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Golden Age Reading Challenge

The Golden Age Mystery Reading Challenge: 10 Classic Whodunits to ReadTake a Whodunit Adventure Through the Best Classic Mystery Books

Step back into the elegant world of country houses, clever detectives, and delightfully puzzling murders. If you love classic mystery novels set in the 1920s and 1930s—the Golden Age of detective fiction—this reading challenge is for you.

What is the Golden Age of Detective Fiction?

The Golden Age of Detective Fiction refers to the period between World War I and World War II (roughly 1920-1939) when mystery novels flourished. Authors like Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Margery Allingham created the template for the classic whodunit: a puzzle mystery with a clever detective, a country house setting (usually), a cast of suspicious characters, and clues carefully placed for observant readers to solve the crime alongside the sleuth.

The Golden Age Mystery Reading Challenge Book List1. Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett

Start your journey with Olive Belgrave’s first case. A house party gone wrong and a lady who steps into the role of sleuth—the perfect introduction to Golden Age detecting.

2. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Meet Hercule Poirot in his very first case. A country house, a wealthy widow, and poison—this is classic Agatha Christie at her best. If you’re new to vintage mysteries, this is an excellent starting point.

3. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers

Lord Peter Wimsey must prove novelist Harriet Vane innocent of murder in this beloved mystery. Witty banter, romantic tension, and arsenic abound.

4. The Affair of the Blood-Stained Egg Cosy by James Anderson

A stolen diamond, an earl’s mansion full of suspects, and a most unusual murder weapon make for a delightful mystery.

5. Bats in the Belfry by E.C.R. Lorac

Inspector MacDonald investigates mysterious happenings in London in this atmospheric Golden Age mystery. 

6. A Gentleman’s Murder by Christopher Huang

Set in a 1924 London gentleman’s club where members are being murdered, this contemporary author perfectly captures the Golden Age tone. 

7. Blackmail in Bloomsbury by Anna Sayburn Lane

Amateur detective Freddy Pilkington-Soames tackles blackmail and murder in 1920s London. Fast-paced, fun, and full of period charm.

8. The Cornish Coast Murder by John Bude

Murder mars the beautiful Cornish coast in this classic British mystery. With a vicar sleuth, it’s both cozy and cerebral.

9. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers

Lord Peter Wimsey goes undercover in an advertising agency in this clever mystery novel. Expect wordplay, office politics, and murder most foul in 1930s London.

10. A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia by Clara Benson

Society widow Angela Marchmont investigates blackmail among London’s elite in this charming 1920s mystery series starter. Perfect for fans of sophisticated lady detectives.

Download Your Free Reading Challenge Tracker

Track your progress with our printable reading challenge list PDF

Bonus Reading Challenges

Take your Golden Age mystery reading to the next level with these optional bonus challenges:

The Completist: Read all books by one author from your challenge list. Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie both have extensive backlists perfect for binge-reading!

The Historian: Research one real 1920s event mentioned in the books. The interwar period was fascinating—explore the history behind your favorite mysteries.

The Collector: Find vintage or beautiful editions of these titles. Many Golden Age mysteries have gorgeous vintage covers or modern editions with stunning period-inspired artwork.

Why Read Golden Age Mysteries?

If you’re wondering why you should embark on this classic mystery reading challenge, here are just a few reasons:

Clever Puzzles: Golden Age mysteries are fair-play whodunits where all clues are presented to the reader. You can solve the crime alongside–or hopefully slightly before–the detective.

Elegant Settings: From English country houses to London gentleman’s clubs, these stories transport you to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.

Memorable Detectives: Meet some of literature’s most beloved sleuths, from Hercule Poirot to Lord Peter Wimsey to modern creations like Olive Belgrave.

Cozy Comfort: Times are stressful and Golden Age mysteries offer the wonderful escape: challenging puzzles without graphic violence, wrapped in atmospheric period settings.

More Golden Age Mystery Recommendations

Completed the challenge and hungry for more vintage mystery books? Here are additional Golden Age authors to explore:

Margery Allingham – Albert Campion seriesNgaio Marsh – Inspector Alleyn seriesJosephine Tey – Standalone mysteries and Inspector Grant seriesGladys Mitchell – Mrs. Bradley seriesPatricia Wentworth – Miss Silver seriesShare Your Progress

Share your progress on social media using #GoldenAgeMysteryChallenge and connect with other mystery lovers working through the list!

About the Challenge Creator

This reading challenge was created by Sara Rosett, author of the High Society Lady Detective series set in 1920s England. Sara’s cozy mystery novels capture the wit, elegance, and clever plotting of Golden Age detective fiction for modern readers.

Learn more about Sara’s books →

 

Scone Recipe

Traditional English Scones Recipe: Perfect for Afternoon Tea

When I travel to England, I always have a long list of places I want to visit, which changes every time I go, but one thing remains the same—I must have tea and scones. 

