The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets is book 3 in S.K. Gordon’s Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series but as someone who was not familiar with the series, I can confidently say that it’s easily read as a standalone.
The story is written in first person from the point of view of Evelyn Murphy, the daughter of a rich hotelier, and living in the fabulous Pinnacle Hotel in London circa 1958. Evelyn is attending a charity luncheon at the hotel when she is summoned to the table of a bunch of ladies, and shortly afterward one of them falls dead into her lap. Evelyn is determined to solve the crime in order to prevent the reputation of the hotel from being affected.
In the beginning of the book I found Evelyn to be a bit selfish, and unaware or uncaring of the feelings of some of the people she interacted with. Even later in the novel there were a few places where I felt like she was a bit self absorbed, but she did grow on me.
There were a number of people to serve as suspects in the murder of Mrs. Mitchell, and with a secondary mystery to solve, that of the jewelry thief, this mystery was quite an interesting read with a rather exciting ending.
I think any lover of cosy mysteries would enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Socialite’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets will be published on March 11 2025.
Life, Tea, and Everything 