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High Society Lady Detective #7
Murder at the Mansions
South Regent Mansions has all the modern conveniences . . . including murder
London, February, 1924. Discreet sleuth for the high society set, Olive Belgrave is delighted with her new flat at South Regent Mansions where she's made several friends, including the modern career woman, Minerva, who draws a popular cartoon about a flapper for a London newspaper.
But then Minerva comes to Olive for help after catching a glimpse of a disturbing sight-a dead body. At least, that's what Minerva thought she saw, but there's not a dead body anywhere in the posh building, and the residents are continuing with their lives as they normally do. Is Minerva seeing things? Is she barmy? Or is there a more sinister explanation?
To help restore Minerva's peace of mind, Olive investigates her neighbors. They include: society's "it" girl of the moment, an accountant with a fondness for gadgets, a snooty society matron, and a school teacher turned bridge instructor. Olive uncovers rivalries, clandestine affairs, and hidden jealousies. With dashing Jasper at her side, Olive must discover whose secret is worth killing for.
If you like sophisticated whodunits, charming characters, and novels with a lighthearted tone, you'll enjoy the seventh installment of the High Society Lady Detective series, Murder at the Mansions, from USA Today bestselling author, Sara Rosett.
London, February, 1924. Discreet sleuth for the high society set, Olive Belgrave is delighted with her new flat at South Regent Mansions where she's made several friends, including the modern career woman, Minerva, who draws a popular cartoon about a flapper for a London newspaper.
But then Minerva comes to Olive for help after catching a glimpse of a disturbing sight-a dead body. At least, that's what Minerva thought she saw, but there's not a dead body anywhere in the posh building, and the residents are continuing with their lives as they normally do. Is Minerva seeing things? Is she barmy? Or is there a more sinister explanation?
To help restore Minerva's peace of mind, Olive investigates her neighbors. They include: society's "it" girl of the moment, an accountant with a fondness for gadgets, a snooty society matron, and a school teacher turned bridge instructor. Olive uncovers rivalries, clandestine affairs, and hidden jealousies. With dashing Jasper at her side, Olive must discover whose secret is worth killing for.
If you like sophisticated whodunits, charming characters, and novels with a lighthearted tone, you'll enjoy the seventh installment of the High Society Lady Detective series, Murder at the Mansions, from USA Today bestselling author, Sara Rosett.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2022
About the author
Sara Rosett
47 books1,425 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery 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 SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery 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 SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 26, 2022
I enjoyed the twist. Quite twisty.
October 3, 2023
3.5 stars
I love reading detective stories and though I am not good at solving the puzzle, I am always game to follow the investigation and see how it all ties up together. The problem is that my tastes tend to remain classic (owing to Agatha Christie) and modern attempts at the genre (no matter the period in which they are written) rarely make the mark. I see the rush among modern authors to have their heroes/ heroines in the interwars years to imitate Agatha Christie et al but sadly, most of these stories do not work for me. And so, when starting this book from a new to me author, I had some reservation on whether I would enjoy it. The setting was intriguing enough for me to try it.
Right from the start, I was relieved that the writing style was much more substantial than in similar authors. It was neat, clear, logical and squarish. However, a bit too squarishly sedate. The decent writing lacked a bit of 'life', that zest that really makes for an enticing read. This was specially apparent in the first half of the book when the enquiries of the heroine detective seemed a bit aimless and simplistic. However yet, after that point, I was agreeably surprised when the plot picked up strongly. And I started to enjoy the puzzle. It was all well executed by SR, and all threads tied up neatly up. It is always appreciable when authors actually sit down to think through well-laced, logical puzzles. The puzzle was not particularly complex as I already had one big suspicion at the 35% (while the heroine had not yet picked up a discrepancy) but it was well unveiled and I liked the unexpected final twist.
I also enjoyed the many nods that SR gave to Agatha Christie's books (in particular The Third-Floor Flat: a Hercule Poirot Short Story and Why Didn't They Ask Evans? , which SR readily mentions in her afterword, but also by my estimates, elements from The Adventure of the Clapham Cook: a Hercule Poirot Short Story , The Companion: A Miss Marple Short Story and Dead Man's Folly ; and the ending could even be a nod to Nemesis ).
While I may not read the previous books in this series, because Olive the heroine seems to have been more amateurish previously, I will probably read any future instalments. Rounding this up for GR stars because SR agreeably surprised me.
