and take it easy, but I don’t know how he’d do on an arduous journey to California. And he’d not miss your wedding, Rosa, for the world.”

Her father was in his seventies, and though Basil Reed appeared as fit as a fiddle, Rosa had no intention of subjecting him to something that might change his health status.

Once Rosa had decided the wedding was on, she was thrilled and couldn’t wait to make plans. Flowers were ordered and a cake baked. She and Ginger found the perfect dress on the floor of Feathers & Flair, her mother’s long-standing and successful Regent Street dress shop. The fitted bodice accentuated Rosa’s trim form, with short sleeves capping delicate shoulders. The satin skirt flared from the waist, the hem landing just shy of her white shoes, her height lifted by two-inch heels. Her veil was traditional, tiering down her back and pinned to her short brunette locks with a faux crown.

And now, she and Miguel stood before the Reverend Oliver Hill, a tall man with stooped shoulders, graying red hair, and a perpetual smile. He’d been Rosa’s vicar for her entire life, and it was fitting that he’d be the one to preside over her wedding.

It was so different from the last time she was about to walk down the aisle. Then the pews were filled with the fashionably dressed elite. Now, it was only Rosa, Miguel, Ginger and Basil, Reverend Hill and his wife, Matilda, along with Aunt Felicia and Uncle Charles, who had returned from their trip earlier than expected and who were acting as Rosa and Miguel’s witnesses.

Rosa couldn’t have been happier.

“I do,” she said.

The ceremony was simple and precise, just what it took to make it legal and binding. Mrs. Hill took photographs using Rosa’s camera.

“You are a beautiful couple,” she said, beaming. “Your mum and dad look so pleased.”

Rosa understood Mrs. Hill’s unspoken meaning. Compared with last time.

But that was in the past.

She and Miguel were now husband and wife, bound by the authority of the Church of England and the law of the United Kingdom.

“I only wish that Scout could’ve made it,” Ginger said wistfully. “He’ll have to be satisfied with the photographs.”

“He can come to California to visit,” Rosa said. She loved her brother dearly, but she didn’t know him that well. With twelve years between them, he’d spent most of her early childhood away at boarding school and was out on his own when she was...

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2022

218 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Lee Strauss

129 books2,339 followers
For fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.

NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold

For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com

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5 stars
301 (55%)
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160 (29%)
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74 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Shirley McAllister.
1,084 reviews160 followers
January 19, 2022
An enjoyable read full of drama, mystery and the antics of Rosa and Miguel in a new adventure.

I loved this book. Finally Rosa and Miguel are getting married. Rosa attends a birthday party at Miguel's mother's home. All the festivities, the food, drink and even a piñata were at play as well as the beautiful fashions worn by the ladies.

When the party ends, a dead body is discovered and a murder investigation follows. Rosa's wedding plans now have to be put on hold while she helps Miguel with the investigation. Will Rosa find time to plan her wedding and will she have the patience to work with her future mother in law and meet her wishes for the perfect wedding?

This was one of the best Rosa mystery books, I enjoyed reading it and I know that you will as well.
Profile Image for Les Wilson.
1,832 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2022
A very enjoyable book. I’ve not been disappointed with any of Lee Strauss’ books so far.

Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,917 reviews9 followers
January 15, 2022
This installment of the series had a lot going on. The characters had depth and were multifaceted. The book was well written as this authors books always are and the storyline was interesting. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing almost until the end. One of my favorite things about this book was that it focused a great deal on Miguel's heritage with a lot of interesting facts about the superstitions held by people of his culture.

Rosa's American family is being unusually supportive but Miguel's mother is being a little difficult. The lovebirds can't worry about that right now. They have two murders to solve!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
335 reviews
February 25, 2025
A 3.5 that I rounded up to 4. I guess who did it but I didn’t know the motive. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,559 reviews23 followers
January 30, 2022
Rose and Miguel went to London to see Rosa's parents, Ginger and Basil and introduce Miguel to them. Especially since they were engaged to be married! Rosa's parents took to Miguel right away and saw how much in love they were - So much so that with Rosa's parents' blessing they get married in London in St. George's church by their family friend the pastor of the church because she felt bad that her family had already made the trip across the "pond" and it would be too much to ask them to do it again. And now they are going home to Santa Rosa with Rosa fearing meeting Miguel's family and telling them they got married in London, and what would they think of her and the whole situation? Well, Miguel's mother finally meets with them and refuses to accept their marriage unless they were married in the Catholic Church. The matriarch is one tough cookie! Will Rosa win her over? Will they have to get married again? and of course, there are a couple of murders in the Belmonte family that need solving. With so many twists and turns you are totally surprised by the ending. I love this series as well as the Ginger Gold series. There is no way you don't get drawn into the lives of these characters and want more! I can't wait to see what happens next as we are left with wanting more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
37 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
Murder at the Fiesta is the 9th book in the wonderful Rosa Reed mystery series, set in the 1950’s. It begins with the marriage of Rosa and Miguel in London (as a fan of the original Ginger Gold series, the appearance of Rev Oliver Hill is such a treat!). Immediately on their return to California, though, things take an unexpected turn. A turn I most certainly did not expect!

