| Title | : | Murder at the Mayfair Hotel (Cleopatra Fox Mysteries #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 402 |
| Publication | : | Published December 1, 2020 |
December 1899. After the death of her beloved grandmother, Cleopatra Fox moves into the luxury hotel owned by her estranged uncle in the hopes of putting hardship and loneliness behind her. But the poisoning of a guest throws her new life, and the hotel, into chaos.
Cleo quickly realizes no one can be trusted, not Scotland Yard and especially not the hotel’s charming assistant manager. With the New Year’s Eve ball approaching fast and the hotel’s reputation hanging by a thread, Cleo must find the killer before the ball, and the hotel itself, are ruined. But catching a murderer proves just as difficult as navigating the hotel’s hierarchy and the peculiarities of her family.
Can Cleo find the killer before the new century begins? Or will someone get away with murder?
Murder at the Mayfair Hotel (Cleopatra Fox Mysteries #1) Reviews
-
This is the first in a new series about Cleopatra Fox, orphan and poor relation of the owners of the Mayfair Hotel, who is invited to live with them in their luxurious surroundings. Almost as soon as she arrives a guest in the hotel is mysteriously murdered and Cleo finds herself involved in the investigation.
I quite liked the way the story evolved but I did not like the way Cleo accused people of serious crimes based on one or two clues and her feverish imagination. I hope the author moderates her a little in future books. She does eventually discover the actual murderer and all is well.
The book is nicely written and the characters are developed well. I am looking forward to finding out more about Mr. Armitage and the new Detective Agency. -
DNF
Loved the premise but just didn’t keep my attention. Even after reading nearly half the book, I set it aside and never felt compelled to return. -
This was a solid cozy mystery, and I found the historical fiction setting of a 1900s-ish London hotel to be fun, if not necessarily realistic. Of course, I liked the side characters more than the main character, who seemed like standard fare for this type of book, i.e. not wealthy, smart and wants to find something fulfilling instead of focusing on finding a marriage. How fast the main character came to conclusions and accused people in unwise fashion got a little bit on my nerves. If I read more of this series, I hope that the reader gets to learn more about the side characters. Historical fiction has never been one of my favorites, not even in cozy mysteries, but this was a pleasant diversion, and I would recommend it to others, especially those who *do* generally enjoy historical fiction.
-
A very fun audiobook. Looking forward to the next book. Cute cozy mystery set at the turn of the century in London.
-
Not a big fan of cosy mysteries, but if anyone can make one enjoyable, it’s C J Archer!
-
3.75 stars
Cleopatra Fox, Cleo to her friends, has recently lost her beloved grandmother who raised Cleo since Cleo's parents died in a carriage accident when she was only 10. As Cleo's grandfather left behind numerous debts, Cleo had no choice but to sell their home and move to the grand Mayfair Hotel, owned by her estranged maternal relations. Cleo is determined not to be a bother and make her own way in the world. While Sir Ronald Bainbridge treats Leo like a daughter, she's bored and doesn't fit in with her cousin Flossie's high society life. When a guest is murdered in her bed and the Detective Inspector seems to want to pin it on one of the staff, Cleo is pressed into action by her maid, Harmony, to solve the murder and clear the staff. Cleo's uncle wants the problem solved ASAP before his hotel and good name are ruined, and before the big New Year's Eve ball!
I really enjoyed the mystery. It was tight and full of clues I never picked up on. The plot kept me reading late at night and skimming the last page before I closed my eyes to sleep. I HAD to know! While I guessed one big thing, I never guessed what actually happened. That was a huge shock. I was a bit saddened by the revelation actually. I especially liked the hotel setting and enjoyed the first few chapters where Cleo gets to know the hotel and the staff. My complaint about the hotel setting though is that London doesn't come through enough. I kept thinking it was New York until something specific was mentioned. The story really could take place in New York if a few details were changed. Even the staff sound the same as the family and it was hard to tell who was speaking. I'd like a little more differentiation as in grammar and word choices. A staff member is more likely to use colloquialisms/slang and speak with an accent. That's easier in an audio book and on TV but I've seen it done in print too.
