The Mystery of the Disappearing Diamonds: A 1920s Murder Mystery

Lady Mildred Ramsay #1

by Ruth Baker

Diamonds, Death—and Daring Wit in 1920s England!

When the illustrious Duke of Hathersfield invites Lady Mildred Ramsay to his famed Yorkshire estate for an opulent summer gala, Mildred expects sparkling conversation, dazzling jewels, and perhaps a scandalous secret or two. She doesn’t expect grand larceny—and certainly not murder among the manicured hedges.

But when the priceless Hathersfield Diamonds vanish during a thunderous blackout, and the celebrated Sir Geoffrey Hatherley is found lifeless in the maze, the festivities take a treacherous turn. With suspicion swirling among high society and hidden servants alike, only one woman is sharp-witted—and stubborn—enough to untangle the truth.

Lady Mildred Ramsay is no stranger to trouble. Armed with a remarkable mind, a razor tongue, and her ever-loyal (and ever-scandalous) friend Bea, Mildred plunges into a labyrinth of secrets that stretches from the glittering ballrooms to the shadowy village lanes. Each clue threatens to draw her closer to a cunning killer—and to the peril that always seems to find her first.

If she doesn’t solve the mystery, the manor’s gilded reputation—and her own heart—might not survive the summer.

Join Lady Mildred Ramsay for an unforgettable whodunit brimming with Jazz Age elegance, sly humour, and a heroine who outshines any diamond. The game is afoot at Highfield Manor—and danger, as always, is drawn to Mildred like a moth to a flame.

Get your copy of The Mystery of the Disappearing Diamonds and see how events unfold in this historical cozy mystery.

420 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2025

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name

Reviews

[Keeley Kyriazes]

I made it over the 1/2 way point, but when I legitimately read a paragraph that was nearly verbatim to one I read on the previous page, I decided to stop. This has the makings of a fun mystery, but needs major edits. It’s repetitive, the timeline doesn’t make sense, and the main suspects are introduced immediately and there’s really no new evidence or surprises along the way.

[Sarah Lowes]

frustrating read

This was a good story but ruined by mistakes and inconsistencies such as people appearing and disappearing from scenes, information changing multiple times and repetition of facts we already knew. It’s a shame as it could have been good. I won’t be reading the next one though.

[Joy Windsor]

A good tale marred by editorial mishaps

This was a well constructed story although with some overdone metaphors: the analysis of how curses work was particularly overused.
I was also confused by whether the Duke's father or grandfather was responsible for the episode of 20 years before which seemed to be a really high turnover of dukes in a rather short space of time. Indeed, the leading lady's brother also mysteriously disappeared from the narrative, he arrived but seemed to have been misplaced by the end. One hopes he will be restored to health in the next book.

[Claire]

This was ridiculous. All the makings of a decent series, but so poorly edited it actually made me angry. It was like the author was being paid by the word and kept repeating passages and entire events. I felt like so much of it was a waste of time. It really is a disaster. So sad. I think I could like the character, and the plot would have been engaging if it didn't have so many holes.

[Susan]

This historical 1920s murder mystery is page-turning with exceptional world-building at the famed Yorkshire Estate in England, and characters who are witty, unique, intelligent, an amateur sleuth, captivating, and realistic. Embark on an enthralling journey with Lady Mildred Ramsay, which is unforgettable with a whodunit brimming with Jazz Age elegance, sly humor, and a heroine who outshines any diamond. The game of mystery of the disappearing diamonds, death, Daring Wit, and a 1920s murder mystery, when the illustrious Duke of Hathersfield invites Lady Mildred Ramsay to his famed Yorkshire estate for an opulent summer gala, Mildred expects sparkling conversation, dazzling jewels, and perhaps a scandalous secret or two. She doesn’t expect grand larceny—and certainly not murder among the manicured hedges. The game is afoot at Highland Manor- and danger, as always, is drawn to Mildred like a moth to a flame. The priceless Hathersfield Diamonds vanish during a thunderous blackout, the celebrated Sir Geoffrey Hatherley is found lifeless in the maze, the festivities take a treacherous turn, suspicion swirling among high society and hidden servants alike, only one woman is sharp-witted and stubborn enough to untangle the truth, Lady Mildred Ramsay, suspense will have reader on the edge of their seats in a race against time to solve the murder mystery, the manor's Lady Mildred Ramsay is no stranger to trouble, armed with a remarkable mind, a razor tongue, and her ever-loyal (and ever-scandalous) friend Bea, Mildred plunges into a labyrinth of secrets that stretches from the glittering ballrooms to the shadows, village lanes, and more while each clue threatens to draw her closer to the cunning killer-and to the peril that always seems to find her first, drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the mystery of the disappearing diamonds and a 1920s historical murder mystery that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly mysterious, dangerous, entertaining, and unforgettable.

[Kirsty]

Liked the people, liked the mystery, like the book, but there's a big BUT. Stuff happens, like the scene in the blue salon during the storm. Things are seen and recorded and a timescale identified, the subsequently it's like that was complete fantasy, people who were all in the room for the scene, weren't and things that didn't happen were referred to later. Several instances throughout. If you change what happened because the plot needs it, then go back and make sure the previous narrative ties in. Infuriating. Needs a decent proof reader to catch all the inconsistencies - not in the characters reported vs actual behaviour, but in the reports on events. Even one character's name changed half way through. Several times suspects were surprised by something the police knew, when they'd been surprised by exactly the same conversation an hour before...

[Anne Newman]

Lady Mildred and Lady Beatrice have been invited to a house party at the Duke of Hathersfield’s country estate in Yorkshire. It is a special gala event and the local village fête as well. So, for the first time in quite awhile, the famous diamonds are on show. Some say they are cursed, but, cursed or not, they get stolen during a storm that caused a blackout. So Lady Mildred decides she must do some sleuthing. Scotland Yard is called in & Lady Mildred has met the inspector before. They work together sometimes, but, Lady Mildred can do a lot that he can’t just by being who she is. Her previous training as a WWI nurse comes in useful as she can “read” people’s actions. An enjoyable first book in a new series.

[JOAN SALLEY]

Lady Mildred has been invited to a gala celebration. All seems well, until a power outage strikes during a storm and an old diamond display in a locked display case goes missing. The next night a solicitor is found murdered inside a maze on the grounds. Several guests fall under suspicion and Scotland Yard is called in to handle the investigation to discover who stole the diamonds and who committed murder? Are they one and the same or crimes committed by two different people? Lady Mildred has a habit of sleuthing on the side and is able to ferret out clues which she passes on to the inspector from Scotland Yard. Definitely an interesting read.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Marissa]

A glitzy summer gala of society turns to a murderous event. There will be more than shiny opulence in this soirée. Vanished diamond heirloom and a dead body will soon make this a lecherous gathering. Deadly secrets will be discovered as a feisty lady will set things straight in this cozy mystery.

[Dianne Hall]

Secrets!

A web of secrets spun over years come to light gradually.  Who is telling the truth, who is protecting the secrets?  An intriguing tale worth reading.'

I read this book as part of an advanced reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Lizz Taylor]

A summer gala turns deadly, and heirloom diamonds go missing. Good thing Lady Mildred Ramsey is there to investigate. This is a page-turning historical cozy with well-developed characters. There are several twists and turns. It can be read as a standalone. I look forward to more in the series.

[John]

Theft and murder at a country house

I rather enjoyed the book and plan to read the next in the series. I would have given it four stars were it not for the apparent inconsistencies suggesting a lack of careful or professional editing.

[Ordean Zora]

A really good book

[Brenda]

I just didn't care for the read. I guess it was alright for some readers.

[M]

This would've been great if it had been edited.