Pretty good. Not my favorite installment of this series. I felt it was too drawn out for too little result. I kept having to remind myself who everyone was because I got lost in all the twists and turns the plot took and all the extraneous characters that kept being introduced. Are they important? Red Herrings? Who knows? I couldn't stand Marty! I found her obnoxious and I would never have included her in solving the mystery because she was too much of a loose canon. I found it hard to keep up with the double plot that was going on. Black Hand? Investment scam? Who knows?

I'm getting tired of the love triangle. She's crazy about Mr. X but doesn't know anything about him except he's intriguing. When she gets bored she turns to the police officer, who seems like a decent guy, but she is not really serious about, but just wants someone to play with while Mr. X is out of the loop. We all know what is going to happen eventually, She is going to realize that the police officer is the right guy and Mr. X either needs to take a hike or he's going to get killed off tragically. Just get it over with.

I wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t get into it. Love the concept and it sounds really interesting! I had a new baby at home when it came out, so my attention was not what it usually is.

I loved reading these books! I'm enjoy watching Phil and her gang investigate these mysteries, that always contain a murder! But more than that goes on in these books, there's blackmail and there's political machinations, and it all comes together in really great stories!

I forgot most of the synopsis going into A Resolution at Midnight. But I am glad that I read it when I did, because Christmas and the New Year are coming up, which is right around the time when this book is set (though over 100 years in the past!)

A Resolution at Midnight was really entertaining to read, what with the whole conspiracy and all. Just how far it goes, well, that made things all the more important, and the more care that they had to take. I couldn't wait to see them take down the bad guys!

Oh, a Secret Never told was such an entertaining mystery. There's Dr. Erik Voegler, who might have a threat against his life. And there's Georgie, who was threatening them before she ended up being killed. But the fact that she might not be the intended victim was a delicious complication! I loved watching it play out!

These were really great reads, and I can't wait to continue the series!

I have found Shelly Noble’s mysteries series to be very fun and enjoyable after reading Ask Me No Questions. Even though this a mystery, it is mostly a Christmas story. Thus, this was a light mystery that was also very heartwarming! I recommend this fans of the Lady Julia Series, the Eleanor Swift Series, and The Lady Darby Mysteries!

I was not able to get interested in this book and I did not finish it. The characters and the plot were not able to catch or keep my attention.

I love the depth I find in Shelley Noble's stories. She has proven herself a master at jumping from different historical settings.

Noble is well known for her attention to historical detail, and she does a wonderful job portraying it all like you are there. Without giving too much away, I must say that author brings her characters to life so fully that one could easily imagine that these persons are very real. Each is replete with their own fears, sorrows, regrets, strengths, cleverness and devotion. The writing in this book is exquisite; scene descriptions - painterly; and history - well researched. If you are a fan of good, solid historical fiction with a touch of sleuthing, it's a great series for those who enjoy historical mysteries which strong detail and characterizations. I highly commend this series to you.

*** I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

First of all, I have not read the other books in this series, nor do I plan to after reading A Resolution at Midnight. I just did not care for this story. The characters were ok and the setting is interesting,, but I did not get drawn into the mystery or story the way I do with other books. This is a story of power, scandal, and murder sprinkled with a little girl-power. One thing that did annoy me was that many of the female characters had "male" names (Marty, Phil, Henry). I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to others unless you've read the previous stories in the series and enjoyed them.

NYC, early-20th-century, gangsters, amateur-sleuth, reporter, murder, murder-investigation*****

Lady Philomena, the young Dowager Countess of Dunbridge, with the help of her maid Lily, and the family butler Preswick have previously been tapped for assistance by a shadowy representative of an unknown group (presumably working for good). Amid the hullabaloo approaching Christmas, she is told to meet someone who turns out to have been murdered. It seems that the victim worked at the same newspaper as Lady Phil's society friends, but no one has been told of his demise despite his body having been removed by the police. Let the sleuthing begin! An interesting mystery with delightful characters!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Talk about atmospheric and timely! I read this charming mystery two weeks before Christmas with a blanket of deep snow on the ground and hot chocolate at hand, Christmas lights and decorations twinkling. The gilded age is one of my favourites to read about and Shelley Noble's spirited Lady Dunbridge series is loads of fun. A Resolution at Midnight is the third in the series and takes place in New York City in 1907, on the verge of 1908. Though I read the first two this could also be read as a stand alone.

During the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations Lady Dunbridge (Lady Phil) who is a sleuth encounters a murder in very, very close quarters. Her lady's maid, Lily, and butler, Preswick, are taken into confidence and help her track the murderer. Other mysteries are dotted throughout the book as well. Seamlessly. We learn more about Mr. X as well as the newspaper industry as we meet characters who are involved in it.

