What do you think?
Rate this book
Pinnacle Hotel Mystery #2
The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating
Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver, the second Pinnacle Hotel mystery finds another murder that strikes too close to home, and hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy knows she’s the only one who can save the hotel before it’s lights out.
New York, 1958. Even though Evelyn Murphy has made progress conquering her agoraphobia by leaving the Pinnacle, she still feels most comfortable in her father's hotel. With Malcolm Cooper, her new boyfriend and fellow employee at the hotel, Evelyn feels prepared for whatever happens next. In this case, it’s throwing a big fundraiser with the who’s who of New York City.
The night is a success, and Evelyn finally takes up Malcolm’s offer to finally visit his apartment in Yonkers. As the party ends, they sneak away to the garage to get Evelyn's car. But Evelyn's always been good at finding things, and she discovers the dead body of a guest, Judge Baker, in a car—with a needle in his arm.
Detective Hodgson and his new partner, Detective McJimsey, arrive on the scene, but before they can begin to question Evelyn, they are startled by another mysterious discovery: there’s a woman in the trunk of the car, and she screams as soon as she sees Evelyn’s face. Tangled up in the police investigation, Evelyn’s got another problem, too—her father insists she break off her relationship with Mac. The next day, her father is found attacked just like the judge, only this time the detectives find a dead woman nearby.
With Mac accused of the attacks and in police custody, Evelyn will have to find the killer on her own before she’s checked out of the hotel—this time, for good.
New York, 1958. Even though Evelyn Murphy has made progress conquering her agoraphobia by leaving the Pinnacle, she still feels most comfortable in her father's hotel. With Malcolm Cooper, her new boyfriend and fellow employee at the hotel, Evelyn feels prepared for whatever happens next. In this case, it’s throwing a big fundraiser with the who’s who of New York City.
The night is a success, and Evelyn finally takes up Malcolm’s offer to finally visit his apartment in Yonkers. As the party ends, they sneak away to the garage to get Evelyn's car. But Evelyn's always been good at finding things, and she discovers the dead body of a guest, Judge Baker, in a car—with a needle in his arm.
Detective Hodgson and his new partner, Detective McJimsey, arrive on the scene, but before they can begin to question Evelyn, they are startled by another mysterious discovery: there’s a woman in the trunk of the car, and she screams as soon as she sees Evelyn’s face. Tangled up in the police investigation, Evelyn’s got another problem, too—her father insists she break off her relationship with Mac. The next day, her father is found attacked just like the judge, only this time the detectives find a dead woman nearby.
With Mac accused of the attacks and in police custody, Evelyn will have to find the killer on her own before she’s checked out of the hotel—this time, for good.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
41 people are currently reading
4011 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Golden
6 books252 followersS.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she married a commercial fisherman. The two of them still live on the islands with their five kids (one boy, four girls — including identical twins!), two cats, and a corgi named Goku. Sarah graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Administration and has put it to good use approximately zero times. She’s worked as a bank teller, a pharmacy technician, and an executive assistant at her father’s church. Sarah is delighted to be doing none of those things now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
October 10, 2023
The second in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series and it was okay but not as good as the first.
The main character, Evelyn Murphy, is the daughter of the hotel owner and therefore is used to all the good things in life. This is also New York in 1958 and the lifestyle is all fun and luxury and ditzy young women. I rather enjoyed Evelyn's mixture of smarts and naivety in book one but in this story she is rather overplayed and occasionally becomes irritating.
However there is still a good mystery and the book is very readable. I was a little disappointed in the boyfriend but who knows what will happen next? I will just have to read the next book and find out.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The main character, Evelyn Murphy, is the daughter of the hotel owner and therefore is used to all the good things in life. This is also New York in 1958 and the lifestyle is all fun and luxury and ditzy young women. I rather enjoyed Evelyn's mixture of smarts and naivety in book one but in this story she is rather overplayed and occasionally becomes irritating.
However there is still a good mystery and the book is very readable. I was a little disappointed in the boyfriend but who knows what will happen next? I will just have to read the next book and find out.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 20, 2023
A good second instalment, but not as tight as the first.
I’m still enjoying this series and really like the somewhat spoiled, slightly air-headed lead. Her charm and intelligence help her solve cases and win people over, but her desire to have the perfect outfit when she does it makes me laugh and adds a nice silliness to the mystery. This still gives off Clueless vibes and I’m still really enjoying the 1950s Manhattan setting. Evelyn’s struggles with anxiety and agoraphobia are very realistic and add depth to her somewhat shallow character as do her troubled past and rocky relationship with her Daddy Warbucks-esque father.
The middle of this book did drag though and I’d love to see these books under 300 pages. The mystery here was much more complex than the first book and a very action packed murderer confrontation happened at the end that I enjoyed quite a bit. However the romance with Mac ended on sad note
One little annoyance in this book for me was the fashion; the author goes out of her way to describe outfits and styles from the era, but also makes up some brand names as well. The made up brand names annoyed me. I prefer consistency, use real brand names and real luxury items that existed to keep the authenticity of the time period and the character. It’s weird to have mostly real but then some made up, just use Hermès as the expensive purse, or Chanel, don’t make up some Archambeau brand.
Other than that small quibble and the slightly bloated mystery, this was a good read. Looking forward to the next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m still enjoying this series and really like the somewhat spoiled, slightly air-headed lead. Her charm and intelligence help her solve cases and win people over, but her desire to have the perfect outfit when she does it makes me laugh and adds a nice silliness to the mystery. This still gives off Clueless vibes and I’m still really enjoying the 1950s Manhattan setting. Evelyn’s struggles with anxiety and agoraphobia are very realistic and add depth to her somewhat shallow character as do her troubled past and rocky relationship with her Daddy Warbucks-esque father.
The middle of this book did drag though and I’d love to see these books under 300 pages. The mystery here was much more complex than the first book and a very action packed murderer confrontation happened at the end that I enjoyed quite a bit. However the romance with Mac ended on sad note
One little annoyance in this book for me was the fashion; the author goes out of her way to describe outfits and styles from the era, but also makes up some brand names as well. The made up brand names annoyed me. I prefer consistency, use real brand names and real luxury items that existed to keep the authenticity of the time period and the character. It’s weird to have mostly real but then some made up, just use Hermès as the expensive purse, or Chanel, don’t make up some Archambeau brand.
