Murder on Mallowan Court

Ginger Gold Mystery #17

by Lee Strauss

Murder’s afoot! As Mrs. Ginger Reed~also known as Lady Gold~waits impatiently for the coming of her baby, new neighbours move onto Mallowan Court. The Foote family is very much like Ginger’s own, if not the mirror Mr. and Mrs. Foote an unhappy couple; Mr. Rothwell an aging, irate patriarch; Miss Charlotte, whom Scout finds to be a tantalizing, if confusing specimen of young ladyhood; along with a similar collection of staff. The sudden passing of a Foote family member is determined to be unsuspicious, but something about this strange family doesn’t sit right with Ginger. When the doctor banishes Ginger to her bed to await the coming birth, she has to depend on the information brought to her by her good friend and former sister-in-law, Felicia, the new Lady Davenport-Witt. Can the two ladies solve the crime before the baby comes? ★★★★★
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 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!


Hop aboard the 1920s!

THE GINGER GOLD MYSTERY SERIES

Murder on the SS Rosa (Book 1)
Murder at Hartigan House (Book 2)
Murder at Bray Manor (Book 3)
Murder at Feathers & Flair (Book 4)
Murder at the Mortuary (Book 5)
Murder at Kensington Gardens (Book 6)
Murder at st. George’s Church (Book 7)
The Wedding of Ginger & Basil (Book 7.5)
Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman (Book 8)
Murder at the Boat Club (Book 9)
Murder on Eaton Square (Book 10)
Murder by Plum Pudding (Book 11)
Murder on Fleet Street (Book 12)
Murder at Brighton Beach (Book 13)
Murder at Hyde Park (Book 14)
Murder at Royal Albert Hall (Book 15) Murder in Belgravia (Book 16) Murder on Mallowan Court (Book 17)
~more on the way!

A brand new 1950s series!

THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES

Murder at High Tide (Book 1)
Murder on the Boardwalk (Book 2)
Murder at the Bomb Shelter (Book 3)
Murder on Location (Book 4)
Murder and Rock 'n Roll (Book 5)
Murder at the Races (Book 6) Murder at the Dude Ranch (Book 7)

Don't miss LADY GOLD INVESTIGATES, the short story companion series!

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2021

About the author

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

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the 'Rear Window' type POV for this mystery.

Ginger (and her posse) tries to solve the mystery while confined to bed rest for the last bit of her pregnancy. Various characters relate the goings on of the new neighbors across the court as they try to figure out if the patriarch's death was indeed a murder.

So fun!

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on Mallowan Court may be the 17th book in the Ginger Gold series but this one is just as fresh and intriguing as the previous books. Ginger is within a few weeks of giving birth but that doesn't stop her from being involved in another mystery. This time from her bedroom she must use her sharp mind and her family to sleuth out the clues for her.

A quickly paced plot with only a few suspects, red herrings and plenty of twists kept me reading until the end. I love how Felicia has matured throughout the series; but this one shows how even though she is now a married Lady she is still trying to find her place in the 1920's society of London. The birth of Basil and Ginger's daughter, Rosa, was the perfect ending to the story.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous and full of mystery, Ginger story. Once you start, there’s no stopping. Fast paced, grabs you and doesn’t let go until it’s solved once again.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ginger Gold is on bed rest awaiting the birth of her baby, and completely bored. Felicia, now Lady Davenport-Witt is also bored and lonely, with her husband working all the time. She arrives at Hartigan House to entertain Ginger with the mysterious comings and goings of their new neighbors on Mallowan Court. Seemingly a grumpy lot, the ladies aren't any better in person, except perhaps young Miss Charlotte Foote, with whom Scout is enamored. When the family patriarch dies unexpectedly, Ginger and Felicia suspect the doctor's diagnoses of heart attack is not quite right. Soon Felicia's silly game turns real as Miss Patricia Foote reaches out to Ginger to help clear her name. Can she solve the case from her bed? Felicia will do whatever it takes to help her beloved sister and who knows, maybe she'll turn the story into her next novel!

This story is a tribute to Agatha Christie and contains spoilers for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, a brand new book in Ginger's day. I wasn't too happy when Ginger revealed whodunit. Yes the book is almost 100 years old but still, there shouldn't have been spoilers.

The plot didn't really hold my attention or interest me as much as some of the others. I'm mainly interested in Ginger's wartime service which I enjoy reading about in Ginger's Journal. I got bored less than halfway in, stopped, looked at something else and returned to speed read to the end. I never really guessed whodunit but I had my suspicions. It got a little complicated but there are some clues that point to the murderer. especially if you've read Christie's novel. There was a lot of info dumping on Ginger's fashion and interior decorating, a bit of political history and of course literary history. I didn't really CARE who killed the old man. We never really met him or got to know him. I did hope the murderer didn't turn out to be Charlotte for her sake as well as Scout's.

