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Eleanor Roosevelt #1
Murder and the First Lady
A young woman who is in Mrs. Roosevelt's employ is suspected in the murder of her boyfriend. Mrs. Roosevelt is certain that the young woman (Pamela) is innocent and with the help of a few officials, sets out to prove it. This is not an easy task, since the murdered boyfriend is the son of a Congressman who doesn't take too kindly to Mrs. Roosevelt's involvement, especially since her investigations reveal a few not-so-nice details about the young man's personal life and hobbies. The plot involves a jewel theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an effort to get information, and it's rather amusing. Overall, this is a fun, easy to read book with a good plot. I wouldn't call it intriguing or suspenseful, since the guilty party/parties are made sort of obvious. But it's fun nonetheless.
227 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
11 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Elliott Roosevelt
62 books48 followersElliott Roosevelt (September 23, 1910 – October 27, 1990) was an United States Army Air Forces officer and an author. Roosevelt was a son of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 20, 2024
I'm not sure where I first heard of Murder and the First Lady by Elliott Roosevelt. I quite often decide to check out books that I see listed in the back of others that I'm reading. At any rate, when I saw this listed (wherever) I looked up Elliot Roosevelt and discovered he was the son of FDR and Eleanor and had written 20 mysteries featuring his mother. I've enjoyed historical mysteries featuring real people, a case in point Nicola Upson's series featuring mystery writer Josephine Tey. So needless to say, I decided to check out this series. At least this first book, originally published in 1984.
So Europe is on the brink of war and FDR is busy seeing how America will act should war take place. (This is a minor thread in this mystery). Eleanor Roosevelt has employed a young English girl, Pamela, as her secretary. While Eleanor is away at a play in New York, Pamela is arrested by the DC police for the murder of a New Jersey Congressman's son, Philip Garber. Garber was also employed in the WH and was found murdered by cyanide in Pamela's DC apartment. It appears that the cyanide was administered in a drink mixed by Pamela.
Eleanor gets involved in the case because she can't believe this wonderful young lady could have committed murder. Meeting surreptitiously with the Police Lt handling the case, one Lt Kennelly, she discovers that Pamela and Philip are also suspected of robbing the safe of their previous employer in England and absconding with high valued jewels from the Crittendens. As Eleanor and Kennelly begin to investigate the murder, a Scotland yard Inspector arrives from England to provide assistance with the case. So the three begin to investigate, involving visiting some of the seedier locales in DC. It seems that Philip had a gambling problem and owed money to quite a few club owners in the area.
So there you go, that's the gist of the mystery. Eleanor works to prove Pamela's innocence, all the while, supporting her husband in his work. Their conversations about the case are always interesting, their interactions and affection for each other add to the story. Added to the mix, is the FBI director, one J. Edgar Hoover, at first trying to help out the New Jersey congressman but also beginning to be won over by Eleanor's enthusiasm and genuine concern for the well-being of Pamela.
It's an entertaining, light bit of mystery fun, well-written and with a satisfying conclusion. I tweaked to the twist at the end, but not until the very end. The historical references, the introduction of historical people of the period add to the entertainment of the story. I've got #2, The Hyde Park Murder, on order. (4.0 stars)
So Europe is on the brink of war and FDR is busy seeing how America will act should war take place. (This is a minor thread in this mystery). Eleanor Roosevelt has employed a young English girl, Pamela, as her secretary. While Eleanor is away at a play in New York, Pamela is arrested by the DC police for the murder of a New Jersey Congressman's son, Philip Garber. Garber was also employed in the WH and was found murdered by cyanide in Pamela's DC apartment. It appears that the cyanide was administered in a drink mixed by Pamela.
Eleanor gets involved in the case because she can't believe this wonderful young lady could have committed murder. Meeting surreptitiously with the Police Lt handling the case, one Lt Kennelly, she discovers that Pamela and Philip are also suspected of robbing the safe of their previous employer in England and absconding with high valued jewels from the Crittendens. As Eleanor and Kennelly begin to investigate the murder, a Scotland yard Inspector arrives from England to provide assistance with the case. So the three begin to investigate, involving visiting some of the seedier locales in DC. It seems that Philip had a gambling problem and owed money to quite a few club owners in the area.
