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Madame Koska & the Imperial Brooch
There's a new dame in town!
Meet Madame Koska—a fabulous haute couture designer and the owner of a new atelier in 1920’s London who has a knack at solving crimes that simply baffle the police.
When a priceless brooch disappears from a museum in Russia, Madame Koska is suddenly drawn into the mystery. But who is Madame Koska? And what does the missing jewel have to do with her? Find out in her first adventure!
Meet Madame Koska—a fabulous haute couture designer and the owner of a new atelier in 1920’s London who has a knack at solving crimes that simply baffle the police.
When a priceless brooch disappears from a museum in Russia, Madame Koska is suddenly drawn into the mystery. But who is Madame Koska? And what does the missing jewel have to do with her? Find out in her first adventure!
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2012
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2021
The most interesting aspect of this was concerning the Russian emigres community in London.
May 8, 2020
Russian émigré couturier Vera Koska is a fake. No, she’s a real high-end fashion designer — one of the best in London, in fact. No, Madame Koska’s intriguing past has been fashioned out of nearly whole cloth, if you’ll pardon the pun.
Madame Koska is a clever businesswoman through and through; however, she’s still kind to her employees and fair to tradesmen and suppliers. She’s worked her way up from her working-class roots into a successful, poised, cultured lady — something particularly hard to do in class-bound Europe at the turn of the 20th century. But when someone breaks into her new atelier, Madame Koska realizes that she — and her closest friend, a real Russian countess — are the only ones who know enough of the real past to sleuth out what’s really going on.
I loved Madame Koska almost from the start, and author Ilil Arbel has created an unflappable heroine with cleverness, courage and heart. I can’t wait to read the sequel, Madame Koska and Le Spectre de la Rose.
Some trivia. Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch reminds me of one of those High Renaissance Dutch paintings in which a subject looks at himself looking into a mirror looking into a mirror. The character of Madame Koska is based on a mystery series written by a character in Angela Thirkell’s Barsetshire Chonicles, itself a continuation of Anthony Trollope’s initial six-novel Chronicles of Barsetshire. It’s fun trivia, but readers will thoroughly enjoy the prescient Madame Koska even without that knowledge. I, myself, didn’t know anything about it until I read the introduction. I think that, like me, they’ll be eager for a sequel.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and BHC Press in exchange for an honest review.
Madame Koska is a clever businesswoman through and through; however, she’s still kind to her employees and fair to tradesmen and suppliers. She’s worked her way up from her working-class roots into a successful, poised, cultured lady — something particularly hard to do in class-bound Europe at the turn of the 20th century. But when someone breaks into her new atelier, Madame Koska realizes that she — and her closest friend, a real Russian countess — are the only ones who know enough of the real past to sleuth out what’s really going on.
I loved Madame Koska almost from the start, and author Ilil Arbel has created an unflappable heroine with cleverness, courage and heart. I can’t wait to read the sequel, Madame Koska and Le Spectre de la Rose.
Some trivia. Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch reminds me of one of those High Renaissance Dutch paintings in which a subject looks at himself looking into a mirror looking into a mirror. The character of Madame Koska is based on a mystery series written by a character in Angela Thirkell’s Barsetshire Chonicles, itself a continuation of Anthony Trollope’s initial six-novel Chronicles of Barsetshire. It’s fun trivia, but readers will thoroughly enjoy the prescient Madame Koska even without that knowledge. I, myself, didn’t know anything about it until I read the introduction. I think that, like me, they’ll be eager for a sequel.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and BHC Press in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2013
Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch by Ilil Arbel was a joy to read. The last time I looked I was a man and still am, but I still found it fascinating as this ingenious author delved into the world of the atelier between World Wars in London. High fashion is the order of the day as Madame Koska hopes to produce the next fad with her Mystral Show, but something strange happens. A break in at her dressmakers leaves everyone, including the police, quite baffled as nothing was taken. Madame Koska uses her charm and intelligence to get to the bottom of this seemingly pointless crime, but opens up a Pandora's Box where she goes head to head with an insidious master criminal and searches for a missing Catherine the Great brooch. The Russian history is alluring and fascinating, with wonderful descriptions of the hardships Russian royalty were forced to endure. Fine details are also described with exquisite attention, enticing the reader to follow the fine thread of clues to the inexorable finale which I did not see coming in more ways than one.