Ginger has learned how to be a good mother before Rosa or George is even born thanks to Scout. She knows how to not intrude too much on his business and how not to embarrass him. She refers him to Dad (Basil) for conversations sensitive to young boys. I appreciated how she handled that. Ginger has a chance to show how smart she really is but I don't think she is as clever as she thinks she is. She didn't actually figure out who the murderer was, although she claims to have had her suspicions. She needed clues Felicia brought her which goes to show that detective work isn't all "little gray cells." However, because the case involves ladies, Basil wouldn't have figured it out either without information gathered by Felicia and Ambrosia. Most interesting to me is Ginger's relationships with the other women in her life. I was wondering how she'd get along with Ambrosia after learning the old woman's deepest, darkest secret. Would Ambrosia be snippier than ever? Would Ginger feel uncomfortable keeping secrets? The answer is ... no to both. Ginger is as sweet and generous as ever. She hasn't shown any sort of character growth because she's always so nice.

Ambrosia has grown a bit. She's more relaxed now Felicia is safely settled but still proper and stuffy. Her rivalry with her neighbor is still going strong and I suspect she ENJOYS the company of the gossipy other woman. I liked Felicia's character growth better but it's told and not shown. She's growing up and now she's a married lady she understands her need to mature. Unfortunately this leaves her lonely as all of her friends are still out partying and she isn't interested in having children yet. Her new home, Witt House, feels too large and imposing. Felicia doesn't want to play lady of the manor but she does want to redecorate. She puts it off because she needs Ginger's help. This shows Felicia isn't as mature as she'd like to be yet or she'd figure out how to solve her own problems. Basil isn't in the story a lot. He's busy working, trying to find solutions to difficult problems. He's super nervous about Ginger but excited for the baby to come.

There are many new characters in this book. Ginger's doctor, Dr. Longden, is new. I don't think he's the greatest doctor. He's kind of awkward and strange. Why doesn't she have a woman? You would think she might even want Hayley to return to help her out. She does have Matilda visit but as a friend more than a midwife. Dr. Longden is a bit mysterious. He comes and goes quickly and Ginger thinks he lies about not visiting the Footes across the street. Hmm. Of course he wasn't present when the murder occurred, didn't have a motive and is a doctor.

The Footes move into Mallowan Court as Lady Whitmore moves out following the scandalous death of her husband. Mm yes I remember that. She's a nosy, gossipy lady and if that juicy bit of information didn't involve her husband she would have written her gossip column all about it. I think she's hoping the new residents cause a scandal she can write about and she gets her wish. Mr. and Mrs. Foote, their two daughters and Mrs. Foote's father move into Mallowan Court. None are friendly or likable. Mr. Rothwell, Mrs. Foote's elderly father, is a cranky patriarch straight from Georgette Heyer's mysteries. He delights in being rude and mean to everyone. He was cruel to his late wife's family, or so they say, and therefore, no one seems to mourn him when he's gone. That gives everyone a motive.

Mr. Foote is eager to move on and become the patriarch. He's been under his father-in-law's thumb way too long and now he'll inherit everything. That's a powerful motive for murder. Mrs. Foote has also been under her father's thumb her whole life. He's sexist and believes firmly in the patriarchy and refuses to acknowledge newfangled ideas like married women's property laws. Mrs. Foote isn't all that friendly to Ginger and Felicia and acts snooty. I don't see why. Her father has all the money. Her husband lost his job in Canada due to political maneuverings and now they're back in "civilized" England. Mrs. Foote is the anti-Ginger! Her eldest daughter Patricia is a wannabe Bright Young Thing but being new to the London scene, not having an independent income, she is on the fringes of society. She's haughty, snippy and sometimes rude. She didn't love her grandfather, she doesn't care much for her parents either and has a secret.

Downstairs at Mallowan Court, the servants see all and hear all. Abby Green, a maid, is a friend of Ginger's maid Lizzie's Mum. Ginger exploits the relationship to her advantage. She's lucky because Abby seems sweet, innocent and honest. She's a hardworking maid who tried to do her job and keep to her place but just so happened to overhear something that might be a vital clue. Humphrey, the butler/valet can't keep his story straight. It doesn't align with the maid's story. Could he by lying to protect his employer? Did he murder the old man to gain an inheritance Mr. Rothwell promised because Mr. Rothwell hated his own family? Mrs. Garner, the housekeeper, is an honest woman and will do the right thing no matter what. She's willing to even call the police on her employers. She owes them no loyalty. If only the police always got that lucky! Another maid, Chrissy, is a parlor maid who claims to never go upstairs. Why is she so scared of Felicia's questioning? She seems nervous. Mary Ann, another housemaid, is a different story. She's honest, brave and truthful. Could she crack the case wide open?

