Murder at the Savoy

Ginger Gold Mystery #18

by Lee Strauss

Murder's frightfully unlucky!

Mrs. Ginger Reed, known also as Lady Gold, settles into homelife with her husband Chief Inspector Basil Reed, son Scout and newborn daughter Rosa, but when an opportunity to join a dinner party at the renowned Savoy Hotel is offered, she's eager to engage in a carefree night with friends. Some of the guests are troubled when their party's number lands at unlucky thirteen, as death is sure to come to the first person who leaves the table.

Thankfully, the Savoy has an answer to this superstitious dilemma. A small statue of a black cat fondly known as Kaspar is given the empty seat, rounding the number to fourteen.

Unfortunately, in this instance Kaspar didn't fulfill his duties and a murder is committed. The case is tricky and complicated by a recent escape of a prisoner who has a bone to pick with Basil. Are the two seemingly unrelated incidents connected?

Ginger and Basil work together to solve one while avoiding the other, and what can they do about the black cat who crossed their path?


★★★★★


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. 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)
Murder at the Savoy (Book 18)
~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)
Murder in London (Book 8)

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

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

246 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2022

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

[Lee Strauss]

CHAPTER ONE

Kensington Addison Road train station was a beehive of excited, anxious, and weary travellers: hurrying or waiting, hugging loved ones, or sauntering off alone. Some collapsed damp umbrellas as others waited in the queue to make a purchase at the tea and sandwich stall. Steam trains chugged and whistled, spewing black smoke, as they either slowed to a stop or wound up to speed away.

Mrs. Ginger Reed, known by some as Lady Gold, stood at the barrier at the end of the platform with her husband, Basil, a man she adored and whose good looks—warm hazel eyes, greying temples, and a debonair stance—garnered the admiration of many female pedestrians as they passed by. Like Ginger, some of the women dressed in the latest spring of 1927 fashions: pleated skirts landing just below the knee, fitted spring jackets with long collars and hems hitting the lower hips, colourful scarves or masculine-like ties adorning the neck, and the quintessential cloche hat covering short-cropped hair.

Ginger, too, was used to getting similar glances of appreciation from the opposite sex—her red locks often caught the eye—but the baby in her arms kept looks from lingering.

Ginger was more than fine with the exchange. She had her man and her baby. Smiling down at her dark-haired little girl, she said, “Rosa, love, you’re about to meet your Aunt Louisa and Grandma Sally!”

“Do you see them?” Basil asked as a new group of passengers disembarked from the Liverpool train.

Ginger craned her neck, looking for the familiar faces, Louisa with dark hair and green eyes, Sally with salt-and-pepper locks. Ginger’s emotions were a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She loved her half-sister dearly and harboured a measure of fondness for her stepmother, but rarely was time spent with either of them a relaxing event. Her American relatives seemed to love drama and brought it wherever they went.

Suddenly, there they were. Ginger handed Rosa to Abby Green, their competent, sturdy-looking nanny who’d been hanging back, and then lifted her arm into the air. “Louisa! Sally!”

Louisa grabbed her mother’s arm as they hurried over. A gentleman wearing a brown fedora followed behind, but Ginger assumed he was a fellow passenger headed in the same direction.

“Ginger!” Louisa squealed as she threw an arm around Ginger’s shoulder. She then fell into Basil’s arms, startling him. Ginger missed this enthusiastic affection. The British were much more reserved. A similar round of hugs, if less affectionate, continued with Sally, which immediately moved to American-accented baby-talk as Nanny Green held Rosa out for inspection.

“Oh, Ginger,” Louisa said. “She’s a doll!”

Sally sent Ginger a look of approval. “Well done.”

Ginger laughed. “I can hardly take full credit but thank you.”

The gentleman in the fedora hovered behind, a broad grin on his face, and Ginger raised a brow in question.

Louisa took the fellow’s arm, her face breaking into a wide smile. “Ginger, Basil, this is Cornelius Gastrell, my fiancé!”

Ginger, a master at keeping her emotions reined in, allowed herself to express her shock. “Louisa?”

“I know, I know. I wanted it to be a surprise!”

“And it is,” Ginger said. She offered a hand to Louisa’s gentleman. “Mr. Gastrell, it’s a pleasure.”

“The pleasure’s mine, ma’am,” he said with a drawl. “And you must call me Cornelius.”

Cornelius moved to shake Basil’s hand. “Good to meet you, Basil,” he said, probably assuming they were all on a first-name basis. He whistled. “Never been to London before. Can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about.”

