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Pinnacle Hotel Mystery #1
The Socialite's Guide to Murder
The hotel was her refuge, but scandal is afoot—and a killer stalks the halls in this charming series debut perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver.
It’s 1958 and Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy has not left the Pinnacle Hotel in fourteen months. She suffers from agoraphobia, and what’s more, it’s her father’s hotel, and everything she needs is there. Evelyn’s always been good at finding things, she discovered her mother dead in a Manhattan alleyway fifteen years earlier. Now she’s finding trouble inside her sanctuary. At a party for artist Billie Bell, his newest work is stolen, and Evelyn’s fake boyfriend (and real best friend), movie star Henry Fox, is accused of the theft. But just as Evelyn sets out to prove Henry’s innocence, she finds Billie Bell dead.
The murder weapon links the crime to the hotel’s chief of security. But why would he use a knife with his initials on the handle? With her beloved home in disarray, Evelyn joins up with hotel employee (and her secret crush) Mac Cooper to get to the bottom of the case.
As Mac picks locks and Evelyn snoops around the hotel, they discover the walls around them contain more secrets than they previously knew. Now, Evelyn must force herself to leave the hotel to follow the clues—but when she and Mac set off to chase a lead, their car crashes and they barely escape with their lives. Someone snipped Evelyn’s brake lines, and now the stakes have become dangerously high.
Evelyn’s knack for sleuthing—and her playful imagination—are always hard at work, and she throws an elaborate party at the hotel where every guest is a suspect. But will the killer emerge from the glamorous lineup? If not, Evelyn just might find herself…next in line for murder.
It’s 1958 and Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy has not left the Pinnacle Hotel in fourteen months. She suffers from agoraphobia, and what’s more, it’s her father’s hotel, and everything she needs is there. Evelyn’s always been good at finding things, she discovered her mother dead in a Manhattan alleyway fifteen years earlier. Now she’s finding trouble inside her sanctuary. At a party for artist Billie Bell, his newest work is stolen, and Evelyn’s fake boyfriend (and real best friend), movie star Henry Fox, is accused of the theft. But just as Evelyn sets out to prove Henry’s innocence, she finds Billie Bell dead.
The murder weapon links the crime to the hotel’s chief of security. But why would he use a knife with his initials on the handle? With her beloved home in disarray, Evelyn joins up with hotel employee (and her secret crush) Mac Cooper to get to the bottom of the case.
As Mac picks locks and Evelyn snoops around the hotel, they discover the walls around them contain more secrets than they previously knew. Now, Evelyn must force herself to leave the hotel to follow the clues—but when she and Mac set off to chase a lead, their car crashes and they barely escape with their lives. Someone snipped Evelyn’s brake lines, and now the stakes have become dangerously high.
Evelyn’s knack for sleuthing—and her playful imagination—are always hard at work, and she throws an elaborate party at the hotel where every guest is a suspect. But will the killer emerge from the glamorous lineup? If not, Evelyn just might find herself…next in line for murder.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2022
About the author
S.K. Golden
4 books183 followersS.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she married a commercial fisherman. The two of them still live on the islands with their five kids (one boy, four girls — including identical twins!), two cats, and a corgi named Goku. Sarah graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Administration and has put it to good use approximately zero times. She’s worked as a bank teller, a pharmacy technician, and an executive assistant at her father’s church. Sarah is delighted to be doing none of those things now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
May 16, 2023
Legally Blonde meets Clueless meets Miss Marple, I enjoyed this so much!
This was the cutest, coziest little mystery but don’t let its frivolity trick you into thinking it’s simple, it isn’t. This blonde, fashion loving optimist lead has deep roots, and not just at her bleached hairline. Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is a lonely, traumatized and wealthy young woman living in her father’s luxury hotel. She doesn’t ever leave because she’s a ‘teensy tiniest bit agoraphobic’ due to some harrowing events of her childhood. She’s cute and feminine and carries her little dog in her purse, but she has a heart of gold and a keen mind. She’s used to being underestimated and brushed aside, but she has a knack for finding things and solving mysteries. The 1950’s Manhattan hotel setting is well described and very stylistically mid century modern, if you love authentic aesthetics, you’ll relish this. We get lots of descriptions of her make up and outfits, her Rolls Royce, her pink apartment and her various dog purses, but this worked. She was Elle Woods and Cher Horowitz in a Marilyn Monroe era.
The book was very light, and very tight. It kept to the mystery at all times, it was lean and fast moving. The side romance with Mac, the bellhop, was so sweet and silly. I loved them together. Did I guess the murderer early on? Yes. Was I thrown off course enough to doubt myself? Also yes. This was well done, funny and unexpected. Its ratings are low but all I can say is, I think this book has been as underestimated as its heroine. Look deeper readers, this had layers!
I’m excited to see more from this series, and lucky for me, I have an arc for the next one. This book is a great time if you love seeing underestimated pretty girls kick ass and outthink grumpy detectives. Perfect for those who saw depth in Legally Blonde and Clueless and not just simple romcoms. And there’s a cute little dog named Presley. This was the ginchiest.