This book needs more in the way of action. The murder is wrapped up and told after the fact. There's a confusing bit of information dropped in that doesn't seem historically accurate and then the story skips ahead to Ginger going into labor and finally holding her new baby as the snow (in London?!) falls softly... blah blah. At least we were spared the gory birthing details.

I hope the next one is better and there are more journal entries in the meantime.

[Lee Strauss]

CHAPTER ONE

Mrs. Ginger Reed, known by some as Lady Gold, was in her study at Hartigan House in South Kensington. Her focus was on the door that had just closed with a decided click behind another nanny applicant she’d dismissed that day. This one was too fastidious. The others were either too simple or too ambitious. A nanny for her child should possess a balance of all the virtues: patient yet firm, jovial yet serious, experienced but not set in her ways. The perfect candidate must be a good fit for the family and current staff at Hartigan House, one who got along with others while standing up for herself if need be. She must have some education and be well spoken, as the child would take a lot of his or her speaking cues from the care taker.

The tightening sensations gripped her once again, and she cupped her protruding stomach as if holding on would make the discomfort dissipate. She breathed slowly through her nose the way her friend Matilda Hill, a vicar’s wife and a knowledgeable midwife, had instructed her to.

Ginger’s doctor, Dr. Longden, assured her that these were not actual labour pains but practice contractions, coined Braxton Hicks after the English physician who had first described them. With two weeks before a safe delivery could be assured, Ginger took little comfort in Dr. Braxton Hicks’ discovery and wondered if she would know the difference when real labour began.

The next nanny wouldn’t be arriving to be interviewed until after teatime, and Ginger was quite ready for a good cup of tea. Bracing herself against the armrests of her leather desk-chair, Ginger stood, resting one hand on her lower back for good measure. The first two trimesters of her pregnancy seemed to have flown by, but this last one was dragging like a directionless slug. She wanted to continue carrying the babe inside for the child’s sake, but her own body and frame of mind wanted the ordeal to be over with.

For one thing, Ginger couldn’t wait to go back to donning proper dresses. Glancing down at the layered, “handkerchief-style” frock she wore, with well-placed, irregular flounces draped diagonally and made from a bold floral print that distracted the eye, Ginger dreamed of the new spring 1927 designs she and her seamstress at Feathers & Flair were working on. Modern styles were more slimming with straight cuts, pleated skirts, and shorter hemlines, favouring chiffon and silk fabrics ranging in colours from soft beige to deep purple. Ginger could hardly wait.

“Come on, Bossy.” Ginger whistled softly to the little black-and-white Boston terrier sleeping in his bed at the foot of the fireplace, the embers glowing orange, warming the dismal November day. Her pet slowly uncurled himself, then followed her down the corridor to the sitting room, his claws making clicking noises on the marble floor.

Pippins, Ginger’s long-time butler, a septuagenarian with a balding head and friendly cornflower-blue eyes, stood at the tall windows in the entrance hall, hands behind his back, shoulders stooped and looking out. He turned when he heard Ginger approaching.

“Madam,” he said. “Are you ready for your tea?”

“Thank you, Pips. I’ll take it in the sitting room.” Her curiosity piqued, Ginger stepped to the window and stared across Mallowan Court.

“Lady Whitmore is moving away,” he said.

Men in overalls were awkwardly carrying heavy furniture out of the front entrance of Lady Whitmore’s House and onto waiting lorries.

Ginger nibbled a lip. “I didn’t realise Lady Whitmore’s move was scheduled for today.” She’d been so focused on finding a nanny that time had got away from her. Still, it bothered her that she’d let something like that slip.

“It was meant to happen next week,” Pippins said, and Ginger felt reassured that pregnancy hadn’t stripped her of her cognitive acuteness, at least not entirely.

Pippins continued, “Apparently, the new owners, a family called Foote, wanted to move in earlier than first reported.”

Ginger’s lips twitched with amusement. She, a celebrated private investigator, and her husband, Basil, a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, often came in second to her staff when it came to detecting neighbourhood gossip.

“I wanted to have Lady Whitmore over for tea before she left. I wonder, am I too late?”

Pippins stepped back. “Shall I ring Lady Whitmore and make an invitation on your behalf?”

“That would be splendid, Pips,” Ginger said. “Thank you. And if she accepts, do let Lady Gold know so that she can join us.”

The dowager Lady Gold, Ambrosia, was Ginger’s former grandmother-in-law and the grandmother of her late husband, Daniel. She had become a permanent guest at Hartigan House. Daniel’s sister Felicia had resided with Ginger until her recent nuptials.

Ginger moved through the double doors that opened to the sitting room. Like the rest of the house, Ginger had redecorated it after she’d moved back in ’23. She’d used soft lemon on the walls, sizeable jade Persian rugs on the wooden floors, rose-coloured, straight-lined armchairs, and matching settees and ottomans across from the fireplace on the outside wall. Tall windows facing the street let in lovely natural light.