This FIVE STAR MYSTERY will have all Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle fans champing at the bit for the sequel. A must read!
This FIVE STAR MYSTERY will have all Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle fans champing at the bit for the sequel. A must read!
December 10, 2012
During Angela Thirkell's writing career she made mention of the Madame Koska books supposedly written by her character Laura Morland, a leading author.
You can tell Mrs.Arbel was a keen fan of the Thirkell books as she's kept this book perfectly in character, time and place. She's also brought Madame Koska to life for the readers. Thirkell fans the world over should be thirsting to read this.
Madame Koska has opened up her new venture, an atelier of top order. She has a variety of Russian emigres working for her who become part of a mystery surrounding stolen jewellery. Mrs. Arbel weaves a fine story around the theft and the characters in a real display of Whodunit worthy of Agatha Christie.
My advice...Don't Miss It !
You can tell Mrs.Arbel was a keen fan of the Thirkell books as she's kept this book perfectly in character, time and place. She's also brought Madame Koska to life for the readers. Thirkell fans the world over should be thirsting to read this.
Madame Koska has opened up her new venture, an atelier of top order. She has a variety of Russian emigres working for her who become part of a mystery surrounding stolen jewellery. Mrs. Arbel weaves a fine story around the theft and the characters in a real display of Whodunit worthy of Agatha Christie.
My advice...Don't Miss It !
April 20, 2020
If you are in need of a pallet cleanser between books this one is for you! Madame Koska & The Imperial Brooch is a fairly short book at only 217 pages. The cast of characters is likable. The story is simple but holds your focus. The time period is the 1920's and the attention to fashion makes it a fun story to read. I'm still not sure why Mrs. Koska pretended to be Russian. I assumed because being Russian was in fashion. But she never really said. Feel free to enlighten me if you know. Other than that little mystery it's a perfect in-between book when you are still haunted by the book you read it before.
February 20, 2018
After arriving in London, Madame Koska opens a fabulous new fashion house, catering to the many wealthy women who crave that European sophistication. Meanwhile, everyone is talking about the new Russian emigres and the rumor that a stolen brooch belonging to the late Empress has surfaced in the London underground.
This was a light, almost frothy novel with an interesting main character and what sounding like some fabulous clothing! Madame Koska has arrived in London and plans to take the fashion world by storm. Her resilient spirit made me root for her. I also loved the look at the old school fashion world, the culture of the Russian emigres and the challenges they faced. It was such a quick and fun book. The mystery was quite light, and rather unbelievable, but honestly, I still enjoyed the book so much I didn’t really notice the lack of actual mystery. I would have loved some art sketches of the clothing and jewels the author described!
This is apparently based on a character in the 20th century novelist’s Angela Thirkell’s books. I’ve never read anything by her, but it didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book. I am curious enough about her books though that I added one to my TBR list. Apparently she is typical of many period writers about stereotypes based on races and religion, so I am a little hesitant about that, but still kind of curious.
This was a light, almost frothy novel with an interesting main character and what sounding like some fabulous clothing! Madame Koska has arrived in London and plans to take the fashion world by storm. Her resilient spirit made me root for her. I also loved the look at the old school fashion world, the culture of the Russian emigres and the challenges they faced. It was such a quick and fun book. The mystery was quite light, and rather unbelievable, but honestly, I still enjoyed the book so much I didn’t really notice the lack of actual mystery. I would have loved some art sketches of the clothing and jewels the author described!
This is apparently based on a character in the 20th century novelist’s Angela Thirkell’s books. I’ve never read anything by her, but it didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book. I am curious enough about her books though that I added one to my TBR list. Apparently she is typical of many period writers about stereotypes based on races and religion, so I am a little hesitant about that, but still kind of curious.
