Fun first adventure with Fiona Figg. I loved how vivid the time period felt and the story had lots going on so was never dull for a second.

This is such a fun book!

It’s the fourth book in the Fiona Figg series. I haven’t read the previous books but any essential backstory is filled in enough for you to catch up.

Fiona is such a great character. She is smart and plucky and not afraid to put herself in potentially dangerous situations to get to the truth.

She’s pursuing Fredrick Fredricks, notorious and very charming spy. Fredricks finds himself accused of murder and Fiona finds herself conflicted as she has to prove he is actually innocent in order to find the real killer.

Sounds simple enough. But she’s also baby sitting Captain Hall’s niece, looking after a dog and finding herself in the middle of suffragette marches.

Fiona loves the excitement and sense adventure from her undercover role. I loved her use of disguises and costumes – dressing as a man hives her access to people and rooms that she would be barred from as a woman.

There’s lots of real historical people featured in the book. Thomas Edison, Dorothy Parker and J Edgar Hoover are among the figures Fiona has to deal with along the way.

This was different to your average cost mystery as it is more spy adventure than simple murder mystery. Lots of fun characters, fizzy dialogue and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

A cross between a cozy mystery, a keystone cops adventure and the GET SMART TV series. This book was very entertaining, keept me continuously changing my mind on who was on which side of the law and gave me a new series to read when I need a change of pace. While I don't think you'll ever find Fiona Figg in a James Patterson book, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't read his books either!!! Great fun for this first time reader of a Kelly Oliver title.

Spies, Einstein and Edison, Dorothy Parker, disguises and suffragettes, Kelly Oliver covers all this and more in Chaos at Carnegie Hall - a fun romp of a World War II-era mystery.

British intelligence agent Fiona Figg travels across the pond to keep an eye on German spy Frederick Fredericks as well as to babysit her Captain’s niece and pup en route to boarding school in New York.

While Fiona seems a bit frenetic in the beginning, on board a ship en route to the states she settles into some serious sleuthing as she believes a body was thrown overboard and she overhears men speaking in German about aspirin and phenol, which is used in explosives.

At Carnegie Hall, murder and mayhem ensues and with the surprising skills of her ward Eliza, she sets about to prove the guilt and innocence of the suspected murderer. Could the truth stand in the way of romance with her beloved Archie, who may or may not be a double agent? You’ll have to read to find out.

I recommend this book to lovers of lighter historical fiction. I received a free egalley of Chaos at Carnegie Hall courtesy of Boldwood Books, through NetGalley. This review is fair and impartial.

This book isn't my usual genre but I thought I would try something new and I was glad I did.
This was full of intriguing, well written characters.
This story is bursting with historical details - the Suffragettes, events at Carnegie Hall, 'real' historical characters, . I enjoyed the way the story is woven around events that happened to set the scene.

The mystery builds really well, and the multiple characters and their differing personalities add to the mystery beautifully
A thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery recommended for fans of the genre and even newbies like me too. I will definitely continue with this series to follow Fiona and her future adventures.

If you love historical mysteries, especially British, you will fall in love with Fiona Figg!

Yes, I have to admit I am a little obsessed with them and really enjoy listening on audible (which this has and will listen!) Kelly blends history and fiction together with actual people from this time period and events which is always fabulous!

From London to New York, Fiona is invited by German Spy Fredrick to Carnegie Hall in NY to hear a fabulous Soprano. With her duties of watching out for a young lady, a murder on the ship crossing, chaos and shenanigans galore, you will not be able to put this one down until the last page!

Cannot wait for more!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Chaos at Carnegie is the 4th title to feature Fiona Figg. she is traveling to New York at the invitation of Frederick Fredericks, who is a spy for the Germans. Accompanying Fiona on the crossing is the ever present Captain Clifford Douglas and her boss's niece, Miss Eliza Baker. Eliza needs to be chaperoned on her way to the Institute of Musical Arts where she has won a scholarship and also needs to be removed from the influence of an inappropriate young man.