So there you go, that's the gist of the mystery. Eleanor works to prove Pamela's innocence, all the while, supporting her husband in his work. Their conversations about the case are always interesting, their interactions and affection for each other add to the story. Added to the mix, is the FBI director, one J. Edgar Hoover, at first trying to help out the New Jersey congressman but also beginning to be won over by Eleanor's enthusiasm and genuine concern for the well-being of Pamela.
It's an entertaining, light bit of mystery fun, well-written and with a satisfying conclusion. I tweaked to the twist at the end, but not until the very end. The historical references, the introduction of historical people of the period add to the entertainment of the story. I've got #2, The Hyde Park Murder, on order. (4.0 stars)
August 8, 2011
The very first in the series. I remember Mrs. Roosevelt even though I was only a child when she died. Her son, Elliott, did her justice in the books he wrote about her. They bring back an era that few of us remember but is recent enough for all of us to have heard of. I have read several of the books in the series but could never find the first three. I have them now and look forward to reading the other two.
November 7, 2017
An interesting whodunit that also features a fun what-if scenario.
February 1, 2015
an interesting look at the world of the White House written by someone who was there. engaging and fun. first in a series worth following.
August 3, 2017
This great whodunit, written by Eleanor and FDR's son, involves Mrs Roosevelt as the Miss Marple of the story, investigating and trying to solve a murder despite the initial reluctance of DC law enforcement, the FBI, and Scotland Yard to allow her into their privileged circle. Eleanor, not one to be left out when she feels a mission, is determined to prove her assistant's innocence of both the murder and an earlier jewel heist in England, and not even J. Edgar Hoover can stop her.
The author makes clear that his mother never was involved in a murder investigation, but he wanted to display lesser-known aspects of her character, and he shows her to be an intelligent, caring, and determined woman. To the endless frustration of her Secret Service detail, and the amusement of her husband, Eleanor visits the suspect in the DC jail, meets with owners of illegal casinos and strippers, dances diplomatically around the victim's father, a Congressman and political boss, and otherwise is in the center of the action, and the danger.
All this takes place against the stormy background of impending war, with Hitler seeking rapprochement with Stalin in order to free himself to invade Poland, and the American and British governments trying to figure out how to forestall Armageddon in 1939. We all know how that worked out, but the story shows a fun personal view of both Eleanor and Franklin, and keeps the mystery tight until the very end.
The author makes clear that his mother never was involved in a murder investigation, but he wanted to display lesser-known aspects of her character, and he shows her to be an intelligent, caring, and determined woman. To the endless frustration of her Secret Service detail, and the amusement of her husband, Eleanor visits the suspect in the DC jail, meets with owners of illegal casinos and strippers, dances diplomatically around the victim's father, a Congressman and political boss, and otherwise is in the center of the action, and the danger.
All this takes place against the stormy background of impending war, with Hitler seeking rapprochement with Stalin in order to free himself to invade Poland, and the American and British governments trying to figure out how to forestall Armageddon in 1939. We all know how that worked out, but the story shows a fun personal view of both Eleanor and Franklin, and keeps the mystery tight until the very end.
June 23, 2022
I read a book about FDR, non-fiction, last year, so I was delighted to open this book and recognize almost all the White House characters right away. The mystery itself is well-done, and as I was reading, I asked myself who I would have picked to be the murderer if I had written the book, and Eliott Roosevelt evidently agreed with me. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book, not least of which is the recap of what happens to all the characters afterwards. I thought that was a stroke of genius.
September 7, 2014
I liked this book. Elliott Roosevelt painted a good picture of his parents while they were living in the White House. Mrs. Roosevelt's tenacity and her enthusiasm for causes in which she believed was quite evident as she investigated a murder charge against a young woman she employed in the White House. I found the descriptions of persons like J. Edgar Hoover very interesting. The cooperation of several important persons with Mrs. Roosevelt and the surprise twists and turns of their investigation made for interesting reading. I especially liked references to the historical events of the time.
