Murder at Archly Manor

This reading was a mystery that kept me on alert from start to finish. It was written to keep the reader involved in the investigation and thus making it more exciting, thorough investigation by the author for the reader. Thank you for offering the suspense.

Sara Rosett recalls, in her author’s note to “Murder at Archly Manor,” that in writing her “Murder on Location” modern mystery series she became intrigued by what was happening in the 1920s at the same location. Thus, her High Society Lady Detective series was born. Now, there are many historical mysteries series out there with the same sort of theme, but Ms. Rossett adds to the oeuvre with fully realized characters, settings and language that fit the times and the situations. I especially appreciated the time she takes with the women’s clothing, a special favorite of mine.Olive Belgrave needs a job, and she’s exhausted all the usual avenues. When given the opportunity to look into the background of her younger cousin’s fiancé, she figures, “Why not? An easy chance to make some easy money.” The “job” comes with some perks: attend a High Society Soiree, mingle with the Bright Young Things of the time, and ask some questions. What she didn’t expect to do was witness a murder. Not usually The Thing, but what’s a girl to do? Well, figure out the killer, of course, because it’s coming frightfully close to home.And she does, after the usual scratching of head and false leads: Who was where? Who has an alibi? Who’s looking especially guilty? There’s a few run-ups to London, and some squaring off with a Scotland Yard inspector (no flirting there, our author has someone else in mind). To Ms. Rosett’s credit, she doesn’t make it easy for Olive, who thinks she has it all figured out – and then the truth takes a twist.An entertaining beginning to a promising series. Looking forward to the next.

Engaging characters set in 1920's London. The fashions and scenes are spot-on. A delightful story that's an easy read. Highly Recommended.

Olive Belgrave is in search of a job in London in 1923, but she is having little luck: she is both too well-educated and too unskilled for any employer looking to hire a young single woman. Although her family is modest, she has been friends with her titled relatives since childhood, and they offer her an entrance into high society. As it happens, the younger daughter in that family, Violet, has contracted an engagement with a highly suspicious (because unknown) man, Alfred Eton, and Violet’s mother engages Olive to learn what she can about Alfred with a view to preventing the marriage. When Alfred is killed in the middle of a high society party and Violet is naturally suspected of the murder, it is up to Olive to uncover the truth about Alfred - if the real murderer doesn’t do her in first…. This is the first in the “High Society Lady Detective” series by Sara Rosett, and it’s quite a fun cozy. Olive is an engaging amateur detective, with plenty of energy and courage, although not always the most level-headed of creatures, and her friends and companions are also entertaining to know. I bought the e-book on a whim, because I craved a cozy set in 1920s Britain, and this does the trick admirably. I’ll definitely be reading more, and not just because I impulsively bought all six (so far) at once! Recommended.

I've already downloaded the next book in the series! Period details, lovely descriptive text, a charming detective, an excellent "supporting cast" of characters, plus a wonderful setting... Murder at Archly Manor is great fun! Fans of history setting cozy mysteries will agree with me.

Olive is in need of money. Now, at her final job opportunity, she is turned down. She knows she could be a society columnist for a newspaper. After all, she knows everyone who is anyone. But, the newspaper was her final idea for an opportunity.When her aunt asks her to find out about the new fiance of her cousin Violet, she unwillingly accepts the money. It will keep her from being evicted from her rooms in London.Olive, and her cousin Gwen are on the way to a house party at Archly Manor. It is a “Saturday to Monday” and it will be filled with people who may be able to provide answers about Alfred.The guests at the house party are all from the Smart Set. And Alfred and Violet are very active members of that group. If one looked up the word superficial in the dictionary, there would be pictures of each of these people.When Alfred is murdered, Violet becomes the prime suspect in the eyes of Scotland Yard.Olive changes her investigation from background to prevent an engagement. It now becomes a background check to find a murderer.Alfred is a truly rotten man. As Olive finds more about him, it is evident nearly everyone at the party had a reason to want him dead.All the characters as well as secondary characters are well developed.Olive is good at analysis. She is observant and has a good understanding of human nature. As she looks at the cast of characters, each of them are likely suspects.The process of investigation moves along. The atmosphere of the house party, the era of the 1920’s and the very definitive British class system are well illustrated for the reader.Ms Rosett is a talented author. She creates characters who are interesting examples of British society. There are not many people who are applying to be anyone’s best friend.The plot moves at a nice pace. Clues and information are shared with the reader so we are not kept in the dark.I enjoyed this book very much. It is first in a series and I look forward to the next book in the series.

MURDER AT ARCHLY MANOR captures the easy, breezy atmosphere people associate with the Roaring Twenties. The characters aren't perfect, but even the cads seem to have some good qualities. The writing style is in keeping with story, making this a quick read. I plan to read !or by this author.

Well-crafted mystery where the author sprinkled clues throughout the novel and manages to keep you guessing. Likeable, spirited heroine.

It's an easy read but I found the plot to be weak. The characterization and narrative are quite decent. Although the author tried to re-create the same kind of setting as you would find in a golden age novel, it is nowhere close to Christie, Georgette Heyer, Marsh etc.

Correspond exactement à ce que j'attendais.

I'd been enticed by a random glance at the cover of Book Three in the High Society Lady series, though I had no idea that's what it was. Saw it, lost it in a social media thread jump, but could not get it out of my mind. You see, since watching Miss Fisher and Tommy & Tuppence, I've had a bit of a love affair with lady detectives of the roaring 20s!Thanks to someone in one of my many cozy groups, I found Sara Rosett, and subsequently Olive Belgrave. Fallen upon straightened circumstances, she is in 1920s London looking to reinvent herself when her cousin summons her to the family estate with a problem. She can't say no to Gwen and upon arriving finds herself buried in conjecture, rumour, and suspicion. And she needs to get to the bottom of it!Rosett develops her characters well. I loved Olive from the get-go. Spunky, inquisitive, determined; she'll leave no stone unturned till she gets to the murderer. And the way Rosett spins a tale of the opulence of Britain in the 20s keeps you turning page after page . . . until three hours later, you've turned the last one!I love the repartee between Olive and Jasper, and since every lady detective needs a foil, I'm hoping we'll see more of him in the rest of the series. If you haven't discovered this one yet, go grab it. I'm off to delve into volume two!

I really liked reading this book. This is the first in the series featuring Olive, an impoverished lady who needs a job. Unable to get a position, she ends up investigating a person on behalf of a family member and a murder mystery unfolds that has to be solved.The author has obviously researched the period well and I get the feeling that she enjoyed writing this book.