Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley , for the free E-copy for review.

As I delved into the intricate web of mystery woven by two intrepid friends turned sleuths, I found myself immersed in a world where the discovery of a bricked body in a cellar and the shooting of Iris's fiancé set the stage for a thrilling investigation.

Both women, unwavering in their determination, embark on a quest to unravel the tangled threads of the past, all while orchestrating a New Year's Eve matchmaking soiree. Their relentless pursuit of truth uncovers secrets that cast a haunting shadow on the present.

The allure of this enigmatic narrative lies not only in the pursuit of the elusive "whodunit," but also in the captivating exploration of Iris's struggle with societal expectations and reputation, and Gwen's poignant journey through motherhood as the widow of a wealthy man.

The Murder at the White Palace by Allison Montclair is a gripping tale that seamlessly intertwines the complexities of human nature with the allure of a compelling mystery, leaving readers spellbound at every turn.

This series gets better and better! The discovery of a body walled up in the basement of a nightclub pulls Gwen and Sparks into a dangerous investigation. Gwen is more confident in each book and she is finally ready to let go and have fun again. Sparks is getting closer to her gangster boyfriend Archie and wonders if marriage is possibly in her future. There are all sorts of surprises in this story, good and bad. I can't wait to see what happens next!

"In post-WWII London, the matchmakers of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau are involved in yet another murder.

In the immediate post-war days of London, two unlikely partners have undertaken an even more unlikely, if necessary, business venture - The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. The two partners are Miss Iris Sparks, a woman with a dangerous - and never discussed - past in British intelligence and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge, a genteel war widow with a young son entangled in a complicated aristocratic family. Looking to throw a New Year's Eve soiree for their clients, Sparks and Bainbridge scout an empty building - only to find a body contained in the walls. What they initially assume is a victim of the recent Blitz is uncovered instead to be a murder victim - stabbed several times.

To make matters worse, the owner of the building is Sparks' beau, Archie Spelling, who has ties to a variety of enterprises on the right and wrong sides of the law, and the main investigator for the police is her ex-fiancée. Gwen, too, is dealing with her own complicated love life, as she tentatively steps back into the dating pool for the first time since her husband's death. Murder is not something they want to add to their plates, but the murderer may be closer to home than is comfortable, and they must do all they can to protect their clients, their business and themselves."

Love, marriage, and murder!

I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction. However, this one caught my attention. I’m glad I read it.

I found the plot and storyline well developed, the main characters, extremely likable, on red herrings to keep me guessing quite a while. I’m still not a big fan of historical fiction, but I believe this series could tempt me yet again!

This is the sixth Sparks & Bainbridge book, and I just want more and more of Iris and Gwen and their chaotic, wonderful lives. When the ladies want to throw a New Year's Eve party for their marriage bureau clients, Iris's gangster boyfriend Archie comes through with a venue. Unfortunately, renovations at the venue uncover a dead body - murdered, of course - and one that ties in closely to Archie and his dead father. In between murder investigating, Gwen manages to start dating again, as well as brushing off her considerable snooker skills. I love the friendship between these women, and I'm very curious where Montclair will go with some of the unresolved situations in this installment. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital review copy.

This is a historical fiction fan’s must, the mystery, character building and all around atmosphere of this book make it an absolute delight. It reminds me of an classic black and white mystery but with a current twist that makes the characters much more approachable and in my opinion, really makes it so the reader is more invested in their individual stories. I will absolutely be reading anything Allison Montclair does because these are pure FUN.

This is simply one of the best, and smartest, historical mystery series being written at the moment. Set just after the war – this novel in fact takes place around the first post-war Christmas and New Year’s – the series protagonists are Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge who between them run The Right Sort, a marriage bureau. Iris is a working-class woman who operated as an espionage agent during the war, and Gwen is a titled member of the upper class who is a war widow and is raising a son with the sometime help of her former in-laws. The yin and yang of Iris and Gwen works perfectly, and they have drawn ever closer through the now six books in this wonderful series.

