Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Back in the day, I just loved Elliott Roosevelt’s murder mysteries involving his mother, Eleanor, because she definitely seemed like a person who would want to get to the bottom of a mystery put forth before her. That’s one of the reasons I requested this book. As many readers of the blog know, I have great respect for the Roosevelts in general, so this mystery was a slam dunk for me.

Eleanor’s longtime assistant, Tommy (nickname) is unavailable, so she sends her 25-year-old niece, Kay, to help out. Kay has a habit of losing jobs because she’s outspoken and confident in an era when women were still expected to mind their Ps and Qs. She normally dresses in a flashier manner, wearing figure hugging dresses and bright lipstick, but she’s toned it down for working with Eleanor. At least, at first, she does.

One of the things I loved about this book were the cultural references that any fan of the era would know. Because there’s been a murder on a train, Kay is constantly reflecting how this or that situation reminds her of a Hitchcock movie, which is a nice touch. And Kay has a way of projecting celebrity profiles onto people she has met, like the gorgeous police officer she thinks looks just like Montgomery Clift. I appreciated those touches throughout the story.

This Cold War murder mystery is full of intrigue and twists and turns I did not see coming. I loved the spunky Kay, whose brain is as big as her heart, and I loved the characterization of the former first lady. This is one of the better fictional Eleanor Roosevelt books I’ve read, and I certainly hope this series continues!

Eleanor and the Cold War appears to be the first book in a new historical mystery series. I was intrigued by the inclusion of Eleanor Roosevelt in a mystery novel. How she is presented in the book is how I would like to believe she was in real life. She was a strong woman who fought injustice in her own way. A bit feisty, Eleanor in this book reminded me of my grandmother, and that is a great thing.

Kay Thompson is a 25-year-old woman who has her future figured out. She wants to find the perfect husband, the polar opposite of the father who abandoned her and her mother. In her time with Eleanor, Kay learns that she wants more from life than to be a wife and mother. Kay wants to do more with her life.

You may recognize a few names in the book besides Eleanor Roosevelt, such as Bobby and Jack Kennedy. I enjoyed seeing them in the book, but it was surprising to realize they most likely moved in the same circles as Eleanor Roosevelt. Maybe I’m the only one who didn’t realize that.

There are several possible suspects in Susie’s murder. But who is the culprit? Can you figure it out before reaching the final few chapters? I can honestly say that I did not figure it out.

Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What about starting a new series? Do you enjoy meeting characters who love watching movies? What about matching Hitchcock movies? If you’ve answered yes to any, especially all, you should read Eleanor and the Cold War!

Absolutely fascinating (fictional) look at how Eleanor Roosevelt and her friends might have discovered who murdered a young woman. The problem with writing about historical figures is that we have preconceived notions about them, and the story must be true to that image as well as tell a good tale. Set in the early 1950s, Mrs. Roosevelt sets out to discover who murdered a young woman — and, along the way, meets the Kennedy family, Soviet spies, and other we recognize. It’s well done, and a very enjoyable mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

My initial thought when I finished the book: "good but not amazing" - probably 3 stars. After a few days though, I find my rating inches a bit higher. My initial lower mental rating was in part because I really didn't like Kay Thompson, the fictional secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt, with her obsession with looks, clothes, and marriage possibilities. But with a few days distance from the book, I find she's grown on me. She grows and changes and I find I want to follow that process in future series entries. Yardley has obviously done her research, and the former first lady comes to life in a realistic way.

A nice start to what will likely be a good cozy series that uses real people-in this case Eleanor Roosevelt and Kay Thompson- to solve fictional mysteries. And there are cameos by others (look for the Kennedys!) Eleanor (aka ER) and Kay set out to find out what really happened to Susie Taylor, a beautiful aspiring actress. They discover there was a lot more to this tragedy than the police or many others know because ER, with her connections and her spide-y sense, and Kay with her attention to detail-see the Cold War issues (no spoilers). This is also very much about Kay deciding what she wants from life which make this a but broader than the usual cozy. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

I enjoy historical fiction mysteries and am always excited to come across a new one, particularly one that may also be the beginning of a series. After finishing Eleanor in the Cold War, I am happy to say this book fits the bill. Set in 1951, the book follows Eleanor Roosevelt, and her new temporary secretary as they work to uncover who murdered a young woman on the train. Along their journey, multiple historical figures from the time, including JFK, RFK, and Jackie Bouvier make an appearance as well as Soviet agents. Political intrigue permits, a story which made, for me, an interesting look back in time.

I struggled at first with Kay as her initial goal was to find a wealthy husband. However, I appreciated that her character grew the more time she spent with Eleanor and learned the different pathways available for women. And what can I say other than I absolutely loved Eleanor Roosevelt, and the perspective the author took for her. This was story I quite enjoyed and I’m looking forward to more books involving these women.

Thank you Kensington Books and Netgalley for my DRC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a satisfying mashup of historical fiction and mystery. Fans of Eleanor Roosevelt will appreciate the insight into the former first lady. Her secretary/assistant, Kay makes a perfect sidekick: she's a natural sleuth, which means (in addition to clues) she's bound to start seeing the world--and what she wants from it--differently, which provides nice a nice character arc.