February 14, 2020
This is a mystery set in the years after the first World War; it is the first in a series. Madame Koska, supposedly Russian royalty who has fled from the revolution, is opening a couture house. She seems to have money, or money behind her. In the middle of opening the shop and creating a whole new line to display, she gets involved in solving the theft of a brooch that belonged to the Romanovs. No one seems to be who they claim to be, so who is telling the truth, and who has the jewels?
It wasn’t bad for a first in a series; it was short and fluffy but the plot seemed sound. Being a fashion/beading/sewing/vintage nut, I loved the descriptions of the clothing and the work the seamstresses and beaders were doing. There were a lot of characters, though, and they were very lightly touched on and I found myself getting confused as to who was who. I assume that Koska and her crew will get some character development as the series goes on. Most ‘origin stories’ are rather clumsy, being short of depth and an interesting plot, and this book does better than average.
It wasn’t bad for a first in a series; it was short and fluffy but the plot seemed sound. Being a fashion/beading/sewing/vintage nut, I loved the descriptions of the clothing and the work the seamstresses and beaders were doing. There were a lot of characters, though, and they were very lightly touched on and I found myself getting confused as to who was who. I assume that Koska and her crew will get some character development as the series goes on. Most ‘origin stories’ are rather clumsy, being short of depth and an interesting plot, and this book does better than average.
November 8, 2018
My mom put me onto this book and I thought it was a charming read. I liked Madame Koska and how she was trying to start up her fashion house in London, while pretending to be Russian, while also trying to solve a mystery that she suddenly found herself right in the middle of. It’s an enjoyable light read with nothing too intense, just a fun cozy mystery and I was in the mood for something like this. It was the right book at the right time. I also really liked Mr. Korolenko, a Russian linguist that Madame Koska hires to teach her Russian and who is more than he appears to be. I see that this is Book 1 of a series, I will definitely continue on with it to see what happens next for Madame Koska. I’d love to read more about her and Mr. Korolenko.
January 25, 2013
While this book should be of particular interest to fans of Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire series, I would venture that even someone who has never heard of Mrs. Thirkell or her "writer of good bad books" alter ego, Laura Morland would find this book very entertaining. In addition to the astute sleuthing of Mme. Koska, the book displays a knowledge of of history, fashion, and other crafts that 1) are very interesting and 2) lend realism, and of course there is the unflappable Mme. Koska, a very observant woman with a talent for winkling things out, while having a few secrets of her own.
December 29, 2017
MADAME KOSKA & THE IMPERIAL BROOCH by Ilil Arbel was a joy to read. I was charmed by the character Madame Koska and really liked her friend Annushka. This book was truly a fun read and I am looking forward to reading the next Madame Koska book.
I was selected to receive an early reviewers copy of this ebook by Librarything. Thank you.
I was selected to receive an early reviewers copy of this ebook by Librarything. Thank you.
May 2, 2020
In my experience, reading mystery novels are usually a hit or a miss. So I rarely delve into them as a result. However, upon looking at Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch, I became inevitably curious. Seeing it was tagged as a mystery and historical fiction book, I almost turned away from it. But because of the Kojie-san-like cover and the synopsis mentioning a female lead with a passion for haute couture, my hesitation disappeared and suddenly I wanted to get my hands on a copy. Fortunately, after I finished the book, I can safely say that it was a definite hit.
To make the long story short, the story revolves around Madame Koska, a woman in her 40's pretending to be Russian, who opens up her new atelier in 1920s London. Everything was going fine until the burglary incident, which leads to a string of events that will link Madame Koska's atelier to the stolen imperial brooch. This piece of jewel was once owned by the late empress and was stolen from a Russian museum by a known gang. Madame Koska doesn't understand the connection yet, but her best friend, her new employees, acquaintances and good-looking language teacher might also somehow be involved in this mystery too. So Madame Koska must solve it before she can launch her first collection.
My favorite thing about this book is probably the culture and the setting. It's nice to know something new about 1920s London, the fashion styles of the period, the lives of the emigrants, as well as the lovely descriptions about beading and embroidery. Fashion may not be my thing, but I highly enjoyed reading and experiencing the designer's joy and passion written on the book.