November 5, 2025
Set in Washington, DC. 240 pp. Cute little cozy about Mrs R solving a murder and jewel robbery. Brought to mind the Queen Elizabeth II series (although the Mrs R series came first, obvi). Will read more of these!
Found online at https://archive.org/details/murderfir...
Murder and the First Lady (Eleanor Roosevelt, #1) by Elliott Roosevelt
Found online at https://archive.org/details/murderfir...
Murder and the First Lady (Eleanor Roosevelt, #1) by Elliott Roosevelt
April 12, 2025
Written by Elliot Roosevelt, this is the first of a series of book he wrote starring his mother, Eleanor Roosevelt, as the main character and solving mysteries that occurred in and near the White House as well as involving important people of that time period. I have read several of these mysteries and enjoyed each one. It was especially nice to find the first of the series at our nearby university and our library was able to get it for me on Interlibrary Loan. Definitely an enjoyable series of the 1940 during Roosevelt's years as President of the United States.
December 20, 2020
Fun, easy read! Great characters and an interesting plot.
February 7, 2025
This mystery is really somewhere between a 3 and a 4 star read. The concept of Eleanor Roosevelt running around D.C. solving the murder of a jewel theft has a lot of novelty, and given Eleanor’s son wrote the book (with ghost), I imagine her portrayal is accurate. The mystery plot however was a bit formulaic.
April 30, 2019
Murder of a senator's son with an aide of Eleanor Roosevelt accused and essentially assumed guilty disturbs the First Lady. She knows this aide spending the summer as her guest from Britain. The young Pamela simply can not be guilty. Convincing others such as the police and trying to prove her belief takes the First Lady places someone of her stature wouldn't be expected to go.
In the background is President Roosevelt trying to set a national policy to aid Britain and France as the world teeters on the verge of world war.
The book is a fast easy read. It sets up the slow, easy pace of this series of mysteries. The background of happenings in the White House and world are almost more interesting than the mysteries.
In the background is President Roosevelt trying to set a national policy to aid Britain and France as the world teeters on the verge of world war.
The book is a fast easy read. It sets up the slow, easy pace of this series of mysteries. The background of happenings in the White House and world are almost more interesting than the mysteries.
March 18, 2011
I stumbled across this book at the Library's annual book sale and kept it in my library for the time I'd be filled with DC inspiration (which was last weekend). Elliott Roosevelt is noted as the author but sources I've checked into state that he probably had ghost writers. Regardless, they've captured Eleanor and Franklin in the persona I imagined them to be. It's a wonderful read, with or without that DC inspiration. I'm anxious to purchase the other books in the series!
November 2, 2010
This was a simple, fun little mystery. Not much to it, but it was interesting to watch Eleanor Roosevelt meddle in the mystery, and to see her interactions with other historical Washington figures (e.g., FDR, J. Edgar Hoover). We're also given a subtle glimpse into their son's perception of Eleanor & FDR's relationship, fictionalized though it may be.
November 19, 2010
Towards the end the story line seemed to be on replay. Overall it really was a good story. It was interesting to catch a glimpse into social standards and life during the FDR era. I'd read another book by Elliott Roosevelt should I have the opportunity to get my hands on one.
February 16, 2013
I loved it! It's a fun peek into the 'war years' of the Roosevelts, and America. Eleanor has always been an interesting and inspiring figure, and now this series adds another playful side to her. Although it's known that her son did not write this, it's still worth a read.
March 14, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. A fun read, simpler storyline of just one case that was a nice change from more modern crime/thrillers with complex storylines. Full review to follow.
April 29, 2024
Now THIS book was a fun little jaunt. I read “Murder and the First Lady (Mrs. Roosevelt Investigates!)” by Elliott Roosevelt, who was the youngest son of President Franklin Delano and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. This is a murder mystery set in the White House, with the President and First Lady as the major characters, along with a plethora of others (I had to keep a list).
It was a delightful mystery, with a great and totally unexpected twist at the end. I suppose one could call this a “cozy mystery”, because the violence is off-screen, so to speak. It was published in 1984, long after President Roosevelt’s tenure in the White House. This was particularly fascinating, as one senses the author’s intimate knowledge of the day-to-day life in the White House. There is also some attention paid to the growing problem with the Nazis and world events at the time, but they are in the background of this story.