Lowering herself into her favourite chair, she put her feet up on the ottoman and let out a long breath. Since the practice contractions had started, she’d been strongly admonished by Basil, Matilda, and Dr. Longden to dramatically reduce her schedule. That meant no more clients for Lady Gold Investigations or time on the floor of her dress shop, Feathers & Flair. Fortunately, she had competent staff and could manage her part by remaining at her office letter writing and making telephone calls. Still, she missed interacting with other people and driving her lovely Crossley through the streets of London.

While Felicia was away on her wedding journey, Ginger had struggled with a rare condition for her—boredom. Felicia had only recently returned, and Ginger didn’t expect to see much of her former sister-in-law for at least a few days, as Witt House, even grander than Hartigan House, would require much of her attention.

Tea with an elderly widow and her aged grandmother would be the most exciting thing to happen to her in days.

Her gaze landed on the John William Waterhouse painting that hung on the stone fireplace above the mantel. The Mermaid was a rather provocative piece of art, with a nearly nude mermaid perched on a rocky beach, her full and lengthy red locks protecting her modesty. The painting had been a gift from Ginger’s father to her mother. Ginger had inherited her red hair from her mother, and it was a trait they both shared with the mythical mermaid.

Ginger had only a few photographs and a painted portrait to remember her mother by, as she had passed away only a few days after Ginger was born. Like Ginger, she had conceived late in life, and though her father had reassured her she wasn’t to blame for her mother’s death, Ginger could never quite accept that to be true.

And now, here she was, only a short time away from her own delivery experience. Would she survive it?

The baby kicked as if he or she wanted to knock Ginger out of her dark train of thought. Rubbing the imprint of the small foot that pressed against her stomach, Ginger whispered, “So long as you make it, little one.”

Ginger had faced danger and tackled fear before, especially during the Great War when she’d worked for the British secret service, but she felt more fragile and out of control with her impending labour than she ever had during those years. Then, like now, it was about her own potential loss of life, but unlike now, her child’s life had not been at stake.

She jumped at another sharp kick and laughed. “All right, Rosa. I’ll stop the doom-and-gloom thinking.”

She and Basil had agreed on the name George for a boy, after Ginger’s late father, and Rosa for a girl, a tribute to the steamship, the SS Rosa, where they had met. The vessel was not only special due to it being the place where their friendship and relationship had begun, but it was where they had both first met their adopted son, Scout, a street “orphan” who’d worked in steerage at the time and had taken care of Boss.

The door between the sitting room and the dining room opened, and Grace, one of the household maids, pushed in the tea trolley. Three teacups and a plate of small sandwiches indicated that Lady Whitmore and Ambrosia would be joining Ginger shortly.

“Good afternoon, madam,” Grace said, then busied herself with setting the tea tray on the low table in front of the settee.



The tapping sound of Ambrosia’s walking stick alerted Ginger to the elderly lady’s arrival. The dowager Lady Gold was caught between the centuries. On an impulse, she had had her traditional grey bun, which had been pinned loosely to the top of her head, chopped into a modern bob, a move she continued to regret. Still, the effort it would take to grow her hair long enough to tie into a bun was too much for the older lady to bear, so she reluctantly kept it short.

Ginger thought that the style was growing on her former grandmother-in-law, but Ambrosia wasn’t the type to admit to that. Instead, she steadfastly wore her corset and her stiff upper lip, and though she allowed for a drop in the waist of her frock, she would never concede to a hemline that brushed her knees.

“Good afternoon,” she said, taking the seat nearest Ginger. “I understand we’re being honoured with a visit from Lady Whitmore. A final hurrah,” she added dryly.

“Somehow, I doubt that,” Ginger replied.

Ambrosia stiffened as she shot Ginger a haughty look. “One doesn’t entertain for the sake of one’s immediate neighbours.”

Lady Whitmore had resumed her regular letters to the newspaper editor, giving her opinion and advice on various topics. However, because she was still officially in mourning after the death of her husband seven months earlier, she did so using a nom de plume.

Their guest arrived as if she’d mounted a small tornado to travel the short distance across the cul-de-sac. Her shrill voice echoed across the high ceilings of the entry hall.

“Oh, dear Pippins, how I will miss seeing you and all the family of Hartigan House. Do take my shawl, will you, but be careful with it. It’s made of the finest cashmere India has on offer.”

“Of course, my lady,” Pippins returned. “Mrs. Reed and Lady Gold are waiting in the sitting room.”

“Thank you. I can find my way.” She tittered. “I’ve been here before, but it has been ages, hasn’t it?”

