Saddle up for this first class historical mystery, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon and Verity Bright.
London, 1918
Fiona Figg finds herself back in Old Blighty saddled with shuffling papers for the war office. Then a mysterious card arrives, inviting her to a fancy house party at Mentmore Castle. This year’s Ascot-themed do will play host to a stable of animal defense advocates, and Fiona is tasked with infiltrating the activists and uncovering possible anti-war activity.
Disguised as the Lady Tabitha Kenworthy, Fiona is more than ready for the “mane” event, but the odds are against her when both her arch nemesis, dark-horse Fredrick Fredricks, and would-be fiancé Lieutenant Archie Somersby arrive unexpectedly and “stirrup” her plans. And when a horse doctor thuds to the floor in the next guest room, Fiona finds herself investigating a mysterious poisoning with some very hairy clues.
Can Fiona overcome the hurdles and solve both cases, or will she be pipped to the post and put out to pasture by the killer?
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/arsenicascotsocial
Author Bio
Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She is bringing new titles in the Fiona Figg series to Boldwood, the first of which, Chaos in Carnegie Hall, will be published in November 2022.
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Why Should You Read This?
Kelly Oliver’s “Arsenic at Ascot” takes readers on a thrilling ride through historical mystery, set against the backdrop of London in 1918. This first-class mystery novel promises an engaging experience for fans of Helena Dixon and Verity Bright, and it delivers on that promise with finesse.
The novel follows Fiona Figg, who, after finding herself back in London and buried in war office paperwork, receives an intriguing invitation to a lavish house party at Mentmore Castle. The event, themed around Ascot, will be attended by animal defense advocates, and Fiona is tasked with the covert mission of infiltrating the gathering to uncover potential anti-war activities.
Disguised as the elegant Lady Tabitha Kenworthy, Fiona plunges into the festivities, ready for the “mane” event. However, her plans hit a hurdle when both her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Frederick Fredricks, and her would-be fiancé, Lieutenant Archie Somersby, unexpectedly appear, throwing a wrench into her investigation. The plot thickens further when a horse doctor is found poisoned in the next guest room, leading Fiona to embark on a mysterious journey filled with hairy clues.
Oliver skillfully weaves together a plot full of twists, turns, and clever wordplay, creating a delightful and engaging mystery. The Ascot-themed setting adds a unique charm to the narrative, immersing readers in the world of horse racing, grand estates, and the societal intricacies of 1918 London. The author’s attention to historical detail is evident, enhancing the authenticity of the story.
Fiona Figg is a captivating protagonist, and her witty narration adds a layer of humor to the novel. The dynamics between Fiona, Fredrick Fredricks, and Lieutenant Archie Somersby contribute to the tension and intrigue, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of each character’s motives.
The investigation into the mysterious poisoning provides a satisfying blend of suspense and deduction, as Fiona navigates the complex web of relationships and hidden agendas. Oliver cleverly integrates the equine theme into the plot, creating a murder mystery with a distinctive touch.
“Arsenic at Ascot” is a riveting historical mystery that gallops through the pages, offering readers an immersive experience in a bygone era. Kelly Oliver’s storytelling prowess, coupled with a well-crafted plot and a charming protagonist, makes this novel a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. As Fiona races against time to solve both cases, readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages, wondering if she can overcome the hurdles and emerge victorious or be left in the dust by the elusive killer.