As the book opens, Iris and Gwen are looking for a space to hold a New Year’s Eve ball for their unmatched clients, and having come up empty, turn to Iris’ boyfriend Archie. Archie is what was known back then as a spiv and what would be known now as a gangster, but he’s mostly a good guy, and as it happens, he’s just bought a club, the White Palace, that he’s fixing up and which will do nicely. As the women are checking things out, Gwen is taking a look at the work in the basement when a wall collapses and a skeleton pops out. This is the first elegantly laid out chapter. Montclair is not only great at the set up, but also great at the follow through, as the story that evolves around this beginning is just as delightful.

Things take another turn as Iris is slowly making her relationship with Archie public. First there’s the matter of Archie meeting her mother, a liberal MP, and then there’s a family wedding to attend on Archie’s side, the nuptial couple set up by The Right Sort. Disaster strikes at the wedding, and when Archie ends up out of commission, the two women take up the task of discovering who injured Archie, as well as trying to discern the identity of the skeleton in the club basement, who appears to be from the 1920’s.

Gwen, who has recently been set free from the shackles of the “lunacy court” (The Lady from Burma) and starting to recover somewhat from the loss of her husband, has decided to start stepping out a bit on her own, with two very different suitors on tap. One is from her own class, one from Archie’s neck of the woods. Gwen and River, from Archie’s universe, form a bond over snooker (a British form of pool). Gwen has been taught by a master and River by surprise when she trounces him.

Montclair often has a topic that’s of interest – in the last novel, it was bugs – in this one, it’s snooker, and there are some wonderful scenes betraying a passion and interest on the part of the author. Montclair is skilful enough that these parts advance the story while also being entertaining. Montclair has also carefully set up and fleshed out the characters in these books, so Iris’ worry over Archie (and what to say to a certain question he’s asking), and Gwen’s new taste of freedom have extra resonance if you’ve read the whole series. You can still enjoy this one and its snapshot of gang life in London in the 40’s, but it’s a richer experience if you’ve read them all.

As always I was more than satisfied by Montclair’s intelligent wrap up of the story, which has a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. This reader is already looking forward to seeing how that cliffhanger plays out.

4.5
Another really strong entry into this series which has become a must-read for me! The characters are sharp, the dialogue is witty, and the mystery is entertaining. I think I've written this before but it bears repeating - these books are like a classic Hollywood screwball comedy and film noir rolled into one (but with more modern sensibilities re: gender, mental health, race, marginalized groups, etc.). It deserves to be as popular as Maisie Dobbs, Phryne Fisher, and their ilk.

I really enjoyed this book, as a fan of historical fiction and mysteries it is the perfect blend! The writing style is very descriptive and I feel like I’m immersed into the story! The plot was captivating and sucked me in from page 1. 100% would recommend to any fans of historical fiction, mystery, or fiction!

This is another in the Sparks & Bainbridge mystery series. New Year's Eve is approaching and the Right Sort Marriage Bureau wants to host a dance for their cliental. They enlist the aid of Archie, Sparks lover and a man with criminal connections. He is renovating a club and can get it ready in time. A problem arises when a body is found in the club's basement rubble. Time to investigate!

Historical Mystery set in England 1946 about a former intelligence agent and a widowed mother, who run a marriage bureau, as they investigate a body found walled up in a club.

5/5 stars: This is the sixth entry in Montclair's Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery set in 1946 England and featuring two woman, a former intelligence agent and a genteel war widow and mother, who run a marriage bureau and find themselves turning sleuth to investigate the discovery of a military man's body found walled into an empty club's walls. With plenty of twists and turns, Montclair has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Montclair's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Iris and Gwen, they're both moving on with their lives, professionally with their match making venture, and romantically and continue to rebuild after WWII. I really appreciate how Montclair explores class and crime post war and women in the workplace. Montclair touched on some sensitive topics, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Right Sort of Man.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Again I am here to extol the virtues of the next book in the Sparks and Bainbridge historical mystery series written by Alan Gordon under the name Allison Montclair. Alan Gordon is a recently retired lawyer, author, lyricist, and librettist, who is no stranger to the demands of writing a convincing historical mystery series. Between 1999 and 2010 he wrote eight well-reviewed books in the Fool’s Guild mysteries, set in early 13th century Europe.

