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Pinnacle Hotel Mystery #3
The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets
Hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy is on the hunt for a cunning killer and a mysterious thief in the third Pinnacle Hotel mystery, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver.
New York, 1958. When Evelyn’s mail is delivered during a luncheon in the Gold Room, she’s surprised to find she has received a diamond tiara, which catches the attention of a costume jewelry sales team lunching nearby. Their leader, Lois Mitchel is especially interested, but by the end of the lunch, Lois has choked and fallen into Evelyn’s lap–and by the end of the day, she’s dead.
The papers report on the death the next day, while also spreading news of a Gentleman Thief, who’s been leaving behind a red pocket square after robbing the city’s wealthiest. Determined to figure out what happened to Lois, Evelyn devotes herself to the investigation.
The truth is as rare as a diamond and just as hard to crack, and Evelyn swiftly discovers that this particular mystery is multi-faceted, too. From costume jewelry hawkers to wannabe-Robin Hoods and a detective in residence at the Pinnacle, nothing is simple. But neither is Evelyn–and this case is hers to solve.
New York, 1958. When Evelyn’s mail is delivered during a luncheon in the Gold Room, she’s surprised to find she has received a diamond tiara, which catches the attention of a costume jewelry sales team lunching nearby. Their leader, Lois Mitchel is especially interested, but by the end of the lunch, Lois has choked and fallen into Evelyn’s lap–and by the end of the day, she’s dead.
The papers report on the death the next day, while also spreading news of a Gentleman Thief, who’s been leaving behind a red pocket square after robbing the city’s wealthiest. Determined to figure out what happened to Lois, Evelyn devotes herself to the investigation.
The truth is as rare as a diamond and just as hard to crack, and Evelyn swiftly discovers that this particular mystery is multi-faceted, too. From costume jewelry hawkers to wannabe-Robin Hoods and a detective in residence at the Pinnacle, nothing is simple. But neither is Evelyn–and this case is hers to solve.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2025
11 people are currently reading
4073 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Golden
6 books252 followersS.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she married a commercial fisherman. The two of them still live on the islands with their five kids (one boy, four girls — including identical twins!), two cats, and a corgi named Goku. Sarah graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Administration and has put it to good use approximately zero times. She’s worked as a bank teller, a pharmacy technician, and an executive assistant at her father’s church. Sarah is delighted to be doing none of those things now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 10, 2025
Book three in this series and I enjoyed it very much. Evelyn Grace Murphy is our main character. She is the daughter of the owner of the Pinnacle Hotel and she suffers from agoraphobia which makes it very hard for her to venture out of the hotel at all. The year is 1958.
I loved book one, was not so happy with book two and book three is somewhere in between. Evelyn tries to get out of the hotel and manages a few short trips. She has been abandoned by her boyfriend Mac and misses him very much. She goes out with a few other men but none of them are really competition for her memories of Mac.
Despite Evelyn's ditzy attitude and frequent naivety, she still knows how to expose a killer and protect herself (and her jewels) at the same time. This is a fun read and the closing sentence makes it dead set that I have to read the next book as soon as possible!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I loved book one, was not so happy with book two and book three is somewhere in between. Evelyn tries to get out of the hotel and manages a few short trips. She has been abandoned by her boyfriend Mac and misses him very much. She goes out with a few other men but none of them are really competition for her memories of Mac.
Despite Evelyn's ditzy attitude and frequent naivety, she still knows how to expose a killer and protect herself (and her jewels) at the same time. This is a fun read and the closing sentence makes it dead set that I have to read the next book as soon as possible!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 7, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.
This isn't ever going to be a favorite series, but it is consistently entertaining, and I like the way that Golden is evolving Evelyn over time, something that a lot of cozies don't bother doing with their MCs. I do hope this series has an end point and that the author doesn't drag it out past its expiration date, but I'm in if and until that happens. I want to find out what happened to Evelyn's mother at the very least, and also see if she acquires any more animals she can name after iconic pop culture figures.
[3.5 stars, rounded up]
"The ____'s Guide to _____ a/and ______" Accountability Rating: I have decided to start holding books accountable for frivolously using the extremely overused title construction this book also uses. This book gets an 1/10. This is not only a lazy title in that it uses this title construction, but it's also a terrible title. Absolutely no guide, and literally any mystery book is about both sleuthing and secrets.
Alternate Titles for This Book: The Socialite's Guide to Multilevel Murder (an MLM features heavily)
This isn't ever going to be a favorite series, but it is consistently entertaining, and I like the way that Golden is evolving Evelyn over time, something that a lot of cozies don't bother doing with their MCs. I do hope this series has an end point and that the author doesn't drag it out past its expiration date, but I'm in if and until that happens. I want to find out what happened to Evelyn's mother at the very least, and also see if she acquires any more animals she can name after iconic pop culture figures.
[3.5 stars, rounded up]
"The ____'s Guide to _____ a/and ______" Accountability Rating: I have decided to start holding books accountable for frivolously using the extremely overused title construction this book also uses. This book gets an 1/10. This is not only a lazy title in that it uses this title construction, but it's also a terrible title. Absolutely no guide, and literally any mystery book is about both sleuthing and secrets.
Alternate Titles for This Book: The Socialite's Guide to Multilevel Murder (an MLM features heavily)
August 12, 2024
I love this series. Evelyn is a charming sleuth and loyal friend, and she grows in each book which makes for a satisfying read. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with smart and sassy sleuths, you'll want to read the Pinnacle Hotel Mysteries.
Thank you to Crooked Lane for the ARC.
Thank you to Crooked Lane for the ARC.
July 27, 2025
This is the third installment in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series starring Evelyn, the oh so charming and truly endearing heiress. While it might seem like she's spoiled, rich, and vain, deep down she's lonely, vulnerable, and suffering from anxiety. She's an entertaining yet complex character that I've vastly enjoyed getting to know through this series. Her penchant for finding things is what makes her great at sleuthing, along with her sidekicks, a maid and a detective.
Reading this series has been a delight! I've enjoyed getting to know all of these fabulous characters! I'm very much looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Reading this series has been a delight! I've enjoyed getting to know all of these fabulous characters! I'm very much looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 20, 2025
After enjoying book 2 in this series I thought I would see how book 3 fared. I can certainly say after reading it that I am anxious to get my hands on book 4!
Evelyn is a wealthy, ditzy heiress who suffers from mental health issues. However, she isn't as ditzy as she seems and genuinely cares about the people around her. When a woman drops dead on her -okay, technically she died at the hospital later- she is certainly going to investigate that!
Another fun and charming excursion into the life of Evelyn. It's definitely a (non) guilty pleasure!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author S.K. Golden, and Dreamscape Media for my ARC of this delightful audiobook.
Evelyn is a wealthy, ditzy heiress who suffers from mental health issues. However, she isn't as ditzy as she seems and genuinely cares about the people around her. When a woman drops dead on her -okay, technically she died at the hospital later- she is certainly going to investigate that!
Another fun and charming excursion into the life of Evelyn. It's definitely a (non) guilty pleasure!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author S.K. Golden, and Dreamscape Media for my ARC of this delightful audiobook.
April 3, 2025
Evelyn Murphy is back, and she's not doing all that well. Mac's departure has left her sad, and again unwilling to leave the hotel.
During a luncheon, Evelyn comes to the attention of a costume jewellery sales team, whose leader Lois Mitchel urges Evelyn to get involved with the team. Unfortunately, Lois chokes and falls on Evelyn during the lunch, and is dead before the end of the day.