During the crossing, Fiona is convinced that she witnessed a body being thrown overboard and is determined to find out who did it and who the victim was in addition to her mission. While attending a concert at Carnegie Hall, a murder occurs, and the main suspect is none other than Frederick Fredericks! Not convinced of his guilt, Fiona is determined to find the real killer no matter who it is. Will Fiona be able to find the killer with the help of Capt. Douglas and Eliza or will the killer go free?

Overall, I enjoyed this title and think it is the best title in the series to date. Although Fiona does wear a disguise or two, I appreciate that the use of them was toned down from previous titles and made more sense within the storyline. Although there were a couple of things that I was able to guess without too much effort, the story was enjoyable, and I appreciate how the author weaved in real life people and events.

Fiona Figg features in a previous series by this author, and this first book in a new series alludes to her last missions providing a backstory to the character and her role as British Spy. As a complete mystery, this reads as a standalone. Still, it would be better to read the first three books that feature the character to fully understand the dynamics between Fiona and Fredricks and Fiona and Archie. I didn't, and I found it difficult to warm to the characters and believe in the relationship dynamics.

The historical setting is detailed and believable, with cameos from actual historical figures; the story is lighthearted and well-paced but doesn't draw me in. The main characters are stereotypically British and lack credibility even in this cosy mystery setting.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I have read a previous novel in this series and I’m still not sure how I feel about Fiona. She seems too silly to be a spy almost as if this is supposed to be some sort of spoof comedy. I still liked the historical portions of the novel. but all the famous names just felt like they were dropped for the sake of it. The mystery was okay. I figured out the ending long before Fiona did, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a nice light hearted historical mystery full of spies and dead bodies. Set in 1917 during The Great War, Fiona Figg is starring in her fourth outing. She started out as a file clerk in the War Office Special Intelligence and then promoted to a temporary special agent. After a year on the job she has shown she is up to the task, much to the dismay of the men. They have little use for her and don't keep their opinions a secret.
Since book one (Betrayal at Ravenswick) she has been after German spy Frederick Fredericks, a South African posing as a journalist for a New York newspaper. Now she has been invited by him to join him at Carnegie Hall. Off we go, following her and her partner, Clifford in London then on shipboard across the Atlantic with their arrival in New York. She has the added twist to her assignment - supervise Captain Hall's niece, Kitty. What follows is a twisty mystery with several red herrings and the guest appearances of Thomas Edison, J. Edgar Hoover, Dorothy Parker and suffragette Margaret Sanger. Add a touch of romance, as well. Fiona Figg may not be the kind of person one thinks of as a spy but that is what makes her successful. It's the person one would least suspect
My thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Chaos at Carnegie Hall is a cosy historical mystery set in London, onboard a transatlantic ship during its crossing and also in New York in November 1917. We're introduced to Fiona Figg, an enterprising young woman, a spy if you would, who is happy to don male costumes to get the answers she seeks.

I did find the beginning of the book a little confusing, but then I discovered why, for Fiona Figg isn't a new literary creation, but this is her in a new series, complete with references to previous exploits. Once I realised this, I was flying. The backstory isn't overly relevant, and it adds a wonderful layer of depth to the character. Fiona Figg is not new to this jig, and she knows what she's about, despite all the men in her life trying to make it more difficult for her.

This story is bursting with historical details - the Suffragettes, events at Carnegie Hall, 'real' historical characters, and of course, yellow cabs - which our fine main character informs us makes it much easier to spot a cab in the snowy November conditions she's enduring. I really enjoyed the way the story is woven around events that actually happened.

The mystery builds really well, and the attendant sidekicks of Clifford, Kitty and, of course, Poppy, the dog, really add to the ongoing mystery.

A thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery recommended for fans of the genre and with just a smidge more historical detail than some other cosy mysteries, which makes it all the more appealing.

I really loved the setting and the side stories - suffrage protests, especially. Women are fighting for their right to vote and right to use a birth control. Fiona is itching to use her disguises and follow Fredericks but she needs to keep an eye on Eliza.