The History of Afternoon Tea and Scones

The tradition of afternoon tea began in the 1840s when Anna, Duchess of Bedford, brought the ritual into fashion. She asked for some light food in the afternoon. Scones were served, and they must have been a hit because she repeated the snack request the next afternoon and the next. The idea caught on, and now afternoon tea is a British institution.

Easy English Scones Recipe

This traditional English scone recipe is simple and makes devious scones. They’re great for a proper afternoon tea or tasty snack. Goes great with a mystery novel as well! 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8 scones
Cuisine: British

Ingredients for Homemade Scones:2 – 2¼ cups all-purpose flour¼ cup sugar (or granulated sugar)1 tablespoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces⅔ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing) – can substitute whole milk1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extractOptional: 1 cup fresh blueberries, raspberries, or dried currantsHow to Make English Scones: Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.Cut in the butter: Add cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky texture scones are known for.Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.Combine wet and dry: Pour the cream mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want lumpy batter, not smooth. Overmixing creates tough scones.Add fruit (optional): If using fresh or dried fruit, toss it with a tablespoon of flour to prevent color bleeding, then gently fold into the dough.Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a circle about ¾ inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round biscuit cutter (2-3 inches) for traditional circular scones.Bake: Place scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with a little extra cream or milk for a golden finish. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown.Serve warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for an authentic English tea experience.

[Download the Printable Scone Recipe]

Tips for Perfect Scones Every TimeUse cold butterDon’t overmixBrush with creamScone Recipe VariationsLemon Blueberry Scones: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 cup fresh blueberriesCranberry Orange Scones: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and ¾ cup dried cranberriesChocolate Chip Scones: Fold in 1 cup chocolate chipsCinnamon Scones: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dry ingredientsWhat to Serve with Scones

The traditional accompaniments for afternoon tea scones include:

Clotted cream (or substitute with whipped cream or cream cheese)Strawberry jam or raspberry preservesHot tea: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, or your favorite blend

[Download the Printable Scone Recipe]

Frequently Asked Questions About Scones

Can I make scone dough ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the scones and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use frozen fruit in scones?
Yes, but don’t thaw it first. Toss frozen berries in flour and fold into the dough while still frozen.

How do I store leftover scones?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

 

Find out more about Sara’s books: SaraRosettBooks.com

 

MBP S6E6 Dorothy L. Sayers

 

🔍 Ever wondered what happens when you combine medieval French scholarship, advertising expertise, and detective fiction? Meet Dorothy L. Sayers, whose Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries revolutionized the genre.

✍️ From co-founding the Detection Club with Agatha Christie to breaking new ground in religious drama, we’ll explore how this remarkable writer refused to be confined by genre expectations.

📖 Delve into her most celebrated works, where Oxford colleges harbor dark secrets, love blooms between intellectual equals, and mysteries probe deeper questions about faith, reason, and society.

🌟 Whether you’re new to Sayers or a longtime fan, you’ll discover why her complex characters and thought-provoking themes continue to draw in readers.

 

For more classic whodunits, check out my books in print, audio, or ebook: 

High Society Lady Detective series 

1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series

 

Sources: 

https://www.sayers.org.uk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy...

https://www.britannica.com/biography/...

MBP S6E5 Georgette Heyer

 

🎭 Did you know the Queen of Regency Romance was also a master of murder mysteries? Join me as we explore Georgette Heyer’s lesser-known but equally brilliant career as a crime writer.

🏰 Step into Heyer’s world of country house murders with her police sleuths, Superintendent Hannasyde and Inspector Hemingway, who pursue the truth behind some very perplexing crimes. 

⭐️ Whether you’re a fan of her Regency romances or new to Heyer entirely, you’ll discover why her twelve mystery novels still intrigue fans today.

For more classic whodunits, check out my books in print, audio, or ebook: 

High Society Lady Detective series 

1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series

Sources: 

https://www.officialgeorgetteheyer.co...

https://cozy-mystery.com/georgette-he...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...

https://interestingliterature.com/201...

MBP S6E4 Margery Allingham

 

🔍 Are you fascinated by detectives who aren’t quite what they appear to be? Join me for a deep dive into Margery Allingham’s world, where her famous sleuth Albert Campion hides his brilliant mind behind a decidedly foolish facade.

📖 Allingham, born into a family of storytellers, was a child prodigy who earned her first writing fee at age eight and went on to become one of the “Queens of Crime.”

💫  Ready to discover why Margery Allingham stands alongside Christie and Sayers in the mystery hall of fame? Start with Sweet Danger for an introduction to her style.

Where to start reading Margery Allingham? 

The Crime at Black Dudley is a lighthearted mix of mystery and thriller.

If you want something a little darker, The Tiger in the Smoke (1952) focuses more on the psychology of a serial killer.

For more classic whodunits, check out my books in print, audio, or ebook: 

High Society Lady Detective series 

1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series

Sources: 

Margery Allingham Society: https://margeryallingham.org.uk

Wikipedia – Margery Allingham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margery...

Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/...