The papers, of course, point out that this is not the first death at the Pinnacle Hotel, angering Evelyn, who attempts to do damage control. But her words are twisted by a reporter, who points out that Evelyn lives a privileged, oblivious-to-reality life, and that the Gentleman Thief, a person who has been targeting New York City's wealthy, has turned his eyes to the hotel guests.
Evelyn knows she has to not only deal with a thief, but also find a murderer, and she begins poking into the lives of the sales team, including Lois'.
Meanwhile, the gruff detective Hodgson, who has agreed to look into Evelyn's mother's untimely death, grudgingly aids her with her inquiries.
Despite Evelyn's occasional descent into ditziness, she's smart, and much more observant than people give her credit for, seeing only her love of fashion and glittery things.
I listened and read this story, and Amara Jasper again does a wonderful job voicing the perky Evelyn. Jasper also ably captures Hodgson's grumpiness, and Evelyn's friend Henry's enthusiasm for helping her expose the perpetrators.
Of course Evelyn solves the two mysteries, but what was more interesting to me is her progress, or lack of progress, with her mental health. Her loneliness and sadness with Mac's leaving has set her back, but I love that Hodgson and Poppy, her assistant, keep pushing her, kindly, out of her comfort zone.
And that ending means that I must have the next book in my hands right away!
Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
During a luncheon, Evelyn comes to the attention of a costume jewellery sales team, whose leader Lois Mitchel urges Evelyn to get involved with the team. Unfortunately, Lois chokes and falls on Evelyn during the lunch, and is dead before the end of the day.
The papers, of course, point out that this is not the first death at the Pinnacle Hotel, angering Evelyn, who attempts to do damage control. But her words are twisted by a reporter, who points out that Evelyn lives a privileged, oblivious-to-reality life, and that the Gentleman Thief, a person who has been targeting New York City's wealthy, has turned his eyes to the hotel guests.
Evelyn knows she has to not only deal with a thief, but also find a murderer, and she begins poking into the lives of the sales team, including Lois'.
Meanwhile, the gruff detective Hodgson, who has agreed to look into Evelyn's mother's untimely death, grudgingly aids her with her inquiries.
Despite Evelyn's occasional descent into ditziness, she's smart, and much more observant than people give her credit for, seeing only her love of fashion and glittery things.
I listened and read this story, and Amara Jasper again does a wonderful job voicing the perky Evelyn. Jasper also ably captures Hodgson's grumpiness, and Evelyn's friend Henry's enthusiasm for helping her expose the perpetrators.
Of course Evelyn solves the two mysteries, but what was more interesting to me is her progress, or lack of progress, with her mental health. Her loneliness and sadness with Mac's leaving has set her back, but I love that Hodgson and Poppy, her assistant, keep pushing her, kindly, out of her comfort zone.
And that ending means that I must have the next book in my hands right away!
Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
November 21, 2024
New York in 1958 is a fun place to be, especially if you live in one of the best hotels in the city, which also happens to belong to your father! Evelyn Murphy is in that position, but her life is lived in a golden cage of anxiety since the unexplained death of her mother and abandonment by her boyfriend. Inside the Pinnacle Hotel, she is absolutely fine devoting herself to being the company's Party Planner alongside investigating the various mysteries that seem to unfold in front of her!
Dining in the Gold Room, she is invited to join a group of ladies at a nearby table where one of them collapses into her lap. Determined to discover what happened as well as identifying a gentleman thief who has been targeting the hotel Evelyn finds herself in a position none of her upbringing or anxiety could every have imagined with no one to but herself to rely on.
The third book in this series is another enchanting trip into a luxurious lifestyle, which only enhances the mystery elements of the stories so far. Evelyn and her friends are great main protagonists, all different and unique. My favourite characters apart from Evelyn are Henry Fox, the famous film star and ex-detective Hodgson who now works at the Pinnacle. Her insecurities are realistically and sympathetically drawn and only add to the storyline.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I loved this, and the cliffhanger at the end means I am already waiting for the next instalment of this feel-good series.
Dining in the Gold Room, she is invited to join a group of ladies at a nearby table where one of them collapses into her lap. Determined to discover what happened as well as identifying a gentleman thief who has been targeting the hotel Evelyn finds herself in a position none of her upbringing or anxiety could every have imagined with no one to but herself to rely on.
The third book in this series is another enchanting trip into a luxurious lifestyle, which only enhances the mystery elements of the stories so far. Evelyn and her friends are great main protagonists, all different and unique. My favourite characters apart from Evelyn are Henry Fox, the famous film star and ex-detective Hodgson who now works at the Pinnacle. Her insecurities are realistically and sympathetically drawn and only add to the storyline.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I loved this, and the cliffhanger at the end means I am already waiting for the next instalment of this feel-good series.
March 21, 2025
This is the first book that I have read in this series, but thankfully with a good mystery series, you can pick up any book and catch up.
Evelyn Murphy is a 1950s Paris Hilton/London Tipton who lives in her father's hotel chain - the Pinnacle - and never leaves because she is rich and has agoraphobia. One of the wealthiest women in New York City, she is spoiled, out of touch, brokenhearted, narcissistic, and generally means well. One day when dining with her friends and admiring the handsome new hotel pianist, a group of women invite her to join them for lunch. They're all members of Lois Mitchell's MLM team and hope to rope Evelyn in with either costume jewelry or a new sales career... and then Lois has an anaphylactic reaction to her lunch and dies in Evelyn's lap. So of course Evelyn decides to investigate the death, find a jewel thief, and fight off a nosy reporter who has it in for Evelyn, all while trying to remember which charity she (ie her assistant) is hosting and planning a gala for. Other subplots include: Evelyn's longing for the boyfriend who dumped her and disappeared (I haven't read the other books so I don't know if he is worth this energy) and Evelyn's investigation into her mother's cold case death.
The audiobook is read by Amara Jasper, who does a good job (though I personally would have read the handsome actor friend differently).
The mystery was good. I laughed listening to Evelyn try to understand how an MLM works. I didn't really care about the descriptions of everyone's clothes, but I think that is Evelyn's personality to list all of that out. She's self-involved and doesn't concern herself with the details of other people. Her friends are a bit flat, but again, I think that Evelyn just views them all as characters in her life. Part of her growth in this book is going through a major fight with her best friend and learning to accept Poppy's choices. Evelyn is annoying, but she is learning.
I don't think I'll read the other books since I don't really like Evelyn, but I think that this series could be fun for someone who's intrigued at the idea of a 1950s Paris Hilton solving murders.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC.
Evelyn Murphy is a 1950s Paris Hilton/London Tipton who lives in her father's hotel chain - the Pinnacle - and never leaves because she is rich and has agoraphobia. One of the wealthiest women in New York City, she is spoiled, out of touch, brokenhearted, narcissistic, and generally means well. One day when dining with her friends and admiring the handsome new hotel pianist, a group of women invite her to join them for lunch. They're all members of Lois Mitchell's MLM team and hope to rope Evelyn in with either costume jewelry or a new sales career... and then Lois has an anaphylactic reaction to her lunch and dies in Evelyn's lap. So of course Evelyn decides to investigate the death, find a jewel thief, and fight off a nosy reporter who has it in for Evelyn, all while trying to remember which charity she (ie her assistant) is hosting and planning a gala for. Other subplots include: Evelyn's longing for the boyfriend who dumped her and disappeared (I haven't read the other books so I don't know if he is worth this energy) and Evelyn's investigation into her mother's cold case death.
The audiobook is read by Amara Jasper, who does a good job (though I personally would have read the handsome actor friend differently).
