Tell Me No Lies: A Lady Dunbridge Novel
In the second book in Shelley Noble’s Lady Dunbridge Mystery series, set in Gilded Age New York, the indomitable heroine Lady Philomena makes another appearance. After losing her husband, Lady Philomena escapes England for the U.S., seeking adventure. She enjoys the summer social season, but when autumn arrives, she is keen for new experiences. When she agrees to help a wealthy industrial family after a young heir is found dead in their home, she gets the adventure she wished for. The financial markets are shaky following the “Panic of 1907,” and the death of the heir could make the financial markets spiral into a Depression. The stakes for Lady Dunbridge and the family are incredibly high.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a charming main protagonist. Lady Dunbridge’s irreverent disposition and wry wit made me smile throughout the book. This novel is clearly well-researched and Noble captures the era perfectly, although it is curious that an English Lady drinks coffee rather than tea. It is probably another intimation of the main character’s unconventional attitude. The story is well-plotted, with surprising twists and turns, but the great strength of the book is found in the characters. I highly recommend this entertaining and thrilling read.