P.S. I'd like to add my own special nod to the ITV Agatha Christie's Poirot version of the The Third-Floor Flat which was very helpful in visualising the architecture of modern flats in 1920s while reading the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
Olive is enjoying living at South Regent Mansions and has been busy working on a case investigating charities for one of her neighbors. She's made friends with her neighbor across the hall, Minerva, a fellow working girl, who comes to Olive with a perplexing problem. Minerva is on edge because she swears she saw a rolled up carpet with a human foot sticking out - a blue foot, indicating the person was dead. When she returned for a closer look, the carpet had vanished! How could it vanish so quickly? Who could the foot belong to? She's convinced it was someone on their floor and wants Olive to investigate. Olive isn't sure. This isn't like any of her other cases and Minerva really should go to the police. Minerva fears the police won't find anything suspicious and turn their attentions to her. If they think she's guilty or mad and her boss gets wind of it, she'll lose her job for sure. Olive agrees to take a census of everyone on their floor and if she finds anything suspicious, she'll help Minerva get in touch with Inspector Longly. He's always been fair and as a soon-to-be member of the family, Olive can count on him to be discreet. When Olive's census is done it seems everyone is accounted for, with the exception of the mysterious Darkwaithes in flat 228. Who are they and why does no one ever see them? Could one of THEM be the missing body AND/OR the killer? Olive promises Minerva she'll be tenacious and find out. With help from Jasper and Minerva, Olive sets out to uncover the secrets in South Regent Mansions.
Well this was different! Instead of starting with a victim, we start with an unknown. WAS there a murder? If so, who was the victim? Sadly I figured it out pretty quickly, before the 50% mark anyway. The clue was there. I wasn't 100% sure though and there ended up being a slight twist I hadn't expected but my hunch was correct. I still enjoyed Olive's investigation, especially when Jasper was helping, and exploring South Regent Mansions.
I have always loved Olive. She's humble, intelligent, sympathetic and kind. Rather than dismiss her friend's concern, Olive trusts Minerva and wants to help. Olive is level-headed enough to know her own limits even if she does sometimes do stupid and illegal stuff. Her relationship with Jasper doesn't seem to have progressed much. They're just "Olive and Jasper"- no need for labels. It's obvious he's crazy about her. I love him so much! He respects Olive's intelligence and appreciates it. He values that above anything else and always goes along as her WATSON. He never tries to take the investigation away from her or suggest alternative solutions. He trusts her gut and allows her to be independent and free. He's a gem, Olive! Keep him! Of course we know Jasper is no slouch in the ol' brain box department either. He hides it well and pretends to be too lazy to think deeply. I like his sense of humor. The ending needs big time work. How about that discussion? What was in that telegram? Is he really invited on vacation or is this a "vacation"? Is Olive invited on a group tour or is she needed? Hmmm? I guess Sara Rosett doesn't know yet because she said the next one will be a novella or short story! No plot details yet.
I really like Minerva too. She's smart, practical and has a sharp wit she uses to draw a daily cartoon about a flapper. It sounds like her cartoon pokes gentle fun at the flapper girl culture without being mean. I appreciate Olive's suggestion of saving her archive! Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and I think this Minerva seems like she was aptly named but did she really see what she though she saw? Her investigation is fun and interesting. I wish we could see it rather than be told about it.
Apartment 223 where the carpet was last seen is now empty after the Kemps have moved out. There were repairmen and painters on the floor fixing things up during the time Minerva saw the carpet. Didn't anyone see anything? Surely the doorman, Evans, knows who entered and exited the building each day? Why don't we ask Evans for information? (Cue eyeroll). Evans is paid well to be discreet. He doesn't say much about the residents, especially not the residents of 228! He's a wonderful person if you have secrets you want to keep. He's a great doorman, obviously paid well to keep his mouth shut. However, if he has information to share, he should do it. At first he doesn't believe Olive is asking for any reason but curiosity. He does become more cooperative once he realizes she's serious and acting as lady detective. She repays his honesty and kindness by telling Minerva and Jasper what she knows! (Minerva finds out most of it on her own).
The neighbors vary from nice to rude. Mrs. Attenbourogh is the typical old grand dame. She clings to the old ways and sniffs at modern lifestyles. She's rude and demanding too. She's one of those old people who wants what they want when they want it and allow for NO variance in routine, not even under special circumstances.
Dolores "Lola" Mallory is Olive's neighbor and client. She's quiet, easy going and doesn't say too much. Olive has no idea why Lola wants her to investigate these specific charities but presumably because Lola wants to invest and needs to know if they're on the up and up. That's very commendable. I don't think she's an heiress because she lives with a roommate. Constance is the opposite of Lola. Where Lola is ladylike and graceful, Constance is large and heavy. She's a working woman and very busy. She's too busy to talk to Olive and answer questions. Mr. Culpepper is the quiet sort but once Olive gets him going on his latest invention, he's quite friendly. I think he seems kind and really smart but not quite romantic partner material. The poor single ladies on the second floor! Also in the kind column is Diana Finch-Ellis, a socialite. Mrs. A and Miss Bobbin don't like Diana because she represents the modern flapper girl culture. As a socialite, she has a busy social life at all hours of the day and night. She seems kind and fun, not frivolous and empty-headed. She socializes with all types of people and has no patience for dating men who aren't worthy of her. Diana and Lola were seen fighting in public! What were they fighting about? Did one of them end up dead?