“Shall we head to the motorcars?” Basil asked. They’d brought Ginger’s Crossley and Basil’s Austin to accommodate everyone.

Cornelius walked ahead with Basil as the ladies followed behind.

Louisa gripped Ginger’s arm. “Isn’t he just the bee’s knees, Ginger?” Her words burst forth like a fountain with the water pressure too high. “Can you believe I’m to be married? Finally! You must come back to Boston for the wedding.”

Sally laid a hand on her daughter’s shoulder and added with less enthusiasm. “A date hasn’t been set yet. Now, let Ginger catch her breath.”

Mr. Gastrell drove back with Basil whilst Louisa and Sally went with Ginger. There was much to catch up on during the drive back to Hartigan House, and Ginger shared about life with Rosa, presently held tightly by Nanny Green, and Scout, who was away at boarding school. Louisa boasted about the social scene in Boston, which Ginger found entertaining but didn’t miss.

Mrs. Beasley, Ginger’s cook, had luncheon prepared for when they got back, and once everyone was settled in their rooms at Hartigan House, they descended on the dining room. Added to their number around the long wooden table was the Dowager Lady Gold, the grandmother of Ginger’s late husband, Daniel, Lord Gold, and Daniel’s sister, Felicia, and her new husband, Charles Davenport-Witt, the Earl of Witt.

Introductions were made and places taken. Once the maids had served the roast duck and potatoes, conversation resumed. The electric chandelier overhead created a pleasant ambience, highlighting the paintings hung from a picture rail along the top of the walls.

“Nice pad you have here,” Cornelius said. “Everything around here seems as old as the hills.”

Ginger wasn’t certain if she should say thank you or not. “Hartigan House has been in the family for ages. It’s my childhood home. I inherited it from my father when he passed away.”

“And I got the crummy brownstone,” Louisa said with a pout.

“It’s hardly crummy,” Sally said sternly. “It’s in a coveted Boston neighbourhood.” She gave everyone at the table a look, then added, “On the Commons.”

Louisa had the decency to look sheepish. “I know, Mama. I was only teasing.”

An awkward silence filled the room, broken, thankfully, by Basil. “Did anyone catch the Boat Race yesterday?”

“We listened to it on the wireless on the BBC,” Felicia said. Like Louisa, she had dark hair cut in a bob, though hers had been ironed into waves. “It’s the first time it’s been broadcast that way.”

“If I were a betting man,” Charles started, “I would’ve called Oxford, but Cambridge won by three lengths.”

“It’s a shame we missed it,” Ginger said. “Basil’s work called him away, and I was busy with the baby.”

Cornelius, becoming less charming by the moment, held a fist to his mouth, barely concealing a small belch. “What kind of boats are we talking about here?”

“Rowing boats,” Basil said. “The Boat Race is always between Oxford and Cambridge.” For clarity, he added, “Universities.”

“Row boats?” Cornelius huffed. “Not motorboats? Y’all have a different idea of a worthwhile sporting event.”

Basil stiffened. “I’m not sure what—”

“Take that game y’all like over here where they try to combine baseball with bowling or some such thing.”

Ambrosia blinked slowly, her round eyes looking more bulbous. “Do you mean cricket, Mr. Gastrell?”

“That’s it!” Cornelius slapped a thigh. “Named after a bug! Now baseball, that’s a man’s game.”

“You do realise cricket has been around for hundreds of years longer than baseball,” Basil said.

Cornelius grinned. “Old doesn’t make it better.”

“I’ve heard about the baseball player who recently signed a contract for an absurd amount of money.” Charles said.

“Seventy thousand smackers!” Cornelius said as if it were he who’d come into the fortune and not a sports celebrity.

“Seventy thousand American dollars?” Felicia asked. “Is that a lot?

“It’s around fifty thousand pounds,” Charles answered.

Felicia gaped. “To play a game?”

“Americans have their priorities,” Basil said dryly.

“Darn tootin’ they do,” Cornelius replied. “We work hard and play hard.”

Ginger forced a blank expression. She glanced at her sister, who’d become uncharacteristically quiet.

“Have you nothing to offer on the subject?”

“No,” Louisa said firmly. “Sports bore me.”

Basil wasn’t so keen to let the man’s comment ride. “So, Mr. Gastrell, what do you do for work in America?”

“Watch the stock market.” Cornelius stabbed a piece of duck flesh with his fork, waving it about as he continued. “You will, too, if you’re smart. Easiest money I’ve ever made.”

