Murder in Black Tie

High Society Lady Detective Olive Belgrave receives an invitation to a house party at the estate of Parkview Hall. In Murder in Black Tie by Sara Rosett, Olive is facing a mini crisis housing crisis but encounters tension among the house guests and especially between her cousin Gwen and Inspector Longly. (Murder in Black Tie will be available on October 15.)

Her uncle and aunt have invited several people including new heiress Deena Lacey, Captain Thomas Inglebrook, Lady Gina Alton and Vincent Payne as well as Olive's father and stepmother. Mr. Payne is an avid map collector and he thinks everyone should own one of the antique maps he has to sell. Sir Leo, an avid collector, has been deciding which of Payne's maps he might purchase. Mr. Payne has a bit of a reputation as a rogue, so Olive is hopeful Sir Leo will not be duped.

Among the other guests are Olive's cousin and Gwen's brother Peter, a survivor of the Great War with no injuries, but with his mind disturbed. He seems to be getting better, but when he is found in the conservatory kneeling unseeing over the dead body of Mr. Payne, Olive worries he may have relapsed. Peter also has a swollen eye and it appears he may have been in a fight.

With Inspector Longly in the house, it doesn't take long for the investigation to begin and all eyes are on Peter. He doesn't remember anything after entering the conservatory and has no idea about his swollen eye. But Olive knows her gentle cousin would not kill anyway and she also recalls the flash of color she saw when she entered the conservatory. This leads her to believe someone else was in the conservatory with Mr. Payne.

As Olive investigates, she discovers some disturbing information about her stepmother Sonia, someone she has not always cared for.  As she digs deeper, she discovers several connection to the late Mr. Payne adding to the suspect list.

Another elegant mystery set in one of the opulent homes of the wealthy in England. I love this series - the gowns, the jewels and the stately homes. Sigh. Think Downton Abbey for a setting.

Disclosure: I received this book from the author.