Other than that small quibble and the slightly bloated mystery, this was a good read. Looking forward to the next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 5, 2024
The Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series gives me all of the cozy vibes and makes me laugh every single time. S.K. Golden knows how to write an over-the-top character, and though I know she won't be everyone's cup of tea, I myself am a huge fan of Evelyn. In the second installment of the series, The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating, Evelyn very quickly finds a dead body, and thanks to a new detective, instantly becomes a suspect. Things basically go downhill from there as her father comes for a visit and is less than impressed with her new suitor, Malcolm. The end made me SO SAD, and Golden better remedy it in the next book or I am going to be one very upset fan. 😤
Amara Jasper who narrated the audiobook for the first book, came back to narrate The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating and it was weird because I actually thought it was a different person at first! Thankfully it was not, and I think Jasper is the bee's knees when it comes to being the voice of Evelyn. She puts her heart and soul into the narration, making it an even more fun experience than it already is. The whodunnit surprised me and I am very quickly becoming a huge fan of Detective Hodgson. I can't wait for more books to come out for this series, and I would recommend this if you love cozy mysteries and extravagant female narrators. You definitely need to read the series in order to get maximum enjoyment as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Amara Jasper who narrated the audiobook for the first book, came back to narrate The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating and it was weird because I actually thought it was a different person at first! Thankfully it was not, and I think Jasper is the bee's knees when it comes to being the voice of Evelyn. She puts her heart and soul into the narration, making it an even more fun experience than it already is. The whodunnit surprised me and I am very quickly becoming a huge fan of Detective Hodgson. I can't wait for more books to come out for this series, and I would recommend this if you love cozy mysteries and extravagant female narrators. You definitely need to read the series in order to get maximum enjoyment as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 29, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC. It hasn't affected the content of my review.
I don't know if it's because I did the audio for this second book and not the dead tree copy, or because it was free, or just because the author is getting better, but I actually liked it more than the first book. It seems this isn't going to be a cozy mystery series that never lets its heroine grow as a character or keeps her stagnant just to preserve the ViBeS. Evelyn grows a lot in this book, on several fronts, and the author also introduces some things that presumably will be longer term conflicts that can keep the series going without wringing the premise dry. Primarily, Evelyn's rocky relationship with her father, but also solving the death of her mother, and resolving whatever is going on with Mac.
She also gets a partner of sorts in this one, and I am very much in favor of this new dynamic. Grumpy veteran and cheery ingenue is a pairing that works well, and Golden uses it admirably.
The mystery was interesting and put together in an interesting way.
There is also now a dog (Presley) AND a cat (Monroe).
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and will definitely be continuing in the series, and definitely by audio.
"The ____'s Guide to _____ a/and ______" Accountability Rating: I have decided to start holding books accountable for frivolously using the extremely overused title construction this book also uses. This book gets an 3/10. It gets a little bit of a pass for wanting to uphold the continuity of the title from book one, but Death and Dating is just not a great kicker to the end of this title. So it's really just kind of a bummer of a title, and doesn't really reflect the content of the book.
Alternate Titles for This Book: I'll be honest I can't think of a good title for this one. Somebody else think of one and get back to me.
I don't know if it's because I did the audio for this second book and not the dead tree copy, or because it was free, or just because the author is getting better, but I actually liked it more than the first book. It seems this isn't going to be a cozy mystery series that never lets its heroine grow as a character or keeps her stagnant just to preserve the ViBeS. Evelyn grows a lot in this book, on several fronts, and the author also introduces some things that presumably will be longer term conflicts that can keep the series going without wringing the premise dry. Primarily, Evelyn's rocky relationship with her father, but also solving the death of her mother, and resolving whatever is going on with Mac.
She also gets a partner of sorts in this one, and I am very much in favor of this new dynamic. Grumpy veteran and cheery ingenue is a pairing that works well, and Golden uses it admirably.
The mystery was interesting and put together in an interesting way.
There is also now a dog (Presley) AND a cat (Monroe).
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this, and will definitely be continuing in the series, and definitely by audio.
"The ____'s Guide to _____ a/and ______" Accountability Rating: I have decided to start holding books accountable for frivolously using the extremely overused title construction this book also uses. This book gets an 3/10. It gets a little bit of a pass for wanting to uphold the continuity of the title from book one, but Death and Dating is just not a great kicker to the end of this title. So it's really just kind of a bummer of a title, and doesn't really reflect the content of the book.
Alternate Titles for This Book: I'll be honest I can't think of a good title for this one. Somebody else think of one and get back to me.
October 30, 2023
The Socialite’s Guide To Death And Dating is the second book in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series by American author, S K Golden. Evelyn Murphy, daughter of the owner of the Pinnacle Hotel in New York City, has already, some weeks earlier, solved one murder when she and her beau/assistant, Malcolm Cooper (Mac) come across a body in a car in the Pinnacle’s parking garage.
Judge Cliff Baker is found in the driver’s seat of his cherry red Cadillac Coup de Ville with a needle in his arm, but Evelyn notes no track marks on his skin. When the police turn up, they assume a heroin overdose, but Evelyn isn’t convinced: why would a man with a successful career and a young, pregnant wife take such a risk. Even more puzzling is the frightened, scantily-clad young woman locked in the trunk of his car.
Dealing with Detective Hodgson is difficult enough, but when his younger colleague, Detective McJimsey decides to arrest Evelyn for the murder, she calls in the big guns: the attorney general and the chief of police see that she is released pronto.
Mark Murphy is annoyed with his daughter’s recent activity, but is even more disturbed by the company she’s keeping. Mac is a former bellhop, way below her station, and he issues Evelyn an ultimatum: break it off with Mac or be disinherited, and therefore penniless. He makes his dislike for Mac plain, and it is reciprocated when Mac stands up to him about his treatment of his daughter. Evelyn diagnoses overtiredness and defers further discussion until the next day.
But less than twenty-four hours after Judge Baker is found, there are three corpses: a dead judge, a dead prostitute and a dead maid; and Mark Murphy is in the hospital recovering from an attempt on his life. Worse still, Mac has been arrested for the murders. Evelyn is determined to get him out on bail and find the real killer, but Daddy has her money tied up tight, even her mother’s inheritance.
As she questions the Pinnacle staff, the Judge’s widow and his family, and those who knew the dead women, the list of potential suspects grows alarmingly: the valets are disgruntled with Mark Murphy’s budget cuts and his anti-union stance; the widow’s stepson seems a bit too friendly with his very regnant step-mother; and the doctor is too conveniently on the spot.
At first appearance, Evelyn seems to be exactly what her father describes: a spoiled, stupid socialite, whom some will see as nosy and entitled. When she gives priority to shopping and getting her hair and nails done, she does seem ditzy and shallow. Her father criticises her generosity: “…tipping that boy a dollar. A dollar, Evelyn, for opening a door? A quarter, at most, will do.” The lift boy opened the elevator doors, and Daddy swept inside.
My mouth fell open, staring after him aghast. “But Daddy, I can’t carry loose change! I’ll jingle!”
And her fixation on a particular red lambskin Archambeau handbag seems frivolous, but perhaps her perspective gives her different insights.
Evelyn suffers from anxiety and agoraphobia, and is trying to overcome her fear of leaving the Pinnacle, where she has lived her whole life. Raised by a nanny since her mother was murdered when she was six, and with a father who parented her with his wallet, it’s no wonder she needs an analyst, although Dr Sanders ideas do seem quite advanced for 1958.
