The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets
(A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
by S. K. Golden
I am delighted to welcome Sarah to Escape With Dollycas today!
Hi Sarah,
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Sarah, and I am a 37-year-old mother of five. My first book was published in 2022 but I’ve been writing since I was ten years old. I live in the Florida Keys, which, as a ginger, is a bit of a challenge. I have a corgi named Goku and two black cats that are the sweetest, most cuddly cats you’ve ever seen.
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
I’m terrified of clowns. Ever since I watched Tim Curry’s IT at a co-ed party when I was a young teen. My youngest daughter was a “cute clown” for this past Halloween and I was in charge of her makeup and I did not care for the experience, not one bit.
I love to bake. My favorite is cookies, all kinds of cookies, but I’ll bake anything if you hand me a recipe for it. I do need a recipe, I haven’t quite made it to the level where I can make up my own.
As a teenager, I used to sing at my church. I pray the footage never leaks.
What books/authors have most inspired you?
This answer seems to change year by year as I’m introduced to more and more authors. I’d say, over the years, authors like Douglas Adams and Jane Austen have been consistent re-reads for me. It wasn’t until my early thirties that I picked up an Agatha Christie novel, and now I have no idea what I was waiting for. It was Murder at the Vicarage and it still, to this day, is one of my favorite books ever. I just love the vicar’s wife. I’ve almost completed a full read through of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, which, at 41 books, is no small feat.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
For the Pinnacle Hotel mysteries, since they are set in the 1950s, I have read memoirs from people who were in their twenties at the time. I have lots of reference books about the decade. I love etymology online to double check words I’m using would have been in use in 1958. The internet in general is a great reference, because really, the 50s weren’t that long ago. I have some acquaintances who were kids in that era, and they’re always up for answering any questions I have. Plus, with streaming, I can watch episodes of Dragnet or Marilyn Monroe movies whenever I need inspiration.
I do spend a lot of time watching true crime YouTube channels and listening to podcasts, and that influences the mysteries in my books, as well.
I tend to research some before writing the book, quite a bit during the writing, and once the book is written I do an edit to make sure there aren’t too many glaring anachronisms. Though, I do miss some, and some I choose to keep, but I try my best.
Do you ever suffer from Writer’s Block?
Yes. This is typically because either something is wrong with the book – like, the plot is off course, or I’m trying to force a character to do something out of their character – or there is something wrong with me. Either way, a short break helps. I can focus on rest and give my brain a chance to figure out what’s wrong with the book.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Keep going! The best way to learn how to write a book is to write a book.
When you are not writing what do you like to do?
I love to read, and go on dates with my husband, and take the kids out on the boat. Sometimes the dog goes with us, but he’s got such little legs, so he mostly watches us as we snorkel. I like to bake, but I try not to do that too often, because otherwise I’m eating cookies for every meal. I like to hang out with friends, especially over food – there’s a bit of a theme here – and I still play The Sims, a video game that I’ve been playing since I was a kid. That I do when my kids are at school, though, as they keep me busy otherwise.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
I really want to go back to New York City. I had the opportunity to go with my older kids’ band class, and while it was amazing to be a chaperone, I’d love to go back with my husband and really enjoy the city.
What is next on the horizon for you?
I am working on a book right now, but I can’t quite talk about it yet. Hopefully soon!
Thank you Sarah, for visiting today!
Keep reading for more information about Sarah and her new Pinnacle Hotel Mystery.
About The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets
The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
Historical Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – 1958 New York City
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books (March 11, 2025)
Hardcover : 288 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8892420266
Digital ASIN : B0D6V3Q3JL
Hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy is on the hunt for a cunning killer and a mysterious thief in the third Pinnacle Hotel mystery, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver.
New York, 1958. When Evelyn’s mail is delivered during a luncheon in the Gold Room, she’s surprised to find she has received a diamond tiara, which catches the attention of a costume jewelry sales team lunching nearby. Their leader, Lois Mitchel, is especially interested, but by the end of the lunch, Lois has choked and fallen into Evelyn’s lap—and by the end of the day, she’s dead.
The papers report on the death the next day, while also spreading news of a Gentleman Thief who’s been leaving behind a red pocket square after robbing the city’s wealthiest. Determined to figure out what happened to Lois, Evelyn devotes herself to the investigation.
The truth is as rare as a diamond and just as hard to crack, and Evelyn swiftly discovers that this particular mystery is multifaceted, too. From costume jewelry hawkers to wannabe Robin Hoods and a detective in residence at the Pinnacle, nothing is simple. But neither is Evelyn—and this case is hers to solve.
Praise for The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
by S. K. GoldenThe mystery is well plotted, with another mystery layered throughout as well. There’s also a bit of a hook at the end of the book that has me ready for book four.
~Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books
More About S. K. Golden
S.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.
Author Links
Webpage Facebook Instagram GoodReads
Purchase Links –
Amazon B&N Bookshop.org Penguin RandomHouse Kobo
TOUR PARTICIPANTS – Please visit all the stops.
March 5 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
March 5 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
March 6 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
March 6 – Diary of a Bookworm – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
March 8 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW
March 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
March 9 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 10 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
March 11 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST
March 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 12 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Be sure to enter my giveaway for the 1st Pinnacle Hotel Mystery, The Socialite’s Guide to Murder HERE!
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Captivating and intriguing mystery which is a real treasure.