The Socialite's Guide to Murder

[b:The Socialite's Guide to Murder 60394802 The Socialite's Guide to Murder (Pinnacle Hotel Mystery #1) S.K. Golden https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651063414l/60394802.SY75.jpg 95173754] is the first in a new historical cozy mystery series set in an upscale hotel. While I didn't find it to be the strongest start, there is a lot of potential going forward.Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy is the reclusive daughter of the owner of the Pinnacle Hotel. After a theft and then a murder, Evelyn takes it upon herself to investigate with the help of her ‘a bit more than a friend' Mac. This puts her to the test due to her agoraphobia. She pushes herself, making her an admirable character more than just her celebrity style.This was a cute start to the series and I wouldn't mind picking up the next book, however, the book didn't read too much like a piece of historical fiction. While I enjoyed the mental health element, the terminology was not that of the time the book is set. It was written with a modern mindset/approach, and aside from the general aesthetic of the book, it would have worked just as well in a modern setting give or take a plot point here and there (and dare I say it would work better). Nevertheless, there are redeeming aspects to the story, namely the characters. I enjoyed reading about Evelyn, Henry, and Mac.

The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden is a fun debut to a new mystery series. Set in the Pinnacle Hotel in New York City, agoraphobic heirless Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy finds herself at the center of a murder mystery! Set in the last century, the book felt both stylized and contemporary. I really loved Evelyn's voice, wonderfully brought to life by audiobook narrator Amara Jasper, and the tension between her spoiled privileged life and the challenges of living with mental illness in the midst of adversity. Ultimately I loved the ways Golden paid homage to Christie still managed to craft a story that, to me, felt fresh and exciting. I look forward to listening to upcoming installments in this series!