If you ever wished your favorite Doris Day/Rock Hudson movie was a whodunit, then the 1950s mystery, “The Socialite’s Guide to Murder,” by S.K. Golden is for you.

Wealthy Evelyn lives a life of privilege in the New York hotel her father owns. The swanky Park Avenue address has everything she could want–-a luxurious suite, excellent cuisine, a dress boutique, and attentive staff. In fact, she hasn’t left the hotel premises in fourteen months, so when a theft disrupts life at the hotel, she sets out to find the culprit.

But a murder follows on the heels of the theft and Evelyn’s boyfriend becomes a suspect. She recruits hotel bellboy Mac to help her snoop for clues to find the murderer.

“The Socialite’s Guide to Murder” is a mid-century murder mystery with a dose of the madcap flare of a 1950s romantic comedy movie, but Evelyn’s struggles with agarphobia ground the book and make for an interesting read in a fresh setting.

Read-alike recommendations include mysteries set at hotels and 1950s mysteries.

Full episode about “The Socialite’s Guide to Murder” will release on Mystery Books Podcast and be available for download on any podcast app. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a review copy. All opinions are my own.

From the beginning, I thought this was a historical mystery written in a very modern fashion. Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy was a young woman with an extremely rich father who supported her lifestyle. She suffered from agoraphobia, but that wasn’t revealed until later on and it was a type that worked with the plot. IOWs, she could go places if the storyline needed her. But if she shouldn’t enter an area, the phobia kicked in.

She lived in one of her father’s hotels with her petite dog, Presley, and a butler/dog-sitter/all-around swell guy named Mac. I liked him. The other characters, not as much. I thought all of them could have been fleshed out better.

This story took me days to finish (not a good sign because I love a good mystery) and I found the ending underwhelming. I will leave it to other readers to continue with the series. Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and S.K. Golden for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars for okay

When I started The Socialite's Guide to Murder I expected a mistery crime novel that would sweep me away and intrigue me but what I got was something completely different.

This book has a nice simple mistery solved by a nice simple MC written in a way too simple narrative style.

I guess The Socialite's Guide to Murder would be an okay book if it was labeled as YA. The way the plot develops, the characters, the writing style... all of it screams YA.

It was really hard to like and connect with Evelyn. I didn't care at all what was going on with her. I didn't care about the mistery. I just didn't care.

To me, it felt flat in every aspect and it's really difficult to like a book like that.

The Socialite’s Guide to Murder really wants to give you Agatha Christie vibes. It tries really hard, and it kind of comes close but not quite. This is the first book written by this author that I have read, and unfortunately it was only meh for me. The mystery and intrigue were okay but I found the main character flat oh, she's very two-dimensional and she's written to be so spoiled that I had a difficult time actually caring what happened to her. The chemistry between the characters isn't really there at all either. I wish the author would have just stuck to the storyline and not bothered giving the main character any type of romance until maybe book 2. It is a fine, Middle Ground cozy mystery for someone that likes a everybody in a country house or motel style mystery. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

This is a cozy mystery set in a hotel in 1958 where the sleuth is the owner's daughter. Evelyn Murphy lives with agoraphobia which is explored slightly during the book and impacts on her choices and behaviours. This is a gently tale suitable for young adults as it contains no swearing and no gore or violence.

My three stars are a result of two aspects: not ever really liking the spoilt Evelyn and feeling that the agoraphobia was a convenient tool rather than a debilitating mental health issue.

I still recommend it for escapism to another era.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Loved the premise of the book, but unfortunately I really struggled to finish it.
I was expecting a much darker story, the mystery element in the book is not as predominant as I've hoped and Evelyn backstory, one of the most interesting plot lines, was scarcely touched upon.
I have to admit though, that I did enjoy Evelyn as the main character, she's smart, witty and with an incredible sense of fashion, I loved the descriptions of her outfits. The other characters were okay, although some dialogues and interactions felt a little flat.
Overall, I'd say is an enjoyable read, a light mystery book perfect as a summer read that has enough potential to be turned into a series.