While this is the second book in this cozy mystery series, it easily stands alone; there’s plenty of humour and melodrama; there’s already a cute dog, Presley, and now a cat, Monroe; and the final pages promise an interesting third instalment when Laurence Hodgson and Evelyn try to track down Gwen Murphy’s killer. Amara Jasper’s narration of the audio version really enhances the reading experience. A very entertaining cozy.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
Judge Cliff Baker is found in the driver’s seat of his cherry red Cadillac Coup de Ville with a needle in his arm, but Evelyn notes no track marks on his skin. When the police turn up, they assume a heroin overdose, but Evelyn isn’t convinced: why would a man with a successful career and a young, pregnant wife take such a risk. Even more puzzling is the frightened, scantily-clad young woman locked in the trunk of his car.
Dealing with Detective Hodgson is difficult enough, but when his younger colleague, Detective McJimsey decides to arrest Evelyn for the murder, she calls in the big guns: the attorney general and the chief of police see that she is released pronto.
Mark Murphy is annoyed with his daughter’s recent activity, but is even more disturbed by the company she’s keeping. Mac is a former bellhop, way below her station, and he issues Evelyn an ultimatum: break it off with Mac or be disinherited, and therefore penniless. He makes his dislike for Mac plain, and it is reciprocated when Mac stands up to him about his treatment of his daughter. Evelyn diagnoses overtiredness and defers further discussion until the next day.
But less than twenty-four hours after Judge Baker is found, there are three corpses: a dead judge, a dead prostitute and a dead maid; and Mark Murphy is in the hospital recovering from an attempt on his life. Worse still, Mac has been arrested for the murders. Evelyn is determined to get him out on bail and find the real killer, but Daddy has her money tied up tight, even her mother’s inheritance.
As she questions the Pinnacle staff, the Judge’s widow and his family, and those who knew the dead women, the list of potential suspects grows alarmingly: the valets are disgruntled with Mark Murphy’s budget cuts and his anti-union stance; the widow’s stepson seems a bit too friendly with his very regnant step-mother; and the doctor is too conveniently on the spot.
At first appearance, Evelyn seems to be exactly what her father describes: a spoiled, stupid socialite, whom some will see as nosy and entitled. When she gives priority to shopping and getting her hair and nails done, she does seem ditzy and shallow. Her father criticises her generosity: “…tipping that boy a dollar. A dollar, Evelyn, for opening a door? A quarter, at most, will do.” The lift boy opened the elevator doors, and Daddy swept inside.
My mouth fell open, staring after him aghast. “But Daddy, I can’t carry loose change! I’ll jingle!”
And her fixation on a particular red lambskin Archambeau handbag seems frivolous, but perhaps her perspective gives her different insights.
Evelyn suffers from anxiety and agoraphobia, and is trying to overcome her fear of leaving the Pinnacle, where she has lived her whole life. Raised by a nanny since her mother was murdered when she was six, and with a father who parented her with his wallet, it’s no wonder she needs an analyst, although Dr Sanders ideas do seem quite advanced for 1958.
While this is the second book in this cozy mystery series, it easily stands alone; there’s plenty of humour and melodrama; there’s already a cute dog, Presley, and now a cat, Monroe; and the final pages promise an interesting third instalment when Laurence Hodgson and Evelyn try to track down Gwen Murphy’s killer. Amara Jasper’s narration of the audio version really enhances the reading experience. A very entertaining cozy.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
October 10, 2023
Appearances are deceptive. When a murder occurs too close to home, Evelyn can't help but get involved in the investigations. After all the consecutive attack had been on her father. But with her socialite status, dangling romance life and a murderer at loose, it's a hard call to put one first.
Now let us talk a bit about the feel of the story. The "ever so" phrase has been overused by the protagonist, and it may have been used to create a character trait, but it becomes "ever so annoying" after 10-20 repetitions.
The male narrator's voice is so suspicious right from the start that you can't help but keep your ears perked up every time he speaks - one of the reasons you will keep going through with all this.
Enjoyed the male characters more than the protagonist, who was at some moments too girly for me. For instance: do you really have to worry about going to a saloon to get your 💅 done when xxx is in jail? Nevertheless, it was entertainment at its best.
Thank you @netgalley @skgoldenwrites @dreamscape_media for the Audio ARC.
Genre: #cozymystery #murdermystery
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Now let us talk a bit about the feel of the story. The "ever so" phrase has been overused by the protagonist, and it may have been used to create a character trait, but it becomes "ever so annoying" after 10-20 repetitions.
The male narrator's voice is so suspicious right from the start that you can't help but keep your ears perked up every time he speaks - one of the reasons you will keep going through with all this.
Enjoyed the male characters more than the protagonist, who was at some moments too girly for me. For instance: do you really have to worry about going to a saloon to get your 💅 done when xxx is in jail? Nevertheless, it was entertainment at its best.
Thank you @netgalley @skgoldenwrites @dreamscape_media for the Audio ARC.
Genre: #cozymystery #murdermystery
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
April 4, 2023
It’s 1958 at the Pinnacle Hotel in Manhattan. Evelyn Grace Murphy, the owner’s daughter, is enjoying the fundraiser party she’s arranged for local politicians. Her assistant and boyfriend, Mac Cooper, suggests they duck out so he can show her his apartment. He’ll drive her Rolls Royce. But when they enter the parking garage, Evelyn spots a shadow a few cars down. It appears to be someone sitting inside another car. A closer inspection reveals it’s the dead body of Judge Baker, whom she’d just seen at the party. But even more puzzling is the woman locked in the car’s trunk. When the police detective targets her and Mac as prime suspects, Evelyn vows to solve the case. This historical mystery is a delight to read with the heroine’s endearing personality, the luxurious hotel setting, and the murders that keep piling up. Evelyn must connect the dots in order to catch a killer while dealing with her father’s disapproval and the detective who’s watching her every move. Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
2023
June 8, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books
July 28, 2023
Clueless meets Ms. Marble meets Hercule Poirot. Very well-thought-out mystery plot.
I rounded up to 4 stars, as Evelyn is still growing on me. Before I go into the review, I want to preface it by saying that yes, Evelyn is a character that you at times laugh with, roll your eyes at, root for and want to knock some common sense into.... HOWEVER, you also want to hug her and give her love. Back story - mother is murdered when she is 6 years old, raised by a Nanny with an absent father, who feels money fixes all the problems. Evelyn develops agoraphobia and with help, slowly starts to leave the hotel.
Evelyn is a great finder of lost things. This time, when trying to leave the hotel at night with Mac, go to Yonkers, they find the dead body of a high ranking judge with a syringe in his arm, with a woman locked in the trunk. Quickly Evelyn and then Mac become suspects. Evelyn is dragged down to the police department by a new detective working with Hodgeson, where she is told she is suspect, and quickly asks for a lawyer. Loved this part. Soon, the mayor and police chief show up and release her.
Daddy is also back, and delivering ultimatums. He wants Evelyn to break up with Mac, and to grow up - not be such an airhead - so that she can help in the business like her mother used to. He threatens to cut her off financially if she doesn't tow the line. Her father, very shortly after his arrival is attacked with a syringe in his room, and Florence, the maid, is found strangled in the closet.
This was a good mystery, and we learn more about Evelyn - we get to see her humanity, and pass her ingenue. She is an intelligent woman and not at all what she appears.