The world of the 1950s is brought to life beautifully, as always, and this book focuses more on the culture of Miguel’s heritage, new to Rosa and new to me too. The mystery is full of twists, with a surprise conclusion and satisfying ending. I love the way Lee Strauss creates characters I care about and root for. The mystery works perfectly well as a stand-alone, but it’s the sheer joy of the ongoing background stories that is my very favourite part.

I was lucky to receive an ARC. I fully recommend all the Rosa Reed series, plus the Ginger Gold 1920s series and Higgins and Hawke 1930s series too. Anyone who loves relaxed reading, cosy mysteries, authentic historical detail, a bit of fashion, humour, romance, friendship, addictive plot lines and believable characters will enjoy these. Lee Strauss knows how to create worlds I just love to return to again and again :)
Profile Image for Pat Plummer.
133 reviews
January 17, 2022
Rosa Reed has the most supportive relatives in HISTORY!!

SPOILER ALERT



Not only has Rosa had to go through Hell and High Water to even be considered as some one who COULD marry her love, Miguel Belmonte, her MIL does not even acknowledge the marriage as legal , as it was not performed before a Roman Catholic priest. This made for a good side story, but it really ticked me off! I was asked to be a maid of honor, way back in the 60's, in a good friend's wedding. I was thrilled!! We was from a "main-line" Philadelphia family. To cut to the chase, I was told by Mommy Dearest that I was not suitable. I was, and am, an Episcopalian! Same lineage, but not quite goid enough. Rosa not only made the best of the situation, but solved murders in the process. Great story and I am ready to nominate the victim of LT, Belmonte's next case!!

That is a sign of a great writer: portray a character in such a way that you want he/she to be the next victim!

Go into your reading, knowing that you might have some visceral feelings. Enjoy throwing crumpled up newspapers around. I was SO angry with that woman!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly Young.
Author 39 books53 followers
January 7, 2022
Lee and Norm Strauss continue their inspired collaboration on the newest instalment of the Rosa Reed Mystery series, taking our heroine through an emotional time personally and a challenging mystery as well.
I'm glad to see that Rosa and Miguel are finally getting married, and am glad I never had to deal with such a demanding, set-in-her-ways mother-in-law myself. The book provides a closer look into Miguel's family and the Hispanic culture from which he comes, and the societal challenges mixed race couples, and married women, faced at the time. The murder mystery is fast paced and intriguing, with plenty of suspects leading Rosa on quite the chase that touches on possible paranormal connections.
This is definitely a page turner and I look forward to the next, and sadly final, book in this fun series.
37 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2022
It’s time for a fiesta! Rosa and Miguel have to solve another murder. This time it introduces us to Miguel’s family and the unique dynamic involved in uniting two families. What could possibly go wrong solving a murder and making your future Mother-in-law happy? Perhaps just a few things. I love how Lee Strauss continues to pull in new and exciting dimensions to the Rosa and Miguel storyline. We get to learn about Mexican witchcraft! How cool is that? I can’t tell you how many times I have researched an interesting topic that I have learned in one of her books after reading it. Almost every single book. I feel that is a sign of a great book and author. The ability to both entertain us with their storyline but also to teach us about a new subject. So read this fun and inviting book and maybe learn a few new facts about Brujas along the way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Grace.
526 reviews
July 26, 2025
Rosa & Miguel, finally tie the knot in England but really can love conquer it all? She is from rich family and he has to watch his pennies, really hope they can work it out. of course MIL does not help the matter. She wants her son to be married in the church (her church), she is making them jump thru the hoops to be considered in her eyes to be married.

This book is on believes, god, and voodoo, and so on.

people use religion to carry out their agendas all the time. In this book, the old lady used Mexican folklore to carry out her agenda to kill the guy and his kids and grandkids because she feels that he has hurt her feelings. very sad. to devote her life in festering on hate.

really like the ending, that her 2nd wedding to Miguel will be a double wedding!
Profile Image for Helen Drake.
978 reviews16 followers
January 23, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this. There are so many twists in this story. We are finally getting to know more members of Miguel’s family. Rosa’s family is not as prominent in this one.

The characters are very interesting and well developed. The descriptions of what they look like and their wardrobes help the reader picture them.

The mystery highlights some aspects of Mexican culture that I was not aware of. Although there are a number of suspects for the murder of one of Miguel’s extended family, I was so surprised when the killer and the motive were revealed.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy. I’m really looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
44 reviews
January 29, 2022
Rosa and Miguel are finally married during a visit to England. But once home again in California Miguel's mother does not accept the marriage because it was not in the Catholic Church. To appease her M-I-L Rosa tells Miguel she'll stay with her extended family. In the meantime Miguel and Rosa continue working together solving a crime while a second wedding is planned.
The book is well researched for the timeframe. There is obvious bias against Rosa as a woman working in a man's field so she must tread softly at times. There is also obvious racism against Miguel because of his heritage. Both are strong characters and you end the book believing they will succeed in their endeavors!
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
420 reviews28 followers
January 26, 2022
As always, I enjoy the Rosa Reed books by Lee Strauss. She has a way of making her books entertaining. This one introduced us to Miguel’s family and we got to experience his mother’s controlling ways. Rosa certainly has her work cut out for her, but she is extremely gracious in trying to make everyone happy.
This book also tells about Mexican tradition, with the fiesta, the piñata, the fireworks, and it even delves into Mexican witchcraft. As usual with Strauss’s books, there are many twists and turns. And, as always, what would a Rosa Reed book be without her cat Diego?
954 reviews14 followers
January 17, 2022
Rosa and Miguel are finally husband and wife-at least by the Church of England. Rosa's initial introduction to Miguel's mother Mrs. Belemonte,, an older woman set in tradition, creates a battle of wills between the two women. Rosa agrees to marry in the Catholic church but there are obstacles to overcome and the murder of a Belemonte family party guest to solve. With suspects a plenty can Rosa and Miguel piece together the clues to prevent the murderer from getting away with the killing? Another fast-paced well written mystery. I highly recommend this fun series and am looking forward to reading the next and final installment.
58 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
A great Rosa Reed story to start the year! A very unexpected start of the book and a very intriguing story where Rosa and Miguel are investigation while planning a wedding - or two! I'm sad it's the second to last book of Rosa, but I definitely enjoyed it and hope you will too. If you've never been to a fiesta, you'll love the descriptions of all it entails and you'd wish you were there - except for the murder!! Enjoy another great book in this series!
36 reviews
February 26, 2022
After their London wedding, Miguel and Rosa are excited to start their life as a married couple. Miguel's mother has different plans though! She insists they hide their marriage until they can have a proper Catholic wedding. Rosa and Miguel must navigate planning a second wedding, living apart and keeping their marriage a secret, all while solving a murder. This was a fun read, and I loved learning more about Miguel's family.
732 reviews13 followers
January 26, 2022
Another great book by Strauss. I love Rosa and Miguel together. They are such a sweet couple. The story moves at a good pace and the suspects are all equally devious. Strauss knows how to weave the mystery with suspense and the culture of the 50's. The little details she throws in make the book so much better.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
January 29, 2022
Miguel and Rosa were married in London, but not as far as his mother is concerned. No sir! They are not married in her eyes, to keep the peace, Rosa and Miguel agree to get married again. In the meantime, there is a huge birthday party to go to that ends up with a dead relative. Now Rosa not only has to plan another wedding but help solve a murder. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
877 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2022
Despite being married in London in a Church of England service, Miguel’s mother insists they be “properly” married in a Catholic service. While attending a birthday party, one of Miguel's uncles by marriage ends up murdered in the street outside, so Rosa and Miguel investigate. When the Uncle's ne’er do well brother is also shot dead, thins become even more complicated.
Profile Image for Sheryl Smith.
1,148 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2022
Fiesta fun

Aa pleasure to read, this book has Rosa becoming more a part of the Belmonte family as well as investigating murder. I so enjoy Rosa's character. She is not only smart, but also wise, knowing when to speak and when to stay quiet. This book has a lot of fun elements to it and I especially like the ending.
729 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2022
Good story

Poor Rosa, her new mother-in-law insists on a church wedding or she won't recognize that Rosa and Miguel are married. On top of that Miguel's aunt's husband is murdered. The who and why are numerous and it will take the combined talent of Rosa and Miguel to find the killer. Great story, fast read and interesting characters makes this a fascinating story.
36 reviews
January 19, 2022
Lee has excelled herself again, I would highly recommend this book.I was hooked from beginning to end as always, the characters and story line superb. I would highly recommend you get this book and all of her others now
Profile Image for Joanne.
18 reviews
January 27, 2022
Another fun installment in the Rosa Reed series. It was as enjoyable as the previous books in the series with a surprising twist as to the motive for the crime. I am struggling with watching Rosa get bossed around by Miguel’s mother. It feels out of character for her to not push back.
762 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2022
Miguel and Rosa are still partially married. They are trying to please Maria Miguel's mother by getting married in a Catholic church. Now it appears that Consumers and Sanchez are going to need to get married quickly so it will be a double wedding. Won't that be a surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
920 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2022
Great series

I can't wait for the next book. This series tackles issues that were viewed differently in the 50's.
Always a mystery and romance along with humor makes this series fantastic.
69 reviews
February 10, 2022
A real surprise ending

As she always does, Lee’s plot was very cleverly designed and the characters continue to develop. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and, as is always the case, I didn’t know who they were looking for until the end. I highly recommend all of her series.
90 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2022
Rosa and Miguel get married on a trip to England but not in a Catholic church. This is a no no for Miguel mother.

Lee Strauss books are a absolutel delight to read so well researched. The next book will be just as exciting as the last all the way to the end.
10 reviews
February 22, 2022
a great fun read!

I enjoyed this book. Love looking back at the 50’s. For meshes 5-15. Loved the music and clothes and even the speech was so reminiscent of the time. I felt like I was back in time for a little while. Enjoy it yourselves.
95 reviews
January 26, 2022
Murder at the Fiesta

As usual very entertaining. I live these Rosa novels. Wish things had conclusion. For Rose and Miguel but there is always the next book.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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