Murder at Millar's Hotel by Kelly Mason

 

It’s 1924. Lady Ellen of Ashcombe Hall is on a relaxing hotel break to recuperate. Her nemesis is found dead in the restaurant, face down in his pea and ham soup. Can she confront her past to solve the mystery?

Lady Ellen seeks respite in the charming seaside town of Branden Bay, whilst her home, which was used as a convalescent home for war veterans, is being refurbished to its former glory. Her peaceful break takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her arch-nemesis, the enigmatic Major Albert Coltrane. Major Coltrane is found lifeless, his face submerged in his own soup after a heated and public confrontation with Ellen who finds herself accused of murder.

Determined to clear her name, she forms an unlikely alliance with Lottie Penny a hotel chamber maid and Captain Ernest Hamilton, a former patient at her convalescent home.

With her faithful Irish setter, Prince, by her side, Lady Ellen embarks on a riveting journey through hidden alley bars and the opulent music hall of Branden Bay. They strive to unravel the threads of the mystery, in race against time to expose the real killer before Lady Ellen becomes the next victim.

If you love the glitz and glamour of the era and a twisty plot, then step back in time to the roaring 1920s, where jazz-filled evenings and clandestine secrets collide. Murder at Millar’s Hotel is the first book in the Lady Ellen Investigates series.

Review

The audiobook of A Murder at Millar’s Hotel is an absolute treat — the kind of cosy mystery that feels like slipping into a warm bath with a fancy 1920s hat on. Frances Butt’s narration brings the era to life with a playful charm, giving each character just enough personality to make you grin. Lady Ellen sounds perfectly elegant as she somehow manages to stumble into trouble with style, while her maid Lottie adds a dash of sass that keeps things lively.

The mystery itself never gets too dark, even when someone ends up face-down in their soup. Instead, it has a gentle, cheeky energy, like the story is winking at you the whole time. Millar’s Hotel is full of quirky guests, suspicious glances, and just enough drama to keep you guessing without ever feeling tense.

Overall, the audiobook is fun, breezy, and wonderfully uplifting — the kind of murder mystery you can enjoy with a cup of tea, a biscuit, and zero worry about losing sleep. It’s charming, witty, and light as a feather, making it perfect for listeners who want a mystery that delights rather than frightens.

Amazon

The Spring Ball Promise by Maddie Smith (a very short story for you to enjoy)!

Lady Eleanor Harcourt had never intended to cause a stir at the Mayfair Spring Ball, yet the moment she glided through the gilded doors, fans snapped open like butterfly wings and whispers fluttered from corner to corner. Draped in periwinkle silk and wearing the serene expression expected of a proper young lady, she appeared the very model of obedience. But beneath her composed exterior flickered a spark of mischief—one she intended very much to indulge.

Lord Nathaniel Ashbury, newly returned from his years abroad, spotted that sparkle at once. He had been described by society as handsome, aloof, and entirely uninterested in the endless parade of eligible ladies. Yet the moment Eleanor entered the room, Nathaniel felt an unfamiliar tug of curiosity. Rumours swirled about him like a well-tailored cloak, but none of them prepared him for the simple elegance of a young woman who seemed utterly unmoved by the spectacle around her.

When he approached and requested the first waltz, the room fell into an eager hush. Eleanor accepted with graceful composure, though her heart beat with a thrill she refused to admit. As they took to the floor, the orchestra swelled, chandeliers glittered overhead, and all of Mayfair seemed to watch them with bated breath. Nathaniel’s hand found the small of her back with a confidence that made her pulse skip.

“I must warn you, my lady,” he murmured, his voice warm enough to melt even the iciest resolve. “I have been accused of stealing hearts.”

Eleanor raised her chin, meeting his gaze with unwavering poise. “Then allow me to warn you in return,” she replied. “Mine does not surrender easily.”

Their waltz turned effortlessly graceful, their steps aligned so perfectly it felt as though they had danced together in another lifetime. Nathaniel found himself smiling—truly smiling—for the first time in years. Eleanor, for her part, found her carefully tended composure slipping into something far more dangerous: delight.

Over the next weeks, their paths crossed far too often to be a coincidence. Stolen glances at garden parties, lively debates in drawing rooms, quiet walks where society could not intrude—all of it fed the growing connection between them. Yet with affection came uncertainty. Nathaniel, burdened by the secrets of his past travels, feared he was unworthy of a woman as sincere as Eleanor. Eleanor, pressured by her mother to make a “strategic” match, questioned whether she dared follow her heart when duty demanded otherwise.

The ton watched their unfolding story with ravenous interest, wagers placed daily as to whether it would end in scandal, heartbreak, or triumph.

At last, on a soft June evening in Hyde Park, Nathaniel stopped beside the lake, the glow of twilight painting him in shades of gold. “Eleanor,” he said quietly, “you deserve a man with an unblemished reputation… one who offers certainty. I cannot promise such things.”

She stepped closer, her expression gentle but unyielding. “Lord Ashbury,” she replied, “I have no use for perfection. But I do value honesty. And I believe,” she added, placing her hand over his, “you are far braver and kinder than you allow yourself to believe.”

For a moment, the world held its breath.

Nathaniel lifted her hand to his lips. “Then if you are willing,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, “I would like to offer you my imperfect heart.”

Eleanor smiled—radiant, sure, and utterly disarming. “I accept.”

And so the whispers of society turned from speculation to celebration, for nothing delighted the ton more than a romance that defied prediction. Lady Eleanor Harcourt and Lord Nathaniel Ashbury became the season’s most enchanting match—not because of fortune or title, but because, in a world ruled by expectations, they had chosen one another freely.

Their story, as the ladies of the gossip columns later insisted, was proof that even in the most glittering ballrooms, the rarest treasure was a heart won honestly.

©maddiesmith2025

The Cameo Keeper Giulia Tofana Series by Deborah Swift

The Cameo Keeper

Giulia Tofana Series

By Deborah Swift

Publication Date: November 11th, 2025

Publisher: Quire Books

Pages: 370

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rome 1644: A Novel of Love, Power, and Poison

Remember tonight... for it is the beginning of always
― Dante Alighieri

In the heart of Rome, the conclave is choosing a new Pope, and whoever wins will determine the fate of the Eternal City.

Astrologer Mia and her fiancé Jacopo, a physician at the Santo Spirito Hospital, plan to marry, but the election result is a shock and changes everything.

As Pope Innocent X takes the throne, he brings along his sister-in-law, the formidable Donna Olimpia Maidalchini, known as La Papessa – the female Pope. When Mia is offered a position as her personal astrologer, she and Jacopo find themselves on opposite sides of the most powerful family in Rome.

Mia is determined to protect her mother, Giulia Tofana, a renowned poisoner. But with La Papessa obsessed with bringing Giulia to justice, Mia and Jacopo's love is put to the ultimate test.

As the new dawn of Renaissance medicine emerges, Mia must navigate the dangerous political landscape of Rome while trying to protect her family and her heart. Will she be able to save her mother, or will she lose everything she holds dear?

For fans of "The Borgias" and "The Crown," this gripping tale of love, power, and poison will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Praise for Deborah Swift:

''historical fiction that is brisk, fresh and bristling with intrigue'

~ Bookmarked Reviews

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link

Deborah Swift

Deborah Swift is the author of twenty novels of historical fiction. Her Renaissance novel in this series, The Poison Keeper, was recently voted Best Book of the Decade by the Wishing Shelf Readers Award. Her WW2 novel Past Encounters was the winner of the BookViral Millennium Award, and is one of seven books set in the WW2 era.

Deborah lives in the North of England close to the mountains and the sea.

Author Links:

Website • Twitter / X • Facebook • Bluesky • Instagram

Amazon Author Page • BookBub • Goodreads

A Virtuoso in America: Adrian A Holocaust Story, Book #2 By Fred Raymond Goldman

A Virtuoso in America: Adrian
A Holocaust Story, Book #2
By Fred Raymond Goldman

How do you reconcile a decision you made in the past when the world erupts in war, threatening the life of someone you love and believe you were protecting?

Adrian Mazurek immigrated to the United States from Krakow, Poland, 14 years ago and is now a successful violin soloist and concertmaster of The Eleventh State Symphony Orchestra in New York. But despite his outward success, Adrian is inwardly harboring a shameful secret, one he has not revealed to anyone.

However, that is about to change. Adrian plans to propose marriage to Suzanne, but he knows he must tell her the truth about his past before doing so. Riddled with guilt and shame, Adrian can barely look at himself in the mirror. How can he look Suzanne in the eyes and tell her that he left his infant son, Simon, in the care of his aunt and uncle in Poland 14 years ago? If only confessing the truth to Suzanne was the most difficult part.

Adrian soon learns that Germany has invaded Poland and World War II has begun. Fearing the Germans will learn that his son is of Jewish heritage, Adrian must do something to ensure Simon's safety. But what? And will Suzanne stand by his side or will she turn away because of his deceit?

Excerpt

Suzanne and Adrian accepted the contessa’s invitation to dinner for the first week in January. She said there were people she wanted them to meet. Adrian speculated they were people of influence who might be able to help him locate Simon. He looked forward to the dinner.

Paul met them in the lobby and rode them up to the contessa’s apartment. When they got off the elevator, Paul took their coats and led them into the parlor. A group of six surrounded the contessa. She spotted Adrian and Suzanne and came to greet them.