I really like Cleo. She's independent and bored with doing nothing. Cleo is largely intelligent but I liked her better before she started investigating. She broke the law, risked her life and others' lives and jobs, blundered VERY badly and ruined someone else's life. I didn't like that but she learns from her mistake and is more careful next time. She does get herself into danger but it doesn't happen because she was snooping around somewhere on her own. I appreciated that. Cleo is someone I want to be friends with! We can use our brains together.
Cleo's family is nothing like I expected. Like Cleo, I expected very grand people looking down their noses at her. Her aunt can't be bothered to meet her or remember the correct day Cleo is arriving. Her uncle will be upset the proper protocols for greeting family weren't followed. This does not bode well. I expected Cleo's aunt to be a dragon of a woman. When they said she has a headache, I expected her to be using her "headache" as an excuse to avoid and control Cleo. I thought "headaches" were the Victorian version of Regency nerves. I could not have been more wrong. Lady Bainbridge is kind but vague. I wondered if she has mental health problems or is what they would call a trifle "simple." I wondered if her parents left her all their money because they knew she'd need it to find someone to take care of her. Some of this is answered. Cleo's uncle Ronald is exceptionally kind and treats Cleo like a daughter BUT he's controlling. He doesn't understand Cleo's need for independence and expects her to be like her cousin Florence who will marry well one day. Sir Ronald is also a dangerous man to cross. He's proud and has a nasty temper. He refuses to admit he was wrong, he has no compassion and doesn't give second chances. I expect it won't be long before he's ready to kick Cleo out. Florence, aka Flossie, is like a meringue. She's fluffy and sweet but there's nothing inside her head except shopping. Flossie shows a few signs of her father's stubbornness though. She does know which suitors she likes and doesn't like. I say, the Egyptian archeologist chap sounds interesting. I wonder if he knows Professor Radcliffe Emerson? He does have the potential to be boring though if he talks all the time and doesn't listen. Too bad Flossie is too young to really have a conversation with. She's no different from any other society girl. Floyd, Flossie's brother, is one of those young men who is supposed to be the heir learning the ropes but he goes out every night partying with his buddies. Probably slumming it or gambling all night long or both. I sense he's a ne'er do well who will disappoint his father.
There were way too many secondary characters to keep track of. Mrs. Warrick from room 324 is the victim. She was not a nice lady and came across as snobby and mean. Still, she didn't deserve to be murdered. I'm sure someone will mourn her loss. The chief suspect, Danny, is accused because he brought Mrs. Warrick her nightly cup of hot chocolate which she claimed was an hour late. He doesn't have a solid alibi and it's convenient to bring him in for questioning before the investigation gets underway. Danny seems nervous and I think he's the type to do what he's told without questioning and take Mrs. Warrick's abuse without complaint. In short, he's totally innocent.
Harry Armitage, assistant manager, shows many faces to Cleo. To the guests he is charming and even a bit flirtatious. He turns sneering and rude towards Cleo, is very proud and has a chip on his shoulder because of his background. Like Cleo, he jumps to conclusions without evidence. While he was given loving care by DI Hobart and Mrs. Hobart, they aren't his birth parents and Harry's background makes him a prime suspect in Cleo's murder case. She worries Detective Inspector Hobart won't be fair and impartial if his son is a murderer. DI Hobart seems fair minded and is willing to conduct a thorough investigation and not be browbeaten by Cleo's uncle into arresting the wrong person. However, I agree with Cleo that perhaps the inspector wouldn't be so fair if it was his own son.