The historical details such as food and dress are wonderful and easy to get lost in. So is the vernacular of the time. I love the personality of Lady Phil! She is such fun and the kind of person you'd love to be friends with. I also enjoy Preswick and Lily, very different from each other yet very complementary and extremely loyal to their employer. As in real life, they all have quirks and foibles, very appealing.

Historical Fiction and Mystery readers should gravitate to this book and this series, especially (but not crucially!) during the festive Christmas season as it is described in great detail here.

My sincere thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this delightful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

The gorgeous cover, the era of the plot and the exciting blurb all converged to make me look forward to this read. So I cannot really explain why I never clicked with the story. Maybe because it’s the third installment and I would’ve benefitted from reading the first two to get into the mood and know the whole background. Although, these installments are also made to be read as standalones. Anyway, maybe the timing was wrong and I’ll enjoy it some other time. I know the author’s writing style was pleasant, so I’ll give it another go later on.

Shelley Noble has Lady Dunbridge living at the Plaza Hotel in 1907 with her butler and maid; she follows her nose into investigating crime in high and low New York society. A Resolution at Midnight has her busy in the Christmas season with murder and misdemeanors; her friends are involved with those who have their fingers into illegal real estate and gang activity. Many police are corrupt. Great historical cozy mystery.

This was a lovely little read. I blindly went into this without realizing it was part of a series, but I was still able to follow along and enjoy the story. I'm a sucker for anything set in New York and the Gilded Age, and I adore mystery, so this was right up my alley - and it delivered! A perfect cozy read.

An absolutely terrific new historical mystery in the Lady Dunbridge series.

Phil and her charming cohorts are back in this charming, clever historical mystery, this time seeking to solve the murder of a New York Times reporter.

Noble’s narrative and style are pitch-perfect for a historical mystery. Loads of elements of a cozy included (Christmas! Ball gowns! Subtle humor and plucky sidekicks!), but with a more complex and much better written mystery than most in that genre.

The story is good and the characters even better, but it’s the little historical details that really shine here. Phil gushes over a Worth gown and frets about getting a copy of the new Arthur Conan Doyle novel to give as a Christmas gift. We get to hear about the prep for the first ever ball drop in Times Square on New Years Eve. And it’s hard not to smile reading about Phil and company visiting the Times building and—despite being brave enough to take on murderers—getting alllll freaked out by this fancy new invention called...an elevator.

What a delightful read. I didn’t want it to end.

The description of Miss Fisher meets Downton Abbey sums up the whole character and flavor of this story.

Lady Dunbridge, aristocratic escaping from a tyrant father and an abusive husband now dead has arrived to make a new life for herself. Welcomed by New York society who loves the Engish aristocracy she fits in with her new life but when another murder reins her into an investigation she has to try at least to see that justice is served.

With a nice mix of murder and mayhem, corruption in the municipalities and police, the mafia and gangs that operate plus a touch of romance amidst the high flyers of New York society this book had a lot of things going to keep everyone interested.

I will be looking out for Lady Dunbridge in the future too.

A Resolution at Midnight definitely scratches the itch for a cozy but exciting murder mystery adventure that takes our intrepid titled investigator, Lady Dunbridge, across New York and through the echelons of society. I liked this book and its glitz and glamour. The main character is very endearing and sharp; she is someone I would definitely follow through an entire series. I highly recommend it for fans of Miss FIsher's Murder Mysteries in particular!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books for the free Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book in Shelley Noble's Lady Dunbridge's series. I absolutely loved the depiction of New York City at the turn of the last century. It was fun to read how Philomenona, the Countess of Dunbridge, was so excited to celebrate her first Christmas in the New World. We met her servants, Preswick and Lily. These two characters are great. They help Phil with solving her cases.
The case here centers around the death of Tommy Green, a reporter for the New York....... Phil is told to meet someone in a theatre by Mr. X. As happens in mysteries, Phil's real life friends are connected to the case in certain ways. There are connections to brothels, bombs, exciting chases, the first Times Square New Year's Eve ball, the Black Hand and domestic abuse.
While I definitely enjoyed this book, I do think I would have liked it more if I had read a previous book in the series. I also personally do not like the plot device of having Lady Dunbridge approached by a man who is called Mr. X. He seems to be a high member of government but he is always in disguise. I plan on reading more in the series because of the writing. I give this book a good solid 4.

This was a fun book! I loved the setting of New York City in the Gilded Age. So much happening with new inventions and so much corruption! Phil reminded me a lot of Miss Fisher and I adore her! Having a Countess in America who is solving crimes surreptitiously is so fun. The mystery was good and the characters were delightful. You have quite a range too starting with the Countess, a load of society mavens, cops and politicians to servants and newsboys. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking for more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

A Resolution at Midnight is the third book in Shelley Noble's Lady Dunbridge historical mystery series. I didn't read the first two books yet, and I think I would have enjoyed this volume more if I had. This mystery stood alone, but I believe I would have been better served reading about the backgrounds of the characters first, especially how the main character became involved in solving murders. The first third of the book dragged a bit for me, but then the mystery became rather exciting and I couldn't put it down until I found out whodunit.

1907 Gilded Age Manhattan. Philomena Amesbury, the young Dowager Countess of Dunbridge - Phil to her friends - is getting ready to celebrate her first Christmas in the United States. She and her cohorts in investigations, Preswick the butler and Lily the maid, are going all out in preparation. Phil receives a note from the mysterious "Mr. X" she works for, telling her to meet with Tommy Green, a respected investigative journalist, at a nickelodeon to get some information. When Phil arrives, however, she finds Green dead. What was he working on? Where were his notes? Phil and the gang begin to investigate. The suspects are numerous. Was it the Black Hand? A crooked cop? Dirty politicians? Phil hopes she lives long enough to find out!

As stated earlier, this book took awhile to take off for me, but the fun mystery full of red herrings finally grabbed me and didn't let go. Just when I thought I had it all figured out the tables were turned and I was left in the dark again. I was touched by the relationship between Phil, Preswick and Lily. They began as employer and employees, but their little group became more like a family. The supporting characters were excellent as well. I especially liked handsome Detective Sergeant John Atkins, paper boy Just a Friend and Phil's chum Bev from finishing school. (Bev's attempts to make the perfect Christmas cocktail were a lot of fun.) Then there was the enigmatic Mr. X... We don't really know what he looks like and who he works for; we just know Phil is fascinated with him and is also wildly attracted to her mystery man. I am really looking forward to further adventures with this entertaining crew. Word is it will take place at the newly opened Coney Island; what fun that should be!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

It's Christmas in New York and it's the first holiday for Phil (Lady Dunbridge) and her butler and maid. Now, in the third mystery in this delightful Gilded Age series, they have settled into life at the famous Plaza Hotel. This day each has been out doing last minute Christmas shopping and Phil is looking forward to relaxing upon her return. As soon as she arrives in their suite of rooms, she finds a message on the hall table. Strange, why wasn't it left at the front desk? Reading it sends her racing out of the hotel to catch a cab and try to reach a picture theater, a nickelodeon. Once inside she finds the appointed seat but soon realizes that the man in the adjoining seat is very much dead - his throat has been slashed. As she makes her escape via a back door with the help of a mystery man, she realizes that the police got there way too fast and that she might just be crossing paths with one of New York's most corrupt cops.
The message was from her mysterious Mr. X but what has he gotten her into and what was the dead man, Tommy Green involved in that got him killed? Now Phil has to investigate as well as deal with Christmas plans. As in the previous two books, Phil, her butler, Preswick, her maid, Lily and her friend, Bev all have their place in the investigations. Some new characters will soon join them. This is another top notch mystery and can be read out of order as the author gives enough background information to help the reader get the most out of the story. New York comes alive in all of its glitter and grime and the puzzle is very satisfying.
My thanks to the publisher, Forge and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Miss Fisher meets Downton Abbey in this critically acclaimed mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble.

Roasted chestnuts from vendor’s carts, fresh cut spruce trees lining the sidewalks, extravagant gifts, opulent dinners, carols at St Patrick’s Cathedral, a warm meal and a few minutes shelter from the cold at one of the charitable food lines . . .
It’s Christmas in Gilded Age Manhattan.
And for the first time ever an amazing giant ball will drop along a rod on the roof of the New York Times building to ring in the New Year. Everyone plans to attend the event.
But the murder of a prominent newsman hits a little too close to home. And when a young newspaper woman, a protégé of the great Jacob Riis and old Vassar school chum of Bev’s, is the target of a similar attack, it is clear this is not just a single act of violence but a conspiracy of malicious proportions. Really, you’d think murderers would take a holiday.
Something absolutely must be done. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige in A Resolution at Midnight, the third book in this best selling series.
This book was truly a delight to read. I am completely in love now with all the characters and can not wait to go back and read books one and two. A must for any fan of well written historical fiction mysteries.