It has been a while since I have read a book again and Death in the Mayfair Hotel is like my “comeback book” in the literary world. First, it is properly edited and has no awkward transitions between scenes which are my pet peeves and an instant deal breaker. You wouldn’t want to read a book where the chain of events and/or points of view are not cohesive and coherent. It would confuse the readers if a book did not undergo intensive editing. Thankfully, Death in the Mayfair Hotel is so easy to read. Some words as well as the sentence construction are understandably profound as it was set in the older era, nonetheless, it wouldn’t give you a nosebleed and you’ll be fine. Secondly, I find it totally entertaining since I feel like I am also involved in Cressida’s investigations. Whenever pieces of evidence appeared, I actively connected the dots and alibis as if I could lend a hand to Cressida. The whole book is so engaging you won’t be bored while reading it. Lastly, I like how it is confusing which means the way Chester wrote all the characters which made them suspicious all the time even I got suspicious of Cressida because what if she’s an unreliable character – forgive me on this one, this is my first time reading this series. I like it when something is messing up with my mind (affectionate, not in a psychopathic way) that’s why I love the thriller genre!

Book Review: Death in the Mayfair Hotel by Fliss Chester

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently had the pleasure of diving into Death in the Mayfair Hotel by Fliss Chester, and what a delightful romp it was! Set against the backdrop of a glamorous Christmas Eve ball at London’s Mayfair Hotel, we follow the charming Cressida Fawcett as she navigates a chilling turn of events that takes place under the twinkling lights and swirling snowflakes.

As Cressida dances the night away in her stunning silk dress, the festive atmosphere quickly takes a dark twist when she steps outside only to discover a horrifying sight—a body floating in the fountain. The victim? None other than Lady Victoria Beaumont, a beloved friend, and it becomes clear that she didn't just meet an untimely accident. With the authorities stranded due to a snowstorm, it's up to Cressida and her trusty pug Ruby to piece together this puzzling mystery before another life is claimed.

What I truly enjoyed about this book is this author's ability to weave together delightful characters with a cleverly crafted plot. Each figure, from Cressida’s best friend Dotty to the enigmatic Lord Beaumont, adds depth and dimension to the story. I found myself rooting for Cressida as she navigates through clues hidden in Christmas crackers and dodges danger while locked inside a wicker hamper. Trust me, that was a tense moment!

The cover art deserves a mention too—it's simply lovely! It captures the essence of the cozy mystery genre perfectly, drawing you in before you've even read a page. The surprise reveal at the end was both satisfying and unexpected, making the entire journey all the more enjoyable.

This book is an excellent addition to Chester's series and has solidified my admiration for her writing. If you're a fan of historical cozy mysteries filled with charm, intrigue, and delightful characters, I cannot recommend Death in the Mayfair Hotel enough. With Cressy, Dotty, Ruby, and their crew back in action, it’s a perfect read for those chilly winter nights. Grab a cup of tea and settle in—you won’t want to miss this one!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Christmas Eve, 1925—glittering snowflakes envelop the world in pristine white brilliance; diamonds twinkle from the women’s décolletage at the swanky Mayfair Hotel ball; new beau, George gets down on one knee to Lady Dorothy (Dotty) Chatterton, about to utter long-anticipated words; and the Honourable Cressida Fawcett and Dotty’s brother, Alfred, are surreptitiously watching from the sidelines. Then Dotty’s horrified scream erupts as she sees the body in the fountain — Lady Victoria Beaumont, who’d been dancing with abandon just moments before, now stone-cold dead.

Chester sets the scene with intricate details of time, place and character, as she does so well in this series. DCI Andrews and Sergeant Kirby arrive tout de suite, but Cressy has daddy-connections with top police brass, and leeway to investigate—a ballroom stuffed with high-society suspects and just a few hours ´til ‘carriages at midnight’, when wild horses won’t be able to stop the toffs from leaving. Cressy’s eye for detail and ability to blend with nobility prove most handy. Best friend Dotty is particularly sage, after reading dozens of crime novels, and as she wisely intones, it’s almost always the husband. But here, the husband is forty years older than his dead wife, and doesn’t look capable of anything. So, it’s time to put on thinking caps and cogitate on a rumoured infidelity, an heir, a Harley Street gynecologist, an inheritance, and a second murder by glass-icicle Christmas ornament.