Miss Bobbin is a standoffish old lady who treats her little dog like he's her child. Heaven forbid someone insults Ace, even for acting like a dog! Then she turns into Mama Bear. Ace is cute and friendly but a little too enthusiastic when it comes to chasing cats. Miss Bobbin is engaged in a battle with Mr. Popinjay over their pets. He is a cat person and his precious darling cat keeps slipping out and causing Ace to chase it. Ace is a dog. That's what dogs do. Yes she needs to keep him on a leash but he also needs to keep his cat inside. Neither party will give in an inch.
Not a neighbor but a friend of a friend, Alec Woodwiss is not the guy you want to bring home to meet your father. He looks and sounds smarmy. There's also a cameo by Monty Park from Murder at Archly Manor in case anyone wants to know what happens to him. He seems kind, not too bright, but a decent chap. Inspector Longly is a good cop and seems to know what he's doing. I appreciate how Olive trusts him now and is willing to let him do his job. Yet he's stuck because he has to play by the rules. No evidence = no crime. Can Olive find things he can't? She has in the past and he trusts her too.
This may be the one case Olive can not solve. With everyone present and accounted for, it's a real head scratcher!
This wasn't my favorite of the series because I solved it so quickly and because of the abrupt ending. I want more Olive and Jasper, more romance!
Well this was different! Instead of starting with a victim, we start with an unknown. WAS there a murder? If so, who was the victim? Sadly I figured it out pretty quickly, before the 50% mark anyway. The clue was there. I wasn't 100% sure though and there ended up being a slight twist I hadn't expected but my hunch was correct. I still enjoyed Olive's investigation, especially when Jasper was helping, and exploring South Regent Mansions.
I have always loved Olive. She's humble, intelligent, sympathetic and kind. Rather than dismiss her friend's concern, Olive trusts Minerva and wants to help. Olive is level-headed enough to know her own limits even if she does sometimes do stupid and illegal stuff. Her relationship with Jasper doesn't seem to have progressed much. They're just "Olive and Jasper"- no need for labels. It's obvious he's crazy about her. I love him so much! He respects Olive's intelligence and appreciates it. He values that above anything else and always goes along as her WATSON. He never tries to take the investigation away from her or suggest alternative solutions. He trusts her gut and allows her to be independent and free. He's a gem, Olive! Keep him! Of course we know Jasper is no slouch in the ol' brain box department either. He hides it well and pretends to be too lazy to think deeply. I like his sense of humor. The ending needs big time work. How about that discussion? What was in that telegram? Is he really invited on vacation or is this a "vacation"? Is Olive invited on a group tour or is she needed? Hmmm? I guess Sara Rosett doesn't know yet because she said the next one will be a novella or short story! No plot details yet.
I really like Minerva too. She's smart, practical and has a sharp wit she uses to draw a daily cartoon about a flapper. It sounds like her cartoon pokes gentle fun at the flapper girl culture without being mean. I appreciate Olive's suggestion of saving her archive! Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and I think this Minerva seems like she was aptly named but did she really see what she though she saw? Her investigation is fun and interesting. I wish we could see it rather than be told about it.
Apartment 223 where the carpet was last seen is now empty after the Kemps have moved out. There were repairmen and painters on the floor fixing things up during the time Minerva saw the carpet. Didn't anyone see anything? Surely the doorman, Evans, knows who entered and exited the building each day? Why don't we ask Evans for information? (Cue eyeroll). Evans is paid well to be discreet. He doesn't say much about the residents, especially not the residents of 228! He's a wonderful person if you have secrets you want to keep. He's a great doorman, obviously paid well to keep his mouth shut. However, if he has information to share, he should do it. At first he doesn't believe Olive is asking for any reason but curiosity. He does become more cooperative once he realizes she's serious and acting as lady detective. She repays his honesty and kindness by telling Minerva and Jasper what she knows! (Minerva finds out most of it on her own).
The neighbors vary from nice to rude. Mrs. Attenbourogh is the typical old grand dame. She clings to the old ways and sniffs at modern lifestyles. She's rude and demanding too. She's one of those old people who wants what they want when they want it and allow for NO variance in routine, not even under special circumstances.
Dolores "Lola" Mallory is Olive's neighbor and client. She's quiet, easy going and doesn't say too much. Olive has no idea why Lola wants her to investigate these specific charities but presumably because Lola wants to invest and needs to know if they're on the up and up. That's very commendable. I don't think she's an heiress because she lives with a roommate. Constance is the opposite of Lola. Where Lola is ladylike and graceful, Constance is large and heavy. She's a working woman and very busy. She's too busy to talk to Olive and answer questions. Mr. Culpepper is the quiet sort but once Olive gets him going on his latest invention, he's quite friendly. I think he seems kind and really smart but not quite romantic partner material. The poor single ladies on the second floor! Also in the kind column is Diana Finch-Ellis, a socialite. Mrs. A and Miss Bobbin don't like Diana because she represents the modern flapper girl culture. As a socialite, she has a busy social life at all hours of the day and night. She seems kind and fun, not frivolous and empty-headed. She socializes with all types of people and has no patience for dating men who aren't worthy of her. Diana and Lola were seen fighting in public! What were they fighting about? Did one of them end up dead?
Miss Bobbin is a standoffish old lady who treats her little dog like he's her child. Heaven forbid someone insults Ace, even for acting like a dog! Then she turns into Mama Bear. Ace is cute and friendly but a little too enthusiastic when it comes to chasing cats. Miss Bobbin is engaged in a battle with Mr. Popinjay over their pets. He is a cat person and his precious darling cat keeps slipping out and causing Ace to chase it. Ace is a dog. That's what dogs do. Yes she needs to keep him on a leash but he also needs to keep his cat inside. Neither party will give in an inch.
Not a neighbor but a friend of a friend, Alec Woodwiss is not the guy you want to bring home to meet your father. He looks and sounds smarmy. There's also a cameo by Monty Park from Murder at Archly Manor in case anyone wants to know what happens to him. He seems kind, not too bright, but a decent chap. Inspector Longly is a good cop and seems to know what he's doing. I appreciate how Olive trusts him now and is willing to let him do his job. Yet he's stuck because he has to play by the rules. No evidence = no crime. Can Olive find things he can't? She has in the past and he trusts her too.
This may be the one case Olive can not solve. With everyone present and accounted for, it's a real head scratcher!
This wasn't my favorite of the series because I solved it so quickly and because of the abrupt ending. I want more Olive and Jasper, more romance!
January 5, 2022
It appears that there has been a murder in Olive's building and it seems highly likely that it occurred to someone on her floor. Since Olive is a "discreet sleuth" her neighbor hires her to figure out what happened. The trouble is that there is no body and no one is missing
I love how authentic this story is to the 1920's. It is a great historical mystery with a charming protagonist. I look forward to the next book in the High Society Lady Detective series. Thanks to the author for an advance review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
I love how authentic this story is to the 1920's. It is a great historical mystery with a charming protagonist. I look forward to the next book in the High Society Lady Detective series. Thanks to the author for an advance review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 27, 2022
This is definitely my favorite in the series to date. Olive is now settled in her new apartment at the South Regent Mansions in London and is getting to know some of her neighbors. When one of her new friends tells her about a mysterious site she's seen, Olive begins a new investigation. Along the way, we learn more about her neighbors, and more about the ingriguing apartment building (maid service, a dining service!). Much to my delight, Jasper makes numerous appearances, and once again plays "Watson" to Olive's "Holmes." The mystery held my attention, and I definitely want to know more about some of the neighbors. Now, I can't wait for the next book to be published. Just what is the trip Olive and Jasper may be going on?
March 2, 2024
Murder at the Mansions
I thought that I had read some of Rosett's books, but maybe not. If I have, they didn't make it on the count here. Anyway, I really like Olive as a person. She is quite an intelligent girl who is a critical thinker and doesn't panic even when there is just cause. I think that Jasper must be the male interest, but it wasn't clear in this one if he is a stand-in or a standard character... I bet he shows up in other books. I like how he refers to himself as her Watson.
I think this was unusual for a murder mystery because it started with a mystery about what happened and without a body. So we wandered around with Olive while she determined what happened or if anything happened.
Whatever, I enjoyed the visit and will probably read a few more by this author. For me it was a low 4 star read... but 4 is better than 1!
4 stars
Happy Reading!
I thought that I had read some of Rosett's books, but maybe not. If I have, they didn't make it on the count here. Anyway, I really like Olive as a person. She is quite an intelligent girl who is a critical thinker and doesn't panic even when there is just cause. I think that Jasper must be the male interest, but it wasn't clear in this one if he is a stand-in or a standard character... I bet he shows up in other books. I like how he refers to himself as her Watson.
I think this was unusual for a murder mystery because it started with a mystery about what happened and without a body. So we wandered around with Olive while she determined what happened or if anything happened.
Whatever, I enjoyed the visit and will probably read a few more by this author. For me it was a low 4 star read... but 4 is better than 1!
4 stars
Happy Reading!
December 28, 2023
Best one in the series so far!
February 7, 2022
I really enjoy this series and this book was a great listen. Recommend you like cozy mysteries, I will now wait for the next one to come out...
January 7, 2023
Murder in the Mansions is the latest book in the High Society Lady Detective series. Minerva, a fellow tenant and friend of Olive sees a body wrapped in a carpet while going down in the lift. Meredith is not sure about what she saw, so seeks the help of Olive in finding out if anyone is missing in the South Regency building. Olive sets out to find if there was a murder with the help of Jasper, her dashing boyfriend.
The audiobook reminded me of the famous series Only Murders in the Building, which I am currently watching and highly recommend to fans of murder mysteries with eccentric characters and addictive storyline. The similarity between the book and the movie ends with both dealing with murder in the building.
Olive is an admirable sleuth, as she sets out to solve the mystery. Her relationship with Jasper has matured since the first book and I love how Sara Rosett has developed their relationship throughout the series. Olive is a loveable protagonist with sensibility, charm and a knack for discovering the culprits.