Mr. Hobart, the manager of the hotel and Harry's uncle, is very kind. He's the father figure to everyone in the hotel, very efficient and excellent at managing the staff and guests. Mrs. Kettering, head of housekeeping, is the opposite. She's a dragon to the staff and not very nice to Cleo either. Mrs. Kettering is unnecessarily unkind and even threatens Cleo. She's seen where she shouldn't be and I think she's up to no good. Peter, the clerk, is friendly and fun. He's helpful but also cautious because he wants to keep his job. Edith is a very nervous young maid. She can't hold her head up with Mrs. Kettering's constant harangues. She's shy, timid and traumatized by finding the body. I like her a lot. I think she's sweet. Harmony, Cleo's maid, is outspoken and bold. She talks a lot and puts a lot of trust in someone she only just met. Frank, the doorman is a bit cranky and rude. He's snobby because he has to be. He's the face of the hotel, the first person anyone sees as they arrive and needs to keep the riff-raff out. He gets off on the wrong foot with Cleo. Gilbert aka Goliath is a porter and bodyguard. He's cheeky and friendly. Goliath enjoys teasing Frank and playing bodyguard tossing out unwanted visitors like the press. Victor, a junior cook, is scary. I would suspect HIM of murder if it wasn't a poisoning. He loves knives and enjoys freaking people out by playing with them. He has at least one suspicious skill and I suspect if Sir Ronald knew Victor, Victor would get the sack.
Besides Harry, Cleo's two other main suspects are Mr. Hookly, lately of South Africa. He's wealthy, nice, and fun to hang out with. The local merchants enjoy his spending sprees. Mr. Duffield, the second son of a second son of an Earl is not fun. He's slimy, asking Cleo to dinner before they even meet and is snobby. Cleo suspects he has a secret and that could have led to murder.
Whodunit?
I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the next one if Hoopla has it. -
This was a very simple cozy that didn’t have much wit or character development. I didn’t find the lead consist - she’s supposed to be exceptionally smart (she was going to Cambridge lectures prior to moving to the hotel?), but leaps to foolish conclusions that ruin lives. I don’t really care to see what happens in the next book.
-
This is the first installment in a seemingly new, fun mystery series. Looking forward to the other books in the series.
-
I’m sure this was at some point marketed as a “cozy mystery” but nothing felt cozy about it. I chose it at random because it was a quick borrow from my local library—-audiobook at that. 11...17...no 14hrs? Either way it was TOO long. Not intriguing, full of unnecessary fluff. The intro of characters of the hotel make up 45% of the beginning, before were introduced to “murder” or some other form of crime. —
Snore.
Then the murder is as vague as it comes. Kind of backseatsd. While our protag spends not once—not twice but three times she jumps to the wrong conclusion and has two people lose their jobs. I lose interest fast when MC’s do dumb things and become annoying.
Didn’t expect the ending because I didn’t care.
Everyone can’t do mystery and I guess that’s that. -
Rating: 5 / 5
Wow, maybe I'm just really into cozy mystery reads at the moment, but this looks like it'll be the second series that I must keep up with moving forward!
Cleopatra Fox is, simply put, delightful. Now without family as her parents and grandparents have passed away, Cleo is invited to live with her uncle's family at their home in the Mayfair Hotel. Unlike the Fox family though, the Bainbridge family that cast her mother aside (in disapproval after she married Cleo's father, of course), is very well off and is looking forward to their annual New Year's Eve ball, where many of London's elite will be attending. Cleo's nervous entering the scene though, and at the same time also doesn't want to be living on charity, so she looks for something to do.
What that "something" turns out to be is involving herself in solving the murder that happens at the hotel right when she arrives there, and then Cleo's asked for help by one of the maids when a footman is accused. Cleo's curiosity (and natural nosiness) get the better of her and so she starts compiling a list of suspects and getting some key questions in order. This does not escape the notice of Mr. Harry Armitage, the assistant manager, who in himself is quite a puzzle to figure out as well.
In terms of the pacing of this, I'd say that it was perfect in that, even though it was technically quite slow, it made sense for it to linger over details we're not just introduced to the characters, but the entire environment of the Mayfair Hotel and the interactions therein. Cleo is experiencing everything for the first time, and we, as the readers, experience everything alongside her. The world-building was so compelling that, for me at least, I didn't even mind that technically not all that much happens. It's enough just to meet the characters and interact with them, really.
In terms of where the story goes next, there are several things that of course I'd love to read more about:
+ what happens next for Cleo and Armitage (whether romantically or otherwise, though nothing was blatantly romantic in this, as it's just the first book in the series and all)
+ MORE about the hotel life, because the setting is just so lovely, reminds me of what I read in
The Maid a short while ago, so of course I'm very much into it
+ More about Victor and Harmony, and of course Goliath and Peter. These four were the epitome of interesting for me in terms of side characters, and to learn more about all of them, especially Victor, would be awesome!