Chester’s trademark repartee is always charming; witty asides and a little wry commentary on blue-blood mores slip in to keep it all light and fun. This is Cressy’s sixth adventure into murder, and she and her pug Ruby (whose sojourn with a noble corgi is about to produce ‘porgies and cogs’), have the spunk for lots more. And what about that thoroughly romantic kiss from Alfred! Never straightforward; always a delight!

Cressida Fawcett is enjoying a Christmas Eve party, hoping her best friend will get engaged. But the evening takes a shocking turn when she finds an acquaintance's body in the fountain. The hotel is locked down and Cressy hunts the killer...
Death in the Mayfair Hotel is the 6th book in the amateur sleuth cosy historical murder mysteries (set in 1925).
Cressida and DCI Andrews only have a few hours to find the killer before the Christmas party ends and all the guests leave for their homes. Lady Victoria Beaumont is the victim and she was attending the party with her much older husband. Her former lover, disgruntled debutantes and her gynaecologist are also in attendance and Cressy unearths a myriad of motives.
I liked the limited setting and timing of the hotel party. It really intensified the investigation for me as midnight approaches. The glorious Ruby the pug is invaluable throughout the book and I loved her escapades. As well as her hopes for her best friend's romanctic future, Cressy also has her own heart to consider as she begins to accept her feelings for Alfred.
Death in the Mayfair Hotel is a very enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.

The Cressida Fawcett Mystery series is another of my favourite historical cozy mystery series and Death in the Mayfair Hotel is another fun one. It's Christmas Eve in 1925 and The Honourable Cressida Fawcett is attending an exclusive ball at London’s glamorous Mayfair Hotel. Of course she has her delightful little pug, Ruby with her. When she and Ruby step outside, she sees her BFF Dotty, begin proposed to. Before she can say yes, they find another friend, Lady Victoria Beaumont, floating in the fountain, dead. Was she killed by a jealous husband, or someone else? Because the party is supposed to end at midnight, they are locked in until the authorities arrive. Trapped with a killer, will they find the culprit before someone else ends up dead? Cressida is once again, on the case.

Once again, I enjoyed investigating with Cressida, her friend Dotty, her brother Alfred and Ruby. The more Cressida digs, the more she puts herself in danger. Of course there is more than one suspect, so motives are important. Ruby always gets involved in solving the crimes, and this time, she saves the day. Ruby seems to have a nose for crime. The mystery was well-plotted and a bit more difficult for Cressida to figure out. There were twists and secrets that had to be revealed. Because of the hotel setting and the storm, this was a locked room mystery, which made it a bit more tense, being in proximity to the culprit. I enjoy the descriptive writing that allows me to be transported to the place and time, as well as being able to get to know the main characters. As the series progresses, I am enjoying seeing the relationship develop between Cressida and Alfred. This was another enjoyable cozy mystery and I am looking forward to seeing what Cressida and her friends get up to next.

I absolutely adore this fun cozy mystery series set in the 1920’s. Cressida is always bumping onto trouble and I love that she goes everywhere with her little pug, Ruby. There’s always a lively cast of characters in each story and it will keep you guessing! I also love “holiday reads”, set during the holiday season.

Are you a fan of Rhys Bowen’s Lady Georgie (Royal Spyness series)? If so, you will certainly enjoy this series by Fliss Chester! Thank you for my copy!

Loved catching up with cressy and little ruby, another mystery that has you gripped from the beginning to the end, fab storyline and a good cast of characters

With the cold snap in the air this week, the seasons have certainly changed and you might just now be ready for an extremely cosy mystery in the form of Death in the Mayfair Hotel. This is the first of Fliss Chester‘s whodunits I have read but it was easy to catch up with Cressida and her pals, despite not having read the earlier books in the series.

This instalment finds the Honourable Miss Fawcett Charleston-ing up a storm on Christmas Eve at a gorgeously luxurious hotel with several of her good friends and many other acquaintances. Unfortunately a rather romantic moment is spoiled by the discovery of a fellow guest lying dead in the freezing fountain. Desperate to prevent a panic, the police try to keep the truth from the wider group of revellers, hoping no one will try to leave before their Carriages at Midnight which gives Cressida a literal ticking clock by which to conduct her police-sanctioned investigation.

The book has a cheery style and Cressida is a perky and likeable leading lady. The party-goers provide a wealth of suspects to choose from. Her investigation takes in the great and the good of 1925 society, with most of the characters being well-to-do ladies and gentlemen, and also the more down to earth staff of the hotel. She is ably supported in her endeavors by her enthusiastic and very cute pug, Ruby who, when not sniffing out clues, is usually snaffling something delicious from the buffet table. The hotel is described with decadent details, bringing the Christmas decorations and festivities cosily to life.