When the table was cleared of lunch, Lizzie, one of the family maids and Ginger’s favourite, brought the tea tray.

“Thank you, Lizzie,” Ginger said.

The diminutive maid nodded her pointy chin then bobbed before leaving again.

“What about coffee?” Cornelius shouted after her. He laughed at the table of stunned faces. “Can’t stand that dishwater you call tea.”

Lizzie raced back into the dining room, her wide eyes on Ginger. “Madam?”

“Ask Mrs. Beasley to brew a pot of coffee for our guest.”

“Yes, madam.”

Cornelius went on. “You sure do know how to train your help.” He draped an arm around Louisa. “Maybe we should ship a couple of maids over to Boston. It can be my wedding present to you.”

Ambrosia sat straight and stiff thanks to an antiquated corset. She looked regal with her jewelled hands and flowing day frock as she let out a breath of disbelief. “Dear me, how one talks in America.”

“We like to get to the point,” Sally returned. “When George was alive, God rest his soul, it used to make me crazy how he circled to get to what he was driving at.”

“A measure of propriety and self-control benefits society,” Ambrosia offered.

“Americans have self-control,” Louisa said defensively. “We just say what we mean.”

Ambrosia’s lips—deeply lined and uncoloured—twitched. “How delightful for you.”

Ginger loudly cleared her throat, then turned to Felicia desperate to change the subject. “Have you decided on wallpaper?” To her new guests, she explained, “Felicia and Charles have recently acquired and moved into the house across the street.”

Charles had a larger family home in London, but Felicia, new to the role of mistress of her own residence, had found the prospect overwhelming, especially since her new husband’s work often took him away from home.

Ginger was happy to have Felicia nearby on Mallowan Court. Felicia had lived at Hartigan House before she married, and Ginger had missed her terribly when she’d moved out. As a bonus, she could help her former sister-in-law decorate!

“I’m going to go with the paisley print for the living room and lilies for the drawing room,” Felicia said. “At least I think so.”

“Excellent choices,” Ginger said. “I shall bring Rosa over later to have a look.” Then, to be polite, she addressed her guests. “What are the plans for you three?”

“We’ll take the rest of the day to relax,” Louisa said, “but tomorrow we have plans for the opera; first we’re going to stroll around the grounds of Buckingham Palace.” She patted Cornelius’ arm. “Cornie’s hoping to get a glimpse of the King.”

“I’m afraid the public aren’t allowed on the grounds,” Ginger said, “but you will be able to watch the Change of the Guard at the front of the palace.”

“I’m eager to see this New Scotland Yard,” Cornelius said, his eyebrows lifting.

“Oh, yes,” Basil began. “I’m afraid the Yard is not meant for tourists. You’re welcome to walk along the Victoria Embankment, however. The architecture of the building is delightful.”

Cornelius guffawed. “Delightful. If American men used words like that, we’d be lynched on the street.”

Even Ginger couldn’t keep a gasp from escaping her lips.

“Really, Cornelius,” Sally said, her jaw tight. “Some sentiments are worth keeping to yourself.”

Having never bonded with her stepmother, Ginger felt a rare sense of appreciation for the woman who was proving to be more sensible than Ginger had remembered.

Then, as if on cue, Ginger’s faithful butler, Pippins, tall with shoulders folding forward from seventy years of effort, entered, his blue eyes flashing. He carried a silver tray that held a single envelope.

Approaching Basil, he said, “The afternoon post, sir.” With a barely perceptible glance at the American contingent at the table, he added, “I thought you’d like it now.”

“Oh yes,” Basil said, obviously eager for a diversion. He picked up the envelope and stared at the handwriting of his name on the front.

“Do you recognise it?” Ginger asked. She wondered if Basil would excuse himself and leave them all in suspense, but he removed the folded piece of paper.

“Darling?” Ginger said.

“It’s from an old acquaintance, a Percy Aspen. He’s been out of the country for eleven years and has just returned. He’s asking us to join him for dinner tomorrow night at the Savoy.” His gaze landed on Ginger. “He says to bring my new family.”

To Ginger, this would include Felicia and Charles, and Ambrosia. However, at present, her family went beyond that, and Louisa burst out joyously. “The Savoy! That sounds scrummy. Cornelius, we must go to the Savoy.”

“What’s so great about the Savoy?” Cornelius asked, giving Ginger a moment of hope that he’d veto the idea.