Adrian had the feeling he’d seen one of the men before, but he couldn’t think from where. He didn’t recognize the other guests.

The contessa introduced the three couples to Adrian and Suzanne without any explanations as to their positions. The one who looked familiar was Philip Carter. His wife was Amy. The other two couples were Samson Reed, his wife, Eloise, and William Johnston and his wife, Beverly. They were pleasant, but Adrian felt uncomfortable. Suzanne looked less so. If they were people who could be helpful in locating my family in Poland, the contessa certainly would have told me beforehand, Adrian thought. He was baffled as to the purpose of this dinner. His mind raced for answers, but he couldn’t think of any.

The dinner conversation was light and congenial but uncomfortable for Adrian. He kept wondering why the contessa had pulled this group together. Despite his discomfort, he used his charm to get through the meal.

During dinner, the wife of Samson Reed brought up Suzanne and Adrian’s wedding at Union Hall. “How did you manage that?” she said.

Suzanne smiled, “My father arranged it. He’s the Director of Development for the orchestra. He and conductor McGowan thought it would be good publicity for the symphony.” Suzanne blushed. “I must admit it was a fairy tale wedding ceremony. I’m very grateful to them.”

“I understand you’re the agent for Nick Wells,” Beverly Johnston said. “He’s deliciously handsome and talented.”

Adrian heard her husband clear his throat and place his hand on his wife’s elbow. His wife looked over to him and bit her lip. The other two gentlemen looked at each other quickly then glanced over at the contessa.

Adrian watched this with curiosity. What is going on here?, he wondered.

It wasn’t until after dinner that Adrian got his answer.

“If you don’t mind, we’d like to meet with you in the contessa’s library,” Philip Carter said to Adrian and Suzanne.

Adrian and Suzanne looked at each other. Here it comes, thought Adrian. The real reason we’re here. He took Suzanne’s hand, and they and the three men followed Paul to the library where a bar was set up. Paul left. A slight chill went through Adrian.

Mr. Carter offered Suzanne and Adrian drinks. At their request, he poured Suzanne a glass of white wine and Adrian a brandy. The others filled their glasses, and they sat in a circle of leather and upholstered chairs.

Mr. Carter unwrapped a fresh cigar. He didn’t light it.

“I like to chew on these,” he said, directing himself to Suzanne. “I hope you don’t mind. My wife says it’s a disgusting habit, and she’s right, but I can’t seem to stop.”

Suzanne nodded her approval.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to get right to the point,” Mr. Carter said. “I know you must be wondering why we’re here tonight and what you have to do with it.” He leaned forward. “The mayor has appointed me to lead a commission to root out Nazi American activities in New York. I must ask that that you keep this meeting confidential.”

Now Adrian knew why he recognized Mr. Carter. His picture had been in the newspapers with the announcement of this new committee by the mayor.

Adrian and Suzanne looked at each other and back at Mr. Carter. They nodded their agreement.

Universal Buy Link

Fred Raymond Goldman

Fred Raymond Goldman graduated from Western Maryland College in Westminster, MD (now McDaniel College) in June 1962 with a B.A. in psychology. In 1964, he earned an M.S.W. degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

Most of his career was devoted to the Jewish Communal Service. He served as the administrator of Northwest Drug Alert, a methadone maintenance program at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, where he also became the community’s reference point for steering drug abusers to Jewish resources. The work focused on helping individuals achieve abstinence, receive counseling, and find employment.

Following this role, Fred was hired as Assistant to the Director of Jewish Family Services in Baltimore.

The final position in his professional career was with Har Sinai Congregation, a Jewish Reform synagogue in Baltimore, where he served as Executive Director for 23 years before retiring in October 2005.

In retirement, Fred pursued his interests in hiking with The Maryland Hiking Club, exploring nature, and volunteering at The Irvine Nature Center, where he guided schoolchildren on nature hikes and assisted in the Center’s nature store.

Writing had been an interest since childhood, though Fred did not pursue it seriously until retirement. Beginning with children’s books, he became a member of the Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Association. Among the works he wrote were Vera and the Blue Bear Go to the Zoo, Never Bite an Elephant (And Other Bits of Wisdom), The Day the School Bus Drivers Went on Strike, If You Count, and The Day the School Devices Went on Strike. Although these works were never published, Fred hopes that if the CONCERTO books gain recognition, opportunities for these earlier works may follow.

The journey of writing the CONCERTO companion books began after Fred noticed a note on the local library bulletin board announcing the formation of a writer’s group led voluntarily by a local author. Joining the group with nine others, he learned the essentials of writing—maintaining the protagonist’s point of view, building tension toward a climax, rewriting, and developing complex characters with flaws, peculiarities, and unique personalities.