The ending was a revelation and I did not guess whodunit and it was a most dramatic outcome. I thoroughly enjoyed Death in the Mayfair Hotel and recommend it to all cozy lovers looking for a festive tale. I will definitely be reading more from Fliss Chester.

With huge thanks to the publisher for my copy of Death in the Mayfair Hotel and for my spot on the blog tour.

Death in the Mayfair Hotel is the latest instalment by Fliss Chester – and one of my favourite cosy crime series. The series is going from strength to strength and this is already the 6th book in the wonderful series.

We again follow Cressida Fawcett (Cressy) and her friends, Lady Dorothy (Dotty) and her brother Alfred who is Cressida’s love interest and not forgetting Ruby, Cressy’s beloved pug as they celebrate on Christmas Eve in 1925 at the very grand Mayfair Hotel. Surrounded by their friends, they are enjoying themselves thoroughly especially Dotty, who if you have followed the series, is going to be proposed to. However, instead of celebrating Dotty and her impending marriage proposal, they discover the dead body of Lady Victoria Beaumont in the water fountain. Confined by a snow storm in the hotel with evidence wiped away, it is up to Cressy to find out who killed Victoria. On hand as ever is Detective Andrews and his deputy Kirby to get to bottom of things.

I loved this new addition to the series and particularly enjoyed that it is set over a 4 hour period. Usually the books are paced over a few days but this timescale, really added to the plot and tension as we follow Cressy, determined to unmask the killer before midnight and when everyone is free to leave. Ruby is involved more in this book and plays a big part in helping Cressy, whilst also keeping a secret of her own!

As is usual with me, I didn’t quite guess how things would turn out and was pleasantly surprised – I didn’t manage to pick up the clues this time but am determined to solve one of these eventually!

If you haven’t already read any of these wonderful books, I can definitely recommend them!

Cressida Fawcett is enjoying herself on Christmas Eve at the glorious Mayfair Hotel, and is very excited to see something very wonderful happen to her best friend, Dotty. Instead, they discover something that totally spoils the mood. Cressida and Dotty’s dear friend Lady Victoria Beaumont is lying in a nearby fountain. The ladies are beyond upset that the Countess of Worcester is dead. Also present is Dotty’s brother Alfred, a man who is slowly stealing Cressida’s heart.

Cressida on the watch. She will find out what happened to her friend. As the drama unfolds, Cressida soon finds that there was more than one person who might have wanted her friend dead, so she vigorously searches for clues.

Quite naturally, the more Cressida digs for answers, the more she is setting her own life up for danger. Thankfully her loving pug Ruby is always looking out for her mistress. With a snowstorm causing its own share of problems, which includes preventing the police from getting to the hotel, Cressida does what she does best and will make it her business to identify the killer.

What a delightful addition to an already enjoyable cozy mystery series. Cressida is a delight and I love her friends. Of course, Ruby is utterly adorable. This series is one I where I look forward to each book as it is released, so quite naturally, I am eager to see what Cressida and her friends get into next.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The Plot

On Christmas Eve, 1925, Cressida goes to a party with her closest friends. Whilst watching her best friend get the marriage proposal she’s always hoped for her, the body of an old friend is found in a nearby fountain. There’s no end of suspects and like a crime solving cinderella, Cressida must find the suspect before the party finishes at midnight.

The Review

There was a whole line up of suspects and plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing who the killer could be. I really like that this book is a good old-fashioned murder mystery featuring life and death in the upper classes. I was eager to read each chapter like unwrapping a shiny new Christmas present, revealing secrets and clues that made for a clever plot.

The novel created a Christmassy atmosphere, which made me wish I was at that party. I admired the way that the writer managed to incorporate the Christmas theme into the murders. I adored all the characters in this novel who were also found in previous novels and I was keen to see how the relationships developed in this book. It did not disappoint, with plenty of romantic drama and deepening bonds of friendship. As always, Ruby, Cressida’s little pug, stole the show – she is becoming quite the little sleuthing assistant!

A lavish hotel, locked room mystery with a ticking countdown to when the suspects can leave! Cressida, Alfred, Dotty and George are celebrating Christmas in 1925.  But of course the festivities can't go off without a murder!

Cressida really is a girl ahead of her time - she's got a fledgling career in interior design, she's not marriage minded and she'd rather be with her dog every night!  But she is great fun, kind-hearted and a whizz at solving murders.  Why Scotland Yard hasn't recruited her by this time is madness!

