Review - The Man Who Died Twice

 I had read The Thursday Murder Club (book 1), but apparently I didn't post a review of it.  Shame on me.  I apologize profusely.  Since I dropped the ball, let's review a little about the first book's success.

The Thursday Murder Club won the Sounds of Crime Award in 2021 for the audiobook and won the Platinum Bestseller Award for selling over 1 million copies in the UK in 2020.

The debut novel also was nominated for the Edgar Award in 2021,  the Anthony Award for first novel in 2021,  the Macavity Award in 2021, the Barry Award for First Novel in 2021, the British Book Award shortlisted for Audiobook in 2021, and the CrimeFest Award shortlisted in 2021.

Plus the novel is being adapted into a film by Stephen Spielberg's company.  Filming reportedly finished September of 2024 so it should be released this year.  It is supposed to be in theaters prior to streaming on Netflix.  The cast is full of stars with Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan,  Celia Imrie, and David Tennant.  I am anxious to see it and review the movie here.

But, today is a review of the second book in the series.  If you have read it, please leave a comment on how you felt it stacked up to the wildly popular first book.

Author: Richard Osman

Copyright: September 2021 (Penguin Books) 365 pgs

Series: 2nd in Thursday Murder Club Mysteries

Sensuality: Minimal descriptions of violence

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth, British Mystery

Main Character: Elizabeth Best, 76 year old ex-spy for British Secret Service

Setting: Modern day, Cooper's Chase Retirement Village, near the fictitious village of Fairhaven in Kent, Britain

Obtained Through: Library Find

Book Blurb: "Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim—the Thursday Murder Club—are still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Cooper's Chase, their posh retirement.

But they are out of luck when an unexpected visitor—an old pal of Elizabeth's (or perhaps more than just a pal?)—arrives, desperate for her help. He has been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions from the wrong men and he's seriously on the lam." 

The stars of this show are the slightly eccentric, yet relatable senior citizens: Whip smart Elizabeth is a former cunning spy of some renown;  calm and clever Joyce was a nurse who documents their exploits in her journal;  the endearing rogue Ron was a prior union activist; and soft spoken Ibrahim was a psychiatrist.  Plus DCI Chris and PC Donna are highlighted with their personal challenges. In this book, each character gets a chance to shine in their own right.  But for me, Ibrahim's journey this time really plucked my heart strings.  This ensemble cast is golden and their individuality and care for one another makes the book shine.

Set in the quaint retirement village of Cooper's Chase in the English countryside.  This setting is English cozy community personified, while giving an intriguing tension just under the surface.  The setting seems idyllic, but even in this second outing it becomes clear it isn't perfect nor is it altogether safe.

The plot involves a cold case with present day threats when a man from Elizabeth's past appears seeking her aid and thus the Thursday Murder Club has their next investigation. The pacing kept me engaged as much for the characters and their stories as the twisty plot. The subplots revolve around the group's friendship, aging difficulties and challenges, and humor all wrapped around a tantalizing murder mystery maze.

The climactic killer reveal was pretty much a surprise since I didn't figure it out until two or three pages before all was laid bare.  I liked how Elizabeth worked the confrontation, manipulating a scene that flushed out the missing puzzle piece to tie all threads off and resolve everything.  I like how these seniors bring about a sequence of events to get justice, even if they are a little unorthodox in their methods.  This kept me glued to the book, flipping pages with the common "just one more chapter" refrain.

In the wrap up all loose ends are dealt with and some character challenges are brought to resolution with tender care.  I particularly like the last few pages as it brought a lump to my throat for its compassion.

My Thoughts:  Initially I had a hard time getting into the story, but it didn't take long for that to change.  These four mature characters have a magic between them like the best of some shows that create devoted fans to their characters.  It's "Friends" combined with "RED" and that is a potent recipe.   

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Have you read it?  What were your thoughts?  Please share in the comments.  Are you looking forward to the movie?

