Scan barcode
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett is the first book in The High Society Lady Detective series. Olive Belgrave has left her family home and struck out on her own in London. She has been unsuccessful at finding a position despite her education. She gets a desperate telegram from her cousin, Gwen Stone asking her to visit Parkview. Gwen’s flighty sister, Irene has gotten herself engaged to Alfred Eton. Violet’s mother, Caroline and Gwen are not fans of the man and he has provided few details on his background. Caroline wants to hire a private investigator, but she does not wish to associate with any unsavory types. Olive volunteers to dig into Alfred’s history and the family insists on paying her. Sebastian Blakely, society photographer and Alfred’s godfather, is hosting a weekend party which allow Olive to ask subtle questions. The party is off to roaring start until one of the guests ends up dead and Violet is the prime suspect. Olive must expose the killer before her cousin is hauled off to the hoosegow.
Murder at Archly Manor gives us a lively main character in Olive. Her father recently remarried a woman who prefers Olive to be out of the house and keeps pushing her to marry the local curate (he is odious). Olive was attending college in America until her father lost the money on a scheme. Olive is smart, pretty and fashionable which is the last thing a woman of the house wants in a governess. I found Murder at Archly Manor easy to read thanks to the authors breezy writing style and steady pacing. Sara Rosett captured the era with the hairstyles, attitudes, language (slang) and fashions. I wish the author had provided more background information on Olive and key details on other characters (last names for example). The murder takes place around the thirty percent mark which I felt was a little late in the story. There are several suspects and good clues to aid readers in solving the whodunit. Murder at Archly Manor is a light, humorous historical cozy mystery that will transport you back to the roaring 20s. The next novel in The High Society Lady Detective series is Murder at Blackburn Hall.
Murder at Archly Manor gives us a lively main character in Olive. Her father recently remarried a woman who prefers Olive to be out of the house and keeps pushing her to marry the local curate (he is odious). Olive was attending college in America until her father lost the money on a scheme. Olive is smart, pretty and fashionable which is the last thing a woman of the house wants in a governess. I found Murder at Archly Manor easy to read thanks to the authors breezy writing style and steady pacing. Sara Rosett captured the era with the hairstyles, attitudes, language (slang) and fashions. I wish the author had provided more background information on Olive and key details on other characters (last names for example). The murder takes place around the thirty percent mark which I felt was a little late in the story. There are several suspects and good clues to aid readers in solving the whodunit. Murder at Archly Manor is a light, humorous historical cozy mystery that will transport you back to the roaring 20s. The next novel in The High Society Lady Detective series is Murder at Blackburn Hall.
phynn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Loved it! A bit slow at the beginning, but once the background is set, the rest is flowing easily with a few unexpected twists and turns. Can't wait to read the following books.
belle_1187's review against another edition
Not very interesting. I didn't really find the main character compelling and I also didn't enjoy the (very basic feeling) writing.
norcaldawnrae's review against another edition
So slow and the dialogue is performed in a strangely staccato manner.
gamz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
busy_reader's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
I did not enjoy this book. The premise was great. It started off well. The main character, Olive, was interesting. As a woman who wants to make it on her own in the world, Olive comes across as intriguing. She decides to investigate the murder of her cousin's fiance. The investigation drags on slowly. A cast of characters are presented as potential suspects. The dialogue is stilted. I lost interest midway. It did not appeal to me. Having said that, the strength of the book lies in the authentic depiction of the era. The clothes, cars and homes were enchanting.
justinebryan's review
3.0
Every once in a while, easy reads like this book make me so happy! This was fast, fun, cozy, and exciting.