Member Reviews

I absolutely loved the first Socialite's Guide book and was so excited to receive this second book! As much as I enjoy Evelyn and her quirks, I felt like they were a bit too much this time around (more so the language she continuously uses- ginchiest and lover). However, I did appreciate her working through her panic attacks and overcoming them- a lot of growth from the first book! While one major component of the ending was a bit sad, I am excited to see what happens in the third book given the premise is teased.

Was this review helpful?

“It stayed wrinkled until I opened the door and cast light inside the Cadillac, revealing a dead body.”

As for book one in this series … I loved it !!! I’ve always been a big fan of mystery and thriller books. This one is perfect for the version of me who is still and always will be obsessed with Poirot and Miss Murple!!!!
Evelyn is such an amazing main character and the romantic subplot with Mac is always really entertaining to read about !!! This time we have a threat to something Evelyn holds very close … her hotel and her own father. Someone is murdering people around the place and when Evelyn and Mac are accused of it … she won’t be able to help herself. She has to find the true culprit. But how can she when the new detective is doing anything he can to stop her ??? This mystery was addicting and very very intriguing. I found myself unable to stop reading it because each chapter could give me some sort of hidden clue about what was happening and who was behind it all !!! Once again watching Evelyn go though the whole investigative process was amazing and I loved her!!! The way she is not afraid to express her opinion shows how much of a rich girl she is but it is also a sign of how determined she is to bring justice in her world. But she is very common girl too, who will have to try and convince her father of her love for Mac, and the world that she is more than a spoiled little girl. And the ending … I’m not ashamed to say I wasn’t expecting it at all. I had my own idea about what was supposed to happen but I don’t think I had it figured it out which is … amazing !!!
I am so glad I had the chance to read it!!!! Can’t literally wait for the next one !!!

Was this review helpful?

Alright, buckle up folks, 'cause I've got a killer book recommendation for all you thriller junkies out there: "The Socialites Guide to Death and Dating" . Set in the glamorous 1930s New York City, this novel takes you on a twisted journey through the lives of the city's elite.

If you're a fan of suspenseful storytelling with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of dark humor, this book is right up your alley. It's like "The Great Gatsby" meets "The Maltese Falcon" on steroids. The author expertly captures the essence of the era, whisking you away to a time of flappers, jazz, and speakeasies.

The protagonist, a witty and cunning socialite with a knack for solving mysteries, will have you hooked from the first page. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. And let me tell you, the suspense is so palpable, it'll have you on the edge of your seat, clutching your pearls.

For those who appreciate historical fiction, "The Socialites Guide to Death and Dating" is a must-read. It seamlessly weaves together the glitz and glamour of New York City's high society with the underbelly of crime and intrigue. So, grab a martini, put on your best flapper dress, and get ready for a wild ride through the dark side of the Roaring Twenties!

Was this review helpful?

invisible-disability, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, friction, friends, friendship, family, family-dynamics, family-drama, murder, murder-investigation, attempted-murder, heiress, wealthy, therapy-dog, hospitality-industry, hotel, verbal-humor, historical-novel, historical-research, historical-figures, history-and-culture, cozy-mystery, anxiety-attacks, NYC*****

Evelyn Murphy's father is the wealthy owner of The Pinnacle Hotel but she is not what one might expect. Especially when she starts finding bodies.
The publisher's blurb is a decent summary but only hints at the fun. All of the characters are clear and engaging, the atmosphere and problems feel real, the plot twists are unexpected and the red herrings very sneaky. Great fun, indeed!
I requested and received an EARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Was this review helpful?

When the first book came up, A socialite's guide to murder came up, didn't know what to expect, but, I ended up loving Evelyn and her legally blonde Elle woods kind of charmed.

So when I knew that crooked lane books were offering the second Pinnacle mystery, I was first on the line to get and arc.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity to read the advance copy.

I love the many murders in the building stuff and I'm was up to checking my suspects alongside this gorgeous woman.

Her character is more complex than she admits to herself, always diminishing her affections. We got to see another Evelyn.

