Murder at the Piccadilly Playhouse

(A Cleopatra Fox Mystery)

by C.J. Archer

Libby audiobook  8 hours

Read by: Marian Hussey

Published: 2021

Genre: historical fiction, murder mystery

I enjoyed this story EXCEPT for the fact that Cleo continues to treat hunches as facts. Her assumptions turning into assertions is crazy-making! Other than that, I like the characters (and how she is in the middle of the staff and the fancy folk). I like the clues. I really like Mr. Armitage (though he's not in this story as much as the first one. 

In this one, an actress has died at the theatre. Suicide is determined, but Cleo is hired by the actress' wealthy (and married) patron. In addition, there's something fishy happening at the Mayfair and Cleo wants to identify some of the strangers she keeps running into.

I don't think I'll continue with this series. I like it but don't love it.

Murder at the Mayfair Hotel (A Cleopatra Fox Mystery #1)

 by C.J. Archer

Libby audiobook 8 hours

Read by: Marian Hussey

Published: 2020

Genre: Historical detective fiction

Cleo Fox has gone to live with her aunt and uncle at the Mayfair Hotel in London in 1899. After her parents died when she was ten, her grandparents raised her. Now that they have passed away, she feels alone in the world. Her uncle, aunt, and cousins give her a warmer welcome than she anticipated and she becomes part of the life of the hotel quickly.

A guest is murdered (poisoned) on Christmas Eve and Cleo is determined to find out who did it. As with most amateur detectives, she makes assumptions and jumps to conclusions too quickly. 

I liked most of the story and the characters, but Cleo's habit of jumping to conclusions got maddening. She has good observation skills, but theories are NOT proof! I liked Harmony the maid, both Mr. Hobarts (brothers - the hotel manager and the detective), and of course the lovely Mr. Armitage. 

I'll probably give a listen to book two and see if she becomes a bit more subtle. There's a lovely mix of Enola Holmes and Miss Marple about her. The reader does an excellent job with the vocal work!