This was the cutest, coziest little mystery but don’t let its frivolity trick you into thinking it’s simple, it isn’t. This blonde, fashion loving optimist lead has deep roots, and not just at her bleached hairline. Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is a lonely, traumatized and wealthy young woman living in her father’s luxury hotel. She doesn’t ever leave because she’s a ‘teensy tiniest bit agoraphobic’ due to some harrowing events of her childhood. She’s cute and feminine and carries her little dog in her purse, but she has a heart of gold and a keen mind. She’s used to being underestimated and brushed aside, but she has a knack for finding things and solving mysteries. The 1950’s Manhattan hotel setting is well described and very stylistically mid century modern, if you love authentic aesthetics, you’ll relish this. We get lots of descriptions of her make up and outfits, her Rolls Royce, her pink apartment and her various dog purses, but this worked. She was Elle Woods and Cher Horowitz in a Marilyn Monroe era.
The book was very light, and very tight. It kept to the mystery at all times, it was lean and fast moving. The side romance with Mac, the bellhop, was so sweet and silly. I loved them together. Did I guess the murderer early on? Yes. Was I thrown off course enough to doubt myself? Also yes. This was well done, funny and unexpected. Its ratings are low but all I can say is, I think this book has been as underestimated as its heroine. Look deeper readers, this had layers!
I’m excited to see more from this series, and lucky for me, I have an arc for the next one. This book is a great time if you love seeing underestimated pretty girls kick ass and outthink grumpy detectives. Perfect for those who saw depth in Legally Blonde and Clueless and not just simple romcoms. And there’s a cute little dog named Presley. This was the ginchiest.
October 10, 2022
The first book in a new series set in the Pinnacle Hotel in New York in 1958. Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is the owner's daughter and, due to agoraphobia, she spends her whole time in the hotel. She has a cute little dog called Presley as company, a suite of rooms on the top floor, and absolutely everything she needs provided by the huge, top class hotel.
For company Evelyn has the hotel staff, occasional friends she makes with guests and Henry Fox, best friend and pretend boyfriend. She also has a great relationship with a bell hop called Mac Cooper. I loved Evelyn from the very start of the book. She is quirky, endearing and a curious mix of naivety and smartness. Her relationship with Mac is hilarious, as is her determination to win over the Detective who turns up to investigate a murder in her hotel.
Of course it is Evelyn and Mac who actually solve the murder, and the finale is an Agatha Christie type gathering together of all the suspects, where the culprit is dramatically announced to everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it was smart, funny and the characters were a delight. I shall watch out for book 2.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
For company Evelyn has the hotel staff, occasional friends she makes with guests and Henry Fox, best friend and pretend boyfriend. She also has a great relationship with a bell hop called Mac Cooper. I loved Evelyn from the very start of the book. She is quirky, endearing and a curious mix of naivety and smartness. Her relationship with Mac is hilarious, as is her determination to win over the Detective who turns up to investigate a murder in her hotel.
Of course it is Evelyn and Mac who actually solve the murder, and the finale is an Agatha Christie type gathering together of all the suspects, where the culprit is dramatically announced to everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it was smart, funny and the characters were a delight. I shall watch out for book 2.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 29, 2022
This was a cute mystery and Evelyn as the main character was fairly winsome (while being poshly spoilt). I rooted for her. I wasn't too captivated by the things she was obsessed about (chiefly her clothes and celebrity fascination) but that she was interested to investigate when she perceives something wrong was admirable. SHe didn't let her own problems keep her from helping so she gets all the kudos from me. Her trusty sidekick, Mac was a winner and really added to my overall enjoyment of the story. Honourable mention to Presley the pooch in the positives column. The mystery itself was well done and while I would have enjoyed a tougher puzzle, the twists and misdirection were good. This is a great book for a relaxing weekend read (and who doesn't need those?!).
While this read smoothly and quickly it felt a little like it was underwritten. How to explain... it felt like it wasn't quite for adults but maybe that's just me. There was nothing wrong with it and I would read another. There's clearly enough room for Evelyn to grow and for more mysteries to be had. Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.
While this read smoothly and quickly it felt a little like it was underwritten. How to explain... it felt like it wasn't quite for adults but maybe that's just me. There was nothing wrong with it and I would read another. There's clearly enough room for Evelyn to grow and for more mysteries to be had. Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.
December 5, 2023
2.5 stars
A cozy mystery set in a grand hotel in NYC in 1958, this book follows heiress Evelyn. most people think she's an eccentric Marilyn knock off, but in actuality she's an agoraphobic rich woman afraid to leave the hotel. When a guest is murdered, Evelyn decides to solve the case.
The word that comes to mind when I think of this book is "lackluster". I found the story a bit dull and the main character boring. It was fun enough to follow along and I was able to read until the end of the book. But I felt the pacing was all over the place and some of the dialogue too modern for a story set in the 1950's.
A cozy mystery set in a grand hotel in NYC in 1958, this book follows heiress Evelyn. most people think she's an eccentric Marilyn knock off, but in actuality she's an agoraphobic rich woman afraid to leave the hotel. When a guest is murdered, Evelyn decides to solve the case.