The mystery was good. I laughed listening to Evelyn try to understand how an MLM works. I didn't really care about the descriptions of everyone's clothes, but I think that is Evelyn's personality to list all of that out. She's self-involved and doesn't concern herself with the details of other people. Her friends are a bit flat, but again, I think that Evelyn just views them all as characters in her life. Part of her growth in this book is going through a major fight with her best friend and learning to accept Poppy's choices. Evelyn is annoying, but she is learning.
I don't think I'll read the other books since I don't really like Evelyn, but I think that this series could be fun for someone who's intrigued at the idea of a 1950s Paris Hilton solving murders.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC.
March 12, 2025
This was a cute & fun historical fiction, cozy mystery!
Synopsis: Set in 1958, hotel heiress, Evelyn, experiences her 3rd murder at her hotel. Along with a jewel thief on the loose?! She better get to work if she doesn’t want to her hotel’s reputation to be tarnished!
**This is the 3rd book in a series and I have not read the others. I feel like overall it was fine, characters are reintroduced (briefly), but I know I would have more of an understanding of them if I would have read the others. There is Evelyn’s relationship with her dead mother that we don’t know about (if you haven’t read the other books) & there is a love interest that clearly has significance that we don’t know about. I was still able to thoroughly enjoy this book without knowing the background of those two things!**
Review: This book gives The Maid by Nita Prose vibes - but Evelyn is quirky in a London Tipton way. There was gossip, rich people behaving poorly, Housewives vibes, & a small romance interest. This short, cozy mystery had all the aspects of a deep novel, without needing to spend hundreds of pages on unnecessary details.
I definitely recommend this book & this series! I also finished this in one day. It is easily bingeable and hard to put down!
Read if you enjoy:
👸🏻 Quirky FMCs
🕵️♀️ Sleuthing
🗞️ Journalists trying to start trouble
🥸 Trying to solve (2) crimes!
Audiobook Length: 8 hours
Narrator: Amara Jasper
I highly enjoyed Amara’s narration! She did voices and accents very well. She kept my attention and did wonderful at her voice acting - which is always so nice as opposed to someone just narrating/reading. I want to find more novels she’s narrated!
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review! I’m so happy I picked this one up.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Synopsis: Set in 1958, hotel heiress, Evelyn, experiences her 3rd murder at her hotel. Along with a jewel thief on the loose?! She better get to work if she doesn’t want to her hotel’s reputation to be tarnished!
**This is the 3rd book in a series and I have not read the others. I feel like overall it was fine, characters are reintroduced (briefly), but I know I would have more of an understanding of them if I would have read the others. There is Evelyn’s relationship with her dead mother that we don’t know about (if you haven’t read the other books) & there is a love interest that clearly has significance that we don’t know about. I was still able to thoroughly enjoy this book without knowing the background of those two things!**
Review: This book gives The Maid by Nita Prose vibes - but Evelyn is quirky in a London Tipton way. There was gossip, rich people behaving poorly, Housewives vibes, & a small romance interest. This short, cozy mystery had all the aspects of a deep novel, without needing to spend hundreds of pages on unnecessary details.
I definitely recommend this book & this series! I also finished this in one day. It is easily bingeable and hard to put down!
Read if you enjoy:
👸🏻 Quirky FMCs
🕵️♀️ Sleuthing
🗞️ Journalists trying to start trouble
🥸 Trying to solve (2) crimes!
Audiobook Length: 8 hours
Narrator: Amara Jasper
I highly enjoyed Amara’s narration! She did voices and accents very well. She kept my attention and did wonderful at her voice acting - which is always so nice as opposed to someone just narrating/reading. I want to find more novels she’s narrated!
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review! I’m so happy I picked this one up.
Connect with me on Instagram!
September 1, 2024
The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets is book three in the series from S.K. Golden and whilst you don’t need to have read the previous two novels, I do recommend them! Our leading lady is young, lonely, and seeking purpose. She is also rich, beautiful, and struggling with anxiety. This complex combination makes for an interesting character and perspective. With a knack for finding things (including murder victims) and good organisational skills, this fashionista has hit her mystery stride by this book. With a detective and maid for sidekicks, the three tackle what the police have written off as a death by misadventure. In addition, a jewellery thief is stalking the guests of Evelyn’s beloved hotel (and home) and she is determined to identify them!
I love the supportive cast in this series as well as the hotel setting, its unusual and fun! From start to finish, I enjoyed this one and with a personal cliff hanger (the mystery is wrapped up intelligently), I am eager for the next one to come out! Its a five out of five on the enjoyment scale and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love the supportive cast in this series as well as the hotel setting, its unusual and fun! From start to finish, I enjoyed this one and with a personal cliff hanger (the mystery is wrapped up intelligently), I am eager for the next one to come out! Its a five out of five on the enjoyment scale and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 3, 2024
Evelyn, Evelyn, Evelyn you sure do know how to turn heads! (And hearts.) Handsome men fawn all over her but will she ever be able to get over the love of her life, Mac?
Evelyn tasks herself with not one but two mysteries. A woman out to lunch with three of her colleagues, if you can call them that, ends up deathly in Evelyn’s lap. “It’s always the husband” is what everyone keeps repeating to Evelyn but is that true in this case or is there a “friend” who sees her as competition?
Next, the Gentleman’s thief is targeting the wealthy, including hotel guests. Who is this man (or woman) and why are they leaving a red pocket square on the scene of the robberies? Has Evelyn stumbled across a sinister plot or is the answer much more obvious?
Evelyn with her wit is one of my favorite literary characters. This series continues to get better and better and I suspect book #4 will be coming soon!
Evelyn tasks herself with not one but two mysteries. A woman out to lunch with three of her colleagues, if you can call them that, ends up deathly in Evelyn’s lap. “It’s always the husband” is what everyone keeps repeating to Evelyn but is that true in this case or is there a “friend” who sees her as competition?
Next, the Gentleman’s thief is targeting the wealthy, including hotel guests. Who is this man (or woman) and why are they leaving a red pocket square on the scene of the robberies? Has Evelyn stumbled across a sinister plot or is the answer much more obvious?
Evelyn with her wit is one of my favorite literary characters. This series continues to get better and better and I suspect book #4 will be coming soon!
November 4, 2024
I'm coming back because the Netgalley review didn't published in here.
I was with such high hopes with this one. I love Evelyn but the thing with no Mac and the mystery was not very appealing to me.
Sometimes I was expecting the vibes of To catch a thief but it doesn't have it.
Yet it was ok and probably I will keep choosing reading this series.
Thanks Netgalley for the advance copy and I'm always will be a fan of the Pinnacle hotel.
I was with such high hopes with this one. I love Evelyn but the thing with no Mac and the mystery was not very appealing to me.
Sometimes I was expecting the vibes of To catch a thief but it doesn't have it.
Yet it was ok and probably I will keep choosing reading this series.
Thanks Netgalley for the advance copy and I'm always will be a fan of the Pinnacle hotel.
June 8, 2025
Sometimes the light reads are just what I need. These books are cheesy and not that complicated to follow or really thought provoking, but I have enjoyed escaping into the world of Evelyn Murphy. Excited for book 4 with how this one ended.
August 5, 2025
great read but didn’t know it was a series and this is the last book….
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed this as much as the first two in this series. There was one section that seemed to drag on and was not necessary to the plot. Other than that, it moved quickly with fun twists and turns. It is interesting to see the mystery within the mystery. I also like the way that the author shows how Evelyn is trying to push through her anxieties to function in life.
