Murder in Black Tie (High Society Lady Detective)
In this fourth in the High Society Lady Detective series, Rosett and her heroine, Olive Belgrave, have hit their stride. Olive still isn’t certain about her future, but even at a docile house party at Parkview, the home of her aunt and uncle, she finds mysteries to keep her occupied: this time, the death of the unlikeable map dealer Vincent Payne, with suspicion falling squarely on Olive’s cousin Peter. Characters from earlier books contribute to the tension; cousin Gwen’s romance with Inspector Longly, also a guest, is imperiled by this latest inquiry, and Olive’s stepmother, Sonia, emerges from the scenery to become a figure of suspicion herself.
Though set in 1923 Britain, the series’ ongoing awareness of the shadow of the Great War also contributes to this plot, particularly Parkview’s history as a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. Olive’s ability to win confidences from trusting strangers once again gives her an advantage, and among the usual delightful shenanigans — flighty fashion-plate friends, dinner parties and dressing, poking about for clues, and the growing chemistry with the delicious Jasper — Olive triumphs again with all the calm good sense and clever eye for detail that fans have come to relish.