+ to get some more 1900s-specific complications for Cleo, like her cousins trying to marry her off or her having to fight the gender stereotypes of the age--in a respectful and non-frustrating way, of course
And, naturally, we'll need more murders to keep us engaged, won't we?
Consider this another series that I'll be keeping my eye on, in any case. -
I love mystery stories, especially ones of the “whodunnit” thread. One aspect of mysteries I enjoy (Sherlock Holmes topping the list) is the feeling that the setting is a character important to the story. I never felt the elegant Mayfair Hotel played this role. I also never connected with any of the characters. I found Cleo Fox to be haphazardly drawn without strong yet believable personality traits. Many of the other characters acted in pairs that “grayed them on the page”, leaving them tough to stand out (Frank/Goliath; Mr. Armitage/Mr. Hobart; Floyd/Flossie; much of the hotel staff in general). The plot was very slow and offered very little for this reader to find interesting early on; I cared more about simply finishing the book than finding out more about the story or characters. There was very little suspense until the final two chapters, but even that was hardly believable. Eh, I didn’t find these characters believable and I don’t care to find out what happens next in the second book in this series.
-
The main character is a bit high handed. It’s a modern lady trying to be in a historical mystery novel. It was awkward.
-
This should be a lesson for me to try and shake off a disappointing read with a lackluster book...if only I had psychic abilities and could ward them off.
I made it just over halfway in the book and I really shouldn’t have given it even that. I was so unimpressed from the get go. I was a little surprised that we got the stabby stabby, pew-pew (in this case poison) at the end of the second chapter—so surprised I didn’t even know who the person was who’d died. I want to be slightly more invested in the dead person and feel something about them having died. As it was, I felt meh.
And because I felt meh, I wasn’t interested in the mystery. I can’t honestly say whether I would’ve discovered this whodunnit or not. I was so meh and annoyed by the yoyo-ing emotions of the MC’s love interest that I just threw out a name and said I didn’t care if it was them or not. I DNF’d the book, but I skimmed ahead and wasn’t shocked mypoison in a cupstab in the dark was incorrect. I just honestly didn’t care.
I think the author was trying to add conflict into a relationship that didn’t need the conflict. Authors, please stop doing this! It is not fun to read. It is just annoying. I don’t want every male lead to be bipolar or every female lead to “assert her independence” in the most obnoxious way and expect to be rewarded for her bad behavior. Because it is bad behavior. She made suffragettes (this book takes place at the turn of the 20th century) look very, very bad.
I give the book 1 star and I’m not sure it even deserves that. I can’t recommend the book, but if you take a stab at this one, be very weary.
Vocabulary sin: unknown - I didn’t keep track
Vocabulary halo: unknown -
3.5 Stars. This was a straightforward historical mystery but didn't really standout. The writing was solid and I never felt compelled to stop reading it. It was an entertaining read while it was in my hands but it was also totally forgettable when it wasn't.
-
This was so much fun! I can’t wait to continue with the series! 🙌🏻
-
I hung on with this audiobook for longer than I should have, but I bought it and felt the investment deserved a really good attempt to like it. In the end, I had to give up.
Cleo is likable as a main character, but as described - being sheltered for most of her life before suddenly landing in London to live with estranged distant relatives - it was just beyond belief (well, beyond MY belief anyway) that she would suddenly be capable of the types of pushy and "outside her station" behaviours Cleo engages in to try investigating the murder at her family's hotel. I read a lot of books set in London in this time-period, and the way people respond to Cleo's busy-body activities is just not believable.
Then there are the other characters. In particular every member of Cleo's new family at the hotel. I disliked every one of them and found myself annoyed every time Cleo was conversing with any of them.
This just wasn't a great book for me. I will be moving on to something else. -
Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by
C.J. Archer wasn’t even on my To Read list. The first book in the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries series was a complete accidental find for me. And what a sweet surprise!
I know, I know...we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. But, in my defense, I didn’t judge this book by its cover; I simply chose this book based on its cover!
