Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
It is my pleasure to share with you today my thoughts on Sara Rosett’s Murder at Archly Manor, the first book in her High Society Detective Series!
About the Book
Murder at Archly Manor (High Society Lady Detective Series)
Historical Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Self Published (October 15, 2018)
Paperback: 252 pages
ISBN-10: 0998843164
ISBN-13: 978-0998843162
Digital ASIN: B07H2P8J3H
A high-society murder. A spirited lady detective. Can she out-class the killer before an innocent person takes the fall?
London, 1923. Olive Belgrave needs a job. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she’s penniless. Determined to support herself, she jumps at an unconventional job—looking into the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred. He burst into the upper crust world of London’s high society, but his answers to questions about his past are decidedly vague.
Before Olive can gather more than the basics, a murder occurs at a posh party. Suddenly, every Bright Young Person in attendance is a suspect, and Olive must race to find the culprit because a sly murderer is determined to make sure Olive’s first case is her last.
Olive Belgrave didn’t plan to become a detective, but she needed a job and when asked to look in the background of her cousin’s fiancé, Alfred, she can’t refuse. Before she can really delve into his history the man falls to his death at a party right before her eyes. There was someone else on the balcony so now her investigation is expanded into looking for a killer. Everyone the party is now a suspect and the murderer is determined to get away scot-free.
***
I liked Olive right away. A strong woman for the 1920’s, wanting to be independent. She is smart, inquisitive and well educated, although no real work skills, she just needs to find the perfect job. Her cousin’s Gwen’s telegram arrives when she is almost out of money. Her other cousin Violet has taken up with a man they know nothing about and he is very evasive about the details of his upbringing. Violet is in love and doesn’t care, but her mother and sister sure do, They decide to pay Olive to investigate Alfred Eton and that puts Olive one step closer to the independence she seeks. These characters and the rest in the story are very cleverly written. I worry about Olive’s father because of her overbearing stepmother. The group that attends the party thrown by Sebastian Blakely, Alfred’s godfather and noted photographer, are a hodgepodge group of aristocrats and hangers-on, and any of them could be guilty of the murder.
The mystery turns out to be much more that it seems at first. Twists and turns take us the reader and Olive in many different directions. While complex, the author has a very comfortable writing style that allows the reader to really take the journey with these characters. At times I forgot the story is set in the 1920’s even though the author hit all the right notes for the time period. I found myself totally immersed in the tale. I did enjoy all the descriptions of fashion and hairstyles of the era.
This series is off to a roaring start. A delightful look at high society London in the ’20’s. Fun characters, an extraordinary setting and a well-plotted mystery made for a truly entertaining read. I am looking forward to more High Society Lady Detective stories.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes light-hearted escapes for readers who enjoy puzzling mysteries, interesting settings, and quirky characters.
She is the author of the Murder on Location series
Publishers Weekly called Sara’s books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
Author Links:
Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: @SaraRosett Pinterest: GoodReads: LibraryThing: Amazon Author Page: Bookbub Author Page: Newsletter sign-up:
Purchase Links
Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo Google Play
Praise for Murder at Archly Manor (High Society Lady Detective Series)
by Sara Rosett
I really felt captivated to the story wanting to find out where the story would lead and can’t wait to see what is the next in this fabulous series!
~Community Bookstop
Murder At Archly Manor had a steady pace and was an easy read. I enjoyed turning the pages and racing to the end to see what happens and who dun it.
~My Reading Journeys
Murder at Archly Manor is a light, humorous historical cozy mystery that will transport you back to the roaring 20s.
~The Avid Reader
With red herrings, plenty of suspects, and disreputable characters MURDER AT ARCHLY MANOR is a solid start to a new series.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
Quirky and mysterious characters, secrets that must be kept at all costs, and an interesting, somewhat unpredictable plot made for a very enjoyable read.
~Cassidy’s Bookshelves
The characters and the setting are well described to provide the feel and ambiance of 1923 London. If you enjoy British cozy mystery – or cozy mystery at all, you’ll enjoy Murder at Archly Manor.
~Christa Reads and Writes
If you enjoy books with a Great Gatsby vibe then this book will be a perfect fit for you. It not only has a strong female character and 1920’s time period but also a strong mystery that will keep readers following the clues.
~Bibliophile Reviews
Also by Sara Rosett
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I love the cover.
Thank you for your review on “Murder at Archly Manor” by Sara Rosett. The more I read about what folks are saying about this book, the more I know I would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to read it.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I love reading about London Society in this time period — especially with a mystery. Murder at Archly Manor is definitely on my TBR list!
Always nice to learn about new books and new authors. Thank you for being here Sara Rosett.
The cover, and the British cozy, are irresistible. Thank you for the giveaway.
I really enjoy reading cozies. Thanks for this opportunity.
This sounds fascinating–I’d love to read it.
Congrats on the new release! It sounds like a great book.