Another thing I love was the writing itself. Though the dialogues are slightly formal, most of them were also injected with humor which is a big plus for me. By now I've realized that I hate mysteries that are way too serious. Especially the pretentious ones that try too hard to be cryptic just to achieve that mysterious effect. On the contrary, Madame Koska is just right for me. I kinda like the friendly and light-hearted atmosphere and it is a fairly quick yet satisfying read. I think the pacing is also generally well-done even though there were certain times I felt it was dragging. Maybe that's just me.
I also like the wide assortment of characters. It was quite easy to distinguish their personalities. But they also gave me a headache as well, trying to guess their real motives. In which, not a single one coincided with my expectations. So that's another plus. Furthermore, my initial favorite character here was Madame Koska but at the end of the book, it turned out to be Natalya.
The thing that amazes me most is how this book kept me on tenterhooks right to the end. The plot is so simple, yet it's so hard to predict what would happen next. Who is that character really? And what are they after? And well, I only made 20% correct guesses after all that analysis.
All in all, this mystery book was a great choice for light reading. I absolutely enjoyed it. Still, the story doesn't end here. It is just the first book in a series and there's still plenty of things to look forward to in the next one! In the meantime, I am searching for more facts about 1920s London to help me better understand some parts of the book.
Thanks a lot to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review this wonderful book!
#MadameKoskaAndTheImperialBrooch
#Netgalley
To make the long story short, the story revolves around Madame Koska, a woman in her 40's pretending to be Russian, who opens up her new atelier in 1920s London. Everything was going fine until the burglary incident, which leads to a string of events that will link Madame Koska's atelier to the stolen imperial brooch. This piece of jewel was once owned by the late empress and was stolen from a Russian museum by a known gang. Madame Koska doesn't understand the connection yet, but her best friend, her new employees, acquaintances and good-looking language teacher might also somehow be involved in this mystery too. So Madame Koska must solve it before she can launch her first collection.
My favorite thing about this book is probably the culture and the setting. It's nice to know something new about 1920s London, the fashion styles of the period, the lives of the emigrants, as well as the lovely descriptions about beading and embroidery. Fashion may not be my thing, but I highly enjoyed reading and experiencing the designer's joy and passion written on the book.
Another thing I love was the writing itself. Though the dialogues are slightly formal, most of them were also injected with humor which is a big plus for me. By now I've realized that I hate mysteries that are way too serious. Especially the pretentious ones that try too hard to be cryptic just to achieve that mysterious effect. On the contrary, Madame Koska is just right for me. I kinda like the friendly and light-hearted atmosphere and it is a fairly quick yet satisfying read. I think the pacing is also generally well-done even though there were certain times I felt it was dragging. Maybe that's just me.
I also like the wide assortment of characters. It was quite easy to distinguish their personalities. But they also gave me a headache as well, trying to guess their real motives. In which, not a single one coincided with my expectations. So that's another plus. Furthermore, my initial favorite character here was Madame Koska but at the end of the book, it turned out to be Natalya.
The thing that amazes me most is how this book kept me on tenterhooks right to the end. The plot is so simple, yet it's so hard to predict what would happen next. Who is that character really? And what are they after? And well, I only made 20% correct guesses after all that analysis.
All in all, this mystery book was a great choice for light reading. I absolutely enjoyed it. Still, the story doesn't end here. It is just the first book in a series and there's still plenty of things to look forward to in the next one! In the meantime, I am searching for more facts about 1920s London to help me better understand some parts of the book.
Thanks a lot to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review this wonderful book!
#MadameKoskaAndTheImperialBrooch
#Netgalley
June 11, 2020
This is a very whimsical story, and that’s part of its charm. It is, I think, also its limit.
The setting is very intriguing: London haute couture environment paired with the Russian émigré community. It’s unusual, and even if I don’t know much about either, I had the impression both subjects were well-researched, which is always a good sensation.
The characters are nice and diverse. Endearing, most of them. There was a lighthearted feeling to the entire story, but the tone became more participated when entering the matter of the flee of the White Russians from the Revolution.