The word that comes to mind when I think of this book is "lackluster". I found the story a bit dull and the main character boring. It was fun enough to follow along and I was able to read until the end of the book. But I felt the pacing was all over the place and some of the dialogue too modern for a story set in the 1950's.
May 13, 2022
I've always wanted to rate my own book five stars!
July 4, 2022
The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden is the first book in the delightful Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series. It takes place in New York in 1958. The setting is a luxury hotel with elite guests and humorous staff. The book is interesting reading that is clean and easy to read. While the book may feel a bit flat for those that are accustomed to harsher content, this story is well suited for readers that enjoy novels that are free of graphic content.
If you're a puzzle fan, S.K. Golden's plot keeps you guessing till the very last page. It reminds me of the television show Murder She Wrote. It is a cute story with a heartwarming cast.
The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden is available on October 11th. (3.75 ⭐⭐⭐💫)
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to review this sweet story. Your kindness is appreciated.
If you're a puzzle fan, S.K. Golden's plot keeps you guessing till the very last page. It reminds me of the television show Murder She Wrote. It is a cute story with a heartwarming cast.
The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden is available on October 11th. (3.75 ⭐⭐⭐💫)
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to review this sweet story. Your kindness is appreciated.
August 9, 2023
I liked this, but not enough to buy the second book. I will be librarying it, thank you, mostly because there are a couple of elements I'm curious to see how they play out. It's really a classic case of had a good time while reading it, but wouldn't be upset if I couldn't ever read another in the series.
This takes place in 1958 in NYC at the fictional Pinnacle Hotel, where our main character Evelyn has lived since the age of six, when her mother was murdered. (This is obviously a set up for future books, and one of the reason I'm curious to continue.) The hotel is owned by her father, and he is pretty much an absentee father, leaving Evelyn to be raised by a nanny . . . who the book only ever calls Nanny. Rude. Evelyn is in denial about it, but she has agoraphobia due to her past trauma (she found her mother's body), and she hasn't left the hotel in fourteen months. When a painting is stolen, and then later the painter himself murdered, Evelyn cannot resist snooping for clues (she loves Agatha Christie) with the help of her dog-walker (slash bellhop) and friend, Mac Cooper. The prime suspect turning out to be her fake boyfriend the movie star (he's gay) and best friend, Henry, only adds more motivation.
As stated above, this was a fun read and I found Evelyn to be a charming and likable main character, but nothing really about this book moved me to extremes. It was just a pretty good time. The best part of the book is that when Evelyn reveals the murderer, she officially invites everyone to a party so she can do a Hercule Poirot Reveals All moment. Also, I did end up googling lots of pictures of Pomeranian mixes, because Evelyn has one called Presley and I am susceptible to a dog, fictional or not.
[3.5 stars]
"The ____'s Guide to _____ a/and ______" Accountability Rating: I have decided to start holding books accountable for frivolously using the extremely overused title construction this book also uses. This book gets a 3/10. It's vibes only. There are no guides in the book, and the heroine is by no means an expert in murder, or in solving a murder. It's just meant to cash in on a trend and therefore I am annoyed. Authors, don't let your marketing departments or editors talk you into this.
Alternate Titles for This Book: The Fashionable Recluse and the Case of the Perished Painter; The Hotel Heiress Solves a Murder; Hufflepuffs Are Particularly Good Finders*
*I am immediately sorry for that last one for multiple reasons, but I couldn't not. It is so accurate if you have read the book.
This takes place in 1958 in NYC at the fictional Pinnacle Hotel, where our main character Evelyn has lived since the age of six, when her mother was murdered. (This is obviously a set up for future books, and one of the reason I'm curious to continue.) The hotel is owned by her father, and he is pretty much an absentee father, leaving Evelyn to be raised by a nanny . . . who the book only ever calls Nanny. Rude. Evelyn is in denial about it, but she has agoraphobia due to her past trauma (she found her mother's body), and she hasn't left the hotel in fourteen months. When a painting is stolen, and then later the painter himself murdered, Evelyn cannot resist snooping for clues (she loves Agatha Christie) with the help of her dog-walker (slash bellhop) and friend, Mac Cooper. The prime suspect turning out to be her fake boyfriend the movie star (he's gay) and best friend, Henry, only adds more motivation.
As stated above, this was a fun read and I found Evelyn to be a charming and likable main character, but nothing really about this book moved me to extremes. It was just a pretty good time. The best part of the book is that when Evelyn reveals the murderer, she officially invites everyone to a party so she can do a Hercule Poirot Reveals All moment. Also, I did end up googling lots of pictures of Pomeranian mixes, because Evelyn has one called Presley and I am susceptible to a dog, fictional or not.
[3.5 stars]
"The ____'s Guide to _____ a/and ______" Accountability Rating: I have decided to start holding books accountable for frivolously using the extremely overused title construction this book also uses. This book gets a 3/10. It's vibes only. There are no guides in the book, and the heroine is by no means an expert in murder, or in solving a murder. It's just meant to cash in on a trend and therefore I am annoyed. Authors, don't let your marketing departments or editors talk you into this.
Alternate Titles for This Book: The Fashionable Recluse and the Case of the Perished Painter; The Hotel Heiress Solves a Murder; Hufflepuffs Are Particularly Good Finders*
*I am immediately sorry for that last one for multiple reasons, but I couldn't not. It is so accurate if you have read the book.
May 29, 2022
Poor little rich girl Evelyn Murphy, the daughter of the fabulously wealthy owner of the fabled Pinnacle Hotel, lives on the top floor of Daddy’s hotel. Beautiful and willful, Evelyn dyes her hair platinum blonde and dresses Marilyn Monroe. Like her idol, Evelyn frequently faces men who underestimate her, seeing her as spoiled and nosy. Well, in fairness, Evelyn is nosy — but always in a good cause. Compassionate and generous to a fault, Evelyn finds missing items for the hotel’s guests, foils an insurance scam, and determines to find out who really did kill a self-important modern artist having a show at the Pinnacle.
S.K. Golden’s debut The Socialite’s Guide to Murder, set in 1958, easily combines fun, a riveting plot, and a clever, if scarred, protagonist you’ll find yourself adoring. I’m so glad to know that this page-turner is the first in a series. Highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.
S.K. Golden’s debut The Socialite’s Guide to Murder, set in 1958, easily combines fun, a riveting plot, and a clever, if scarred, protagonist you’ll find yourself adoring. I’m so glad to know that this page-turner is the first in a series. Highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2022
From the beginning, I thought this was a historical mystery written in a very modern fashion. Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy was a young woman with an extremely rich father who supported her lifestyle. She suffered from agoraphobia, but that wasn’t revealed until later on and it was a type that worked with the plot. IOWs, she could go places if the storyline needed her. But if she shouldn’t enter an area, the phobia kicked in.
She lived in one of her father’s hotels with her petite dog, Presley, and a butler/dog-sitter/all-around swell guy named Mac. I liked him. The other characters, not as much. I thought all of them could have been fleshed out better.
This story took me days to finish (not a good sign because I love a good mystery) and I found the ending underwhelming. I will leave it to other readers to continue with the series. Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and S.K. Golden for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars for okay
She lived in one of her father’s hotels with her petite dog, Presley, and a butler/dog-sitter/all-around swell guy named Mac. I liked him. The other characters, not as much. I thought all of them could have been fleshed out better.
This story took me days to finish (not a good sign because I love a good mystery) and I found the ending underwhelming. I will leave it to other readers to continue with the series. Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and S.K. Golden for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars for okay
December 17, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- I ADORE the cover on this one!
The Socialite's Guide to Murder is the first book in a new series set in the Pinnacle Hotel in New York City in 1958. The main character Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is an agoraphobic with a knack for finding lost things. When a painting goes missing and a murder takes place, she decides to investigate...
I enjoyed this one a lot. I agree with other reviewers that is read more like a young adult novel, but that didn't bother me. It is written well. Easy to read. Well paced. Had a solid plot and a mystery that kept me guessing. Quirky and likable characters, and an adorable dog. I look forward to seeing what these characters get up to in book two.
**ARC Vua NetGalley**
The Socialite's Guide to Murder is the first book in a new series set in the Pinnacle Hotel in New York City in 1958. The main character Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is an agoraphobic with a knack for finding lost things. When a painting goes missing and a murder takes place, she decides to investigate...
I enjoyed this one a lot. I agree with other reviewers that is read more like a young adult novel, but that didn't bother me. It is written well. Easy to read. Well paced. Had a solid plot and a mystery that kept me guessing. Quirky and likable characters, and an adorable dog. I look forward to seeing what these characters get up to in book two.
**ARC Vua NetGalley**
November 10, 2022
Underwhelming and a bit boring. This story may have worked as a YA mystery because, as an adult piece, doesn't move and feels younger than intended. 2/5
March 23, 2024
The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden is one of the most fun books I have ever read and even though Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is exceptionally over the top, I couldn't help but love her. Along with her sidekick (and purse dog) Presley and a little help from a certain someone (cough cough Mac), she is convinced she can solve the murder of Billie and the mystery of his stolen painting. We get some insight into Evelyn as a person (and can we also mention there is the mystery of who killed her mom? I am sure that will come into play at some point), and she is not the silly rich girl that some people may perceive her as. Well, not completely.
I adored the audiobook and am really glad I experienced The Socialite's Guide to Murder that way. Amara Jasper has the perfect voice to narrate Evelyn's character, and I couldn't believe how exceptionally well she was able to embody her mannerisms and speech. I could tell she really put her soul and a lot of effort into narrating the audio, and I highly recommend it to everyone. This definitely has a lot of qualities of a cozy mystery and won't be for everyone, but I thought it was just downright fun and pure enjoyment. I laughed a lot and while I guessed a part of the reveal (I think a lot of mystery fans could figure out what is happening here) that didn't bother me in the slightest. I would tell anyone looking for a lighthearted read and some fun to pick this up!
I adored the audiobook and am really glad I experienced The Socialite's Guide to Murder that way. Amara Jasper has the perfect voice to narrate Evelyn's character, and I couldn't believe how exceptionally well she was able to embody her mannerisms and speech. I could tell she really put her soul and a lot of effort into narrating the audio, and I highly recommend it to everyone. This definitely has a lot of qualities of a cozy mystery and won't be for everyone, but I thought it was just downright fun and pure enjoyment. I laughed a lot and while I guessed a part of the reveal (I think a lot of mystery fans could figure out what is happening here) that didn't bother me in the slightest. I would tell anyone looking for a lighthearted read and some fun to pick this up!
April 27, 2023
I was reading this one during a very challenging in my life, and put it down for about ten days in the middle. I think losing my momentum really affected my reading experience. That being said, I still enjoyed this book. It wasn’t action packed necessarily but was a fun read! I will probably read the next in the series. Trigger warning for description of panic attacks.
November 16, 2022
I couldn't get into this one and found the main character a bit annoying. I couldn't finish it.
November 17, 2022
Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is a wealthy young and attractive woman, who lives in the penthouse at Pinnacle Hotel in New York City. Her father owns the hotel, and Evelyn spends her time listening to gossip amongst staff about the guests, and helping the occasional person find a misplaced item. She also poses with her best friend and actor Henry Fox for supposedly candid shots, helping him maintain the fiction that he is heterosexual. Evelyn has her own secret: she has a flirty relationship with Mac Cooper, a bellboy/waiter and dog walker for Evelyn's beloved dog Presley.
When an artist who plans to reveal his latest painting at a party at the hotel discovers the painting was stolen, Henry is accused of theft, but pretty quickly Evelyn proves his innocence. Then the artist is found stabbed, and Evelyn begins investigating in earnest. She enlists Mac's help, with him picking locks and her searching through files and interrogating guests, and we get a better sense of Evelyn and what is keeping her from leaving the hotel.
At the book's outset, Evelyn seems like nothing more than a flirt who loves fashion, styling herself after Marilyn Munroe, and too silly, inconsequential and spoiled to have a single, intelligent thought in her platinum blonde head.
And though she has a vivid imagination, is stubborn when she has a plan, is kind to others, and has an unwillingness to hear some truths about herself from her analyst, she's smart, is always dressed to kill, is suffering from agoraphobia and PTSD after an incident that occurred when she was six-years old: she found her mother murdered outside a toy store, and grew terrified of leaving the safety of the Pinnacle afterwards.
She's also remarkably happy to help Henry masquerade as her boyfriend, and is unwilling to believe Mac is defined solely by his past. And, she loves reading Agatha Christie (she's reading "Hickory Dickory Death" during her own investigation) and has the amusing plan of revealing the murderer at an Hercule Poirot-style gathering.
Evelyn is delightful, and I had a lot of fun watching her sleuth, and really enjoyed the humourous tone of this mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
When an artist who plans to reveal his latest painting at a party at the hotel discovers the painting was stolen, Henry is accused of theft, but pretty quickly Evelyn proves his innocence. Then the artist is found stabbed, and Evelyn begins investigating in earnest. She enlists Mac's help, with him picking locks and her searching through files and interrogating guests, and we get a better sense of Evelyn and what is keeping her from leaving the hotel.
At the book's outset, Evelyn seems like nothing more than a flirt who loves fashion, styling herself after Marilyn Munroe, and too silly, inconsequential and spoiled to have a single, intelligent thought in her platinum blonde head.
And though she has a vivid imagination, is stubborn when she has a plan, is kind to others, and has an unwillingness to hear some truths about herself from her analyst, she's smart, is always dressed to kill, is suffering from agoraphobia and PTSD after an incident that occurred when she was six-years old: she found her mother murdered outside a toy store, and grew terrified of leaving the safety of the Pinnacle afterwards.
She's also remarkably happy to help Henry masquerade as her boyfriend, and is unwilling to believe Mac is defined solely by his past. And, she loves reading Agatha Christie (she's reading "Hickory Dickory Death" during her own investigation) and has the amusing plan of revealing the murderer at an Hercule Poirot-style gathering.
Evelyn is delightful, and I had a lot of fun watching her sleuth, and really enjoyed the humourous tone of this mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
August 12, 2022
An enjoyable, lighthearted mystery. Evelyn Murphy, wealthy recluse, takes it upon herself to investigate when art theft, and a murder, threaten the security of her home--the Pinnacle Hotel. Evelyn is such an endearing, quirky sleuth, I couldn't help but root for her as she fights to protect her home and friends. I can't wait to read her future adventures.
October 1, 2022
I'm a New Yorker, a huge fan of historical mysteries, and have worked in hotels for the vast majority of the past 2/3 of my life. How could I NOT request this one? Unfortunately, the story fell short, the writing felt like it was a bit too YA for my tastes, and it was a struggle to even make it to the halfway mark. Evelyn is far too Paris Hilton in the '50s for me to care .... right down to the dog in the purse, the constant need to appear in the tabloid pages, and soooo much pink. I just couldn't. It ended up on the DNF pile and it's not one I will likely attempt again in case the timing was just off.