Ginger got to her feet as the sitting room door opened. Pippins was rather red-faced, having raced up the stairs—Ginger imagined—to prevent their spry neighbour from announcing herself.

“Lady Whitmore,” he said.

“Thank you, Pippins,” Ginger said.

Her butler gave a nod of appreciation before stepping out. Ginger smiled warmly at Lady Whitmore, who was dressed in widow’s black from head to toe. “Do have a seat, Lady Whitmore. I apologise for waiting until the last minute to invite you over, but I was under the impression that your planned departure was still weeks away.”

Lady Whitmore settled on the far end of the settee and sniffed as she removed her gloves, one finger at a time. She’d aged since the passing of her husband, Lord Whitmore, who’d died in a rather scandalous fashion, and Ginger wasn’t sure if the lady was in her fifties or sixties or beyond. Her mind remained quick, regardless.

“It’s the Footes,” Lady Whitmore said.

Ambrosia jutted her soft chin. “Surely you mean ‘feet’, Lady Whitmore.”

“I assure you, I do not. ‘Foote’ with an E, is the surname of the family which has purchased Whitmore House. Oh dear, I suppose it won’t be called that any longer.” She turned her neck sharply to Ginger. “You’re quite in the family way? Forgive me for being blunt, but it’s hardly a secret.”

Ginger patted her protruding stomach. “Not at all. However, I can still pour the tea.” She reached for the teapot and drew one of the empty teacups and saucers closer. “Do help yourself to the sandwiches,” she added. Mrs. Beasley, her cook, had cut the cucumber and salmon sandwiches into dainty, crust-free triangles.

“This Foote family,” Ambrosia started, “how is it that they’ve come to inconvenience you so?”

Lady Whitmore lifted her chin. “Well, it was more of a mix-up on my part, I must confess.” She sighed, suddenly looking masterfully forlorn. “Since my George died, I’ve just not been myself. And that house is simply too big for one person. I felt alone living in a massive cave.”

With all her servants, she was hardly alone, but Ginger understood the sentiment. “What will you do now?”

“I’m out already. I’ve got a suite at Brown’s Hotel, where I’ll be going directly from here.” Her face brightened. “I’m so looking forward to the change. It’ll be a splendid living arrangement. The quality of the guests that come through will keep me entertained.”

“And cause your hand to cramp,” Ambrosia mumbled. “With all the writing.”

Lady Whitmore’s nose pointed upwards. “I only write what I see, and I’m often complimented for my efforts to keep everyone informed. One can’t trust the journalist to tell the whole story anymore, can one?”

“Where does the Foote family come from?” Ginger asked. She was more than just a little curious about who her new neighbours might be.

“They’re English but are returning to London after five years in Canada. Mr. Foote was a secretary to Lord Byng.” She tutted. “Such a shame what happened.”

“You’re referring to the King-Byng affair?” Ginger stated.

Lady Whitmore’s chin inched up. “Yes, of course.”

The affair had dominated the headlines. Lord Byng, until recently, had been governor general in Canada. A recent scandal involving the prime minister of Canada, Mackenzie King, had caused Lord Byng to quit his position.

“I think the Canadian prime minister should’ve respected the governor general’s decision, whatever that might have been,” Lady Whitmore said with a tone that suggested she was personally affronted. “He represents the King.”

Ambrosia sipped her tea, then returned the cup to its saucer. “For once, Lady Whitmore and I agree.”

Ginger took the other side. “Canada is a sovereign nation, and perhaps it’s time the Crown let the colonies make their own decisions, good or bad.”

“Your American upbringing is showing, Ginger,” Ambrosia said.

Lady Whitmore tutted. “I don’t trust Americans. Not since the rebellion.”

Ginger laughed. “You say that as if you were alive during the War of Independence.”

“See,” Ambrosia said with a note of accusation. “The British don’t refer to that particular conflict as the War of Independence. It was a rebellion, through and through.”

Lady Whitmore sighed again. “If only the Loyalists had won. Such a shame.”

Ginger thought a change of subject was in order. “What other information do you have on the family? Besides Mr. Foote’s former occupation.”

“There’s Mrs. Foote and their two daughters, Patricia and Charlotte,” Lady Whitmore said. “I’m told they’re nine years apart in age, so I imagine there’s a story there somewhere. And Mrs. Foote’s elderly father, a Mr. Rothwell, will be living with them as well.”

Lady Whitmore picked up her teacup. “The eldest daughter is around Miss Gold’s age, I’m told—or rather, Lady Davenport-Witt, now. Have you heard from the happy couple?”

“They’ve returned from their wedding journey in Greece this week,” Ginger returned.

“I thought they were going to be abroad until Christmas.”

Ginger blinked at the astute lady. “Yes, but Lord Davenport-Witt was required back in London, so they had to cut their trip short.”