These historical bits are maybe a little didascalic, but I still liked to read about it. The way so many people flee from their country. How they took refuge across the border (mostly in Turkey and China) and the harsh treatment they receive there. How everyone considered them strangers and belonging to the lowest strata of society. How some of them still managed to create a new life, often by accepting that their country was lost forever to them.
I even think that a little more focus on the refugee’s experience would have made it even more involving, but it was still interesting to read.
Madame Koska is a relatable character and fun to read. But I wonder whether she’s a bit too much over the top. The author clearly makes an extra effort to make her mysterious and intriguing, but honestly, I didn’t find that to work too well. At least for me. Maybe it was because the mystery about Madame Koska was really quite inconsequential to the story.
And about the story…
I know I’m saying this of about every mystery I’ve read recently, and maybe it’s more about me than them. I wonder if I’m becoming too much of a demanding reader, but I had quite a few issues with the mystery.
First, I was always unsure what the mystery was about. I mean, I knew that it was supposed to be about the disappearance of the Imperial Brooch, but I couldn’t decide what the point was. Why would Madame Koska investigate? What was so crucial about the brooch for any of the involved characters? The reason was so vague that it often disappeared from the story and Madame Koska’s action felt to be disconnected.
The conclusion was extremely unsatisfying. When the culprit is a character that never appeared in the story, I always feel like I’m cheated. And no, the fact that people ‘talk’ about that person in the story doesn’t count for me.
The shortcomings of the mystery aside, it was a nice, quick read, with a reasonably accurate historical setting which was unusual. I still enjoyed it.
The setting is very intriguing: London haute couture environment paired with the Russian émigré community. It’s unusual, and even if I don’t know much about either, I had the impression both subjects were well-researched, which is always a good sensation.
The characters are nice and diverse. Endearing, most of them. There was a lighthearted feeling to the entire story, but the tone became more participated when entering the matter of the flee of the White Russians from the Revolution.
These historical bits are maybe a little didascalic, but I still liked to read about it. The way so many people flee from their country. How they took refuge across the border (mostly in Turkey and China) and the harsh treatment they receive there. How everyone considered them strangers and belonging to the lowest strata of society. How some of them still managed to create a new life, often by accepting that their country was lost forever to them.
I even think that a little more focus on the refugee’s experience would have made it even more involving, but it was still interesting to read.
Madame Koska is a relatable character and fun to read. But I wonder whether she’s a bit too much over the top. The author clearly makes an extra effort to make her mysterious and intriguing, but honestly, I didn’t find that to work too well. At least for me. Maybe it was because the mystery about Madame Koska was really quite inconsequential to the story.
And about the story…
I know I’m saying this of about every mystery I’ve read recently, and maybe it’s more about me than them. I wonder if I’m becoming too much of a demanding reader, but I had quite a few issues with the mystery.
First, I was always unsure what the mystery was about. I mean, I knew that it was supposed to be about the disappearance of the Imperial Brooch, but I couldn’t decide what the point was. Why would Madame Koska investigate? What was so crucial about the brooch for any of the involved characters? The reason was so vague that it often disappeared from the story and Madame Koska’s action felt to be disconnected.
The conclusion was extremely unsatisfying. When the culprit is a character that never appeared in the story, I always feel like I’m cheated. And no, the fact that people ‘talk’ about that person in the story doesn’t count for me.
The shortcomings of the mystery aside, it was a nice, quick read, with a reasonably accurate historical setting which was unusual. I still enjoyed it.
April 17, 2020
Madame Koska & the Imperial Brooch by Ilil Arbel is the first book in this series.
Madame Koska despite her last name is not Russian, just pretending to be one in order to be taken seriously in high fashion world. Her husband, a true Russian has taught her everything about fashion, but he than abandoned her and she had to pick up the pieces of his deceit.
She is in London now, working hard to open her atelier and meeting some interesting people who will help her to make her studio huge success. She also takes Russian language lessons with a prominent Russian professor but there seems to be much more to him than what he wants people to see.