Over four years, Fred devoted significant time to writing, researching, rewriting, and submitting the manuscript. Originally one book titled The Auschwitz Concerto, the project was later divided into two volumes and self-published.

Encouragement from the teacher and fellow writers in the group played a pivotal role in shaping the novels, as Fred also contributed to the successes of others through critique and support.

In the Author’s Notes, Fred explains the purpose of making the books available to the public. Before embarking on the project, he knew little about the Holocaust beyond its staggering toll of nine million lives and its place as one of history’s darkest chapters. In writing the novels, he not only gained deeper knowledge of history and human suffering but also developed a heightened awareness of current issues that demand attention. As he notes, what affects one group of people has the potential to affect all of us.

Social Media Links:

Author's Page on Publisher's Website 

Amazon Author Page

Book review of INÊS (Queens of Portugal Trilogy, Book 1) By Catherine Mathis

INÊS

(Queens of Portugal Trilogy, Book 1)

By Catherine Mathis 

Publication Date: October, 14th 2025
Publisher: Histria Books
Page Length: 398
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance

An heir to the throne, a gorgeous blonde lady-in-waiting, the king's trusted advisor. When a father and son don't understand each other, the son pays an outrageous price.

Love, jealousy, loyalty, and revenge roil the court of 14th century Portugal.

In this engrossing launch to the Queens of Portugal trilogy, Catherine Mathis gives a fresh take on the tale of Pedro and Inês, Portugal's real-life Romeo and Juliet. Pedro's father would not have been king if not for his trusted advisor, Gonçalves. Once king, he wants no part in neighboring Castile's royal convulsions though his son, Pedro, befriends powerful Castilians.

The all-consuming drive of the king is to ensure his line rules Portugal for centuries to come. He needs legitimate, strong heirs. The Infante Pedro loves a woman not deemed worthy to wear the crown as queen. Between father and son is Gonçalves, the king's powerful, unquestioned counselor who is mentor to the son. Both Gonçalves and Pedro seek the attention of Inês.

There is a horrific cost to winning the love of Inês. She will not release her grip on Pedro until he keeps the two sworn oaths he made to her. Can Pedro do the impossible to satisfy Inês?

Inês is based on real people and events, exploring a cultural touchstone of Portuguese history.

Praise for Inês:

 “Mathis masterfully weaves emotional depth into the narrative, creating a deeply engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression and invites readers on an unforgettable journey through the grandeur and intrigue of Portugal’s past.”
~ Mary Anne Yarde, The Coffee Pot Book Club 5* Review

“This exciting start to the Queens of Portugal trilogy describes the legendary love story of Pedro and Inês, and I was amazed at the excellent storytelling and how the author brings the courts to life. There is a lot of drama and intrigue, and the characters' emotions are beautifully captured in this engrossing tale.”
~ Readers Favorite 5* Review

Hands up, confession time, I know absolutely nothing about Portuguese history. Nothing. Zilch. Nada! So, I was really excited to be offered a copy of Catherine Mathis' novel about the ill-fated love affair between Pedro and Inês. And blow my socks off, what a story this turned out to be. There is romance, passion, jealousy, and decapitation. And here I was thinking the English monarchy was bad enough!

The story is really, really good, like, can't put it down good. The characters enter your life through the pages of this book, and I have to be honest, they haven't left yet, so moved was I by their story. For those who don't know, these historical star-crossed lovers meet a worse fate than Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Although Pedro survives, he does come over quite mad in the end, but then I am not surprised; I would have been mad too.

The plots, and the schemes and dangers of court life have been wonderfully drawn, and I really felt like I was there witnessing the events, an active participant if you will, who cannot interact. It is an odd sensation when a book really grabs you and pulls you in, but only the good books do such things. And this is a good book.

If, like me, you are a Portuguese history virgin and know nothing about this era, then don't panic, because the storytelling is sublime and utterly enthralling from beginning to end. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

***

I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book. You can find it at your favourite online bookstore: Universal Buy Link

***

Catherine Mathis

Catherine Mathis was born in Berlin, the daughter of an American spy. As she grew up in Washington, D.C., her spy father turned into a drug enforcement agent. His career change wrecked any chance at high school popularity.

She graduated from Sewanee | The University of the South with a degree in history focused on the medieval period. After a career in finance, she returned to her first love of medieval history to ‘Share Iberian Tales.’

Outside of writing, spare time joys are family, friends, reading, collecting folk / outsider art, and travel.

Library Journal included Inês on its list of coming historical fiction for July 2025 - June 2026 in June 2025 during the annual meeting of the American Library Association. The book is in the Turbulent Relationship category, a great category name.

Social Media Links:

Website • Facebook • Instagram

Amazon Author Page • GoodReads