Review - A Traitor in Whitehall

 "Romance, feminism, and historical detail combine in an exciting new series." –Kirkus Reviews

“A cast of opinionated side characters and a wealth of fascinating historical details add to the fun in this engaging, atmospheric series kickoff.” –BookPage

"Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery . . . thoroughly delightful and well-researched."―Susan Elia MacNeal    

As you can see, this book got some high praise.  Let's see what all the hub bub is about, shall we?  So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive into this book.

Author: Julia Kelly

Copyright: Oct 2023 (Minotaur) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in Evelyne Redfern Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical cozy mystery, historical espionage cozy

Main Character: Evelyne "Ellie" Redfern, new secretary in Winston Chuchill's secret underground "War-Room" bunker 

Setting: 1940, London, England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb:  "1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.

However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up.

With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?"

Ellie is immediately relatable—intelligent, independent (living out on her own), and a touch sassy, which I liked.  These qualities serve her well as she navigates the male-dominated world of Whitehall (general name for British Government).  She embodies the spirit of women during the war, stepping up and out of their traditional roles to serve their country.

Ellie ends up sleuthing with David Poole, who is secretive and maybe even... a touch brooding, but definitely has an air of mystery that made me guess whether he was an ally or enemy. Their interactions are filled with a mix of tension and camaraderie.  This was effective and left me flipping pages to see if it was a potential romance or a betrayal.  

The supporting characters provide touches of comic relief and some insightful commentary. From the sharp-witted secretary who offers devastatingly on-point advice, Ellie's room-mate who is the opposite of her, to the elderly war veterans sharing bits of wisdom over cups of tea, added depth to the story.

Set against the backdrop of World War II with seamlessly interwoven fine details of routines and life in the underground barracks, from the bunks for sleeping, sunlamp treatments, and rigorous precautions to keep everything secret.  It is this weaving of true events into the story that is so immersive.  Kelly’s ability to bring 1940s London to life and the, unimaginable for us, palpable tension of wartime as London is being bombed nightly by the Nazis. 

The plot revolves around a clandestine web of spies and traitors lurking in the corridors of the war-rooms. The story follows Ellie as she is thrown into the covert world of espionage in the underground maze of the war room bunker.  Ellie, a mystery novel aficionado, is drawn into this dangerous game since she discovered the murdered girl.  Besides, she was sent to "observe" as well as type and take dictation, so it's part of her job, right? She quickly finds nothing is as it seems, and she doesn't dare trust anybody.  

The pacing moves along steadily with all the secret meetings, coded messages, and whispers of betrayal like a top cat-and-mouse deadly game, or is it spy-vs-spy?  The witty banter one moment and then life-threatening decisions and situations in the next keep the story rocketing along.

The writing deftly handles various emotional and atmospheric tones, which I just love.  Kelly balances humor with suspense, which kept me engaged throughout.

The cherry-on-top is the romantic under currents threaded throughout. The gentle slow burn romance complements the story perfectly.  War doesn't stop attraction and interest!

The killer confrontation is a tense scene with an unexpected resolution, but probable.  I love a more daring-do climatic killer reveal/confrontation, but this was satisfying - so I'm happy.

The wrap-up was perfect and sets up Ellie for continuing in clandestine work.  I'm hoping she will work with the handsome David Poole again in the next novel, which I'm getting right away since I was late getting to this debut novel.

Conclusion:  If you're in the mood for a delightful blend of history, mystery, and the allure of espionage, then this is the perfect book for you.  This is a delicious romp through history with its deftly plotted storyline of intrigue, a cast of characters I loved, and a narrative that handles tension and levity flawlessly. 

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Here is a video tour of the very same Cabinet War Rooms that are used in the book.  I was very fortunate to take this tour last year when I went to London.  Well worth the tour fee.  But this will make the book more real.

Musings - Cozy, Traditional, and Amateur Sleuth

When I tell people I'm an author they inevitably ask what I write.  When I reply cozy mysteries they either light up and mention their favorite series or they stare blankly and ask what is a cozy.  Somehow when I simply answer I write mysteries, the broad term ends up confusing them.  Every genre has subgenres that further narrow the field.  A cozy fan will know exactly what they expect, but they too will get confused by the differences an amateur sleuth or a traditional mystery.  There are certainly many elements in common, but there are distinct difference between the three.  