At the same time very curious burglaries begin to happen in Madame Koska's atelier. She will definitely need to do a little invstigating in order to save her business.
Well written mystery, set in London between two World Wars. Lovely fashion, culture and life style.
Many likable characters, portrayed very accurately each with the story behind them, So many secrets, precious jewels and royalty. This is not only a mystery but a story about that time period.
Perfect combination.
I sometimes found it a bit slow paced, but that could have been attributed to my state of mind rather than a book.
Madame Koska despite her last name is not Russian, just pretending to be one in order to be taken seriously in high fashion world. Her husband, a true Russian has taught her everything about fashion, but he than abandoned her and she had to pick up the pieces of his deceit.
She is in London now, working hard to open her atelier and meeting some interesting people who will help her to make her studio huge success. She also takes Russian language lessons with a prominent Russian professor but there seems to be much more to him than what he wants people to see.
At the same time very curious burglaries begin to happen in Madame Koska's atelier. She will definitely need to do a little invstigating in order to save her business.
Well written mystery, set in London between two World Wars. Lovely fashion, culture and life style.
Many likable characters, portrayed very accurately each with the story behind them, So many secrets, precious jewels and royalty. This is not only a mystery but a story about that time period.
Perfect combination.
I sometimes found it a bit slow paced, but that could have been attributed to my state of mind rather than a book.
April 17, 2020
I have not read any of the other series that supposedly have mentioned Madame Koska, so I came into this quite blind to the backstory. And it didn’t make a bit of difference: Madame Koska & the Imperial Brooch by Ilil Arbel is a wonderful, quick mystery set in a time and place that I know little about.
The time is the 1920s, the place is London, the world is one of high fashion. Madame Koska, a Russian emigrant escaping from the overthrow of the Tsar, leaves Paris for London to start her own atelier. From the Russian aristocrats, to the British aristocracy, to the dressmakers, policemen, and language tutors, the supporting cast is wonderfully woven into a golden age-inspired mystery – The atelier is broken into, but nothing is stolen. The shallow girl that was hired is harboring a secret life. The Russian aristocrat lady who does the intricate beadwork knows more than she’s telling. Missing fathers and husbands, opium gangs and jewel thieves, hidden identities. And in the center of it all is Madame Koska, with her own secrets and hidden past. Everything comes together in a satisfying conclusion, with the hint of more to come.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from BHC Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
The time is the 1920s, the place is London, the world is one of high fashion. Madame Koska, a Russian emigrant escaping from the overthrow of the Tsar, leaves Paris for London to start her own atelier. From the Russian aristocrats, to the British aristocracy, to the dressmakers, policemen, and language tutors, the supporting cast is wonderfully woven into a golden age-inspired mystery – The atelier is broken into, but nothing is stolen. The shallow girl that was hired is harboring a secret life. The Russian aristocrat lady who does the intricate beadwork knows more than she’s telling. Missing fathers and husbands, opium gangs and jewel thieves, hidden identities. And in the center of it all is Madame Koska, with her own secrets and hidden past. Everything comes together in a satisfying conclusion, with the hint of more to come.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from BHC Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 16, 2020
This is a most enjoyable cozy mystery novel. I do so enjoy a book where the characters are so well written and intriguing that even when the focus is not on the plot line (the disappearance of a priceless brooch), you don't mind, as the narrative around the period, the history and the mores of the time keep you enthralled throughout. It's not easy feat to achieve and the author does a superb job!
Madame Koske is a combination of exceptional style, astute business person, and loyal and devoted friend. She is also exceptionally kind as she looks to help others where she can (to give them an opportunity) at a very difficult time. She is also an extremely confident and worldly woman who works alongside the authorities to solve the mysteries (and there is more than one).!
I highly recommend this book!
With thanks to #NetGalley, BHC Press and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
Madame Koske is a combination of exceptional style, astute business person, and loyal and devoted friend. She is also exceptionally kind as she looks to help others where she can (to give them an opportunity) at a very difficult time. She is also an extremely confident and worldly woman who works alongside the authorities to solve the mysteries (and there is more than one).!