The Socialite’s Guide to Murder has all the Agatha Christie vibes. This is the first book by this author that I read, and I loved it. The mystery and intrigue is so great in this story. The chemistry between the characters is great and the story is unique and original!

Thank you to Netgalley, and Crooked Lane Books, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was a delight, set in the dazzling 50's in a luxury hotel a murder unfolds and Evelyn the daughter's owner must solve the murder. Evelyn may come across as spoiled and self centred, but deep down she struggles with agoraphobia and anxiety and has not left the hotel in 14 months. Along the way she enlists the help of her faux boyfriend Henry, the bellhop Mac, his sister poppy, and the French diplomats daughter Amelia.
This was such a fun read, and I was left continuously guessing who the murderer was. The characters are incredibly likeable even Evelyn. This is a first in a new series and I am now very excited to see where Golden takes it next.

OK this was not at all what I expected. The blurb made this sound a lot quirkier and more sophisticated than it felt. I didn't get a detective vibe so much as a feeling that I was reading a 1950s version of Emma Wodehouse (without the Austen flair for language) - if Emma was obsessed with Marily Monroe instead of Harriet, and with sleuthing instead of matchmaking... I like Emma, but that is a TOTALLY different type of story than an agoraphobic detective tale - and expe ting one and getting the other was more than a little jarring.

I also found the characters, their reactions to events, and their dialogue to feel somehow like they were trying too hard to be snappy and clever and mostly just feeling overdone and stereotypical for the character tropes. I never felt connected to anyone - particularly Evelyn, which made it difficult to stay in the story. It may be a simple case of expectations not meshing with the story's reality, but this one wasn't for me.

First I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and S.K Golden for sending me an arc on NetGalley. As always thoughts are my own.

A Socialites Guide to Murder follows Evelyn Grace Murphy princess of the Pinnacle Hotel, She has been a recluse for years since the devastating discovery of her mother body when she was a child. Due to that traumatic event Evelyn has not left the sanctuary of her hotel and why would she it had everything she need but all that stops when the dead body of an artist is found by Evelyn herself and it’s only up to her to make the hotel and her home safe again.
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If you love Agatha Christie books then you will love a socialites guide to murder. Let me tell you I was trying to figure out who the suspect was and I could not figure it out and when I did I was shook. S.K did a great job of keeping me on my toes with the mystery but also giving us the rich girl and the help fall in love trope
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Available October 10 2022 at all major retailers

The Socialite's Guide to Murder gets advertised as a Poirot-like mystery novel, and me being a fan of everything written by Agatha Christie, I just could not wait to get into reading this murder mystery.
Yet, it turned out to not be as captivating as the Poirot novels, and here is why:

First of all, it is said that it is a adult mystery novel, but to be honest it felt more like a Young Adult book. They way it was written and the characters made it feel like we were talking about teenagers, and not adults. I would have loved that if it was meant to be a YA novel, but it isn't so I thought that was a bit of a mistake.

I had to get used to Evelyn in the first chapter but when I started chapter 2, I was hooked, and wanted to know what was going to happen. I missed the wow-factor though. The whole time while reading I though to myself: there needs to be more.

The characters were something I had mixed feelings about. I did not really know what to think of Evelyn and Henry. Evelyn I did not like at first and I actually started to like her more towards the end, while Henry I liked at first and started to get a bit uncomfortable with in the second half of the book. Mac I absolutely adored throughout the entire novel.

The ending was in this Poirot-like-style, which sounds great, but I think it is something only Agatha Christie can pull off. That made this ending a bit underwhelming. It could have been better described, and it felt very forced.

The last thing I want to say is, that I still enjoyed reading this book, and I would like to read another book about these characters, maybe if I see some growth in their personalities it would be something I enjoyed more.

Evelyn is a character that it would be impossible for me not to love. Her wit and charm work perfectly as a meta description for this book.