Are the following categories absolute?  No, they aren't.  But they are a good guideline, particularly if you are a reader trying to stay away from hard core violence or other sensitive content.  If you are a writer, this helps you know your audience and how to classify what you've written.  What I have included here actually took some research because some views vary.  This is a fairly good guideline, but amatuer sleuths and traditional mysteries seem to have more wiggle room.

Cozy mysteries: almost always have an amateur sleuth with an occupation (baking, crafting, innkeeping) or hobby theme that's a hook for a segment of readers.  Cozies invariably include colorful friends and frenemies, pets, no bad language, no explicit sex on the page, no gory descriptions, and take place in a small town or a tight community in a larger city.

The cozy focuses on the relationship between the characters as much as, if not more than, solving the mystery.  As I like to put it, cozies are the kinder, gentler murder mystery.  They have a more positive outlook and the murder disrupts the peace and sense of safety and the hero(ine) seeks to heal the community by bringing the killer to justice.  Examples:  "Murder, She Wrote: Trick or Treachery" by Jessica Fletcher, "The Cat Who Saw Red" by Lillian Jackson Braun, "Strawberry Shortcake Murder" by Joanne Fluke, and "On What Grounds" by Cleo Coyle 

Amateur Sleuth:  Although all cozies feature an amateur sleuth, not all amateur sleuth mysteries are cozies.  They may contain a few swear words sprinkled throughout and may have a stronger sense of sex without it being explicit, and may have more violence on the page.  It is more common to have a larger city but still have a tight pool of suspects for an amateur to identify and snoop around, although I've read several that were in small towns.  Amateur sleuth novels can have an emotional environment between the tight cohesiveness of a cozy to a slightly more jaded outlook.  Examples:  "The Crossing Places by Ruth Galloway", " The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill, "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich [Stephanie Plum isn't a trained police official or investigator for hire so she is an amateur sleuth].

Traditional mysteries:  Can be a lot like a cozy if you strip away the themed hook of cooking etc. occupation or common hobby.  The focus is definitely more on the mystery than building a close-knit community.  Drop the eccentric or kooky friends and provide more developed and deeper characters.  There may be a similar jaded outlook like the amateur sleuth but likely more twists and turns plus blood than a cozy.  The hero(ine) may have a tougher background that makes them good at understanding criminals, but their ability to understand the dark side of human nature is most important.  The small cast of characters includes the villain and a confined setting such as a small town or an isolated mansion. The plot focuses on solving the murder and “fair play” ( all clues are provided for the reader to solve the murder) is emphasized.  Examples:  "The French Powder Mystery" by Ellery Queen, "One by One" by Ruth Ware, and "The Mirror Cracked From Side to Side" and "Then There Were None" both by Agatha Christie.  

Each of these can have elements of other genres.  A cozy paranormal will have a fun witch or such. Example: "First Bite" by Avery Daniels and "Witch and Famous" by Angela Sanders.  A historical cozy or amateur sleuth will meet all the specifications mentioned but be placed in a historical setting.  Example: "A Body in the Garden" by Katharine Schellman and "A Lady's Guide to Ettiquette and Murder" by Dianne Freeman.

I hope you enjoyed this foray into the cozy, traditional, and amateur sleuth genres.  May this guide you in increasing your TBR stack!  You're welcome *wink*.

Review - Death By a Thousand Sips

This is another new-to-me series and author.  It claims it is for fans of Laura Childs, Amanda Flowers, and Cleo Coyle which convinced me to give it a try.  This is the second book in the series and I had no problem jumping in without having read the first book.

Author: Gretchen Rue

Copyright: Sept 2023 (Crooked Lane Books) 312 pgs

Series: 2nd in Witches' Brew Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery, food amateur sleuth

Main Character: Phoebe Winchester, owner of The Earl’s Study tea and book shop

Setting: Modern day, small town Raven Creek, Washington

Obtained Through: Library 

Book Blurb: "Ever since she moved to Raven Creek, Washington, Phoebe Winchester knew she would have to grow accustomed to having a lot on her plate. She’s beginning to make the Victorian manor she inherited from her dear and adventurous Aunt Eudora feel more like home, successfully running the bookstore and tea shop, The Earl’s Study, and learning to harness her recently discovered magical powers. But when she discovers a dead body at an estate sale—even Phoebe wonders if this is simply too much.

Rumors of Phoebe’s involvement force her to take action; she needs to find the killer and clear her own name, once again. She enlists Rich Lofting, the handsome private detective and her childhood friend, in her investigation, all while she sorts out her unresolved feelings for him. Is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows of this small tight-knit town? And does Phoebe really want to find out?

With a dash of magic, a pinch of sleuthing skills, and a spoonful of friendly assistance, Phoebe needs to uncover the killer to keep Raven Creek safe once again. But if she doesn’t—will she find herself in even more hot water?" 

My thoughts:  I enjoyed the main character of Phoebe Winchester, she is down to earth and kind.  The romantic interest is Detective Rich Lofting who is becoming more prominent in Phoebe's life.  Plus Honey, a neighboring shop owner, who is mentoring Phoebe in her newly discovered witchy talents make a great core cast.  I must mention the chubby orange cat named Bob who seems a touch magical himself and steals several scenes.  

The mystery and plot were enjoyable and I read the book fairly quickly for me.  It had my favorite; a tense killer reveal with a bit of danger.  Additionally, I really appreciated Phoebe's quick thinking and level head in the killer reveal and showdown.  I do have to say I would have liked less detailed descriptions on the running of the tea shop and book store and more attention to more romantic elements, and witchy touches.  But even with that being said, I found this an enjoyable new series and author.

Rating:  Excellent - Enjoyed it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Review - A Trip with Trouble

If you like a more "mature" heroine for your cozy mystery, this is the book for you with a 50 year old starting the next chapter in her life after a divorce.  I reviewed the debut novel is this new series and now I'm happy to review the second.  Read on to find out the details.

1) Getaway With Murder (click here)

Author: Diane Kelly

Copyright: October 2022 (St. Martins) 297 pgs

Series: 2nd in Mountain Lodge Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Characters: Misty Murphy, new owner of the Mountaintop Lodge

Setting: Modern day, Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review (Netgalley)

Book Blurb: "When the ladies of the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club take over the Mountaintop Lodge for their annual autumn ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Misty Murphy couldn’t be more thrilled. Every room is full and the adventurous women even invite Misty and her assistant Brynn to join them on a ride to admire the colorful fall foliage. Hotel handyman Rocky Crowder is happy to keep an eye on the lodge for the day, and the ladies set out for a fun ride on the scenic road.

The skies are clear, the air is crisp, and the leaves are gorgeous. But what starts as a perfect ride turns worrisome when the tail gunner – the last rider in their group – fails to show up at the Craggy Gardens overlook. Cell phone service is spotty in the remote, mountainous area, and the group is unable to connect with their friend. Might the missing woman have simply run out of gas? Or is something far more sinister afoot?

The ladies are determined to locate their ride or die, and Misty is equally determined to help them. But will they be able to solve the mystery when the scenic route seems intent on hiding its secrets?" 

My Thoughts:  Features heroine Misty Murphy as a newly divorced and just turned fifty woman who is  independent, resourceful, organized, and good with people heroine, Rocky is the hunky handyman interested in her and is daughter visits in this story, Brynn is her new-age housekeeper, and Patty is the diner owner from across the road and her new best friend. The characters were all fun and relatable. The delightful animals: dog named Molasses and cat called Yeti.  The women's biker club staying at the lodge provide interesting characters and plenty of drama.

The lodge setting amid the Smokey Mountains is excellent and the murder mystery has plenty of twists and viable suspects.  The book flows smoothly and kept my interest, it is a delight to read. The killer confrontation is short but exciting and while I had run through all the suspects so it wasn't a complete surprise, it wasn't my top guesses.  Well done.  

This series provides a more mature sleuth that has been around the block and is in her second chapter of life which is a welcome lead. I highly recommend this cozy mystery. 

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Review - Donut Disturb

 I haven't read any of the previous fourteen books in the series but I was able to jump right in just fine.  This new-to-me cozy mystery series features an upscale bakeshop owner as amateur sleuth.  See what I thought of it, and if you've read any of the books in this series, leave a comment about what you thought.  

Author: Ellie Alexander

Copyright: June 2022 (St. Martin's) 285 pgs

Series: 15th in Donut Disturb Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: cozy mystery

Main Characters: Juliet Capshaw, owner of Torte-a friendly, family bake shop

Setting: Modern day, Ashland, Oregon (a Shakespearan themed town)

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "Love is in bloom in Ashland, Oregon. The Shakespearean hamlet is bursting with fresh spring energy. Fragrant lilacs and the sweet aroma of vanilla cake fill the air as everyone in town gathers at Lithia Park for the celebration of the year—Thomas and Kerry’s wedding.

It’s a picture perfect day. Guests gather on picnic blankets in front of the bandshell to watch Kerry walk down the aisle and wed Ashland’s favorite detective in training, Thomas. Jules and her team at Torte have been tasked with catering the outdoor reception and everything is going according to plan, until a wedding crasher shows up.

The uninvited guest isn’t just someone looking to score a free glass of champagne. It’s Kerry’s estranged father who is supposed to be behind bars. Kerry is distraught. Jules vows to do everything she can to make sure that there are no other surprises on her friend’s big day. But when the bassist for Heart Strings, the wedding band, is found stabbed with the blunt end of his instrument Jules’s promise takes on new meaning. Now she’ll have to slice through the five tiered cake and a bevy of potential suspects in order to track down a killer before they turn the knife on her." 

My thoughts:

Ashland, the town where this novel takes place, is a truly cozy town.  The characters who populate this mystery and delightful (for the most part).  The police chief is called The Professor even, how charming is that?  I found the interpersonal relationships of the townspeople one of the strongest elements of the book.  Although, I wasn't enjoying Carlos much, which is difficult since he is Juliet's husband.  The mystery was solid with a few mis-directions.  The killer reveal was exciting with good tension and a highlight of the book.  The wrapup is typically just tying up loose story strands, but in this case it was touching and stood out.  I am looking forward to starting at the beginning of the series.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - Getaway with Murder

The author of Southern Homebrew, House Flipper, Paw Enforcement mysteries, and Tara Holloway novels brings us a new mystery series.  This series takes into the mountains to a rustic lodge where death checks in.

Author: Diane Kelly

Copyright: October 2021 (Berkley) 296 pgs

Series: 1st in Mountain Lodge Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Misty Murphy, new owner of the Mountaintop Lodge

Setting: Modern day, Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "As if hitting the half-century mark wasn’t enough, Misty Murphy celebrated her landmark birthday by amicably ending her marriage and investing her settlement in a dilapidated mountain lodge at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the old inn teetering on both a bluff and bankruptcy, she must have lost her ever-loving mind.

Luckily, handyman Rocky Crowder has a knack for rehabbing virtual ruins and for doing it on a dime, and to Misty’s delight, the lodge is fully booked on opening night, every room filled with flexible folks who’d slipped into spandex and ascended the peak for a yoga retreat with plans to namastay for a full week. Misty and her guests are feeling zen—at least until the yoga instructor is found dead.

With a killer on the loose and the lodge’s reputation hanging in the balance, Misty must put her detective-skills to the test. Only one thing is as clear as a sunny mountain morning—she must solve the crime before the lodge ends up, once again, on the brink."

My Thoughts:  Features Misty Murphy as a newly divorced and just turned fifty amateur sleuth, a hunky handyman named Rocky, a new age housekeeper, and a diner owner as her new best friend. The characters were all fun and relatable. A dog named Molasses and cat called Yeti are delightful additions. This debut novel has a basic whodunit plot with a lodge full of suspects that each have motive or opportunity. The setting is stellar and adds to the storyline. I was engaged and read through it every chance I had. As the first book, Misty guesses everyone at the lodge at one point, but she learns as she goes. I enjoyed this book with its mountain setting and the characters rounded out the story.  I will be back for more.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - Claws For Suspicion

I have reviewed this authors other works such as Her Veiled Magic series (click here)  and her Baba Yaga series (click here) that were great.  This is the third in her new cozy mystery series and I jumped at the chance to read and review the newest addition.

