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!