If you like mysteries that don't take themselves too seriously (in the best possible way), this is a very entertaining read. There are no obvious solutions or predictable turns. Its characters are wonderful and endearing. But the most fascinating thing is the personality that this book overflows in each of its pages.

This mystery gives a slight hard boiled detective feel to it. With a slight noir writing feel. But we get a young woman a socialite who's determined to solve the murder in order to prove that there's more than meets the eye. It gave me Nancy Drew vibes, but an older Nancy who's more sure of herself.

An endearing heroine, a luxury hotel, and a bevy of suspects pepper this delightful debut title by S. K. Golden. In 1958, artist Billie Bell is showcasing his latest work at the Pinnacle Hotel owned by Evelyn Murphy’s father. Before Billie’s new canvas can be revealed, the work is stolen and the people Evelyn knows are suspected of theft. Then Billie turns up dead. Since Evelyn is loathe to leave the security of the hotel, their staff has become her family. She can’t believe one of them has betrayed her trust. Evelyn’s fashion sense adds to the glamorous backdrop as she investigates the crime. A fun romp in a glitzy setting with a spunky sleuth!

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. The Socialite’s Guide To Murder is about a naive yet big hearted rich girl named Evelyn who lives in her father’s hotel. She lives a glamorous and easy life until a murder takes place at the Pinnacle Hotel. Evelyn immediately involves herself in this murder mystery and is determined to find out who is at fault, even if this means working against the police. Follow along as Evelyn takes on sleuthing duties and meet characters that she involves along the way. This book has equal parts of whit/ romance/ and mystery. I felt that this author did an amazing job at character development and made you feel like you were right there in the story.

The Socialite's Guide to Murder was a fun little ROMP of a murder mystery that didn't take itself too seriously.

We follow Evelyn Elizabeth Grace Murphy, a spoiled yet oddly charming in an innocent, extremely naïve about the world sort of way; as she oversees the comings and goings of the pinnacle hotel. Never wanting for anything, never having to leave the safe haven of the hotel, her every wish is someone's command (and she loves every minute of it). Evelyn prides herself on her ability to find even the toughest things, including a murderer.

Her world is turned upside down when famous artist Billie Bell turns up dead, unfortunate since his painting was just stolen. Evie (as she is affectionally referred to by her is he or isn't he boyfriend Mac) takes it upon herself to crack the case. Buddying up with a number of sidekicks, including an eight to ten year old girl, Mac, the famous Mr. Fox and of course, her little bear like dog, Presley Evelyn is off to solve a mystery.

Priding herself on Marilyn Monroe looks and dedication of Hercule Poirot will Evelyn be able to crack the case and face her fears, before time runs out?

If you're going into a historical murder mystery for tension and drama, this is not the book you are looking for. If you are looking for something a bit silly, a bit tongue in cheek to break up the monotony than this is the book for you. This over the top, positively outrageous, and will leave a smile on your face whether you were expecting it to or not.

What secrets lurk behind the walls of the Prohibition Era style luxury hotel? Will spoiled rich girl Evelyn be able to find them and the murderer of artist Billie Bell?

To be honest, if you'd asked me early on in the book, I'd have said no way. Evelyn, daughter of the mega rich hotel owner, comes across as rather an empty headed, Marilyn Monroe wannabe. She's all about the style and drama, from selecting the perfect outfit to playing along with photographers seeking photos of her with actor boyfriend Henry. She carries a Pomeranian mix with her seemingly at all times, Presley, who resembles a bear cub, and her hotel suite is, well, pink. Very pink. Pink with lots of fancy clothes and jewelry. In other words, she doesn't appear to be likely to solve anything other than perhaps how to fix a broken nail.