“It’s a hotel. The most luxurious, and a favourite of the rich and famous,” Louisa said. “Almost as much as the Ritz.”

“And a breakthrough in modern engineering,” Charles added. “Electricity is steam generated with water provided by the hotel’s own artesian wells. One can turn the room lights on and off at will, and hot water is available whenever needed.”

“The hotel also has a grisly past,” Felicia added with a glint in her eye. “Four years ago, a wealthy young Egyptian prince was murdered by his French wife.”

“Sounds like an unhappy union,” Sally said with a half glance at her daughter.

“Indeed,” Ginger said. “The widow was acquitted when it was revealed that her husband had treated her cruelly and had threatened to kill her.” Ginger hoped the morbid story would divert her sister’s interest. To Louisa, she said, “What about the opera? Are you sure you want to miss that?”

“We can go to that another day,” Louisa said, squelching Ginger’s hopes. Louisa turned to Sally. “Right, Mama?”

“I don’t know,” Sally said. “This Percy fellow won’t be expecting us.”

“He said for Basil to bring his new family,” Louisa protested. She motioned dramatically to herself, Sally, and Cornelius. “That’s us!”

Ginger flashed an apologetic look at Basil and whispered, “Perhaps we should tell him we will meet him another time.”

“Aspen is quite clear it has to be tomorrow night. He’s leaving the next morning on important business.”

Ginger did a quick headcount. “Felicia and Charles?”

Charles chuckled. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Relieved, Ginger went on to Ambrosia. “Grandmother, you shall join us?”

It was a directive disguised as a question. She needed the elderly lady there to keep Sally company and to help smooth out the conversation.

“I suppose I shall,” Ambrosia said with a twist of her lips. “I fear I owe you a favour or two.”

“Fabulous.” Ginger reached for Basil’s hand. “Do tell Mr. Aspen we’ll be pleased to join him. Our number is eight.”

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger is happy with mothering baby Rosa but misses Scout who is away at boarding school. Motherhood hasn't stopped her activities at Fathers & Flair, helping Felicia decorate her new house or socializing with her American family who has come to visit. Too bad her sister Louisa has brought along a ghastly fiancé! When Basil is invited to bring his new family to dinner at the Savoy with an old acquaintance, everyone insists on coming along, all 8 of them. When they meet Percy Aspen, he's with two other men Basil recognizes from his first case as an Inspector. There's also a young lady with Percy as well and another gate crashes the party enthusiastically. That makes 13 and according to superstition, someone is going to die. Thankfully the Savoy offers a solution in the form of Kaspar the cat, a statue, to make up the numbers. Unfortunately, the power goes out and when it comes back on, Percy is choking and gasping for air. Ginger's wartime training kicks in as she tries to help but it's too late. Was Percy right thinking someone was trying to kill him? Was it someone from long ago during that business fraud case, a young lady he wronged when he left England or someone else entirely? Ginger and Basil must team up to solve this one before someone else gets killed.

I really liked this mystery. It was a little darkish for me but still kept my attention the whole time. I have never heard of a long firm and was impressed Basil was able to make the connections between crimes in Liverpool and crimes in London. Of course Morris is a... donkey and super lazy. I'm thinking he's setting Basil up for failure in hopes of ousting Basil from the Yard. Unlike Basil, Morris seems to have bought his way in and doesn't seem to do any actual work.

Catching up with Ginger is always fun. Motherhood doesn't seem to have changed her at all and thankfully time with Rosa on page is not too long. She has a capable nanny in charge. However, why oh why did Basil agree to send Scout off to boarding school? No no no! As a former street urchin the other lads will pick apart Scout's low origins. I don't think Scout can fend for himself. I didn't agree with Ginger's decision to adopt him given the class structure at the time. I would have hired him, educated him and then sent him to America once he was an adult. Poor Scout sounds unhappy and I don't wonder why. I would think Basil would understand!

I like it when Ginger and Basil investigate together. They work well as a team. It's fun when she plays the ditzy, adoring wife. It makes people underestimate her until she gets the information she wants. I always enjoy hearing more about her wartime experiences but this time it was great to get to know Basil better. The flashback sequences were a little confusing at first because they're not dated but there are clues that show the reader it's still wartime and Basil is new on the job. He's thoughtful and sees connections that someone else might/does miss. He's waay smarter and works much harder than Superintendent Morris. I like the way he catches his suspect. Basil can blend in with the average man in spite of being the grandson of a peer.