Lately I’ve been trying to utilize audiobooks as I find myself feeling “behind” in my reading, and this is really such a great way to get in just a few more books. While I was searching the Hoopla app to find a new audiobook, a gorgeous book cover - purple with black silhouettes telling me this was a turn-of-the-century British setting - just seemed to beckon me.
I did go ahead and read the description of the book, and since it exceeded my basic criteria of an audiobook read, I started it immediately. And then I couldn’t stop! It’s Seriously.That.Good.
During the last week of the year 1899 (cue music intro by Prince partying like it’s the end of a century), we find our young lady friend, Cleo, arriving at the upscale Mayfair Hotel. She is moving into the hotel to live with her only remaining family due to the death of her grandparents. Cleo hasn’t married at the age of 23, and during this era, other relatives take in young ladies in these situations.
Cleo’s aunt, her deceased mother’s sister, along with her husband and two young adult children live in this hotel, also a norm for this time period. Instantly in the story, Cleo’s personality is revealed, and the hotel staff characters are showcased. By the end of the book, I was completely attached to several staff members!
The arrival of Cleo on Christmas Eve starts a week of suspense leading up to the climactic New Year’s Eve Ball, an annual event at the hotel. During this week, Cleo tries to find her place in her new family, in her new environment, and in her new amateur occupation of sleuth.
By the end of the book, the questions are answered and Cleo is starting to envision what’s next for her story.
Give me anything pre-1950 back a 100 years or so, place it anywhere in England, and I will read it. I have no explanation why I adore this type of setting so much; I just do. And it has never disappointed me.
From the heroine to the supporting guy to the hotel staff to the villains. I found every single character to be thoroughly enjoyable.
I have struggled with listening to audiobooks over the years and have never fully embraced it. I’m so stuck on traditional books that I can hold in my hands. But the narrator of this book was superb. I instantly melded the voice with my imagined character and immensely enjoyed the audio version of the story.
If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, a setting in the 1900 years, or even just a London atmosphere, this is absolutely a book I highly recommend. I’m completely hooked and will be pre-buying the second book, excitedly awaiting its release! -
This new series from C.J. Archer is intriguing with a fresh plot and engaging characters. You won't be able to set this aside. So grab your tea and settle in, this mystery will delight you as you navigate the Mayfair Hotel.
Cleopatra Fox isn't one to sit idly by and just because she has a residence change, her personality doesn't change. She's tenaciously intelligent even if maybe she should apply more caution to her movements. She is a take charge lady who has a heart as good as gold. Watch her immerse herself in this unputdownable who dunnit. Everyone is a suspect. And it's grows increasingly difficult to decide just whom is friend or foe.
I can't wait to read the next book! Ms. Archer certainly knows how to pen one deliciously delightful tale! Her twists are simply marvelous. One-click this beautiful book right now! -
3.50 / 4 Stars - HOOPLA audio
Others have mentioned Murder at the Mayfair Hotel was a nice cozy historical mystery. I have to agree with that thought. Nothing in depth, but the flow was good. I did feel Cleo Fox made conclusions without facts that caused problems, which irritated me. Look forward to C.J. Archer's next installment of her Cleopatra Fox series. -
2021 bk 43. The main character is very young and jumps to conclusions, worse yet, shares those conclusions before carefully considering all of the facts. That said, it was a fun read. I'm not sure that I will order a sequel - will have to think on it. Oh - and the mystery? I knew who did it from the first that murdering conniver made his appearance. It was the setting and the in-experience of the main characters that kept me interested.
-
Quick and enjoyable read. I liked getting to know Cleopatra Fox and her need to find a way to fit into her new life. The mystery was well paced and it was interesting to learn more about the hotel business at the turn of the century. I look forward to reading more in the series.
-
DNF
-
I will definitely continue with this series!
-
I wanted to like this one more than I did. A mystery with a female protagonist set at the turn of the 20th century? Checks all my usual boxes.
