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.

DEATH IN THE MAYFAIR HOTEL, a classic historical mystery, is a good read. It’s Christmastime at the Mayfair Hotel, and a ball is underway. George Parish’s proposal to Dotty Chatterton is interrupted when a dead body is spotted in a nearby fountain. Cressida Fawcett recognizes the body of Lady Victoria Beaumont. How did the woman end up dead in the fountain?

I like the 1920’s Christmas Eve setting. The description makes me feel like I’m right at that ball at the Mayfair Hotel. I appreciate that the dead body appears at the end of the first chapter, immediately embroiling me in the plot. After reading that first chapter, I must read on to the story’s conclusion. I enjoy the progress of the plot as Cressida works to solve the mystery of who is responsible for Lady Victoria’s death, and I especially like that Cressida runs through the suspect list mid-book so readers get to review current facts. Although I suspected the wrong murderer, all the possible killer scenarios are explained near the end of the book to my satisfaction. Cressida is a wonderful protagonist, and I look forward to reading about her growing romantic relationship with Dotty’s brother, Alfred (Lord Delafield). I’m ready for the next book. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of DEATH IN THE MAYFAIR HOTEL.

Ruby the Pug and her Mama Cressida are golden!! In this latest installment of the Cressida Fawcett mystery series we have our fun vintage Duo solving a Christmas Eve murder!☕

If the Great Gatsby had fun cousins like Cressida and Ruby this would be the series to read! I love all things 1920s! The music, the language, be all around freedom! And the characters definitely represent this era in rich literature, adventurous wealth!! 💗

Can you imagine going to a Christmas Eve party in 1925 having fun with all your friends? And then bam! Someone dies! I'm in love with Ruby! She is the cutest little pug! 🐾

Cressida is a fountain of mysterious intrigue! And fun times! Intertwining moments and shocking discoveries kept me turning the pages! I don't think my Kindle could keep up with me lol 📖

Bravo!! 🎆

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Cressida and Ruby are back, this time to solve a Christmas Eve murder. Cressida and her bestie Dorothy are having the time of their lives when they discover that their friend has been murdered. Cressida has to race agaisnt time to figure out which party goer has murder on their mind. Ruby the pug wound up saving the day!
If you like a closed door mystery, this book is for you! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series! As always. Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour. Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInEngland #BooksSetInASmallTown

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Fliss Chester for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death in the Mayfair Hotel coming out September 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! I’ve only read the book right before this one, but I’m definitely getting into it. I love cozy mysteries! Hotel mysteries are really fun for me. Cressida is a really fun character. I thought the mystery was really in depth and there were a lot of twists and characters’ dark pasts. It was a lot, but I loved it! I’m definitely excited for the next book!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozies!

It all gets resolved in an evening. The mystery kept me guessing. Things progress in the reoccurring character's lives. I

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. Finally Cressie and Alfred get together! Can't wait for their further adventures. Always a great plot and good character development.

Another engaging mystery and worthy addition to the Cressida Fawcett series.

Christmas Eve. 1925. The Christmas Eve ball at the Mayfair. All is going along swimmingly until the festivities are marred by the murder of 2 young women. One is of the aristocracy, the other of the working class. Cressida, her best friends Dotty & Alfred, DCI Andrews and Kirby have a mere 4 hours to solve the murders.

The story pulls you in immediately, and as you work through the list of suspects and clues, it's easy to be confused. Dang near all the suspects had valid motives. But, in the end, it was still a bit surprising when the actual murderer was revealed. Her motive seems a bit trite, but thinking of the time period and the rules that governed aristocratic society, it becomes believable.

One character in particular tickled me: the doctor. When you read the book, you will understand why he is a source of amusement. One character I did not like; Lord Beaumont. A polar bear has more warmth and a sloth shows more enthusiasm than him. He takes the British stiff upper lip, prim and proper attitude too far. He's better off being a bachelor.

As you see, I got caught up in the book lol. It is definitely a 5-star read!! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for access to this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.