Hell we get to see another side of almost all the characters and the end got me some mixed feelings. Sad. Happiness and More mystery!

I really hope it has a third installment to get some closure.

The mystery was on point but I guess the baddie. But in the half part got me guessing witch is good.

Solid cozy entertainment.

Was this review helpful?

The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating by S. K. Golden is another adorable story focused on Evelyn Murphy and murder. The Pinnacle Hotel cannot seem to avoid scandal, which is a good turn of events for Evelyn who is becoming quite the crime solver. Join her once again as she teams up with the police and friends to overcome her fear of leaving the safety of the hotel she calls home to help solve a high profile murder.

Not a place I want to visit, but I look forward to enjoying more mysteries from the Pinnacle Hotel series.

Was this review helpful?

Murder mystery set in the 1950s with an agoraphobic MC.

Evelyn stays at the Pinnacle Hotel which her father owns. After planning a fundraiser for a local politician, Evelyn discovers a body in the garage which just happens to be the Judge. This is the cosy murder mystery, its a fun easy read. I loved the characters and the details of the clothes, make up routines and even some phrases which made it feel authentic to the time period. One thing I did find annoying was Evelyn calling her boyfriend lover constantly it felt cringey. But I do find Evelyn to be an endearing character, she has an interesting backstory that is only just touched upon but I have a feeling we will get more information in book 3. This can be read as a standalone as I havent read book 1 and I had a great time, I will probably go back and read book 1 now though. If you are looking for a fun light cosy read this is for you.

Thanks to SK Golden and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

I found this second installment in the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series to be just as delightful and entertaining as the first. I love Evelyn's voice and watching her growth from the first book to the end of this one. The setting in the Pinnacle Hotel really makes the story come alive and in this second book, Evelyn ventures out into New York City more. The mystery was well put together and has a great setup for the third book. I hope this series continues for a long time to come!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for access to this arc.

Was this review helpful?

The Pinnacle hotel is a grand hotel in 1958 and Evelyn Grace Murphy, the owner's daughter is enjoying her job of planning and coordinating events at the hotel. Slipping out with her boyfriend to the garage they find the body of a judge who attended her latest fundraiser. And what's that? There's a body in the trunk of his car. More bodies appear and she's in full solve it mode using Agatha Christie books as her primer.
The second in the series this was an enjoyable romp set in the 1950's. Thoroughly enjoyable as a stand alone or as part of the series. Reminiscent of so many of the mysteries written during that period. A cozy mystery with a little bit more.
#TheSocialitesGuideToDeathAndDying#NetGalley#CrookedLaneBooks

Was this review helpful?

This was a good second instalment, but not as tight as the first. I’m still enjoying this series and really like the somewhat spoiled, slightly airheaded lead. Her charm and intelligence help her solve cases and win people over, but her desire to have a perfect outfit when she does it makes me laugh and add a nice silliness to the mystery. This still gives off Clueless vibes and I’m still really enjoying the 1950s Manhattan setting. Evelyn’s struggles with anxiety and agoraphobia are very realistic and add depth to her somewhat shallow character as well as her troubled past and rocky relationship with her Daddy Warbucks-esque father.
The middle of this book did drag though and I’d love to see these books under 300 pages. The mystery here was much more complex than the first book and a very action packed murderer confrontation happened at the end that I enjoyed quite a bit. *hidden for spoilers* However the romance with Mac ending on sad note and I hope this is just a cliff hanger for the next book and not a permanent thing. I have a theory that his leaving involved her father’s machinations and hope that will push a confrontation with him in the next book as the relationship there is also up in the air. *hide over*
One little annoyance in this book for me was the fashion; the author goes out of her way to describe outfits and styles from the era, but also makes up some brand names as well. The made up brand names annoyed me. I prefer consistency, use real brand names and real luxury items that existed to keep the authenticity of the time period and the character. It’s weird to have mostly real but then some made up, just use Hermès as the expensive purse, or Chanel, don’t make up some Archambeau brand.
Other than that small quibble and the slightly bloated mystery, this was a good read. Looking forward to the next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Oof yeah. I did not like this one. The main character's voice was super annoying. Not my cup of tea. Also the ARC had the author's name and title of the book placed in random spots within the the story itself. That made it more difficult to read and to follow.