I rounded up to 4 stars, as Evelyn is still growing on me. Before I go into the review, I want to preface it by saying that yes, Evelyn is a character that you at times laugh with, roll your eyes at, root for and want to knock some common sense into.... HOWEVER, you also want to hug her and give her love. Back story - mother is murdered when she is 6 years old, raised by a Nanny with an absent father, who feels money fixes all the problems. Evelyn develops agoraphobia and with help, slowly starts to leave the hotel.
Evelyn is a great finder of lost things. This time, when trying to leave the hotel at night with Mac, go to Yonkers, they find the dead body of a high ranking judge with a syringe in his arm, with a woman locked in the trunk. Quickly Evelyn and then Mac become suspects. Evelyn is dragged down to the police department by a new detective working with Hodgeson, where she is told she is suspect, and quickly asks for a lawyer. Loved this part. Soon, the mayor and police chief show up and release her.
Daddy is also back, and delivering ultimatums. He wants Evelyn to break up with Mac, and to grow up - not be such an airhead - so that she can help in the business like her mother used to. He threatens to cut her off financially if she doesn't tow the line. Her father, very shortly after his arrival is attacked with a syringe in his room, and Florence, the maid, is found strangled in the closet.
This was a good mystery, and we learn more about Evelyn - we get to see her humanity, and pass her ingenue. She is an intelligent woman and not at all what she appears.
October 2, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions are all my own.
I tolerated the first book in this series. I moved on to the second one hoping for some growth. Things started out kind of shaky but in the end I found an Evie that I might start to love.
Evie is still a bit spoiled. She still believes that every problem can be fixed by throwing money at it. However, she is quick to recognize that her way of thinking is potentially erroneous and she always means well.
I look forward to seeing if the author continues with Evie's growth and hope for some more cozy reads in the future.
I tolerated the first book in this series. I moved on to the second one hoping for some growth. Things started out kind of shaky but in the end I found an Evie that I might start to love.
Evie is still a bit spoiled. She still believes that every problem can be fixed by throwing money at it. However, she is quick to recognize that her way of thinking is potentially erroneous and she always means well.
I look forward to seeing if the author continues with Evie's growth and hope for some more cozy reads in the future.
December 1, 2023
The Socialite's Guide to Death and Dating is book 2 in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery Series & after reading the first book a few months ago I was anticipating this one. Similar to the first book it was a fun, quick mystery though the stakes were slightly higher in this one.
There is something about this series that I find fun. Once again, we're reminded to never underestimate Evelyn, who seems to be ditsy but isn't- who has a kind heart, loyalty and determination. She certainly has been through some tough stuff in her past & we get to learn a little more about her which I loved. Plus bonus points since she mentions her faith (this is not a christian book, but I did just like seeing that represented at some points). I can't wait to see where all we've been learning takes her in further books. We follow along as Evelyn takes the reigns and investigate (and as she works through the "little bit" of agoraphobia she has, which I love seeing represented).
I do like that we get to see more interaction with Evelyn & her Father that I'm sure will continue to be explored in further books because there is a lot there to unpack, the new romance she has going & all that comes with that and the ending. The ending of this one definitely had me more curious about what the next one will entail compared to how book one ended. Everything is wrapped up in terms of mystery- so don't worry, no ambiguity in that particular arena if you're like me and can't stand that type of thing, haha.
Being back at the Pinnacle was a good time and the perfect way to spend my weekend when I listened to it. As a fellow NY-er I appreciate/enjoy reading about stories that take place in NY in a diff time frame than the present (it takes place around 1958) and whether its one I was around for or not I find it somehow interesting and nostalgic in a sense when done properly.
I listened to this one on audio and it was such a good way to experience this story- the narrator bought the characters to life and it made it even more enjoyable. If you're an audio lover, or looking to get into it- this one is a good one (I believe the narrator also does book one as well so if you want to get into the series, it still works!).
I'm looking forward to seeing what S.K. Golden comes up with next for these characters.
*Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced listening copy. All opinions are honest & my own.
There is something about this series that I find fun. Once again, we're reminded to never underestimate Evelyn, who seems to be ditsy but isn't- who has a kind heart, loyalty and determination. She certainly has been through some tough stuff in her past & we get to learn a little more about her which I loved. Plus bonus points since she mentions her faith (this is not a christian book, but I did just like seeing that represented at some points). I can't wait to see where all we've been learning takes her in further books. We follow along as Evelyn takes the reigns and investigate (and as she works through the "little bit" of agoraphobia she has, which I love seeing represented).
I do like that we get to see more interaction with Evelyn & her Father that I'm sure will continue to be explored in further books because there is a lot there to unpack, the new romance she has going & all that comes with that and the ending. The ending of this one definitely had me more curious about what the next one will entail compared to how book one ended. Everything is wrapped up in terms of mystery- so don't worry, no ambiguity in that particular arena if you're like me and can't stand that type of thing, haha.
Being back at the Pinnacle was a good time and the perfect way to spend my weekend when I listened to it. As a fellow NY-er I appreciate/enjoy reading about stories that take place in NY in a diff time frame than the present (it takes place around 1958) and whether its one I was around for or not I find it somehow interesting and nostalgic in a sense when done properly.
I listened to this one on audio and it was such a good way to experience this story- the narrator bought the characters to life and it made it even more enjoyable. If you're an audio lover, or looking to get into it- this one is a good one (I believe the narrator also does book one as well so if you want to get into the series, it still works!).
I'm looking forward to seeing what S.K. Golden comes up with next for these characters.
*Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced listening copy. All opinions are honest & my own.
January 8, 2025
“Did I think my opinions mattered? Yes, I did. I thought they mattered a lot because they were mine.”
3.5 rounded to 4. The second installment of the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery was a good one, though not nearly as clean as the first. There were odd editing issues I noticed that felt sloppy and noticeable (and I am not one to nitpick these things, honestly) but when describing Florence’s cat as “back and orange” instead of “black and orange”, strange turns of phrase, and most oddly, the author blurb on the cover from Rhys Bowen stating Eloise is a great detective (the main character is named Evelyn, there is no Eloise), I feel the editors and publishers really did a disservice to the author here. All that being said, the story is a good one, Evelyn is as charming as ever, the introduction of the kitty is a nice touch, and I loved the additional character development of Detective Hodgson and Poppy. I am not a Mac fan so seeing less of him in this story suited me just fine. I’m excited to see where the author goes with this story next!
3.5 rounded to 4. The second installment of the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery was a good one, though not nearly as clean as the first. There were odd editing issues I noticed that felt sloppy and noticeable (and I am not one to nitpick these things, honestly) but when describing Florence’s cat as “back and orange” instead of “black and orange”, strange turns of phrase, and most oddly, the author blurb on the cover from Rhys Bowen stating Eloise is a great detective (the main character is named Evelyn, there is no Eloise), I feel the editors and publishers really did a disservice to the author here. All that being said, the story is a good one, Evelyn is as charming as ever, the introduction of the kitty is a nice touch, and I loved the additional character development of Detective Hodgson and Poppy. I am not a Mac fan so seeing less of him in this story suited me just fine. I’m excited to see where the author goes with this story next!