I highly recommend this book!
With thanks to #NetGalley, BHC Press and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 16, 2020
This is a most enjoyable cozy mystery novel. I do so enjoy a book where the characters are so well written and intriguing that even when the focus is not on the plot line (the disappearance of a priceless brooch), you don't mind, as the narrative around the period, the history and the mores of the time keep you enthralled throughout. It's not easy feat to achieve and the author does a superb job!
Madame Koska is a combination of exceptional style, astute business person, and loyal and devoted friend. She is also exceptionally kind as she looks to help others where she can (to give them an opportunity) at a very difficult time. She is also an extremely confident and worldly woman who works alongside the authorities to solve the mysteries (and there is more than one).!
I highly recommend this book!
With thanks to #NetGalley, BHC Press and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
Madame Koska is a combination of exceptional style, astute business person, and loyal and devoted friend. She is also exceptionally kind as she looks to help others where she can (to give them an opportunity) at a very difficult time. She is also an extremely confident and worldly woman who works alongside the authorities to solve the mysteries (and there is more than one).!
I highly recommend this book!
With thanks to #NetGalley, BHC Press and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 28, 2018
This novel told the story of a minor character first introduced in the Barchester books. It took place in 1920's London, involving Russian refugees, and Eurasian gang activity. The story developed primarily through the conversations of the title character, her friends, and her employees in her haute couture house. It was a delightful story that developed at a leisurely pace with the conversations among the various characters giving it a real life kind of feel. The mystery developed at a similar leisurely pace and was solved in a logical manner. Clues were given along the way but they didn't necessarily seem like a clue until the end. While there were surprises along the way the conclusion made sense based on what you knew that the characters knew. Delightful and satisfying.
April 22, 2020
An excellent cozy mystery, fun to read and engrossing.
I loved the vivid historical background, the well thought and likeable cast of characters and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the vivid historical background, the well thought and likeable cast of characters and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
December 19, 2020
Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch is an extraordinary book, from the brilliant introduction in which the author paraphrases the Genesis to describe the creation of the main character of this new series: the "elusive, enigmatic and undefeatable" Madame Koska, to the simple but exceptionally elegant cover, well-designed characters and a plot that captures the reader and makes you wish the book would not end.
March 29, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery set in 1920s London, in the atelier of aspiring haute couture designer Madame Koska, who may or may not be Russian royalty - or even Russian.
A priceless Czarist brooch has disappeared from a Russian museum and is rumored to have resurfaced in London. To prevent her first collection from being derailed by suspicions that the missing brooch is contained within or connected to her fashion house, Madam Koska takes the investigation into her own hands.
This book transports you to another time and place. The atelier felt real, with sparkling chandeliers, elegant beadwork, and diligent seamstresses. The Russian Christmas dinner - celebrated in exile - felt joyful, resilient, and tinged with sadness. The characters are engaging; the descriptions of dressmaking are detailed and divine; and there are more than enough suspects to go around. In a city of endless reinvention, in the shifting times after the war and the revolution, no one is exactly what they seem.
The resolution to the plot seemed contrived, and some of the characters' decisions are implausible. (Suspicious of someone? Move them into your spare bedroom!) But this was an enjoyable short read, and one that lingered in my mind. There is more here than just a cozy mystery and beautiful descriptions of beautiful clothes. The author shows the different ways in which people who have lost all and suffered much reinvent themselves, sometimes better, sometimes worse. There are lessons here about what to carry with you, and what to leave behind.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A priceless Czarist brooch has disappeared from a Russian museum and is rumored to have resurfaced in London. To prevent her first collection from being derailed by suspicions that the missing brooch is contained within or connected to her fashion house, Madam Koska takes the investigation into her own hands.
This book transports you to another time and place. The atelier felt real, with sparkling chandeliers, elegant beadwork, and diligent seamstresses. The Russian Christmas dinner - celebrated in exile - felt joyful, resilient, and tinged with sadness. The characters are engaging; the descriptions of dressmaking are detailed and divine; and there are more than enough suspects to go around. In a city of endless reinvention, in the shifting times after the war and the revolution, no one is exactly what they seem.