October 23, 2024
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book
3.5 !
This was a lovely cozy mystery! I really needed it during the spooky month of October. Evelyn Murphy is slightly sheltered and maybe needs more of a wake up call and she gets it when an MLM women group try to convince her to join them and the ring leader then dies on the spot!
I was so intrigued by the plot and the mystery was really well written! Love love loved the detective nature of the main character and her group of friends are so fun!
The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets releases on the 11th of March 2025
3.5 !
This was a lovely cozy mystery! I really needed it during the spooky month of October. Evelyn Murphy is slightly sheltered and maybe needs more of a wake up call and she gets it when an MLM women group try to convince her to join them and the ring leader then dies on the spot!
I was so intrigued by the plot and the mystery was really well written! Love love loved the detective nature of the main character and her group of friends are so fun!
The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets releases on the 11th of March 2025
September 1, 2024
The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets tells the story of Evelyn Murphy, the daughter of a hotel owner, who is a self-proclaimed detective. I did not realised this was the third book in a series. I only noticed after the first couple of pages kept referring to past solved mysteries and people with little to no introduction. I do take a bit of blame here, as it is mentioned in the book description. Because of my own lack of sight I pushed through the first pages hoping I would catch up eventually. That being said, two Mr Sharpe's in the very beginning of the story, with the only difference between them was "the older Mr Sharpe" and "the younger Mr Sharpe" while in a conversation about one being hot and the other not and one character being attracted to one and the other character being attracted to the other, was almost impossible to follow. This is one example of the many things I found annoying in this book.
First what I did like: the chosen era and the unexpected detective. Which were the reasons I chose this book, fail flat as little to no description of the era itself, with dialogue and descriptions in a modern tone. Which leads to to the second thing I found annoying: the scattered use of "golly" and "you are the ginchiest" as those two expressions were enough to give the story and book the era which is supposed to be set in.
Next what I didn't like: characters, story pace and structure in general. There is a lot of wishful thinking in this book. The main character is a beautiful heiress, super smart (that she solved two crimes already!), everyone loves her, men fall at her feet (but she is still pinning after the one that got away), and super rich. Clearly is the fantasy of the author in where she gives herself all the characteristics she wished she had and solves a mystery she wished she did like Mrs Marple. The story structure is murder happens, main characters rambles (and is so cute while at it!), mystery gets solves in an almost Scooby Doo manner with a falling net. And because the ramble hasn't finished yet, after main mystery is solved, she needs to continue with a smaller one in where a thief is so infatuated by her that attempts to kidnap her. I struggle with the pace because of all the rambling and the attempt at humour which I didn't found funny. One example is in the middle of chasing the thief, a detective and Evelyn need to take the subway but she calls the detective back to give her coins as she never carries them (as they make her jiggle), and then being offended that the thief took her to New Jersey of all places!. Or when a taxi makes her dress muddy and all she says is "This is Balenciaga!". To me it came across as out of touch in a not funny way. The other characters fall flat and cliche. Gay actor male best friend, smart assistant female best friend, serious detective and so on.
Trigger warning: MLM pyramid scam? Is the one thing that might trigger someone and not be expected in this context.
While this book was not to my preference, I can see what some might find appealing: the era and the cozy mystery like characteristic.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the Arc in exchange of my honest review. The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets will be published March 11th 2025.
#TheSocialitesGuidetoSleuthingandSecrets #NetGalley.
First what I did like: the chosen era and the unexpected detective. Which were the reasons I chose this book, fail flat as little to no description of the era itself, with dialogue and descriptions in a modern tone. Which leads to to the second thing I found annoying: the scattered use of "golly" and "you are the ginchiest" as those two expressions were enough to give the story and book the era which is supposed to be set in.
Next what I didn't like: characters, story pace and structure in general. There is a lot of wishful thinking in this book. The main character is a beautiful heiress, super smart (that she solved two crimes already!), everyone loves her, men fall at her feet (but she is still pinning after the one that got away), and super rich. Clearly is the fantasy of the author in where she gives herself all the characteristics she wished she had and solves a mystery she wished she did like Mrs Marple. The story structure is murder happens, main characters rambles (and is so cute while at it!), mystery gets solves in an almost Scooby Doo manner with a falling net. And because the ramble hasn't finished yet, after main mystery is solved, she needs to continue with a smaller one in where a thief is so infatuated by her that attempts to kidnap her. I struggle with the pace because of all the rambling and the attempt at humour which I didn't found funny. One example is in the middle of chasing the thief, a detective and Evelyn need to take the subway but she calls the detective back to give her coins as she never carries them (as they make her jiggle), and then being offended that the thief took her to New Jersey of all places!. Or when a taxi makes her dress muddy and all she says is "This is Balenciaga!". To me it came across as out of touch in a not funny way. The other characters fall flat and cliche. Gay actor male best friend, smart assistant female best friend, serious detective and so on.
Trigger warning: MLM pyramid scam? Is the one thing that might trigger someone and not be expected in this context.
While this book was not to my preference, I can see what some might find appealing: the era and the cozy mystery like characteristic.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the Arc in exchange of my honest review. The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets will be published March 11th 2025.
#TheSocialitesGuidetoSleuthingandSecrets #NetGalley.
March 25, 2025
I can't un-read it!! OK, maybe a little harsh, but I found the main character in this book so annoying that it just ruined the whole book for me. Story was cute, and lite mysteries are usually my jam, I guess maybe the time period wasn't for me? Not sure, but I had a visceral reaction each time I had to pick it up to continue. I read the whole thing, hoping it would grow on me. It didn't.
October 17, 2025
TLDR: solid third book in the series but months later I couldn’t remember the mystery.
December 26, 2024
///// English /////
*Disclaimer: I had received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 7/10 – 3,5 stars out of 5
Genre: thriller, crime, cozy mystery
A hotel with very bad luck that draws attention to Evelyn Murphy.
I didn’t know it was the third part of a saga, but it’s perfectly understandable. It’s true that there are details that remain in the air for not knowing the two previous ones, but the mystery is solved without problems and all the time you are clear about it. (Just in case someone is as clueless as I was and the same thing happens to them).
It is highly enjoyable and very entertaining, although my main problem has been the main character: at times, I empathized with her and her emotions; at others, she just seemed to me that she was repeating the same thing in a loop without any background.
I liked the story and, although it was known from the beginning who was who, it was very interesting to see how Evelyn is guided by her instinct, by her hunches, and the relationship with the rest of the characters. The references to Agatha Christie and her main investigators have enchanted me.
However, and because I also have to talk about the “buts”, I found it a little simple (perhaps not the most appropriate word): the action scenes make little sense, they seem to be finished before everything has a reason to be. It gives the sensation that the author had an idea, but she ran out of words or time or ways to express it and ended up shortening it.
The subplot of her mother calls my attention and I don’t hesitate to read the whole saga at some point.
Totally recommendable to see a different investigator to what readers of the genre are used to.
///// Español /////
*Aviso: Recibí un eARC gratuito a cambio de una revisión honesta.
Calificación: 7 / 10 – 3,5 estrellas de 5
Género: policiaco, crimen, misterio
Un hotel con muy mala suerte que atrae las miradas hacia Evelyn Murphy.
No sabía que se trataba de la tercera parte de una saga, pero se entiende perfectamente. Es cierto que hay detalles que quedan en el aire por no conocer los dos anteriores, pero el misterio se resuelve sin problemas y todo el rato te dejan claro lo que ha sucedido. (Por si acaso alguien es tan despistado como yo y le sucede lo mismo).