July 23, 2025
Poor Mac! Everytime I turn around he is getting the blame for something...lol
June 2, 2025
This is the 2nd book in a series, and it was even better than the 1st. It is not only a great mystery but also explores trauma, relationship issues, and overcoming obstacles. Though this series is set in the late 1950's, the exploration of these topics shows that these issues transcend time and are still relevant today. While several items at the end were a surprise, I am excited to read the next installment in the hope of some resolution. I am anxious to see the ongoing character development interwoven alongside the main mystery.
October 2, 2023
Thanks to Dreamscape & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Evidently this is the second outing for sleuth Evie Murphy. Not sure how the first book was, but there seems to be some culture clash in this title. Evie is without doubt the most progressive rich white girl in all of 1958 NYC. I'm OK with that, but a) it's not particularly believable and b) it doesn't put much of a dent in her lifestyle in which she buys whatever she wants, whenever she wants (including friendship, people's time, etc.). She's kind of annoying, and that's what dragged this book down for me. I felt a little bit bad for her, since her father is pretty much a business automaton (also kind of a creep, like most rich white dudes of yore), and I'm sure the next book will be Evelyn solving her mother's mysterious unsolved murder, since the ending of this one intimated that heavily. Meh.
The voice actor skewed a bit too old for a young adult spitfire amateur sleuth with piles of cash, but she was great with male voices. I'd love to hear her do something more age-appropriate.
I finished this book, but it wasn't great and I doubt I'd pick up another by this author. 2 stars
Evidently this is the second outing for sleuth Evie Murphy. Not sure how the first book was, but there seems to be some culture clash in this title. Evie is without doubt the most progressive rich white girl in all of 1958 NYC. I'm OK with that, but a) it's not particularly believable and b) it doesn't put much of a dent in her lifestyle in which she buys whatever she wants, whenever she wants (including friendship, people's time, etc.). She's kind of annoying, and that's what dragged this book down for me. I felt a little bit bad for her, since her father is pretty much a business automaton (also kind of a creep, like most rich white dudes of yore), and I'm sure the next book will be Evelyn solving her mother's mysterious unsolved murder, since the ending of this one intimated that heavily. Meh.
The voice actor skewed a bit too old for a young adult spitfire amateur sleuth with piles of cash, but she was great with male voices. I'd love to hear her do something more age-appropriate.
I finished this book, but it wasn't great and I doubt I'd pick up another by this author. 2 stars
August 14, 2024
I wish I liked this series more, but Evelyn Murphy, a 21 year old daughter of an absent very, very wealthy businessman and a mother murdered when Evelyn was 6 (who Evelyn discovered in an alleyway and is still traumatized), is a pretty self-obsessed ditz. Here she's trying to solve several murders and a murder attempt on Dear Old Dad when he shows up.
Author Golden tries to make this a genuine mid-1950s period piece and emphasizes Evelyn's social status and adherence to upper-crust manners and norms, but she made a mammoth couturial gaffe in having Evelyn put on white shoes in September. Well, mammoth to those of us who know that one does not wear white shoes (save for brides) after Labor Day, and Evelyn would have been a stickler for adhering to this rule.
Rather high body count, some plotline teasers not resolved (is the Pinnacle Hotel in financial strife? Suggested repeatedly but left unaddressed by the end), but a lot of emphasis on Evelyn's increasing agoraphobia and anxiety/panic attacks. Overall, uneven.
Author Golden tries to make this a genuine mid-1950s period piece and emphasizes Evelyn's social status and adherence to upper-crust manners and norms, but she made a mammoth couturial gaffe in having Evelyn put on white shoes in September. Well, mammoth to those of us who know that one does not wear white shoes (save for brides) after Labor Day, and Evelyn would have been a stickler for adhering to this rule.
Rather high body count, some plotline teasers not resolved (is the Pinnacle Hotel in financial strife? Suggested repeatedly but left unaddressed by the end), but a lot of emphasis on Evelyn's increasing agoraphobia and anxiety/panic attacks. Overall, uneven.
November 15, 2023
This has some significantly frustrating elements to it, but overall it’s a cute and entertaining read.
I liked the heroine of this book, which goes a long way toward covering up other flaws. The mystery itself is fine, and I thought the pacing was excellent.
On the downside, there are some anachronisms in this that seemed entirely avoidable, and the “I’m semi-agoraphobic” thing is absolutely ridiculous and misleading. Why not just say she has anxiety and that being in unfamiliar locations makes it worse? It’s legitimate but a long way from agoraphobia. The religious stuff is grating too, and feels out of place in a book like this and is likely agenda pushing by the author. Ick.
Still, I enjoyed the humor and the pluck of our heroine,and while I wasn’t crazy about the ending to her personal plot line, her relationship to other characters is interesting enough that I might read another.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I liked the heroine of this book, which goes a long way toward covering up other flaws. The mystery itself is fine, and I thought the pacing was excellent.
On the downside, there are some anachronisms in this that seemed entirely avoidable, and the “I’m semi-agoraphobic” thing is absolutely ridiculous and misleading. Why not just say she has anxiety and that being in unfamiliar locations makes it worse? It’s legitimate but a long way from agoraphobia. The religious stuff is grating too, and feels out of place in a book like this and is likely agenda pushing by the author. Ick.
Still, I enjoyed the humor and the pluck of our heroine,and while I wasn’t crazy about the ending to her personal plot line, her relationship to other characters is interesting enough that I might read another.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 4, 2023
Evelyn Murphy is just the cutest ! A poor little rich girl with a severe case of acrophobia she conducts her days within the Pinnacle hotel where she resides- both charming and annoying the staff with her requests. It's 1958 and when her beloved but very much distant father visits Evelyn has an opportunity to show off her sleuthing skills. Armed with her beloved tiny dog and her boyfriend/assistant, Evelyn is sure she can solve the murder in the hotel and save her father's name.
No need to read the first book to follow this charming story, but you will surely be missing out if you don't. She is truly a delight and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
#Crooked LaneBooks #TheSocialitesGuideToDeathAndDating #SKGolden
No need to read the first book to follow this charming story, but you will surely be missing out if you don't. She is truly a delight and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
#Crooked LaneBooks #TheSocialitesGuideToDeathAndDating #SKGolden
Read
January 31, 2025Evelyn is the perfect example of good in theory, poor execution. She is fashioned as a “rich heiress who’s actually smart and uses people’s preconceived beliefs of her stupidity and vapidness against them”. The problem is that she can be just really stupid which sucks because she could be iconic.
The portrayal of anxiety/agoraphobia is good.
I picked up this book because I got an ARC of the third but I’m not sure I can be bothered right now.
The portrayal of anxiety/agoraphobia is good.
I picked up this book because I got an ARC of the third but I’m not sure I can be bothered right now.
September 21, 2023
Second installment in this series and wondering where it’ll go next.