Lady Whitmore, her eyes glinting with the prospect of juicy gossip, pushed on. “What could be so important that it would draw a new groom away from his bride?”

Ginger flicked a palm. She could only imagine it had something to do with Charles’ continued involvement with the British secret service. But Felicia had quoted an urgent family and business matter, which was the excuse Ginger recited to her guest.

“But it’s of no consequence,” Ginger continued. “Felicia says she was quite ready to return to England, eager to begin her duties as the mistress of Witt House.”

“Such a lovely residence,” Lady Whitmore said reservedly, not quite reining in her disappointment at the less-than-exciting news. She set her teacup on the table, then smiled. “I do hope you ladies won’t be offended if I take my leave. I simply have so much to do, and those removal men need constant supervision.” She stood. As Ginger moved to get to her feet, Lady Whitmore lifted a palm. “Please don’t bother yourself in your condition. I’m not leaving London. We’ll have the opportunity to see each other again.”

The same wind that had brought her in carried her out. Ginger laughed as she listened to Pippins rushing to get Lady Whitmore’s shawl.

Ambrosia rolled her bulbous eyes, then finished her tea.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallowan Court has a new family, the Footes, move in and it isn't long before they get the attention of Ginger and her sister-in-law Felicia. Especially once the elderly grandfather, Mr. Rothwell dies. Ginger is close to the end of her pregnancy and is put on bedrest so she must enlist Felicia to do the legwork and discover if the death was due to natural or un-natural causes.

I didn't find the Foote family likeable at all but I was still very interested to know how the case turned out. It was fun watching Ginger try to solve the case while confined to the bed and I think Felicia has a deeper respect for Ginger's sleuthing abilities--often times things aren't as easy as some people make them appear.

Congratulations to Ginger and Basil on their new bundle of Joy and it will be fun to see Scout as a big brother.

I listened to the audiobook from my library using the Hoopla app.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Ginger Gold. This was a more low key investigation since Ginger was housebound as she's expecting a baby.
I like how the characters and their lives have developed over the series and I will keep reading to find out what happens to them next.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new family that moves into Mallowan Court is almost mirror opposite of Lady Gold's family. Lady Gold invites her new neighbors over for tea, and finds them to be anything but friendly. As Lady nears the end of her pregnancy, there are some complications, and she is bed-ridden. But there is something odd going on across the court way with the new neighbors. Felicia is more than happy to keep Lady 'in the know' of what is going on, but is it real or Felicia's vivid i I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new neighbors

I loved this story. Ginger is the only one that could solve a murder while lying in bed awaiting the birth of her child.

I was intrigued by how interested neighbors are in a new family moving into the neighborhood. The gossiping maids and the teatime gossip.

Felicia did a good job as a stand in for Ginger as her eyes and ears. She was gutsy in obtaining some valuable information. Between Felicity and Ginger they were able to solve the murder of their new neighbor.

There were many suspects and they all had some type of motive. I never guessed the guilty party, but then I never do.

It was a good read and I enjoyed reading it, I would recommend it.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little grey cells

Lee Strauss does it again with another great read. Even on pregnancy bed rest, Ginger Gold Reed solves a murder using her little grey cells and Lady Felicia as her eyes and ears. To thoroughly appreciate this charming series, start with book one and keep going.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. ❤️

[Saralyn McMorris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ginger solving crimes while on bed rest, when she should have been trying to find a nanny. A sad and interesting twist at the.

[Leanne Pazik · Rating 5 out of 5]

so fun!!

It is a little difficult when you read the Rosa Reed new book, and then you read the Ginger Reed book and Rosa is just born! But, that being said, I love the Author, so I will keep enjoying her stories even if a little confusing.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger has to depend on others for clues to solve this murder mystery. A new family next door. A murder. Lots of suspects and Ginger can't go visit. I liked the change of pace. Felicia got some chances to learn new skills and what she wants in a house. New and returning characters appear. I will read more by this author.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series is amazing! And book number 17 does not disappoint. In this book Ginger is confined to bed rest due to her oncoming delivery date of her little baby. With new neighbors, the Footes, moving in next door who don't seem like the friendly type, the coming arrival of the baby, Felicia now Lady Davenport-Witt living in Charles' huge mansion, no longer living in Hartigan House and having to reassure Scout he is still very important to Basil and Ginger even with a new baby coming, Ginger is very frustrated. That is until there is a death next door at the new neighbor's house. It seems the old father/grandfather who was frail died. But something just rubbed Ginger wrong about the whole thing. But what can she do when she can't even get out of bed. Enter Felicia who just happened to help Ginger in her Ginger Gold Investigations. When the inquest decided it could have been murder the list of suspects being long and Basil in on the investigation Ginger and Felicia had their work cut out for them. When Patricia Foote's boyfriend is arrested for her grandfather's murder and she still being a suspect, she comes to Ginger and hires her to clear her name and her boyfriend's name, much to their surprise. Ginger takes the case and with Felicia as her legs, her investigator and interviewer and Ginger, bedridden though she is putting the pieces together, they go full speed ahead to try to unravel all the twists, turns and red herrings that make you turn page after page until the surprise ending. I loved how Felicia is coming into her own and how great she and Ginger work together. I can't wait to see what will happen next in the lives of Ginger, Basil, Scout, Baby Rosa, Lady Ambrosia Gold, Felicia and Charles. I love the characters and how everything interacts! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Jennifer Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the Ginger Gold series, but this latest one - Murder on Mallowan Court - is my favourite yet. The mystery is neatly and cleverly plotted: limited suspects, brilliant red herrings and all the twists and turns you could hope for.