August 8, 2022
Finished reading: August 8th 2022
"Hercule Poirot would be so ashamed of me. I hadn't even figured out how the painting had been stolen, much less who had taken it."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
November 6, 2022
An endearing heroine, a luxury hotel, and a bevy of suspects pepper this delightful debut title by S. K. Golden. In 1958, artist Billie Bell is showcasing his latest work at the Pinnacle Hotel owned by Evelyn Murphy’s father. Before Billie’s new canvas can be revealed, the work is stolen and the people Evelyn knows are suspected of theft. Then Billie turns up dead. Since Evelyn is loathe to leave the security of the hotel, their staff has become her family. She can’t believe one of them has betrayed her trust. Evelyn’s fashion sense adds to the glamorous backdrop as she investigates the crime. A fun romp in a glitzy setting with a spunky sleuth!
September 25, 2023
This was a fun recommendation I saw on bookstagram. I decided to go for it knowing nothing else but I liked the cover and found the blurb interesting. This cozy mystery is based in the 50's and in first person POV of the hotel heiress. She's quirky and spoiled (but not in a grating way) and reminded me a lot of a grown-up version of Eloise. The writing was quick, humorous, and for me a really fun and easy read. This is a general market book and there's mild language, a fade to black scene, and the heiress is pretending to be the girlfriend of a famous actor whose preference is not women. This content is written tastefully and not highlighted so it was easy to read past without any interruption to the story.
May 20, 2022
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this ARC! I really enjoyed this lighthearted murder mystery! I loved the main character, Evelyn Murphy- she was super quirky, yet lovable. I would love if the author would continue with these characters in future books. I will definitely be recommending it to friends when it’s released!
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 2, 2023DNF at 13%. It just doesn't hit the spot.
June 4, 2022
An endearing heroine, a luxury hotel, and a bevy of suspects pepper this delightful debut title by S. K. Golden. In 1958, artist Billie Bell is showcasing his latest work at the Pinnacle Hotel owned by Evelyn Murphy’s father. Before Billie’s new canvas can be revealed, the work is stolen and the people Evelyn knows are suspected of theft. Then Billie turns up dead. Since Evelyn is loathe to leave the security of the hotel, their staff has become her family. She can’t believe one of them has betrayed her trust. Evelyn’s fashion sense adds to the glamorous backdrop as she investigates the crime. A fun romp in a glitzy setting with a spunky sleuth!
May 13, 2022
"My outfit needed to be dramatic. It wasn't every day a girl got to reveal a murder plot to her friends and colleagues, after all."
It's time for an adventure with the fabulous Evelyn Murphy in the Pinnacle hotel, owned by her father. Evelyn has all the tools in her socialite toolbox to be a confident it girl, but childhood trauma causes her to be a bit agoraphobic. A murder takes place right at the Pinnacle - just like in the murder mysteries that Evelyn devours. She can hardly help herself and brings bell boy sidekick along for the journey - and let me just say you will not be disappointed.
This fast paced book was A LOT of fun. I really LOVED Evelyn. She's a snobby, materialistic, brat - she's an adult who still refers to her father as "Daddy." I love her as a character so much - we have these moments where we truly get a peek into the vulnerability and what makes Evelyn tick. I love the glamour - the detailed scenes of putting on make up or an extravagant outfit. She's hard to relate to, but relatable at the same time -- like for example there's a scene where she's in a hospital and she's complaining that she has to share a room with another patient... we would all be annoyed we didn't have the room to ourselves, but the entitlement that Evelyn has is actually a bit charming. I live for the outlandish statements she makes throughout the book.
I loved when books have well-written animal characters. Presley does not disappoint, and he plays SUCH a big role in this book - even as the book comes to a close we are really shown how much we value him as a character.
My least favorite part of this book was unfortunately the romance. I wasn't really digging in, I'm not gonna lie. I was not the biggest fan of the way she seemed a bit desperate and hopeless in love. It was just a bit too corny/cheesy for me, but some people are into that kind of thing so have at it. They're a fine pair, it's just not my style of romance.
Thank you SOOO much to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I love love loved consuming this literature, it was such a fun read that I would absolutely recommend to those who enjoy murder mysteries and a glamorous historical piece.
It's time for an adventure with the fabulous Evelyn Murphy in the Pinnacle hotel, owned by her father. Evelyn has all the tools in her socialite toolbox to be a confident it girl, but childhood trauma causes her to be a bit agoraphobic. A murder takes place right at the Pinnacle - just like in the murder mysteries that Evelyn devours. She can hardly help herself and brings bell boy sidekick along for the journey - and let me just say you will not be disappointed.
This fast paced book was A LOT of fun. I really LOVED Evelyn. She's a snobby, materialistic, brat - she's an adult who still refers to her father as "Daddy." I love her as a character so much - we have these moments where we truly get a peek into the vulnerability and what makes Evelyn tick. I love the glamour - the detailed scenes of putting on make up or an extravagant outfit. She's hard to relate to, but relatable at the same time -- like for example there's a scene where she's in a hospital and she's complaining that she has to share a room with another patient... we would all be annoyed we didn't have the room to ourselves, but the entitlement that Evelyn has is actually a bit charming. I live for the outlandish statements she makes throughout the book.