Was this review helpful?

I read the first in this series with Aardvark Book Club and LOVED it. This is a wonderful follow up of the stories and mysteries of the Pinnacle Hotel.

Was this review helpful?

This is a phenomenal new series!! I highly recommend this for both traditional and historical mystery lovers and I will place this book and the first book on the list for my murder mystery book club!

Was this review helpful?

Evelyn Murphy is just the cutest ! A poor little rich girl with a severe case of acrophobia she conducts her days within the Pinnacle hotel where she resides- both charming and annoying the staff with her requests. It's 1958 and when her beloved but very much distant father visits Evelyn has an opportunity to show off her sleuthing skills. Armed with her beloved tiny dog and her boyfriend/assistant, Evelyn is sure she can solve the murder in the hotel and save her father's name.

No need to read the first book to follow this charming story, but you will surely be missing out if you don't. She is truly a delight and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
#Crooked LaneBooks #TheSocialitesGuideToDeathAndDating #SKGolden

Was this review helpful?

This was a really fun read!
Although it was the second book in a series, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything but also there weren't a whole lot of huge paragraphs recapping the last book which I really don't like. It was sprinkled through just the perfect amount. The heroine was lots of fun.
The only negative was I couldn't tell what time era this was supposed to be, I assumed historical due to some vague references and the cover and no one used a cellphone but little attempt was made to create a historical feeling.
A cute read.

Was this review helpful?

4⭐

This is my first book by S. K. Golden, and as such, I didn't read the first book in this series. If like me you didn't read the first book, don't let that dissuade you from picking up The Socialite's Guide to Death and Dating. You won't feel lost, as this reads almost like a standalone.

In this book we're taken back to 1958 New York City, where main character/amateur sleuth/heiress Evelyn Murphy lives in her family's hotel. She's a bit agoraphobic, which I think is something a lot of people can relate to on different levels. I thought that was an interesting, and fun character trait, because how can you solve a crime if you can't even leave the building? Why if the murders happen *in* the building of course!

There was a lot going on here, but it didn't detract from the "cozy mystery" vibe. I loved the setting, and even Evelyn herself, though she is rather bratty. I would read the next book in this series and actually looking forward to reading the first. This was an easy afternoon read, and I absolutely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the e-ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another romp with Evelyn and the cast of The Pinnacle Hotel! This series embraces the cozy mystery with a smart heroine who could be mistaken for a grown-up Eloise. Her anxiety has kept her tethered to the building in the past, but she’s making progress on conquering her fears with the help of a therapist.

I’m this installment, Evelyn is solving three murders and an attempt made on her father’s life. Suspects abound, but Evelyn runs head-first into the investigation when her boyfriend is arrested for the crimes. While the murderer was somewhat apparent early on, the story was still entertaining.

There are points when I wonder if Evelyn’s unlikeable moments are deliberate. She will be sweet and generous most of the time, but come out with disparaging comments about someone’s clothes, even insulting the person to their face. She has contempt for a cousin who is is anti-war and “grows hemp.” It seems out of character, but perhaps these are out there to drive home the fact that she’s immature and sheltered in her privileged bubble? It’ll be interesting to see if she grows in future books.

Was this review helpful?

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Was this review helpful?

This new mystery series is going to have alot of fans. This is the first book and it was absolutely delicious. I loved it so much! I can't wait for the next book in the series comes out. I read this in one sitting and I loved this so much!!!!
I just reviewed The Socialite's Guide to Death and Dating by S. K. Golden. #TheSocialitesGuidetoDeathandDating #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun and rather silly read, with an agoraphobic hotel heiress solving crimes, seemingly almost by accident. I hadn't read the previous book in the series, but this could still be read as a standalone and I am actually looking forward to a next book based on some clues to what might be coming for the characters in the future. People looking for a rather light, fun mystery would enjoy this book.

Review will also be posted to booklistqueen.com

Was this review helpful?