Prior books in the series:

1) Furbidden Fatality (click here) 

2) Doggone Deadly (click here)

Author: Deborah Blake

Copyright: May 2022 (Berkley) 285 pgs

Series: 3rd in Catskills Pet Rescue Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery, Pet themed mystery

Main Characters: Kari Stuart, owner of the Serenity Sanctuary

Setting: Contemporary, Lakeview New York

Obtained Through: Publisher (Netgalley) for honest review

Book Blurb: "Kari Stuart is finally starting to relax into her role as the new owner of the Serenity Sanctuary and is looking forward to the various fun autumn activities in the beautiful Catskills town of Lakeview, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It’s time for friends and quality bonding with handsome vet Angus McCoy. Until the unexpected arrival of her unpleasant ex-husband, Charlie Smith.

He comes bearing a shocking revelation—the paperwork on their divorce never went through, and they are still married. Worse yet, he thinks this entitles him to half of her lottery winnings—although he'll happily take partial ownership of the sanctuary instead. Kari isn’t sure if he’s telling the truth, or if it’s just another one of Charlie’s lies. 

 

But things go from bad to worse when an unexpected death makes Kari the main suspect in a murder investigation. Will she and Queenie be able to find the real killer and keep the home they’ve built at the sanctuary safe, or is their string of luck finally tapped out?" 

My Thoughts:

Kari Stuart is a kind hearted young woman who works hard to save a pet rescue and shelter. She is easy to relate to and cheer for, particularly against her money-grubbing ex.  Suzanne, Kari's loyal bestie, is a dog groomer and supportive friend with lavender colored hair who lends her time and talent to the shelter effort.  

The volunteers at the shelter are wonderful recurring characters: Volunteer Sara Hanover is a retired ninth-grade English teacher who is somewhat a mother figure.  Bryn, a younger volunteer training to be a Vet-Tech, takes time to warm up to people.  Angus McCoy is a local veterinarian who volunteers his time to the shelter and is the potential love interest.

The story centers around a juicy mystery, relatable heroine you feel invested in, interesting supporting characters, a refreshing love interest I enjoy, and a delightful writing style.  The icing and cherry on top are all the heartwarming animals throughout the book.  This is cozy mystery gold.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

My Musings - Favorite Historical Mystery Series Pt 3

This concludes my series on historical mysteries loosely divided by era in today's post.  I love historical mysteries and if you've been looking for a new series, or wanted to jump into this subcategory of mystery perhaps this will help.  This is in no way a comprehensive listing, that would be quite an undertaking.

In part one I covered up through Regency era mysteries (click here).   

In part two I covered the Victorian era (click here).  Now I am sharing the Gilded era through World War I & II mysteries.

Gilded and Progressive Ages (1870-1929)

Silver Rush Mysteries by Ann Parker 

1)  Silver Lies

2)  Iron Ties

3)  Leaden Skies

4)  Mercury's Rise (click here)

5)  What Gold Buys

6)  A Dying Note

7)  Mortal Music

8)  The Secret in the Wall

Change of Fortune Mysteries by Jessica Estevao

This series was fantastic, but publisher didn't continue it further.

1)  Whispers Beyond the Veil (click here)

2)  Whispers of Warning (click here)

Stella and Lyndy Mysteries by Clara McKenna

1)  Murder at Morrington Hall (click here)

2)  Murder at Blackwater Bend (click here)

3)  Murder at Keyhaven Castle

4)  Murder at the Majestic Hotel

 

Counterfeit Lady mysteries by Victoria Thompson 

1)  City of Lies (click here)

2)  City of Secrets (click here)

3)  City of Scoundrels (click here)

4)  City of Schemes (click here)