Ambrosia is returning to some of her Victorian ways but seems to be missing her rival and her granddaughter. Of course she lives across the street from Felicia but for some reason has yet to visit. Felicia is still ditzy and silly. She needs a lot of handholding just to decorate her house but she is hard at work on an idea for her next novel so she seems to be sticking with it. Maybe redecorating is procrastinating because she has writer's block? I like Felicia better than Louisa. Louisa is young and stupid. Yet she's stubborn and strong and knows what she DOESN'T want in a man. Sally manages to behave and seems classy enough to hobnob with the British upper crust. Not so Louisa's fiancé. Cornelius Gastrell is rude, crude and seems to hate everything about England. He can't appreciate the history, the culture, the food or anything. He seems to have a loathing for anything old and unAmerican. His speech and manners are blunt and not in a charming way. I think he is bad news and is likely a con artist or a fortune hunter. I was hoping he would be the murder victim. I think the entire Gold-Reed family was too.

Percy Aspen seems like a nice guy for the most part. He's timid and not at all brave or strong. However, there's evidence that he can stand up for himself when he wants to and may not be the most sterling character in the novel. Nothing too terrible but he's not a hero by choice. He was persuaded by Basil to turn in a notorious criminal committing business fraud and possibly murder. As accountant to the sham firms, Basil had the hard evidence needed but was reluctant to share it for fear of his life. He helped put away Mortimer Sharp and that may have put a price on his head. I'm surprised he returned to England. He was doing well in his travels as an archeologist and didn't need to return. He gathered Basil and the others in hopes of figuring out who was trying to kill him- in one night?!

Percy is traveling with Miss Helen Burton, his girlfriend. She seems boring and unoriginal but she shows Ginger she has hidden depths. I want to admire her for knowing how to get what she needs but her methods do leave a lot to be desired. I do not think Percy has honorable intentions towards her but she is determined to get him to the altar. She has competition from Miss Winifred Chapman, Percy's old girlfriend, an over loud, over zealous aging Bright Young Thing. She seems to want Percy back now that he's wealthy. I think she's silly for being superstitious but she could also be clever and crafty, an excellent artist who wanted revenge on her ex for ghosting her.

A banker, Mr. Ernest Yardley, is also at the dinner. He's a pompous bore and I don't know what he has to do with solving a mystery. How much does he know about what happened back then during the war? He's a viable suspect though because he came to the dinner party and he does have a reason to hate Percy. Mr. Cecil Lawrence, a tabloid reporter, is the third man at the ill-fated dinner. He is connected to the case because he refused to write about the long firm scam and glossed over a lot of details, planting doubt in everyone's mind that Basil was on the right track. Did Percy think this guy would do the right thing now? Mortimer Sharp is in jail but for how long? I think Scotland Yard wouldn't reopen the case or care if Cecil wrote a new story. Cecil is hungry for a new juicy scandal, not an old one. Basil and Ginger don't trust him though and he could be mad at Percy for what happened all those years ago. Who is Mary Jones, mentioned by Helen Burton as the one who introduced her to Percy? What is her connection to Percy and is she somehow involved in one or both of the crimes?

I didn't like how this one ended on a sort of cliffhanger and hope it picks up again later.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thirteenth Guest

Ginger and Basil are enjoying their new daughter Rosa when an invitation arrives for a dinner party at the Savoy hotel. It is the most famous hotel and they can't pass up the opportunity to have dinner with an old acquaintance of Basil's
.
Ginger has been quite worried about her niece's new fiancée who she has brought with her for a visit and this night will give her a little chance to relax and enjoy herself with Basil at a nice dinner, except the niece, the fiancée and her aunt are also invited.

An unexpected guest at the dinner party making the group at number 13 which is an unlucky omen, a statue of a cat the hotel has named Kasper, flickering lights and an untimely murder of the host make for another assignment for Basil and Ginger.

The description of the hotel sounds fantastic. Nothing like the buildings we have now, I would have loved to see some of those famous buildings with all the beautiful interiors. Ginger's gown sounds like a beautiful creation as are all of her clothes.

Another great armchair read for a windy cold afternoon curled up with my cat. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Lee Strauss for writing anther great story and letting me read an early copy.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting mystery by Ms. Strauss in the Ginger Gold historical cozy mystery series. Poor Ginger and Basil have been invaded by Ginger's American family and a new addition is Louisa's fiancee'. At a dinner party at the Savoy, an old acquaintance of Basil's dies and the hunt begins. This was an intricate and well-crafted story with enough suspicious characters, who attended the dinner party, to keep Basil and Ginger sleuthing for clues. The story is quickly paced and had enough twists throughout to keep me turning the pages. The dramatic conclusion had me gripping my ereader and that "note" at the end has me anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.