We revisit Evelyn Murphy at her family’s hotel, the Pinnacle, as she sets off to take over more in her life, works a new position helping in the hotel, and starts to really overcome her agoraphobia. But it wouldn’t be a regular event if there wasn’t a body…
The story follows Evelyn and her friends and colleagues as they try to get to the bottom of the murder.
This was a cute, fast-paced story that was easy to follow. I had the audiobook version, which brought a different tone to the book than had I just read myself. The narrator brought them to life with accents and colloquialisms of days past from the book.
The ending wrapped up quite quickly. Wishing to have gotten the chance to get more in the heads of certain characters to help explain further motives, emotions, etc. as I had some questions once I finished listening. I will say that I do want to know what comes next for Evelyn and the last quick chapter sets up the premise for the next book quite clearly.
Thank you to the author, S. K. Golden, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audiobook arc of The Socialite’s Guide to Death & Dating in exchange for my review!
We revisit Evelyn Murphy at her family’s hotel, the Pinnacle, as she sets off to take over more in her life, works a new position helping in the hotel, and starts to really overcome her agoraphobia. But it wouldn’t be a regular event if there wasn’t a body…
The story follows Evelyn and her friends and colleagues as they try to get to the bottom of the murder.
This was a cute, fast-paced story that was easy to follow. I had the audiobook version, which brought a different tone to the book than had I just read myself. The narrator brought them to life with accents and colloquialisms of days past from the book.
The ending wrapped up quite quickly. Wishing to have gotten the chance to get more in the heads of certain characters to help explain further motives, emotions, etc. as I had some questions once I finished listening. I will say that I do want to know what comes next for Evelyn and the last quick chapter sets up the premise for the next book quite clearly.
Thank you to the author, S. K. Golden, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audiobook arc of The Socialite’s Guide to Death & Dating in exchange for my review!
October 9, 2023
The Socialite’s Guide to Death & Dating by SK Golden
Release Date: 10/10/23
Format: audio
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
What a great second installment in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series! This series is so fun and I am so grateful for the advanced listening copy from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley!
I have grown to love Evelyn Murphy and her silly and headstrong ways so much. She is flawed and spoiled but also has such a good heart and is always determined once she sets her mind to solving a murder! I actually laughed out loud multiple times listening to this audiobook and was on the edge of my seat genuinely wondering who was committing the crimes!
I really loved where Golden went with this book and the continued depth she gives to our heiress main character. It would be so easy to just make her vapid and shallow but I found myself rooting for her so much as she fights her “teeny tiny bit of” agoraphobia and her fraught relationship with her father.
Narrator Amara Jasper does such an amazing job at capturing the vibe and era of these novels and especially the airiness of Evie! I highly recommend listening to this book to get the full immersive experience.
And that ending?! I cannot wait for book three in this charming series!
Release Date: 10/10/23
Format: audio
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
What a great second installment in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series! This series is so fun and I am so grateful for the advanced listening copy from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley!
I have grown to love Evelyn Murphy and her silly and headstrong ways so much. She is flawed and spoiled but also has such a good heart and is always determined once she sets her mind to solving a murder! I actually laughed out loud multiple times listening to this audiobook and was on the edge of my seat genuinely wondering who was committing the crimes!
I really loved where Golden went with this book and the continued depth she gives to our heiress main character. It would be so easy to just make her vapid and shallow but I found myself rooting for her so much as she fights her “teeny tiny bit of” agoraphobia and her fraught relationship with her father.
Narrator Amara Jasper does such an amazing job at capturing the vibe and era of these novels and especially the airiness of Evie! I highly recommend listening to this book to get the full immersive experience.
And that ending?! I cannot wait for book three in this charming series!
June 12, 2023
When the first book came up, A socialite's guide to murder came up, didn't know what to expect, but, I ended up loving Evelyn and her legally blonde Elle woods kind of charmed.
So when I knew that crooked lane books were offering the second Pinnacle mystery, I was first on the line to get and arc.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity to read the advance copy.
I love the many murders in the building stuff and I'm was up to checking my suspects alongside this gorgeous woman.
Her character is more complex than she admits to herself, always diminishing her affections. We got to see another Evelyn.
Hell we get to see another side of almost all the characters and the end got me some mixed feelings. Sad. Happiness and More mystery!
I really hope it has a third installment to get some closure.
The mystery was on point but I guess the baddie. But in the half part got me guessing witch is good.
Solid cozy entertainment.
So when I knew that crooked lane books were offering the second Pinnacle mystery, I was first on the line to get and arc.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity to read the advance copy.
I love the many murders in the building stuff and I'm was up to checking my suspects alongside this gorgeous woman.
Her character is more complex than she admits to herself, always diminishing her affections. We got to see another Evelyn.
Hell we get to see another side of almost all the characters and the end got me some mixed feelings. Sad. Happiness and More mystery!
I really hope it has a third installment to get some closure.
The mystery was on point but I guess the baddie. But in the half part got me guessing witch is good.
Solid cozy entertainment.
October 23, 2023
The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating by S.K. Goldin narrated by Amara Jasper
❓Could you live in a hotel❓
This is the second book in the Pinnacle Hotel series, set in the late 50’s, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Poor little rich girl(woman) Evie Murphy lives in the Pinnacle Hotel. In fact, until very recently, she hadn’t set foot outside the hotel since finding her mother’s murdered body when she was a child. Her relationship with her father is loving, but not close- he travels all over and is seldom home.
Since Evie’s dad owns the hotel, she has had the run of the place all her life. Although filthy rich, Evie is a kind and generous person. She is also oblivious and naive. She sees the best in everyone though and has recently fallen madly in love with Mac, who used to be a bellhop and is now Evie’s assistant. When Evie’s father finds out about the relationship she is furious, threatening to cut her off. Mac and her father get into a loud argument, making Mac the lead suspect when Mr Murphy is found barely alive by one the staff.
This is a cozy mystery series that does go into a few serious issues like PTSD and Agoraphobia, but not with any real depth.
I’m enjoying getting to know these characters and look forward to the next book!
Thanks to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the audio for this book!
All opinions are my own.
❓Could you live in a hotel❓
This is the second book in the Pinnacle Hotel series, set in the late 50’s, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Poor little rich girl(woman) Evie Murphy lives in the Pinnacle Hotel. In fact, until very recently, she hadn’t set foot outside the hotel since finding her mother’s murdered body when she was a child. Her relationship with her father is loving, but not close- he travels all over and is seldom home.
Since Evie’s dad owns the hotel, she has had the run of the place all her life. Although filthy rich, Evie is a kind and generous person. She is also oblivious and naive. She sees the best in everyone though and has recently fallen madly in love with Mac, who used to be a bellhop and is now Evie’s assistant. When Evie’s father finds out about the relationship she is furious, threatening to cut her off. Mac and her father get into a loud argument, making Mac the lead suspect when Mr Murphy is found barely alive by one the staff.
This is a cozy mystery series that does go into a few serious issues like PTSD and Agoraphobia, but not with any real depth.
I’m enjoying getting to know these characters and look forward to the next book!
Thanks to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the audio for this book!