MBP S6E2 Kelley Roos

 

🔍 Ever wondered what happens when two mystery writers fall in love and collaborate? That’s exactly what happened with author Kelley Roos and the result is a series of books where marriage meets mystery.

📝 Audrey and William Roos left their mark on the mystery genre, crafting sophisticated stories that balance romance and suspense.

🌆 Their Jeff and Haila Troy series, beginning with Made Up to Kill, brings to life the glamour and intrigue of mid-century New York City through the eyes of a crime-solving couple.

🎬 We’ll explore their versatility as writers – from novels to plays to television and how this talented pair combined romance, wit, and suspense in their stories.

Where to start with Kelley Roos books? 

If you enjoy theater mysteries: Made Up to Kill – first book in the series

Best known book is probably, The Frightened Stiff 

For more classic whodunits, check out my books in print, audio, or ebook: 

High Society Lady Detective series 

1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series

Sources: 

https://cozy-mystery.com/kelley-roos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audrey_...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William...

MBP S6E1 Agatha Christie

 

🔍 Agatha Christie is often remembered for her mysterious 11-day disappearance, but there’s so much more to her story. From her early struggles as a writer to her rise as the best-selling fiction author of all time, Christie’s life was as interesting as her novels.

☠️ In this episode, learn how her wartime experience* contributed to her mystery writing and how her travel influenced her settings. 

📚 With iconic works like The Murder on the Orient Express, And Then There Were None, and The Mousetrap, Christie perfected the art of the fair-play mystery, crafting books that continue to puzzle and delight readers today.

✨ Join us as we uncover the full story of the Queen of Crime.

Where to start with Christie? I recommend:

For a country house mystery: The Mysterious Affair at Styles For an English village mystery: The Moving FingerFor a 1920s mystery/romance with a dash of thriller: The Secret Adversary

*I apologize in advance for mangling “Bletchley” with my Texas accent! 

For more classic whodunits, check out my books in print, audio, or ebook: 

High Society Lady Detective series 

1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series

Sources:

https://www.agathachristie.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agatha_...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quot...

Bookish Gift Guide for 2024

 

When my family asks me what I want for Christmas, my mind goes blank.

Fortunately, they’re pretty good at picking out things for me, and I’ve been saving up my favorites to pass along to you.

Read on if you need suggestions for your own Christmas wish list or to find the perfect gift for bookish friends and family.

(The links to products are affiliate links. If you buy through my link I get a small commission, but you don’t pay a higher price.)

 

 

The Bookish Sleuth: Mystery Reader’s Journal and Planner  

Journal and Planner

Designed with Sara Rosett’s signature style

This bookish journal and planner designed specifically for mystery readers. 

Monthly calendar pages are undated, so you can start using it any time of the year.

Coil binding allows the book to open fully and lay flat for easier writing.

Keep track of the books you’d like to read along with the details on the books you’ve already read.

Includes a habit tracker, list pages, monthly calendars, bookish quotes, and much more. 

 

 Page Anchor  

Book Anchor

I love this little anchor that holds my print books open.

It was a gift I received recently, and I use it all the time.

 

 Triangle Pillow for Book or Tablet

Triangle Pillow

When I’m using my e-reader (which is a lot!) this triangle pillow comes in handy. 

The exact version I have isn’t available anymore, but link goes to a similar product.

 

 Bookish Tote for Library Lovers

 

Bookish Tote Bag for Library Lovers

I designed this bookish tote with some of my favorite quotes about reading and libraries.

I gave the totes a few years ago and they were such a big hit that I made them available for sale on Society6.com.

The tote comes in two sizes: small and large. 

 

 

Personalized Book Gift Subscriptions 

Customized Subscriptions for Readers

Everyone loves to get a package in the mail, right? So what could be better than hand-selected mysteries that arrive all year long!

My local independent bookstore, Murder by the Book, has a mystery book subscription. 

Each month a Murder by the Book staff member selects an outstanding title from recent releases. 

For questions, or to start a gift subscription call (713-524-8597) or email at order@murderbooks.com. 

 

 I hope this list has sparked some ideas for your list or to give as gifts. Merry Christmas!~Sara 

Coming Soon!

A new book is on the way! You’ll be the first to be notified!

Murder at Archly Manor Chapter by Chapter

We’re traveling back to the 1920s in this season of Mystery Books Podcast with a chapter by chapter deep dive into Murder at Archly Manor, the first book in the High Society Lady Detective series. 

What inspired the location of Murder at Archly Manor? Was I intimidated to write historical fiction? (You bet I was!) How did I take the first step to write about the 1920s, despite my worries about accurately capturing the time between the wars? Find out in the “Story Behind the Story” section of this episode.

Then Elizabeth Klett narrates the first two chapters of Murder at Archly Manor. 

Book recommendation: Your Turn, Mr. Moto by John P. Marquand. (Affiliate link)

Next chapter in the next episode! 

If you want 1920s mystery right now, you can get Murder in Archly Manor in ebook, audio, and print at SaraRosettBooks.com.