The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby Rosa hasn't stopped Ginger from running Feathers and Flair nor helping husband Basil solve a murder and the latest one is quite the stumper. An acquaintance of Basil's that he hasn't seen in years invites Basil and a few others to a dinner party at the Savoy Hotel, but before he can tell them why he's called them together, he drops dead!

I really enjoyed the dual timeline of this cozy mystery. One timeline brings us back to one of Basil's first cases as an Inspector. Could that old case somehow be connected to this new one? There were quite the lists of suspects and I loved the reveal!

I listened to the audiobook I borrowed from my library via the Hoopla app. I like that the author uses the same narrator for the series.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this dual-timeline entry into the Ginger Gold Mysteries series. In it we learn about Basil's first case as an Inspector for Scotland Yard during WWI; and we watch a mystery that he and Ginger are involved in unfold in front of their eyes.

These are fun historical fiction novellas set in London after WWI. While they are not techincally Cozy Mysteries because of Basil's police perspective, they are scrumptious palate cleansers between grittier mystery and thrillers. They're just the thing to read when you don't want to spend a lot of time peeling the layers of a good story often found in a longer book.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this addition to one of my favorite series. The story was engaging and the mystery well plotted. One of my favorite things about this author is that every detail from clothing to phrasing is authentic to the time period she writes about. The characters are well developed and draw you into their world. I highly recommend this book!

When Basil is invited to dinner by a former acquaintance he and Ginger join him at the Savoy along with others he has asked to join him. When the lights begin to flicker and then go out the last thing they expect is for a murder to have been committed but that doesn't stop them from investigating the crime.

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

[Saralyn McMorris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how there is an element of the past as part of the mystery but I did not like how the story goes back and forth between past and present. It was clear enough for me. Other than that it was a very interesting read.

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as all previous books in the series

[Jennifer Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly read all the Ginger Gold series as soon as they’re released, and Murder at the Savoy is a real treat. I loved every page.

Ginger’s American relatives have just descended on her when they are all invited to the Savoy - the famous hotel with all mod cons and one curious custom. A night of luxury turns to murder, and Basil and Ginger are on hand to investigate.

The mystery plot is excellent, interlinking past and present, and for once I was totally duped by red herrings and didn’t guess the murderer! I enjoyed the focus on Basil, this was an insight into his earlier life that was a treat for those of us who have been with the series from the start.

As always I adore all the period detail, and the way Lee Strauss always researches into intriguing historical details to entertain us with. This time I was captivated by the story of Kaspar the cat at the Savoy - sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction! I love that Lee Strauss always interweaves truth into the fiction of her historical stories.

Stepping into a Ginger Gold book is the greatest of pleasures, revisiting characters like old friends who live and breathe. The dialogue sparkles along, as do the descriptions. I’m in my happy place in this series, and Murder at the Savoy is up there with my favourites.

I received an ARC for my honest review; but Lee Strauss’s books are ones I also buy just for the pleasure of having on my shelf and rereading. I recommend them to everyone who likes a well written, relaxing, cosy historical mystery.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turning Ginger Gold and Basil mystery you just can't put down. This is one of the hardest murder mysteries the pair has come across. Add to that and we have Ginger's American family visiting along with Louisa's fiancé who is obnoxious and full of himself among other things. This time, the author deftly combines Basil's appropriate back story with the present case. It begins with Ginger and Basil while doting on there baby, Rosie, they have to entertain Ginger's American Family. So when they all get invited to a private dinner at the famous Savoy by Percy Aspen who happened to be a witness many years ago in Basil's first case and once the case was over, he left the country. Now he is back and invited Basil and family along with others who were involved somewhat with that original case. Just as he was going to make a major announcement, the lights flick off and when they come on we find Percy dead. And to it begins. With lots of complications, strange suspects and a very twisted roller coaster ride, we are taken to a conclusion that will be a big surprise! This is a must read series that keeps you turning pages until the end where you are totally surprised! I can't wait to see what's next for Ginger and Basil! I received and ARC of this book but the opinion expressed here is strictly my own.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Ginger Gold series is getting more suspenseful. Often these books deal with a social cause. In this one, Basil, Ginger and their family and others are gathered in the private dining room of the Savoy for a reason they don’t know. Their host is murdered after the lights flicker out before he can relate the reason for the gathering. In trying to solve this murder, Basil must remember his first big case and it’s repercussions. There are plenty of possible suspects in this murder, mostly people who were also involved in that first case. With all the plot twists, although the murderer is exposed, it leads to more questions and danger for the next book.

