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Lady Marigold #1

A Roaring Murder

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Glitz, glamour—and murder. Can the unflappable Lady Marigold outwit a killer before more lives are derailed?

Constantinople, 1922. Lady Marigold Grey—former British spy and daring adventuress—sets out for England after inadvertently robbing her cousin of his inheritance. A long and dreary train journey lies ahead, but where Marigold goes, trouble follows.

When the director of the train is found murdered—and false evidence linking her to the crime surfaces—Marigold suddenly finds herself on the fast track to becoming a prime suspect.

Armed with her fashion-loving German assistant, her overly protective English butler, and her troublemaking fluffy white terrier, Marigold is determined to clear her name and stop the killer in their tracks.

Complicating matters is the annoyingly handsome police detective on board. Not only does he seem impervious to her charms, but he’s also hell-bent on proving her guilt.

As she unravels the tangled web of clues, Marigold is convinced she's closing in on the killer. But as the stakes rise, she realizes that the murderer will stop at nothing to cover their tracks—including targeting those she holds dear.

Can Lady Marigold solve this perplexing case before the killer hands her a one-way ticket to demise?

Dive into a whirlwind of intrigue and danger in this charming 1920s cozy mystery. Featuring a smart, sassy heroine, a lovable canine sidekick, high society escapades, chic fashion, and a budding, opposites-attract romance, 'Lady Marigold's 1920s Murder Mystery' series promises to hook you from the first page to the last.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2022

528 people are currently reading
385 people want to read

About the author

Ava Ness

12 books25 followers
Ava Ness writes sparkling 1920s cozy mysteries featuring clever sleuths, glamorous crimes, and vintage flair. Perfect for fans of Miss Fisher and Agatha Christie.

She’s the author of the Lady Marigold's 1920s Murder Mysteries, beginning with A Roaring Murder. Expect witty dialogue, glittering fashion, and a loyal pup in every case. When not writing, Ava sips tea, researches vintage scandals, and daydreams in bookstores.

📚 Learn more or join her newsletter at avanessauthor.com.

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⭐️ More than 160 five-star written reviews

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5 stars
493 (45%)
4 stars
381 (35%)
3 stars
174 (16%)
2 stars
29 (2%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
2 reviews
January 20, 2023
T.E.Kinsley and Verity Bright must be miffed. Another Lady inherits a Manor, a butler and a dog (though this time it's a terrier rather than a bulldog), has a companion, was a spy in the Great War and stumbles on a murder. Oh, and meets a slightly churlish but good looking detective. Originality: nul points.
Profile Image for Peekablue.
145 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
Interesting Mystery, Annoying Main Character

I really wanted to like this mystery but the main character, Marigold, was rather annoying. She has a little terrier dog that is supposed to be cute but I found annoying as well, as he doesn't mind her. He causes damage to other people's property & she acts as if it's no big deal. I know he's supposed to be there for comic relief but I just couldn't get behind him or her. She caused more interference than she helped in solving the case. She lets her first impressions prejudice her while taking offense when others' first impressions of her went against her, even though they were understandable. Anyway, the mystery itself was good enough for me to carry on to the end but I'm not sure I want to read anymore of the series.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,302 reviews69 followers
May 11, 2023
1922. Lady Marigold Grey is returning to England from Istanbul on the train Lunar Express when there is a murder on board. Unfortunately she is just as annoying as her dog, that is quite a lot. The clues easily led to the guilty party.
Profile Image for Nancy Haddock.
Author 8 books420 followers
June 11, 2023
Different and fun