We are introduced to Cleopatra Fox (Cleo for short) who comes to live at the Mayfair Hotel, owned by her wealthy uncle, after her grandmother’s death. Used to much less extravagant surroundings and resources, she wants to make herself useful around the hotel and not just mooch off her uncle’s generosity. The day after she gets there, a wealthy older female patron is murdered after Cleo sees her muttering something about someone being out of place at the posh hotel the day before. Cleo sets about trying to unmask the killer, since the murder is driving patrons away from the hotel at the crucial time of their big New Year’s Eve ball. She is helped by Mr. Armetage, the assistant manager, who also happens to be the son of an inspector with Scotland Yard, and a crew of servants that she is very friendly with.
A couple of things bothered me about the first installment; namely, Cleo. I hate to say that because it started about well. But she goes from “gosh I don’t know how I’m going to help and fit in” to taking reckless chances and literally ruining the careers of two people because she is sure they are guilty. She then spends a lot of page time feeling remorse for her actions, only to continue the same behaviors and then be equally sure that she is right again the next time. I like strong characters with flaws, but not so much when they turn right back around and do stupid things. In the romantic suspense genre they call that TSTL- Too Stupid To Live.
Also, this is told from the first person perspective, and there is a lot of internal dialogue going on that spells things out for the reader. I am more a fan of dropping information and clues and letting the reader pick up on what’s happening and try to solve on their own. I never got to have my own internal thoughts about who the killer was because Cleo was constantly spelling it out for me.
I read another series by this author (13 books) and there was a little less of this telling me how it is and a little more intelligence on the part of the heroine. Not giving up on this series but not as excited as I was to start this one 🤷🏻♀️ -
I’ve been looking for a new cozy mystery that would keep my interest, with characters I could invest in. This seems to fit the bill. Although Cleopatra Fox drove me a bit crazy at times, overall I thoroughly enjoyed this new British mystery series set at the turn of the 20th century. (Also, I love a female detective.)
-
16 Jun 2021
1. Young woman newly adopted by her aunt and family stays in the family hotel and solves a murder with the help of the staff.
2. There were a couple of things I was interested in- the heroines' relationship with her semi-estranged family, and the specifics of running a hotel while also living in it. (I can't help it I'm a basic bitch.) Unfortunately, the focus was more on a murder with little to no emotional stakes and dubious investigative value so while it started off fun it got very boring very fast.
3. The whole quasi romance/betrayal subplot was like, really unnecessary and it took up fat too much page space for me to want to even give it a chance. Because really? There was more chemistry between the cousins than there were between these two.
4. The idea of teaming up with the staff to solve mysteries? Great. It being present as how the heroine is so nice and level headed and intelligent and not at all like your girls of her class? Less great. Also, "you don't have to support me I can support myself as a lady detective" How is that a valid ending in any way without the financial chops to back it up with? It's more not like other girls stuff isn't it. -
An inventive spin on the usual historical cozy mystery in that Cleo lives in a hotel (as she's a niece of the owner). But similar to others, she's a smart, attractive, independent-minded strong woman in the Victorian age.
It moves slowly in the beginning as it sets up the setting & characters. Once the victim is discovered, it does start to pick up. Also, per the usual cozy, there were a lot of characters. (I did get confused but only b/c I didn't write down names/notes on a post-it as I usually do when I start a new series.) There was a lot of foreshadowing about Cleo's aunt so that peaks your interest...(I'm thinking that'll get developed over the run of the series)
The characters reminded me a bit of the PBS mystery series "Miss Scarlet & the Duke" so if you liked that show, you may like this.
Overall, it was ok. Nothing amazing but it was entertaining & I liked the characters so I'll read the next book.
Plus, I want to see if Harry turns out to be her romantic interest in the next one. (as they had some chemistry in this one..) -
Great mystery. I liked how well it all came together at the end.
-
A very long story where we don't get to know anything about the MC as a person other than she sucks at being a detective and is very immature. I was hoping with a name like Cleopatra Fox we would get some humor, but mostly we get Fox being self-centered (see: when she keeps forcing herself on Armitage even when everyone is telling her not to bother him). We could have saved at least 100 pages if the "Im giving up, please someone come tell me how brilliant I am so that I can have an excuse to be ineffectively nosy again". I have enjoyed this author before so I'm going give this series another try in hopes that Cleo becomes less annoying and more useful.