In telling this tale, it jumps between the past and Basil’s first big case and their current murder mystery, which works very effectively.

To make the story even more compelling, Ginger’s stepmother and stepsister come for a visit bringing her stepsister’s fiancé. He is a perfect example of the ugly American, even in the 1920’s.

Some of the most touching moments occur when Ginger is with her baby daughter, Rosa. The love both Ginger and Basil have for their daughter makes my heart happy.

Their adopted son Scout is away at boarding school so does not play as big a role as he has in previous books. Based on comments made between Ginger and Basil, he is not adjusting well, and it appears he will have a much bigger role in the next book.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and am really looking to reading the next installment in this series.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Savoy Hotel was one of the most exclusive hotels in London. The restaurant included in it is noted for excellent food and for Kasper, a ceramic cat, which will sit in seat 14 should there be only 13 at dinner.

Basil Reed had been a new inspector when he met their host, Percy Aspen, a few years ago. Percy had invited Basil and his family to dinner at the Savoy. Mr.Aspen had not expected 5 extra people that were included in the RSVP. There were Lord and Lady (Felicia) Davenport-Wit, Sally, Ginger’s step-mother, Louisa, her half-sister, and Cornelius, Louisa’s fiance. Of course Ambrosia was automatically included.

Before being seated there was small talk among people who did not know each other. Cornelius was being obnoxious, lights were flickering and Percy was making a strange announcement. Finally people were seated for a scrumptious dinner. But then the lights went out.

When the lights came back on the cat was missing, and Percy was in distress and then he was dead.

So who did it and how?

Basil and Ginger set to work immediately to solve this puzzling mystery.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

The prime witness from Basil's first case as a newly minted Inspector invited his family to dinner at Savoy. The man had just revealed his life is in danger when he appeared to have choked to death. The autopsy revealed he was poisoned and everyone in the dinner party is a suspect, including Ginger's American half-sister's new fiancé, who appeared to know the victim.

We get two cases in one in this book. We learned about the old case and how Basil arrested the man who was the mastermind behind a series of scams and how he persuaded our victim, who was then a newly hired accountant of the mastermind to become the prosecution witness. The victim left England directly afterwards and had just come back a rich man, making his fortune overseas.

We see Ginger and Basil trying to figure out if there are links between the old case and the new murder. I think because of how the scene was written; I did home in on a certain person after that scene. I'm not too sure about that final scene either, I thought Basil shouldn't have been that stupid!

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with Ginger enjoying life with her newborn daughter, Rosa, but all too soon she finds herself involved in a murder mystery. An enjoyable dinner at the Savoy turns into a tragic event. In addition to helping her husband, Basil, solve the murder, Ginger also finds herself entertaining her half-sister, Louisa, and her mother, Sally, who are visiting from the United States. They have also brought along Louisa’s fiancé who proves to be a challenging guest. On top of all this, their son Scout is unhappy at his boarding school so Ginger attempts to help him adjust.
I found the characters in this story very well developed and interesting to get to know. There were hints that we will run into them again in future books, so I am eager for the next one to be written. I believe this is one of the best of this series. Of course, I seem to often think this way when I finish one of Strauss’s books.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger and Basil are at it again! This time a guest at a dinner party they are attending at the posh Savoy is murdered basically right in front of them. The storyline is different from the rest of the series as we learn about Basil's first case and his life before Ginger. The interweaving of the two cases made for an interesting, page turner with plenty of red herrings and suspects. As always the attention to time period detail is spot on and I enjoyed reading about the Savoy's Kasper the cat. I grew a little tired of reading about Ginger and Basil's "looks" in this story-I know it's petty but it didn't contribute to the story. I received this book as an ARC for my honest review and am highly anticipating the next.

[Jennifer Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and intrigue at London’s premier hotel, the Savoy! Ginger and her extended family are back at it again. This Ginger Gold book combines all the excitement of prior books with a look at superstition, history and more strong female characters! That is what I love about all Lee Strauss’ books- her ability to incorporate strong female characters. This during a time that it would have been historically been unusual. Ginger demonstrates to us all that to be successful and yourself is completely up to you.