The resolution to the plot seemed contrived, and some of the characters' decisions are implausible. (Suspicious of someone? Move them into your spare bedroom!) But this was an enjoyable short read, and one that lingered in my mind. There is more here than just a cozy mystery and beautiful descriptions of beautiful clothes. The author shows the different ways in which people who have lost all and suffered much reinvent themselves, sometimes better, sometimes worse. There are lessons here about what to carry with you, and what to leave behind.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2020
Great fun and a good mystery! Mme Koska flawlessly mimics the Russian accent but doesn't really speak a word of it. But she is a gifted designer of haute couture with a real knack for handling customers and choosing the perfect seamstresses. She has come up with a design scheme for the 1920s with a classic Russian twist and is aided by a friend who has this young woman whose beading skills are incredible. But don't forget about intrigue, others with spurious identities, thefts, and interesting law enforcement personnel. I absolutely loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from BHC Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from BHC Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 30, 2020
I picked this book because of the striking cover - it just stands out from all the rest.
This was a fun and interesting mystery, centred around Madame Koska and her business. I enjoyed reading about all the various characters, many of whom have been through difficult circumstances and are making new lives for themselves. There were plenty of suspects to keep us guessing, and I whiled away a few hours very happily reading. I hope there will be a sequel, I’d love to know more about Madame Koska.
I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
This was a fun and interesting mystery, centred around Madame Koska and her business. I enjoyed reading about all the various characters, many of whom have been through difficult circumstances and are making new lives for themselves. There were plenty of suspects to keep us guessing, and I whiled away a few hours very happily reading. I hope there will be a sequel, I’d love to know more about Madame Koska.
I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
September 10, 2013
Ilil Arbel demonstrates her superb gift for writing in Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch. The book is filled with rich and lively detail, giving the sense of actually seeing the characters and places she describes. Madame Koska lived in a historically and culturally rich time, and I enjoyed the beauty of Arbel's words in describing it.
Early in the book Arbel sets the stage for the "reader joy ride" that will follow. While I would not normally read a book about a dress designer, something about Madame Koska kept me turning the pages. I found the book surprising, intriguing, and full of sharp twists and turns.
At times, especially in the middle and latter parts of the book, I found my pulse quickening and my breathing halted. I suspected everyone around Madame Koska at times, and I remained in suspense until the end. The book was as vivid as a movie, and I kept replaying it in my head for several days after I finished it.
I read this book several months ago, and sitting down now to write this review brought back to mind how much I enjoyed Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch. At first I thought it was mainly a "women's book," but I got hooked and I highly recommend it to macho readers as well. My voice didn't change one bit.
Ilil Arbel, through Madame Koska, broadened my horizons. For that I am grateful.
Early in the book Arbel sets the stage for the "reader joy ride" that will follow. While I would not normally read a book about a dress designer, something about Madame Koska kept me turning the pages. I found the book surprising, intriguing, and full of sharp twists and turns.
At times, especially in the middle and latter parts of the book, I found my pulse quickening and my breathing halted. I suspected everyone around Madame Koska at times, and I remained in suspense until the end. The book was as vivid as a movie, and I kept replaying it in my head for several days after I finished it.
I read this book several months ago, and sitting down now to write this review brought back to mind how much I enjoyed Madame Koska and the Imperial Brooch. At first I thought it was mainly a "women's book," but I got hooked and I highly recommend it to macho readers as well. My voice didn't change one bit.
Ilil Arbel, through Madame Koska, broadened my horizons. For that I am grateful.
November 29, 2013
In order to truly appreciate this book, one needs to have read the Angela Thirkell "Barsetshire" books, as Madame Koska is a character in a series of books written by a character in the Thirkell books...sort of like those old Land o'Lakes butter boxes, with the maiden holding a box decorated with a picture of a maiden holding a box decorated with a picture of a maiden holding a box...
Anyway, with that caveat, this was charming. Light, but charming.
Anyway, with that caveat, this was charming. Light, but charming.
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