I give it 4 stars for a fun and intriguing read. Not at all coincidentally, the next book I’m reading is “Murder in the White House” by Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry S. Truman, published in 1980. We’ll see how it stacks up!
It was a delightful mystery, with a great and totally unexpected twist at the end. I suppose one could call this a “cozy mystery”, because the violence is off-screen, so to speak. It was published in 1984, long after President Roosevelt’s tenure in the White House. This was particularly fascinating, as one senses the author’s intimate knowledge of the day-to-day life in the White House. There is also some attention paid to the growing problem with the Nazis and world events at the time, but they are in the background of this story.
I give it 4 stars for a fun and intriguing read. Not at all coincidentally, the next book I’m reading is “Murder in the White House” by Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry S. Truman, published in 1980. We’ll see how it stacks up!
July 20, 2017
One of Eleanor Roosevelt's secretaries is accused of theft and murder. Pamela Rush-Hodgeborn, a British citizen, is accused of taking part in the robbery of jewels from the Earl and Countess of Crittenden, friends of the Roosevelts. She is then accused of poisoning her accomplice Philip Garber, son of a New Jersey Congressman. Mrs Roosevelt does not believe the jailed girl is guilty, nor does the Countess. Helped by the DC police chief and a Scotland Yard inspector, Mrs Roosevelt discovers the more unsavory sides of life as she explores gambling dens and learns more about the murdered young man. As the investigation continues, the body count increases.
Slow starting, this mystery ends with three plot twists - the first two leave the reader gaping in astonishment; the final one has us cheering.
Slow starting, this mystery ends with three plot twists - the first two leave the reader gaping in astonishment; the final one has us cheering.
March 15, 2018
A young woman who is in Mrs. Roosevelt's employ is suspected in the murder of her boyfriend. Mrs. Roosevelt is certain that the young woman (Pamela) is innocent and with the help of a few officials, sets out to prove it. This is not an easy task, since the murdered boyfriend is the son of a Congressman who doesn't take too kindly to Mrs. Roosevelt's involvement, especially since her investigations reveal a few not-so-nice details about the young man's personal life and hobbies.
The plot involves a jewel theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an effort to get information, and it's rather amusing.
The plot involves a jewel theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an effort to get information, and it's rather amusing.
January 28, 2021
This was an interesting mystery with a historical basis on Eleanor Roosevelt. Many things that the character portrayed could easily be identified with the persona of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, others however, were almost to fanciful to imagine. It is fiction after all and I enjoyed the book. The plot is rather pedestrian and the writing is average. The book had good pace and a nice plot twist at the end.
I picked up this book to take to my Covid vaccine appointment as it was one of the smallest paperback books I had. I was more than have finished while I waited and then finished up the book that same evening.
I donated this book to the Little Free Library on Wilmington Island, GA.
I picked up this book to take to my Covid vaccine appointment as it was one of the smallest paperback books I had. I was more than have finished while I waited and then finished up the book that same evening.
I donated this book to the Little Free Library on Wilmington Island, GA.
September 11, 2019
I love a mystery. I love reading about Presidents. I have read several biographies of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. This book hits all the bases. Elliott is the fourth child of the six children of FDR and Eleanor. He was well aware of the complicated but invigorating dynamic of the Roosevelt Whitehouse. In his mysteries he skirts none of it. It is there. But it is not a bit sensational. it is very subtle. Part of the charm of this mystery series for me is like being a fly on the wall in the Whitehouse. The pattern of the days. The relationships they had with each other. And best of all a real cracker-jack mystery solved by a savvy and smart First Lady.
February 7, 2020
Eleanor Roosevelt was always concerned with what was happening in the world and especially with her staffers. She is convinced that her sub-secretary is not guilty of murder dispite all the evidence against her. Eleanor takes on the monsters, Hoover of the FBI, and a chief inspector of Scotland Yard. She insisted on investigating personally so she goes under cover in a strip joint, a gambling clubs, and slips in and out of the police headquarters. She sees the loopholes and helps prove who actually did do the deed.
This was fun to read and historically interesting concerning the interplay of those people in the Roosevelt White House
This was fun to read and historically interesting concerning the interplay of those people in the Roosevelt White House
January 12, 2020
Fun historical-fiction cozy mystery, written by a person who can actually get away with making me like fiction that presumes to know what a real historical figure might have said.
Eleanor Roosevelt's son created an entertaining series, it looks like. This one is set in late 1939. As FDR is worrying over what Hitler and Stalin may be up to, Eleanor is busy solving a crime that the police are too willing to accept surface evidence for.
Elliott Roosevelt's regard for his parents shows in this book, as well as the disdain for Hoover that he seems to share with them. heh!
Eleanor Roosevelt's son created an entertaining series, it looks like. This one is set in late 1939. As FDR is worrying over what Hitler and Stalin may be up to, Eleanor is busy solving a crime that the police are too willing to accept surface evidence for.
Elliott Roosevelt's regard for his parents shows in this book, as well as the disdain for Hoover that he seems to share with them. heh!
May 20, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars A delightful mystery set in Washington, DC during the summer of 1939. Mrs. Roosevelt, FDR’s wife, sets out to clear a young British woman employed in her offices at the White House. Pamela is accused of stealing from her former English employer and then murdering her accomplice - her boyfriend who is the son of a US congressman! If you need a lot of reality in your mystery books, please skip this series. If you are looking for a fun mystery romp set in the past, give this one a try!
March 21, 2024
2.5 stars
This novel is about Eleanor Roosevelt becoming involved in trying to solve a murder because of the purported involvement of a young woman member of her staff. The plot has complication upon complication and is a pretty good if not serious story. The book is authored by Mrs. Roosevelt’s son Elliot. That leads to some very interesting observations about the White House, politics of the times and surrounding cast members. However, there is also a clear agenda in the way in which her relationship with her husband FDR is shown. Maybe that’s just a son’s perspective.
This novel is about Eleanor Roosevelt becoming involved in trying to solve a murder because of the purported involvement of a young woman member of her staff. The plot has complication upon complication and is a pretty good if not serious story. The book is authored by Mrs. Roosevelt’s son Elliot. That leads to some very interesting observations about the White House, politics of the times and surrounding cast members. However, there is also a clear agenda in the way in which her relationship with her husband FDR is shown. Maybe that’s just a son’s perspective.
March 12, 2025
This is a quick enjoyable read with a surprise ending. A young British woman who came to the States with her employer, Lady Crittenden, is offered a chance to stay for a year to learn more about the United States. Unfortunately, a young man who is also the son of a congressman, dies while visiting the young lady in her apartment from poisoning. The young lady, Pamela, is arrested for the crime which brings Eleanor Roosevelt to her defense. While Eleanor discovers a few characters who had more reasons to kill the victim, the true culprit is a surprise the reader doesn't see coming.
July 28, 2018
Fast and easy read with persistent Eleanor Roosevelt defending Pamela Rush-Hodgeborn, a British girl she’d taken onto her private staff as a writer from the murder accusations of poisoning her boyfriend in her apartment. Gambling, greed, politics, bribery, lies, extortion, blackmail, conmen, strong armed men, deception and disguises are all employed by the thieves, the innocent, by two governments, FBI, Scotland Yard, DC POlice as The Who done what web is untangled.
March 12, 2019
This is the first Elliott Roosevelt book that I have read. I enjoyed it and will read another. I was surprised by the sexual mores of the day. My parent's generation was a lot looser than they led us to believe... Also, I loved the relationship between Franklin and Eleanor told by an insider. Worth reading for a peek into the past where people actually survived without cell phones and Starbuck's.
November 6, 2020
I saw this series mentioned on FB and thought I'd give it a try. I actually like it and thought he did a good job for his first book. I may read more in the series. It's really funny how he portrays J. Edgar Hoover. It's VERY obvious his family did not like him! Some of the scenes he described between his dad and secretary are strange, but all in all, it was a good mystery. Even though it was written in 1984, it actually doesn't seem to out-of-date.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews