A Proposal To Die For
Vivian Conroy
A murderous beginning
With her father away in India, Lady Alkmene Callender finds being left to her own devices in London intolerably dull, until the glamorous Broadway star Evelyn Steinbeck arrives in town! Gossip abounds about the New York socialite, but when Ms Steinbeck’s wealthy uncle, Silas Norwhich, is found dead Lady Alkmene finds her interest is piqued. Because this death sounds a lot to her like murder…
Desperate to uncover the truth, Lady Alkmene begins to look into Ms Steinbeck’s past – only to be hampered by the arrival of journalist, Jake Dubois – who believes she is merely an amateur lady-detective meddling in matters she knows nothing about!
But Lady Alkmene refuses to be deterred from the case and together they dig deeper, only to discover that some secrets should never come to light…
The twenties have never been so dangerous
Don’t miss the next Lady Alkmene Mystery
1. A Proposal to Die For
2. Diamonds of Death
3. Deadly Treasures
Praise for ‘A Proposal to Die For’
‘A Proposal to Die For is wonderfully smooth and glamorous, in the style of Agatha Christie combined with the beauty of Gatsby.’ – The Storycollector Blog
‘The first in a new series, this is a well written historical mystery with just a hint of attitude’ – Cayocosta72
‘When it’s as charming as A Proposal to Die For mystery and history make the most wonderful combination.’ – Little Bookness Lane
‘I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.’ – Holly (Goodreads)
Buy from Amazon here
My Review
The main character Lady Alkmene is a wealthy socialite living in 1920s London. She has lead a privileged, sheltered life but seeks a little adventure, whilst her father is away on his travels.
When she hears of a suspicious death, closely connected to a conversation she overheard, she finds herself compelled to investigate.
Jake Dubois, a local journalist is also on the case and despite a rocky start, the pair team up to combine the information they have got so far. He is a bit of a rough diamond with a mysterious past and the couple make a highly unlikely, but really entertaining. detective duo.
I love the contrasting backgrounds of Alkmene and Jake. She has a good reputation in society but is naive and unaware of the poverty surrounding her in the slums of London. Jake is only too aware, he has moved in many circles and knows the dangers that could lie ahead.
Sometimes Jake gets frustrated with Alkmene and other times he teases her but you just know that he will always protect her and secretly respects her. She sees a different side of society when they travel to investigate and a humbler side of Lady Alkmene emerges.
I think a tight relationship is forming, with a tiny hint of romance and great chemistry which makes an exciting detective duo.
The plot is tight, characters endearing and the story keeps you gripped. A really enjoyable mystery, charming and fun.
This would suit anyone who has not so far stepped into the world of cosy mysteries and if you are already a fan, this will not disappoint.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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