[Lana Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strauss presents her Best Ginger in a long while.

I've enjoyed the Lady Ginger Gold Reed series but have found the last few mysteries border-line uninteresting and too much family drama. Since Felicia has matured and Louisa back in America I'm enjoying the family better. Love Scout and new family structure.

This story brings back the dynamic duo of Basil & Ginger as equal partners in very good mystery that pulls from Basil's past to the unfolding of a current crime. Look forward to more like this. Hint: Dump Louisa, please!

[Sue Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packs a Whollop! Well Done!

Besides reading a tantalizing murder mystery, I enjoyed the historical to current day back and forth.

It was similar to The Lady Gold Diary which I thoroughly enjoyed. In those Lady Gold is a spy but more real than the socialite she is in this Ginger Gold series.

I would only ask the author to stop writing in Ginger admiring herself in the mirror. It's annoying and conceited. The woman she plays in her Diaries is 180° from being shallow.

Great story. Read it!

[Debora Ley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basil and Ginger (and family!) are invited to a dinner, where a murder happens. Basil's current case relates to a previous case decades ago. While it unfolds, Ginger's family from the US comes to visit. A wonderful new installment of Ginger and Basil - and Baby Rosa! With flasbacks to the original case you'll keep turning the pages and won't be able to put it down. Like past books, it's very exciting and with unexpected twists. Can't wait to read what happens in the next book!

[Susan Stokell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Ginger Gold mystery. A dinner party at the Savoy hotel ends with a murder. Fortunately Ginger and Basil are on hand as dinner guests.
This case relates back to Basil's first case as a police officer. We learn more about Basils earlier life through flashbacks.
Throw in Gingers American family with Louise's questionable fiance.
Basil and Ginger solve the case in the nick of time
This is quickly paced and a fast read. Thoroughly enjoyable

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Ginger Gold mysteries. I did find this one a bit slow as we had to be caught up on the past history of Basil and the murder victim. The back and forth of the two different stories slowed the pace of the book. I still enjoyed the story and the characters are like family. I love reading about them. The mystery was good, but I figured out the murderer early. Still a very good read.

I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always an enjoyable romp in 1920's London. This time Ginger and her police Inspector husband are at a dinner at the Stylish savoy Hotel when their host dies suddenly. It is not long before Ginger and Basil are hot on the trail of a murderer. The case has links to Basil's early career and in in this story we learn much more about his early work.
This is a fun cosy reads series - always inventive and stylish.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, as all her others, but a bit frustrating.

A good story as always, but it was frustrating to have to jump back and forth between time periods with changing chapters. I prefer straightforward storytelling much more. Despite this, Ms. Strauss’s story, characters and plot held me captive until the end, as she does in all her books. I will continue to read the remaining books in this series.

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Strauss hits it out the park with the newest installment of the Ginger Gold Mysteries.
Even with a new baby, Ginger is still able to solve a murder at her husband's side. The mystery has a number of viable suspects, and the odd side tangent thrown in to keep the reader guessing.
It's a page turner of a book, complex and intriguing. I look forward to the next one!

[Barb McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Ginger Gold Read!

I enjoy the setting in 1920s English high society. It is a far cry from my relaxed American life ( which I’m thankful to have!) Ginger is once again a compliment to Basil with her sleuthing ability. The reader is left wondering what will Lee Strauss come up with next for the duo.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance and revenge

How could dining where the rich and famous congregate possibly go wrong? As Ginger's American family show up for a visit, so does an old acquaintance of Basil's. The mixture doesn't work. Someone winds up dead in an unusual way. It takes Ginger, Basil and Charles to track down all the clues. A smashing finale!

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to their best

Yes, Ginger and Basil are back to their best. And an open ended story to boot; so a promise of more to come. This case took Basil back to his first case as an Inspector which linked nicely with his latest case. But trying to solve this one almost cost him his life. Will he survive the next encounter?

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger and Basil are enjoying their new baby daughter, Rosa. Out of the blue Basil receives an invitation for dinner at the Savoy Hotel, from someone connected to his first case as a Detective Inspector. Unfortunately, at the dinner, their host dies. Autopsy confirms it is murder, so of course Basil and Ginger investigate.

[Mary Raglow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written mystery

This is the18th book in the series each one was interesting and had a plot that contained a few red herrings that lead the reader in the wrong direction also the romance between Ginger and Basil was jeoparized in a few of them altogether it is an interesting series.