I love how this series is infused with history based on intensive research by the author and inspired by various Agatha Christie novels. Like the murder in the Mansions has the influence of the The Third Girl Why didn't they call Evans. Kudos to the fabulous narrator Elizabeth Klett. Her narration is smooth and addictive. Klett brings out the charm of the 20's with her appealing tone.
Olive and Jasper make for delightful team what with Jasper "being the watson" to Olive. The book ends with Jasper and Olive planning a vacation. I can't wait to read the mysteries that lie ahead for them.
The audiobook reminded me of the famous series Only Murders in the Building, which I am currently watching and highly recommend to fans of murder mysteries with eccentric characters and addictive storyline. The similarity between the book and the movie ends with both dealing with murder in the building.
Olive is an admirable sleuth, as she sets out to solve the mystery. Her relationship with Jasper has matured since the first book and I love how Sara Rosett has developed their relationship throughout the series. Olive is a loveable protagonist with sensibility, charm and a knack for discovering the culprits.
I love how this series is infused with history based on intensive research by the author and inspired by various Agatha Christie novels. Like the murder in the Mansions has the influence of the The Third Girl Why didn't they call Evans. Kudos to the fabulous narrator Elizabeth Klett. Her narration is smooth and addictive. Klett brings out the charm of the 20's with her appealing tone.
Olive and Jasper make for delightful team what with Jasper "being the watson" to Olive. The book ends with Jasper and Olive planning a vacation. I can't wait to read the mysteries that lie ahead for them.
January 23, 2022
This is my favorite of the series so far. Olive has grown as a detective through the other books and comes into her own in this one. She’s a smart, sassy, and intuitive sleuth that rarely takes unnecessary chances with her safety. Her relationship with Jasper has also progressed and I enjoyed getting to know them as a couple. The mystery was well-paced and Olive does a great job following the clues to the correct conclusion. Highly recommended for those who like well-researched historical mysteries.
January 12, 2022
Over far too quickly... Interesting stories, with Minerva, a firery secondary character appears and the chemistry between Olive and Jasper is great. Loved it, only at the end there was a logical error, I think, that should have been edited out.
February 20, 2022
Good story. Interesting to learn about the minor details of life at that time. For example how the garbage was removed.
April 10, 2022
This one was not as enjoyable for me. Took me awhile to get through it because I kept putting it down.
February 26, 2024
I love this series. So glad that I have book 8 in hand
January 29, 2022
This one really fell flat
I read a lot of cosy mysteries and the High Society Lady Detective series has been one of my favorites. Thus, I was deeply disappointed having read Murder at the Mansions, as I felt it lacked the intrigue, depth and clever writing of the other books in this series. There’s hardly a mystery here - just a tedious and uninteresting plot line, and Olive, Jasper and the other new character, Minerva seem flat and lackluster. The whole thing just felt “phoned in”. I’m not sure where the other rave reviews for this book came from, but I had to
literally force myself to read it to the end. Two stars, because I still love this series and the author, but i’m sincerely hoping that things will pick up again with the next book.
I read a lot of cosy mysteries and the High Society Lady Detective series has been one of my favorites. Thus, I was deeply disappointed having read Murder at the Mansions, as I felt it lacked the intrigue, depth and clever writing of the other books in this series. There’s hardly a mystery here - just a tedious and uninteresting plot line, and Olive, Jasper and the other new character, Minerva seem flat and lackluster. The whole thing just felt “phoned in”. I’m not sure where the other rave reviews for this book came from, but I had to
literally force myself to read it to the end. Two stars, because I still love this series and the author, but i’m sincerely hoping that things will pick up again with the next book.
August 31, 2024
This is a light, entertaining series & since #8 is coming out later this year, I figured I'd better listen to #7 first. Olive's neighbor sees what she thinks is a dead body wrapped in a carpet in their hallway as she goes down the lift. She's afraid going to the police will get her boss in a snit, so she asks Olive to look into the matter. As Olive tries to figure out which one of their neighbors is dead & which one is the murderer, she uncovers more than she bargained for & enlists the help of her beau, Jasper, to get it all tied up. The mid-1920's era is a never-ending source of interesting items for the author to add in to the stories.
November 2, 2024
The different locations for each of the murders is very nifty.
This time we get to explore Olive's new home and a mystery within.
Or several mysteries, as one does.
I loved how Olive figured this one out and was so close to the truth.
Love the mystery so close to home (Olive's at least) but I remembered a lot more of the twists of this one which was fun but also...it's more fun if I don't.
Apparently just under 2 years between reads isn't enough for me to properly forget a story...oh well.
This time we get to explore Olive's new home and a mystery within.
Or several mysteries, as one does.
I loved how Olive figured this one out and was so close to the truth.
Love the mystery so close to home (Olive's at least) but I remembered a lot more of the twists of this one which was fun but also...it's more fun if I don't.
Apparently just under 2 years between reads isn't enough for me to properly forget a story...oh well.