Es altamente disfrutable y muy entretenido, si bien mi problema principal ha sido el personaje principal: en ocasiones, empatizaba con ella y con sus emociones; en otras, solo me parecía que repetía lo mismo en bucle sin más trasfondo.
Me ha gustado la historia y, aunque se sabía desde el principio quién era quién, ha sido muy interesante ver cómo Evelyn se guía por su instinto, por sus corazonadas… y la relación que mantiene con el resto de personajes. Las referencias a Agatha Christie y sus investigadores principales me han encantado.
Sin embargo, y porque también tengo que hablar de los “peros”, me ha parecido un poco simple (tal vez no es la palabra más adecuada): las escenas de acción tienen poco sentido, parecen terminadas antes de que todo tenga una razón de ser… Da la sensación de que tenía una idea, pero se quedaba sin palabras o sin formas de expresarla y acabó por acortarla.
La subtrama de su madre me llama mucho la atención y no dudo leerme toda la saga en algún momento.
Totalmente recomendable para ver una investigadora diferente a lo que estamos acostumbrados los lectores del género.
*Disclaimer: I had received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 7/10 – 3,5 stars out of 5
Genre: thriller, crime, cozy mystery
A hotel with very bad luck that draws attention to Evelyn Murphy.
I didn’t know it was the third part of a saga, but it’s perfectly understandable. It’s true that there are details that remain in the air for not knowing the two previous ones, but the mystery is solved without problems and all the time you are clear about it. (Just in case someone is as clueless as I was and the same thing happens to them).
It is highly enjoyable and very entertaining, although my main problem has been the main character: at times, I empathized with her and her emotions; at others, she just seemed to me that she was repeating the same thing in a loop without any background.
I liked the story and, although it was known from the beginning who was who, it was very interesting to see how Evelyn is guided by her instinct, by her hunches, and the relationship with the rest of the characters. The references to Agatha Christie and her main investigators have enchanted me.
However, and because I also have to talk about the “buts”, I found it a little simple (perhaps not the most appropriate word): the action scenes make little sense, they seem to be finished before everything has a reason to be. It gives the sensation that the author had an idea, but she ran out of words or time or ways to express it and ended up shortening it.
The subplot of her mother calls my attention and I don’t hesitate to read the whole saga at some point.
Totally recommendable to see a different investigator to what readers of the genre are used to.
///// Español /////
*Aviso: Recibí un eARC gratuito a cambio de una revisión honesta.
Calificación: 7 / 10 – 3,5 estrellas de 5
Género: policiaco, crimen, misterio
Un hotel con muy mala suerte que atrae las miradas hacia Evelyn Murphy.
No sabía que se trataba de la tercera parte de una saga, pero se entiende perfectamente. Es cierto que hay detalles que quedan en el aire por no conocer los dos anteriores, pero el misterio se resuelve sin problemas y todo el rato te dejan claro lo que ha sucedido. (Por si acaso alguien es tan despistado como yo y le sucede lo mismo).
Es altamente disfrutable y muy entretenido, si bien mi problema principal ha sido el personaje principal: en ocasiones, empatizaba con ella y con sus emociones; en otras, solo me parecía que repetía lo mismo en bucle sin más trasfondo.
Me ha gustado la historia y, aunque se sabía desde el principio quién era quién, ha sido muy interesante ver cómo Evelyn se guía por su instinto, por sus corazonadas… y la relación que mantiene con el resto de personajes. Las referencias a Agatha Christie y sus investigadores principales me han encantado.
Sin embargo, y porque también tengo que hablar de los “peros”, me ha parecido un poco simple (tal vez no es la palabra más adecuada): las escenas de acción tienen poco sentido, parecen terminadas antes de que todo tenga una razón de ser… Da la sensación de que tenía una idea, pero se quedaba sin palabras o sin formas de expresarla y acabó por acortarla.
La subtrama de su madre me llama mucho la atención y no dudo leerme toda la saga en algún momento.
Totalmente recomendable para ver una investigadora diferente a lo que estamos acostumbrados los lectores del género.
March 24, 2025
Our protagonist, hotel heiress / socialite Evelyn Murphy, still finds herself in 1958's New York city in the latest (third) installment of the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery, and for the third time in only a matter of weeks, a guest dies at her father's hotel. Thankfully, Evelyn still has her sleuthing skills and her partner from the previous book, detective turned private investigator Hodgson, to help her get to the bottom of things.
While it's not necessary to have read the previous two books in the series, it definitely helps, especially concerning Evelyn's love life.
After the ending of the second book, I actually expected this latest installment in the series to be about the investigation into the murder of Evelyn's mother, and while there is a bit of that, it definitely isn't the book's focus, which was a tad disappointing (but this may just be because I expected something else). Thankfully, this murder was much more intriguing than the last book's mystery, and a gentlemanly robber haunting the hotel's wealthiest guests on top of that only added to the intrigue, especially when Evelyn's investigation into the murder seemed to be going around in circles.
The additional complication of Evelyn's love life after her abrupt heartbreak at the end of the last book fell flat for me; I really liked her interactions with Mac, and her new dating woes didn't draw me in as much. On top of that, Evelyn's youth and naiveté, which were adorable at the beginning of the series, seem to get worse with every book and make her sound like a caricature of herself at times. She may be a talented sleuth, but her social interactions are often cringe-worthy. Instead of growing into herself and becoming more confident and aware, Evelyn's portrayal in this book makes her sound more spoiled, aloof, and ditzy than ever before, which is a shame. At least she finally provides an explanation for her overuse of both "ever so" and "ginchy", though she still uses both way too much.
Overall, I enjoyed this cozy mystery and will be on the lookout for the next book in the series. I listened to the audiobook, which was excellent; as with the previous books, the narrator did a great job bringing this series to life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with the audiobook of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
While it's not necessary to have read the previous two books in the series, it definitely helps, especially concerning Evelyn's love life.
After the ending of the second book, I actually expected this latest installment in the series to be about the investigation into the murder of Evelyn's mother, and while there is a bit of that, it definitely isn't the book's focus, which was a tad disappointing (but this may just be because I expected something else). Thankfully, this murder was much more intriguing than the last book's mystery, and a gentlemanly robber haunting the hotel's wealthiest guests on top of that only added to the intrigue, especially when Evelyn's investigation into the murder seemed to be going around in circles.
The additional complication of Evelyn's love life after her abrupt heartbreak at the end of the last book fell flat for me; I really liked her interactions with Mac, and her new dating woes didn't draw me in as much. On top of that, Evelyn's youth and naiveté, which were adorable at the beginning of the series, seem to get worse with every book and make her sound like a caricature of herself at times. She may be a talented sleuth, but her social interactions are often cringe-worthy. Instead of growing into herself and becoming more confident and aware, Evelyn's portrayal in this book makes her sound more spoiled, aloof, and ditzy than ever before, which is a shame. At least she finally provides an explanation for her overuse of both "ever so" and "ginchy", though she still uses both way too much.
Overall, I enjoyed this cozy mystery and will be on the lookout for the next book in the series. I listened to the audiobook, which was excellent; as with the previous books, the narrator did a great job bringing this series to life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with the audiobook of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2025
This adorable series continues to be both adorable and thoughtful. The heroine, hotel heiress and agoraphobe Evelyn Murphy, dresses almost completely in pink and dyes her hair blonde like her idol, Marilyn. It’s 1958 and Elvis rules, as does Evelyn’s spoiled pom, Presley. Evelyn’s almost boyfriend Mac has taken off for parts unknown, and so she’s entertaining ideas of other suitors throughout the book.
The main story, however, centers on the “Ladies Who Love to Sparkle”, women who sell costume jewellery, Tupperware party style. As Evelyn enjoys tea in her hotel’s dining room, one of the sparkle ladies asks her to join them. They share their catalogue, and all share a glass of champagne. So far so good, but then the leader of the group collapses in Evelyn’s lap and later dies in the hospital.
Evelyn, who never leaves the hotel, decides that this death is a murder, not an accident, and using the many tools she has at her disposal – including a private detective she keeps on hand – she begins her sleuthing. The sleuthing does involve her actually leaving the hotel. I’m not exactly sure how Evelyn’s agoraphobia would have been viewed or treated in the 50’s – my reference here is Betty Draper’s treatment in Mad Men, where her doctor reported her progress back to her husband. But Evelyn does have a doctor who is encouraging her to change her routine and try and get outside the hotel. And she does.
Those moments are a triumph, and it certainly aids Evelyn’s sleuthing for her to meet her suspects on their home turf. She’s often escorted by Henry, a movie star, who is secretly gay and often uses Evelyn as a beard. The two are genuine friends, however, and Henry is another useful member of Evelyn’s sleuthing arsenal.
Golden is good at keeping her story percolating, including a possible romance with a lawyer and the new hotel piano player, who is very dashing. Evelyn and her assistant and friend Poppy are also putting together a gala for charity which is more or less the denouement of the novel, in classic golden age style.
While Evelyn appears fluffy and dumb, she really has good instincts and ways of figuring out what’s happening. She reminds me a bit of Joan Coggins’ creation of Lady Lupin, who marries “down” (a vicar) and makes her way through village life with a startling amount of perception and humor. Evelyn shares Lady Lupin’s style and charm.
The mystery part is also quite clever and while the suspect pool is pretty small, Golden manages to create suspense and a bit of a thrill at the end of the novel which also includes a cliffhanger, making any reader more than ready for the next instalment.
The main story, however, centers on the “Ladies Who Love to Sparkle”, women who sell costume jewellery, Tupperware party style. As Evelyn enjoys tea in her hotel’s dining room, one of the sparkle ladies asks her to join them. They share their catalogue, and all share a glass of champagne. So far so good, but then the leader of the group collapses in Evelyn’s lap and later dies in the hospital.
Evelyn, who never leaves the hotel, decides that this death is a murder, not an accident, and using the many tools she has at her disposal – including a private detective she keeps on hand – she begins her sleuthing. The sleuthing does involve her actually leaving the hotel. I’m not exactly sure how Evelyn’s agoraphobia would have been viewed or treated in the 50’s – my reference here is Betty Draper’s treatment in Mad Men, where her doctor reported her progress back to her husband. But Evelyn does have a doctor who is encouraging her to change her routine and try and get outside the hotel. And she does.
Those moments are a triumph, and it certainly aids Evelyn’s sleuthing for her to meet her suspects on their home turf. She’s often escorted by Henry, a movie star, who is secretly gay and often uses Evelyn as a beard. The two are genuine friends, however, and Henry is another useful member of Evelyn’s sleuthing arsenal.
Golden is good at keeping her story percolating, including a possible romance with a lawyer and the new hotel piano player, who is very dashing. Evelyn and her assistant and friend Poppy are also putting together a gala for charity which is more or less the denouement of the novel, in classic golden age style.
While Evelyn appears fluffy and dumb, she really has good instincts and ways of figuring out what’s happening. She reminds me a bit of Joan Coggins’ creation of Lady Lupin, who marries “down” (a vicar) and makes her way through village life with a startling amount of perception and humor. Evelyn shares Lady Lupin’s style and charm.
The mystery part is also quite clever and while the suspect pool is pretty small, Golden manages to create suspense and a bit of a thrill at the end of the novel which also includes a cliffhanger, making any reader more than ready for the next instalment.
March 9, 2025
THE SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO SLEUTHING & SECRETS by S. K. Golden
The Third Pinnacle Hotel Mystery
Though she'd prefer to be in her room at the Pinnacle Hotel with just her pets as companions, Evelyn Murphy has agreed to eat lunch in the Gold Room with her friend Henry. While admiring a tiara that was just delivered to her, ladies at a nearby table ask her to join them. As the hotel owner's daughter, Evelyn graciously sits with them and is soon given a sales pitch from Lois Mitchel, leader of the Ladies Love to Sparkle. As Evelyn peruses their costume jewelry catalog, Lois suddenly collapses. While it looks as if Lois suffered from a deadly allergic reaction, Evelyn's first thought is murder. While Evelyn Murphy has great difficulty with many aspects of her life, one thing she does well is find things...and that includes murderers.
THE SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO SLEUTHING & SECRETS brings readers back to the Pinnacle Hotel, a luxury hotel in 1958 New York City and home to the Evelyn Murphy. Still reeling from the departure of her lover, Evelyn has been backsliding, refusing once again to leave the hotel. But, when faced with another death, one where the woman fell right on top of her, she focuses on what she does best. It's fascinating to watch Evelyn's methods, her relationships with others, and her ultimate successes. I loved her plan to trap the killer!
In the first book in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series I found Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy contrived, especially with her speech, thank you ever so much. However, she's growing and by this third book we can see the character she's cultivated slowly fading as she's slowly letting her true self out. She even is just Evelyn Murphy now. Of course, it's slow going, but she's trying to be a better person.
The mystery was complex with multiple moving parts. a possible murder, a jewel thief, and a journalist looking to start trouble. The search to discover more about her mother's murder adds depth and more intrigue.
Humorous, yet imbued with pathos, THE SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO SLEUTHING & SECRETS is a skillfully crafted mystery bringing 1950s style to a novel that's simply the ginchiest!
The Third Pinnacle Hotel Mystery
Though she'd prefer to be in her room at the Pinnacle Hotel with just her pets as companions, Evelyn Murphy has agreed to eat lunch in the Gold Room with her friend Henry. While admiring a tiara that was just delivered to her, ladies at a nearby table ask her to join them. As the hotel owner's daughter, Evelyn graciously sits with them and is soon given a sales pitch from Lois Mitchel, leader of the Ladies Love to Sparkle. As Evelyn peruses their costume jewelry catalog, Lois suddenly collapses. While it looks as if Lois suffered from a deadly allergic reaction, Evelyn's first thought is murder. While Evelyn Murphy has great difficulty with many aspects of her life, one thing she does well is find things...and that includes murderers.
THE SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO SLEUTHING & SECRETS brings readers back to the Pinnacle Hotel, a luxury hotel in 1958 New York City and home to the Evelyn Murphy. Still reeling from the departure of her lover, Evelyn has been backsliding, refusing once again to leave the hotel. But, when faced with another death, one where the woman fell right on top of her, she focuses on what she does best. It's fascinating to watch Evelyn's methods, her relationships with others, and her ultimate successes. I loved her plan to trap the killer!
In the first book in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series I found Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy contrived, especially with her speech, thank you ever so much. However, she's growing and by this third book we can see the character she's cultivated slowly fading as she's slowly letting her true self out. She even is just Evelyn Murphy now. Of course, it's slow going, but she's trying to be a better person.
The mystery was complex with multiple moving parts. a possible murder, a jewel thief, and a journalist looking to start trouble. The search to discover more about her mother's murder adds depth and more intrigue.
Humorous, yet imbued with pathos, THE SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO SLEUTHING & SECRETS is a skillfully crafted mystery bringing 1950s style to a novel that's simply the ginchiest!
March 15, 2025
There has been another murder at the Pinnacle Hotel. Evelyn Murphy, the owner’s daughter, was invited to join the Ladies Who Love to Sparkle at the hotel’s restaurant. As she looks over their catalogue of costume jewelry, champagne is served. Lois, the group’s leader, suffers an allergic reaction and later dies. The police call it an accidental death, but Evelyn is sure that it was murder. Lois was allergic to shrimp, which the restaurant did not have in supply. As Evelyn gets to know each member of the group she discovers that each one was hoping to make money from the sale of the jewelry. At that point, however, Lois was the only one who was profiting from their activities. Suffering from agoraphobia, Evelyn never leaves the hotel. She is still dealing with her boyfriend leaving her and she is responsible for organizing a charity ball. Luckily, she has Poppy, her assistant, to organize things for her. There is a journalist whose articles have been covering the murders associated with the hotel as well as a gentleman thief, who has been targeting wealthy clients of the hotel. To protect the hotel’s reputation, Evelyn calls on a retired detective who she originally hired to look into her mother’s death years earlier. She has provided a room at the hotel for his office and has daily meetings with him to discuss his progress and ask his advice on her investigation. He has finally discovered information about her mother that may require her to leave the hotel to follow his leads.
Evelyn’s life centers around her small dog, her wardrobe and her comfort. She may appear pampered and flighty, but people underestimate her. She has always had an uncanny ability to find things, including solutions to murder. As the charity ball approaches, S.K. golden brings all of the story lines together and provides a surprise appearance that will have you eager for Evelyn’s return. This was an entertaining mystery that brought smiles as Evelyn’s problems kept growing while she handled them in her own unique fashion. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book.
Evelyn’s life centers around her small dog, her wardrobe and her comfort. She may appear pampered and flighty, but people underestimate her. She has always had an uncanny ability to find things, including solutions to murder. As the charity ball approaches, S.K. golden brings all of the story lines together and provides a surprise appearance that will have you eager for Evelyn’s return. This was an entertaining mystery that brought smiles as Evelyn’s problems kept growing while she handled them in her own unique fashion. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book.
March 7, 2025
In 1950s Manhattan, hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy finds herself entangled in a dazzling yet deadly mystery in the third Pinnacle Hotel Mystery installment. During a luncheon, she unexpectedly receives a diamond tiara, drawing the interest of jewelry saleswoman Lois Mitchell. Moments later, Lois collapses in Evelyn’s lap—appearing to have had an anaphylactic response to something she ate. Meanwhile, the city buzzes about a Gentleman Thief, leaving red pocket squares at crime scenes. Determined to uncover the truth, Evelyn navigates a world of fake jewels, elusive criminals, and hotel intrigue. With sharp wit and relentless curiosity, she’s ready to crack this glittering, high-stakes case.
Pub Date: March 11, 2025
4.5 stars!
I loved this cozy mystery! It was fun and light hearted and easy to follow, which I'll be honest I struggle to keep the pieces of a mystery together. I'm too distracted by life to also have to keep track of all the threads, so thank you S. K. Golden for throwing your girl a bone! Evelyn Murphy is equal parts ditzy, glitzy, clever and observant. She is thoughtful about those who are in her inner circle, but gives her whole heart and attention to them once they're in. She uses her personality, her means and her quick wit to gather information to use toward solving two mysteries - the identity of the Gentleman Thief who steals precious jewels throughout the city, and the murder of Lois Mitchell who died in the Gold Room of Evelyn's hotel. Evelyn is the girliest, sassiest sleuth and I'm here for it.
After reading this third installment, I will definitely be going back to read the first two, though I did not feel like readers needed to read the first two to read this one. The first book is The Socialite's Guide to Murder and the second book is The Socialite's Guide to Death and Dating. Such a fast and fun read - perfect for on the go, vacation or just a cozy weekend at home!
Thank you so much to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this early gifted eARC!
Pub Date: March 11, 2025
4.5 stars!
I loved this cozy mystery! It was fun and light hearted and easy to follow, which I'll be honest I struggle to keep the pieces of a mystery together. I'm too distracted by life to also have to keep track of all the threads, so thank you S. K. Golden for throwing your girl a bone! Evelyn Murphy is equal parts ditzy, glitzy, clever and observant. She is thoughtful about those who are in her inner circle, but gives her whole heart and attention to them once they're in. She uses her personality, her means and her quick wit to gather information to use toward solving two mysteries - the identity of the Gentleman Thief who steals precious jewels throughout the city, and the murder of Lois Mitchell who died in the Gold Room of Evelyn's hotel. Evelyn is the girliest, sassiest sleuth and I'm here for it.
After reading this third installment, I will definitely be going back to read the first two, though I did not feel like readers needed to read the first two to read this one. The first book is The Socialite's Guide to Murder and the second book is The Socialite's Guide to Death and Dating. Such a fast and fun read - perfect for on the go, vacation or just a cozy weekend at home!
Thank you so much to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this early gifted eARC!
March 26, 2025
- I received this audiobook from NetGalley -
I found this book very hard to get into, and hard to get through.
Having not read the first two books, I was so confused in the beginning as a lot of information was supposed to have been known. Like Mac, who was he? Did he die? No, later you find out he just left. Why can Evelyn not leave the hotel? I don’t think I know the full reason. But at least she has all the amenities she could want simply at the hotel.
Evelyn forgetting the party that she was throwing got so annoying, I don’t know if it was to try and show her ditziness, but it just seemed more like she was flippant about anything/everything. How hard is it to remember something you were supposed to be the face of? Which then added to her not having much character development, and she sounds so spoiled! Not knowing the price of anything, and almost pouting when people asked to pay for their own things. I can understand wanting to help someone, but it seemed more like she was just showing off their wealth, winking at people when she does it. Just seems so unclassy.
The side mystery of her mom, although interesting just seemed to add a small thread, as I guess this was a continuance of book 2, but even that wasn’t resolved. Which also adds, to other one-off things like the job for Poppy’s beau, did we need to know all that?
A lot of sucking teeth, biting lips, and running their tongue over their teeth, why so much emphasize on the mouth! I understand the added movement to flush out a scene, but there are a lot of other movements that could happen.
This book was what it was, just wasn't one that I enjoyed, which is sad, as the summary sounded so promising.
- Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to have access to this book prior to publication -
I found this book very hard to get into, and hard to get through.
Having not read the first two books, I was so confused in the beginning as a lot of information was supposed to have been known. Like Mac, who was he? Did he die? No, later you find out he just left. Why can Evelyn not leave the hotel? I don’t think I know the full reason. But at least she has all the amenities she could want simply at the hotel.
Evelyn forgetting the party that she was throwing got so annoying, I don’t know if it was to try and show her ditziness, but it just seemed more like she was flippant about anything/everything. How hard is it to remember something you were supposed to be the face of? Which then added to her not having much character development, and she sounds so spoiled! Not knowing the price of anything, and almost pouting when people asked to pay for their own things. I can understand wanting to help someone, but it seemed more like she was just showing off their wealth, winking at people when she does it. Just seems so unclassy.
The side mystery of her mom, although interesting just seemed to add a small thread, as I guess this was a continuance of book 2, but even that wasn’t resolved. Which also adds, to other one-off things like the job for Poppy’s beau, did we need to know all that?
A lot of sucking teeth, biting lips, and running their tongue over their teeth, why so much emphasize on the mouth! I understand the added movement to flush out a scene, but there are a lot of other movements that could happen.
This book was what it was, just wasn't one that I enjoyed, which is sad, as the summary sounded so promising.
- Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to have access to this book prior to publication -
January 6, 2025
Book 3 in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series picks up right where the last one left off. Evelyn is heartbroken from Mac (Malcolm Cooper) leaving after her father threatened to cut her off financially. Poppy is Evelyn’s assistant in her role as hotel event planner. Former police detective turned private investigator Hodgeson is still looking into the death of Evelyn’s mom. Unfortunately, Evelyn has taken a step back, she has not left the hotel since Mac has left, despite the urgings of her analyst.
Evelyn has a murder literally fall into her lap, how could she not investigate it? Add to the mix the Gentleman Thief, adventures abound for Evelyn with the help of Poppy, Henry (dashing movie star), and Hodgeson.
This case is quite difficult when there doesn’t seem to be a motive. As Evelyn works to convince the authorities the death was not accidental, deal with the findings in her mother’s death and get over her heartbreak, it is an emotional minefield for her. As Evelyn navigates her way through we learn more about out how she became the person we met back in Book 1, The Socialite’s Guide to Murder.
If I am not mistaken, Henry is a bit more active in this mystery. Hodgeson is … well, Hodgeson and I love it. There are new clues to some new challenges ahead for Evelyn and I can’t wait to see how she handles them. She is a young heiress barely out of her teens who lives in her father’s hotel without much experience in the real world. I cannot wait to see what happens in Book 4.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
Evelyn has a murder literally fall into her lap, how could she not investigate it? Add to the mix the Gentleman Thief, adventures abound for Evelyn with the help of Poppy, Henry (dashing movie star), and Hodgeson.
This case is quite difficult when there doesn’t seem to be a motive. As Evelyn works to convince the authorities the death was not accidental, deal with the findings in her mother’s death and get over her heartbreak, it is an emotional minefield for her. As Evelyn navigates her way through we learn more about out how she became the person we met back in Book 1, The Socialite’s Guide to Murder.
If I am not mistaken, Henry is a bit more active in this mystery. Hodgeson is … well, Hodgeson and I love it. There are new clues to some new challenges ahead for Evelyn and I can’t wait to see how she handles them. She is a young heiress barely out of her teens who lives in her father’s hotel without much experience in the real world. I cannot wait to see what happens in Book 4.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
February 16, 2025
Evelyn is back! Minus a beau but plus new friends and frenemies. The action begins right from the start, when she is invited to a table of ladies who lunch, only to end up with their leader passing out in her arms. When she eventually dies, the police call it an accident. Evelyn knows better. This is a book that benefits from reading the previous volumes, but just in case, I’ll try to avoid spoilers. This time, a character is missing and this forces Evelyn to rely more on other recurring characters, getting to know them better. There are also additions to the cast, including the dreamboat son of Mr. Sharpe, who brings some romantic tension to the plot, since Evelyn is also considering dating her attorney. This time I didn’t figure out whodunit and, even if I did predict one of the twists, the ending left me flabbergasted. I’m really intrigued by her Mother’s case, which we don’t get to find out a lot about, but hopefully will feature more prominently in the future. That said, what I like the most about this series is the main character. She is a spoiled, egocentric rich girl and yet, I like her so much! Her love for animals, the fierce loyalty to her friends and her remarkable intelligence (which she’s forced to hide) makes it understandable how everybody is willing to help her, beyond the obvious that she is insanely wealthy. So I just have one bone to pick with her: Marple over Poirot? Really? I can’t wait for the next volume. Five stars!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books.
March 14, 2025
In this wonderfully cosy murder mystery, the recently heart-broken, hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy is on the hunt for a cunning killer and a mysterious thief in the third Pinnacle Hotel mystery. Despite being part of a series this book can still be enjoyed thoroughly as a stand-alone (I have yet to read the first two, but definitely will).
Set in New York in 1958, this story has all the feel-good comedy vibes and plot twists you would expect the see in Only Murders in the Building (which is exactly what it reminds me of). With unlikely characters clumsily unpicking the complex motives behind a mystery the police are convinced is an accident, and possible villains at every turn, you will get swept up in this glitzy, flirtatious, champagne-filled story.
Evelyn is a very believable (if not always likeable) character, with all the slightly vain, overly-curious and quietly broken eccentricities that you would expect to find in a recently jilted daughter of a grand hotel owner. This is perhaps my only gripe with this story – that I would have expected her to have been a little more independent given this is book three. Or, perhaps, she was and her broken heart has caused her to recoil not just into the hotel, but into herself. I will have to read the other books to find out.
Overall, I would recommend this book for those looking for a light-hearted murder mystery that has all the awkward charm of Only Murders in the Building with enough glamour to put Gatsby to shame.
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting the rest of the series.
Set in New York in 1958, this story has all the feel-good comedy vibes and plot twists you would expect the see in Only Murders in the Building (which is exactly what it reminds me of). With unlikely characters clumsily unpicking the complex motives behind a mystery the police are convinced is an accident, and possible villains at every turn, you will get swept up in this glitzy, flirtatious, champagne-filled story.
Evelyn is a very believable (if not always likeable) character, with all the slightly vain, overly-curious and quietly broken eccentricities that you would expect to find in a recently jilted daughter of a grand hotel owner. This is perhaps my only gripe with this story – that I would have expected her to have been a little more independent given this is book three. Or, perhaps, she was and her broken heart has caused her to recoil not just into the hotel, but into herself. I will have to read the other books to find out.
Overall, I would recommend this book for those looking for a light-hearted murder mystery that has all the awkward charm of Only Murders in the Building with enough glamour to put Gatsby to shame.
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting the rest of the series.
March 18, 2025
Sorry, but the audiobook narrator completely ruined this for me. I found her voice so annoying and you could tell she was trying to make it sound the way it did. It was driving me nuts. If I was listening to it for too long, I had to start skipping a little bit or just stop listening altogether for the rest of the day. I really do think that who you hire for audiobook narration is so important, it really can make or break your book.
This main character was also so annoying. Was I supposed to believe she was super smart? It seemed like I was supposed to think that, but she never showed me that she was smart enough to accomplish any of the things she had?? She was just really entitled and ditsy. (She gave pick-me. Sorry.) It was weird. Honestly, I didn't like any of the characters in this book. They were all so flat. Just bland rich people.
The pacing was also excruciatingly slow at times. (This is one of those books where every little thing piled up and became annoying to me. My dislike snowballed. And it didn't have to! This could've been so much fun!) I could barely focus on the actual mystery because of how distracting everything I didn't like was. And that pacing made me totally forget what was going on until it was happening again. It just didn't work.
This was just not for me. At all. Sorry. I probably should've DNFed but I thought it would get better. Sometimes books start slow and get better. I had hope!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
This main character was also so annoying. Was I supposed to believe she was super smart? It seemed like I was supposed to think that, but she never showed me that she was smart enough to accomplish any of the things she had?? She was just really entitled and ditsy. (She gave pick-me. Sorry.) It was weird. Honestly, I didn't like any of the characters in this book. They were all so flat. Just bland rich people.
The pacing was also excruciatingly slow at times. (This is one of those books where every little thing piled up and became annoying to me. My dislike snowballed. And it didn't have to! This could've been so much fun!) I could barely focus on the actual mystery because of how distracting everything I didn't like was. And that pacing made me totally forget what was going on until it was happening again. It just didn't work.
This was just not for me. At all. Sorry. I probably should've DNFed but I thought it would get better. Sometimes books start slow and get better. I had hope!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
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