Marigold is more comfortable withou her title, but eith way, she is charming. I liked all the characters, and the story moved along at a good pace. Now I need to read the Clues stories and the next book in this series!
Profile Image for LaGina.
2,052 reviews41 followers
January 10, 2024
I loved this new to me author. It was a cute read that I was able to get into in the first couple of chapters. I will be looking into more of this author.
Profile Image for Ана Хелс.
897 reviews84 followers
November 5, 2023
Това може би е поредната серия за амбициозна богаташка с бунтарски дух, която все някак се набърква в проблеми, и все си цапа копринените обувчици в някоя локва кръв, но може би си заслужава момент или два от вниманието ви. Лейди Мериголд – или Невенчето, я откриваме в турски затвор, в който е попаднала след като се е опитала да въдвори малко европейска демокрация в общо взето султанат с все харемите и пашите. Нейният верен иконом и вярна приятелка – немска шпионка и още по-вярното ѝ пуделче я измъкват на косъм от това да стане нечия ханъма, а навън я чака мистериозен мистър Дарси, който подозрително и презрително повдига гладка британска горна устна в ясен коментар на поведението ѝ. И всички се качват на Синия експрес, където в стил Поаро ги очаква престъпление в затворена стая, в която всички са заподозрени.

Нашето момиче, което всъщност го е играло много тежка шпионка през първата световна – която поради липса на информация за предстояща втора, просто е била наричана великата или голямата война, започва разследване, но се сблъсква челно с оня, намусения мистър Дарси , който я презря в червата си от пръв поглед, и това не се изменя много с времето, дори когато за всички става ясно, че между отвращението се прокрадват и някакви романтичности. И естествено Невенчето е главният запозрян, въпреки че има толкова, ако не и по-малко основания от всички останали да приключи конкретния труп. Сега, аз лично много мразя автори, които жертват своите главни герои, правят ги основни преследвани от закона и обект на подозрения и мъчения. За мен това си е признак на авторска слабост, щото нито Поаро, нито Холмс или мис Марпъл са попадали в истински личен за тях проблем, и това не ги прави по-малко великолепни детективи, а когато имаш аспирации да пишеш за такъв, и то жена, можеш все пак да вложиш малко любов.

Но вярвате или не, това не е писание за госпожица Невенче – чиито приключения между другото подозрително приличат тези на една друга дама на име Джинджифил Златкова, но за нея друг път. Всъщност най-доброто сътворение на Ава Нес се казва Лейди Улика – възрастна детективка от старата школа, нещо като Айрин Адлър на стари години, за която няма неразрешим случай, независимо дали става въпрос за убийство, кражба или мистериозно изчезване. Ето това вече е герой, на който е добре да обърнете внимание. Интересното е , че лейди Улика е литературен герой в света на лейди Невенка – един вид инсепшън до инсепшъна майно льо, но всъщност доста хитро светосъздаване и изграждане на съвършена алтернативна и самодостатъчна вселена.

Само да не беше Невенчето толкова дразнещо каръшка, а мъжът за нея толкова противен, както всъшност и всички останали мъжки образи с изключение на верния иконом. Но ако нямате нищо против да мразите половината каст на една книга, да се напрягате до невъзможност, хапейки пръсти в справедлив гняв към лошото отношение на главната героиня , и общо взето да си активирате тревожността на нови равнища – погледнете и лейди Мериголд, но пък за Лейди Улика пък сте съвсем задължени – това е класическа криминална разследваща литература, бърза, свежа, хитроумна и усмихната.
226 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2023
A quick, cozy, but sassy 1920's murder mystery

Within a short time after a train leaves Istanbul, a murder occurs in the kitchen area of the dining car. Lady Marigold can't stop herself from joining the onboard detective in an effort to solve the mystery discovering that almost everyone on the train had a reason to kill the victim.
The author is very skilled at setting the scene within a 1920's era describing women's fashion in detail as well as the fashionable train travel especially with fine dining, lounge activities and the sleeping compartments.
The murder is finally solved but not before realizing that everyone on the train had a reason to commit the murder. Book is entertaining and easy to read.
1,079 reviews
August 22, 2023
Lady Marigold Grey has been working and adventuring away from her home country of England for years. We meet her in Istanbul, being released from police custody. Her uncle's butler meets her there with news that required her return to her uncle's estate in England. Most of the book takes place on the train from Istanbul to Paris, with Marigold accompanied by the butler, Bentley, and her assistant Elke. Also on board is a Scotland Yard detective who had been inquiring after her in Istanbul. When someone is murdered, he is not interested in Marigold's help, but can he solve the case without her?This is cozy mystery is fun to read and makes me want to read the next book in the series to find out how things go when Marigold returns to the estate and its secrets.
Profile Image for Amalia.
129 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2023
Four reasons I'm giving four stars to A Roaring Murder by Ava Ness:

1. The time and place - The year is 1922 and we are boarding a train in Istanbul (first class, of course), heading for Paris, with a view for crossing the channel back to good old England. And yes, there is a body. Who can resist a murder on a train?

2. The lure of the historical mystery - Just my favorite genre. Not only the glitz and glamour of first class travel but also (relatively) good manners and a (reasonably) un-gory death. I am of the 'one body is enough' persuasion, no need for a pile of them.

3. The heroine - Lady Marigold Grey is former British spy and daring adventuress. All of this is hinted as she is quite discreet. Also kind, very tenacious once she is on the hunt and travels with a wonderful assistant, a butler and a dog. In short, fun.

4. The bottom line - This book is a fun take on the classic who-done-it. When you are in the market for a fun, funny and light-as-air read with a handsome Scotland Yard detective thrown in, this could well be the book for you.



2,257 reviews44 followers
November 17, 2025
I liked traveling back in time to the year 1922 with twenty-nine year old Lady Marigold Grey. She is traveling by train back to the Mayfair Manor in England now that her Uncle Thomas has died. Along for the ride is her uncles's butler-- Bentley, her assistant/friend-- Elke Muller, and her terrier-- Pepper. When one of the traveler's is murdered, Marigold sets out to solve the mystery. Unfortunately, Inspector Gideon Loxley from Scotland Yard is not happy with her investigating. I liked the characters in this story and having all of the action being confined to a train. I liked the give and take between Marigold and Inspector Loxley. Once Marigold finally gets off the train, she'll have to deal with the skeleton of a woman stuffed in a wardrobe at Mayfair Manor. To be continued.....
114 reviews
May 27, 2024
Enjoyable, very light. Overall, the writing was pretty well done; there were a few spelling errors, a couple of anachronisms (i.e., body language was a concept that came into being around the 1970s, not 1922), but not enough to totally detract from the story. Marigold is spunky, and I was SO glad she didn't fall all over the handsome-but-difficult detective, but instead put herself into competition with him to discover the murderer. A few red herrings, one very obvious clue. The character that really took my interest was Marigold's assistant/former spy, Elke. Since I adore mysteries set in the 20s, I think I will continue with this series.
884 reviews
July 5, 2025
Audiobook review: I enjoyed the narrator, she had a pleasant voice, easy listening.

Story review: There were some parts I really liked such as Lady Marigold keeping an eye on the two children traveling by themselves. Then there the others which I didn't particularly like such as her dog who didn't listen to her and ate people's shoes. She missed an important clue in the very beginning which was frustrating. I did like her butler and assistant. I had to remind myself it was set in the 1920s thus the detective's tone and actions toward her and her assistant were understandable.

25 reviews
January 14, 2023
Sharp Smart and Sassy

I loved this book and look forward to the next. Lady Marigold is a lead character ahead of her time and it is fun to cheer her brain and setting-do. The murder mystery was full of plot twists. All the requisite players are there, the butler, ladies’ maid a good-looking but annoying detective spiced up with travel and fashion. I can’t wIt to read the next novel coming out later this month. Well done author Ava Ness!
40 reviews
February 27, 2023
Quite enjoyable - entertaining cast of characters and Marigold herself is quite charming, if a bit difficult to understand. Surely a spy should have better conversational skills but Marigold constantly makes things more difficult for herself but putting her foot in her mouth.

Still that amounts to a minor quibble. It's a good start to a new cozy series and I look forward to reading the next book.
119 reviews
March 17, 2023
Last Marigold is a hit!

