One of the best cozy mystery series, ever. Each book is a delight and I can't wait to read the next one. Memorable characters, great dialogue and a fascinating location.

An intriguing mystery with an marvelous historical setting, Tell Me No Lies combines an American setting with the characters and features of an English country-house mystery. But the Dowager Duchess of Dunbridge is no Miss Marple--she's pretty adventurous, both in her personal life and in pursuit of a perp. I liked the characters from the start--not only Phil, but her servants, Lily and Preswick. The latter is all British butler perfection, but the former is a mystery herself, and one that I hope the author sees fit to unravel eventually, along with that of Phil's mysterious "boss."

I did find that the book started a little slowly, though I couldn't put my finger on anything besides my own mood that made me reluctant to engage. But once well into the story, it definitely took off, and as we neared the end I had to push on to see whodunnit, a solution that I felt I should have seen coming more clearly. The author did a good job with the misdirection on that score.

There were a few too many moments when my attention was distracted by a word used incorrectly or an awkward turn of phrase, but those problems didn't ride to the level of disqualifying the book for a positive review.

My Recommendation:
I always like to read series in order, but there were no issues with reading this book without its predecessor. I would recommend it for anyone who likes mysteries set in the 1920s, or those who enjoy a peek at high society, complete with some lovely gowns.

In Tell Me No Lies, the second book in the Lady Dunbridge mystery series, author Shelley Noble reprises her winning formula of spinning a tale with the most irresistible elements: Gilded-Age Manhattan high society, romance, rogues, scandal, intrigue, and delicious gossip.

Since relocating to New York City, Lady Philomena Dunbridge has proven herself to be a trustworthy and resourceful confidant—one to whom wealthy women turn when they find themselves or their families at risk of scandal and ruin. Thus, when Perry Fauks, the young heir apparent to a manufacturing company fortune is found murdered at the Pratt mansion after an extravagant gala, Gwen Pratt calls upon Lady Phil for guidance. Indeed, just the slightest hint of scandal can undermine patriarch Luther’s prospects for an appointment to the Banking Commission and daughter Agnes’s social reputation.

Just who stands to gain from the murder of Perry Fauks? Detective Sergeant John Atkins is formally assigned to the case, but it is soon apparent that powerful people are determined to derail his investigation. Reluctantly, he turns to Lady Phil for assistance. She proves to be an astute ally, using her access to the scene of the crime and her social connections quite effectively. Phil discovers that Perry was a cad in both his personal and business lives, operating outside of acceptable norms. Was Perry’s murder revenge for his personal peccadillos, or retribution for a shady scheme that caused financial devastation for several in his circle? In either case, there is a substantial number of suspects.

Tell Me No Lies is filled with vivid historical detail and a lively cast of above- and below-stairs characters—a veritable New York-style Downton Abbey. Protagonist Lady Phil is a force to be reckoned with, and her playful banter with DS Atkins is highly spirited and entertaining. Moreover, Noble uses the classic technique of drawing room questioning of the assembled group of characters to great advantage, and the daring chase to capture the fleeing killer after the identity is revealed is icing on the cake.

Author Shelley Noble has created an exciting series with massive appeal for fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and old New York. And while Tell Me No Lies brings Lady Dunbridge’s latest adventure to a satisfying close, it also leaves readers pondering ongoing mysteries still swirling around our heroine: Who is her faithful lady’s maid Lily? Who is the anonymous donor responsible for funding Phil’s lavish apartment at the Plaza Hotel? And who is Mr. X, the mystery man and master of disguise watching over Phil, providing perfectly-timed clues for her investigations? Such curiosities give ample reason to anxiously await the further escapades of Lady Philomena Dunbridge.

Lady Phil Dundridge is a British countess living in New York during the Gilded Age. She is clever, worldly - and a gifted amateur detective. When a young society man is killed and stuffed down a laundry chute, Phil becomes involved in solving the mystery.

I wanted to read this book from the description that compared it to Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and Downton Abbey. It certainly did not disappoint! I absolutely loved the beautiful glimpse of Gilded Age New York. The period details were perfection, down to the smallest nuances of language.

Tell Me No Lies is the second book in the Lady Dundridge mystery series. I have not (yet) read the first book, but had no problem enjoying this book as a standalone read.

Phil is a fascinating character - very witty and bright, able to work well with society friends as well as the police detective working on the case. She is assisted by her lady's maid and butler, and in their spare time they even study books on detection!

This was a complex, sophisticated mystery with a large cast of characters. I would find a cast of characters page helpful in keeping track of family/society relationships. The mystery was well written and kept me guessing until the resolution.

There is an intriguing sub-plot about Lady Phil's relationship with Mr. X - a mystery man who appears and disappears, always in disguise, with mystery clues and romance. Even Phil does not know his true identity.

I thoroughly enjoyed Tell Me No Lies and would recommend it highly for fans of historical mysteries. I look forward to continuing the series and going back to read the first book as well.

TELL ME NO LIES by Shelley Noble
The Second Lady Dunbridge Mystery

Free of the constraints of British High Society Lady Philomena Dunbridge is happy with her new life in New York City. A late night turns into an early morning when her host of the night before arrives before breakfast requesting her help. Another guest has had an unfortunate "accident" and is dead. Thrilled to look into matters Phil soon determines the young man was murdered, and powers higher than expected want the matter closed. Bringing Detective Sergeant Atkins on board, Phil is determined to help, much to his annoyance. Along with her plucky maid and loyal butler, Phil will join the high society bankers, businessmen, and their families to discover just who killed the heir to the Fauks fortune.

TELL ME NO LIES is a delightful mystery set within the posh backdrop of Gilded Age New York. I adore Phil. Though she may be a Countess, and a dowager at that, Phil is down to earth and well able to mingle with all classes and values the importance of them all. She is shrewd, loyal, and discerning, while also being capable of great fun. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Phil also knows her limitations and strives to learn more, but is well aware when she needs to bring in help. I'm almost as drawn to Mr. X as she is. I like that his identity is still a secret and am curious just how many players there are. Is he the one supporting her in her new mission? Or is he working for that party? And what of Detective Adkins? Whatever the case, I enjoy the romantic overtones both bring to the page. Lily and Preswick also bring a great deal to the page. They are not just devoted servants, they are family and I love that Phil realizes this. Just a Friend is a great addition to the team and I'm delighted that several of the colorful characters from the first book are not only back, but back to help!

The mystery itself in this second Lady Dunbridge Mystery was fascinating. Just why was the young heir killed? Revenge for past deeds, business gone bad, love turned sour? I was as much at a loss as Lady Dunbridge. The stock market, banking, economics, war, how do these matters fit in? Do they? Although a historical mystery the themes and issues are as relevant today as they were then and readers should take note.

TELL ME NO LIES is a historical novel that has it all, comedy, romance, an intricately laid mystery, well developed characters, and a thrilling chase scene! I wait in eager anticipation for Lady Dunbridge's next adventure!