As an avid Agatha Christie fan, I love all the different ways Lee Strauss gives nods (both humorous and ingenious) to the great Queen of Crime, her plots and characters. Murder on Mallowan Court, while being entirely original and fully ‘Ginger Gold’ in style, feels like an affectionate and very entertaining tribute to the mysteries of Agatha Christie.

Ginger is on enforced bed rest and Felicia steps in to be her eyes and ears - and thus takes on a prominent role in the story. Up til now I’ve never hugely liked Felicia as a character, though she has been enjoyable to read, plot-wise. She is very believably drawn as a ‘bright young thing’ and rather exasperating in her childish self-centredness. Murder on Mallowan Court to me feels like her ‘coming of age’ book! And oh how rewarding it is to have journeyed with Felicia this far, and how heartwarming to see the woman (Lady!) she is becoming.
I was quite emotional in parts!

I also love the extra appearances of Lizzie, always a favourite of mine. In fact, all the characters we’ve grown to love are there; the writing is fluent and entertaining, and the story is top notch.

It’s a stand-alone story, you don’t need to have read any others in the series, but it does add to the pleasure and you’ll want to read them all after this! A perfect cosy mystery read.

[Peg Skutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger Reed, once known as Lady Gold, is very pregnant, uncomfortable and having another strong Braxton Hicks contraction. She felt this last trimester was “dragging along like a directionless slug”. Unbeknown to her Dr Longden is going to make her life more challenging by putting her on a weeks bedrest. Baby Reed must have enough time to be born healthy.

Maybe the new neighbors, the Foote family, moving in across the street, would offer some company and amusement. It wasn’t long before they did offer intrigue; unfortunately company and amusement were lacking. The old patriarch died of a heart attack and Ginger felt something was off. Was it just her boredom at work.

Her former sister-in-law, now Lady Davenport-Wit, returns from her honeymoon in time to help Ginger relieve some of her boredom. Felicia becomes Ginger’s eyes and ears and occasionally goes with Basil Reed to question suspects when murder is determined to be the cause of death.

The Foote’s are a strange lot. Why are they stiff, unfriendly? Is it just readjusting after being abroad for a few years? Where does the brashness originate? Is there a conspiracy afoot? Could the staff be involved and how?

You must read this cozy mystery to have these and your own questions answered.

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful read courtesy of Lee Strauss!
I swear the books in the Ginger Gold series get better each time. The scenes in the bedroom with Felicia relating outdoor events to Ginger put me in mind of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. I also enjoyed the switching back and forth between Ginger's and Felicia's point of views. It makes me wonder if Felicia might be getting her own series.
Of course, every woman can relate to Ginger's trials as the birth of her baby nears. The birth advances the story of so many of our favourite characters, and leaves the reader wanting more.
The mystery itself keeps the reader guessing right to the end, with plenty of suspects and clues to keep you turning the pages.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger is late in her pregnancy when she is ordered to be on bedrest. From her window, her visitors are watching the goings on at the new neighbors' house. The grandfather and patriarch dies unexpectedly and rumors are drifting back through the servants that it may not have been a natural death.

Ginger enlists the help of her former sister-in-law to gather information and to help solve the apparent murder.

This is a fun cozy mystery, set in the 1920's. The life of the wealthy during that period was over the top by our standards, with all the servants, and formalities. It's an entertaining book. Anyone can read it an enjoy it.

I received an advance reader copy from the author. This is my honest review.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming series gets better with each book. It's like visiting old friends as the characters lives and relationships develop. In this installment Ginger and Basil are awaiting the birth of their child. Ginger's Doctor recommends bed rest so Felicia becomes Ginger's eyes and ears when a neighbor's heart attack appears to be murder. I absolutely loved how Felicia stood out in this book and it was interesting to read how is society treats her now that she's Lady Davenport -Witt. Even though bedridden and counting on Felicia and Basil for information, it is Ginger who "uses her grey matter" to solve another intriguing mystery. A great series that I highly recommend - highly anticipating the next.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

New neighbors have moved in next door and Ginger's household is eager to find out more about them. Ginger is confined in bed because of her pregnancy and relied on others to keep her up to date. When the patriarch next door is found dead, her doctor was called next door and declared the man had died of a heart attack. However, when a chambermaid found a blood-soaked pillow in the fireplace, the police is called in and Basil requests an inquest.