All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2023
Another 4.5 stars for the 2nd book in this fun series. Once again, I feel like the mystery in this book comes secondary to Evelyn herself. She is definitely the star of the story. This is the kind of story you want to read to lighten things up after reading any dark, depressing books. Lol. Wonderfully narrated. I hope there will be more books in this series soon!
September 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for access to this audiobook
While a light read in many ways it did touch on some of the social issues of the 1950s. Evelyn however was over the top and I'm not sure of the value in this to the story line, it came across as silly not quirky. There were some surprising twists which based on Evelyn I was not expecting and kept me wanting to know who until the end
While a light read in many ways it did touch on some of the social issues of the 1950s. Evelyn however was over the top and I'm not sure of the value in this to the story line, it came across as silly not quirky. There were some surprising twists which based on Evelyn I was not expecting and kept me wanting to know who until the end
October 16, 2023
The Socialite's Guide to Death and Dating is the second book in the historical Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series by S.K. Golden. I have book one (The Socialite’s Guide to Murder), but it got lost in my towering TBR pile. I'm happy to say the mystery in this one stood alone, and I enjoyed it greatly; I will definitely be reading the preceding and subsequent volumes!
In 1958 New York, hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy (who suffers from agoraphobia), is learning to venture out from the Pinnacle, though she's more comfortable staying inside her father's hotel. Spending time with Malcolm (Mac) Cooper, her new boyfriend and fellow employee, gives her more confidence out in the world, this time throwing a big fundraiser at the Pinnacle. As the successful party is ending, Evelyn takes up Mac's invitation to visit his apartment in Yonkers. As they sneak in the garage to get her car, Evelyn discovers the body of Judge Baker, one of the revelers, dead in his car with a needle sticking out of his arm. Police Detective Hodgson and his new partner, Detective McJimsey, arrive on the scene to interview the witness, but before they can begin they're shocked by a new twist: a woman is found in the trunk of the car, and she screams when she sees Evelyn. As if that wasn't enough on her plate, her father demands that she end her relationship with Mac. The next morning, her father is discovered near death, also with a needle in his arm, and a dead maid is found close by. Mac is soon arrested for the attacks and jailed...can a recovering agoraphobic socialite possibly find the real killer? Well, Evelyn IS good at finding things!
I love historical mysteries, but I admit the main reason I wanted to read this book was because Yonkers was mentioned. My Dad's from Yonkers! (I miss you, Daddy.) I was having fun reading from the start, but horrible current events erupted, keeping me away from the story and instead glued to the news. However, a person can only watch so much death and destruction, and I managed to pull away to stop from going crazy and jumped back into my book. At first I found Evelyn to be rather ditsy and annoying, but I soon grew to love her! She had much more depth than I first thought. Besides being agoraphobic, Evelyn lost her mother to murder when she was a small child, and then her Nanny died. Her rich father barely spent time with her; he basically threw money at her...not exactly loving father material. Evelyn was actually quite smart, solving a murder in the first book. She was becoming more comfortable venturing out and dealing with anxiety attacks, and she was deeply in love with Mac and had a best friend in Poppy, who was a maid in the hotel and Mac's sister. And of course she had Presley, her Pomeranian-mix dog who was her security blanket; she went almost everywhere with Presley tucked into her purse. There were some exceptional supporting characters (besides Presley!): Mac was a sweetheart, Mr. Murphy was a seemingly uncaring father, and Poppy was a very supportive friend. My favorite supporting character, however, was Hodgson, the Black police detective. When he was fired from the police force, Evelyn hired him to help prove Mac's innocence. He got SO frustrated with Evelyn, and their interactions made me laugh. He was also a good man, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve. The mystery was excellent; I kept guessing the identity of the killer throughout the entire book, as there were many possible suspects, yet I never imagined who would end up being the culprit! I loved being surprised. There was something at the end of the book that upset me and made me cry, but I won't spoil that for others. I'll just wait for the next book and see how everything turns out!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In 1958 New York, hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy (who suffers from agoraphobia), is learning to venture out from the Pinnacle, though she's more comfortable staying inside her father's hotel. Spending time with Malcolm (Mac) Cooper, her new boyfriend and fellow employee, gives her more confidence out in the world, this time throwing a big fundraiser at the Pinnacle. As the successful party is ending, Evelyn takes up Mac's invitation to visit his apartment in Yonkers. As they sneak in the garage to get her car, Evelyn discovers the body of Judge Baker, one of the revelers, dead in his car with a needle sticking out of his arm. Police Detective Hodgson and his new partner, Detective McJimsey, arrive on the scene to interview the witness, but before they can begin they're shocked by a new twist: a woman is found in the trunk of the car, and she screams when she sees Evelyn. As if that wasn't enough on her plate, her father demands that she end her relationship with Mac. The next morning, her father is discovered near death, also with a needle in his arm, and a dead maid is found close by. Mac is soon arrested for the attacks and jailed...can a recovering agoraphobic socialite possibly find the real killer? Well, Evelyn IS good at finding things!
I love historical mysteries, but I admit the main reason I wanted to read this book was because Yonkers was mentioned. My Dad's from Yonkers! (I miss you, Daddy.) I was having fun reading from the start, but horrible current events erupted, keeping me away from the story and instead glued to the news. However, a person can only watch so much death and destruction, and I managed to pull away to stop from going crazy and jumped back into my book. At first I found Evelyn to be rather ditsy and annoying, but I soon grew to love her! She had much more depth than I first thought. Besides being agoraphobic, Evelyn lost her mother to murder when she was a small child, and then her Nanny died. Her rich father barely spent time with her; he basically threw money at her...not exactly loving father material. Evelyn was actually quite smart, solving a murder in the first book. She was becoming more comfortable venturing out and dealing with anxiety attacks, and she was deeply in love with Mac and had a best friend in Poppy, who was a maid in the hotel and Mac's sister. And of course she had Presley, her Pomeranian-mix dog who was her security blanket; she went almost everywhere with Presley tucked into her purse. There were some exceptional supporting characters (besides Presley!): Mac was a sweetheart, Mr. Murphy was a seemingly uncaring father, and Poppy was a very supportive friend. My favorite supporting character, however, was Hodgson, the Black police detective. When he was fired from the police force, Evelyn hired him to help prove Mac's innocence. He got SO frustrated with Evelyn, and their interactions made me laugh. He was also a good man, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve. The mystery was excellent; I kept guessing the identity of the killer throughout the entire book, as there were many possible suspects, yet I never imagined who would end up being the culprit! I loved being surprised. There was something at the end of the book that upset me and made me cry, but I won't spoil that for others. I'll just wait for the next book and see how everything turns out!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
March 25, 2023
Second in the series, this book is every bit as wonderful and fun as the first. Evelyn, the daughter of an extremely wealthy and influential man, lives in the hotel they own, The Pinnacle. Slightly agoraphobic, definitely quirky, and fashion forward, she’s smart but pretends to be dumb, and above all loves to solve problems, aka murders. . Which is good because in this book there are four bodies, as well as an attack on her father who survives. Never boring because of Evelyn, this is a fun series, and I hope there are many more to come.
