Book Review: The Socialite’s Guide To Murder by S.K. Golden

“Let me guess. You’re gonna prove it.”

“That’s right. I am.”

S.K. Golden, The Socialite’s Guide To Murder

Review:

The Socialite’s Guide to Murder 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.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The characters. They were quirky and lovable.
• The mystery itself.
• The setting. I love a hotel backdrop.

What I didn’t like:

• Not enough research about how mental health issues were dealt with in this time as well as not taking into account that what we call ‘anxiety attacks’ today were not as accepted as run as the mill in the mid-twentieth century. It’s unlikely that wording would have been used at all. This was still a messy era to have any sort of mental health issue. As a history buff who grew up with a parent who has worked forty-something years in the psychology field, this was extremely frustrating.
• The writing could have been more polished. It read sort of like a YA, though not quite at the same time.

Afterthoughts:

This was the first book I’ve read through Aardvark Book Club. I liked this book enough, but it was certainly underwhelming after so much hype around it.

Where to buy the book: