My name is Olive Belgrave. If you’d asked me a few months ago about my typical day, the answer would have been simple. I lived in a quiet Derbyshire village called Nether Woodsmoor where my father is a retired vicar. But because of a change in our family—the less said about that the better—things became rather grim in Nether Woodsmoor, and I decided to strike out on my own. I had a little savings and moved to London.
Now I live in a poky attic room in a boarding house and spend my days searching the Positions Available section in the newspaper. Finding work hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. I discovered employers aren’t lining up to hire gently-bed females whose main recommendations are a solid grasp of the classics and the ability to converse about the weather for extended periods of time.
Thank goodness for Jasper. He’s an old family friend and takes me to tea at the Savoy, which is truly a God-send. (I say that in all seriousness. I am the daughter of a former vicar!) Dining at such a swanky place is an amazing luxury for someone who’s been living on a diet of tea and threepenny buns.
Of course, I didn’t expect it to be easy to find work. So many people have fallen on hard times since the Great War, but I’d hoped to have at least some possibilities to consider. However, after crisscrossing London from one job interview to another, I’ve decided I must try something new—I must create my own job.
My cousin Violet is a dear, but rather flighty. She’s engaged to a chap, Alfred, recently arrived from India. Gwen’s mother, my Aunt Caroline, suspects Alfred may not be quite what he seems, but Aunt Caroline doesn’t want to deal with a private investigator. I intend to volunteer to take on the job. After all, it’s just asking a few questions and searching out the details of Alfred’s parents—where they lived here in England before they moved to India and what his father did in government service there. It shouldn’t take long at all. What could go wrong?
Giveaway: Two readers selected at random will receive a a digital copy (Kindle or Nook) of Murder at Archly Manor. Leave a comment below for your chance to win. The giveaway ends October 16, 2018. Good luck everyone! Bonus question: what do you like about historicals?
You can read more about Olive in Murder at Archly Manor, the first book in the NEW “High Society Lady Detective” mystery series, coming October 15, 2018.
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.
Alfred 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.
Purchase Link
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About the author
USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes light-hearted escapes for readers who enjoy puzzling mysteries, interesting settings, and quirky characters. She is the author of the Ellie Avery series, the On the Run series, the Murder on Location 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 sararosett.com.
All comments are welcomed.
Sounds like an interesting premise for a series. If done well, historical fiction can be educational as well as entertaining.
I love a new series! Historical mysteries are so much fun to read! The 1920’s to the 1950’s are my favorite eras. The speech patterns, clothes, transportation, food, etc. are what draws me in. Of course, a few dead bodies never hurt either!
Thank you the chance to win this.
I enjoy historicals, but it is more how the author can work their storyline/vision around actual events that fascinates me….
Thank you for the giveaway…
This sounds good! A family scandal? I enjoy getting a feel of the times in historical fiction.
Sounds like a winner. I love reading historicals–it’s nice to put yourself in another time, and experience a little of life in that time.
This series sounds lovely — I love books set in Britain and enjoyed a Day in the Life of Olive Belgrave. I’d look forward to reading Murder at Archly Manor
Thanks for having on your blog, Dru Ann! It was fun! 🙂
Thank you Sara for introducing a new character to us.
I like learning about different time periods through historical fiction.
I really like reading historical fiction, sounds like a great start to a new series.
This sounds delightful! I love historicals, particularly between the wars. My mother was a “flapper”, and maybe I get my love of this period from her stories about it. I would love to win this book and start the series!
Sara, I’ve already told you how much I enjoy the books you write! I’m always ready to tell you again. I’m looking forward to the new series and characters we meet along the way!
Historicals are a great way to learn about different time periods.
I would love to read this new series. Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks Great 👍
I liked how they lived and how they did daily stuff so different from the way we do
And the clothes
Thanks for the chance
😍🍯🐝😍
Shared on Twitter 😍❤😍
https://mobile.twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/1051665260430708736
This sounds interesting! I love historical mysteries because it introduces you to different time periods in a captivating way.
**** WINNERS ****
Murder at Archly Manor are Gail Arnold, Renee
Congratulations!
I love digital copies and I adore historical mysteries. This one sounds wonderful…what could go wrong heh heh..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com