Kensington, Belletristik, A Fashionable Fatality (Englisch, Alyssa Maxwell, 2023)

Set in the Downton Abbey era of post-WW1 England, Alyssa Maxwell&rsquo s latest historical mystery finds sleuthing duo Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady&rsquo s maid, Eva Huntford, investigating a murder at a house party attended by fashion royalty. This evocative, well-crafted historical series appeals to fans of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn and Victoria Thompson. Amid the aftermath of the Great War and its hardships, it&rsquo s no wonder that many wish to rediscover life&rsquo s pleasures&mdash parties, fashion, dancing. Still, Lady Phoebe and Eva are disconcerted when a small gathering at the home of Phoebe&rsquo s sister, Julia, becomes a far larger and more glamorous affair . . . Julia has invited her favorite French fashion designer, Gabrielle &ldquo Coco&rdquo Chanel, and Coco&rsquo s current beau, the Earl of Chesterhaven. Coco has brought an entourage of her own, including two models, and intends to use the gardens as a photographic setting for her latest creations. Madame Chanel is as outspoken as she is talented, offering a scathing critique of Phoebe&rsquo s fashion sense. There is tense competition between the models as well. When one of the guests is found dead of smoke inhalation, it appears to be a tragic accident. But was a footman really to blame for mistakenly closing the fireplace flue, or is there a more sinister explanation? Phoebe is determined to find out, despite the protestations of her sweetheart, Owen Seabright. Both above and below stairs, Phoebe and Eva uncover myriad motives&mdash career ambition, romantic rivalries, and even deeper betrayals. For despite the surface beauty, there are ugly secrets in the world of Maison Chanel, ones that a killer will risk anything to protect. &ldquo Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey&hellip exemplary.&rdquo &mdash Publishers Weekly on A Deadly Endowment.