I loved when books have well-written animal characters. Presley does not disappoint, and he plays SUCH a big role in this book - even as the book comes to a close we are really shown how much we value him as a character.
My least favorite part of this book was unfortunately the romance. I wasn't really digging in, I'm not gonna lie. I was not the biggest fan of the way she seemed a bit desperate and hopeless in love. It was just a bit too corny/cheesy for me, but some people are into that kind of thing so have at it. They're a fine pair, it's just not my style of romance.
Thank you SOOO much to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I love love loved consuming this literature, it was such a fun read that I would absolutely recommend to those who enjoy murder mysteries and a glamorous historical piece.
July 26, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Socialite's Guide to Murder.
I really wanted to like this much more but it was difficult to get into the story.
** Minor affluent spoilers ahead **
It’s 1958 and Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is a hotel heiress.
Pinnacle Hotel is her home and she has not left it for nearly two years.
The hotel is her refuge but her safe place is threatened when the work of a famous artist is stolen, and later, the artist is discovered dead.
Evelyn decides to pull a Nancy Drew when her BFF is accused of the murder and for the first time in her life, does actual work: investigate.
It was hard to like Evelyn.
I get that she's rich and entitled and born into a wealthy family, but I couldn't help but roll my eyes when she described dressing like Marilyn Monroe and trying hard to walk in stilettos.
The author gave Evelyn agoraphobia to make her more 'human' but it didn't matter to me if she could leave the hotel or not.
Not surprisingly, there's a bit of romance since Evelyn is in love with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. What will her daddy say?
Her father is a busy man and never makes an appearance in the narrative. He's kind of like Maris in Frasier. He exists and Evelyn speaks to him on the phone and mentions him in passing but you never see him.
I didn't care much for the mystery, nor did I really care who did what to whom and why.
The only thing I did like was the 1950s setting; the glitz and glamor of the hotel, and the pop culture references Evelyn makes as she dolls herself up.
But this was a slog to read; I kept putting this down to read something else. Or watch something else.
I did love her dog, Presley.
I really wanted to like this much more but it was difficult to get into the story.
** Minor affluent spoilers ahead **
It’s 1958 and Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is a hotel heiress.
Pinnacle Hotel is her home and she has not left it for nearly two years.
The hotel is her refuge but her safe place is threatened when the work of a famous artist is stolen, and later, the artist is discovered dead.
Evelyn decides to pull a Nancy Drew when her BFF is accused of the murder and for the first time in her life, does actual work: investigate.
It was hard to like Evelyn.
I get that she's rich and entitled and born into a wealthy family, but I couldn't help but roll my eyes when she described dressing like Marilyn Monroe and trying hard to walk in stilettos.
The author gave Evelyn agoraphobia to make her more 'human' but it didn't matter to me if she could leave the hotel or not.
Not surprisingly, there's a bit of romance since Evelyn is in love with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. What will her daddy say?
Her father is a busy man and never makes an appearance in the narrative. He's kind of like Maris in Frasier. He exists and Evelyn speaks to him on the phone and mentions him in passing but you never see him.
I didn't care much for the mystery, nor did I really care who did what to whom and why.
The only thing I did like was the 1950s setting; the glitz and glamor of the hotel, and the pop culture references Evelyn makes as she dolls herself up.
But this was a slog to read; I kept putting this down to read something else. Or watch something else.
I did love her dog, Presley.
May 20, 2022
This would have been an excellent young adult mystery book. But as an adult book, it was born and flat. I literally guessed who did it from the beginning, and the journey to finding the correct answer was juvenile.
I really think that this book would have been so cute as a teenage girl, that has agoraphobia spends all her time shopping and exploring mysteries to take her mind off her condition. It would also be cute for her to have a crush on the bell boy in training, who is around her age but she can't act on it since her dad has her in an arranged marriage with her childhood friend, since he wants to make sure that his little girl would be well-taken care off as she gets older. The more I read the book, the more I found it would have worked as a young adult mystery.
But instead, we get this.
I really think that this book would have been so cute as a teenage girl, that has agoraphobia spends all her time shopping and exploring mysteries to take her mind off her condition. It would also be cute for her to have a crush on the bell boy in training, who is around her age but she can't act on it since her dad has her in an arranged marriage with her childhood friend, since he wants to make sure that his little girl would be well-taken care off as she gets older. The more I read the book, the more I found it would have worked as a young adult mystery.
But instead, we get this.
August 15, 2022
Evelyn, on paper, is the type of character I would usually be all on board for. But something between the synopsis and the pages, all the charm and sleuthing I expected, was lost. Instead, I found her to be entitled and argumentative rather than charming and quirky. I couldn't connect with the characters and didn't care about solving the art theft or the murder. I didn't find Evelyn and Mac to have chemistry, and once again, I didn't care. I give this book 2/5 stars. There is a chance that it is just personal preferences affecting my rating, so I suggest people give it a read for themselves.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC to review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC to review.