Gordon chose a completely different time and place for his current series, but a fascinating one as well: post-war London. The country is in social and economic upheaval, service personnel are returning from overseas to find no jobs and sometimes bombed-out homes, and shortages of all kinds are still wreaking havoc with the simple act of existing day to day. He created two compelling, very different characters: Miss Iris Sparks, formerly of an intelligence unit, and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge, widow of an Air Force pilot from an aristocrat family. Both of them are looking for a fresh start when they meet and decide to form an agency to facilitate marriage among the lonely and unattached members of the London populace. The series debut earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus and selection as the best mystery of 2020 by the American Library Association’s Reading List.

Six books into the series and the duo are pleased with their success. They are making enough money to hire a secretary and they moved into a larger office. In Murder at the White Palace (Minotaur, release date July 30, 2024) Gwen suggests throwing a New Year’s Eve party for their clients as a sort of large-scale effort to match them up. The biggest roadblock was a venue that they could afford. Archie Spelling, Iris’s admirer, offered one of his buildings under renovation. He expedited the clean-up, during which a body was discovered. The initial assumption was that another victim of the Blitz had been discovered until further examination showed otherwise.

Since Spelling’s business ventures were often somewhat dubious, the police believed the victim was one of Spelling’s erstwhile competitors. Iris of course could not have Spelling wrongfully accused so she and Gwen went to work once again as investigators.

They are also addressing changes in their personal lives. Gwen is now in the possession of her inheritance. She is quietly searching for a home away from her controlling in-laws where she can raise her son. Iris is steeling herself to introduce her wrong-side-of-the-tracks boyfriend to her Member of Parliament mother and then to meet his family at the wedding of his nephew.

The characters of Iris and Gwen continue to grow here. Gwen gathers strength and self-confidence as she navigates the world without the husband she thought she needed. Iris is shedding the loner lifestyle she had adopted as she moves toward deeper involvement with Archie and his large family.

A major plot twist suggests even greater changes in the not distant future. Followers of the series will be waiting with bated breath for the seventh book.

Highly recommended, especially for fans of historical mysteries and of mysteries with strong female leads.

I didn’t realize this was not the first book in the series… it was a decent book but I feel like I can’t properly judge it.

Murder at the White Palace is one of those books you want to rush through to reveal the ending but at the same time you want to go slowly and savor the complexity and intelligence of the writing. I always learn a lot about the history and culture of mid -twentieth century England. I am fully invested in the all too human characters in this series and hoping it isn’t too long before the next in the series is published.

A solid installment to the series. If you’re not already a fan, start with book one because this mystery won’t be as entertaining without knowing the character relationships. It’s nice to see Gwen more confident and even Iris does some soul searching. A well-paced mystery with a rushed resolution, but as always with excellent repartee. I’ll be back for the next book.

I really enjoy this series and find the two main characters with their match making agency to be delightful. Both ladies are making strides in their personal lives and have undergone real growth with acknowledging and accepting who they are. When they are planning a new years eve party for their clients, they unfortunately stumble upon another dead body that had been bricked behind a wall in an old night club. The ladies are pulled into the mystery with peril striking close to home as the murderer tries to cover their tracks and tie up loose ends.

Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge are the owners of The Right Sort Marriage Bureau operating in London in 1946. Since the new year is approaching, they decide to host a New Year's Eve party for all of their clients. However, finding a venue isn't easy until Iris's beau Archie Spelling tells them that he has purchased and is renovating a club.

Archie and Iris's relationship is deepening. He has asked her to his nephew's wedding which will entail meeting his family. And she has asked him to dinner with her mother who is an MP and with whom Iris has a difficult relationship. Archie's criminal past - and present - makes the relationship that is growing between them a bit problematic.

When they inspect the club to see if it will be suitable for the party, Gwen encounters a man she met and was attracted to on an earlier case. Then, she didn't feel that she had enough control of her life to begin dating again. Now, he's the one who's engaged. Just as they are exchanging some words, a wall Des is demolishing falls and reveals a body. Unfortunately, the body was not a victim of the Blitz but was stabbed to death and walled up more than twenty years earlier. And Iris's ex from Scotland Yard is on the case which creates a lot of tension for Iris.

Meanwhile, Gwen, who has regained control of her financial life but not yet custody of her young son, is house hunting and dipping her toes back into the dating pool. She has dated their friend Sally a few times, but nothing has clicked for her. The man who was her Friend in her court battle for her competence wants to date her. And she meets a pool shark at Archie's who looks to be someone she can have fun with except for his hidden agenda.

When Archie is shot at his nephew's wedding and almost dies, Iris and Gwen are determined to find out who wants him dead and why they do. They both believe that the shooting is because of the discovered body and the secrets around it, though Iris's ex and the detective assigned to Archie's shooting aren't so sure. Their investigations find a long-hidden enemy deep in Archie's organization.

I really enjoyed this story. Gwen's surprising talent for Snooker was a revelation. Her ability to read truth from lies when she is meeting with people had a number of uses in this episode. I also liked Iris's relationship with Archie which really tested Iris's limits.

The ending makes me really want to read the next book in this series which I hope is coming soon.

I believe Murder at the White Palace is the sixth installment of Allison Montclair’s Sparks and Bainbridge mystery series set in post-World War II London, in which feisty, fierce, fascinating, and foxy Iris and Gwen run a marriage bureau and find themselves dealing with murder and mayhem on the side.

I loved reading this immersive and entertaining tale. By turns humorous and heart wrenching, complex yet propulsive, the novel is very well crafted, with crisp and witty dialogue. The pacing is generally good, though for my taste the novel includes too many detailed descriptions of snooker, which at times interfered with the rythym of the story. The characters of Iris and Gwen are beautifully developed, with each woman portrayed as having smarts and gumption but also plenty of relatable flaws and fears. The large cast of secondary characters is vividly drawn. The extent of Montclair’s research is additionally apparent, as she once again manages to utterly transport the reader to postwar London, with just enough period specific details sprinkled throughout. I look forward to discovering Iris and Gwen’s future shenanigans and life choices in the next installment of this series.

Highly recommended, particularly to anyone seeking intelligent historical mysteries featuring strong, interesting women.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

I love this series so so much and it feels like every book gets better. I hope it keeps going on as long as possible. And wow, after that ending I can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an ARC of this novel. This is the sixth installment of the lively Sparks and Bainbridge mystery series. Former British intelligence agent Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge, RAF widow, duchess and single mother, are the co-owners of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau and loyal friends despite their very different backgrounds and personalities. Iris, usually called just ´Sparks’ because she is daring and extroverted, undoubtedly learned a few tricks working in covert operations during the recently-ended Second World War, including some formidable snooker skills, which she uses to her benefit in her new social circle. Her current beau is Archie Spelling, an unapologetic ´spiv’ (gangster) who is highly respected in spiv circles. An equally unlikely match, the two are also devoted to each other.

Although the war ended two years earlier, it is not entirely over for Londoners who still face bombed out buildings and rationed goods. Spivs like Archie thrive in black market dealings. Luckily for the marriage brokers, who want to host a New Year’s Eve extravaganza for their clients at a time when such party supplies and spaces are in short order, Archie and his mates can provide. So it is that the women inspect his newly acquired but bomb damaged nightclub, the White Palace of the title.

In the course of her inspection, Gwen happens upon the dashing Dexter Brown, one of Archie’s childhood friends, now a carpenter hired to help with the renovations. Gwen and Dex have had earlier encounters; despite mutual attraction, Gwen’s too-recent bereavement prevented romantic involvement. She must devote herself to raising her young son and upholding the noble Bainbridge name. Dex would be an inappropriate, even scandalous, choice in a rigidly hierarchical society. In any event, Dex is now engaged.
Their sudden reunion is immediately complicated when a wall that Dex is working on collapses, revealing a shrivelled arm. The police quickly dispel the initial assumption that the body to which it is attached is a Blitz. The man is, in fact, a murder victim. The fact that the police team is led by Michael Kinsey, formerly engaged to Sparks and now married, is a further complication.

This is a very quick run-through of the setting, cast and plot for the mystery in which this ‘at-odds’ cast of characters becomes involved. It’s the kind of story reminiscent of both the postwar ‘noir’ detective genre and the period’s witty romantic comedies. The dialogue is sharp and clever, and the female leads are particularly compelling amateur sleuths. Their friendship is tight and true, and no man can come between them. The humour enhances the darker storyline, and the mystery and its resolution are engaging. The romantic resolution, given the ´odd couple ´ nature of the various relationships, and the various triangles involved, is not as predictable as it might first appear. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable caper, whether or not you’ve read the previous installments.