In the meantime, Felicia has come back from her honeymoon and is finding it very boring to be in her new home by herself and convinced Ginger to let her help investigate. I had an inkling about who the murderer was, but I have to say it was still a bit of a surprise at the end there.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While awaiting the birth of her first child, Ginger Reed meets the family who has moved in next door at Mallowan Court. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Foote, their daughters Patricia and Charlotte, along with Mrs. Foote's elderly father Crispen Rothwell. Ginger finds the family odd. The servants have told her that Mr. and Mrs. Foote have an unhappy marriage. Patricia is engaged, but her parents do not like her fiancé. And Mr. Rothwell is angry at the whole family.

With only a few weeks left until the baby arrives, the doctor has ordered bedrest for Ginger until the baby is born. When Mr. Rothwell dies suddenly, none of the family seem upset by his death. Ginger is suspicious that he may have been murdered.

This book was a little different. Ginger is bored and looking for something she can do while sitting in bed. She recruits her sister-in-law Felicia and Felicia's Grandmother Ambrosia to visit the neighbors and ask questions. Ginger's husband thinks it is a waste of time, but Ginger believes something isn't right next door. My rating: 3.5 Stars.

[Jennifer Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s been a murder at Mallowan Court! This book is a wonderful addition to the Lee Strauss Ginger Gold series. As Ginger and Basil await the birth of the baby girl Rosa a murder has occurred next door! What can our inquisitive female detective do when she’s on bed rest? She enlist the help of Felicia and the use of her “little grey cells.” As we follow the story this is a much different theme and layout than the others in the series. I have to say it was so much fun to read and I loved the historical facts the Strauss layers in. Especially the mention of another great detective! Pick up this book and begin to read from the next great Agatha Christie.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

great addition to the series…. recommend!

This addition successfully redefines the roles of the main family members. Felicia is happily married to an Earl and has embraced her new role as a Lady. Ginger is about to have a baby so entrusts the outside sleuthing to Felicia….
acting as the interpreter of the information Felicia and others bring to her. Agatha
Christie ‘s Hercule Poirot is introduced so Ginger begins to think of her passive role as engaging the little gray cells. The others play
a more passive role but are successful placed to be part of the new order of things.

[Jennie Lindstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saw many changes in the Reed/Gold family. Ginger is placed on bed rest as the birth of her baby approaches. New neighbors move in across the street, and not long after a murder takes place. Ginger must do her best to solve the murder from her bed, which is a struggle for the ever curious, take charge private investigator. She does so with the help of Felicia, who is eager to get involved and make Ginger proud. She also gets help from Lizzy, and even Grandmother! Definitely a very fun read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had to happen! I finally reached a title in this series that I thought was very well done. There was an actual mystery (for a pleasant change) and I liked the way that the story unfolded. I do admit that I figured out that the solution revolved around Charlotte almost immediately but the connection with the doctor was a nice twist. It was nice not to have any references to Ginger's Secret Service role during the Great War. I really wish this whole plot line could be dropped but I gather this is going to be significant in some of the upcoming books (yawn).

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

another exceptional Ginger Gold mystery

I love this series! It is always a delight when a new book comes out, and I am never disappointed. As Ginger and Basil await the coming baby, murder arrives in the neighborhood. Barely have the new neighbors moved in than one of them dies. Ginger will have to solve this one from bed rest, however, and Felicia is thrilled to help. No complaints here, just good reading.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to a spectacular series. This author knows how to keep her readers coming back for more. The characters have depth and the storyline was engaging. The mystery was well plotted with a surprise I didn't expect. A very satisfying read.

With Ginger very much in the family way, Felicia becomes her surrogate to solve the murder of a new neighbor.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Cozy series. This book was an unusual one in that there is a suspicious death in the square where Ginger and her family live. Since she’s about to give birth and is on bed rest. She is hired by one of the family to solve the murder from her bed. Ginger enlists the newly married Felicia to physically investigate for her.

I really enjoyed the way the plot developed and the characters and descriptions are always wonderful. I had an idea who might have done it but I was still surprised.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Strauss continues the Ginger Gold Mystery series with this 17th book that takes place as Ginger awaits the birth of her baby. Felicia becomes her arms and legs as she teams with Basil to solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Rothwell. As could be predicted, the mystery takes us down a path of twists and turns until the murderer is discovered.
As usual, this book provides a delightful, entertaining read, and leaves me eagerly anticipating the next in the series.