Eleanor and the Cold War by Ellen Yardley is a fabulous debut novel. Set in New York City and Washington, DC, in 1951, the world is trying to move past World War II. Hollywood-style glamor sizzles, espionage is rampant and people are eager to advocate for human justice. One such woman is former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, ER to her friends. At first, she was known for her husband but became known for her tireless work and kindness. Her secretary is off convalescing and 25-year-old impulsive Kay is her temporary replacement. Kay knows she is gorgeous and turns heads but surprises with her cleverness and tenacity. The two women are an unlikely but dynamic duo who work on Eleanor's My Day column, organize and attend engagements, mix and mingle, and sleuth.

A woman on the same train as Eleanor is discovered dead. Astute Kay notices details most overlook. Detectives realize possible Soviet links, politics and espionage are factors. Eleanor has connections in high places which enable her to move in directions others can't. Conversely, her every move is under scrutiny.

Though the mystery aspect was intriguing, it lacked a bit of oomph. However, this is an enjoyable novel and era. The choice of Eleanor as sleuth actually makes sense as the role showcases her wisdom, humility, wit, advocacy and intelligence. The bright and quirky writing pulled me in, too.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this captivating novel.

Eleanor and the Cold War, a new mystery, takes place in the early 1950s Cold War era of Washington DC. Eleanor Roosevelt plays a large role in the story, but also her temporary secretary Kay Thompson. I enjoyed a lot of the story with Eleanor, but felt Kay's characterization was a caricature of a 1950s female who only wants a good marriage. Though Kay grew through her interactions with Eleanor, it put me off the story a bit at the beginning. I thought the mystery was okay, but needed more well-rounded characters. I love learning about DC in this era, so would check out the next book in the series!

Who would have thought that Eleanor Roosevelt would be a sleuth! This was a good read, well written along with an intriguing mystery. Eleanor Roosevelt was a great woman and one to be admired. Very rarely do I read mysteries, yet this along with the politics of the times made it interesting and an arresting novel. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful read, a great mystery but I also learnt a lot! This story follows Kay, a secretary on the hunt for a husband to look after her, and her employer Eleanor Roosevelt as they seek the truth in the murder of a young woman. Set in 1950s America, during a time of increased tension with the Soviet Union amid the race to develop nuclear arms, this story grapples with other social issues of the time including the role of women. Eleanor Roosevelt is a character filled with charm and compassion who mentors the pragmatic Kay to realise there’s more options for a woman than marriage. While the mystery of the story was great, I also really enjoyed an insight into American politics of yesteryear, especially while simultaneously watching America grapple with who it is in real time (I read this during the 2024 election). I loved the historical insight and have found myself in an online rabbit hole of researching the Roosevelts and Kennedys ever since finishing the book!

If you’re after an intriguing mystery that interweaves real life characters with fiction and throws in a dash of romance, then this book is for you! I highly recommend and hope there’s another instalment out soon!

With thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. It’s a historical mystery set in the 1950s largely in Washington DC. The book switches perspectives between Eleanor Roosevelt and her new glamorous secretary Kay. I enjoyed Kay’s growth through the book. In particular I liked that she wasn’t a character filled with out-of-place modern sensibilities, but rather felt more appropriately grounded in the time.
I’m not a huge fan of having well known people as main characters in fiction—and this book was filled with it. I found it quite distracting, especially when you have your own preconceived notions of some of the folks who are so well known.

1950s, historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, cozy-mystery, espionage, murder, amateur-sleuth, local-law-enforcement, first-in-series, new-series, famous-persons, danger, suspense*****

This story is from a different perspective than the series by Elliot Roosevelt in that it is primarily here in the states and the focus is mainly on her young temporary secretary who seems more into fashion and the attitude of the day which focuses on husband-hunting. It is similar in that Eleanor drives her own investigation, and there is the interspersing of well-known historical figures. The research is thorough and quotes are credited.
The story is smooth and stays interesting throughout with surprising twists and inventive red herrings. Really looking forward to more in this series!
I requested and received a temporary advance uncorrected reader's proof compliments of publisher Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you
Avail Jan 21, 2025 #EleanorandtheColdWar by Ellen Yardley #EleanorRooseveltMysteriesBk1 #NetGalley @KensingtonBooks #NetGalley #HistoricalCozy

Eleanor and the Cold War
by Ellen Yardley is a great historical fiction cozy mystery that is the first book in a new series: An Eleanor Roosevelt Mystery.

This was such fun. I love starting new series as much as catching up with old friends in long-standing series. I also like historical fiction if done well. I was at first unsure if I could handle another post- WWII-era theme, but I am glad I gave this a go.

The 1950s in the US was every bit as dramatic as the decades beforehand, albeit in a different way. I enjoyed the way the author was able to meld fact and fiction, and to create a nice mystery to go along with it. There is room for character growth and further plots stemming from this gem.

Definitely recommend.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/21/25.

This was truly an 'era' book. It took a few minutes for the language and pace of the book to be comfortable. In todays world we all seem to want to get to the point quickly. Once I got into the pace and language nuances of the time period, I enjoyed the journey. The characters were well established and seeing the growth of the main character Kay as she was exposed to a larger world was fun. Even though fictional, peeking into the early, youthful lives of American icons such as JFK, Jackie and a few others was quite enlightening.

I can't wait for the next book in the series. MR (Mrs. Roosevelt) was handled with care, and tedious research. Although, this modern reader wanted to give them a cell phone sooooo badly! LOL

If you enjoy historical mysteries that are very true to period, you will absolutely want to read Eleanor and The Cold War.

This fine debut hit my sweet spot, with its spectacular cover, Hitchcock-like tale, and a can't figure it out hist-mystery featuring former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her assistant in 1951's New York and D.C. Series, please!