I love the will they won't they of Cressida and Alfred.  Dotty and George have to be the cutest couple ever and Ruby...well she has a bit of a secret herself!  Amateur sleuthing 1920's style is glitzy, glamourous and grizzly!  There were plenty of twists and red herrings and I can happily claim not to have had a clue who did it till just before the big reveal!

I can't wait to see what happens for Cressida and Co. next.

The next Cressida Fawcett mystery finds her and her friends rushing to find a murderer on Christmas Eve before the murderer can escape from a hotel party.

This is continuing to be an enjoyable series! We got some character growth for Cressida and Dotty (and ruby!). I also did not see the whodunnit coming at all - the author did a great job with the laying out clues to be planted to point to one or two people. Can’t wait to see what Cressida’s next mystery is!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Murder in the Mayfair Hotel is my second Christmas novel of the year and it’s yet another 1920s historical mystery novel. I’ve heard of Fliss Chester, but I still hadn’t had the chance to read it, until I saw Murder in the Mayfair Hotel, the sixth book in the Cressida Fawcett Mystery series, up on NetGalley and I thought that now was the time to read it and I wasn’t disappointed.

With a few Agatha Christie vibes and many twists, Murder in the Mayfair Hotel kept me quite engaged. There is a murder and little time to find the killer, a long list of suspects, a young lady determined to discover the truth, and an adorable pug that can’t stay out of trouble.

It’s Christmas Eve and the Honourable Cressida Fawcett is celebrating with her friends at the Mayfair Hotel. The atmosphere is festive and romantic. While her best friend Dotty may finally become engaged to her beau, Cressida is getting closer to Dotty’s brother, Alfred, Lord Delafield. But the happy mood is interrupted when a body is found in the hotel’s fountain. It’s clear that the young woman has been murdered and the killer is one of the guests. With only a few hours until all the guests leave, Cressida and her friends have little time to find the murderer.

I found the character of Cressida Fawcett very interesting. She is smart and witty and she has already been involved in a few investigations, so the police detectives are familiar with her. I adored her pug Ruby, always following her around, and I enjoyed the small bit of romance that she manages to get during the investigation. I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books in the series and I am looking forward to reading her next adventures!

Sixth in the Cressida Fawcett Mystery series. I have read them all so far.

In this book the Honourable Cressida Fawcett is spending Christmas Eve 1925 dancing up a storm in the Mayfair Hotel with all the other rich young people of her set. Everything is fun, food and fantastic until a body is found in the fountain obviously murdered. The party is due to finish at midnight so the police lock everyone in and aim to find the culprit before they have to let everyone go. Cressida, who has previous experience of helping in these cases, steps up again with the help of her friends and Ruby, the pug.

Ruby plays a very important part in this story plus she has her own special secret to reveal which is fun. Delightful characters and a clever mystery with a surprise reveal make this a really entertaining read. Definitely recommended to those who enjoy this genre.

I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of “Death in the Mayfair Hotel.” All opinions and comments are my own.

Between enjoying a fabulous Christmas Eve party and trying to get her best friend engaged, the Hon. Cressida Fawcett once again finds herself (fashionably) knee deep in dead bodies (well, one dead body) in “Death in the Mayfair Hotel,” the sixth in the captivating, cozy historical mystery series by Fliss Chester. This time it’s a friend, a young woman that both Cressida and her bestie Lady Dotty know well. Who had it in for the young, vivacious Countess of Worcester? Her doddering old husband? The (supposed) heir, hovering around? And of course there’s a hidden lover, waiting in the wings. So already there’s a myriad of suspects, perfect for a mystery story. But author Fliss Chester takes what seems like a standard plot line and has plenty of ideas in store for her readers. And it’s all got to be done before the clock strikes 12, because that’s when the crowd in the hotel ballroom will be dispersing and it’ll be too easy for the murderer to escape. The game’s afoot.

Never fear, the Hon. Cressida has plenty of tricks up her lovely sleeves. Aided by Dotty, Dotty’s would-be fiancé George, and her own intended Alfred (yes, she’s finally decided he’s The One), Cressida puts the clues together and presents DCI Andrews with a murderer. And not a moment too soon. Ruby the Pug should be very proud of her mistress. Even if Ruby’s got a little surprise of her own.

“Death in the Mayfair Hotel” is a comfortable read, packed with characters that are colorful and entertaining, easy to like and care about. Fliss Chester also knows how to put together a plot that utilizes her fictional people to their best effect, and “Death in the Mayfair Hotel” is another example of doing just that.

Death in the Mayfair Hotel, the sixth entry in Fliss Chester's - The Cressida Fawcett Mystery series.

It's Christmas Eve in 1925 London, Cressida Fawcett is at the Mayfair Hotel with her chums and acquaintances - including her wee dog Ruby. The festivities have just begun when Cressida discovers a body. And it's someone she knows...

This is the first book I've read in this series. I was easily able to suss out who was who and some background.

I really liked the characters. Although she is part of the upper crust, Cressida is keen on helping the local constabulary find out who the culprit is before midnight and the doors are opened. This isn't the first time she's helped them. She's smart, curious, and determined. I liked puzzling over the clues with her. The supporting cast was just as good, especially her best friend Dotty.

This setting gives us a large locked room mystery. Chester describes the setting very well and I could imagine the ballrooms and the down belows. The customs, mindsets, expectations and rules of the time period are part of the setting - and the plot. There were a number of choices for the 'whodunit'. Chester gives us that and some red herrings on the way.

Cosy mysteries are my 'get away from it all, escapist' reads. Death in the Mayfair Hotel has all the bits that make up a cosy tale. A spunky lead that's an amateur sleuth, a dog or cat that helps out, a possible love interest yes, there's one or two of these. And while it's not a small village, the upper crust are the stand ins for that component. A fun read and a lovely cosy. Thanks Fliss Chester.

London, Christmas Eve, 1925 - the Honourable Cressida Fawcett, her pug Ruby, and best friend Dotty were preparing to enjoy the festive season in the elite Mayfair Hotel. Dancing, luxurious food, entertainment, champagne - and a dead body in the fountain outside. Cressida and Dotty were horrified to discover their good friend, Lady Victoria Beaumont, bludgeoned to death. The call to Scotland Yard saw Andrews and Kirby arrive just prior to the snow storm hitting; the investigation began with the doors barred by hotel staff so no one could leave.

As Cressida and Dotty circled through the crowd, questioning people, searching for answers to Victoria's death, Cressida gradually came closer to the truth. They all knew they needed the answers before midnight - that's when the ball would conclude and those who weren't staying overnight, would leave for their homes. The puzzle had to be solved before people - including the murderer - left. But could they do it?

Death in the Mayfair Hotel is the 6th in the Cressida Fawcett series by Fliss Chester and it was another excellent addition to the series. Once again, Cressy, Dotty and Ruby, along with Dotty's brother Albert, and her beau George, plus Andrews and Kirby, make the story. Perfect characters with a perfect plot! I have no hesitation in recommending this historical cosy mystery to fans of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

Christmas Eve, 1925 &the Honourable Cressida Fawcett is attending an exclusive ball at London’s glamorous Mayfair Hotel. When she steps out into the moonlit courtyard with her little pug Ruby wrapped in her furs, she is thrilled to see a dashing man propose to her best pal under the swirling snowflakes. But instead of squealing ‘yes’, Dotty lets out a terrified scream. Because floating in the fountain, with her long blonde hair rippling in the ice-cold water, is the body of their dear friend Lady Victoria Beaumont. A snowstorm prevents the authorities from arriving, and just as Cressida searches for clues, she finds herself locked inside a large wicker hamper.
The sixth outing for Cressida & of course Ruby & another well written entertaining cosy mystery. There are plenty of twists & turns, so I was kept guessing. Characters with depth some likeable others not so much, a well paced story plus is there romance blooming for Cressida? I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery & look forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Over the last day or so the weather here has taken a turn for the worst. You may be wondering what that has to do with this book review. Death in the Mayfair Hotel is set on Christmas Eve and the colder temperatures have suited that perfectly. It wouldn't really matter though, I'm happy to join Cressida, Alfred, Dotty and of course Ruby the pug at a moment's notice. I do enjoy these books so much.
This time, I hadn't a clue who was behind it all, but that didn't matter, I was swept up in the glitz and glamour of Cressida's life. She really is such a fun character and one that does seem to care too. It would be so easy for someone with the privilege of the world that she lives in to not care about anyone else, but she does seem to.
After the death of someone that Cressida and Dotty made their debut with, they can't help but try and find out who could be behind the murder. Alfred is there to help and support Cressida, in even more ways than he usually does. As for a certain little dog, I honestly think that Ruby might be the brains behind the whole operation.
I love these stories, the setting and characters are so vivid and alive in my mind as I read. I hope that I get to return to Cressida and the rest of the gang again before much longer!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.