From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble, Ask Me No Questions is the first in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery series featuring a widow turned sleuth in turn-of-the-twentieth century New York City. A modern woman in 1907, Lady Dunbridge is not about to let a little thing like the death of her husband ruin her social life. She’s ready to take the dazzling world of Gilded Age Manhattan by … of Gilded Age Manhattan by storm.
From the decadence of high society balls to the underbelly of Belmont horse racing, romance, murder, and scandals abound. Someone simply must do something. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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A fun read!
I very much enjoy historical mysteries, especially when they have a strong female lead.
Very light and a cozy mystery.
Dull, read the ending and didn’t finish the book.
ASK ME NO QUESTIONS by Shelley Noble
The First Lady Dunbridge Mystery
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is no stranger to scandal, after all it’s scandal that led her to America, but being embroiled in a murder is not the best way to gain entry to Manhattan’s high society. Nonetheless, Phil is determined to stick by her schoolgirl pal and hostess, Bev, after Bev’s husband is shot to death. Working around an angry detective, a corrupt police force, and a mystery man, Phil will find out just who killed Reggie and why.
The first Lady Dunbridge novel is a delight. The author provides an earthier feel to high society in 1907. Not everything is prim and proper. Drinks flow freely and corruption abounds. Women have minds as well as sexual desires which are acted upon. Affairs, flings, and mistresses are talked about, good looking men are appraised, and racy innuendos abound. I love this fresh, more realistic look of the world.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge is a fantastic new heroine I’d love to call friend. After a miserable forced marriage and the untenable, yet requisite, mourning period Lady Philomena is determined to make a life of her own, abiding by her own standards, and not to be under the thumb of any man. She has a great team with her as well. Preswick, her devoted butler, and her new maid, Lily, are more than “just servants”. Each brims with their own history, richly developed with hints to their pasts slowly revealed. I can’t wait to learn more about them.
In addition to rich characterization and detailed period setting, there’s a good mystery too. The mystery is deftly plotted with plenty of clues allowing the reader to work out the mystery along with Phil. Adventure, a hint of romantic sizzle, and a few laughs round out this great first book in what I hope will be a long running series.
ASK ME NO QUESTIONS combines British aristocracy, New York High Society, and modern sensibilities in a fun, saucy mystery.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “Ask Me No Questions” “A Lady Dunbridge Mystery” by Shelley Noble
Shelley Noble, Author of “Ask Me no Questions”, ” A Lady Dunbridge Mystery” has written a witty, intriguing. entertaining, and suspenseful novel. The Genres for this Novel are Mystery, Fiction and Historical Fiction. The time line for this novel is the turn of the twentieth century. The author describes her quirky and colorful characters as complex, complicated and suspect.
Lady Philomena Dunbridge (Phil) arrives in the United States as a widow who has been mourning and grieving for her deceased husband for two years in England. Phil is with her loyal butler Preswick, and her newly hired maid Lily. They are headed to visit with Bev Reynolds, an old friend.
Hearing gunshots coming from Bev’s husband’s car, Phil and Bev run to find Bev’s husband shot and bleeding in his mistress’s areas. There is no driver in the car. Phil guides Bev away, and soon a detective comes to question them. Bev as well as the mistress seen to be suspects.
Phil feels it is her obligation to play detective and find who did this. Bev’s husband Reggie Reynolds, owed everyone money. He has a stable of horses, and one that everyone was counting on running and making a fortune. It looks like there is corruption within the law. Reggie Reynolds had some very suspect friends, and very angry friends. Even Bev’s father has been angry with him.
There are twists and turns, and highs and lows, There are characters who are loyal, and some have betrayed Bev. Who can be trusted? I would recommend this captivating and entertaining novel for those readers who love a great mystery. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Sparkles from start to finish!