Murder at Archly Manor

Set in 1923 England, this sprightly series launch from Rosett (the Ellie Avery series), introduces plucky Olive Belgrave, who leaves her father's home in the village of Nether Woodsmoor for London when it becomes clear that her young stepmother resents her presence and would like nothing more than to marry her off to the sweaty local curate. However, "a young woman with a classical education and extensive training in how to be a lady" is not a good candidate for employment, and she struggles to find work. When Olive's aunt Caroline asks her to look into the background of her cousin Violet's fiancé, Alfred Eton, explaining that she doesn't want to deal with "someone not of our class," Olive jumps at the chance to earn rent money. At a glamorous house party, where Olive hopes to learn more about Alfred's past, she witnesses his murder. To save Violet's reputation, she steps in to find the killer. The play-fair plot provides plenty of surprises for Olive, who proves herself to be a keen hands-on detective. The period details--clothes, language, attitudes--are spot-on. This is a fast, clever, and thoroughly delightful light historical. (BookLife)

A newly minted amateur sleuth is thrust into the center of a murder investigation in Rosett's mystery novel, the first in the High Society Lady Detective series. Down-on-her-luck Olive Belgrave is hired to vet her cousin Violet's fiance, Alfred Eton. Violet's well-bred family suspects that Alfred may not be who he claims to be; his behavior is somewhat ill-mannered, and his associates are less than savory. Olive isn't the most conventional private eye. Her family's sizable fortune has been frittered away thanks to her father's poor investments. Now she must make her own way in London. Could this investigation be the beginning of a lucrative career and financial independence? Olive attends a party at the grandiose Archly Manor, hoping to sniff out some facts regarding Alfred, only to be present for her target's unexpected murder. The primary suspect is Violet, of course, and Olive must work to clear her cousin's name. But who could be the real culprit? The stakes aren't only Violet's freedom, but Olive's reputation as a high-society lady detective! Rosett's polished prose is pitch-perfect for its 1920s setting, summoning all the formality and intrigue of London society at the time: "Thea moved closer to me and fingered the tulle of the overdress. 'Lovely. Where did you find this?' 'At a little shop in London.' 'You must give me its name.' She gestured with her glass at Sebastian. 'He's always telling me to cut the flounces and flourishes, but I do love them so.' " The author lovingly evokes the world à la Agatha Christie while focusing the action firmly on the women. Olive gets some help from an old crush and a police inspector, but these men primarily play foil to the protagonist and the many female suspects who surround her. With several sequels already published, satisfied readers can happily dive right into the next tale. A thoughtfully constructed and elegantly executed murder mystery in the classic style. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.