Some of the famous personalities who make an appearance in this story include Edgar Hoover, Thomas Edison, Dorothy Parker and Margaret Sangar.

I loved Fiona's disguises. I found Fiona's dislike for "Americanisms" funny - watery tea, distasteful martinis (she does not like the idea of olives in a drink) and "too sweet" cookies (she has no idea what cookies are.)

The mystery was okay. There was a lot of emphasis on side stories and Fiona's original mission fell a tad sideways. She gets to it in the second half, all right. But I wish she had concentrated more on her original mission (arrest Fredericks).

Having said that, I found Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver to be an enjoyable and engrossing read. Loved the setting. The characters were likable too. Speaking of characters, Kitty Lane's appearance was a unexpected surprise.

Chaos at Carnegie Hall is the first in the new charming Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery series. Fiona has appeared elsewhere in another series and I am happy to see her return with her usual dramatic antics and quirky personality. Who can resist spying, secrets, plotting, suffragette protests, society balls, romance and murder all wrapped up in one novel?

Set in 1917 during WWI in both London and New York, fun and flighty Fiona Figg is a special agent for British Intelligence, uncommon for a female, and she inveigles and uses her connections to unravel mysteries. This time, her senses are heightened as she hears notorious spy Fredrick Fredricks is again on the scene. But she is tasked to chaperone her boss's headstrong and spoiled teen niece Kitty Lane from London to America. Kitty has her eyes set on a particular and forbidden man which adds to the mysterious jumble. Meanwhile, Fredricks gives Fiona an invitation she cannot refuse. While chaperoning, Fiona finds time to do some spying of her own. Murder comes knocking. In spades. So does breathtaking Archie. Fiona has her hands as full in New York as she does in London.

Cozy Historical Fiction fans who enjoy mysteries with a bit of oomph and wonderful historical details, do pick this up.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightfully addictive book!

1917. New York.

Notorious spy, Fredrick Fredricks, has invited Fiona to Carnegie Hall to hear a famous soprano. It’s an opportunity the War Office can’t turn down. Fiona and Clifford are soon on their way, but not before Fiona is saddled with chaperon duties for Captain Hall’s niece. Is Fiona a spy or a glorified babysitter?

From the minute Fiona meets the soprano aboard the RMS Adriatic it’s treble on the high C’s. Fiona sees something—or someone—thrown overboard, and then she overhears a chemist plotting in German with one of her own countrymen!

And the trouble doesn’t stop when they disembark. Soon Fiona is doing time with a group of suffragettes and investigating America’s most impressive inventor Thomas Edison.

When her number one suspect turns up dead at the opera and Fredrick Fredricks is caught red-handed, it looks like it’s finally curtains for the notorious spy.

But all the evidence points to his innocence. Will Fiona change her tune and clear her nemesis’ name? Or will she do her duty? And just what is she going to do with the pesky Kitty Lane? Not to mention swoon-worthy Archie Somersby . . .

If Fiona’s going to come out on top, she’s going to have to make the most difficult decision of her life: the choice between her head and her heart. (NetGalley synopsis)

I have read a previous novel by Kelly Oliver, and I’m still not sure how I feel about Fiona. I can say that I am not a fan of Kitty, but that’s all I can say without spoilers. Fiona still did not seem like a spy to me. She was more like an overeager teenager wanting to play dress-up. However, because of the times, I do believe that the only way for her to succeed is with her disguises.

I still liked the historical portions of the novel. It was interesting to “experience” the suffragette movement as well as the opinions during that time. I liked to dislike John Edgar Hoover, but it also makes me wonder how the man became president with his “secrets” and chauvinistic demeanor.

The mystery was okay. I figured out the ending long before Fiona did, but I continued to see the trajectory of the novel. I really need more Frederick Fredericks, because he is probably the more intriguing character. I can also say that I am not a fan of Lieutenant Archie Somersby, but it is not because of his job or his missions. I just don’t like him.

Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.

Miss for me, not sure if it was because it was a first in series or the writing style, but nothing about this one clicked for me. Characters were one dimensional, atmosphere was blah, pacing was off, and plotting was more thought out.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first thing I need to say is that although it says it's the first in a series, Fiona Figg features in a previous series of books without Kitty Lane and if you haven't read them, I would definitely recommend reading them before you read this one. I spent the first several chapters of the book convinced I'd missed something important because there were constant references to a back story I knew nothing about. Ultimately, most of these references are explained, but it threw me because the tone of the references was such that it felt like it was information I should be aware of, which is obviously unusual in the first of a series.

That said, this is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through early 1900s New York and it kept my interest up to the final pages. Fiona is a likeable enough heroine who is constantly battling against male prejudice and her methods of outwitting her nice but fairly dim sidekick are entertaining, if a little 'suspend your disbelief' at times. I liked the little historical references that were interspersed throughout the story, as these lent credibility to both plot and characters and grounded the story in time.

It was certainly a book which piqued my interest and I'll be looking out for the next one, as well as checking out the original series.

Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver is a historical mystery which starts in London and moves to New York. It is pretty faced paced and there are many characters.

This is the fourth installment and I think it should be read in order to better familiarize with the characters and learn about their background. While there are referenced to the past events the mystery itself can be read as a standalone.

I liked that it mixed in some real events and people as well.
However I just couldn't get into the book and the mystery could not keep my interest for some reason. Maybe the reason for it was that I should have started at the beginning of the series.

Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver is a cozy mystery. It's the first book from the " A Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane mystery" series.

Fiona Figg was a temporary special agent at British Intelligence. Since she was a woman the other male agents didn't trust her. She was sent on missions but always with Captain Clifford Douglas as her chaperone. Lately, she was trying to catch a German spy Fredrick Fredricks. He invited Fiona to Carnegie Hall in America and the War Office couldn't lose the opportunity to get him. Along with them traveled Captain Hall's niece Eliza Baker. Their time there was filled with dances, murders, and some very harsh truths.

This is a clean cozy mystery that takes place in 1917. It's based in Britain at the time of the Great War between the Germans and the British. It's fast-paced and focused on catching the spy Fredrick and solving the murder of another German. The dialect is British so many expressions were strange to me but other than that it was well-written and easy to understand. I liked how fun the plot was and the characters. Fiona's and Fredrick's scenes were by far my favorites. He was a scoundrel for sure and she was a proper miss.

I enjoyed this entertaining cozy mystery and I can't wait to see what happens on the next mission. I will rate it with 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!!

I quite enjoyed this, it was pretty different from what I usually read. It was a perfect mix of mystery with added romance! I loved watching the plot play out :))

There are times when you just need a nice, light-hearted book with just enough of an edge to keep you hooked and Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver fulfilled this perfectly.

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

Fiona Figg is the unlikely hero in this cosy thriller- a woman who is simultaneously ahead of her times and yet shares a few of the prejudices against women of those times. I loved that contradiction and giving Fiona an edge and making her fascinating and perhaps a little more realistic.

Fiona is the first-person narrator and her voice is humorous and chaotic but never boring. Her struggles to be accepted seriously as a spy despite her accomplishments is something that unfortunately women today can still relate to. Things come to a humiliating low when she is dispatched to track the German Spy Fredrick Fredrick but has to babysit her boss’s teenage niece and has to be chaperoned by the pathologically genial Captain Clifford who doesn’t always approve of Fiona’s method.

The result is a thrilling and humorous romp featuring intrigue, espionage, murder, romance and women’s rights. The plot and action races along with plenty of suspects and motives but no real gore ( thankfully).
The book is littered with real historical figures such as Hoover and Mrs Parker- a suffragette who also is an advocate for contraception which was illegal in the USA at the time. The author's note help add a little more detail to these fascinating real-life people.

This is the first book n the series and I can’t wait to read the next book.