June 7, 2022
Review originally posted on Living My Adventure Filled Life
3 stars
The Socialite's Guide to Murder gets advertised as a Poirot-like mystery novel, and me being a fan of everything written by Agatha Christie, I just could not wait to get into reading this murder mystery.
Yet, it turned out to not be as captivating as the Poirot novels, and here is why:
First of all, it is said that it is a adult mystery novel, but to be honest it felt more like a Young Adult book. They way it was written and the characters made it feel like we were talking about teenagers, and not adults. I would have loved that if it was meant to be a YA novel, but it isn't so I thought that was a bit of a mistake.
I had to get used to Evelyn in the first chapter but when I started chapter 2, I was hooked, and wanted to know what was going to happen. I missed the wow-factor though. The whole time while reading I though to myself: there needs to be more.
The characters were something I had mixed feelings about. I did not really know what to think of Evelyn and Henry. Evelyn I did not like at first and I actually started to like her more towards the end, while Henry I liked at first and started to get a bit uncomfortable with in the second half of the book. Mac I absolutely adored throughout the entire novel.
The ending was in this Poirot-like-style, which sounds great, but I think it is something only Agatha Christie can pull off. That made this ending a bit underwhelming. It could have been better described, and it felt very forced.
The last thing I want to say is, that I still enjoyed reading this book, and I would like to read another book about these characters, maybe if I see some growth in their personalities it would be something I enjoyed more.
Publication date: 11 October 2022
3 stars
The Socialite's Guide to Murder gets advertised as a Poirot-like mystery novel, and me being a fan of everything written by Agatha Christie, I just could not wait to get into reading this murder mystery.
Yet, it turned out to not be as captivating as the Poirot novels, and here is why:
First of all, it is said that it is a adult mystery novel, but to be honest it felt more like a Young Adult book. They way it was written and the characters made it feel like we were talking about teenagers, and not adults. I would have loved that if it was meant to be a YA novel, but it isn't so I thought that was a bit of a mistake.
I had to get used to Evelyn in the first chapter but when I started chapter 2, I was hooked, and wanted to know what was going to happen. I missed the wow-factor though. The whole time while reading I though to myself: there needs to be more.
The characters were something I had mixed feelings about. I did not really know what to think of Evelyn and Henry. Evelyn I did not like at first and I actually started to like her more towards the end, while Henry I liked at first and started to get a bit uncomfortable with in the second half of the book. Mac I absolutely adored throughout the entire novel.
The ending was in this Poirot-like-style, which sounds great, but I think it is something only Agatha Christie can pull off. That made this ending a bit underwhelming. It could have been better described, and it felt very forced.
The last thing I want to say is, that I still enjoyed reading this book, and I would like to read another book about these characters, maybe if I see some growth in their personalities it would be something I enjoyed more.
Publication date: 11 October 2022
December 13, 2022
This one was so fun! Evelyn is a rich, a bit spoiled, hotel heiress that lives in her father's hotel. She's known for finding things that have been lost and her love of Agatha Christie novels while poolside. But quickly there is a theft and murder and she has the chance to put her Miss Marple skills to the test. And she's meddling for sure! Stomping over crime scenes, breaking in to rooms and digging in files, she gets herself right in the middle of the investigation. But it's not all clues and blood, she has an image to keep up and a best friend to help. She also has a boy she might be falling for. It's a fun mash up and a light read for the busy time of year. I enjoyed the humor but also some of the more interesting topics thrown in. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more in this series! It was cute and I enjoyed it!
This was a book I got from Aardvark!
Kind of like book of the month and they just started!
This was a book I got from Aardvark!
Kind of like book of the month and they just started!
July 30, 2022
Meet Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy, aka "Evie, the Princess of Pinnacle Hotel.' Her father owns the hotel and she and her little dog reside in the penthouse. Evie fashions herself a Miss Marple and dresses like Marilyn Monroe. She's quick as a whip but does not realize how horribly spoiled she is. She also doesn't realize until a murder takes place in the hotel that she's agoraphobic and may not be able to leave her beloved home.
With her movie star friends and a cheery cast of characters Evie will do her best to solve the murder and keep her father's hotel's reputation clean. The question is, can she solve it before she or someone she loves gets hurt?
Really fun cozy mystery set in the late 50's! This novel is the first of a series and I can't wait to hear more about Evelyn's adventures. If you like Agatha Christie heroines, 1950's fun and glam or just want a new mystery series to follow, The Socialite's Guide to Murder is for you!
#TheSocialitesGuideToMurder #SKGolden #NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks
With her movie star friends and a cheery cast of characters Evie will do her best to solve the murder and keep her father's hotel's reputation clean. The question is, can she solve it before she or someone she loves gets hurt?
Really fun cozy mystery set in the late 50's! This novel is the first of a series and I can't wait to hear more about Evelyn's adventures. If you like Agatha Christie heroines, 1950's fun and glam or just want a new mystery series to follow, The Socialite's Guide to Murder is for you!
#TheSocialitesGuideToMurder #SKGolden #NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks
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