With an eye for period details, the author completely captures the readers interest. It seemed I could feel the train swaying on the rails as the passengers in first class dined. Ms. Ness writes with such clarity one visualizes her descriptions as real as if standing beside the characters. A truly fascinating book that will hold the reader hostage from the first word to the surprising ending.
84 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2022
the Train

Lady Marigold and crew have become some of my favorites. The mystery,the description of the fashions, the story makes for a fun read. Anyone who enjoys Lee Strauss,Beth Byers,C.Jane Reid novels will love Lady Marigold. Waiting for the release of "A High Society Murder" April 2023!
6 reviews
December 13, 2022
Welcome Lady Marigold

A wonderful new character has arrived. Lady Marigold's past will keep us guessing for a while as she and her companion, Elke, and butler, Benton, wade through an entertaining cast of suspects to find a murderer. Fans of the 1920's era are in for a treat. I eagerly await her next case.
64 reviews
August 9, 2023
Funny, interesting, great period mystery!

I'm already looking to ways to read more mysteries from this author! This book was a great blend of historical fiction and mystery, all wrapped in great dialogue, humor, and suspense. Plus, this author seems to have a heart for the underdog, which I really appreciate. More Lady Marigold please!
20 reviews
September 29, 2023
Great book

I haven’t read a book for months but felt like resuming my reading addiction. This was a great start. It was entertaining & kept my interest in a light hearted mystery on a long train ride. Oh how I would love to go on a trip like this. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Celest.
719 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2024
A Wonderful Adventure

I thought I'd already read book 1, but seems I hadn't. I'm so thankful that I didn't miss this intriguing adventure. I read Book 2 first, there were no spoilers. A great cast of characters in both books, especially Marigold and Elke. I look forward to reading more about all of these characters. I'm very curious to see what happens to Flo and Seb.
Profile Image for Debbie Lacey.
337 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2024
Murder in a train speeding across Europe from Istanbul? What's not to love? I just discovered this little gem of a fun 1920s mystery. It is well paced, with likeable characters, a solid mystery (or two), and hints of much more to come. Readers of Verity Bright, Sara Rosett, and Lynn Morrison may enjoy this series.

Karen Cass did an excellent job bringing these characters to life.
5 reviews
November 10, 2022
Loved it!

Really loved this book! The writing style, the pace (It kept its pace and didn't slow down with filler words) I am only sad to of finished it and have to wait for number two to be released.
Profile Image for Stephanie Curran.
395 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2023
A Great New Heroine

Lady Marigold is funny, mysterious, smart, and good-hearted. I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment in a new cozy series. I also have a weakness for “on the train” mysteries.
Profile Image for Jacky Mercury.
277 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2023
Enjoyable cozy mystery

A classic style murder on a train mystery, with interesting characters. Kind hearted and resourceful Lady Marigold and friends are up against a veritable heap of suspects when a director is murdered.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
703 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2023
Nice cozy

A Roaring Murder is about a single girl who just inherited a mansion from her uncle. Her train ride to get to her new home has multiple characters and of course a murder to solve. Entertaining but was a little slow for my taste.
Profile Image for Melissa.
36 reviews
June 15, 2023
3.5 stars. Would have given 4 but for some irksome writing errors that increased in frequency throughout the book. Plot was fairly good and characters engaging. Pacing was good, so giving the next book a shot.
Profile Image for Alayne.
2,481 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2023
Poorly written and badly in need of proofreading, especially with the spelling of "brooch" the jewellery being spelled as "broach" on multiple occasions. The story interested me enough to read to the end, but I doubt that I will read any more of this author.
112 reviews
August 13, 2024
I enjoyed this one.

At one point I felt like I had the culprit figured out. Then another suspect popped up. Then another then another etc. Eventually at the end, my original opinion, was correct. That being said the story kept me interested.
Profile Image for Janice Clark.
Author 4 books9 followers
November 1, 2024
An enjoyable read, with lots of interesting suspects, and plenty of possibly misleading clues. I was curious about the backstory of the amateur sleuths, as there were many teasing hints of secret doings in the war. I did think there was more emphasis on clothing styles than needed, but perhaps others would enjoy the descriptions.
89 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2023
light reading

I found this an easy to read story it well written with many different characters it made for light reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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