December 11, 2024
The atmosphere and characters in these mysteries get better and better and after trying a new series that could compare but truly doesn't, this has impressed me even more! Olive is a wonderfully competent and likeable protagonist and Jasper is very compelling. Highly recommend this series.
February 19, 2022
It had been a long time since I read a Sara Rosett book. Why did I wait so long? I really do like her! I think I get lured away by new authors and want to see what they are like. Also- for a while I had read everything she wrote, so stopped looking for for more of her books.
I discovered this from my library and am so happy that I did. Her writing is delightful.
I became so engaged with he characters and the story line. I had a hard time putting the book down to do things like feed my family and go to a class. It was a joy to read, unlike so many of the other books I have been reading lately which seem to drag on in comparison. By the time I finished, all the characters were like old friends.
In this novel, Olive comes to believe that a neighbor might have been murdered. But who could it be? She sets out to see each neighbor to be assured that they are alive, even traveling to other cities to verify their lividity! Her friend Jasper is very helpful (I would like to know more about him - other books, I suppose will answer those questions) as is another neighbor Minerva.
I discovered that this is one of the later books in a series and I find that I must go back and read the others. Not that they are necessary for the story - I got along quite well with what was written here. Ms. Rosett did not burden me with retelling past stories, but did mention some things as though I was talking to a friend who might mention something from her past. NO explanation is needed about those past things, I can just take front he context what I need to know right then. But nonetheless, I can't wait to find the previous books and read them. Not certain they will be in order. I will read them as they become available to me. But read them all I will.
I will also go back and read a couple of her books that I have found buried in the stacks of my kindle. I guess life just got too busy and so I skipped them. Finding all these books is like finding a treasure! Last year I discovered an Agatha Christie I hadn't read and delighted in it. Now I have many many more to brighten my days as I have rediscovered a favorite author.
I discovered this from my library and am so happy that I did. Her writing is delightful.
I became so engaged with he characters and the story line. I had a hard time putting the book down to do things like feed my family and go to a class. It was a joy to read, unlike so many of the other books I have been reading lately which seem to drag on in comparison. By the time I finished, all the characters were like old friends.
In this novel, Olive comes to believe that a neighbor might have been murdered. But who could it be? She sets out to see each neighbor to be assured that they are alive, even traveling to other cities to verify their lividity! Her friend Jasper is very helpful (I would like to know more about him - other books, I suppose will answer those questions) as is another neighbor Minerva.
I discovered that this is one of the later books in a series and I find that I must go back and read the others. Not that they are necessary for the story - I got along quite well with what was written here. Ms. Rosett did not burden me with retelling past stories, but did mention some things as though I was talking to a friend who might mention something from her past. NO explanation is needed about those past things, I can just take front he context what I need to know right then. But nonetheless, I can't wait to find the previous books and read them. Not certain they will be in order. I will read them as they become available to me. But read them all I will.
I will also go back and read a couple of her books that I have found buried in the stacks of my kindle. I guess life just got too busy and so I skipped them. Finding all these books is like finding a treasure! Last year I discovered an Agatha Christie I hadn't read and delighted in it. Now I have many many more to brighten my days as I have rediscovered a favorite author.
March 24, 2022
It’s early 1924, and high society sleuth Olive Belgrave is happy in her new second floor flat in the South Regent Mansions, particularly as she has become friends with Minerva, a lady cartoonist who also lives on her floor. One day, Minerva comes to Olive with a dilemma - she believes that she has seen a carpet rolled up outside one of the apartments on their floor, with a bluish foot sticking out! Knowing that Olive has experience in detective work, Minerva asks her to check on the other residents on their floor to be sure that nobody has suspiciously disappeared. Unfortunately for Olive (and Minerva’s peace of mind), it seems several residents are missing, and rather difficult to track down….This is the seventh book in the High Society Lady Detective series and, like the others before it, it’s light and breezy, an immensely enjoyable piece of escapism that one can read in mere hours. I always think that one should read books in sequence when they are part of a series, but it’s not strictly necessary to do so in this case. There’s much less of Olive’s entanglements with Bright Young Things than in previous books; rather, this is a cozy set amongst the middle classes who are tenants rather than homeowners, even if some of them are heiresses. Lots of fun; recommended!
January 11, 2022
The 7th murder mystery in the gorgeous High Society Lady Detective series is an absolute corker! Sara Rosett creates such an authentic 1920’s world, and I love spending time with her characters - especially Olive and Jasper.
If you read the blurb of Murder at the Mansions, you’ll get a good gist of the plot, and I won’t reveal any more - except to say that although this is a cosy mystery, it’s not in any way dumbed down. The mystery is properly entertaining, it kept me guessing to the end, and as with the other books in this series, the ending is beautifully satisfying. The writing is fluent and evocative. Deft description, humorous dialogue, language that is so easy to read it seems simple - but is actually very cleverly chosen. Murder in the Mansions is a thoroughly good read!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced readers copy for review, and the views are my own. The High Society Lady Detective books are books I also choose to buy myself to appreciate on my bookshelf and enjoy rereading.