5)  City of Shadows

6)  City of Fortune

Gilded Age Mysteries by Rosemary Simpson 

1)  What the Dead Leave Behind 

2)  Lies that Comfort and Betray

3)  Let the Dead Keep Their Secrets

4)  Death Brings a Shadow

5)  Death, Diamonds, and Deception

6)  The Dead Cry Justice (click here)

7)  Death at the Falls

Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson 

1)  Murder on Astor Place

2)  Murder on St. Marks

3)  Murder on Gramercy

4)  Murder on Washington Square

5)  Murder on Mulberry Bend

6)  Murder on Marble Row

7)  Murder on Lenox Hill

8)  Murder in Little Italy

9)  Murder in China Town

10)  Murder on Bank Street

11)  Murder on Waverly Place

12) Murder on Lexington Ave (click here)

...

22) Murder on Trinity Place (click here) 

25 books in the series

Molly Murphy Mystery series by
Rhys Bowen 

1)  Murphy's Law

2)  Death of Riley

3)  For the Love of Mike

4)  In Like Flynn

5)  Oh Danny Boy

6)  In Dublin's Fair City

7)  Tell Me, Pretty Lady

8)  In a Gilded Cage

9)  The Last Illusion (click here)

18 books in series

Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen 

1)   Her Royal Spyness

2)   A Royal Pain

3)  Royal Flush

4)  Royal Blood (click here)

5)  Naughty in Nice (click here)

6)  Twelve Clues of Christmas (click here)

7)  Heirs and Graces (click here)

8)  Queen of Hearts (click here)

9)  Malice at the Palace

10)  Crowned and Dangerous

11)  Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service

12)  Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding

13)  Love and Death Among the Cheetahs

14)  The Last Mrs Summers (click here)

15)  God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen (click here)

16)  Peril in Paris

Kitty Weeks mysteries by Radha Vatsal 

1)  A Front Page Affair

2)  Murder Between the Lines (click here)

Jane Prescott Mysteries by Mariah Fredericks 

1)  A Death of No Importance 

2)  Death of a New American (click here)

3)  Death of an American Beauty

4)  Death of a Showman

Phryne Fisher mysteries by KerryGreenwood 

1)  Cocaine Blues

2)  Flying Too High  

3)  Murder at Ballarat Train

4)  Death at Victoria Park

5)  The Green Mill Murder

6)  Blood and Circuses

7)  Ruddy Gore

8)  Urn Burial

...

19) Unnatural Habits (click here)

21 Books in the series

World War I & II themed

Maggie Hope mysteries by Susan Elia MacNeal 

1)  Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here)

2)  Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here)

3)  His Majesty's Hope (click here)

4)  The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here)

5)  Mrs Roosevelt's Confidant (click here)

6)  The Queen's Accomplice (click here)

7)  The Paris Spy (click here)

8)  The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)

9)  The King's Justice (click here)

10) The Hollywood Spy 

Woman of WWII Mysteries by Tessa Arlen

1)  Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders (click here)

2)  Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers

Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear 

1)  Maisie Dobbs

2)  Birds of a Feather

3)  Pardonable Lies

4)  Messenger of Truth

5)  An Incomplete Revenge

6)  Among the Mad

7)  The Mapping of Love and Death

8)  A Lesson in Secrets (click here)

9)  Elegy for Eddie

10)  Leaving Everything Most Loved

11)  A Dangerous Place

12)  Journey to Munich (click here)

... 17 books in series

Electra McDonnell by Ashley Weaver   

1)  A Peculiar Combination (click here)

2)  The Key to Deceit

Sparks & Bainbridge Mysteries by Allison Montclair 

1) The Right Sort of Man (click here)

2)  A Royal Affair (click here)

3)  A Rogue's Company (click here)

4)  The Unkept Woman

Verity Kent Mystery series by Anna Lee Huber 

1) This side of Murder (click here)

2)  Treacherous is the Night

3)  Penny for Your Thoughts (click here)

4)  A Pretty Deceit

5)  Murder Most Fair

6)  A Certain Darkness

I know I haven't even scratched the surface of all the wonderful historical mysteries available.  Please share what are your favorites in the comments.  Are any that my mentioned your favorites?