But, don't let appearances fool you. She's anything but empty headed. True, she's lived a sheltered, catered to life, and throws her money and name around to get what she wants, but there's a brain in that blond-by-choice head of hers. Although the hints are subtle at first, she's also faced trauma. She discovered the body of her murdered mother outside the hotel as a child. She considers the hotel her safe place, so to speak. Her sense of security is shattered when she discovers a bloody body in the hallway of what she considers her hotel, a man Henry had a rather public argument with earlier. When another hotel employee is arrested she should feel relieved but feels he is innocent and has the overwhelming need to help find the real murderer. How can someone who suffers from agoraphonia, however much she denies it to herself, and hasn't left the hotel in fourteen months going to solve a murder?

So, if neither the man arrested nor Henry killed artist Billie Bell, who did? Did they also steal the missing painting? What secret is Henry keeping? How about Mac, the man Evelyn is slowly beginning to realize she genuinely loves? Will he accept being a kept man? Heck, how will star Henry react to losing his girlfriend to a bellboy? Why is Mac dragged down to the police station? What habit may get Evelyn into trouble or worse, danger? Why is the mystery maid threatening Evelyn in a hallway? Could a Countess be guilty of murder? Who trashed Evelyn's, sigh, pink hotel suite? Could her day maid be a threat? Why doesn't Henry keep the expensive gift Evelyn gives him, in front of cameras, no less? And, oh, so much more for a book that I thought I wasn't going to particularly like initially. As it turned out, after the slow start I found myself unable to set it aside. Evelyn may be naive and spoiled but I liked her (and Presley). I liked Mac and his sister. Heck, even the police investigator was likable, even while dealing with spoiled Evelyn's horror of having to share a hospital room with someone else. Hospital, you say? Nope, not telling, you're just going to have to read the book.

Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me to spend some time at the lovely Pinnacle Hotel to get to know Evelyn. After rolling me eyes lots at her, I've become a fan and am looking forward to the next adventure.

Quick, light book with an interesting premise. Evelyn Murphy, a fabulously wealthy young woman, lives in grandeur at the Pinnacle Hotel, which her father owns.. She is a lover of Agatha Christie novels, all things pink, Marilyn Monroe, and fashion. She also believes she has the ability to find lost things. Readers are introduced to her as she prepares to attend an art exhibition at the hotel along with her "fake boyfriend" Henry Fox. At the exhibition, a painting is stolen and Evelyn is determined to discover the culprit. Before long, the artist himself is murdered and a trusted member of the staff has been arrested. There is a large range of characters, including Evelyn's true love interest Mac Cooper, an employee, and her dog, Presley, who goes everywhere with her.

The was a fun book to read, but while the book synopsis mentions Evelyn's agoraphobia, the reader doesn't learn about it until 2/3 into the book. I would have liked to know that about her earlier. I also noticed quite a few errors in word choice that would not be appropriate for the 1950s and to me were jarring. For example, Evelyn refers to sunscreen and pantyhose. I also wanted more depth to Evelyn and growth in her character; that she will develop her own personality. Hopefully that will happen in subsequent books.

Poor little rich girl Evelyn Murphy, the daughter of the fabulously wealthy owner of the fabled Pinnacle Hotel, lives on the top floor of Daddy’s hotel. Beautiful and willful, Evelyn dyes her hair platinum blonde and dresses Marilyn Monroe. Like her idol, Evelyn frequently faces men who underestimate her, seeing her as spoiled and nosy. Well, in fairness, Evelyn is nosy — but always in a good cause. Compassionate and generous to a fault, Evelyn finds missing items for the hotel’s guests, foils an insurance scam, and determines to find out who really did kill a self-important modern artist having a show at the Pinnacle.

S.K. Golden’s debut The Socialite’s Guide to Murder, set in 1958, easily combines fun, a riveting plot, and a clever, if scarred, protagonist you’ll find yourself adoring. I’m so glad to know that this page-turner is the first in a series. Highly recommended.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.

This has great characters, and it's told with an appealing style. I stayed engaged, and I look forward to the author's next book. Recommended.

Thank you for the free ARC for review!!