You can certainly enjoy Murder at the Mansions even if you haven’t read earlier books in the series, but if you haven’t, I recommend them all. You’ve a massive treat ahead!
If you read the blurb of Murder at the Mansions, you’ll get a good gist of the plot, and I won’t reveal any more - except to say that although this is a cosy mystery, it’s not in any way dumbed down. The mystery is properly entertaining, it kept me guessing to the end, and as with the other books in this series, the ending is beautifully satisfying. The writing is fluent and evocative. Deft description, humorous dialogue, language that is so easy to read it seems simple - but is actually very cleverly chosen. Murder in the Mansions is a thoroughly good read!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced readers copy for review, and the views are my own. The High Society Lady Detective books are books I also choose to buy myself to appreciate on my bookshelf and enjoy rereading.
You can certainly enjoy Murder at the Mansions even if you haven’t read earlier books in the series, but if you haven’t, I recommend them all. You’ve a massive treat ahead!
October 7, 2023
Another entertaining outing with Olive and Jasper. This may be the 1920s version of "Only Murders in the Building" (but without the foul language) meets Nancy Drew (but much more sophisticated). Olive's private inquiry business is finally providing a modest income, and her new living situation provides opportunities for new friends, social events, and cases, not to mention a closer proximity to Jasper. I love her neighbor and new friend Minerva, and it is both interesting and entertaining to see references to Golden Age mystery authors and books, as well as to scientific finds and developments that we either take for granted or with which we are still grappling 100 years later. Olive's latest case is a doozy and will require her to prove there is a case before she can solve it. She will need to hone her investigating skills (including breaking and entering) for this one, but while she is no damsel in distress, she also is nobody's fool. Thankfully, she has Jasper, Minerva, and even Inspector Longley in her arsenal, and she is neither afraid nor too proud to use them. I cannot wait to see what new adventures Olive and Jasper have ahead.
September 3, 2022
Olive has finally gotten herself a nice apartment thanks to a friend and she's quickly becoming friends with the people on her floor. But when one of the other residents sees something suspicious Olive is drawn into a case of possible kidnapping and murder.
This mystery had great twists and turns and described a luxurious apartment complex in 1920s London with excellent detail. I enjoyed the story though I missed Jasper, Gigi, Gwen, and Olive's other friends and relations.
Still, I loved this series. It starts slow, but I enjoyed seeing Olive's growth both personally and her creating her own job as a specialist solving problems for London's wealthy. Jasper is barely in this book but I also love the Jasper and Olive relationship - it's very reminicent of classic couple mysteries such as Mr. and Mrs North, Tommy and Tuppence, The Thin Man, and Who's Killing the Great Chefs of Europe. But like the wonderful Murder on Location series by the same author, this series seems to stop with book 7 and I really want more! Highly recommended for both book and series.
This mystery had great twists and turns and described a luxurious apartment complex in 1920s London with excellent detail. I enjoyed the story though I missed Jasper, Gigi, Gwen, and Olive's other friends and relations.
Still, I loved this series. It starts slow, but I enjoyed seeing Olive's growth both personally and her creating her own job as a specialist solving problems for London's wealthy. Jasper is barely in this book but I also love the Jasper and Olive relationship - it's very reminicent of classic couple mysteries such as Mr. and Mrs North, Tommy and Tuppence, The Thin Man, and Who's Killing the Great Chefs of Europe. But like the wonderful Murder on Location series by the same author, this series seems to stop with book 7 and I really want more! Highly recommended for both book and series.
September 3, 2022
Olive has finally gotten herself a nice apartment thanks to a friend and she's quickly becoming friends with the people on her floor. But when one of the other residents sees something suspicious Olive is drawn into a case of possible kidnapping and murder.
This mystery had great twists and turns and described a luxurious apartment complex in 1920s London with excellent detail. I enjoyed the story though I missed Jasper, Gigi, Gwen, and Olive's other friends and relations.
Still, I loved this series. It starts slow, but I enjoyed seeing Olive's growth both personally and her creating her own job as a specialist solving problems for London's wealthy. Jasper is barely in this book but I also love the Jasper and Olive relationship - it's very reminiscent of classic couple mysteries such as Mr. and Mrs. North, Tommy and Tuppence, The Thin Man, and Who's Killing the Great Chefs of Europe. But like the wonderful Murder on Location series by the same author, this series seems to stop with book 7 and I really want more! Highly recommended for both book and series.
This mystery had great twists and turns and described a luxurious apartment complex in 1920s London with excellent detail. I enjoyed the story though I missed Jasper, Gigi, Gwen, and Olive's other friends and relations.
Still, I loved this series. It starts slow, but I enjoyed seeing Olive's growth both personally and her creating her own job as a specialist solving problems for London's wealthy. Jasper is barely in this book but I also love the Jasper and Olive relationship - it's very reminiscent of classic couple mysteries such as Mr. and Mrs. North, Tommy and Tuppence, The Thin Man, and Who's Killing the Great Chefs of Europe. But like the wonderful Murder on Location series by the same author, this series seems to stop with book 7 and I really want more! Highly recommended for both book and series.
August 2, 2022
It appears that there has been a murder in Olive’s building and it seems highly likely that someone on her floor is dead. The trouble is that there is no body and no one seems to be missing. Olive’s friend, Minerva, is not one to imagine things though. She’s practical and intelligent and she saw a foot sticking out of the end of a wrapped rug, so Olive takes the case and together they are determined to get to the truth.
Murder at the Mansions is a fun little mystery. Olive is smart and clever as always. I liked that it was set in her building which has a nice variety of people and their pets living in it. We get to meet some new characters, but Jasper is still around and I like their relationship. He helps her out, but she is definitely the one solving the case and the romance doesn’t take over the book.
I really like this series. They’re lively and entertaining and the 1920s with its Bright Young People comes across well.
Murder at the Mansions is a fun little mystery. Olive is smart and clever as always. I liked that it was set in her building which has a nice variety of people and their pets living in it. We get to meet some new characters, but Jasper is still around and I like their relationship. He helps her out, but she is definitely the one solving the case and the romance doesn’t take over the book.
I really like this series. They’re lively and entertaining and the 1920s with its Bright Young People comes across well.
January 10, 2022
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book but my review is entirely voluntary. Olive is settling into live in her new apartment and her job as a private investigator when her neighbor, Minerva, becomes convinced she has seen a body wrapped in a rug that has now disappeared from the hallway they share. Olive, Minerva and of course, Jasper must now ascertain the whereabouts of all the second floor residents to decide if a neighbor is the victim or the killer.
Once again Olive and Jasper's adventures do not disappoint. The setting and times are so beautifully described the reader becomes immersed in the scene. The mystery always keeps me guessing until the end but had enough humor to also make it an entertaining read. I highly recommend Murder at the Mansions and this whole series to mystery lovers.
Once again Olive and Jasper's adventures do not disappoint. The setting and times are so beautifully described the reader becomes immersed in the scene. The mystery always keeps me guessing until the end but had enough humor to also make it an entertaining read. I highly recommend Murder at the Mansions and this whole series to mystery lovers.
January 21, 2022
I finished this in one day- I simply couldn’t put it down! Sara Rosett’s writing is wonderful as always. Ive borrowed the previous releases books from the library but bought this one because I’ve been waiting for it to drop and didn’t want to wait any longer. I love Olive and Jasper and hope to see their relationship continue to grow. I love the nod to actual historical events and the about the history section at the end. I don’t think the murderer was obvious and even if it was the storyline is enjoyable enough it wouldn’t have bothered me.
I loved the new characters, but did miss Olive’s cousin and some of her previous established friends. I think there was only one old character aside from Olive, Jasper, and a brief interaction with the inspector.
Seriously good book in this series. I look forward to the next.
I loved the new characters, but did miss Olive’s cousin and some of her previous established friends. I think there was only one old character aside from Olive, Jasper, and a brief interaction with the inspector.
Seriously good book in this series. I look forward to the next.
December 18, 2022
In certain respects, the author is trying to expand her writing and style and I have to give her credit for that. But for me, it didn’t quite hit right. I can’t tell if I just don’t care for this particular style or if I just wasn’t in the mood for this genre right now, given the last book in this genre didn’t hit right either. And these are both authors I generally enjoy. So I’m going to say it’s probably me and not the book. I found the story dull. And I found the characters full. And I missed the charm of a country estate. The problem when you move into the 20s+ this world is changing. And that’s all well and good, but not what I’m looking for.
But I like the narrator for these books. She seems to fit the picture of who I think Olive should sound like. So I’d listen to another one for her.
But I like the narrator for these books. She seems to fit the picture of who I think Olive should sound like. So I’d listen to another one for her.
December 31, 2021
Olive Belgrave is coming into her own as a detective and in this novel, she uses her brains and intuition to solve the case. When her neighbor Minerva catches a glimpse of a rolled up carpet with a foot dangling from the bottom outside of one of the second floor apartments, she thinks she is seeing things. As she hurriedly returns to the second floor, the carpet is gone. She enlists Olive to discover who is missing from their second floor. Olive soon discovers several people are away and has not been able to confirm their locations. The case becomes more complex because of mistaken identities and lying witnesses. I always enjoy this 1920s series for the smart way Olive is portrayed and the clever plots. I received an advanced copy to review.
January 12, 2022
The newest edition to this wonderful series! Minerva, olives friend, sees a rolled up carpet with a foot sticking out of the bottom and jumps to someone’s been murdered! So she and olive are now in a mission to find out who on the floor of their building is missing and maybe that’s who’s been murdered! But if there’s no body, is there a crime? And what if everyone’s been accounted for? Join olive and her friend push the boundaries of being a woman in the 1920s and find out if there’s a murderer in their building and who did they kill! A great new edition to this series! I love that the author includes at the end where she got the inspiration for her stories. And this one was inspired by Agatha Christie herself!
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