The Blurb
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.
Murder at Archly Manor is the first in the High Society Lady Detective series of charming historical cozy mysteries. If you like witty banter, glamorous settings, and delightful plot twists, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s series for Anglophiles and mystery lovers alike. Travel back to the Golden Age of detective fiction with Murder at Archly Manor.
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.
Murder at Archly Manor is the first in the High Society Lady Detective series of charming historical cozy mysteries. If you like witty banter, glamorous settings, and delightful plot twists, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett’s series for Anglophiles and mystery lovers alike. Travel back to the Golden Age of detective fiction with Murder at Archly Manor.
Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett
Series: A High Society Lady Detective Mystery, #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery
Release Date: October 15, 2018
Publisher: Self Published
Paperback: 252 pages
ISBN-10: 0998843164
ISBN-13: 978-0998843162
eBook File Size: 3666 KB
ASIN: B07H2P8J3H
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
Series: A High Society Lady Detective Mystery, #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery
Release Date: October 15, 2018
Publisher: Self Published
Paperback: 252 pages
ISBN-10: 0998843164
ISBN-13: 978-0998843162
eBook File Size: 3666 KB
ASIN: B07H2P8J3H
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
The Review
I just read THE BEST book, y'all — Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett, the absolute kitten's ankles! It's the first book in the High Society Lady Detective Mystery series, starring Olive Belgrave.
The backstory for Olive looking for a job in London, 1923 is quite interesting. I like how Author Sara Rosett divulges the info little by little, instead of all at once. When the book begins, Olive's London lodgings (a "poky little attic room") include breakfast. She's stretching her ever decreasing funds by subsisting on "threepenny worth of buns" for supper. Going home to Derbyshire, however, is out of the question, even though she's been unable to secure any position in London. Olive learns that, because of her cousin's hasty engagement to a virtually unknown suitor, her Aunt Caroline wants to "hire a detective, but your Uncle Leo won't hear of it." Despite Leo's objections, Caroline says "this situation with that rather oily young man must be dealt with" anyway, since she has "at least several hundred pounds to hire a detective" available in her "household accounts." Olive finds herself speaking up, "I'll do it."
The newly betrothed couple, Alfred Eton and Olive's cousin Violet, are going to Archly Manor (the glamorous home of Alfred's godfather Sebastian) for a party on a Saturday-to-Monday. (As Violet says, "Sebastian's parties are the absolute best.") Violet invites Olive to go along with them, which gives Olive the perfect opportunity to question not only Alfred but also his friends and godfather. During the party, Olive witnesses a murder, but by whom?
Olive adds this mystery to her investigation of Alfred's past. As she sleuths, she uncovers secrets and more secrets, about the victim and the suspects. Olive finds that several people may have had a motive for murder.
The characters are believable and three-dimensional. Olive is relatable and easy to root for. The settings, particularly Archly Manor, are nicely detailed. I love the cover — it perfectly depicts the Jazz Age setting. The plot is fast-moving, with twists and turns. The mystery is plausible, complex, and kept me guessing until the end.
Now, for some witty banter.
Olive and Jasper (a family friend, who she had a brief crush on when she was 14, but hadn't seen in years until she literally ran into him in London):
Violet and Olive:
More Olive and Jasper (as they're sleuthing,after the murder)
"I thought it would be easy to find a position as a governess, but it was the same every time. When I sent my references and explained my background, it always seemed so promising. But once I actually met the families, everything changed. No one was interested."
"I daresay not."
"Why do you say that?"
"I doubt there are many mistresses who like the idea of inviting a young woman like you into their homes."
I lifted my chin. "What do you mean? That I'm not qualified?"
"No, I meant that you're far too attractive."
A blush heated my cheeks, and I toyed with my spoon. "I'm sure that wasn't it."
Jasper laughed. "Oh, I'm sure it was, old thing. Perhaps if you hadn't cut your hair and were able to scrape it back in a tight bun, and if you wore some dowdy clothes..." He tilted his head as he studied me. "No, you'd never be able to disguise those eyes."
Violet and Olive:
"Alfred!" Violet said. "Come meet Olive."
As we crossed the grass, Violet tucked her arm around my elbow and leaned close. "Isn't he handsome? He's simply the sweetest man ever. I never have to ask him to fetch me a drink when we're at a party. He always has one for me, just when I want it. He's a divine dancer too. And he has a lovely motor."
"Well, those are all the top attributes one would want in a husband," I said.
More Olive and Jasper (as they're sleuthing,after the murder)
"I need an atlas. Do you have one?"
"I'm afraid my rooms only have gramophone records and books of the most unedifying sort."
"Really?" I asked, momentarily distracted. "What sort of books do you read?"
"The most lurid detective fiction imaginable. I'll loan you one sometime. I think it would appeal to your curious side. My nonfiction section is rather thin."
"We need an atlas."
I could keep telling you about Murder at Archly Manor, but I fear I would reveal spoilers. Mustn't do that. So I'll just tell you...
I absolutely love Murder at Archly Manor, and recommend it to fans of historical cozy mysteries everywhere. I think it will have special appeal to those who are fans of Alyssa Maxwell's Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries and Sara Rosett's other series. I therefore bestow upon Murder at Archly Manor the highest rating of Five Kitties!
I absolutely love Murder at Archly Manor, and recommend it to fans of historical cozy mysteries everywhere. I think it will have special appeal to those who are fans of Alyssa Maxwell's Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries and Sara Rosett's other series. I therefore bestow upon Murder at Archly Manor the highest rating of Five Kitties!
Five out of five kitties
Note: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of Murder at Archly Manor.
All opinions shared are 100% my own.
The Author
About Sara Rosett
She is the author of the Murder on Location series, the Ellie Avery series, the On the Run series, and the High Society Lady Detective series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
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
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