However, I am pleading with author and publisher to have Evelyn stop calling her boyfriend, Lover instead of his name. It’s cringeworthy, and I had to cringe a great deal because in the first third of the book alone she uses Lover more than 15 times. Definitely used almost every time she talks to him, I wanted to put the book down because it’s too annoying and took away some of my enjoyment. Definitely knocked it down from a 5 to a 4.
However, I am pleading with author and publisher to have Evelyn stop calling her boyfriend, Lover instead of his name. It’s cringeworthy, and I had to cringe a great deal because in the first third of the book alone she uses Lover more than 15 times. Definitely used almost every time she talks to him, I wanted to put the book down because it’s too annoying and took away some of my enjoyment. Definitely knocked it down from a 5 to a 4.
October 21, 2023
The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating was a fun second novel in the Pinnacle series. Full of twists and charm, this is a fun cozy mystery!
September 15, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
Evelyn Murphy is now the Pinnacle’s acting party planner and her boyfriend Mac has been promoted from valet to her assistant. Unfortunately, Evelyn has the bad luck to stumble upon another body and when Mac is framed she sets off to prove his innocence. I love the vulnerability of Evelyn, which she hides so bravely behind her bleach blonde hair and designer outfits. Rich characters are not always palatable, but despite being able to buy anything she wants, as a reader I find her deeply sympathetic because of her mental health struggles and lack of family.
“I’ve done a lot of not very smart things in my life, mostly in attempts to find things. To find the truth or the meaning of life or what have you. I haven’t found that yet. I’ll keep doing stupid things until I do.”
Evelyn Murphy is now the Pinnacle’s acting party planner and her boyfriend Mac has been promoted from valet to her assistant. Unfortunately, Evelyn has the bad luck to stumble upon another body and when Mac is framed she sets off to prove his innocence. I love the vulnerability of Evelyn, which she hides so bravely behind her bleach blonde hair and designer outfits. Rich characters are not always palatable, but despite being able to buy anything she wants, as a reader I find her deeply sympathetic because of her mental health struggles and lack of family.
“I’ve done a lot of not very smart things in my life, mostly in attempts to find things. To find the truth or the meaning of life or what have you. I haven’t found that yet. I’ll keep doing stupid things until I do.”
September 23, 2023
This charming series follows Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy in 1958 New York City. Her father owns the swanky Pinnacle Hotel, where Evelyn lives, and her father makes only occasional appearances in her life. As the book opens, she and her boyfriend, Mac, are at a party she’s planned at the hotel. It’s full of wealthy, prominent people, but as it’s wrapping up, Mac suggests they make a break for it and head to his place in Yonkers. Evelyn, who is agoraphobic (but she’s working on it) reluctantly agrees to this plan. Unfortunately, on their way out of the hotel garage, they find one of the guests, a Judge Baker, dead in his car of an apparent heroin overdose.
A screaming prostitute is discovered in the trunk of the Judge’s car, and all hell breaks loose. Evelyn, who takes crime in her hotel very personally, already wants to solve the case and Mac agrees to help out. When Evelyn’s father arrives unexpectedly, she and Mac have an uneasy meeting with him as he objects to their relationship. The next morning, Evelyn finds him having a seizure in his bedroom – the victim of another heroin overdose. What’s worse, Evelyn’s maid, Florence, is found dead in the closet.
With the help of Mac and her therapist, Evelyn is managing to hold it together, but the urgency of solving the crime after her father’s attack seems far more important. While her father is recovering in the hospital, she sends Mac out to hunt for clues, but he’s unfortunately arrested and Evelyn’s ally in the police department, Hodgson, is fired.
This plot set up makes the whole novel sound quite grim, but it’s really far from it. Evelyn is a young woman – only 21 – and while she does have agoraphobia, she manages, in this book, to take a taxi, get to the hospital, and taken to the police station for questioning – all without fainting or falling apart. While Evelyn is a somewhat frothy confection, interested in fashion, idolizing Marilyn Monroe, and throwing her father’s money around, she’s also a genuinely kind person who cares for her friends and employees, loves Mac, and worships her little dog, Presley (named for you know who).
The detective work is snappy and intelligent, with all kinds of false leads and hard work on the part of Evelyn and the fired detective Hodgson, who is now on Evelyn’s payroll. There’s some sly humor as well, but the real masterpiece of the books is Evelyn herself. At 21, she’s realizing she’s not the center of the universe, and she’s trying to take a deeper interest in those around her (other than just asking them to do things for her). She’s ashamed of how little she knew Florence, who worked for her for years.
She also has some genuine trauma that she’s still not quite dealt with. Her mother was murdered and the crime has never been solved. Evelyn was six at the time, and her father flew in, hired a nanny, and left. Evelyn also suffered the loss of her nanny. These things inform her personality and in my opinion, she’s a little too hard on herself. The clever Golden leaves the reader with a surprise turn of events at the end of the book, as well as a good cliffhanger for the next installment. This a charmingly odd series with a truly interesting heroine.
.
A screaming prostitute is discovered in the trunk of the Judge’s car, and all hell breaks loose. Evelyn, who takes crime in her hotel very personally, already wants to solve the case and Mac agrees to help out. When Evelyn’s father arrives unexpectedly, she and Mac have an uneasy meeting with him as he objects to their relationship. The next morning, Evelyn finds him having a seizure in his bedroom – the victim of another heroin overdose. What’s worse, Evelyn’s maid, Florence, is found dead in the closet.
With the help of Mac and her therapist, Evelyn is managing to hold it together, but the urgency of solving the crime after her father’s attack seems far more important. While her father is recovering in the hospital, she sends Mac out to hunt for clues, but he’s unfortunately arrested and Evelyn’s ally in the police department, Hodgson, is fired.
This plot set up makes the whole novel sound quite grim, but it’s really far from it. Evelyn is a young woman – only 21 – and while she does have agoraphobia, she manages, in this book, to take a taxi, get to the hospital, and taken to the police station for questioning – all without fainting or falling apart. While Evelyn is a somewhat frothy confection, interested in fashion, idolizing Marilyn Monroe, and throwing her father’s money around, she’s also a genuinely kind person who cares for her friends and employees, loves Mac, and worships her little dog, Presley (named for you know who).
The detective work is snappy and intelligent, with all kinds of false leads and hard work on the part of Evelyn and the fired detective Hodgson, who is now on Evelyn’s payroll. There’s some sly humor as well, but the real masterpiece of the books is Evelyn herself. At 21, she’s realizing she’s not the center of the universe, and she’s trying to take a deeper interest in those around her (other than just asking them to do things for her). She’s ashamed of how little she knew Florence, who worked for her for years.
She also has some genuine trauma that she’s still not quite dealt with. Her mother was murdered and the crime has never been solved. Evelyn was six at the time, and her father flew in, hired a nanny, and left. Evelyn also suffered the loss of her nanny. These things inform her personality and in my opinion, she’s a little too hard on herself. The clever Golden leaves the reader with a surprise turn of events at the end of the book, as well as a good cliffhanger for the next installment. This a charmingly odd series with a truly interesting heroine.
.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews