Murder at Archly Manor

Set in 1923 England, this sprightly series launch from Rosett (the Ellie Avery series), introduces plucky Olive Belgrave, who leaves her father’s home in the village of Nether Woodsmoor for London when it becomes clear that her young stepmother resents her presence and would like nothing more than to marry her off to the sweaty local curate. However, “a young woman with a classical education and extensive training in how to be a lady” is not a good candidate for employment, and she struggles to find work. When Olive’s aunt Caroline asks her to look into the background of her cousin Violet’s fiancé, Alfred Eton, explaining that she doesn’t want to deal with “someone not of our class,” Olive jumps at the chance to earn rent money. At a glamorous house party, where Olive hopes to learn more about Alfred’s past, she witnesses his murder. To save Violet’s reputation, she steps in to find the killer. The play-fair plot provides plenty of surprises for Olive, who proves herself to be a keen hands-on detective. The period details—clothes, language, attitudes—are spot-on. This is a fast, clever, and thoroughly delightful light historical. (BookLife)